#stargazing in the palace

[monpalace]

OH MY GOD

NEW IDEA DROPPED (Back on my pining Time shizzz)

Imagine, reader minding their own business and talking with a bartender, they weren’t doing much really— just buying a few drinks (alcoholic and non) for a few of the boys. Speaking of the boys, mosy sat at a table while others mingled in and out of the bar. The chatter was idle between the heroes, some light banter thrown across the table, but all falls on deaf ears as Time watches you from afar.

He’s not sure why but ever since that late night talk about “types” and “past lovers” he hasn’t been too keen on letting you out of his sights. Its not like he’s forcing you by his side, or following you everywhere— goddess forbid! You’re a grown adult and are well able to take care of yourself, but damn it this ball in his gut just wont go away.

Apparently his quick glances were as subtle as he had hoped because the next thing he knows a unfamiliar hand rests on his shoulder. The table goes quiet and the old man is quick to look to the source of the hand, his own hand hovering over the dagger at his side.

To his left was a older man— older than Time himself —grey hairs and wrinkled face turned into a snarky grin. His unbalanced stance, dilated pupil and awful stench where all the Time needed to know the man was overly drunk.

“Pretty aren’t they?” The drunk slurred his words and clumsy nodding his head you your direction. That ball in his gut only grew.

From the cover of his eye, Time noticed a handful of the boys at the table shift in their seats uncomfortably. Lovely. The hero of Time turned to the drunk, cold eyes meeting unfocused ones.

“Are you in need of something? Or just looking for someone to bother” His words are sharp but voice did not raise. Was that last bit necessary? No. Did he care at the moment? Not at all.

The drunk laughed, mouth hung open as his belly bounced with every forced breath. Some of the boys from across the bar watched, yet you were still unaware it seemed. “Simply wondering if ya knew if they were single~” His eyes fixated on you, racking his disgusting eyes up and down your form. “Can resist a chance with a beauty like that.”

Wind, one of the boys who sat beside Time, was quick to sit up and slam his hands onto the wooden table, loudly proclaiming. “Their my parent!”

The drunk seems shocked for a moment, cause Wind to smirk and Time’s shoulders to relax. How foolish he was to think such a vile man would give up that easily.

A gurgling laugh bubbles up from the mans throat, spray spittle across the table. (Twilight and Hyrule are quick cover their food)

“Do you need a daddy?”

How DARE he—

Wind’s mouth hangs in shock, Twilight nearly cracks his mug with his grip, Hyrule cant help the gag that comes from his gut. And Time? Oh he’s furious

The loud screeching of wood on wood silences the bar. Time looms over this hunched, pathetic excuse of a man, both eyes open wide to star down at this…pig. Time wished to bust this pig’s skull open, slam him into the table until his face was full of splinters. He’d pluck his eyes and carve out his tongue. Let the body get eaten by his brethren.

Not one of his thoughts is shown on his face. His anger is calm and collected, he refused to put so much effort to a worthless low life. Time’s voice rolls like thunder, it pierces like daggers and stings like venom.

“No need for such an imbecilic question, he has no need for one,” the drunk stares up at Time, a slow realization builds behind his eyes. “For he, is mine. And They are mine.”

He doesn’t mean for the last bit to sound like a possessive growl, but the ball in his gut has risen to his chest, rolling around in his chest with every breath he takes. He needs to get it out.

The sound the man lets out might as well be a squeal as he backs away from the frightening hero. Slurred apologies falls from his mouth like a rushing water fall as he stumbles his way out of the quiet bar.

One in, two out. One in, two out. Time repeats, fixing his breathing and calming the violent wishes. Boths eyes now shut as he takes one last big breath before turning and looking back to the three boys. One word to describe their expressions? Utterly and entirely gobsmacked.

Oh, their not going to let him live this down for a while, arent they? His lips formed a tight line, his eyesbrows knitted together. But a quiet cough chases his attention.

Turning —half expecting an employee or boss of the bar telling them they have to leave— he sees you. Eyes wide, mouth silently agape but a twitch of a smile lingers at the corner of your mouth.

“I’m yours?” You spoke, eyes twinkling with something Time cant place.

Oh.

Oh no..

I SKIMMED THROUGH THIS AND ALL I SAW FOR A FEW SECONDS WERE "do you need a daddy" AND IVE NEVER HAD TO PAUSE FOR AS LONG AS I DID?? I DIDNT EVEN LOOK BACK TO SEE THE CONTEXT I JUST SAT THERE AND LOOKED DUMB???

completely unrelated why did this lowkey remind me of a unspoken rule or something where it's like "if someone puts something of theirs (glasses, hat, etc) on someone, it's an unspoken rule that they're claimed" or smth. idk time just looks like the type of person to do that

ANYWAYS TIME'S LITTLE POSSESSIVE GROWL, VIOLENT (valid) THOUGHTS, AND WHATNOT? he fr let out a few years worth of repressed emotions i refuse to accept otherwise

time just needs to get the papers, legally adopt wind, and put the reader down as the other parent beCAUSE BROTHER 😵‍💫😵‍💫

and reader's response to hearing all that?? why can all i hear/see is them doing druski's little "whadda you mean by that"

trippy im abt to write a drabble stop playin with me 😭🗿

#the palace answers #stargazing in the palace #NO BC TWI AND HYRULE COVERING THEIR FOOD LITERALLY KILLED ME?? #bigger ppl than me bc as soon as i saw that spit i woulda stopped eatin fr #link x reader #loz link x reader #linked universe x reader #lu x reader

[stargazer333]

#Walk with me in hell #Lamb of God #gif made by me #stargazer #lyrics #Sacrament #Wrath #Ashes of the Wake #As The Palaces Burn #metalcore #groove metal #New American Gospel #Resolution #Redneck #Laid to rest #Fake Messiah #Grace #US #Campbell is a bae #Do you wanna walk in hell with me? #hell #walk #music #gif #lyrics quote

[emptyhead00]

Favorite albums of 2022:

Yumi Zouma - Present Tense [Of Me and You, Mona Lisa]

The Birthday Massacre - Fascination [Cold Lights, Precious Hearts]

Future Palace - Run [Heads Up, Paradise]

Beach Bunny - Emotional Creature [Entropy, Deadweight]

I discovered Yumi Zouma through their last album, Truth or Consequences, and it ended up being my favorite album of 2020. Here they are once again as my top album with their latest, Present Tense.

Fascination reminds me of newer The Birthday Massacre with the darker vibe of their earlier stuff.

New discovery this year: Future Palace. They’re like if Paramore went metal. I hope they’ll gain more recognition over time.

Another new discovery this year: Beach Bunny. Fun album.

This isn’t an album, but my top song of the year is The Tipping Point by Tears for Fears. I wish I had been more into the whole album, but it seems Tears for Fears are always going to be a singles band for me.

Honorable mentions:

beabadoobee - beatopia [10:36]

Cool Maritime - Big Earth Energy [Big Earth Energy]

Emma Ruth Rundle - EG2: Dowsing Voice [In the Cave of the Cailleach's Death-Birth]

NewDad - Banshee [Ladybird]

Panda Riot - Extra Cosmic [E.S.P.]

Seventh Wonder - The Testament [The Light]

Sobs - Air Guitar [Friday Night]

Softcult - Year of the Snake [Uzumaki]

The Stargazer Lilies - Cosmic Tidal Wave [Purple Sunshine]

Warpaint - Radiate Like This [Champion]

It was a pretty shoegazey/dreampop year for me.

#music #yumi zouma #the birthday massacre #future palace #beach bunny #cool maritime #emma ruth rundle #panda riot #seventh wonder #sobs #softcult #the stargazer lilies #warpaint #tears for fears #beabadoobee #newdad

[wheeboo]

venus | choi seungcheol

SYNOPSIS. in which the love between you and the prince is forbidden. PAIRING. prince!choi seungcheol x servant-commoner!reader (ft. servant-commoner!chan very briefly) GENRE. fluff, angst with a hopeful ending?, forbidden love, royalty au, arranged marriage au (cheol is in an arranged marriage), established secret relationship WARNINGS. cheol and reader both have a lil argument, terms of endearment (darling, love, sweetheart), kissing WORD COUNT. 3.8k

note: fic is vaguely inspired by the bridge part of this song called "venus" by regina song 🫶💕 this is also my first time writing a royalty au, so i hope you enjoy! this also features the very iconic "you came" "you called" line 😭

The ballroom of Pledis Palace is charged with an air of enchantment. The time had just reached the peak of evening. Moonlight filters through the large, grand windows, bathing the open room in an ethereal glow. Along the sides of the ballroom are intricately carved golden marble columns, each one painted with a different tale of the kingdom's past.

In the middle of the ceiling sits a majestic chandelier hanging from a massive, golden chain. The piece is the crown jewel of the ballroom, one that easily draws visitors into all its glory and beauty, and it casts a radiant gleam that seemed to rain down like stardust upon the guests below.

The dance floor reflects the light from the chandelier, creating an illusion of stars twinkling at one's feet. You watch all the elegantly-dressed guests move with grace across the room. The women are all dressed with precise attention to detail, their gowns and jewelry like works of art on a canvas. Some wear dresses in shades of amethyst, emerald, and sapphire, embroidered with beautiful beadwork that glistens like constellations, while others prefer flowing gowns in delicate pastels, as if they've stepped out of a fairytale.

They all hold onto their partners𑁋lavish gentlemen dressed in sophistically tailored suits matching the colours of their ladies' gowns𑁋with utmost love and enjoyment, while you find yourself standing at the side, holding up a tray of drinks as a particular heaviness settles in your chest.

And as your eyes drift ever so slightly, you swear that regardless what direction you look in, he's always there at the end of it, like a light at the end of the tunnel. Yet the light this time was dim and lacked almost all the hope that used to be there when you looked at him.

Not only is the royal family of Pledis here, but also a second one. The Choi royal family of Pledis, and of course, the future in-laws.

Prince Choi Seungcheol is dancing with poise that appeared almost effortless, eyes locked in a tender gaze to his future betrothed, yet the smile to his face doesn't quite reach his eyes. It's the same kind of gaze during the times he would be with you, like in the secret corners of the royal garden that only the two of you knew, or in the times you both snuck out of the castle at the wee hours of the night to stargaze, or the intimate nights you spent with him in his quarters where you had to leave just before daybreak.

It's those times where the certain line between nobility and commoner could be momentarily blurred. It's those times where you both truly felt free in more ways than one.

As you continue to watch the dance and see the way he twirls his betrothed with ease, the world seems to blur, and it felt as if it was just you and Seungcheol in this grand ballroom. His eyes, so familiar yet so distant, meet yours in a fleeting moment. His face falls instantly.

The world and time may have pulled you apart, but in that stolen glance, you were brought back together. In your eyes, you saw the prince who had defied tradition and chosen to be with you without boundaries. In his eyes, he saw the commoner who had been his confidant and, more importantly, his secret love.

"Why are you just standing there? Go tend to your duties," the steward advises you annoyedly, snapping you out of your focus. With a start, you fix your posture, offering a quick nod of understanding to the stern-faced steward.

Hastily, you resume your duty, walking through the large crowd, presenting the tray of drinks and feeling their odd looks linger on you as you move past them. They're taunting you, not with words, but with their subtle, condescending glances. The weight in your chest only deepens with each step you take.

You reach the outskirts of the dance floor, casting another glance towards Seungcheol. His elegant moves and the seemingly affectionate way he held his betrothed gives a bittersweet feeling to your chest, and you can't help but briefly imagine yourself there with him instead𑁋being the one at the end of his smile, the end of his touch.

As the music swelled, the dance finally comes to an end. You watch as the prince gracefully leads his betrothed back to her seat, a warm smile on his face. You know he didn't have much of a choice. He had an obligation to the kingdom, to his family, and to the future over the love he had once whispered to you in the hidden corners of the royal gardens.

Your heart aches again, but you understand. You couldn't be a part of his world, no matter how much he cared for you.

You don't catch the way his eyes follow you once you dismiss yourself out of the ballroom, struggling to hold your tears back.

"Y/N, don't you think you overwatered this area right here?" Chan, a fellow gardener for the royal garden and closest friend, taps lightly on your shoulder, startling you out of your daze and nearly the watering can in your hands. You blink rapidly, bringing yourself back to the present.

All you manage is a weak smile, some embarrassment and guilt flooding your senses. "Sorry, I... I guess my mind was elsewhere."

He gives you a knowing look, gaze sympathetic yet encouraging. "It's okay. I know things haven't been the best recently." He gestures toward the grand castle behind you, its towers standing tall and proud. You know exactly what he's talking about, and it makes you let out a sigh, facing back towards the garden in front of you.

You've poured your heart into the royal garden for so long, finding comfort in its quiet beauty and the therapeutic rhythm of tending to its blooms from day to night.

As the sun dips below the horizon and the moon begins to rise, the garden transforms into a world of magic. The abundance of flowers surrounding you seem to glow vibrantly under the moonlight, and their scent becomes more rich in the cool night air. The air carries a gentle breeze, and the soft rustle of leaves soothes your troubled mind.

There was just something about simply being with nature𑁋in the royal garden and with the beauty that exists outside its walls𑁋that allows you to breathe more freely. Sometimes, you swear that even the flowers are capable of whispering words of their own, as if sharing stories with you alone, or stories that you used to listen to with one particular man.

Just as you're about to finish watering one last final section, you hear Chan's distant voice from afar.

"Y-Your Highness! What brings you here at this hour?"

You freeze in place, the almost-empty watering can slipping from your fingers as you turn around.

Prince Seungcheol stands at the edge of the garden, his gracious figure silhouetted against the moonlit scenery. He's dressed in his nighttime attire, a pair of simple yet elegant black trousers and a crisp white shirt that flows slightly in the cool breeze. His gaze flickers between you and Chan, a hint of curiosity in his expression, and the two of you both offer a respectful bow in his direction as he approaches.

"I just wanted some fresh air," Seungcheol answers sharply, locking his eyes with yours, and there's a small smile that graces his lips once he catches sight of you. "It's peaceful here in the garden, isn't it?"

You heart only flutters to his words, yet that arrow of sadness pierces through your chest. However, even below the auroral skies and with the intoxicating fragrance of flowers all around, your heart feels lighter than it has in a long time.

"Chan, you may excuse us for a moment." He gestures to the young boy, his voice carrying a warm, reassuring tone that you've longed to hear.

With a quick nod, Chan offers a polite bow, shooting you a glance before slipping his way back in the direction of the castle, leaving you alone with Seungcheol.

Seungcheol approaches you, the distance between you decreasing until you're standing just a breath away from each other. You both remain in a contemplative silence, neither of you wanting to break the fragile moment that has been rekindled after so long.

Finally, he speaks in a hushed tone. "You've been avoiding me."

Your gaze is quick to fall to the ground in guilt, unable to meet his eyes.

"You know I had to," You reply simply, voice barely more than a whisper. "We can't be together, Cheol. You should know this better than me. It was the only choice you had. Duty called, and you answered."

Seungcheol's face only contorts with a mix of anguish and frustration. "Duty? Duty won't keep me warm at night, Y/N. Duty won't make me feel alive. You are what my heart longs for. You should know this. This is all purely arranged, don't you remember?"

You let out an audible scoff, feeling your hands crumple into fists at your side. "You're being selfish right now. Think about the kingdom, your family, and the future you're meant to build. Don't you see why we can't... we can't be together? It's inevitable. We shouldn't..." Your find your voice drifting away, words getting caught in your throat.

He steps even closer, his frustration boiling over into desperation. "I am thinking about them. I think about them every day, but I... I can't stop thinking about you either. I can't stop loving you."

"This love won't feed the hungry, Seungcheol. This love won't protect our people. This love won't secure the kingdom's future. This love won't change the fact that I'm merely a commoner and you're a prince."

The moonlight accentuates the sadness in his eyes as your words sink in, and you find yourself unable to hold back the tears that have welled up. The two of you only stand there for a few long moments, simply gazing in each other's glassy eyes, feeling like the garden itself was holding in a breath of its own.

Then in a sudden moment of vulnerability, you step closer to him, resting your head against his chest, taking in his familiar warmth and the scent you've longed for as your tears stain his shirt. Seungcheol wraps you in his strong arms, pulling you closer, and you feel his heartbeat against your body, steady and comforting. It's a sound you've always loved listening to whenever you embraced each other.

"I've missed you, darling," he mutters quietly. "Don't you understand how much you mean to me?"

With his arms around you, you feel a warmth that fills the void in your heart. It's a sensation you've yearned for the past few torturous months.

"I-I've missed you too," You confess, voice trembling. "But... but we can't𑁋"

"Please," he pleads softly, tightening his hold around you. "Can't I just hold you?"

The tenderness his voice holds cuts you off, and you can't help the way your fingers instinctively knead at his shirt.

Seungcheol holds you tightly, as if he's afraid that letting go will make you vanish into thin air. In this fleeting moment, there's no kingdom to rule, no traditions to uphold𑁋just the two of you, reunited in an embrace that disregards the confines of your roles. It's as if the world beyond this secluded royal garden has ceased to exist, and for the first time in a long while, you feel truly alive.

"I love you," he murmurs, voice heavy with sorrow, his lips brushing against your hair. "I love you more than anything in this world."

Usually that particularly intimate exchange brings those flutters to your stomach and a giddy smile to your face, but instead, it only makes your heart throb. Though you know with every fibre in your body that it's true𑁋that you love each other. It's not a secret, nor a feeling to deny.

You find yourself pulling away slightly, angling your head up to be able to take a look at him. His gaze meets yours halfway, and the intensity in his dark pupils nearly takes your breath away. He searches your eyes for a moment, before drawing his lips near yours, his intent clear. For a heartbeat, you're tempted to give in𑁋to taste the sweetness of his kiss once more.

But then the weight of responsibility, the duty you've always known, everything, pulls you back.

"I-I can't," You whisper, the words escaping your lips shakily. "We can't, Seungcheol. It-It's not right."

Seungcheol's breath hitches as you pull away. His lips hover just inches from yours, yearning for a connection that seems increasingly unattainable.

"I know," he replies quietly, his voice barely more than a breath. He still doesn't want to let you go. "I understand. I'm sorry."

You bring a hand up to cup his cheek, caressing his skin softly. "The kingdom needs you. Your people need you. They need a strong, capable leader. They need their prince."

Seungcheol's jaw tightens. "And what about what I need? What about what my heart seeks?"

You only gaze longingly at him. The two of you know the answer to that. You don't have to say anything before he understands with a sigh. His expression softens with a mix of resignation and affection, and he takes your hand in his, bringing it to his lips to press a gentle kiss to your knuckles.

"Your Highness, your presence is requested back in the palace," Chan's voice calls out from behind, breaking the fragile moment between the two of you.

Seungcheol releases your hand defeatedly, his gaze lingering on you for a moment longer.

However, instead of backing away, he leans back in close to whisper into your ears, "Come meet me at the royal ballroom tomorrow at midnight," Then he pauses, contemplating, and adding on, "if you wish, of course."

Then his lips curl into a bittersweet smile before turning away to leave. The sound of his footsteps gradually fades as he walks away back towards the palace, leaving you standing amidst the fragrant blooms and under the rays of soft moonlight.

Come meet me at the royal ballroom... midnight... if you wish. Seungcheol's words have been echoing in your mind for the entirety of the day, sometimes even distracting you from the duties you are assigned to in the royal garden.

The more you thought over his invitation, the more it felt like an impossible temptation, knowing well of the risks and consequences it could bring.

The day passes in a blur, the sun making its daily journey across the sky, casting a warm and inviting glow over the palace and the royal garden. And when the late night finally takes over, and the clock strikes midnight, you find yourself cautiously walking down the large corridor of the palace, your feet instinctively bringing you in the direction of the royal ballroom. It's eerily quiet at this time, nothing but skeleton staff that still heightens your paranoid senses of getting caught.

Yet as you stop in front of the grand doors of the ballroom, your heart quickens its pace. You pause for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady yourself. Should you really be doing this? Was it entirely a good idea to be here?

But just the thought of simply him draws you in, your hand briefly gliding over the glistening doorknob.

With a determined sigh, you take the leap and push the heavy doors open. The ballroom lies before you, bathed in the silvery luminescence filtering through the grand windows. Your heart races as you step inside.

The ballroom is empty, deserted practically. All of the lights, including the large chandelier, were switched off, the only source coming from the outside world through the tall windows.

As you step further into the room, the sounds of your shoes echoing throughout, the sheer emptiness of the place becomes more apparent. You swear you even hear your own thoughts bouncing off the walls of the room. Doubts start to creep into your mind. What if he doesn't come? What if this was all a mistake?

However, just as you're about to give in to the feeling of hopelessness, you hear a soft sound from behind you. You turn to find Seungcheol entering the ballroom and closing the door shut. He's dressed in a simple black suit, and there's a twinge of vulnerability in his eyes that mirrors your own.

"You came," he says, and his voice is so soft that you can barely hear it over your racing heart.

You fully turn yourself to him, swallowing down a nervous lump in your throat.

"You called."

Seungcheol's eyes light up, and a faint smile crosses his lips as he steps closer to you. The moonlight bathes him in an celestial glow, accentuating his princely features. But in this moment, he's just the man you've been in love with for so long.

He extends his hand toward you, eyes locked onto yours, inviting you to share a dance with him.

"May I?" he asks gentlemanly, and it sends a rush of heat to your cheeks.

You hesitate for a brief moment, glancing down at his hand and back up to his face. "I... I don't know how..."

Seungcheol's smile remains warm and encouraging, his hand still extended toward you.

"It's okay," he says softly. "I'll teach you. Just follow my lead."

Tentatively, you place your hand in his. His grip is firm yet gentle as he guides you to the centre of the empty dance floor, a certain eager bounce in his step that you notice, and the stars painting the ground seem to come to life as you stand with him. Seungcheol places his hand on your waist, and the warmth of his palm against your skin sends shivers down your spine. You loop your arms around his neck, trying to steady your breathing as you prepare to follow his lead.

At first, your steps are awkward, but you try your best to mimic the elegance and grace that he naturally possesses. He's probably had personal training for this kind of thing, You think.

You chuckle at the small moments where your feet accidentally bump or you step on his toes, and Seungcheol's laughter mingles with yours. Nothing but a soft melody of an imagined song fills the silence as the two of you move together in the middle of the ballroom.

"You're doing great," he whispers, breath brushing against your ear as you sway together.

It's scarily easy to lose yourself in Seungcheol's eyes. They're the same eyes that once whispered secrets of love to you beneath the stars. Now they say a lot without saying anything.

You don't know how long you've been dancing, but it feels like an eternity and a fleeting moment all at once. The world outside the ballroom may be waiting, filled with your separate responsibilities and expectations, but in this moment, it's just you and him.

"Have I mentioned how beautiful you look tonight?" Seungcheol comments, even though you were only dressed in your servant uniform.

Your cheeks flush at his compliment, feeling a bit self-conscious under his gaze, and offer a shy smile. "I'm not as stunning as the ladies at the court, nor your betrothed."

Seungcheol gently tilts your chin upward, making sure you meet his eyes.

"Every time I look at you, I feel like I fall in love all over again." His thumb brushes lightly against your cheek. "Every time I watch you down tending to the garden through my quarters, I feel as if you're tending to my heart. I can simply say that you're the most beautiful person I've ever laid my eyes on, sweetheart."

His words make your heart swell out of your chest, his grip on your waist tightening imperceptibly, drawing you closer to him. The space between you vanishes, and you can feel the heat of his body seeping through the layers of fabric that separate you. Seungcheol could shower you with praises all day long, and you would never tire of hearing them. He has a way of making you feel special, cherished, and utterly adored.

"Cheol?" You call out, voice tinged with vulnerability.

He raises an eyebrow, still guiding you through the dance. "Yes, love?"

"Are we crazy for doing this?" You ask. It's meant to be rhetorical in a way, but the uncertainty in your voice lingers, and Seungcheol's expression becomes more serious.

He slows the movement between you two, his pensive eyes locked onto yours.

"Perhaps we are," he admits wholeheartedly. "but I'd rather be crazy with you than live a life without you."

His words quietly suspend in the air around you. The moments pass, but they feel eternal, as if time itself has momentarily paused to let the two of you be together. You're captured in his eyes, just like he is with yours. You see the emotions he's trying to convey: love, longing, and the knowledge that this moment is both a blessing and a curse.

And then without a word, you both lean in at the same time, lips meeting each other's in a kiss both softly and tenderly. It's a stolen moment; it's a secret scene that only the moon and stars witness.

His arms pull you closer, fingers dancing along your spine, as if he's trying to bridge any space that might exist between you. It's a kiss that tastes of bittersweet nostalgia𑁋something of what once was and what could never be. You savour the taste of him on your lips, knowing that once the morning light arrives, this moment may become nothing more than a distant memory.

As your lips break away, you both draw back slightly, foreheads touching, breathing heavily as you savour the precious seconds of closeness.

"You know that I'd give up everything for you," he whispers, breath warm against your skin.

You only smile, tracing your fingers gently over his lips. He leans into your touch.

"I know," You say softly. "And I would do the same for you."

"But just for tonight." He pushes back some strands of hair behind your ear. "Can we pretend that the world doesn't matter?"

You peer into his eyes, and for a moment, you see a reflection of your own pining. Your heart sinks, but it also rises. A smile drifts across your face, but it also carries a trace of sadness. Leaning in, you nearly press your lips against his once again, but then you take in a deep breath.

"Yes," is all you mutter. "I'm all yours."

That's all it takes for him to kiss you again, a bit more fervently and urgently that it nearly makes you stumble in surprise. But the second you pull back from each other, he's grabbing your hand in his, a bright smile to his face, before twirling you around and pulling you in close once more, your laughter echoing in the empty ballroom together. You share one more kiss, and then another, and another, whispers of hushed I love you's against each other’s lips as the night goes on like it will never end.

And it's with each minute that passes that only strengthens Seungcheol's determination𑁋that in some way, he will make sure you both will be together, whether that means escaping the constraints of your worlds, finding a way to keep your love alive in secret, or even sacrificing a part of himself.

With each kiss, he silently promises you that he will find a way. With each kiss, you silently promise to love and wait for him.

taglist (open) ʚɞ @enhazen @haowrld @ylliris-hanniehae @icyminghao @slytherinshua @jeonride @lockburn-castle @vrnism @weird-bookworm @mhlsymlysn @ryuwonieebae @yeonjuns-redhair @wonwooz1

#kflixnet #k-labels #caratsland #seventeen imagines #seventeen fluff #seventeen angst #seventeen x reader #seventeen fic #scoups imagines #scoups fluff #scoups angst #scoups x reader #scoups fic #seungcheol imagines #seungcheol fluff #seungcheol angst #seungcheol x reader #choi seungcheol imagines #choi seungcheol fluff #choi seungcheol angst #choi seungcheol x reader #svt imagines #svt angst #svt fluff #svt x reader

[iliveforyouilongforyouvesuvia]

In celebration of my ✨seasonal slump✨, how do you think the m6 combat winters evil clutches?

(personally, I hole myself up in my bed with an army of audiobooks and refuse to acknowledge the season)

-🍼

The Arcana Mini-HCs: How M6 handle winter

~ including their canonical favorite seasons for each of them! ~

Julian: favorite season - autumn. he doesn't hate the cold too much, the biggest issue is simply his inability to stay warm/generate body heat. is it the poor diet? the lack of sleep? the dehydration? nobody knows, but it's making you jump every time he snuggles into your warm, cozy space and his freezing feet end up on your legs

Asra: favorite season - spring. they live in defiance of the seasons, and manage to make that possible with their willingness to use magic to mess with their temperature. as nice as the long nights are for stargazing, he's going to sleep even more than usual and spend most of his waking time in a pillow pile, coaxing you into making tea

Nadia: favorite season - summer. yeah, she doesn't love the cold. she's joining you. (also - do you have any idea how hard it is to keep a place as drafty and stone built as the Palace warm??) might end up building a tent in her chambers and asking you to heat it with magic, and then do all of her desk work in there while she cuddles you

Muriel: favorite season - winter. thinks you look adorable all snuggled up like that, and then enjoys the chilly air as he heads into the snow to chop you some more firewood. you both know that he generates plenty of body heat, so snuggling outside where you can admire icicles and snowflakes together is more comfortable than you expect

Portia: favorite season - spring. winter is the season for warm soups and good books and itchy, hand-knit socks and lots and lots of hot chocolate. you have the right idea for this, MC. she's going to bake cookies (and heat up the cottage from the stove in the process) and use them to bribe you into snuggles. leaves crumbs in the blankets

Lucio: favorite season - summer. he hates the cold with a passion. and with a metal arm that leeches all his body heat, it's worse now than it used to be. you go handle the outside world, MC, he'll keep your spot warm for you. winter consists of either sitting in and complaining of boredom, or going out and complaining of cold

#ask arcana brainrot #the arcana #the arcana game #the arcana headcanons #the arcana hc #asra the arcana #julian the arcana #nadia the arcana #muriel the arcana #portia the arcana #lucio the arcana #asra alnazar #julian devorak #nadia satrinava #muriel of the kokhuri #portia devorak #lucio morgasson

[anxiescape]

Been thinking of a new AU. :3

It’s pretty similar to Stargaze, in the sense that Liu’er hatched from a meteor. The difference is, instead of his meteor landing on Flower Fruit Mountain, it landed in the courtyard of the Jade Emperor’s palace. In the celestial realm.

Basically it’s Sleeping Beauty but with monkeys and crime.

#Celestial Bodies AU #sketchdump #my art #monkie kid #sun wukong #six eared macaque #demon bull king #azure lion #peng #yellow tusk elephant #jade emperor #queen mother #princess iron fan #soulmate au #liu er mihou

[megalony]

Perfectly Inadequate

This is a new Aemond Targaryen idea that I'm hoping to make into a series. Any feedback is always amazing.

Taglist: @lunaticspoem @butlegendsneverdie @langdonzvoid @jennyggggrrr @rogmeddows @radiob-l-a-hblah @rogertaylorsbitontheside @chlobo6 @rogertaylors-lipgloss @sj-thefan @omgitsearly @luckytrashgooprebel @scarsout @deaky-with-a-c @killer-queen-ofrhye @bluutac @vousmemanqueez-blog @jonesyaddiction @milanosaurus @httpfandxms @saint-hardy @7-seas-of-fat-bottomed-girls @mrsalwayswritex @rogerina-owns-me  @hellsdragon @im-an-adult-ish @crazylittlethingg @allauraleigh @onceuponadetectivedemigod @ceres27 @avyannadawn  @noonenuts @sleepylunarwolf @coverupps @justagirlthatlovedtoread

Masterlist

Summary: Aemond loves (Y/n), his youngest sister, more than anyone and won't stop trying to change Alicent's mind on betrothing them. After all, he knows (Y/n)'s secret that their mother is desperate to keep hidden and he can look after her better than anyone else ever could.

Enjoy.

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The palace was calmer at night. All of the hustle and bustle died out when the sun began to dissipate behind the clouds and when the frozen corridors were basking in a dim orange glow, everything felt different. The atmosphere shifted in the dark but instead of becoming gloomy and worrisome, it became peaceful and ideal.

(Y/n) liked it when the darkness rolled in, she liked to be out when the sun disappeared and she could watch from the shadows and bask in their confines.

Deep down, she knew she probably got her love of the dark from Aemond. Her elder brother cast himself into the darkness after his accident and from then on, it became a comfort to him. He loved to roam the palace at night and sneak out of his chambers and go for a wander. Sometimes he would go to the roof to watch the stars and count them in the vast midnight sky and sometimes he would go down to visit Vhagar when he was feeling especially lonesome or blue. She would always brighten his mood.

(Y/n) had grown up following her big brother around, it was why so many people, family and servants included, called her Aemond's little shadow because that was essentially what (Y/n) was when growing up. She wasn't so much a princess as she was a follower. Wherever Aemond went, (Y/n) went too and neither of them would have it any other way.

It was far too entertaining to watch Aemond practise his swordsmanship and (Y/n) could never take her eyes off him. The few times he would have a small battle with (Y/n), she always lost because she concentrated on studying his features far too much to realise he was besting her in a duel.

With the thought of Aemond at the front of her mind, (Y/n) tightened her shawl around her shoulders and ventured out of her room and down the long corridor.

Sleep was evading her tonight so a long walk around the Red Keep, and maybe the gardens too, was in order.

Part of (Y/n) wished she was still a child, she wished she was one and ten to find Aemond knocking lightly on her chamber door to sneak her out to stargaze. Everything seemed simpler when they were little. Now they were older, it wasn't proper to scout Aemond out in the middle of the night and go out at night. It wouldn't be good if (Y/n) tried to enter Aemond's room or if he came knocking on her door and entered her room, something he hadn't done in many moons.

When their mother caught Aemond in (Y/n)'s bed one morning a few years ago, she had gone blind with rage. It was innocent enough, nothing had happened except (Y/n) being unable to sleep and Aemond staying with her until she did, and both of them sleeping in past their usual time.

She scolded them, it wasn't appropriate when they weren't betrothed to one another and when Aemond was in the sprite of his teens.

A noticeable slouch set in (Y/n)'s shoulders from her impending thoughts but she tried to push them aside. Rounding the corner, (Y/n) crept down the stairs and out onto a new hallway, lit only by two flames at least ten feet apart.

Three feet down the hallway, (Y/n) could feel a headache forming behind her eyes and igniting the back of her head and down the base of her neck.

After another five or so feet, (Y/n)'s whole frame went rigid up against the wall as an icicle of fear pierced her heart. A figure loomed from the adjoining hallway like a spectre roaming the halls and it moved so swiftly and fast that (Y/n) could barely see their feet moving, it was as if they were gliding on air.

"Little Dragon, what are you doing this late at night?"

A noticeable sigh passed her lips and her frame relaxed like melting candle wax the moment that rugged voice hit her ears.

When the tall frame got closer, she could see the outlines more clearly. The tense, high shoulders hidden beneath the raven black cape. The small circle of violet around the one good eye clearing through the darkness towards her. Those high cheekbones coming to light beneath the flames lighting the long hallway and of course, the clenched hands resting at his sides.

Aemond.

The very one who had been at the forefront of her mind was now standing before her. His lips were pursed out and as budding as a rose, it was a look that almost resembled a smile, there was the tiniest crack at the side of his lips like he was about to smirk but held it back. And the way his head dropped to the left like he was hanging from a noose made (Y/n) shiver down to her toes.

"I could ask you the same thing, brother." (Y/n) could see he had to have left the Keep if he was wearing his cloak and had his hair tucked into the back of his tunic to keep himself hidden and inconspicuous. She could also guess that he had a dagger or a sword strapped to his right hip.

"Taking a midnight stroll, now where are you going?"

(Y/n) watched with something Aemond thought was close to admiration as he pulled down the hood on his cloak, revealing his silver hair that glistened with shimmers of gold in the candle light. And the eye patch he rarely took off unless he was in her presence and her presence alone.

"I couldn't sleep so I decided to take a walk,"

"After you then."

A soft smile pulled at (Y/n)'s lips when she watched Aemond hold his hand out, signalling for her to go ahead and he would follow. He wasn't the least bit tired yet anyway and he didn't want to be responsible for letting his little sister wander the halls at night and something happen to her. That would be all on him.

Neither of them knew where they were heading or what their destination was, but they found comfort in the silence that wrapped around them. (Y/n) could feel her headache pulsing through her blood but it wasn't as bad when she felt Aemond's arm bumping against hers beneath the cloak. Standing so close to his tall figure always made (Y/n) feel protected and safe.

Aemond let his eye cast down to glance over at (Y/n) every now and then as they walked. He liked the way she held her hands together in front of her waist like she was a bridesmaid holding a bouquet of flowers. And he liked the way her sparkling white hair curled in ringlets around her ears, even with half of it still pinned to the back of her head.

He found himself becoming lost when he looked at (Y/n), sometimes Aemond wondered if he looked at her for too long he might become lost forever.

The spell (Y/n) cast over him started to break when he watched her steps start to falter and become slower than his, causing him to hang back to let her catch up. But it was when her hand curled around his bicep like a viper's grip that stopped Aemond in his tracks and sent a shiver bolting up his spine.

"What is it, what's wrong?"

When the seconds ticked by and (Y/n) didn't answer him, Aemond swept his eye around the deserted hallway before he moved to stand in front of (Y/n), noticing that her hand stayed gripped around his arm as he did so.

Moving his hands, Aemond carefully snaked his fingers along (Y/n)'s jaw and up until he could cup her face in his hands and tilt her head up so they were looking at one another. A deep sigh rattled past his pursed lips when he saw her pupils; they were blown wide like rock pools and her neck muscles were so tense they were popping through her skin. The subtle but noticeable shaking that seeped through (Y/n)'s system made Aemond growl deep in his chest.

She was having one of her spells.

"Alright, little dragon, I've got you." Aemond lowered his arm that (Y/n) was gripping until his hand ghosted down her waist and he could grip her hip through her dress. His other hand stayed firmly against her cheek and he tilted his head down to kiss her temple.

There was nothing Aemond could do but wait for the spell to pass, that was what the Maesters had always told them.

Neither him, Aegon or Helaenahad the bout of spells and fits that (Y/n) suffered constantly since she was ten and one and the Maesters could not understand why it only affected her or why she had them. Nothing seemed to trigger her spells, they didn't happen because she fell or hurt herself or when she was scared or worked up. They just appeared out of nowhere like shooting stars racing across the sky.

Aemond didn't like (Y/n) suffering these spells, mostly because he could do nothing to alleviate or stop them or make it easier for his little sister. They weren't under his control and he didn't like that.

At least this kind of spell was easier to handle, if she had to suffer them, Aemond wished it could always be ones like this. Ones where her body tensed and sometimes trembled, but stayed relatively motionless and came back to her control after only a few moments.

He hated the other ones she suffered, the ones nobody in the Seven Kingdoms knew about.

They were horrible. Aemond had watched his sister thrash about on the floor, legs kicking, arms violently shaking and bashing into anything and everything. Her head would bash into the floor, her body would spasm and shake and rivot around like she was being beaten to a pulp by an invisible threat Aemond couldn't fight off for her. He had watched her suddenly go into one of her spells and collide her temple with the stone fireplace which required five stitches. He'd seen her bite her tongue so hard a river of blood seeped onto the floor and through his knees when he tried in vain to help.

And there was nothing Aemond could do to help her.

When the shaking started to subside, Aemond began to rub his hand up and down (Y/n)'s waist while he steadied his breathing, slowing each breath that fanned against her temple he was longingly kissing.

"A-Aemond…?"

"I'm here," An ache began to spread through his arm when (Y/n) finally loosened her tight grip she didn't realise she had on him but her fingertips still hovered on his bruised arm.

"I'm sorry,"

"Don't apologise for what you can't control, can you still walk?" He was fairly certain she would be fine on her feet but he knew sometimes (Y/n)'s muscles would tense and lock up or she became too disorientated to move.

"Yes, where are we going?" (Y/n) buried her face into Aemond's firm chest when he swept an arm around her waist beneath her shawl and slowly started guiding her down the hallway. She coiled her arms around his slim torso and let him take control, steering her this way and that, clearly with a destination in his mind.

"Back to my chamber, of course."

"But mother said-"

"Do you believe I'm going to leave you alone after one of your spells? You can spend the night with me, mother won't find out."

There was no way that Aemond was going to take (Y/n) back to her own room after seeing her have one of her spells. Another one could come on just as easily and last a lot longer and he didn't want the risk of her being alone if that happened. Their mother wouldn't find out anyway, he could smuggle (Y/n) back to her own room before dawn approached and no one would be any the wiser. And it wasn't like they were doing anything wrong; not like Aemond had been desperate to since before their mother caught them in bed together the last time.

It was all Aemond could think about and imagine when he got (Y/n) back to his chamber without anyone noticing.

Every ounce of self control in his body went into stopping himself from advancing on (Y/n) when he watched her undress with lustful eyes until she was in her thin night gown beneath her dress.

All of the things he wanted to do to her flashed before his eye to the point he was ripping the leather from his body to speed up the process.

It didn't help matters when he laid down in bed beside her. Feeling (Y/n) so close to him beneath the sheets, feeling every inch of her skin on him with a mere gown and his shorts separating them from being skin to skin with one another. It was as torturous as it was invigorating. He was sure she must have noticed how tense he felt when she laid her chin on his chest and stared up at him with those doe eyes that were drowning and out of focus.

She didn't know what effect she had on him when she dragged her finger over his cheekbone and around his scar now that his eye patch was off for the night. Nor did she seem to realise that being pressed up against his chest and abdomen like this meant that he could feel her breasts pressed into him and her heartbeat that was pulsing through his skin.

"I've missed this,"

Oh, she had no idea how much Aemond had missed it too, but for vastly different reasons.

If she didn't have her spells, Aemond would most probably have been able to convince their mother to betrothe them by now. He knew since he was three and ten that (Y/n) was the one for him, the one he wanted and desperately desired to be with. There was no one else out there that could compete with his sweet (Y/n) and he was determined to get his mother to see that too.

Aemond knew why they hadn't been betrothed. Aegon was married to Haelena, it wasn't an ideal match, they didn't want to be together and they had no connection, not like Aemond and (Y/n). But it meant that other choices were being searched for, other high connections to spread the Targaryen name. Good matches to other noble families, that was what was waiting for (Y/n) and Aemond.

He also knew the other reason was of (Y/n)'s spells. Nobody else in the Kingdom knew about it, not even their father the King knew, that was how well their mother had hidden the secret.

If noblemen found out that the Princess (Y/n) had a condition the maesters couldn't name nor cure, no one would want to be betrothed to her. She would be a risk, a liability and Alicent was desperate to stop that from happening. Telling no one seemed easier until they could find a way to control it but if people found out, life would only get harder for (Y/n) and if she passed it down to any offspring, she would be at the mercy of many people and deemed as damaged.

With a deep growl masked as a sigh, Aemond kissed the top of (Y/n)'s head before he hooked his arm around her waist to keep her in place against his chest, where he knew she belonged.

If only their mother could see things from his point of view.

Aemond loved (Y/n) to the end of the Earth, he would do anything for her all she had to do was ask and it shall be done. He didn't care about her spells, he would always love her and look after her and protect her. That was what mattered, he could keep her and her secret safe.

He had looked after her all her life so far, hadn't he?

Something burned deep in Aemond's chest when he felt (Y/n)'s lips feathering against his sternum. Did she know what she was doing? Did she know what reaction she was getting from him?

He could of screamed when she kissed his neck, keeping (Y/n) this close the whole night was going to take all the will power and strength Aemond had within him. But if she kept kissing him so sweet and innocently like this, he wasn't going to last five minutes, let alone the rest of the night.

A squeak bubbled past (Y/n)'s lips when Aemond's arm that was around her waist suddenly tightened before he rolled her over onto her back and laid on top of her, shifting their positions in less than a second.

His head tucked into the crook of her neck and (Y/n) could feel his hair splayed out on her chest, tickling her skin. She smiled to herself when his leg wedged itself between her thighs and he burrowed down on top of her, clearly tired and getting comfy.

When she tried to card her fingers through the ends of his hair, all the air got stuck at the back of her throat when his fingers curled around her wrist. In less than a second, her hand was pinned down to the pillow beside her head and her stomach twisted in painful pleasure when Aemond growled into her neck. He always used to love it when she would run her hand through his hair, he said it was calming and it always used to help him sleep.

"Sleep, little dragon."

With a huff, (Y/n) kissed the top of Aemond's head before she closed her eyes and tried to do as she was told.

With his head burrowed into her neck, Aemond could feel her heartbeat calming down and the rise and fall of her chest beneath him started to soften and it made him want to smile. (Y/n), his little sister, his girl, wrapped up in his arms, where she belonged.

He could remember the first time she had experienced a spell; he had been with her when it happened.

Up until she was ten and one, nothing like it had ever happened and none of them were ever drastically ill as children. (Y/n) had followed Aemond down to visit Vhagar and he had promised to take her for a ride, he thanked every star in the sky that he didn't in the end, he dared not think what would have happened if he did.

They had been down with Vhagar all of five minutes before (Y/n) suddenly crashed into him and took them both down to the floor. Aemond had vowed to himself never to cry since his accident which lost him his eye, but he had shed more than one tear when he stared down at his little sister thrashing across the floor. He could still see the whites of her eyes when they rolled to the back of her sweet little head and the amount of twigs and thistles and bits of dirt that got stuck in her tangled hair when she rolled around.

Every part of (Y/n) that could move had moved, her arms thrashed, her legs tensed and kicked and twinged. Her head was violent, going from side to side and bashing back into the floor enough to give her a concussion. But it was the foam froffing past her lips that made Aemond cry and the fact that he could do nothing but watch, fearing his little sister was being possessed by something horrid.

He had screamed for help, sent guards to fetch his mother but by the time she arrived, (Y/n) had become motionless on the ground.

The guards wouldn't allow Aemond to carry her up to her room, no matter how hard he tried or how many times he screamed and kicked at them to let her go. And when they shut him out of her room, Aemond all but thrashed the door down.

It had taken until the Maesters were fetched for (Y/n) to wake up and when she started to sob for Aemond, they had no choice but to let him in.

Aemond shook his head to rid himself of the horrid memory he knew he would never forget. He needed to sleep. He was tired after all, wandering the streets after dark was enough to wipe out the excess energy he felt earlier but being wrapped around (Y/n) built up a different kind of energy within him that he couldn't control. He needed to sleep, he desperately needed to sleep so he could wake up before anyone noticed (Y/n) wasn't in her room. And before he did something he shouldn't to the girl wrapped up in his arms.

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

Crossing one leg over the other, Aemond leaned back in his chair and reached out for the glass resting on the table beside him. He could feel his back and the base of his neck clicking into place when he pushed back in the chair and tilted his head over the back of the chair.

It was a tempting thought to go wandering the streets again like he had done a few nights ago. When he was in moods such as these where nothing would satisfy him and his energy was peaked, he couldn't rest like everyone else. The rest of the family had retired to their rooms and would be settling down for the night but Aemond could never quite do that.

He never slept long enough to retire to bed early and if he stayed up he would turn into Aegon, drinking himself into oblivion deep into the night.

He needed something to occupy himself other than the thought of going to find (Y/n). Something which was forbidden to him.

When the last remnants of wine were drained from his glass, Aemond uncrossed his legs and stooped over. His elbows rested on his knees and his fingers carded through his straight locks of hair and hovered over the strap of his eyepatch. He was about to take it off when a soft but rapid knock at the door caught him by surprise.

It was even more surprising when he lifted his head and saw Helaena appearing round the door. She barged open the door in less than a second and glided across the floor, leaving the door wide open behind her in her haste to reach her brother. It made him uneasy when he watched her kneel at his side next to the chair he was sitting in. But when she placed her shaking hands on his knee, he knew something was wrong and he stopped himself from pouring another glass of wine.

"What's happened?" It was evident in her face that something was amiss but Aemond didn't dare try and guess what was wrong.

"It's (Y/n)…"

That was all Helaena needed to say to set off the alarm bells ringing in her brother's mind. She could see the darkness that swept across his face and the churning colours that came to life in his eye. His legs tensed next to her, his hands curled into fists on his lap and his biceps strained against the black leather he was wearing.

"Where is she?" Aemond was about to burst to life and jump into action if his sister hadn't of moved her hands to his shoulders to make him stay seated. He couldn't be running off when he didn't know what was wrong.

"Mother went to see her since she missed supper, she was having a bad spell and it wouldn't stop. She told me to come get you… she's called the Maesters."

This time when Aemond went to stand, his sister didn't stop him. She got to her feet, smoothed down the creases in her dress and followed after Aemond when he bolted from the room.

Helaena knew it was bad when her mother had ordered someone to call for the Maesters. Alicent hardly ever did that, not since the spells became more frequent and none of the Maesters knew what the problem was or how to help. Helaena herself had only witnessed one or two of her sister's spells and they had been short and vacant, nothing on the scale of what she had heard her mother and brother talking about.

But when she peered into her sister's room to see what the commotion was, she saw her younger sister curled up on the floor with their mother holding onto her, trying to stop the spell to no avail.

And Helaena knew how protective Aemond was of their family, especially (Y/n). If she had a bad spell, he was always there by her side and when her mother shouted at her to go and fetch Aemond, Helaena ran. Gods forbid anyone didn't tell him something like this had happened and he found out second hand hours later, there would be a big price to pay.

It didn't take long for the prince to storm down the halls and make his way to the chambers he visited almost every day when growing up. He could hear the chaos from the other end of the corridor.

The sight Aemond walked into was one he was familiar with but one he did not like.

(Y/n), his little sister was laid contorted on the floor with her arms bound trembling to her chest and her whole body fluttering back and forth. But it was the blood pooling and froffing from her lips that made Aemond pale significantly. Alicent had rolled her onto her side and was laid half over (Y/n), holding onto her and keeping her as still as she could, waiting for the spell to pass.

The moment she locked eyes with Aemond, a rush of relief flooded onto her face.

Aemond didn't like the look of the two Maesters stood near the bed. They had viles, bowls and cups scattered around on the chest of drawers beside the bed but Aemond didn't want them here. They caused more harm than good when (Y/n) was concerned.

"Aemond, I- I think it's stopping. Help me get her on the bed."

He crouched down on (Y/n)'s other side opposite his mother but up close, he could see the strain on her face and how her copper hair was unfolding and coming loose from her plats. She had been struggling.

Aemond curled over until his chest was pressing on his bent knees and he reached his hands out to cup (Y/n)'s face. He could see her eyes shaking behind her eyelids and her breaths were raspy and bubbling from the blood welling in her mouth from her tongue. When he hooked his thumb beneath her upper lip and lifted it up, he could see her teeth were chomped down on her tongue.

His mother had been right, the jerking movements were coming to a stop, replaced by a slow shaking that rattled throughout her body but it was preferrable to the spasms.

He waited for his mother to pull away and watched her sit back on her heels and take deep breaths while she brushed her hair out of her eyes. When she moved, Aemond carefully slipped his arms beneath (Y/n)'s broken form and ground his jaw when he lifted her up into his arms. He could feel her trembling vibrating through into him and it made his knees feel like they were about to give way.

Why did this have to happen to (Y/n), his sweet girl?

He was careful when he pushed his knees into the bed and lowered (Y/n) down on top of the sheets he had admittedly slept beneath last night when he snook into her room.

He swallowed down a burning growl hiding in his chest before he pulled back enough to strip the sword belt from his hips and take off the jacket that now felt too constricting before he sat back on the bed beside (Y/n) and his mother sat on the opposite side.

A look passed between mother and son before Alicent sighed and moved away to stand up when it was clear one of them had to move for the Maesters to assess (Y/n).

And it certainly wasn't going to be Aemond.

"Come here," He quietly tutted while he took (Y/n)'s chin between his fingers and tilted her head towards him while the Maester busied himself taking some of her blood.

With a damp cloth in hand, curtesy of the Maester behind him, Aemond busied himself wiping the blood from her face and parting her lips with his thumb to check that she wasn't still clamping her teeth down on her tongue. He couldn't have that in case her tongue became swollen and she couldn't breathe properly. Not to mention the pain she was going to feel soon.

"A-Aem…"

"I'm here, it's me Princess."

Shivers bolted up his arm when (Y/n)'s hand clamped down on his wrist and her head moved towards his voice. She wanted to be closer to him, she wanted to touch him and be soothed by his touch and his skin and she wanted to keep hearing his voice whispering in her ear.

Heeding to her silent command, Aemond inched closer until (Y/n)'s temple was pressed into his bare chest just beneath his sternum and he could lean down to kiss the top of her head. He ignored the burning intensity of his mother's stare because he knew what she would be thinking.

But at the same time, she had called for him. His mother had told Helaena to find him because deep down she knew he would be more help to (Y/n) than the Maesters ever would be. She knew he would calm her down and soothe her and look after her, she knew (Y/n) wouldn't settle unless Aemond was by her side and Alicent had given in. In her moment of panic, she had given in and called for Aemond.

"Here M'lady, drink some of this,"

One of the men pressed a cup to (Y/n)'s parted lips and nudged her, inclining her to take a large sip but when she did, she coughed. It was a foul taste and a horrid smell she recognised far too well. The whimper that passed her lips made Aemond tense beside her and his gaze shot to glare at the man opposite him.

"What is it?"

"Milk of the poppy, sir, to stop any more fits. Drink some more,"

"And you think drugging her will stop them? Mother please,"

Aemond turned his attention to Alicent but the way she tightened her hands in front of her and inclined her head made him angry.

How could they believe this was helpful? It was a herbal remedy, something used when someone was in pain and it would often make (Y/n) sleep whenever she was given it. Dosing her up to sleep was not the answer to stopping the spells that plagued her constantly. They couldn't keep her on the milk of the poppy forever, it wouldn't work.

"Just a little, Aemond, she needs rest and it will make her feel better." Alicent's word was final, just as it always had been and Aemond didn't have the strength to argue with her when he felt (Y/n)'s hands clawing at his skin, desperate for his loving attention.

(Y/n) did as she was told but once she'd choked down half the cup, she shook her head and burrowed deeper into Aemond's bare chest. She couldn't force down any more of the horrid concoction that would make her sleep and turn her head into mush. She hated it, she hated them trying to give her that horrible white remedy.

"Shh, sleep now, Little Dragon. I'll be here when you wake up."

#aemond imagine #aemond x you #aemond #aemond targaryen #imagine #aemond x reader #house of the dragon aemond #house of the dragon

[elliesmainhoe]

Ellie Williams Headcanons: Knight!Ellie X Princess!Reader Part 2

My Masterlist

Ellie hates Balls.(💀) It annoys her so much that she has to stand back idly, having to watch princes and lords from faraway lands come over and ask to dance with you.

Due to royal etiquette, to keep relations between the kingdoms positive, you are obliged to accept.

It disgusts you. The fact that these egotistical men come over and boss you around really pisses you off. And the urge to slap them into oblivion is strong. But that's not lady like. So Ellie does it for you.

Ellie watches them like a hawk, trying desperately to find them doing something worthy of punishment.

And she always does.

You and her always escape the cramped ballroom, sneaking out to the gardens and walking around.

Stargazing with knight!Ellie. She names and shows you all different constellations that she'd read up on in the royal library.

The muffled sound of the orchestra had seeped into yours and Ellie's sanctuary. You were both sprawled out on a grassy hill staring at the dark sky, having fled the claustrophobic ballroom.

"You see that one there" Ellie asked pointing to a collection of stars. "That constellation is called 'The winged horse' named because it's shaped as a Pegasus"

"huh really? I don't see it." You say propped up on your elbows and gazing at your girl's beautiful face.

"To be honest, me neither" she chuckled sitting up slightly and pressing a brief kiss onto your plush lips.

You hate hate HATE, royal banquets. Every whenever you have a one you try and flee, hiding in the garden maze.

Ellie can not name the amount of times she's had to go and find you. When she finds you she throws you over her shoulder and starts lecturing you. Lmao.

Whenever you fall ill she is absolutely smothering you with love.

She goes to the kitchens and fetches you food herself. You refuse to take medicine so she has to convince you to.

Lays next to you in bed, petting your hair and rubbing your back to try and comfort you.

Definitely holds your hair back when you need to throw up.

Loves to dance with you. The royal palace is full of music, wherever you are you can hear an orchestra.

So when you two are alone and can hear music, she twirls you around and you playfully dance together, stumbling, steeping on each others feet and full of laughter.

She is so supportive of you.

You could make the dumbest decision ever and she would follow you blindly.

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

Requested by:

@soapisokay @a-prism

I hope you liked it! I'm off to bed now everyone. Goodnight ! ❤️

#ellie williams #ellie williams x reader #the last of us #ellie williams fic #ellie williams x fem!reader #ellie williams x female reader #ellie x reader #ellie x fem reader #ellie x you #ellie x y/n #ellie williams x you #tlou #tlou part 2 #ellie williams hbo #tlou hbo #knight!ellie williams #knight!ellie #princess!reader #royal au #wlw fic #wlw #lesbian fic #lesbian #elliesmainhoe

[parkvcrs]

Boyfriend! Wybie Lovat Headcanons

(for the sake of this post, the character’s age has been raised to seventeen)!

• First and foremost, how did this awkward and rambling mess ask you out?

- Well… that’s simple: he didn’t do a face-to-face interaction. Instead, Wybie, being a man of few words, decides to pour his heart out in a heartfelt letter to you. He carefully writes down all his feelings, expressing how he's fallen for you and how much you mean to him. He leaves the letter on the doorstep of the Pink Palace, along with your favourite flowers. You then find the letter and read it, finally realizing the depth of Wybie's emotions. When you finally rush to find him, Wybie initially tries to ignore you.

- Spoiler alert: It didn’t go as planned. He totally failed. After you finally confess to feeling the same way, you and Wybie shared a warm embrace where he begins to whisper sweet nothings into your ear, feeling overjoyed that his feelings are reciprocated.

• Who says “I love you” first?

- You. Definitely you.

- Despite you possessing enough courage to actually say these special words, Wybie had to admit that he was pretty upset that he didn’t say it first. You beat him to it! But another part of him couldn’t help but feel overjoyed that you said it first.

- He has very mixed feelings about it. -.- but he can’t stay mad at you! It wasn’t anything to hold a grudge over.

• Who initiated the first kiss?

- Depends on who you ask.

- You and Wybie’s first kiss happened on your third date which was in the garden belonging to the Pink Palace which happened to be a rather romantic picnic. During the middle of it, there was something in the air that caused Wybie to feel compelled to kiss you. Or that’s at least how he describes it happening.

- Despite how much arguing there is about who kissed who, Wybie is happy that you’re his first kiss. <33

• Date ideas?

- Even though Wybie has a naturally frantic outward personality, let’s face it… this man loves horror movies! I mean, have you seen his skeleton gloves?! But… he — for sure — screams like a girl from time to time if a jump scare gets him too good.

• Adventurous Dates: While the Pink Palace may not offer traditional adventures, Wybie is creative when it comes to planning dates. He loves taking you on spontaneous and unique dates, like stargazing on the rooftop of the Pink Palace, exploring hidden spots in their town, or taking you on a midnight picnic in the overgrown garden.

- And, yes, the black cat is more than welcome to come on all these little adventures but only if you’re okay with it!

• Would he be the type of boyfriend to take part in playful banter?

- Of course!

- Your relationship is filled with playful banter and teasing. He enjoys engaging in witty banter and playful teasing, keeping your relationship lighthearted and fun. Wybie's sense of humour and your (somewhat) quick comebacks create a playful dynamic that keeps your relationship light and enjoyable.

- If you just so happen to be shorter than 5’7”/170cm (his height), then you’re just asking for him to poke fun at you but not vocally. He’ll either do things like pat your head, use your shoulder as an armrest, or simply rest his chin on top of your head.

• How does he protect you? Is he supportive?

- If someone was messing with you, he’d try to use some sort of scare tactic to get them to stop. Either that be using a combination of his turret-lensed skull mask, skeleton gloves, black fireman’s coat, and motorbike. Who knows! He is full of surprises. :))

- And of course, he’s a supportive boyfriend! He always ensures that you feel safe and supported, and he's not afraid to stand up for you when needed. He's there to lend a listening ear when you need to talk, offer a shoulder to cry on, or simply your hand to offer comfort.

• Hobbies?

- I feel like Y/n and Wybie would bond over a shared love for the supernatural and mysteries, and often indulge in geeking over it together. The two of you may even spend evenings reading ghost stories by candlelight, researching local legends, or even trying to capture evidence of paranormal activity with their cameras.

- ^ If this type of stuff doesn’t interest you… then you can just be an observer of Wybie’s adorable antics. That way, you’ll have the front row seat for everything.

Final assessment?

• Wybie Lovat is a 100/10 boyfriend!

- He’s aromantic and devoted partner who will try his best to make you feel special, supported, and loved in every possible way.

#wybie lovat #coraline wybie #wyborn lovat #wyborne #wybie #the other mother #coraline jones #coraline #claymation #x reader #imagine #aged up characters #boyfriend headcanons #boyfriend #fluff #film #miss spink #miss forcible #wybie imagine #wybie x reader

[rie-092]

Hi Rei :))) Your writing is so great! Can I request a yandere mother Roxana,Athanasia and Cayena (separate) with a daughter reader who escaped just to stargazing in the near forest?

Hope you have a good day

Remember to drink water and eat and don't forget to take some fresh air from time to time :))

lob you mwah

STARS

❲ platonic yandere! roxana agriche! athanasia de alger obelia! cayena hill! x daughter! reader ❳

summary : escaping from them just to go stargazing in the near forest is something that your mother didn't like.

tw : yandere behavior, toxic behavior, toxic mindset, obsessive behavior, overprotectiveness, manipulation, stockholm syndrome, mentions of violence, confinement, breaking of bones, infantilizing, poisoning.

ATHANASIA DE ALGER OBELIA

to be honest, i don't see athanasia being that overprotective to her daughter without any valid reasons. this girl may be a yandere over her daughter but she let her do whatever she wants as long as she doesn't get hurt or leave. but it will be quite messy if, let's say that the reader has a weak body.

like you often had fever, and often vomit some blood. then athanasia will be really overprotective of you. she wouldn't allow you to go out of your room without her, lucas, claude, felix or lily accompanying you. you were too weak! what if something happen to you outside and you have nobody to ask for help?!

athanasia was willing to give everything you wants. she was willing to kill every people who's saying that you weren't fitted to be the crown princess. that's why all she wanted is for you to stay still, and act like a perfect daughter you are.

and let's just say, one day, after athanasia finished all her paper works. she was on her way to your palace to have tea with you. she was excited to see her daughter's cute face after a while. but when she entered your room. she was petrified. you're not in your room, and the maids and knights that she assigned to you was all sleeping on the floor. the excitement that she had earlier disappeared and changed into fear.

she started to get scared. did you got kidnapped? no, there's no way! because if you do, she will know it immediately because of the protection magic(?) that she casted to you. so why aren't you here?! many questions and what ifs where on her mind right now. but when she managed to clear up her mind. she immediately called felix and lucas along with some guards to look for her daughter.

and when they find you on the near forest. looking up on the stars with a bright smile on your face. that was the time when athanasia snapped. she was angry, no, furious at you. the usual calm and cheerful mother of yours was nowhere to be seen. instead, you paled after seeing your mother's cold eyes (that she often used to the nobles who's badmouthing you) directed to you.

and you got scared when athanasia yelled at you. that was the first time that you saw your mother that angry. and it really scared you. because of the dangerous glint that you saw on her eyes. you tried your best to apologize to her and keep saying that you won't do it again, but, it's too late. because before you know it, felix, the man that you called uncle knocked you out. but before you fell onto the ground, your father, lucas gently caught you as he carefully lifted you on his arm, afraid that he might accidentally break you. he then glanced at his wife who still had the same scary expression on his face. he sighed, it looks like he won't be able to help you this time.

and by the time you wake up. you see your mother, smiling at you gently as she stroke your hair. you were confused, you felt something was odd. and soon, you felt an unbearable pain on your legs. you started crying as you screamed because of the pain but athanasia didn't care. she just sit there next to you as she whispers some comforting words to your ear.

athanasia hates this kind of method. and she once promised to herself that she wouldn't break your legs to keep you on your palace. but it looks like she have to break that promise. after all, athanasia knows more than anyone else how dangerous it was outside the palace. and she doesn't want you to be in danger. and this is the only way that she knows to make you depend on her, to make you depend on your mother.

ahh, you should've just listened to your mother in the first place. if you listened to her and stayed here at your palace, then, this wouldn't happen. don't blame her, you did it to yourself. she just wants to keep you safe, she just wants you to depend on her, and she was willing to do anything to make sure that her precious daughter is safe.

“stop crying, honey. you make me feel even worse. but you need to understand. if i didn't broke your legs, you would've try to ran away again. ”

CAYENA HILL

our queen! kidding aside, as a platonic yandere, cayena wasn't that obsessive when it comes to her daughter. but this woman was manipulative. she wants you to listen to whatever she says. you were her own flesh and blood. that's also the reason why she thinks that she owns you.

cayena can be violent sometimes, specifically when you don't listen to her. and there were also some times that she had to punish you. you know, your mother was doing all of this for your sake. she loves you, your family loves you, you know that more than anyone else. but... you still wants to be free.

and that's why one day, you decided to go against the rule that your mother made. thinking that your mother will let you do whatever you wants once she saw that you were an independent girl.

hearing from a certain maid about the spot where you were able to see the night sky you excitedly planned your stargazing trip. of course, you don't plan to tell it to your father, mother, or rezef, your uncle who where you were close with.

and the night you sneaked out of your room. was the night when your life will change a lot. since, when a knight that rafaello assigned to guard you entered your room and saw you were not there. the whole kedry duchy panicked, how can they not panic?! their little lady was missing! and if the duchess and the duke and prince rezef hear about this! they'll surely kill them!

and it indeed happened. because rezef goes on rampage after hearing that his precious niece was missing. unlike rezef, both rafaello and cayena was calm. but inside they were mess. rafaello was worried about your safety, meanwhile, cayena was angry— no, rather than angry, cayena was furious.

why did you escape? no rather than that, how did you escape?! she made sure to assign a lot of servants to you to make sure that you are watched. so, how? haah, it looks like she needs to teach you a lesson once they find you.

and when everyone finds you in the nearby forest. they were all glad, especially your father and your uncle who hugged you immediately. you're too precious, both rezef and rafaello knew that they might completely lose their mind once you disappear. and seeing you were fine made them smile in relief.

seeing that you were safe. the people along with rezef and rafaello looked at cayena who was looking at you. they were waiting for cayena to move, they were all expecting that cayena will hug you but instead, the woman raised her hand and slap you.

you frozen on your place. you know the look on cayena's eyes very well. she was angry, no, she was furious at you. seeing that look on her face made you think of one thing, you fucked up.

after cayena slapped you, she then hugged your small figure. saying that she was glad that you were alright. but then, she whispered something to you. and that time, you realized that the small freedom that you had will completely disappear after this.

“ are you excited to say goodbye to your freedom, (first name)~? ”

ROXANA AGRICHE

unlike cayena and athanasia, roxana was a pretty chill platonic! yandere parent. this girl wouldn't control her daughter's schedule nor she limit her freedom. she can do whatever she wants as long as she had someone to supervise her. by those someone i meant, her, cassis, jeremy, griselda, and sylvia.

why is she chill, you ask? because through her poisonous butterfly— she was able to know where are you, whatever you were doing, the people that you are talking with and many more.

oh, you were not able to complain about your ‘privacy’ because you were roxana's child. you were hers, she was the reason why you were alive, and besides, she was doing all of this to keep you safe.

but of course, there will be also times that roxana will lose her cool. and let's say that time was when you go stargazing, without taking anyone with you. and why did roxana lose her cool? simple. because the poisonous butterflies that she sent to you disappeared.

and she began to panic when jeremy barged into her room, saying that you're missing. roxana became scared. she became scared since you were alone and she can't locate you because the poisonous butterflies that she sent to you disappeared.

she started panicking. what if something happens to you? what if you got hurt? or worse is... what if you got kidnapped?! oh, this woman will surely order jeremy and the people in the agriche mansion to find you. but no one was able to. and when they were starting to lose hope, the savior of the day, dion entered the scene while carrying the sleeping (first name) in his arms.

and, oh my. this was the first time that roxana was thankful with dion. because the time she saw you peacefully sleeping on dion's arm, she felt relieved. she felt relieved by the fact that you were safe and sound. but when she heard that dion saw you sleeping on the nearby forest, roxana's face darkened.

if you want to go stargazing, you should've asked her so she or jeremy can accompany you. but you chose to go alone? .... it looks like roxana became too relaxed. she thought that if she didn't limit your freedom, you will stay with her as her adorable daughter.

... hmm, after a few minutes of thinking. an idea suddenly popped onto her mind as a sadistic smile formed on her lips.

you don't have to worry. hurting you was the last thing that she will do. that's why, let's just say that you... while staying at that said forest got infected by some unknown disease which made your body weaker than normal. of course, if you were sick, you need her, her siblings and your father's help with your daily life. you will surely become dependent to them.

but the main reason why your body became weaker was actually thanks to the medicine that roxana gives to you every day... but, shh, it was a secret that only she and cassis knows.

ahh, trying to escape from your sadistic mother was quite fun, isn't it... (first name)?

“ you're just too cute, little (first name). i just want to keep you with me forever. ”

#yandere manhwa x reader #yandere x reader #yandere x y/n #manhwa x reader #yandere #yandere headcanons #yandere manhwa #platonic yandere #platonic yandere x reader #athanasia de alger obelia #athanasia de alger obelia x reader #platonic #wmmap #wmmap x reader #who made me a princess #cayena hill #cayena hill x reader #the villainess is a marionette #roxana agrece #roxana agriche #roxana agrece x reader #roxana agriche x reader #the way to protect the female lead's older brother #roxana #tw : yandere behavior #tw : unhealthy obsession #tw : manipulation #tw : infantilizing

[monpalace]

OKOK! Another thought if i may 👉👈

Time is secretly pinning after Reader but refuses to acknowledge his feels and confess to them. This secret is so well guarded that not even the chain has the slightest clue! But after all these months of quiet admiration, emotions start to bubble to the surface.

One night, when the chain is staying at a Inn Time decided to join a few of the older boys for some drinks! (A decision he’ll come to regret) After a few too many drinks, the secret spews from his lips like a water fall. The once stern old man is now replaced with a lovesick teen boy who GUSHES about you endlessly. Honestly, he’s worst than Sky talking about his Zelda— and that’s saying something!

The older boys (imma say Warriors, Twilight and Sky) are honestly kinda floored by this sudden shift is Time’s personality. But they decided it would be best to get the old man to bed before he says something they really shouldn’t know.

Now, the three didn’t intend for the secret to reach the rest of the boys but…shit happens ig! Slip of the tongue or someone over heard a conversation, either way the words spread like wild fire and now the whole chain — except you and Time — are aware of their leader’s hidden feelings for you :DD

—

CUE EPIC MONTAGE of the boys trying and sometimes failing to be Time’s wing-Posse…without telling him…..

Yeah this aint gonna end well..

(I have a few ideas for scenarios for moments when the chain not so subtly sets the two up, if you want them :DD)

time gives off giggly drunk energy idk what else to say 🗿

"it's just the way they carry themselves, y'know?" a giggle, "it's just so—" and then a indiscernible noise and all of a sudden he's just like 🙈

i'd literally love to hear about moments like those?? i'm imagining a few of the boys trying to hype time up the reader and they just respond with "yeah, he's a pretty cool guy™️. whoever gets with him is a lucky person," while both parties are internally screaming because they deserve to be that lucky person

#the palace answers #its just a game of how long the chain can play wingman until someone just gets tired out outright sets up a date for them #'i'm interested in xyz' #'oh my goddesses‼️‼️‼️ time is interested in xyz‼️‼️‼️‼️' #whole time time doesnt know what xyz is #loz x reader #legend of zelda x reader #lu x reader #linked universe x reader #link x reader #loz link x reader #legend of zelda link x reader #stargazing in the palace

[igotsnothing]

Simblr Gratitude Day

Ok, ok- I was stuck at work until late today and didn't see this outpouring of awesomeness early enough.

Thank you, @simstrashkingdom, @lynzishell, @thebramblewood, @stargazer-sims and @maxfaiden, for remembering me and tagging me! It was honestly such a sweet surprise to find! It's really special- I hope you know that! And, of course: right back at you! ❤️

It may be a small thing, but I am truly grateful for all the kind support I've found here. "I love my moots" is a tag I use often and honestly. I joined Simblr at the end of March not really knowing what to expect. I appreciate all the friends I've met and the interactions I've had with so many talented people!

I tend to ramble, so I'll try to get to the point: every comment, DM, reblog, and "like" makes my day and makes me so happy. I want to especially show love and appreciation to the following people, who make my Simblr such a good place to hang out in:

@alinelie- My simblr birthday buddy! I love her ocs, her aesthetic, her ability to convey so much through her images! @damseljamsel, who is genuine- I mentioned feeling out of sorts once and she was right there, with kind words, offering an ear, and cheering me up. She also puts up with my completely out-of-control comments about her awesome stories. You're a good person, Damsel! STAY GOLD, PONYBOY! @agena87- an early moot who is super creative and has been learning and growing and sharing so many amazing images! They're also super cool and supportive! And there's @crabbeychick, who is sweet and generous with her comments and goes along with my wackiness (and drives our getaway car and feeds me snacks to keep me happy quiet). I hope that in 2024, you'll feel ready to share more about your OCs- I really enjoyed the little bit you let us glimpse! @akitasimblr is such a treasure- generous, so talented and fun- and Alexander Burns better find a way into Nat's family! 😆 @simarcana hasn't been around as much, but I hope they know how much their encouragement meant to me when I started posting here! They're funny and cool and their edits and ocs are everyone's favorites, with good reason!

I also want to send a virtual hug (or nod- whichever is more comfortable!) to these simblrs- some older friends, some newer- who always, always make me happy when I see them here: @silentsundown, @lynxsimago, @merrymomo, @eljeebee, @izayoichan, @smok3inm1rrors, @aheathen-conceivably, @theosconfessions, @aurorangen, @nata1997, @lilamausmaus @moonfromearth

And because this is about gratitude, I want to let the following super talented, big-league player simblrs know that they are so inspiring and bring so much heart and beauty to this game and community! @rebouks, @cinamun, @pralinesims, @lilis-palace, @strangestorytellersims, @arcanewonder, @panterabsims

...And I will never miss an opportunity to brag and gush about @greighish/@maxfaiden. I don't want to overdo it and bug you again, but I mean it from the heart when I say that you and your friendship are the best, most unexpected gifts I received when I joined Tumblr. I'm looking forward to sharing more books and music and marvelous and whimsical ephemera with you in the year to come! Thank you for always making me feel seen and welcome. *Bows* (*Immediately loses balance and topples to the side*)

#simblr gratitude day #simblr gratitude 2023 #i love my moots #and all the good peeps #who make this little corner of the internet so bright

[priestessame]

Whenever you have time what type of dates do you think emperor zhongli would take the empress on

No rush and make sure your taking care of your self 

This is such a wholesome ask annon TT

ahhh Emperor Zhongli makes me so soft UWU

❧ I would assume that because the reader is from a foreign land, you would have to learn about the language and script one way or another. Lucky for you the emperor is far too excited when you expressed a desire to learn about the culture more. So obviously he takes it upon himself to tutor you. Teaching you the styles of calligraphy and the nuances of his language. He's unbelievably patient, guiding your hand with his own to teach you the script, sneaking in some cheesy proses about love. He would even take you out stargazing on nights with clear skies, mapping out constellations with his hands and re-telling their stories like he had lived it himself.

❧ He is such a patron of literature, he could spend hours reading you epics and ballads. Of course, it would go both ways, the emperor loves to listen to you talk about your own culture. Spending nights talking about the strange and wonderful stories from your mythology and history. Because everything about you fills him with pure wonder.

❧ During festivals, Once the palace rituals for the lantern rite are over, he would even sneak you out to watch the local theatre at Qingce village. (Even if it's against the will of his paranoid general). Softly translating dialogues you don't understand, loving how you lose yourself in the story. He would even help you hold the jueyun chilies you gathered for the ride back to the palace, even if they ruin his pockets.

❧ Zhongli also loves to take you around on walks. Dressed In layman clothes in matching top knots, passing under the guise of just another village couple. There's always a sense of calm that the emperor feels walking around the harbor, listening to the sounds of the city as it wraps up another busy day. And he has yearned all his life to share that kind of peace with someone.

❧ So he would take you around the harbor sharing candied oranges just as they light the evening lanterns. It makes most people look over their shoulders at the oddly attractive couple, but you won't really notice, you'd be too mired in your own world.

❧ If it's plum blossom season, he would take you to the royal garden, maybe he would even dedicate one to you if you like it too much. He would ask for tea and mooncakes to be bought to the garden as you two laze around the blossoms playing board games. Although by the end you chucked the pure-gold board piece at him for cheating at the game and then shamelessly denying it.

❧ Taking baths together; I mean obviously, the royal palace has its own hot springs. Bearing the title of the emperor, even if he is always surrounded by people, it still gets lonely at times. So moments like these are what make him feel very loved. He would place you between his legs, against his chest as he gently washes your back and shoulders. Most of the time he can't help but pepper kisses down your neck (0////0). It makes all the stress of the day melt, washing away the ache he feels from sitting on the throne all day long. It is even better when you are washing his long hair and idly braiding it with small flowers. The dragon in him loves this grooming. It's very intimate, but not really sexual. It makes him want to let down his guard as your company makes him feel safe.

#zhongli x reader #zhongli scenarios #zhongli #zhongli fluff

[lovelyladyabsinthewrites]

Wrap Around Pt.2

Pairing(s): Oberyn Martell x Martell!Reader, Oberyn Martell x Ellaria Sand

Warnings: siblingxsibling implied, longing, inappropriate behavior but nothing too nsfw, no p in v, no touching

Words: 1607

Summary: You and Oberyn stargaze as his lovers sleep in his bed next door.

Part 1  Part 3  Part 4

PLEASE DO NOT READ IF YOU ARE SENSITIVE TO ANY OF THE WARNINGS/TAGS

Nights in Dorne varied from freezing to uncomfortably warm. All these years growing up in the desert land, you still found yourself victim to the night heat that had you tossing and turning. Perspiration accumulated on every inch of your body. Your bed, once a spot of relaxation and comfort, has become a humid swamp. Even laying naked offered no relief. Skin simply too warm and having had enough, you sit up and swing your feet to the cool tile of your chambers. Enough to make you sigh in gratitude. Toes spread to fully embrace the fresh sensation. All too soon the red tiles beneath you become lukewarm, there was no way you were getting any more sleep. You wondered if your brother was suffering as well.

“We shall suffer together.”You muse to yourself as you go to search for a lightweight robe to drape over yourself.

The halls of Sunspear were void of noise, quiet as a Westerosi sept. It didn’t feel right to you. There was always life during down, people going about their business and talking amongst one another. Fluttering in and out.

In fondness, you run your hand along the crafted walls that were cut off by towering pillars. Lightly scraping your nails, you could practically hear young Oberyn’s boisterous laugh.

Guards that had the misfortune of patrolling so lage are used to your nightly wanders. The older ones could easily recount you doing it since the sweet age of six. They always knew where you were going. The destination had never changed.

“I was wondering when you would show up.” A crooked grin on his face should always be mistrusted. Moving aside, Oberyn welcomes you into his room. He too was down to the bare minimum of clothing articles. Scars that each told of a story were printed on his chest. You admired for a moment the strong bridge of his naked collarbone.

Despite there being little light, you peer off to where his bed was positioned. There nestled in a thin sheet were two figures. “Did I interrupt something?”

“Never.” Reassuring you, Oberyn leads you out to his balcony that faces the dead black sea. Oberyn motions for you to take a seat in the wicker chair across from him. It had always been your seat. Like many items in the palace, the chairs had been crafted by Dorne’s finest. The cushions were made from fabric imported from Essos. No matter how long you sit on it, they never lose their softness.

While Oberyn pours the both of you a glass of wine, he tells you “When you were gone, I would come out here every night and just stare at the distant water.”

You knew your departure had been tough on your brother. It had been equally difficult for you as well. Casually taking a sip, your taste buds burst.

He shakes his head free of the past and pushes his chair next to you. It didn’t matter. The two of you were together once more.

Not even the heat could bother you now.

With Oberyn you stargaze and reminisce under the protective blanket of night. The stars in the sky could easily outnumber the population of Dorne; perhaps even Westeros.

Elia had loved nothing more than to gaze up at the bright, celestial beings. When she wasn't scolding you and calling you her “little savage”, she would hold you in her arms as she pointed out the different grouping of stars. Each had their own legends and Elia told you almost all of them. A wonderful story-teller, sometimes that wasn’t enough to stop you from acting like a hellion. The only one who could really go toe-to-toe with you was Oberyn. He had been just as wild. When he wasn't keeping you in line, Oberyn was right next to you causing endless mayhem that had your elder sibling rubbing their temples.

When you brought up your childhood antics, Oberyn laughs and reaches for your hand that was holding your wine. “Do you remember when you got this scar?” Gently Oberyn uncurls your pinky from the glass stem. Running like a river across your pink was a deep scar that was almost a decade old.

You grin. It was from when you had begged Doran to get someone to teach you how to use a sword. He refused. You had been fully prepared for this rejection. Having never been a child to easily concede defeat, you had a plan up your sleeve.

As part of your demonstration as to why you needed a teacher, you “borrowed” Oberyn’s sword and accidentally nearly sliced your entire pinky off. The pain lasted only seconds for you. Doran relented and agreed to get you a teacher. He also sent you to bed that night without any dinner and forbade anyone from giving you anything that would dull the pain in your pinky. Oberyn, loving you more than he feared his brother’s wrath, would not have you go hungry. Once Doran took his medication to put him into a deep sleep, Oberyn stole into your room and fed you.

“You always contradicted whatever command Doran gave.” Draining another glass, you’re content enough with the buzzing in your head. Your back slumped against the chair.

“Only when it came to you.”

Warm fingers brush against your naked shoulder as your robe had slid down an inch.

From the day you were born, Oberyn had spoiled you with his affection; giving you whatever your heart desired. Even now you knew if you were to ask Oberyn to bring you an enemy’s head, he would gladly hand it over on a gold platter for you.

Sadly you think for a moment how no man could every compare to your brother. It wasn’t fair.

An easy silence rolls over like a sigh. Noticing how your spirits were depleting, Oberyn silently refills your cup. After having traveled throughout Essos, the nights in Dorne still could not be beat. Especially with your brother beside you. The heat no longer bothered you, a different kind of warmth was engulfing you quickly.

When you shifted your arm up to push away a wild strand of your hair, you felt your robes loosen around your chest and the slow descent of your left sleeve off your shoulder. Wantonly your cleavage reveals itself. Long lashes cast shadows over. Oberyn’s beautifully molded lips are parted and it takes the self control of a septa to prevent yourself from kissing him.

It wasn’t right.

Not with Oberyn.

But your body craved him like he was your only salvation. What had you done in your previous life to deserve such cruel inflictions?

You had made the resolve a few years ago that you would never cross the line with Oberyn.

That didn’t mean you couldn’t toe the line and test the waters.

He understood this too and would always respect the boundaries you had set.

Bravely tucking at the edge of your robe, you show a little more of the expanse of your chest. The dip of your collar bone, running down to your breasts. His hand twitches in response with the desire to cup your tit.

You dared to look at him and the vibrant shade of want overcame his cheeks. “If you could touch me, what would you do?”

Oh. What wouldn’t he do?

Oberyn grins, aware of the games you enjoyed playing. He runs his fingers along your jawline before leaning close to your ear.

You close your eyes as he describes how he would toy with your nipples first. Squeezing them softly between his index finger and thumb before taking it into his mouth to suck gently.

You squeezed your thighs tightly together.

“And I can assure you my touches will be slow and torturous.” He nuzzles the side of your face. So close to your lips. If only you had more courage. “For if I were ever allowed to touch you, I will take my time to savor every inch.”

Thankfully he also knew when you were at your limit. Oberyn leans back into his chair, trying to dismiss his own afflictions. After a sip of wine, he is ready once more; back to his sultry, teasing ways. “And if you could touch me, what would you do?”

Cheekily smiling at him, you lower your eyes in a coy deploy and open your mouth to reply. The groggy body of one of his lovers sitting up in bed behind him made you shut up.

Having watched the abrupt drop of your face, Oberyn turns around. Only taking you seconds to cover your chest and readjust your clothes, you squint into the darkness.

“(y/n)?” Ellaria calls out in a sleep muffled voice. “Is that you?”

You breathed more easily and stood up alongside Oberyn. “Sorry for waking you. I was just about to go back to bed.” Setting down your wine glass you realised the insides of your thighs were wet.

Hastily passing by the bed and a quick kiss to Ellaria’s cheek, you bid them both a good night.

Had things gone too far? It worried you during your scurry back to the safe haven of your room. Tucked behind your door, you let yourself fall onto your bed. The racing of your heart drummed in your ears.

So close.

He had been so close to you. You could easily see the fine points of his eyelashes. Ingraining his full, heart-shaped lips into your memory.

Achingly slow, you run your hand down your neck and past your robes; descending further down until. . .

You close your eyes and moan, replaying Oberyn’s words.

-----------

Taglist:

@hoziersfairy​

@rosaliedepp​

@iiconicxpersona​​

#oberyn mar #Oberyn Martell #Oberyn Martell x Ellaria Sand #oberyn martell fanfiction #oberyn martell x reader #oberyn martell x you #reader #reader insert #reader insert fanfiction #game of thrones x reader #game of thrones #game of thrones fanfiction #game of thrones fanfic #Game of Thrones fandom #ASoIaF #asoiaf fandom #asoiaf fanfiction #asoiaf fanfic #asoiaf fic #A Song of Ice and Fire #a song of ice and fire fanfiction #a song of ice and fire fanfic #A Song of Ice and Fire fandom #got #got x reader #got fanfiction #got fanfic #got fandom

[iliveforyouilongforyouvesuvia]

This something i thought about just now what about MC taking M6 on a suprise date to relieve them of their pressure that their duties bring them and vice versa

The Arcana HCs: Surprise Getaways with the M6

~ I also had an older anon request for date nights with the M6, so here we go! Enjoy all of my escapist headcanoning - brainrot ~

Julian

How you whisk him away:

Julian gets the most stressed from his medical practice when he's had an unusually high number of patients and a lower success rate of treating them

Which is why the best thing is to take him out of the city, where there's nobody to take on their burdens for

He especially loves getaways to mineral or hot springs - they take him back to Nevivon and generally feel like the opposite of a clinic

Book a long weekend for the two of you and "kidnap" him from the clinic without telling him where you're going. He'll love it

How he whisks you away:

He'll take you out on a gondola for the evening. All his time on ships makes him a decent sailor

And nothing feels more romantic to him than serenading you with his vielle by moonlight

He'll pack a bottle of wine for the two of you as well

Sometimes he forgets that he has to steer the two of you back and has a little much

No harm done, between his half effective rowing and your half effective magic you're usually able to make it back to shore in one piece

Asra

How you whisk them away:

Of everyone you know, he is the chillest person you'll ever meet. He only gets stressed when there's a really big issue to face

Like the world ending ... or someone dying ...

If you see them stressed it's most likely about something that everyone else is stressed about too, including you

Which is why you wait until after it's taken care of to spend several days at a natural sacred site

An introvert at heart, he'll quickly recharge in his element with you by his side and a dearth of ancient magic to play with

How they whisk you away:

He'll take you to his sanctuary for up to a week, or as long as you give him

Will hold you snuggle hostage for at least twelve of every twenty four hours

If there's a festival or gathering happening in the nearby village, they'll go with you and dance with you through the night

Multiple nights on the flat roof, stargazing in the cool air, snuggled up and talking quietly about life and the future

Your sleep schedule is always out of whack by the time you return from all the late nights and mornings

Nadia

How you whisk her away:

She has very good reason to get stressed. She's a Countess who does her job properly. Stress is in the job description

Which is why you have to time it carefully. As much as you want to drag her away, the project bothering her so much could be very important

On the other hand, as someone who loves her very very much, you want to avoid the stress migraines that plague her

So you'll confer with her advisors to give her several days off and take her into the Arcana's realms

Most of the Arcana themselves are quite fond of her, so she's welcome nearly everywhere

And it's a place where she can roam and grow as herself, not a Countess or Princess

How she whisks you away

She understands self-care like nobody's business. She's stealing you away to her seaside palace for a week

Fresh food. Massages. Sun bathing. Playing in the sand and waves. Spa treatments. Evenings on the balcony, listening to the waves crash and tasting salt on the lips

You always come back with a sun kissed glow, every muscle in your body relaxed

Muriel

How you whisk him away:

Being a natural worrier, he exists with low levels of stress almost constantly

Which is why his hut is one of the most stress free environments you've ever been in

His hut stops being stress free when you've had a large influx of visitors

Ever since half of Vesuvia used his front yard as a campground, it's been a common occurrence for someone to drop by with a snack to say hello

Which is why you'll take a nice, long trip to Khamgalai's old cottage together

It surprised you at first how happy he is in such a somber place, but for him it's the least lonely place to be introspective

No outside pressures, nothing telling him to hurry up, just a field of forget me nots and carved family history with his love nearby

How he whisks you away:

He'll taking you camping in the Ancient Forest. It's full of peace and life and it really lets your inner magician blossom

It's also where the two of you did a lot of bonding. He likes being able to slow down and walk through your shared memories together to remind you that he's got your back

He doesn't like the mini heart attack you give him when you wake him up with your best "impatient Morga" impression

Portia

How you whisk her away:

Can we say workaholic? She moves nonstop, all day long, engaging people face to face with terrifying optimism

While it certainly makes her more prone to burnout, it doesn't make her stressed the way feeling helpless does

Which usually happens when her negotiations don't go the way she hopes

You'll take her to the nearest festival and schedule the day after off as well for the recovery

Being surrounded by happy people, with no responsibility for maintaining that happiness, is her cue to let loose

She parties hard. She'll visit every single stall, take a shot at every single game, try a bite of every type of food, and dance until her legs fail her

How she whisks you away:

Nobody knows how to give someone the royal treatment like she does - it was literally her job for three years

She'll organize a staycation for you, either in her cottage or on the outskirts of wherever you're visiting for diplomacy

Breakfast in bed. Footrubs. Long walks through nature. Reading side by side in the evenings. Hair care day. The kind of baking projects that take four hours

Lucio

How you whisk him away:

He's put a lot of work into becoming a better man, but he's got a long way to go and he knows it

He's not naturally prone to stress, which is why he's so bad at handling it when he has it

He also knows that you love him unconditionally, but that doesn't stop the fear of you running out of patience. So he'll stress himself to pieces trying to do every single thing right, all the time

It makes him a little antsy at first, because how is he supposed to prove himself if there's nothing to do?

So you'll find a decently priced B&B near a sleepy town, and take a few slow days

There's nothing to do now except give him the love and attention he craves

He'll be able to settle into the rhythm pretty quickly, but beware, once your couple days of rest are up he'll be bursting with energy

How he whisks you away:

He's still learning to think outside the box, so he'll take a page from your book and do the same for you. Small town, nice B&B

The difference is that he still has his energy, so you often wake up from an afternoon nap in time to hear all about the trouble he got up to while you were asleep

#ask arcana brainrot #the arcana headcanons #the arcana hc #the arcana #asra the arcana #julian the arcana #nadia the arcana #muriel the arcana #portia the arcana #lucio the arcana #the arcana game #the arcana fluff #asra alnazar #julian devorak #nadia satrinava #muriel of the kokhuri #portia devorak #lucio morgasson

[bookshelf-in-progress]

What the hey. I'll ask for some feedback right here on the blog.

I haven't touched my "Twelve Dancing Princesses" retelling in a while because I'm unsure about the style. When I was brainstorming a list of retelling possibilities, the first line of this one jumped out at me and made me start writing in a non-traditional point-of-view. I like the intimacy of it, but the story started expanding into more detail than I initially intended, so I'm not sure if it serves the story or just makes it more confusing. If you stumbled on a story written like this unawares, would it still make sense, etc.?

So I'm posting the first couple of scenes (2,400 words) to give you a taste of what it would be. It's still pretty rough, so there are some things about character and plot that don't make complete sense, but I could use some general feedback about readability. Is it worth continuing in this way or should I overhaul it to something more traditional? Is the story worth continuing at all? And so on.

(FYI: This is a retelling of the French version of the fairy tale, popularized by Andrew Lang, so all unique details come from that version).

Unseen: A Retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses

We go to the same garden every day, but you never see me. Why should you? You are the Princess Sonatina, youngest daughter of the greatest king on five continents, while I am only a gardener's assistant, with not even a surname of my own, except one that was given to me half as a taunt for my daydreaming ways. If you were ever to ask, I would tell you I answer to Michael Stargazer--but you never will think to ask, and I will never presume to speak.

Instead, I work silently in the gardens, while you wander past with your sisters--eleven of them, all unsurpassed in beauty of face and form and voice--laughing and chatting and singing snatches of songs. You are, all of you, more beautiful and vibrant than any of the flowers I tend, and I feel more alive just being near you.

Then the day comes when your morning songs are silent. You drag weary feet through the gardens, look blankly at the beauties of the world, lounge wearily along the edges of fountains and atop retaining walls. The rumor comes that every night, you are--all of you--wearing through your shoes.

Were I a prince, I would think no quest too perilous to save you from such sickness. I would climb a million trees in search of golden apples, cross storm-filled oceans in search of the Water of Life, work a dozen years at impossible tasks to find the key to ending your curse.

But I'm only a gardener, and nobody's son, so it falls to those with name and fortune to try their hands at saving you. The king has vowed that the man who finds the secret of where you go at night will win your hand in marriage, and there are many who are willing and worthy to try.

They are wonderful men--strong and handsome, noble and brave, with royal titles, vast holdings, great fortunes, and skills and talents that a simple gardener could never match. Any one of them would make a fine husband for a princess. Yet all of them, to a man, disappear within a day of taking up their task.

The rumors turn darker then, casting you not as victims but villains, luring men to their deaths with some dark magic of your own. Those who say such things did not see you in the gardens, or that would know that not one of you is capable of anything near what they accuse you of. Unfortunately, no one will ask a garden lad's thoughts, and I cannot speak unbidden unless I have proof.

So I go to the gardens and find two tiny rose trees. The head gardener tried to tear them out, in my first days at the palace, and I convinced him to let them live. I have watered them, fed them, saved them from disease and decay, told them stories of the princesses they serve. You have never seen them, I'm sure--you have never seen me--but though they are small, they are fine little plants, with dark, glossy green leaves, and little buds that seem always to be waiting for just the right time to bloom. An old woman told me once that they were wishing trees, planted in the earliest days of the kingdom's existence, and my service to them meant I had only to speak to them, and they would give me whatever I asked.

For myself, I want nothing--wishes too easily become the ruin of those who have them granted--but for you, I would dare all. I ask my two rose trees to make me not only unseen, but unseeable, able to follow wherever you go without detection.

The rose tree sprouts a single bloom, its petals so white and delicate they are almost transparent. When I pluck it from the bush, I disappear from sight. I place it in my buttonhole and move about the gardens, unseen by all who cross my path, even in the brightest sun.

That night, I follow you into the bedroom you share with your sisters, and I hide beneath the largest bed while the room above fills with the sounds of rustling dresses, clinking jewels, and girlish whispers. At last, your eldest sister Aria declares you dressed to perfection and calls for silence.

I creep out from under the bed and find you and your sisters dressed in ballroom finery--silks and satins and twelve pairs of perfectly-mended dancing shoes. I take my place just behind you, and find you more beautiful than ever in this moonlit room.

Aria pulls aside a tapestry, and the blank stone wall suddenly becomes an open doorway leading to a torchlit staircase. You all rush through in single file. I keep close at your heels, afraid that I'll be left behind unseen if I give the door a chance to close.

Aria stands back to hold open the tapestry. I rush past where she stands, afraid she'll follow too close and crash into my unseen form. In doing so, I trod too close to your skirt, and the fabric tears beneath my foot as you take your first steps down the stairs.

You shriek and grab hold of Lyra, standing just before you on the stairs. "Someone stood on my skirt!" you scream.

I hold myself flat against the damp stone wall, heart pounding so fast that I'm certain you hear me.

Aria breezes down the staircase, head held high, the crown princess rolling her eyes at her foolish juniors. "Don't be silly, Tina," Aria says. "I was nowhere near you on the stairs."

You protest that you felt someone on your skirt, but your cries for belief are drowned out by eleven dissenting voices, and they all continue down the staircase. You go only reluctantly, looking back at me--right through me--a thousand times as you go forth. Were it not for the weight of my mission, I would cast off the rose in the hope of a single moment when our eyes could truly meet.

After what seems like a million stairs, we emerge into an open clearing that would look like the outdoors if there was any sight of sky above. Trees tower over us with drops of silver on their branches, like rain upon the leaves. Further down the path is a gold-spattered orchard, each precious drop catching the soft white light that comes from I know not where. Even further beyond is a forest full of diamonds, every stone flashing rainbows that remind me of the fire in your eyes.

The forests are strange, but also strangely unsurprising--as though they've always been here, but simply unseen. Your sisters whisper of the night that this place was wished into existence--a place where they might revel in pure beauty and joy, away from the weighty eyes of the watchful world. But the forest, it seems, is only a prelude--the true marvel is far ahead. We emerge onto the shores of a shimmering lake--so vast, so deep, and so darkly blue that I can see neither the bottom nor the opposite shore. On an island in its center stands a castle so magnificent that it makes your father's palace seem like a paper toy. Its white, sculpted spires glitter with gems in a thousand colors, every brick spangled with precious stones. Its windows hold wonders caught in flawless stained glass. Music sweeter than any I've ever heard pours out its open doors, and the light from within forms a shining path across the lake--upon which float twelve sleek obsidian-colored boats.

Each boat has a boatman who rows swiftly toward the shore, and as they approach, I find that I know all the faces. Every one of these men is a prince who failed at finding your secret--or rather, they found it, and did not return. They are dressed in silks and velvets unlike any I've seen in the outer world, too rich for comprehension. As they slide up to the shore and each offer a place to one of you girls, they wear smiles that shine as bright as your own--but there is also something empty in their eyes.

You, as the youngest, take your place in the very last boat of all, piloted by a king's younger son whose sires have ruled half a continent for centuries. He smiles and bows as he takes you by the hand. The way your eyes light up make me wonder if I've seen what you look like in love.

The prince rows with arms strengthened by a warrior's skill--I doubt he's ever held a shovel in his life--but the other boats still outpace us by far.

"Why are you so slow tonight?" you ask him, half teasing, but with a trace of true annoyance.

"The boat is heavy," he says, "and I know not why."

You glance backward, toward where I sit in the stern, and again, I half-wish you could see me. But I let out a sigh of relief when you turn your eyes back toward the castle and give no further thought to unknowable truths.

We disembark on a dock just beneath the castle entrance, and in moments we are inside the palace of enchantment itself. This is a ballroom beyond what I could imagine--floors of marble streaked with gold and silver, towering windows displaying fantastical birds and beasts, spidery silver chandeliers holding thousands of brightly-lit candles, and at the far end of the room, tables tottering beneath food enough to feed an army, and half a nation besides.

But this splendor is nothing compared to the beauty of the music. It is like a living thing--vibrant, rapturous, all-consuming, pulling all into it like a roaring, flowing river, so the moment one steps through the door, there is nothing one can do but dance. Your prince pulls you into his arms, and your sisters' princes do the same, and soon you are swirling through that wondrous room, beauty and motion and life all brought to their fullness and put into perfect order.

All along the edges of that room are other faces--other princes who've failed at your father's quest--and they all take their turn in the dance. If I thought you alive in the gardens, you are a thousand times more vibrant now, laughing and dancing  so you glow with pure joy. These princes are your perfect partners, matching you with every step, reflecting the glow that you bring to the room. If I ever thought that I could take a place beside them, maybe win your father's wager and claim a princess for my bride, that spark is snuffed by the brightness of your blaze. You are ethereal, almost angelic, and could never be happy with one whose hands are stained from working with the common, solid Earth.

While the princes take their turns, you and your sisters dance without ceasing, and I no longer wonder how you could wear through your shoes in a single night. Those shoes are little more than tatters by the time the last note of the last dance plays, and the twelve of you trudge toward the boats to reach bed. Your princes are silent as they row the boats to the forested shore, and you, Sonantina, do not say a word about his slowness.

When you reach the banks, the prince bids you farewell, then all twelve of them row back to the palace, choosing to stay in the splendor rather than return to the pressures of their ordinary lives. After what I have seen, I cannot blame them for their choice.

But you and your sisters choose to return to your father. You trudge through the diamond, then gold, then silver-speckled forests, and as your sisters file one-by-one up the staircase, I realize that none of this fantastic tale will have a ring of truth unless I have something to bring as proof. I reach toward the nearest tree and snap off a slender branch. It disappears from sight as soon as I touch it to my clothes, but the sound of its breaking rings through that silent wood like a gunshot.

You jump at the sound, and are suddenly wide, wide awake.

"What was that?" you ask your sister.

Aria once again rolls her eyes. "Only an owl," she says. "You know it roosts in the castle at night."

The explanation does not please you, I can tell, but having no other, you fall silent and leave the silver woods behind.

When you are all safely asleep in bed, I slip unseen through the door and make my way invisibly to my small cot in the servants' quarters. When I lay on my bunk, I take off the rose, and my face reappears in the reflection off the washing bowl. I look as I did before I left, though infinitely wearier, and perhaps--though it might only be fancy--I carry something in my eyes of the enchantment of the night.

In my hands sits the branch I broke, its leaves as green, its silver dewdrops as solid, as they were in that fantastical land. I imagine myself taking it to the king at dawn, having triumphed where the sons of kings and emperors have failed.

Then I imagine the you and your sisters standing by. In a horrible flash, the daydream shatters, and I see myself for what I am--a sneak and a spook, who crept uninvited into a strange woman's room to steal evidence that would cut her off completely from the place she loves most in the world. If I have a role in this tale, it is as the villain, not the hero. I have triumphed in discovering the secret, but if I have any love in my heart for you, I cannot think of speaking.

After a short hour's sleep, I awake with the dawn, but I do not go to the king with what I've found.

Instead, I go to the head gardener and get myself assigned the task of bringing the twelve princesses their morning bouquets. I gather careful handfuls of daisies and larkspur and bind them together with handfuls of greenery. I hand them to your sisters one by one as they come bleary-eyed to your bedroom door. When you come to me, last of all, I make sure that your bouquet contains a single silver-spangled branch.

Then, at last, you see me.

#adventures in writing #fairy tale retellings #the twelve dancing princesses