#no hate to cardan i like him enough

[mylovecardan]

Cardan's letters to Jude <3

“Well,” he says, patting the couch beside him. “Didn’t you get my letters?” “What?” I am confused enough that the word comes out like a croak. “You never replied to a one,” he goes on. ” I began to wonder if you’d misplaced your ambition in the mortal world.”

below is a compilation of all the letters Cardan wrote to Jude during her exile and are only available in the B&N copies of Queen of Nothing.

I still cry over the fact that Jude never got to read these letters. I'll forever hate Lady Asha for burning these!! i mean these are so wholesome and they only made me love Cardan more! <3

#I HATE LADY ASHA #high king cardan #cardan duarte #prince cardan #jude x cardan #cardan greenbriar #cardan's letters #cardan's letters to jude #high queen jude #jude greenbriar #jude duarte #jurdan #the wicked king #the cruel prince #the queen of nothing #the folk of the air #folk of the air #tcp #holly black

[soulaires]

cardan greenbriar headcanons

I would still adore you with your hands around my neck.

ꨄ︎ He is brutally and unapologetically mean when you first met, he doesn’t really ‘bully’ but makes it clear he HATES you (snickering/laughing w his friends whenever you are in sight or gives backhanded and sarcastic comments )

ꨄ︎ you don’t really entertain him most of the time which drove him MAD he doesn’t really understand why he’s craving for your attention so bad

ꨄ︎ he couldn’t really understand that he liked you o he’s just mean, he doesn’t know how to get your attention without the full on teasing

ꨄ︎ whenever you respond to his teasing, your words cut him like a knife (you hurt his ego, he hurt your pride 🤷‍♀️)

ꨄ︎ the moment he realized he likes you, he just deny, deny, deny, deny.

ꨄ︎ he absolutely hates the way how much he wants you, hates the way he craves for you, your presence, your touch dearly and hates the way he badly want to shut you up by a kiss

ꨄ︎ when he saw you kissed locke, he get irritated and finally starting to accept it

you are currently in a garden, reading a book when suddenly the bane of your existence voice greeted you,

“why did you fucking kissed locke??” Cardan marched towards you as he settled in front of you, you stood up, preparing to leave but he caught your arms.

“I ask you a question, princess. Answer it.” He remarked, the gap between you two is a bit close than ever.

“None of your business, royal highness.” You mocked.

“Why? Why does it have to be him? You have a terrible taste.”

“He’s a good kisser, I would not lie.” you try to get under his skin

“No, he Isn’t.” He argued

“Why do you always have to disagree to everything I say???”

“Because, my dear, If I agree with you, then both of us would be wrong.”

“You drive me crazy, Greenbriar.”

“How crazy?” He mused. “Show me how mad I drive you.”

you rolled your eyes as you start to wak out but cardan was quick to corner you in a tree, your heart is racing, tension is thick and yu could not breath.

he seems to caught onto that as he smirks, “my, my, my, darling, why is your heart racing so fast when I haven’t even touch you, hm?”

you can feel your cheeks heet up as yu raises your eyebrow, “and how would you even know that?”

he grabs your hand and put it on his chest, “because mine is.”

You let your arms away from his beating heart as if it burns you, “you should go.” you breathed out. “Yeah, you should definitely go, cardan.” You distanced yourself but not far enough from him.

“Go where, sweatheart?” his face is much more closer to yours, “here?” You can feel his breath on your shoulder. “Or maybe here?” It moved up to your neck.

“ca—cardan.” You stuttered. You fucking stuttered. You heard him chuckled and moved up to your ear

“Kiss me.” you heard his hoarse voice whispers to your ear.

“What?” Your eyes went wide as you backed away.

“I said, kiss me. Kiss me until I am sick of it. Kiss me until his taste is out of your lips, kiss me until all you can taste is me. Kiss me.” he begs. All cardan could only think was that he needed you. Needed to taste you, to have his arms around you, to hold you. He could not think straight. “please.”

“Shut up.” You said as you kissed him. Kissed him. You have no excuse for it, not a accidental, forced to, nada. You kissed him.

Cardan quickly melts into the kiss as he tugs you closer. His tongue swept along with your lips and you granted him the permission he craved. It drove him crazy. He dreamed of this very moment, of you, every damned night. Thought about it every hour, about how you would taste, it was a question and answer , a beginning to an end. Cardan Greenbriar could stay like this forever, with you in his arms, with your fingers on his hair. With your lips on his. He devoured you, tasting every bit of you and you heard his desperate whine.

You pulled away but he chased your lips. You guys stared at each other. “I–“ “this never happened.” You are quick to shut him off as you scurried away.

ꨄ︎ he drown himself with alcohol that night.

ꨄ︎ he tried to talk to you but was unsuccessful

ꨄ︎ one day, he had enough and planned to corner you

ꨄ︎ he finally caught on to you

“Lets talk. Stop running away from me.”

��No.”

“Yes.” He argued “stop being stubborn.”

“That was a mistake.”

“Is it?”

“Yes. A mistake that shall never repeat again.”

“Don’t say that.” His voice shakes

“Let’s forget it happened—“

“Again, it hurt me, princess. It hurt me.” Again.

“It’s probably for the best!” You burst out

“No, it is not! Will you please stop driving me crazy?”

“I wanted this—you for so long and im not losing the chance. You have no idea how i wanted this. The way you look at me... I want you to know what it does to me. I want you to feel it. Feel how crazy you make me.”

You went silent as you stepped closer to him, “show me, cardan.” You whispered and he did.

ꨄ︎ now that you guys are dating he became more protective of you, always looking out for you.

ꨄ︎ he would start the next Trojan War for you if you are not in his line of sight

ꨄ︎ oh boy he is CLINGYYYY

ꨄ︎ he calls you lots of pet names like “my queen, love, my love, my darling, sweetheart, angel etc.

ꨄ︎ writes you letters and poem!

ꨄ︎ he’s a sassy man.

ꨄ︎ He loves saying I love yous

ꨄ︎ gorgeous flowers every time!!!

ꨄ︎ his tail unashamedly wrapped around you every time

ꨄ︎ especially when he’s jealous possessive

#rie answers 🦦 #riewrites 🫀 #the cruel prince #the cruel prince series #the cruel prince x reader #cardan greenbriar #high king cardan #prince cardan #jude x cardan #cardan greenbriar x reader #cardan greenbriar x you #cardan greenbriar headcanons #he makes me blush fr #LOVE THIS MAN #I want more request for him please

[ezziefae]

“I think of Cardan tied to a chair to cheer myself up. Then I think of the way he looked up at me through the curtain of his crow-black hair, of the curling edge of his drunken smile, and i don’t feel in the least bit comforted.” (Chap 23, Pg 279)

This quote is from when Jude and Taryn got into that fight after the failed coronation, when Jude found out about Locke and Taryn.

It funny how Jude’s thoughts go straight to Cardan. She attemps to cheer herself up at her accomplishment for having him hostage and as her prisoner. Instead she thinks of the way he LOOKED AT HER, and his SMILE.

Poor jude was head over heels for this man for soooo long, yet she didn’t know it and kept denying it the entire series until TQON. She confused her love for cardan with hate since the beginning of TCP. There’s so many quotes from Jude that the readers perceive are filled with hate.

For example:

“And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest, with black hair as iridescent as a raven’s wing and cheekbones sharp enough to cut out a girls heart. I hate him mora than the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breath” (Chap 4, Pg 30)

LIKE HELLO???

“When I look at him, I can hardly breath.”

Jude has had a crush on Cardan since the beginning of the book. But her drive was all directed to hate. She wanted to be better than him, she wanted to humiliate him.

AND CARDAN WAS GOING THROUGH THE EXACT SAME THING.

Cardan has had a crush on Jude for a long time (even when he was in a relationship with Nicasia, i’ll make a separate post on their relationship later) Yet, he envied her for being a mortal and having the things he couldn’t have even as the prince of Elfhame. He admitted to wanting her out of his sight so he could stop feeling the way he did.

Both Jude and Cardan were enemies because of their differences. There was a lot of misunderstanding. Both of them assumed things that weren’t true. Both of them were going through struggles. And In the end, they realized they were more similar than they thought.

(sorry for the typos! it’s really late, and im half asleep, and YES IM RE READING THIS BOOK AGAIN, expect more analysis post for the folk of the air series)

#jude duarte #cardan greenbriar #holly black #the folk of the air #elfhame #jurdan #imrereadingthecruelprince #oak greenbriar #the cruel prince #i miss them #taryn duarte

[likecanyoujustnot]

Cardan’s letters pov

Part 2: nearer

A/n: this part is a fair bit longer lmk if you wanna be tagged for the other parts

Part 1. Part 3

I stared at Taryn from across the room. She was laughing at something a courtier had said. I’d contemplated asking her if she’d heard from Jude, but as far as I knew she still thought Jude and I hated each other. And asking as to her well-being would be suspicious.

“Cardan.”

It took all my self control to not flinch at that voice.

I turned to him, “Locke.”

“You seem to be particularly gloomy tonight.”

I ignored him and looked at the faeries, all of them drunk or drinking, laughing and dancing. Happy.

“You could have you pick of any of them.” I could hear the smirk in his voice. “Maybe more than just one. Wouldn’t be the first time now would it?”

I wish Jude was here. I’d ask her to stab him. Not so bad that he would die, just enough to shut him up.

I’d been like that the past weeks. I’d sent the letter 8 days ago. She’d now been gone for 19 days. If past Cardan could see me know, moping over a mortal, fantasising about my former best friend getting stabbed, not even touching the wine in my hand, he’d laugh and sneer, call me pathetic.

“No it would not.” I still didn’t look at him.

“This mood wouldn’t have to do with a certain Duarte sister’s recent exile would it?”

“In case you’ve forgotten, Locke,” I threw as much venom into his name as possible. “I exiled her, I knew exactly what I was doing.”

“Yes well, usually by now you’d be drunk out of your mind, a few lovely ladies draped over you and a gaggle of courtiers hanging off your every alcohol-slurred word.” He laughed. “Seems that that crown has made you rather boring.”

I wanted to throw said crown at him.

“Come join the party, a bed that big is surely too big for only one.”

There was only one woman I wanted in my bed. And she was currently in the mortal world.

“Perhaps you should be more worried about the amount of people who may be in your wife’s bed.” I threw a pointed glance at Taryn, standing awfully close to a green-haired faerie.

I would bet my title that Locke had not stayed loyal to his wife. The fae had twisted views on fidelity to one’s spouse, it was frowned upon, but also expected, especially among the likes of Locke, who believed they could do whatever they wished, I wouldn’t be surprised if Taryn took another lover to balance it all out. I had no intentions of ever betraying the trust of my wife.

Though I had already done that when I exiled her hadn’t I?

Locke didn’t even look at Taryn. Since we were both married to a Duarte sister, that technically made us brothers, though I would rather be drowned than ever acknowledge that to him.

“What my wife chooses to do with her spare time is none of my concern.”

Yes, like pretend to be her sister and trick the king into removing his general from his oaths, allowing him to do whatever he wants.

“Did you have any particular reason for bothering me Locke?” I looked at him, brows raised, unamused.

“Yes, about my birthday.”

“Your birthday is in five months.” That was it?

“Yes, I have something extravagant planned and I-”

I could see where this was going. “You are not using my gold to pay for your foolish personal revels, you have enough of your own.”

There was a flash of anger in his gaze as he said, “Very well. It appears some of Jude’s sensibility rubbed off on you,” and he left.

Good riddance.

I turned my attention back to studying Taryn. Everyone said they were identical, and they were, but I could tell the difference. Taryn didn’t seem to glow the way Jude did. Didn’t draw attention, didn’t make me want to do foolish things like declare how I felt for the world, risk war simply to get her back, do the things that haunted my most depraved thoughts.

Or maybe I couldn’t, since Taryn had fooled me. But I had been poisoned. And she had a strange quality to her skin.

I got up from the throne and left the party, walking to my room.

I was going to write another letter to Jude.

Locke was right, the bed was too big for just one. So I had to convince my wife to come back to me, to join me in that bed.

Jude,

Please come home, back to me, I need you

Why was putting my thoughts into words so difficult?

Maybe I should’ve been paying attention in school instead of getting drunk and spending half my time tormenting Jude and the other half staring at her and hoping no one noticed.

There had to be a reason she hadn’t come back didn’t there?

I assumed she was staying with Vivienne in the mortal lands, where Oak was as well. One would think if anything happened to her Vivienne would tell me, or at least tell Taryn, and if Taryn heard, Locke would, and he would undoubtedly lord it over me.

No.

Jude was stronger than that. She would never let anything in the mortal lands harm her, even if through nothing but force of will.

I wondered if her every waking moment was as filled with thoughts of me as mine were of her.

The guard had assured me that the last letter had made it to a messenger, so I didn’t see how she would not get it.

There was only one other reason she wasn’t coming back: me.

Had she felt that betrayed by the exile that she was staying away to spite me? Was the thought of being married to me, being my queen, that horrible that she didn’t want to come back? It seemed like something she would do.

Jude,

Since I cannot imagine there is much in the human lands to interest you, I can only suppose your continued absence in Elfhame is due to me.

I urge you. Come be angry at a nearer distance.

Cardan

I refrained from begging her to come back. Though if she didn’t respond to this I very well might.

If I had any clue where she was I’d go there personally. But I’d need to ask Taryn, and I did not want to talk to her.

This time I personally took the letter to a messenger I found scampering through a hallway. Half human male. Might be inclined to deliver a letter to another human.

“Make sure this gets to her.”

He nodded and took off, no questions as to why the king was sending a letter to his exiled seneschal.

It was out of my hands now.

All I could do was wait.

#cardans letters pov #cardan greenbriar #jude duarte #jurdan #the cruel prince #the queen of nothing #queen of nothing #folk of the air #the folk of the air #tfota

[thedrunkenreadersreviews]

A tiny analysis of an aspect in The Stolen Heir & a small desire to witness in The Prisoner's Throne by Holly Black Part 2: From Oak's Perspective

I found myself sitting on the subway and my imaginings were running rampant about my head with the contemplation of Oak and Cardan's relationship.

I stand by what I had previously said, that Cardan desires for Oak to have a choice when he had none, but let us examine this from Oak's perspective.

As was mentioned in The Stolen Heir, Oak has made himself a constant target for assassination attempts in defense of the royal family. And we know he was present when Hyacinthe attempted to kill Cardan.

What if this was out of guilt?

Because, from Oak's perspective---the perspective that his family would just be better off without him---he has taken everything that he believes could bring Cardan joy away from Cardan.

The Crown: though Oak acknowledges that Cardan did not originally desire it, it is no secret that Cardan has come to thrive at and enjoys being the High King. In time, as was planned by Jude, Oak will "take that away" (so to speak) from Cardan as he will be forced to abdicate to pass the position to Oak.

Jude: perhaps not to a great extent, but Jude has made (and probably continues to do so) many decisions based on Oak and Oak's position. Jude is, essentially, "forcing" Cardan to agree with her on the whole Oak = High King perspective even if Cardan does not. In a way, Oak may consider himself as taking a piece of Jude away from Cardan.

A Family: Granted, we don't know if Cardan desires children (hopefully that will be answered in the next book) but neither he nor Jude seem opposed to it in the future. We know that the progress in them having any children is halted because Jude does not want to complicate the line of succession---which has Oak as heir. Oak's presence and status as heir is literally putting a pause on the family that Cardan could have started with Jude (again, if they so desire. I know not everyone is on board with that, and I'll admit, I'm a bit wishy-washy on the subject myself).

Life: Cardan has faced numerous assassination attempts. Many of them are because someone wants Oak on the throne. Oak, the son of the person that resulted in Cardan essentially being disowned, exiled, forced into an abusive home, and branded as a cruel prince. The son of the person responsible for a lot of Cardan's miserable childhood. Just because Dain was supposed to be coronated and Oak is his son, people are trying to kill Cardan. And Oak witnessed one of these assassination attempts, which he probably deems to be his fault. He let Hyacinthe out, he removed the curse, he allowed Hyacinthe to get close enough to Cardan to strike. Oak probably feels such a tremendous amount of guilt for that incident alone that it's no wonder he tries to make himself a target for assassins, a ship that breaks rocks.

From Oak's perspective, how could Cardan not hate him?

From Oak's perspective, he probably feels like he deserves that hate, deserves to be the walking target because, from his perspective, he has taken or will take everything from Cardan.

But Oak doesn't know that Cardan wouldn't. Cardan could never.

And I hope, in The Prisoner's Throne, Cardan tells Oak that he wants him around, that he does not hold any blame towards him, and that Oak has given Cardan so much and has taken nothing.

But, once more, those are just foolhardy dreams.

#books #high king cardan #cardan greenbriar #oak greenbriar #high king of elfhame #jude duarte #high queen jude #high queen of elfhame #the folk of the air #the stolen heir #the prisoner's throne #holly black #the cruel prince

[thehyperfixationspeedrunner]

This is me trying

On ao3 too

Summary: It's been a month since what Cardan has been calling the "reptile accident" when he decides to get up before Jude, not knowing the consequences.

OR these two are traumatised and they may not acknowledge it, but I will.

Trigger warnings (already put in the tags but I'm not sure if I did it right so better safe than sorry): panic attack, cussing

It's weird how easily you fall into routine. It's barely been a month since what Cardan has started calling the "reptile accident" or the one he likes best "revealing his true form" (although that one isn't used in front of Jude, she's not sure why but she prefers it that way). Anyway, it's been a month since Cardan has been transformed into a snake, since Cardan and Jude has started to live together as the King and Queen of Elfhame but they have already established a routine, even if neither of them has noticed it until today.

Jude is always the first to wake up - Jude was raised by a general and Cardan by a prince, so that part is obvious. She dresses first, giving Mr. Lazy time to sleep, and then she wakes up sleeping beauty even though he always complains that while there aren't people busting into the room saying he's late, she's waking him up early. He never says he hates it. Jude suspects is because he can't lie. From then, Jude orders breakfast while Cardan dresses up, and they eat together before having to deal with their royal obligations.

Today, however, was different. Shockingly, Jude was able to have some good 6 hours of sleep and woke up a bit disoriented. See, this is the bad part about sleeping a lot. When you wake up, your senses take a while to turn on. That's definitely the reason why Jude barely sleeps, at least that's what she tells everyone when they ask her. Because of that, she took a bit to notice that she was alone in bed, which triggered something in her brain. She instantly gets out of bed and starts to look in every corner of their room repeating to herself that everything is fine, Cardan just woke up earlier and is dressing up or putting the hundred of layers that he puts every morning because "I know I look impressive naturally but I am the High King, Jude, I have to look perfect". Except he is nowhere to be found.

See, a small but important part of this quickly created routine was when Jude woke up and she would always look to the side and see Cardan relaxed and asleep, would look at his chest rise and fall and make sure that, yes, he's alive and, no, this last month was not a fever dream, he really is here. Without that confirmation, Jude is starting to spiral, and the fact that Cardan is not in the room doesn't help.

She tries to take a deep breath. She's the High Queen goddammit, she can't panic every time a minor routine change happens. But the truth is that she cannot take the deep breath. She cannot even take a small breath. She's pretty sure she's not breathing at all. But she has to because Cardan needs her. Jude goes through her options: one, he did wake up earlier, got knocked off in the room but somewhere hidden where she didn't check; two, he got knocked off somewhere in the castle and his unconscious body is lying there; three, he got abducted while he slept; four... Maybe last month was a fever dream. No, she is not going to think about option four.

While she does a more precise search through their room, she also tries to think of who would do this. He's the King of Elfhame, so it's obvious that he has a lot of enemies, but she is not remembering anyone who's this mad at him right now. However, her hands are trembling and there's still not enough air reaching her lungs, so maybe her memory is not the best at the moment. You were almost deadly stabbed before the incident.

Ok, he is not in the room, so option number two. This one is not the most likely. If someone knocked him off, they wouldn't just leave him in the middle of the corridor, and Faes don't just slip, so he couldn't have knocked himself out. Besides the palace is huge, it would take too long to search. Maybe you were less healed than you thought. Option number three it is. There are three windows in the room. The climb is hard but not impossible, she has done it herself while having a major injury. A major injury that could have been infected. Jude shakes her head and checks the three windows. None of them is broken and they are all locked from the inside, like they were when they went to sleep, which she knows because she always checks that before going to bed. Unless the person was a master spy (which is an option), she doesn't know how someone pulled that of. The other way into the room is through the door, so she quickly opens it, revealing two knights part of her security.

"Was there any disturbance last day?" She would be surprised that her voice somehow didn't fail if she was at all worried with that right now.

"We heard or seen nothing different than usual, your majesty."

"Have you fallen asleep or abandoned your post anytime during your shift?" The knights were visibly offended by that, but she had to clear all her options.

"No, your majesty. Is everyth-" Having her answers, Jude closes the door, leaving the knights to their jobs. If she was in her right mind she would have noticed that she was still in her bed clothes, her hair was mess, the room was worse and her hands still trembled and her breath was still labored. But she was not her in her right mind. Cardan is missing- He was not here at all. Her husband is missing and she is going to find him. Maybe he was taken outside their bedroom and there is going to be some kind of clue outside of it.

She is about to open the door again when a thought crosses her mind. The lover's bedroom. There is a pathway between that room and the High King and Queen's room. That is how whoever took Cardan got in. No one got in. Hallucinations caused by infections are common, at least for mortals. She slides through the pathway towards the other bedroom but is met with a similar scenario. No window was broken and all of them are closed from the inside, same with the door, no signs of breaking. Stop looking for what you won't find. You know you can barely remember anything after cutting Cardan's head off. It was the serpents head. You know that's the same thing. There was a battlefield where you broke down. You could have easily been stabbed. I would remember it. Would you? Sometimes, our mind purposely forgets traumatic memories. You could have passed out. No. You could have dreamt. Stop. Cardan is dead and you have been feeding yourself this fantasy because you can't deal with the guilt. STOP. You killed him and now you're living in a world without him and you'll keep living in it because that's the reality. I SAID STOP.

Jude. The sound of something breaking. She can't do it. She can't go back to those three days. She can't live without Cardan's mockery. She can't live without his laugh. She can't.

JUDE. She's shaking now, or someone is shaking her, she's not lucid enough to understand. God, he's her anchor. She doesn't know what to do without him. She wants to go back to sleep. She wants to go back to their routine. She wants to hear him complain about waking up early again. She wants to feel his fingers playing with her hair again. She wants-

JUDE! Cardan. She opens her eyes (since when were they closed?) and faces the love of her life's face. He looks adorably worried, full make up and hair nicely treated. She can't help but smile. "Cardan" she whispers, trying not to force her voice tired from screaming and crying (curious, she doesn't remember that). She puts her head in the space between his neck and shoulder and he starts rubbing circles on her back. "Stay" she pleads. Because that's what she's doing, pleading to the universe to let her stay in this fever dream, to have more time with Cardan, even if it isn't real, even if he's dead, even if that's her fault and there's just her to blame.

"Always" and that pisses her off. Because that's what Cardan would say, that's how Cardan looks, that's how Cardan acts and this mind prison has no right to be this close to reality.

"Liar" she spits. He looks mostly confused and a bit hurt but she doesn't care, this isn't real so nothing fucking matters.

"Jude, I would never abandon you-"

"But you did!" she's close to screaming now, but she doesn't care, her voice was cracking, but it doesn't matter. She has to get this out. "You abandoned me for three days because of that prophechy bullshit. You left me to rule Elfhame while simultaneously dealing with the schemings that my father and the frozen royalty was fucking doing and the fact that the love of my life was a goddam snake and then I, and I-" she can't get it out, she still can't believe it.

"You saved me."

"I killed you." she is fully sobbing now, but she can't stop. She gets up (she was sitting down?) and keeps going "You're dead and this is just a manifestation from my brain, because somewhere else I'm also dying and I hope I do because I can't live in a world where you're not. I physically will not be able to continue without you!" She sinks into the floor using the bed as support and Cardan sits in front of her. He has a puzzled expression in his face. They stay some time in silence, Jude catching her breath and Cardan trying to put pieces together.

"Why do you think I'm not real?" he finally asks, his voice tiny as if he's afraid of the answer.

"You weren't there." Jude matches his tone. "When I woke up. I always check to make sure you're there because if you are, then that means you're real and I'm not dreaming. At first, I thought you were kidnapped. That's why I'm here, I thought this was how whoever took you got in."

"My wife, scheming even when she's panicking." he's looking at her with that adoration in his eyes that never fails to take her breath away. "Let's keep scheming, shall we?" He looks at her, waiting for an answer so she nods. "You say that you are dreaming, you're in this coma and you can't wake up. Well, let's test this theory. Did you know that you can't read in dreams?" Another nod. Cardan gets up, picks a book from the bedside table and hands it to her. "Well, can you read?" The answer is yes. The book was a mortal romance that she was sure she had seen in Cardan's hands. That meant that this was real, Cardan was here and she hadn't killed him. Immediate relief washed over and with that came more tears that she hadn't noticed when they stopped. God, she was a mess. This is ridiculous, she is being ridiculous. Trying to look less like she just had a mental breakdown over nothing Jude attempts to clean the tears that don't stop. Of course this is reality, of course Cardan just woke up earlier and went to do god knows what. She's the fucking High Queen and she can't stand when her husband is out earlier, can't keep a cool head, can't-

"Stop." Cardan gently takes the hands that are trying to hide the tears that keep coming, why don't they stop? "Don't do that." His tone is gentle but secure and so goddamn grounding, how does he do it?

"Do what?"

"Close yourself. I could see the moment you realised that this was the reality because that was the moment the mask came back on. You're probably thinking that you don't have the right to feel this way because you can't show weaknesses or whatever bullshit your mind thinks of." Sometimes it's scary how well he knows her. "Don't close yourself from me." He is rubbing circles with his thumb on the back of her hand and it feels so right, everything about him feels so right.

"I'm fine."

"No, you're not." His tone is becoming more frustrated. "This is obviously bothering you, but I had no idea and because of my ignorance you just had a fucking panic attack." Her eyebrows went up. "I may have been reading about mortal psychology, but that's not important, what's important is," he moves his hands to cup her face and cleans the tears - that have finally stopped - with his thumb. "You don't have to pretend with me."

"You're one to talk." She retaliates but doesn't push him away. "You haven't said another word about those three days since I asked what it was like being a snake on the same day you stopped being one." Cardan laughs because he's Cardan and he laughs when he's nervous and he is not the only one who knows the other too well, she can see in his eyes that the thought of having to speak of those three days of hell terrifies him as much as her.

He moves to her side and sighs. "We really are made for each other, aren't we?" He seems to consider something before saying. "Let's make a pact. Whenever we want the other to open up, we say a code word and they have to do it after we reveal something that has been bothering us. No lies, no tricks, just the plain truth. Deal?" He gives her his right hand. It is always dangerous to make a deal with a fae, but this is Cardan, they have passed the backstabbing phase when she came back from exile. She takes his hand and shakes it.

"Deal. But we have to choose the word, something that we won't say normally."

"California." The place they went on their honeymoon instead of being on the two weeks celebrations of the Mortal Queen's victory over the serpent. The place where they were just two teenagers in love and not The Queen and King of Elhame, not the warrior and the prince, not the people with traumatic childhood, not the two broken pieces of what should be two whole people.

"Sounds great."

"I said it, so I start." He takes a deep breath and speaks. "I woke up earlier today because I had a nightmare. I wasn't someone trapped inside the snake like people like to believe, I was the snake. When the snake died, I died, even if for a few seconds." Jude takes a sharp breath, she always took comfort in the fact that she hadn't cut his head, but what was trapping him, that he hadn't felt anything. Cardan notices and takes both her hands and looks at her straight in the eyes. "I don't blame you, nor will I ever. If I say something assumimg the opposite, you have the premission to cut my head because that is not me. But as I was saying, when I saw you taking out the sword, I couldn't help but feel relief, but when you dealt the blow I, I-" another deep breath "I couldn't feel anything. I don't remember anything. I died. And that terrifies me. I was. I wasn't there. I replay that in my mind countless days, but today was so vivid, I couldn't fall back asleep, so I got out. I needed fresh air. I needed to be alone with my thoughts. I should've come back when it was time to wake up, I should've woken you, I didn't know that you needed that, but if I did, I would have done it."

They stay a few moments in silence, taking deep breaths and deep in thoughts.

"Your turn."

She wants to sugar-coat it. She wants to say that it wasn't that bad, she doesn't want to see guilt in his face even if it isn't his fault. But Cardan didn't sugar-coated when he revealed that what she did hurt him even if he knew it was going to hurt her. So instead, she says:

"Those were the worst three days of my life. I honestly thought it was going to be ok when we were negotiating with Madoc. That we won, they were going to surrender and we would be fine. Then I couldn't believe it. I didn't want to believe when Grimsen said that only death would save you. I went to Baphen, I went to the Old King, but all of them had the same answer. Somehow I had to rule the fucking kingdom while grieving a death that I didn't believe in. On top of all of that the court of teeths was on my throat, making plans to try to turn you and me into their puppets like their daughter. The relief that I had when I saw you alive was bigger than anything I thought I could feel, but the time between that and when I cutted the sna- your head it was my lowest. It was a hole and I was at the deep end with no way out. I cannot live without you." She stops to look at him. Look at his black hair and his eyes that look like black holes. His pale skin and his small mouth. No, she can't imagine a world without him. But that moment was close, so close. "I am so scared that I will go back to that void, I'm so scared that the universe wasn't as kind as I thought, I'm so scared to not wake up next to you."

He puts his arm around her shoulder and she puts her head on his. Jude looks up and sees tears running down Cardan's face, so she hugs him, feeling his other arm surround her. They stay silent for some time while Carden cries in Jude's shoulder and Jude just holds him close, all her tears wasted a few minutes ago.

"I'm sorry." Cardan was the one to break the silence.

"Not your fault."

"Liar."

"I wouldn't lie to you." It's the truth.

"May I remind you that you said you were fine while bawling your eyes out a few minutes ago?" OK, half true.

"When you have a nightmare, find me. I don't care if I just went to sleep, I don't care if I hadn't slept in days, I don't care if I'm not even asleep and you have to drag me out of my work, find me."

"When you feel like this is not real, find me. I don't care if you have to send someone to do it, I don't care if you run around the palace screaming my name, I don't care if I'm in the most important reunion, find me."

They break the hug to look at each other and say at the same time, "Deal".

"Sooo, do you want to have breakfast in bed and completely run away from our responsibilities?"

"We're the King and Queen of Elfhame."

"Exactly, there is no one above to stop us."

"We have an entire kingdom depending on us."

"Well, as the High King, I order you to stay in bed with me."

"As the High Queen, I'm going to refuse that order."

"Come on, you're mortal, you can say that we are sick or something." Jude's going to retaliate, but honestly? She's exhausted and spending the night in bed with her husband doesn't seem the worst idea.

"You are a horrible influence, do you know that?"

"Does that mean I win?"

She sighs. "Yes, you win."

"Yay" He says, getting up and doing a little spin like a child who was able to negotiate bedtime with their parents. She can't help but smile at his shenanigans.

Next, he does an extremely exaggerated bow and continues. "After you, my queen."

At that, she fully laughs, takes his hand and goes down the pathway with him. She hates being vulnerable, but with him, it isn't that bad. How do we take the armour off? A piece at a time. She feels like they just took another one.

-‐----------------‐-----------------‐----------------‐----------------

So, I had this idea since I finished Queen of Nothing and since I didn't see any fic like this I decided to make it myself. The characters may be a bit OOC, I'm not tha familiar with them. I am not a writer and my first language is not English, so apologies for any mistake. 🫶

Btw this was way bigger than I thought, no idea how many words, but damn, I'm having a brain riot.

#tw panic attack #panic attack #tw cussing #cussing #is this how you tag trigger warnings? #I seriously don't know #jurdan #jude x cardan #jude duarte #jude #cardan x jude #cardan greenbriar #cardan #high king cardan #high king of elfhame #high queen jude #high queen of elfhame #the cruel prince #the wicked king #the queen of nothing #how the king of elfhame learned to hate stories #htkoelths #the stolen heir #tsh #the prisioner's throne #tpt #tcp #qon #hurt/comfort #angst with a happy ending

[supernaturalgirl20]

Cardan x Reader request: Reader is from a high status family and is arranged to marry Cardan - both Cardan and Reader hate eachother. High sexual tension with a possible slutty ballroom scene???

A Twisted Kinda Love

Pairings: Cardan Greenbrier x f!reader

Warnings: Smut 18+, explicit, unprotected sex, PinV sex, oral (female receiving),cursing, enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, jealousy, a lot of sexual tension.

Comments and reblogs really appreciated 🥰

This wasn’t happening.

It couldn’t be. There was no way your father - who treated you better than any son he might have had - had agreed to this. Your body shook as a rage slowly spread its way through your veins. “You can’t be serious about this? Father, daddy, you know how I feel about them. About him. And now, what? I’m expected to marry him? Never. I won’t do it.”

Your father, who was currently seated at the head of the table sighed deeply, his shoulders slumped, his chin resting in the palm of his hand. “I’m afraid you don’t have a choice. Y/N, you know I love you dearly and if there were any other way I would take it, but there isn’t.”

“Ugh!,” you shout as you stand, pushing back the chair and storming over towards your father. “This isn’t fair. I always thought I’d have the opportunity to marry for love, not political gain.”

With a roll of her eyes, your mother finally spoke up. “Oh enough of this Y/N. You should count your blessings that the Greenbriar family has agreed to this union. You will be Queen one day. Ruling the entire kingdom of elfhame.”

“A title I do not want. I would quite happily live my days on a pig farm mucking up shit for a living.”

“Watch your language, you ungrateful little…”

“Enough!” Your father shouts as he stands abruptly, his gaze flickering between you and your mother. “You will marry Cardan. You will become Queen and you will fulfil your duty and give him an heir.”

“Fine.” You bark angrily through gritted teeth. But like hell I’m making this easy.

***

The following day you’d spent your time out in the training grounds, letting out some of that pent up anger from last night. You take a deep breath in and exhale as you swing your sword, feet moving in synchronisation as if you’d been doing this all your life.

There’s a shift in the air and you turn quickly, blade pointed to the neck of your intruder. “Nice to see you too, future Mrs Greenbrier.” Cardan jeers as he looms over you, lips curving into a smile and his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Your eyes trail over his form, taking in his tall stature and slightly disheveled hair. His features are accentuated by the outfit he's wearing. Black leather slacks that hug his thighs perfectly and allow his tail freedom to move, paired with a white shirt that cuts into a V exposing his chest. The black jacket he wears has flecks of silver running through its seams. His fingers - which are currently running along the length of your blade - are adorned with silver rings.

He’s quite handsome, you think as you finally meet his gaze. Not that you would ever acknowledge it publicly. You’d rather die first. “Don’t call me that,” you growl as you pull the blade away from his touch. “What are you doing here, anyway?”

Standing mere inches apart you can feel the heat of his gaze and sure enough, when you look up at him his eyes are roaming the length of your figure. “Believe me,” he says, his eyes finally meeting yours once again, “I’d rather be anywhere else, but unfortunately my brother thinks we should spend some quality time together. So, here I am. And now I’m leaving.”

With that he turns abruptly and leaves. You are standing watching as he retreats from the grounds and an unexpected anger takes root, urging you to run after him. “What?” You shout, stopping him in his tracks. He doesn’t turn to face you and so you move around him until you are face to face.

A devilish smirk edges its way onto his face, a single eyebrow quirked in amusement. “You must be hard of hearing, I said I’m leaving.”

“Yes I heard you just fine, what I meant was why?”

“Missing me already? I suppose I do have that effect on people, especially humans like you. Your kind seems to always be enamoured by me. It’s flattering really, but I have no time for your kind. I prefer my women of the Fae variety.”

Your nostrils flare and you stomp your foot as you grip the hilt of your sword. “My kind? The only reason you and your family of inbreds have anything is because of my kind. My father has helped you politically and financially and without him and his contributions you’d be nothing.”

Your breathing raggedly, trying to quell your anger and all he does is stand there towering over you. And then he laughs. He fucking laughs. “What are you laughing at?” He stops laughing then but the smile is still spread wide across his face as he begins to circle you. He watches you like a predator does his prey and a shiver runs down your spine as he stands behind you.

His breath is hot on the skin of your neck causing your skin to pimple. His tail wraps around your leg and he slides an arm along your hip and around your waist, pulling you back into him. He leans down to whisper in your ear. “Oh Y/N, I’m going to enjoy being married to you, even if I despise you. Now, look up and smile won’t you.”

His thumb grips your chin, lifting your head to face the window in your father's office. There, gazing down at you both is your father and Cardan's older brother Dain. Through gritted teeth you smile up at them hoping they will turn away.

They don’t. They continue to stare and so you decide to give them a show. Turning around in his arms, you don’t miss the look of shock on his face when you reach up on tip-toe and press your lips against his. God I hate this.

Cardan does nothing at first, too stunned to do anything but then, oh then, he slips his other arm around your waist and moves his lips in sync with yours and he kisses you like a man dying of thirst drinks water. Like you somehow hold all the answers to the questions in the world.

He’s really good at kissing. And you can feel a heat beginning to build and a moan slips out. His tongue runs along your bottom lip and you shudder. The taste of him on your lips is intoxicating. It’s too much.

Pulling away you leave the grounds and rush inside leaving Cardan flustered. You don’t notice but he touches his lips with his fingers as he stares after you.

Turning a corner you lean back against the wall trying to calm your breathing and racing heart. You touch your lips, dazed, the feel of his lips moving against them, his taste, lingers. What was that?

***

“I think this was a mistake,” your father says as he watches you and the Prince of elfhame squabbling. “Nonsense,” Dain mutters as he takes a sip of wine. “They will grow to love each other. If not, at least to tolerate one another at best. Besides, my baby brother needs a woman like Y/N, keep him in check.”

“If you say so.” Dain’s gaze is fixed on you both, a smile spreading as he sees you both kiss. He turns away then with a clap to your fathers shoulder. “See. Nothing to worry about.”

***

The following week you spent the majority of your time avoiding Cardan at all costs. He was a cruel prince and you needed to remember that. Not that his chest was firm beneath your touch, not that you liked the feel of his tail wrapping around your leg or that he tasted of wine and honey.

No. You were definitely not going to remember that.

You wandered into your home library - likely for the last time - and ran your fingers along the edge of the books. So many stories, so many happy memories. Most of course you’ve read at least ten times. “You do realise that we have a library at the palace? No need to look so miserable.”

The book you’d been holding drops out of your hands, startled by the appearance of your betrothed. His tail whips around him, catching the book before it hits the ground, carefully placing it back on the shelf. “What do you want now, Cardan?”

He smiles. That devilish smirk plastered across his face and it takes all your strength to look away. “Someone’s been avoiding me and I don’t like it. Not one bit.”

“Well, darling, you will have years to get used to my coldness. Unless perhaps you’ve decided to marry someone else? Jude perhaps?” The smile falters and is replaced with a wicked scowl. “Don’t. Mention. Her. Name,” he snarls as he stalks towards you, pushing you back against the bookshelf. The air shifts and an unspeakable tension rises as he cages you in with his arms.

His eyes bore into you and you gasp when you feel his hand grip your hip pulling you close. There is a heat in his gaze that has a wetness pooling in your panties and oh gods the feel of his hand on your hip and the smell of him is intoxicating. I think I could get used to this.

His eyes flicker to your mouth briefly and then his lips are on you. Your body is being pulled and then your right against the firmness of his chest. He groans into your mouth and you begin to lose yourself to him once again. What the fuck is happening?

You can feel his hardness against your thigh and that ache only intensifies. No. This can’t be happening. I can’t allow it. Suddenly you're pushing him off you and he stumbles back slightly. “How dare you. Do not touch me again. I despise you and I wish my father hadn’t agreed to this.”

“How dare I? You were very much into that kiss, little human. And you forget, it is I who despises you.” You both stand mere meters apart, chests heaving, sexual tension sizzling between you. Then you’re on him. Lips crashing together, tongues fighting for dominance. “Oh,” you gasp when he lifts you, his arms holding your thighs as he carries you towards the dais.

His mouth devours you. Kisses a path along your neck and across the tops of your breasts. You pull at his shirt, inching it off him when the door to the library swings open. “What are two doing?” Your mother asks as she takes in your disheveled appearances.

Cardan doesn’t move. His body is still very much pinning you down and you try to push him off but he doesn’t budge. “Leave.” He commands, his gaze still set firmly on you.

“How dare you tell me what to do in my own home.” His gaze is fierce as he turns to stare your mother down. “How dare you speak to your Prince like that.” He stands then, his lean frame towering over your mother as she begins to cower. “I should have you imprisoned, it would serve you right. Now leave. I won't ask again.”

She rushes out the door - no doubt on route to inform your father, and when you look up at Cardan he is standing beside you, hand reaching out towards you. “Here, let me help you up.” You rest your hand in his and he gently pulls you up, wrapping an arm around your waist as he holds you.

He stares down at you for a moment, his gaze intense and then without a word he removes his hand and leaves. Leaving you shocked and seriously frustrated. What game is he playing?

***

It’s strange looking at yourself in the mirror all done up for the ball. Your hair is curled dropping over your shoulders in ringlets. The light grey dress fits snuggly on top and flows at the waist. The lace detail travels down the sleeves and stretches to your fingers and you feel like a queen.

Tonight is your engagement ball. Most if not all the kingdom will be in attendance and you haven’t set eyes on your future husband since the incident in the library. Maybe he has changed his mind? The thought of marrying Cardan is less repulsive now than when your father first shared the news. As matter of fact, the thought of being his wife and maybe even queen, excites you.

“Y/N, we are leaving, the carriage is here,” your father shouts from the bottom of the stairs. With one last check in the mirror you take a deep breath and make your way downstairs and out towards the carriage. “You look beautiful, darling.”

“Thank you daddy,” you say with a slight hint of nerves in your tone. Your father clasps your hand in his. “No need to fret. He will think so too.” With a smile and a wink he turns his gaze outwards to the passing trees. Am I that obvious?

***

The room is full of people - some human, mostly Fae - and yet you still haven’t spotted the one person you’ve been looking for. “Well look at you playing dress up.” With a roll of your eyes you turn around to face a sneering Nicasia. “I’m not in the mood for…”

A hand slips around your waist startling you a little. Your eyes flicker to the figure beside you and there he is. Your future husband. Staring at you with eyes full of adoration as he takes you in. The warmth from his hand permeates your skin as his fingers squeeze you slightly. “What was it you were saying Nicasia? That my fiancé is playing dress up?”

“Oh no I….I was just….”

“You were just insulting my future wife. Do I have to remind you of your place?” She cowers under his intense stare and apologises quickly before rushing off into the crowd. His hand runs along the curve of your ass before resting on your lower back. Cardan turns to face you. “Shall we dance?” Words fail you as you take in a shaky breath so you simply nod your head.

The music and the noise from the crowd filters away as you take in your future husband. The outfit he’s wearing fits him snuggly and the colour brings out his eyes. He looks regal. Of course the crown on his head adds to that. He holds you close as you move around the room, all eyes on you. The Prince can move, you think to yourself.

His tail has wound its ways around your leg, the tuft of hair on its end tickling slightly. His eyes trail over your form and a devilish smirk plays across his face. “They are all jealous.”

“Yes yes, of me because I’m with you,” you say sarcastically with a roll of your eyes. “No. They are jealous of me.” He says it so matter of factly that you almost trip over yourself, his arm tightening around you. When the music stops you both just stand there staring at one another.

You release a shaky breath when he reaches out his hand, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. His fingers brush gently against your skin and you shiver at the contact. “You look devastatingly beautiful tonight.”

“I…thank…” Then his lips are on yours and it’s soft at first. Two shy lovers embracing for the first time until he runs his tongue along your bottom lip and you have to control the moan that threatens to slip from your mouth. It’s hungry. It’s raw. It’s so full of passion and you both stay like that until your future brother-in-law clears his throat.

“Hmm, sorry,” you say as embarrassment creeps up your neck and settles on your cheeks. “We’re leaving,” Cardan says as he slips his hand in yours and pulls you along behind him out of the ballroom and into the hall. “Where are we going?”

“Somewhere we won’t be disturbed.”

***

His room is huge, not that you get to take much in before he pushes you back against the door, his hand grabbing hold of your leg and lifting it over his waist. His mouth is leaving a trail of wet kisses along the bare skin of your neck, travelling down to the tops of your breasts. Oh, you gasp when he bites the soft flesh, marking it, marking you.

You hear the click of the lock before his hands grab hold of your thighs and lift you towards his bed. “I don’t want to be interrupted this time,” he breathes out, his hands working the dress off your figure to lay in a heap on the floor. “You truly are beautiful.” His mouth is on yours again, devouring you and in this moment you want nothing more but to give him everything. Give him all of you.

He kisses down your body, pulling the buds of your nipples into his mouth, suckling and biting until they pebble from his touch. His mouth moves down over your stomach and straight to your aching cunt. Ooh! You moan as your back arches off the bed, hands finding purchase in his hair. He moves your legs over his shoulders and buries his tongue inside you. Fuck he knows what he’s doing. He alternates between licking and sucking and shoving his tongue inside you that you are a complete and utter mess on the bed below him. Writhing in pleasure. That heat begins to form and you can feel yourself getting closer to that edge and you shout his name as the pleasure from your orgasm consumes you.

“Cardan.”

His tongue licks around his lips as he moves above you completely. You reach up and kiss him, tasting yourself on his tongue. He pulls back quickly to shed his clothes before his body lays flush against yours. You can feel the tip of him nudging at your entrance but you push him onto his back. He looks up at you in awe as you lower yourself onto his thick length.

Oh! His hands grip your hips as you begin to move above him - hips rocking over him. Sitting up he pulls your nipple into his mouth as he grabs you tight, pushing you down onto him. His tail wraps around you as he fucks up into you.

“Oh Cardan I’m…I’m gonna..”

“That’s it my beautiful little human…come on my cock. Want to feel you soak me.” Fucking hate when he calls me that.

“Fuck oh fuck!”

You shudder in his arms as your cunt clenched around him - his trusts becoming erratic- sending him over the edge. “Where?” He groans into your breasts.

“Inside…please!”

“Ngh! Fuck…”

He comes hard coating your walls with a cry of your name. He brushes hair off your face and captures your lips in a soft kiss before laying back - pulling you with him. His soft cock slips out of you and you nestle into his side.

“That was amazing,” you breathe out as you run your fingers along his sculpted chest. “I aim to please.” You hit his chest playfully and he laughs before grabbing your chin gently, turning your lips towards him. The kiss is soft and you think - not for the first time - that you could live the rest of your life like this. “Oh, I almost forgot,” he says as he sits up and reaches over to something behind you. “This,” he says as he opens a small box, “is for you.”

You gasp at the sight of a beautiful ring sitting inside the velvet box. It’s copper looking with intricate designs twisting around the band in the shape of moons and stars and a beautiful diamond sits in the middle. “Cardan, it’s beautiful. I…”

“It just reminded me of you and I saw it I thought, this is your ring. Do you like it?”

“Cardan, I love it,” you say through tears as he slips the ring onto your finger. “I guess this is actually happening.”

“Oh it’s happening. And I’m going to despise you for the rest of our lives.” He kisses you again. “I despise you too.”

“Hmm,” he says with a wicked smile, his eyes slowly closing. He pulls you close, his arm and tail wrapping around you, then he drifts off to sleep. You stare at the ring now sitting on your finger and smile as you snuggle into him. “I love you,” you whisper into the night. He says nothing - you assumed he wouldn’t, being asleep - just squeezes you tight and then you let sleep consume you.

Everything: @amneris21 @nembees @allthe-ships @lama-0511

#cardan greenbrier x reader #cardan x reader #Cardan greenbrier x f!reader #the cruel prince #Cardan x f!reader #Cardan greenbrier x female reader

[iheartgracie]

jude duarte soft quotes

“So, in short, Valerian tried to kill me,” I say, finishing my story. “And I stabbed him… So I might be in some trouble.”

“He grabs hold of my wrist. I am shocked by the sensation of his skin warm against mine. “Take care,” he says, and then smiles. “It would be very dull to have to sit here for an entire day just because you went and got yourself killed.”

“My last thoughts would be of your boredom,”

“You were just going,” I tell Locke.

He grins. “I find I am very comfortable here,” Locke says. “Surely there’s nothing you have to say to the king that is so very personal or private.”

“It’s a shame you’ll never find out. Go. Now.”

“Stop you?” I echo. “Sure. If you’re a huge jerk and a threat to Elfhame, I’ll pop your head right off.”

“If you joke about this, I am going to—”

“Kill me?” he asks, raising both black brows.

I think I might hate him after all.”

i cant believe the land chose me

i, jude duarte, high queen of elfhame, in exile, spend most of my mornings dozing in front of daytime television watching cooking competitions and cartoons

“i don’t take commands from mortals” he says with his customary cruel smile. “so your gonna say something nice?” i don’t think so faeries cant lie.

“have i told you how hideous you look tonight?” “no tell me”

“i cant”

i can be charming, i charmed you didnt i?

you never break.

i know when we come to a door because i walk straight into it, much to the roaches amusement. “you really cant see” he says. i rubbed my forehead “i told you i couldn’t” “yes but you’re the liar, i’m not supposed to believe anything you say” “why would i lie about something like that?”

i am no longer a child and i don’t need comfort.

“you betraying toad”

“I’m a jerk. I’m an idiot,” I say. “I admit it. You don’t have to lecture me.”

“I thought you were going to give me a hard time about the glamour,” she says. “You know, the one you resisted.”

“You shouldn’t magic your sisters.”

“And you shouldn’t try to chop yours in half.”

“Maybe he regrets it. After all, I could be scolding him right now, instead of you.”

That makes me smile.”

“You won’t believe what we found in the treasury,” Vivi says.

“I thought treasuries were just full of gems and gold and stuff.”

“We found armor. Glorious armor. For you.”

“For a queen, Which, you may recall, there hasn’t been in a little while.”

“It may well have belonged to Mab herself,”

“You’re really building this up,”

“Well, even if the serpent bites off your head,” says Tatterfell, “the rest of you will still look good.”

“That’s the spirit,” I tell her.”

“Nothing can be seen until the event is concluded.”

“No pressure, then,” I mutter.”

“Do you remember the fairy tale with the snake who has the helicopter parents and marries the princess?”

“Helicopter?”

“You’re the one who’s late. But as the hero of the hour, that’s all to the good. I am going to make you into a vision.”

“Sounds like a lot of work on your part,”

“Will you dance?” he asks, presenting his hand.

“You may remember that I am not particularly accomplished at it,”

“I don’t know what to apologize for first,” I say. “Cutting off your head or hesitating so long to do it. ”

“I grin irrepressibly at Cardan. He smiles back, with a little surprise. It’s possible I don’t smile like that very often.”

“Vivi blows a noisemaker. “Here,” she says, passing out paper crowns for us to wear.

“This is ridiculous,” I complain, but put mine on.”

“A black horse was nibbling the grass of the lawn when they went outside. Its eyes were big and soft. Jude wanted to throw her arms around its neck and press her wet face into its silky mane.”

“In Faerie, there are no fish sticks, no ketchup, no television”

“There are two ways for mortals to become permanent subjects of the Court: marrying into it or honing some great skill—in metallurgy or lute playing or whatever. Not interested in the first, I have to hope I can be talented enough for the second.”

“She hops onto the bed beside me, disarranging my small pile of threadbare stuffed animals—a koala, a snake, a black cat—all beloved of my seven-year-old self. I cannot bear to throw out any of my relics.”

“We’re going to have fun tonight.”

“Fun?”

“I can see why humans succumb to the beautiful nightmare of the Court, why they willingly drown in it.

I know I shouldn’t love it as I do, stolen as I am from the mortal world, my parents murdered. But I love it all the same.”

“They talk about honor, but what they really care about is power. I am good enough with a blade, knowledgeable in strategy. All I need is a chance to prove myself.”

“Someone who, along with Princess Rhyia, doesn’t appear to be attending tonight. But—oh no. I do see him.

Prince Cardan, sixth-born to the High King Eldred, yet still the absolute worst, strides across the floor toward us.”

“Vivi said she wishes she had one.”

“I’m glad she doesn’t,” I say firmly, which is stupid. I have nothing against tails.”

“I stand in front of my window and imagine myself a fearless knight, imagine myself a witch who hid her heart in her finger and then chopped her finger off.”

“Are you going to quit the tournament?”

“You mean because of Cardan and his Court of Jerks?”

“You’re littering in a magical lake,” she tells me.

“It’ll rot,” I say. “And so will we”

“Cardan’s gaze catches mine, and I can’t help the evil smile that pulls up the corners of my mouth”

“There is always a moment when it begins to move that I can’t help grinning. There is something about the sheer impossibility of it, the magnificence of the woods streaking by and the way the ragwort hooves kick up gravel as they leap up into the air, that gives me an electric rush of pure adrenaline.”

“You want to sit down or something?” Heather says, nodding toward the food court.

“Somebody owes me coffee,” I say pointedly to Vivi.”

#badass quotes jude duarte #judeduartequotes #badass jude duarte #jude duarte soft #jude duarte badass #judecardan quotes #jude duarte quotes #judecardan #judeduarte #jude duarte #jude x cardan #the cruel prince #the folk of the air quotes #the folk of the air

[slightlyrebelliouswriter23]

what do you think Cardan said to Taryn that made her cry and that she refused to share with Jude?

it's in The Lost Sisters! 🖤

“My daydream reverie was interrupted by Prince Cardan.

'I know what you did,' he drawled, voice low, not at all sounding like he was asking a question. 'Wicked girl. Yet you let your sister take the brunt of my ire. That wasn’t very nice, was it?'

He was dressed in a velvet doublet, with buttons of carved jet. Loose black curls framed his sharp cheekbones and a mouth set in a cruel line. He’s handsome, but that makes his horribleness worse, somehow. As though he’s taken something nice and made it awful. Being the single focus of his attention made me feel like a bug that a child was going to burn with a magnifying glass.

I stammered, caught completely off guard. 'I—I didn’t know. I swear I didn’t.'

A slow smile spread across his mouth. 'Oh, I see why Locke likes you.'

For a moment I thought that might be almost a compliment.

'You’re awful.' He said it as though he was delighted. 'And the worst part is that you believe otherwise.'

Tears sprang to my eyes. I hated that I cried so easily. And he was wrong. I hadn’t known. Not until that afternoon by the river.

I shook my head, wiping away tears. 'Does that mean you’re going to leave her alone now?'

Cardan leaned in close, close enough that I could feel his breath on my cheek. 'It’s much too late for that.'

Then you came out of nowhere and grabbed his shoulder. Before I could even speak, you’d spun him around and slammed his back against a tree. Your hand went to his throat. Cardan’s eyes went wide with shock. All around us, the children of the Gentry stared, agog.”

– queen shit 😌👑🗡

#tfota #jurdan #holly black #taryn duarte #the lost sisters #asked and answered #nonnie #jude duarte #cardan greenbriar #jurdannet

[beloved-daydreams]

"Tail" a Jude x Cardan fic

Quick summary(?): Jude and Cardan have been recognized as the Queen and King of Faerie, since then a few weeks have passed. Some amount of peace has returned, yet a lot of things have been left unsaid. Despite their knowledge of eachother's affection being reciprocated, they'll still have to learn to rely on eachother and trust eachother more day by day. And to do that, it's natural to start with the small things.

Note: It’s mostly fluff and them talking privately, this is my first attempt to writing them but I’d like to make more if I get more ideas. I’ve been thinking of making a series of "one shots" where they tell eachother things they’ve never confessed. Like maybe how Balekin made Jude kiss him. Or how she witnessed Cardan getting abused back in the first book (unless I’m misremembering, I think she never told him?) It’s not like those things need to be said, especially since they’re so uncomfortable for the both of them, but I often wonder how these "small revelations" would go, had they been put into words. Well, who am I kidding, I probably won’t have enough willpower to go through with it haha. But please, have this for the time being.

And please consider leaving comments and/or your jumbled thoughts in the tags! This means a lot to writers. Enjoy ❤️

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

Hearing his footsteps getting closer and closer, Jude placed herself more prettily on the bed. Making sure that everything was in place, that the bathrobe she was wearing over her underwear wasn't crooked or that her hair hadn’t stood up awkwardly in some places.

She hated how much she still wanted to make sure to appear attractive to him. Well, she already knew that he liked- No. Loved her but she couldn't stop herself from greedily wishing for more.

Those chambers were now shared by the both of them so they had laid down some rules. One of them being that before coming in, they should always warn the other. Thus Cardan stopped himself in front of the room and knocked 3 times, quite assuredly.

"It's me."

His proclamation was a confirmation of what Jude already knew rather than anything else. She could recognize him by many things. His smell, the silhouette of his shadow, the way he laughs, his wide footsteps. There was no shortage of ways she had that made her capable of spotting him almost immediately. Especially when you consider that, for years, her eyes would always wander around, almost subconsciously looking for him. She had observed him for years, hated him for years, despised him from the bottom of her heart.

That is, until she noticed that she didn't. Or rather, the brand of hatred she felt towards him was special. In the middle of it, she was drawn to him, attracted by his everything. It seemed like that feeling had switched to love somewhere along the way, or maybe it had masked itself under her fear. Now she only wanted him for herself. Oh, the pain of having to share him with his subjects when all she wants to do sometimes is to just lie down next to him, confessing all of the thoughts she hides from him...

In any case, Jude jokingly answered.

"Me who?"

Slightly unnerved by the bad joke, Cardan followed.

"Who else but your darling husband? Let me in Jude."

It wasn't like he couldn't get in, the door wasn't locked or anything. However it was quite cute how he always asked for her permission to come inside since they didn't decide on that in the rules. All he needed to do was notify her of his presence before coming in, which, well, Jude had quickly noticed how almost useless that rule was since she could always hear him coming so clearly. Unless she was really busy with something, it was pretty much impossible to miss him.

"Come in then, my dear husband."

Jude said that with a bit of a haughty air to appear unfazed by her own words, but the truth was that she was still very giddy at the idea of having him, Cardan of all people, as a husband.

Coming into the room, Cardan immediately let himself fall on the bed, then turned over towards Jude, not so discreetly admiring her.

"You're not letting anyone else come here, are you?"

Jude faked an offended look.

"You think I'd cheat on my beloved husband? How rude."

Then kissed him on his forehead which made his tail flail around a bit. That caught Jude's attention and made her lips switch into a smile.

"Did you just wag your tail at me?"

Instead of replying, Cardan buried his face into the pillow and let out a low, exasperated sound. Part of the reason why he would always hide his tail before was because he was scared of something like this happening. It would be shameful. Especially if it was in front of Jude, who he thought would immediately understand that he was excited when talking to her or interacting with her in any capacity.

Now that they were married it wasn't supposed to be as shameful, but it was still slightly embarrassing nonetheless.

Jude placed her hand on his back, rubbing it gently.

"No use hiding into the pillow oh High King of Faeries, please answer your wife when she speaks to you."

Again, with that playful and teasing tone of hers. This was something Cardan had barely if ever seen from her before, but since they've been wed, he was finding more and more lovable sides to her which was quite damning. He was already hopelessly head over heels for her, there was absolutely no need to make it harder for him by being even more charming than she already was.

"Very well. Since my lovely wife so atrociously wants to know the answer, I'll humor her for a bit: Yes, my tail did move because of her loveliness that I so mortifyingly crave."

There was really no reason to be so embarrassed, yet Jude found this honest part of him so very cute. In response, she moved her hand away from his back and carefully grabbed his tail. It twitched a bit at the unexpected contact.

"Oh. I did that without thinking, should I remove my hand?"

"...No. Amuse yourself with it if you wish to do so."

That was an uncharacteristically meek answer from Cradan. Especially since until only a few months ago, he would always keep his tail hidden. And now he was suddenly letting himself be played with. Truth was, he was rather curious to see what she would do with it if given the permission.

A bit hesitantly, Jude carressed the tail from its base to the tip. Cardan sneered.

"Oh, feeling so confident already? Do you consider me to be your pet now?"

She rolled her eyes.

"Don't be ridiculous. You've been my pet for far longer, even before you would flaunt your tail around in front of my face."

The King laughed at the utter audacity of that statement. And, well, also because she wasn't wrong.

Jude then started brushing the palm of her hand with the tip of the tail.

"...It's as soft as a brush. If we trim it a bit, do you think you could use it to paint?"

"So I was your pet and now I'm merely a drawing utensil? My worth just keeps going down, huh."

It was her turn to laugh now, she wasn't quite sure how to answer to his comment this time around. So she opted for honesty again, hoping it would make him smile.

"Your tail is adorable, I love it."

Instead, she was met with silence that lasted for a few seconds. It took all of Cardan’s willpower to not ridicule himself again by wagging his tail, he was desperately trying to come up with something witty to shoot back at her as usual. However, before he could collect his thoughts, a bit nervous by the lack of reaction, Jude followed.

"Will it hurt if I pull on it?"

His gaze subtly softened before being wiped off by his signature smirk. The annoyingly charming one.

"So you like seeing me in pain after all. Feel free to tr- OW?!"

Before he could finish, Jude pulled on it with a bit more force than she'd like to admit. He was right, seeing his face twist in pain was in fact amusing. In reaction to that, he retaliated by laying on his back, covering the tail under him.

"Aww... But it was just getting fun."

"For you, maybe. I'd like to keep my tail healthy and functional."

"For what? You basically can't do anything with it, right? It doesn't seem strong enough to hold anything."

A bit offended, Cardan uncovered his tail and sat up on the bed.

"It can't hold very heavy items, but it has enough strength to hold medium sized objects."

Having said that, Cardan took Jude's arm.

"Stay still."

His tail curled around her arm, and then, once her was sure that it had a solid grip on her, he attempted to pull her arm down. It wasn't enough to bring it down to the bed, after all Jude's arms were rather strong thanks to all of her sword training, however she could feel that the tail did have a fair amount of strength to it. Way more than she initially thought in fact.

But then, an image flashed in her mind. Seeing how the tail had tangled itself up on her arm, she remembered how it would do the same to her thigh and leg when they were...

Cardan sneered.

"Remembered something joyful my sweet Jude?"

In a hurry, she untangled the tail from her arm. It was an incredibly poor attempt to divert Cardan’s attention from her rosy cheeks.

"You could say that. Well, as much as I enjoyed fiddling with your tail, I think we should call it a day. Good night."

And so, she blew on the candles and buried herself under the covers next to her dear husband who did the same. However, sleep wasn’t on his mind at all. It never was. Jude guessed it was because they were a "new couple" and they were sharing a room, not to mention right after admitting their feelings to eachother. The smallest thing really did set him off to asking for it before sleep, and as much as Jude wanted to deny it, the thought also came flowing into her mind just as often and as easily. Difference being that she had loads more of self-restraint than her idiot husband.

Under the covers, as usual Cardan reached for her hips, pulling her towards him.

"Not only did my sweet wife not give me a goodnight kiss, but she’s also facing away from me? How cold. Almost heartless even."

"Don’t be so dramatic. And..." She paused. "I know what you truly want, from my knowledge it sure isn’t just a kiss that you’d like from me you foolish High King of perversion."

And with that very halfhearted attempt to supposedly shake him off, Jude didn’t even try to push his hands away. Which was more or less a signal between them that stated she was actually fine with doing it. And so, Cardan slyly pushed his tail in between her legs, then wrapped himself around one of her thighs in that familiar, possessive way of his. As if every single part of his body had to be in contact with hers. He was so close now that Jude could feel him smile against her neck.

"Is this possibly what you remembered earlier, my bewitching Queen?"

Suddenly, his tail wasn’t so adorable anymore. It was now a means to an end. Jude’s mind was racing, almost as fast as her heart. No matter how many times this happened, it was still enthralling.

"Cardan, say: is making love to me all you can think about?"

"...No. I also think a lot about you making love to me."

Not that anybody could see it, but Jude rolled her eyes. She wasn’t sure what kind of answer she expected but she should’ve seen this coming. Or at least, that was until what he said next.

"Well, jests aside, I do want to do a lot more things with you. However it feels like the only time we have alone for ourselves is either when we wake or just before we sleep."

"Then... want to take a break tomorrow?"

That was true. To keep up appearances they were "together" for a good chunk of the day, but it was always in front of the eyes of others. Jude wasn’t a fan of public displays of affection but she also didn’t want to dismiss their duties. And so they were stuck in this situation, if Cardan had been the one to decide, he would drop all those duties on the spot and push them back for a few days, no doubt. So as much as she hated to admit it to herself, his desperation was likely justified.

Jude surprised even herself with those words. In fact, she was maybe even more surprised than Cardan.

"I’d love that." For a moment, his tail’s hold on Jude’s thigh weakened. As if he was a bit shaken by what was said. Or maybe by what was about to be said. He continued. "For once, would you consider asking for me?"

"What?"

Jude was confused by those words that had yet to take a tangible meaning in her mind. In front of the complete confusion, Cardan followed once again.

"I mean, I... It feels like, I’m always the one asking for your love. Although you do answer back satisfyingly, for once I wish you’d initiate first."

Oh.

Well.

It’s true that this never crossed her mind. Now that she thinks about it, all of the times they had sex since they’ve been married, or even before that, the one who was always more overtly leading to it first was in fact Cardan. She was a bit embarrassed at how she could’ve missed this, she had to make it right.

She turned over, facing him as his tail untangled itself from her thigh, letting her be free with her movements. She placed the palm of her hand on his chest, slowly dragging it up and down as she spoke softly.

His eyes were already eager. Although Jude couldn’t see very well in the dark, Cardan’s vision was quite clear. Being asked for while she was displaying such a cute face must be criminal. Nonetheless, he held back his urges. It wasn’t good enough.

"Cardan Dear... I need you."

"More. Ask for it more clearly."

"I..." the words were stuck in the back of her throat, she wanted to convey her burning desire in a way that didn’t sound too ridiculous. Was it always this difficult for Cardan? Now that she thinks about it, he’s always been surprisingly articulate with her. Her on the other hand, not so much. She admits to herself that maybe her strength solely lies in rude words. The ones that hurt, the ones that make you angry and the ones that trick. So being asked to be explictly honest and gentle, it was a task that was hard to follow through.

"I’d like you to... um..."

"Yes...?"

"Uh. Wait, sorry. Shit. I didn’t think I was this shy. This is so stupid."

"It’s not, please be truthful."

Ah yes. The truth. Something so natural for Faeries but only an option for humans. Jude tried to switch her line of thought: What would she say if she were a Faerie? If she could only tell the truth, if there was no option to lie. Only honesty. Pure and simple.

"I’d like you to fuck me. To kiss my neck and lips. To wrap your tail around me again. I want to be under you as you look at me, knowing that you can clearly see everything I try to hide. Would that be okay? Please... Cardan."

Silence overtook the room for a couple of seconds. That is only until Cardan had no self-restraint left in him after that bold declaration. Bold yet so very cute. He pulled her body under his, covering her in a hug.

"W-Was that okay?"

"Oh my sweet darling, my evil temptress. Your honesty is irresistible, I’ll do anything you need from me."

And so, as she had asked, he wrapped himself around her again.

#the folk of the air #the cruel prince #the wicked king #the queen of nothing #fanfiction #jude duarte #cardan greenbriar #jude x cardan #jurdan #is it just me or did I make cardan act like a cat? nckrjgjgif #anyway #please please leave tags and comments if you enjoyed!!!

[eerna]

i agree about the fact that drawing paralels between oak and wrens relathionship with jude and cardans was unecesary because they are very diffrent caracters with difrent dynamic and im tired of hearing how people always make oak to be cardan copy when in my opinion they are very diffrent.Cardan comes as this cruel heartless prince seen as a disgrace,dont get me wrong he did cruel things it impossible to put a mask of cruelty without actually being cruel( Rhysand im looking at you)but he also freed mortals and he had his limits(unlike Locke he knew that love is not a game)he was mainly triyng to act powerfull because he felt powerless and he used cruelty for that to hide his heart.Meanwhile Oak is loved by everyone he had a dozen of people triyng to protect him but also a horryfing legacy,Oak unlike cardan use a mask of freckless to hide his pain but also his more bloodlust side,it draws a intresting paralel between him locke and Mr fox from taryn story him seducing people who tried to make a coup and lead them to their doom and i saw a lot of people sayng that cardan is the one who teach oak about flirting eveng tho it in text that oak was trained to be a courtier probably by ORIANA who was a court lady herself and is very fixed on maners also inherited from his mother who we know was a VERY LOVED person,plus i see cardan as more a cruel charmer where i see oak as a soft charmer(he is still my baby!)

YES to all of it!!! Their only similarity is that they both pretend to be dumb so people underestimate them, but even then it's a different kind of dumb: Cardan pretends to be a simple vice-ridden asshole, Oak pretends to be a naiive dumbass loverboy. The only parallel I liked was the "Crawl to me", how Cardan did it as a joke while Suren was dead serious, but that's because it was VAGUELY BASIC ENOUGH and had THEMATIC RELEVANCE. Cardan did not have anything to do with Oak's career in manipulation and no one can change my mind on that, we know that Cardan hates the idea of playing with someone that way. The Locke parallel you mentioned is so much better, and also more fun bc everyone hated Locke while everyone loves Oak.

#eernask #eernanon #eernask talk tfota

[lidiasloca]

Can you ps write a Jurdan based on that TikTok lipstick trend. Like Jude and Cardan on the floor, and Jude fixing her lipstick while Cardan is next to her looking at her while having lipstick stain on his lips, his cheeks, and neck. Also can you make it in Viví or one the court of shadows member pov. Thx <33

makeup when drunk (jurdan fic)

Post QoN

⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄☆

Oak reaches for the sleeve of my shirt and makes me lean to him by pushing it down almost aggressively. “I think I saw them walking inside that door,” he whispers while grinning mischievously, as if he was the one making trouble. 

Well, let’s not get it wrong, he is one troublemaker, but at least right now, he’s not the one hassling. 

“Okay, we’re going in,” I murmur back.

Closer to the door, we hear Cardan and Jude laughing, and we share a knowing look, Oak and I. My little brother gasps in disbelief and places his hand over his mouth like the drama prince he is.

“Jude?” He says out loud before I can stop him. The laughter on the other side of the door stops, but only a second later, it begins again, more hysterical now even. “Oh my god,” I say exasperated. This is not going to be easy, I’m guessing.

“Should we?” Oak asks me as he moves his hand to the handle. I nod and start walking when he opens the door. And just when I enter I can’t help but to laugh, and the toddler next to me seems to be judging me for joining this drunk laughing royal cult thing. He must not be seeing what I am. 

The High Queen and King of Elfhame on the floor, drunkenly attempting to do their makeup. It’s all more fun when I pay careful attention. Jude is looking funnily guilty while Cardan is attempting a blank expression, and I realize it’s because his wife is pinching him on the thigh to keep him from laughing. 

Not to mention the subtle detail that is that Cardan is covered in red lipstick. His neck, his cheek, his nose, his temple, everything. It doesn’t take one too smart to guess the doer.

“Oak.” I try not to laugh. “Maybe you should get going downstairs with Taryn.” He doesn't move his gaze from her sister as he walks backwards out of the room. He’s watching her with utter shock, which is funny enough to make me chuckle. 

When he’s gone, I turn to them and attempt seriousness.

“Okay, I have to get the Queen and King of Elfhame downstairs in a matter of minutes. So, whether it is with a few slaps or with a bucket of water -you decide-, I need you to become those serious monarchs again, for the sake of Elfhame and the Courts’ representatives you’ve made come to this important revel.” 

I’m only proud of how well I’ve recited this speech for a brief moment, just before they start laughing at me, then I'm only embarrassed. 

This shouldn’t be like this, Jude is the serious one, I’m not. I think I do hate Cardan’s influence. “It was Randalin’s speech. He made me say it,” I explain, ashamed. 

They keep laughing, so I threaten them. “Well, I guess it’s the bucket of water, then.” And I pretend to go get it. 

“Wait! No!” It is surprisingly Cardan who’s able to reason and talk.

“So you’ll get ready for the party now?” I ask in what I hope to be an authoritative tone. “Both of you?” I glare at Jude, who is now watching Cardan without his noticing, and her admiring eyes and open mouth as if in awe distract me. But not for too long. 

“Guys, c’mon! I’m responsible for the two of you being in the party as lucidly as you are supposed to. And you are not cooperating. I hate this.”

It feels like I’m talking to myself at this point, because when I look at them, Jude is only focused on carefully climbing on Cardan as if, if she fell from him, it’d be like falling from a mountain. 

“Jude, are you listening to me?” I ask her. Then Cardan, who’s seated on the floor, seems to acknowledge the dangerous height that he is, and takes Jude in his arms as he gasps. “Love, be careful.” Elfhame has it bad.

“Cardan! There is literally the floor under you.” They finally look at me, their brows furrowed like if I was the one acting dumb. But then their gazes move to the floor and they share a look. “Yes.” Cardan tells me, his eyes still on Jude. “The floor is down here. Great share.”

Jude grins at him. I can’t believe they think I’m stupid. They’ve reached quite a level of intoxication. And then I see the bottles of wine behind them. All of them empty. Wow-

“Okay. Enough.” I kneel to Jude and take her by her shoulders. “Come with me, you have to get changed.” 

Cardan hugs her tighter and says, “She will not. I still have to fix her makeup.” He turns to her and asks, “Right?” She nods quickly, alarmed due to his preoccupation.

“So you are to go to the revel like this?” I gesture to her clothes, Cardan’s clothes, actually. She’s wearing a purple blouse under a wine red vest, it’s horrific. She looks like she had decided to wear a costume to the party and had found Cardan’s part of the dresser.

“What? Don’t you like it?” Jude whispers to me as if hurt. “I love it.” Cardan responds before I can, which makes her smile while she puts her arms on his shoulders to hug him. 

I sigh yet again.

Then… Maybe this could work. “I have wine.” They turn to me. They listen to me. 

“Where?” Jude asks, all seriousness.

I’m happiness itself as I realize I’m convincing them, I’m making this work. “The revel. Downstairs. In five minutes.”

“Where is exactly five minutes?” Cardan asks cautiously. “You wouldn’t dare lie to the crown about this subject, would you?

I suppress a laugh. “No, no. I would never dare to do such a thing.” I stand up and expect them to do the same. “I meant that you, your majesties, ought to be there in about five minutes.”

“Oh.” Jude says and stands up, letting go of Cardan’s arms. When she’s finally up, she kneels again to Cardan and takes his hands.” “We should go.”

Cardan nods and lets himself stand with Jude’s help. They start walking towards the door, ignoring my presence there. “Hey, wait! You have to get changed.”

They look at me, then at each other. I see them grinning, and I don’t have time enough to realize their plan before they take off running out of the room.

-characters by Holly Black

Thank you so much for the request, I hope it is what you had in mind. and sorry it took me so long, i feel like i first read the message an eternety ago. oh, and in honor of the stolen heir, I ofc had to put baby Oak in this. shame on me, though: i still haven't read it.

#jurdan #jude and cardan #jurdan headcanon #the folk of the air #thefolkoftheair #jude duarte #cardan greenbriar #i miss jude and cardan #the wicked king #the queen of nothing #jurdan fic #jurdan fanfic #the cruel prince #jude x cardan

[ezziefae]

Thoughts while reading The Prisoners Throne Excerpt

Here's a rushed annotation of some parts of the excerpt that really drew my attention. Jurdan fans be ready for many surprises.

"Imagine you have a weapon. They had been in Vivi’s second apartment, standing on a small metal balcony. Inside, Taryn and Vivi had been fussing over Leander, who was learning to crawl. The Ghost had asked about Oak’s training and been uninterested in the excuse that he was eleven, had to go to school, and couldn’t be swinging around a longsword in the common space of the lawn without neighbors getting worried."

(this is a flashback) Taryn’s child makes their first debut!! Taryn named the boy Leander. (I’m assuming its a boy name) Since the Ghost is in Vivi’s apartments could that be a hint that he’s romantically involved with Taryn? Or it could also be that he’s accompanied Taryn to protect her. It's super cool to see The Ghost and Oak training together.

"Oak had actually liked making his own sword. It was huge and black with a bright red hilt covered in demonish faces. It looked like the sword of someone in an anime he’d been watching, and he felt like a badass, holding it in his hands. The sight of Oak’s blade had made the Ghost smile, but he didn’t laugh. Instead, he started moving through a series of exercises, urging Oak to follow. He told the prince should call him by his non‑spy name, Garrett, since they were friends."

Love that Holly is still referencing anime in the Elfhame series. Can we also talk about The Ghost’s character development? In TFOTA series he always kept to himself, and now he’s letting his closest friends call him by his real name.

"The prince has been imprisoned three weeks, according to the tallies he’s made in the dust beneath the lone bench. Long enough to dwell on every mistake he has made on his ill‑fated quest."

THREE WEEKS??? What the heck have Jude and Cardan been doing for three weeks??? I honestly expected for him to be rescued asap. If anything Jude and Cardan have been carefully planning to save oak and I guess that takes a lot of time. 

"His family must be in a panic right now. He trusts that Tiernan got Madoc to Elfhame safely, no matter what the redcap general wanted. But Jude would be furious with Tiernan for leaving Oak behind and even angrier with Madoc, if she guesses just how much of this is his fault."

I really want to see someone from Elfhame’s POV on Jude finding out on Oak being taken prisoner by Wren. I want to see a raging Jude. I’d be terrified to be in Tiernan’s place, since it was his job to protect Oak, and he failed that.

"Possibly Cardan would be relieved to be rid of Oak, but that wouldn’t stop Jude from making a plan to get him back. Jude has been ruthless on Oak’s behalf before, but this is the first time it’s scared him. Wren is dangerous. She is not someone to cross. Neither of them are."

OHH??? OHHH???? So many things are thrown at us here. Oak has a reason to believe that Cardan doesn’t like him??? To the point where Oak believes Cardan would even be RELIEVED to get rid of him? That was SUPER unexpected. Oak finally takes it in that neither Wren or Jude are people to cross. As much as I hate saying this, I want a Jude and Wren fight. That would be amazing. Not saying I want either of them to die, or get hurt, but that would be an intense scene. 

“I can do better,” he says. “And perhaps you might bring me a little gossip to cheer the chilly monotony of my days.” “You’re very silly, Your Highness,” she says after a moment, biting her bottom lip a little.

Oak is using his most dangerous power, seduction. Screaming. 

"He remembers Oriana’s warning to him when he was a child. A power like the one you have is dangerous, she said. You can know what other people most want to hear. Say those things, and they will not only want to listen to you. They will come to want you above all other things. The love that a gancanagh inspires—some may pine away for desire of it. Others will carve the gancanagh to pieces to be sure no one else has it."

I'm so glad holly is diving deep into this, We know that Locke also had this power, and how he was wielding it in TFOTA series. 

"That night, he wakes to the sight of a snake crawling down the wall, its black metal body jeweled and glittering. A forked emerald tongue tastes the air at regular intervals, like a metronome. It startles him badly enough for him to back up against the bars, the iron hot against his shoulders. He has seen creatures like it before, forged by the great smiths of Faerie. Valuable and dangerous. The paranoid thought comes to him that poison would be one straightforward way to solve the problem of his being held by an enemy of Elfhame. If he were dead, there’d be no reason to pay a ransom."

Oak sees this snake, and he immediately thinks it was sent from elfhame to kill him. Which is insane for him to believe that. 

"He doesn’t think his sister would allow it, but there are those who might risk going around her. Grima Mog, the new grand general, would know exactly where to find the prince, having served the Court of Teeth herself. Grima Mog might look forward to the war it would start. And, of course, she answered to Cardan as much as Jude."

"Not to mention there was always the possibility that Cardan convinced Jude that Oak was a danger to them both."

WHAT IS THIS DISAPPROVAL CARDAN HAS ON OAK?? The fact that Oak believes Cardan sent the snake to KILL HIMM, that's absolute madness. Like what the helll did this man do to Oak to make him feel this way?? Cryingggg. 

"It yawns widely enough for him to see silver fangs. The links of its body move, and a ring comes up from its throat, clanging to the floor. He leans down and lifts it. A gold ring with a deep blue stone, scuffed with wear. His ring, a present from his mother on his thirteenth birthday and left behind on his dresser because it no longer fit his finger. Proof that this creature was sent from Elfhame. Proof that he was supposed to trust it."

THIS IS THE RING THAT'S ON THE COVER!! Now we know what the ring means to Oak!!

“Prinss,” it says. “In three daysssss, you mussss be ready for resssss‑cue.” “Rescue?” Not here to poison him, then. The snake just stares with its cold, glittering eyes.

Okay so Jude sent a snake as a messenger to Oak, to let him know that they're coming to save him in three days. Cool….coool.

“Give me longer,” he says, no matter that it’s ridiculous to negotiate with a metal snake and even more ridiculous to negotiate for his own imprisonment, just in order to get a chance to speak with someone who refuses to see him. “Two more weeks perhaps. A month.”

THIS STUBBORN BOYYYYYY. Oh I know Jude would be absolutely furious for that.

"Oak slides the ring onto his pinkie finger, watching the snake as it coils its way up the wall. Halfway to the ceiling, he realizes that just because it wasn’t sent to poison him doesn’t mean it wasn’t sent to poison someone."

BIG MISTAKE MISTER SNAKE, BIGGGGG MISTAKEEEE.

He jumps onto the bench and grabs for it, catching the end of its tail. With a tug, it comes off the wall, falling against his body and coiling around his forearm. “Prinsssss,” it hisses. As it opens its mouth to speak, he notes the tiny holes in the points of its silvery fangs. When it does not strike, Oak pries the snake carefully from around his arm. Then, gripping the end of its tail firmly, he slams it down against the stone bench. Hears the cracking of its delicate mechanical parts. A gem flies off. So does a piece of metal. He whips it against the bench again.

Oak really said “oh hell no, you're not killing the women i love, nah uh,” and then proceeds to kill it in a very violent unsettling manner. Everyone was right when they said that Oak was like Madoc.

Straun spits on the floor in front of the prince’s cage. “No amount of gold or gems will save you. If my winter queen wants you to rot here, you’re going to rot.” “Your winter queen?” Oak repeats, unable to stop himself. The falcon looks a little shamefaced and turns to go back to his post. He’s young, Oak realizes. Older than Oak, but not by so very much. Younger than Hyacinthe. It shouldn’t be a surprise that Wren made such an impression on him. It shouldn’t bother Oak, shouldn’t fill him with a ferocious jealousy.

THE JEALOUSY HAS ME CACKLING. He was imprisoned, neglected in his cell by wren and yet he's jealous whenever someone else has lovey dovey eyes for wren. This man is so down for wren, and I don’t blame him. 

The Ghost taught him how to move stealthily, but he’s never been very good at it. He blames his hooves, heavy and hard. They clack at the worst possible times. But he makes an effort, sliding them against the floor to minimize noise.

Super cool to see how much The Ghost has impacted Oak's skills. The court of shadows in general has been a huge part in Oak’s training and it shows.

Oak moves fast, jerking Straun backward and covering his nose and mouth with the cloth. The guard struggles, but inhaling blusher mushroom slows his movements. Oak presses him to the floor until he’s unconscious.

THERE WE GOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

Welp, The excerpt ends in Oak escaping his cell…..after all thar chaos i've become too impatient. Just 3 Months until this book comes out !!! 

#CARDAN DOESNT LIKE OAK?? THATS INSANE #JUDE AND CARDAN ARE REALLY COMING BACK #jude duarte #holly black #the folk of the air #jurdan #oak greenbriar #the prisoners throne #elfhame #the stolen heir #cardan greenbriar #the cruel prince #The Prisoners Throne Peeks

[likecanyoujustnot]

Cardan’s letters pov

Part 3: games

A/n: I wrote it pretty quickly. This is so much easier than the feysand one. Hm. Shouldn’t take me long to do the others

Part 2. Part 4

I was positively miserable. Another week had passed, making it 25 days she’d been gone for. I had never cared this much about time before now.

The court had noticed I wasn’t the same. Many rumours I’d been injured, or fallen ill. I supposed I was ill. Heartbreak or as close to it as I could get at the moment.

Never thought I’d feel something like this. Ever. Never thought I’d care so much about someone I’d yearn for their presence so much. To hear their voice, see their face and smile. Care so much that they could come so close to breaking my heart.

I’d come so close to just asking Taryn for help, but after all she’d done to Jude, I wasn’t inclined to speak to her.

But I knew who I would be.

“I know you’ve been seeing Jude.”

The roach looked up at me from where he sat looking at spy reports.

“What makes you say that?” The fact he didn’t deny it told me all I needed to know.

“You’re not the only one with sources.” It was a guess, but I knew him well enough to know he cared for Jude. He wasn’t likely to just ignore her.

“I am your sources.”

“That’s beside the point.” I sat at the small table across from him.

“Remind me again of the point since you already know I’ve seen her.”

Is she safe? Angry? Does she use her every breath to declare how much she hates me? I go for a less desperate question. “How is she?”

“She’s fine.” He went back to his report.

“That’s not what I meant and you know it.”

He sighed and set down the pen. “She’s mentioned you maybe twice.”

My stomach dropped. Maybe she didn’t even see me as important enough to return to. “Is she angry?”

“As angry as someone who’s been exiled by one they trusted can be.”

“So very angry?”

“Not quite. She seems to be more… distant. Cold. She’s been using her time as a mercenary for the folk living in her area, getting paid just enough to help her sister, killing and dealing with their issues.”

She was queen now. Anything I owned now belonged to the both of us. And vice versa. She now had access to the entire royal coffers, all the gold and valuables Mab and my father collected.

Now hers.

“That news disturbs you.” He was very observant, I’d give him that.

I didn’t answer him for a while. Keeping quiet in thought.

“Does she want to come back?”

“I’m not sure, she hasn’t mentioned it.” His gaze hardened. “Besides, you exiled her, said that if she came back she’d be killed. Jude is many things, foolish is not one of them, she wouldn’t come back to a death trap.”

He didn’t know about the loophole, so I couldn’t have him relay the message.

“I spoke to Vivienne once while she was out.”

Vivi and I had been friendly. Her closeness to Rhyia caused us to interact on occasion.

“What’d she say?”

“Not much, she’s distrustful of the fae. Said Jude barely spoke to her, that she was jittery, would spend a couple minutes every day just staring at space, playing with the ring on her finger.”

The wedding ring. The one I’d used my lessons of slight hand to take as she’d worn it. Given back to her as we exchanged vows. The far didn’t do wedding rings. But I’d thought Jude would appreciate it.

She’d probably told Vivi we were married. I doubt either would’ve told the roach.

My heart ached. I’d been an idiot. Marry her and exile her in the space of a couple hours. What could go wrong?

Clearly everything.

I put my head in my hands and rested my elbows on the table. “I just want her back.”

“Maybe you should tell her that.”

“I can’t.” My voice cracked.

“Well then, not much I can do I’m afraid.”

I looked up at the roach. “Can you tell her?”

“No.”

I glared at him. “I am your king-”

He stared back at me with just as much will. “Yes, but you are also my friend, Cardan. And I will not fix your mistakes for you. I will not be your go between in this weird relationship you two have going on. You want her back you tell her that, you fight for her back.”

“I’m not a fighter.” Balekin had felt the need to remind me of that every time I failed.

“Not all fighting is done with a sword.”

The roach stood up and left.

I grabbed a piece of blank paper from where he had been working and grabbed the quill.

The words came much easier to me today that they had the past times I’d tried writing to her.

Jude,

You are in no mood for games. Very well. I am in no mood for them either.

Let me write it outright. You are pardoned. I revoke your banishment. I rescind my words. Come home.

Come home and shout at me. Come home and fight with me. Come home and break my heart, if you must.

Just come home.

Cardan

I stared at the words on the page. No room for misinterpretation. I told her she wouldn’t be killed, that she would be safe, that I wanted her to come home. To me.

I needed her to come home.

My wife,

My queen,

My Jude.

Tags:

@magicstrengthandcourage

#cardans letters pov #cardan greenbriar #the cruel prince #the wicked king #the queen of nothing #the folk of the air #folk of the air #jude duarte #jurdan

[deathsweetblossoms]

"Enough," Locke says sharply to Cardan. He's got his hands on my shoulders and is pulling me roughly to my feet. "I'm taking her home." "Are you, now?" Cardan asks him, eyebrows raised. "Interesting timing. You like the savor of a little humiliation, just not too much?" "I hate it when you get like this," Locke says under his breath.

"How can you stand them?" I ask... "There is a pleasure in being with them," he says. "Taking what we wish, indulging in every terrible thought. There's safety in being awful."

Locke's whole reasoning for being friends with Cardan is the safety and joy he feels in being able to be his worst self without repercussions. Yet, in the faerie fruit scene, we actually see Cardan directly calling him out. On first read, before we actually understand the hidden machinations of what's going on in this scene, it seems like Locke is saying he hates when Cardan behaves awfully. But that's not what he's saying. What Locke hates is being called out. Which insinuates that Cardan has called him out before this, more than once. So my question is, does this have to do with why Locke is the way he is with Cardan? Why he always seeks to best him, embarrass him?

I have a full essay-length analysis of the faerie fruit scene compared to the Queen of Mirth scene, but one of the things that really stands out is how deranged the Queen of Mirth scene actually is when you consider Locke's motivations. He's the one who set the entire event up... to see how Cardan would react. He was also using The Ghost to spy for him (to pick up more information about people to learn their vulnerabilities and how to exploit them). The extent of Locke's cruelty is well known to us by the end of the trilogy, so it's not a stretch to think his reasons for helping Jude in the faerie fruit scene were for selfish reasons only (to exploit her vulnerability in this moment and gain her trust). What I find so intriguing, though, is that exchange between the two of them. It's so subtle, but it's there.

Edit to add this: Cardan shoved Valerian off Jude, wasn't pleased when Nicasia slapped her, AND called Locke out to his face in this scene. So I fully believe "I hate when you get like this" is when he challenges them in any way. They like him powerless. They like him when they allow THEM to be their worst selves.

#the folk of the air #the cruel prince #cardan greenbriar #prince cardan #locke is a POS and the worst sort #the sort that hides behind flattery so you think he isnt “as bad as” valerian when he really is #it just takes a different form #the man literally told taryn she lost her story when she told him she was pregnant #he SUCKS #tfota #tfota meta

[supernaturalgirl20]

Cardan Greebriar x reader.

she is not particularly human, but rather has a slight faerie descent. Her first friend was Locke, and from a young age she was romantically involved with Cardan starting as an innocent love until they were both about 17. And then there's the Locke/Nicasia conflict, where she sides with Locke because, well, she trusts him, and Cardan in Nicasia. Since that event, Cardan starts to tease and annoy her with a lovers-enemies-lovers theme.

Yeah!! My first Cardan request 🥰 sorry this took a while. I changed it up a bit for the fic, hope you enjoy 😊

Possession

Pairings: Cardan Greenbrier x f!reader

Warnings: Smut 18 +, unprotected sex (not explicit), kind of enemies to lovers, Cardan using his tail, jealousy, slight bullying/taunting of Jude, smidge of angst, fluff.

A/N: I saw a post from @deepdive-with-aurelius about Cardan using his tail to wrap around your leg when he’s jealous and I ran with it 🥰 also my requests are closed but I’m willing to take some for Cardan 😉

Comments and reblogs really appreciated 🥰

You hated these things. His parties. The ones he’s famous for. The room is always filled with loud music and debauchery and even though you were half Fae, you would much rather be doing something else. Anything else, but Locke always insists you come. Locke, your best friend is currently busy with Taryn.

You’ve become rather suspicious of the amount of time he spends with her but you don’t question it. He’s one of your closest friends and he’s had your back on many occasions, so you don’t pry. You choose instead to sit with Jude, one of the few people you consider a friend. When she first came to elfhame, you both bonded immediately - she was human and you a half breed, at least that’s what Cardan calls you.

“I’m surprised to see you here, Jude. I thought you were skipping tonight’s festivities?” She turns to you with a scowl on her face, “Madoc insisted. We need to show our solidarity with the Greenbrier line. Or something along those lines. I rarely pay attention. Trust me, I’d much rather be at home with Vivi.” You can’t help the way your lips twitch at the corner at her attitude.

“We’re not all that bad,” you say, nudging her shoulder a little. “You, Y/N are more human than Fae despite your pointed ears.” You both laugh. “I’ll take that as a compliment then.”

A quietness falls over you both and you take the moment to let your eyes flicker through the crowd. A tingle works its way up your spine and you know his eyes are on you. You try not to look at him but it’s impossible - because no matter how much you hate him, you love him just as much.

Your eyes meet and his steely gaze is unwavering as he takes you in. Nicasia is draped over his lap laughing and you can’t help but roll your eyes - something you know he saw with the way the corner of his mouth curves into a smile. You stand abruptly and pull Jude by the arm.

“Come on, let's dance.” She groans loudly but doesn’t put up a fight as she lets you drag her into the crowd. You both dance wildly to the rhythm and soon enough, you get lost in the music.

***

Your eyes are closed and a slight breeze dances over your flushed skin as you sway to the music. Something tickles your leg and startles you, halting you in your tracks. Suddenly you’re being pulled by the leg and you crash into something solid and warm.

Your eyes are wide and your heart beats frantically within your chest as you meet his gaze again. His arms wrap around you, steadying you while his tail - which had wound its way around your leg - slid up under your dress. “Cardan.” You gasp. “What are you doing?”

A sly smile spreads across his handsome face and his eyes search yours - for what you're not sure but right now, you couldn’t care less. His tail has stopped and is wrapped around your thigh and the feel of it sends a shiver through you.

“What? You don’t like the feeling of me wrapped around you, half-breed.” You scowl at his pet name for you as anger begins to bubble under your skin. “You know I don’t like when you call me that.”

“I’ll call you whatever I want. I’m the Prince.” His face lowers slightly, his lips almost grazing your ear, “I'm your Prince.”

Stop! Leave her alone. A commotion breaks you out of the moment and you turn to find Nacasia pulling Jude’s braid from her hair. You’ll never be one of us, so stop trying. You try to pull away but Cardan's hold on you only tightens.

Jude begins to fight back but a crowd has gathered now and Valerian and Poesy are taunting her. You need to help your friend. You try pulling away from him again but he won’t let you go. His gaze is focused solely on you as you turn to face him.

“Please, Cardan. I have to help her.” Your hand comes to rest on his chest as you plead with him and his eyes flicker to the movement. You can see something shift behind his eyes and then his eyes meet yours again. You don’t know why you're bothering, he isn’t the same Cardan you grew up with or fell in love with all those years ago. He’s cruel now.

“Enough!” He shouts out, his gaze never leaving your face and the taunting and shouting quiets down. “Oh come on Cardan, I was only having a little fun.”

He turns to Nicasia now, his eyes glowering at her. “I said enough. Leave the mortal alone.” Nicasia lets go of Jude’s hair and she stands quickly, her knuckles meeting her jaw. “Don’t ever touch me again.”

Jude fixes herself before running off through the crowd. The music begins to play again and Valerian helps Nicasia take a seat - her face contorted into a scowl and her gaze fixed on you. The warmth from Cardan's hand seeps into your skin and you feel yourself being pulled closer. His body is flush with yours and you finally look back up at him.

“Thank you.” His tail begins to move again; slowly inching higher until it…oh. “Cardan what…” His lips twitch as he leans in and you think he’s about to kiss you - do I want him to kiss me - but he turns and whispers into your ear. “Run along now half breed, better check on your mortal pet.”

He laughs. A cruel laugh as he pulls his tail away and marches over to his friends. He’s never going to change. Your eyes scan the crowd for Locke and you quickly find him, face molded to Taryn. Of course. I need to check on Jude.

***

The week that follows is somewhat uneventful and it seems that Cardan has had words with Nicasia because she hasn’t said boo to Jude since the party.

Jude’s been focusing on her training which means that with Locke now otherwise occupied, you spend most of your evenings in your own company. Or with Vivi - when she isn’t sneaking off to the human world. Tonight is one of those nights and she has suggested a swim in the lake.

You love the lake. The water is cool on your skin but not too cold and the way the stars and moon reflect off the water makes it feel magical. Which it is you suppose, given where you are.

“I heard about the party last week. Jude said you got Cardan to stop Nicasia. Thank you. She’s very entitled, that one, just because her mother rules the sea.”

“Yeah, she’s something alright. Cardan seems entranced by her..” Vivi snorts and you turn to her, a smile on your face. “What’s with the snort?”

“He’s not entranced by her, honestly I don’t think he’s ever been if you ask me. You on the other hand..” You roll your eyes as you begin to strip out of your clothes. Slowly moving into the water, you completely submerge yourself before coming up beside Vivi.

“Don’t roll your eyes at me. I’m right, you know. Our prince of elfhame is besotted by you. Do you think he would have stopped them torturing Jude for just anybody? No, he wouldn’t.”

You’re unconvinced but don’t want to argue with her so you just swim. Time passes and you continue to swim when you feel something on your leg. You twist your head trying to spot Vivi, “oh so we’re doing that now are we,” you shout out with a laugh.

“Doing what?” You freeze. Whatever is touching you, sliding up your leg - is not Vivi, and you scream out until a hand covers your mouth. “I don’t think I’m that scary,” his voice whispers into your ear. His breath is hot on your skin and you can feel him behind you.

The hand he has resting on your hip slides across your waist pulling you into him. His head rests in the crook of your neck. “Hey, I heard you scream are you…oh, it’s you. Why am I not surprised? Right, well I’ll leave you two to it.” Her eyes flicker to Cardan and a small smile creeps onto her face as she turns and swims off.

“Alone at last,” he purrs into your neck before turning you in his arms and pinning you against the rocks. Your heart beats hard against your chest and you’re afraid he’ll feel it with how close he is. You don’t want him to know how much he’s affecting you.

His tail swirls about until it begins moving up your bare leg, winding its way up like a vine. He looks at you, his eyes hooded and a smirk on his face. Why does he have to be so handsome? His hair is damp and water droplets run down his cheek.

“Cardan, what are you doing? I thought you didn’t want…” His finger rests on your lip, silencing you. “You are ruining the mood, half-breed.” You growl as you place your hand on his chest and push him off.

“Oh, what’s wrong? You don’t like me calling you that?” You try to swim away but he grabs your wrist and pulls you back to him. “You know I hate it when you call me that. Why don’t you run back to Nicasia? Maybe she can…” His lips crash onto yours and although you hate him at this moment you can’t help but melt into his touch.

His arms, along with his tail wrap around your waist as he moves you against the rocks again. Your hands find purchase in his disheveled hair and he groans into your mouth. His hands skim along your waist down towards your ass and he squeezes your cheek tight before moving your leg over his hip, lining himself up and sliding in.

You gasp out at the slight stretch and he swallows your moans with his mouth. It’s slow and sensual and with each thrust of his hips, he hits that sweet spot over and over again until you cry out into the night. You're both panting as you calm down from your highs and he holds your cheek gently in his palm.

“Kiss me Y/N, kiss me until I’m sick of it.” You do and you don’t care that your relationship isn’t what it used to be or that he chose to side with Nicasia; all you care about is the feel of him right here, right now.

***

The following evening you sit on the grass with Jude as you listen to Noggle prattle on with his lesson; your mind swirling with the memories of the night before and how Cardan touched you and made you…

“Earth to Y/N,” Jude says, waving her hand in your face. “Hmm, sorry what did you say.” She shakes her head, the corners of her mouth curving into a smile. “Never mind.”

Locke had decided to sit with Cardan and his minions today, which was fine, he was still friends with them. You are too, sort of. You just can’t stand Nicasia, or more importantly, you don’t like how she’s always fawning over Cardan.

Speaking of the prince of elfhame, he has completely ignored you since last night and you can’t deny that it hurts. Did he just use me? “Hi Y/N, Jude, can I sit with you?” You turn to see Ghost standing tall beside you, his frame intimidating as he blocks out the evening sun.

“Yeah sure.” He takes a seat beside you and he glances at Jude before he smiles at you. “Shouldn’t you be off doing something important,” Jude says with a hint of irritation in her voice. “Perhaps but I would much rather be here staring at this beautiful creature.” Ghost winks at you and you can’t help the blush that rises to your cheeks.

He continues to flirt with you and he makes you laugh, something which doesn’t go unnoticed by Cardan who is glowering at him. When the lesson is over you go to stand, Ghosts hand wrapping around you pulling you up. “Oh thank you.”

“No problem. Jude, we need to continue training today…” You feel his presence before you see him. The atmosphere changes and Ghost looks to your left, “Cardan.”

“It’s Prince Cardan to you,” he says as he wraps an arm around you pulling you into his side. Ghost's eyes flicker to where you are both joined and a hint of smile twitches at the corner of his mouth. “I was just about to ask Y/N if she would like to join me for dinner,” he says, eyes focused on Cardan.

“Oh…I…” You can feel Cardan's fingers dig into your side and his tail curls around your leg, holding you impossibly closer. “I don’t think so.”

“Well, I wasn’t asking you.” Ghost turns then - a hint of mischief in his eyes - to face you before winking. “Y/N will be having dinner with me, considering she’s mine and all.” Your eyebrow raises at this as you turn towards Cardan with a question behind your eyes.

“Fair enough. She’s all yours. Jude, I’ll see you later.” A growl forces its way out of Cardan's throat as he turns to you. “What was that about? You’ve been ignoring me all day and then last night you…I’m not in the mood for this.” You shove him off and storm away needing to clear your head.

You find yourself back at the lake and you sit on the edge letting out a breath you don’t know you were holding. “How dare you run away from me half breed. You know what I do to those who disobey me.”

Standing abruptly you turn to him, anger flowing off you in waves. “Do it then. Since you hate me so much.” You are right in front of him now, and you can see his nostrils flaring. He moves forward until he is right on top of you. “I do hate you. I hate you because I think of you. Often. It’s disgusting and I can’t stop.”

“What? That makes no sense you…” His lips are on yours and his arm snakes around your waist, holding you tight. Pulling away his thumb caresses your cheek as he stares into your eyes. “You consume my every waking thought. Everywhere I go, I see you, I hear you. The smell of your skin lingers on me and it drives me insane. You said that I chose Nicasia. I didn’t. You chose Locke and I was jealous so I flaunted her in front of you.”

“I didn’t choose…” He growls and you bite into your lower lip. “Enough. I’m done playing these games. You’re mine and I’m yours and I will kill any man or Fae who touches you.”

“Here I was thinking you had become cruel.” He laughs, “oh I am, make no mistake but I will never be cruel to you.”

“I love you Cardan.” He leans in and kisses you softly. “And I, you.”

Everything: @amneris21 @nembees @allthe-ships

Tagging some peeps who requested fics for FOTA: @multifandomconfusion @lama-0511

#cardan x reader #cardan greenbriar #Cardan greenbrier x reader #prince cardan #the cruel prince #the folk of the air #cardans tail