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ur-mousey · 4 months

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Shot in the Dark ~

Jude Durate x Cardan Greenbiar

summary Morden AU, Jude remembers a steamy night of fun with Cardan. 2.1k warning mature, flashback smut, softcore possessive, breast fondling, steamy makeout.

..............................

Jude Durate nocked the arrow into place. Her stance held rigid as she breathed in deep. Her skin prickled, haggard by the sun's rays. And the whirlwind that was her raged mind never ceased to calm. Too much had pissed her off this week.

She had known outright that a relationship with Locke would turn out less than hopeful.

He was dumb teenage fun. Dry humps in the back of his truck after stealing vodka shots from the party of the week. His chest had felt like a feather pushed against hers when she desired friction. Always, his hands, so desperate, reached for hers to touch his bulge. When she meant to overpower him, his lithe tongue found refuge by hitting the back of her throat, which caused her to battle against his pursuit.

Dumb teenage fun.

Cardan Greenbriar was more... Encompassing. However, she would never allow herself to imagine a future with him either.

Both of them had tormented her and her twin for their illegitimate seat at the Madoc Estate. She lived like them since the age of six. And, it was never enough to make her one of them

The gothic manor she had inhabited, with more rooms than there were people inside, didn't impress. Nor was her ability to attend the same private school. Or dress her hair in braids and beads. Nor was her conquest to dominate many sports get her any praise.

All because she was a bastard child?

She fucking doubted that.

There was something else about her that made her insignificant to them. Madoc called her weak. He'd beaten her down countless times until she could land a satisfying blow. She wasn't stunning like Nicasia, the gem of the sea, or psychotic-like Valerian. She felt little need to be manipulative like Locke, or to be as cruel as Cardan.

Cardan, Cardan, Cardan. Cardan this. Cardan that. Like a vermin, he seeped his way into everything.

How dare he?

Locke wasn’t much of anything. He’d chased a story where he pitted sister against sister. Being a silent observer of betrayal because he found himself too boring. That fiasco was years ago and whatever hurt had faded into the backdrop until times like these.

Cardan was the reason she found herself here.

Jude has been shooting all day. She drew from the quiver strapped to her back, nocked the arrow, and released the shot until it became monotonous. Canaries and quails fell victim, struck from atop trees, or while diving for the stream to escape the heat. Their corpses were then tied and dealt with before she placed them in the travel cooler at her side. Now, she stared ahead, left hip held forward towards the unaware hare some feet away. It rubbed its face in between nibbles of grass blades. Its head swiveled at the drop of acorns mistaken as footsteps.

She couldn't waste any more time. Jude adjusted her feet, re-curled her fingers around the bow, and pulled at the sting. She ended the hare's life. The arrow plunged into its side. Like that hare, all her life Jude Durate was meant to play as a defenseless little thing, prey for the taking.

When in actuality she was something to be feared.

Nicasia had drugged her in front of her peers where she found herself on her knees in front of Cardan. Locke made prom a spectacle where his date, Jude, stood on the sidelines as he revealed in tender kisses, not of her lips, but, of the pious Taryn Durate. Valerian more than the rest had tried to tame the beast he saw behind her feral eyes.

But she'd always slept afraid. And, Valerian was dealt revenge worse than the rest. Their family names are tarnished or lost with their life.

Cardan complicated things the minute she tread too close. At a house party hosted by Cardan years after they went their separate ways. Jude found herself in arms with Madoc and her stepmother, guided into the lustrous golden arches of the Greenbriar manor. Twine held everything together.

Chrysanthemums stamped the floor. Each tile became a monument of flowers held in time by resin casings. Since his family's murder, Cardan decorated with fever, white rabbits and ticking clocks filled the space between the doors and walls. Portraits of his father were replaced with him seated with a crown of thorns, his ethereal beauty highlighted.

"Darling Jude, could you follow me?" Cardan made his appearance from the shadows. His feline features quirked in a welcoming smile. "I've waited for your arrival more than I care to admit." Jude pouted but accepted his outstretched hand. He pressed her knuckles to his lips. He lingered there while sinking his eyes into her. She tensed at the sensation of his teeth grazing her calloused skin before nipping at her fingertips.

"What are you doing?" Jude hurried her arms to her side.

"Oh... Something that I should have done long ago."

He dragged her to his barren room. The closet door swung wide with collared shirts and tweed jackets hung. However, a mound of clothes could be seen kicked under his bed. There, sat in its lonesome corner, a floor lamp pushed soft warm lighting into the space. The only thing filled with life was his bookshelf, filled with titles she had never seen. Even his brown comforter lacked a human touch. "You are free to leave whenever. But, please look around, darling Jude."

"Free to leave?" Jude scoffed, "What the fuck? What would you do if I didn't want to play your game?"

Cardan gently twirled Jude around by her shoulder. She sighed, he's treating her like a pet, she thought. Her hands clenched as she made the effort to refrain from decking him in the face. "I see you wore the dress I sent. Should I say, good girl?" Cardan's thumb trailed down her back, exposed by its v-line. He brought her back into his chest. His drunken breath played tricks on her skin. "If you do decide to leave, I'll find other ways of getting what I want."

"And what would that be?"

"Hint, I'll start with the bookcase if I were you," Cardan whispered, sauntering by to take perch on the edge of his bed. Jude tilted her head which he acknowledged with the same gesture. He undid his collar and began unbuttoning his shirt. And with a scoff of his own, he bellowed, "Buttons are the bane of all outfits."

With reluctance, Jude strode to the opposite wall, the click of her heels echoed in her ear. She had no reason to believe that the dress she'd worn that evening was sent by him. She had assumed Oriana, her stepmother, laid it out for her on her childhood bed. The fabric of the skirt flowed pin straight to the ground. Her breasts were held tight by the fabric, showcased by the heart-shaped neckline, whose trim was finished with gold embroidery.��

The sleeves were cut down the middle from the crease of her elbow and looked as if it could merge with the skirt. The gown hugged her silhouette comfortably. How did he know her size? More importantly, what would be his intentions? Cardan was born with more even if he wasn't seen as the heir to his father's wealth. He belonged. There was nothing for him to gain from her. Did he mean to humiliate her in some way? Is that why she's here. It had to be a joke on her part. The hues of blue moved throughout the dress like a story, images of the forest were embroidered into the skirts, its branches reaching to touch the tip of her nipples. Silvered-shaped stars hid themselves, playing peek-a-boo with all who would want to search for them. It was tailored to her taste and with pockets in random nooks.

It took Jude little effort to find the most suspicious thing on Cardan's bookshelf. Alice and Wonderland sat there worn and in her face. Out of all the novels, it seemed the most childlike on his shelf. She made her way to Cardan, standing in front of him. "Is this it?"

"Not quite," He quipped. "It's what's inside that you'll find interesting." Cardan tapped the spine, adorning her ruby ring which she had on in the banquet hall. "Well? Hurry on, you keep me in suspense."

"Cardan... I don't like your games."

"It is merely a surprise."

"Let me rephrase. I like nothing when it comes to you." Cardan eyes met Jude's in a mid-languid blink. Like a cat, she thought.

Jude flipped through pages until she came across a folded note. Her eyes furrowed at what was sprawled across, her name, over and over:

Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude, Jude. And then some.

Stains inked the paper along her name. Blood splattered and dried alongside spurts of... cum? What the fuck?

Did he hate her that much? But, would you do that to someone you hate? She surely hated Cardan and her friends but she never made a display of their name. "What is this?" Jude threw the novel aside on the nightstand. She shook the paper in his face.

"Surprise... that's it."

"Now you're out of words?!"

Cardan shuddered, kneading the palm of his hands into his pant legs. "I have always been afraid of you," He confessed. "I have hated myself for less, but mostly because I wanted you."

Jude threw the paper at Cardan's feet. "You have some nerve... And a cruel way of showing you like someone."

"Darling Jude," Cardan gripped her waist. His fingers glazed over her plump bum. "I could be good for you... To you." He nuzzled his head into her stomach trailing kisses along to her left hip bone.

Jude faltered in step to Cardan's motion. She swung her legs over his waist and lifted his face to reach her lips. He tasted like sour wine and it intoxicated her. She knew not much of kisses. There was Locke but it was years away and didn't feel as forbidden as this. His cruel mouth was soft against hers, and his eyelashes shuddered against her cheek. He reached his other hand up to her ears and he tugged at the upper bit before biting down. He sucked her lips into his mouth, and the warmth of his lip ring brushed her lower lips. Teeth smacked and she wanted to laugh. Cardan lolled his tongue over hers which he gave up power to be dominated by her.

She pushed down on his chest till he lay there flat. Cardan reached for her lips to stay connected with his, however, Jude parted. Being witness to his face, desperately red, sent shivers down Jude's front. Cardan hiked her skirt up and encouraged her movements. She let herself buck her hips against his growing cock.

"Is that what you imagined?" Jude could only imagine the silver on his cheeks staining hers.

"No, and I rather not say."

"Why? Did you imagine more?" Jude tugged the collar of her dress. Her glorious cups spilled out for him to see. Cardan eyes widened and he looked like a deer caught in headlights. "Now you look scared?"

"I told you that you terrify me." Cardan reached both hands to pinch around her areoles. She would say that his touch felt reverent if she didn't know better, but she did. "Alas, I didn't believe I would get this far." He chuckled lightly, guiding her hands to wrap around his throat. Jude gave an experimental squeeze and Cardan breathed out deep.

Mocking, Jude parroted his earlier statement, "I'll find other ways of getting what I want."

NONNONONONONONO!!! Jude kicked at the ground like a toddler throwing a tantrum. Her cheeks burned deep into the skin. He played her, right? How dare he?! It made no sense. Jude hung her head while she packed the hare into the cooler and began to make the trek back to the manor's stable where she'll ponder and get more furious. And, where she'll replay more vivid scenes.

>>>

Cardan saluted to the groundskeeper who pointed him down the dirt path to where he was sure to find Jude. He has let her be a full week. Longer than he wanted, but he knew Jude like the back of his hand.

Jude, Jude, Jude, everything about her screamed to him. He twirled her precious ring from finger to finger. This time, he's on a mission to engrave her taste on his tongue.

.............................. Thank you for reading! Accidentally deleted this upload but here it is again! Please leave suggestions! And possible part two because I didn't truly deliver on smut.

Request rules are here!

>>>

NEXT JURDAN POST: Song Writer! Cardan x Jude

#jurdan #jurdan smut #soft yandere #smut #smut fic #the folk of the air #the cruel prince #the wicked king #the queen of nothing #imagine your otp #jude x cardan #tfota

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popchoc · 28 days

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Worse Than Cheating

Fandom: Grey's Anatomy Characters: Mika Yasuda & Taryn Helm

Summary: After suffering through the most horrible—and gross!—night shift, Mika finds out that Taryn, the girl she's dating, blocked her from an actual amazing case. A betrayal that's worse than cheating, she and friend Jules agree on...

Or: The Mika & Taryn conversation Grey's 20x05 didn't give us.

Taryn is sitting on one of the benches in front of the hospital, waiting for her to have breakfast at the bakery together, as they came up with last night.

Last night, when things were good.

When they were good.

Mika watches her from a short distance. Taryn hasn't seen her just yet. For a moment, she considers walking the other way. Too pissed to go out for crispy croissants, fresh OJ and fancy coffee. To pretend that she's fine, while she actually feels hurt and betrayed. She knows better though. The only way to get rid of this anger is to face what—or who—caused it, head on.

So she walks up to her, reluctantly but with her chin up high.

"You know that I was actually falling in love with you," she says, making Taryn look up at her, right when she stops in her tracks, five feet away from the bench. "I wasn't just liking you anymore. I was actually falling—"

"Hold on," Taryn stops her mid-sentence, her face instantly clouded with confusion, "What do you mean, was? What's going on?!"

Continue on AO3 >>>

#mika yasuda #taryn helm #mika x taryn #grey's anatomy #fanfiction #short but necessary 😉

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eerna · 3 months

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Omg I didn't think you would respond so quickly. Thank you! As a follow up, Jude was taken by the Undersea, right? Locke knew this would take place since the Ghost (who he was controlling) was involved in the kidnapping. I assume Locke and Nicasia (along with her mother) worked together to make this happen. This was way before Jude threatened him. So do you think Locke helped plan Jude's kidnapping as a way to get a reaction out of both Cardan and Taryn? Could it also be because Jude wasn't down for Locke's games which we see at the end of TCP when Locke tried to give a flimsy apology and make amends (I assume he wanted to continue his "story" with Jude)

P.S. This is my last question. I just love reading meta lol. I'm always trying to understand them better.

P.P.S. I think you're very good and skilled at analyzing characters' relationships. It's why I'm here lol. Also, I love your artwork <3

You timed it well for my morning tumblr scroll! And aaawwww thanks, glad you enjoy it~ Drawing and being opinionated are def two of my fav things to do, always happy to talk more about stuff I like!

Ok for this topic I am not the right person to ask because I subconsciously ignore it ever happened. Here's the thing about the Ghost. He's one of the shakiest parts of the series to me because there isn't much foreshadowing or a clear setup for any of his twists, so it feels like HB just throws him into the mix whenever she needs to stir something up out of the blue. And boy does his QoN reveal stir something up out of the blue, because suddenly Locke is no longer just a shit-stirrer antagonist (like Asha, Valerian, and Taryn) but an actual scheming power-grabbing one (like Madoc, Orlagh, and Balekin). Sorry HB, but if Locke REALLY helped plan the kidnapping, why the hell was he playing horror movies with Jude the night before??? What was he gonna do, axe her down in the middle of the woods hoping she wouldn't die or be too badly hurt when his plans hinged on her being alive and capable of visiting the Tower of Forgetting the next day???? And yeah, what does he get out of conspiring with the Undersea??? It's not like he can brag about his role in this situation, but in every other one of his schemes he NEEDS people to know what he did and how cool and important he is. It makes way more sense to me that he was bummed Jude rejected him and didn't allow him to bully her or Cardan anymore, so he decided to maim/kill her on impulse as his stag night activity, and he gave Taryn the earrings as a message to Jude to stay out of his marriage (and to brag). And so Locke's QoN betrayal seems to be written into the book because the Ghost needed a reason that would redeem him for the crazy stuff he did in TWK.

So yeah sorry that this answer is none of the "why" and all of the "why not".

#eernask #eernanon #eernask talk tfota #this twist makes so little sense to me that i keep forgetting it happened. i read these books so many times. and still when i read this ask #i was like ''what... he did what... no way...'' and had to go look it up in the book nfjsfnkadk #in my mind he just gave madoc the ghost's name and then did nothing else #that's why even though i cheerfully discuss meta you should always take my opinions wiht a grain of salt. i can and will ignore canon

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slightlyrebelliouswriter23 · 2 years

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Listen I didn't come here to fight about Taryn but one thought that has never changed about her to me is that she had BALLS in QoN. Like going to your emotion-processing-inept sister after you've caused her a few huge emotional turmoils that resulted in about 5 different emotions she never needed yet are now somehow part of her daily punching bag routine is slightly admirable and disturbing but also slightly impressive

i mean yeah! i won't deny that Taryn in QON is, at the very least, exceedingly ignorant of the way her actions affected Jude. i'm not sure it was a conscious course of action on her part, though.

i wouldn't say she "knew exactly what she did and asked for Jude's help anyway". i would say, between Jude's emotion-processing deficit, Taryn's survival instincts, and both of their inability to share their lives/feelings with one another, it's a hell of a convoluted situation that we can't expect Taryn to be able to parse out all by herself.

i expect Taryn knew what she did might've hurt Jude, but not the extent to which it did. i also feel Taryn likely felt justified in her actions–people who do things that hurt others almost never see their deeds as something done deliberately with malicious intent. they say to themselves "well yeah i feel bad that this person was collateral, but i had to do it". the ego has a funny way of justifying things to itself.

as well as this, sibling bonds transcend all sorts of fights and betrayals all the time. in this way, the sibling dynamic between Jude and Taryn is actually extremely realistic. if you have a sibling, you probably know all about hating them one moment, screaming and fighting with them–but then two hours later, watching a movie together like nothing ever happened.

yes, Taryn pushed the boundaries of their sibling bond. multiple times. but at the end of the day, in QON, she found herself in a situation that had just one solution. and Jude helped her because she knew the situation transcended everything else between them. Taryn needed help, and she went to the only family member she knew could help her.

if she doesn't have the biggest balls in all of Elfhame for that, she at least had to humble herself a great deal by going to Jude. it means she had to face what she did, face Jude in all her anger and hurt, and know that she'd caused it. obviously, that doesn't totally exonerate her. but having the ability to divest oneself of pride/ego, to actually look in the mirror and see oneself, is a rare quality.

–Em 🖤🗡

more on Taryn

more theories and analysis

#plus we all know jude was just WAITING for a reason to go back to elfhame #so it was very convenient for Jude if not an outright favour to her #thanks for the ask!! 💜#tfota #jurdan #holly black #taryn duarte #pro-taryn #tfota analysis #tfota meta

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divumquevoluptas · 2 years

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Unpopular (?) opinion: Taryn Duarte is a really cool character, and the hate she gets is so disproportionate to what she actually did in the books.

I struggle to read her in The Cruel Prince as anything other than the victim in an abusive relationship with Locke, and as such deserving of sympathy even if you don't like her. Locke manipulates her into keeping quiet while he flirts with Jude, playing on her insecurities and desire to fit in at court (which is the exact same thing Jude wants. Also the extent of Locke's manipulation and abuse is detailed in Taryn's novella). When Jude finds out she goes after her sister rather than Locke which, I hasten to add, is fair enough. She challenges Taryn to a duel and nearly kills her. Again, in context, that doesn't automatically make Jude a bad person. As we know, she is morally grey and her actions are understandable. But so are Taryn's.

Further, I think the reason her "betrayal" of Jude in The Wicked King is seen as so unforgivable (despite the fact that Jude literally ends up forgiving her) is that there is a fundamental disconnect in how Jude and Taryn view the situation. Jude obviously sees it as a terrible political betrayal: Taryn ruined everything Jude has worked for and sided with her political enemy (Madoc). But from Taryn's point of view, Madoc is their father, not an enemy. Taryn didn't know Cardan could be trusted, and she believed that Madoc (probably with reason at that point) was acting in the best interest of the family and wouldn't actually hurt Jude. She has no idea of Jude's plans and strategies because Jude never tells her. From Taryn's pov, there is no reason Jude couldn't just join the rest of her family (and in fact, Madoc keeps trying to recruit her). In short, Taryn has no way of fully realising why Cardan remaining in power is as important to Jude as it is. Taryn isn't twirling a figurative moustache at the prospect of dealing a dastardly blow to her sister's political regime. She is following the advice of her father in a way which she believes won't actually be damaging to Jude.

In the first two books, her relative passivity and attempts to fit in at court through conventionally feminine means make her a morality tale about believing in classic fairy tales, hence her being represented as a victim of an abusive relationship (in a way paralleling her mother's murder at the hand of Madoc). But her character is more than that. The narrative does not merely condemn Taryn's femininity, pacifist tactics, diplomacy etc. in favour of Jude's more traditionally masculine aggression, military skill, and cynical politics. Not only does Taryn manage to ecape her abusive marriage, she proves her resourcefulness and intelligence in tricking Cardan and in dealing with the Ghost. Even Jude admires her for the skills she learned from Oriana.

There is a lot we don't know about Taryn. In many ways, we are seeing her at her lowest possible point for three books. But there is definitely plenty of evidence for a charitable and interesting interpretation of her character if only we afford her the same level of understanding we afford Jude.

#pro taryn duarte #in defence of taryn duarte #taryn is cool and good actually #taryn duarte

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wannabanauthor · 1 year

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So I’m reading The Cruel Prince and browsing social media, and I see folks making excuses for Taryn and trying to claim misogyny as the reason as if Taryn didn’t intentionally cause Jude to be bullied, abused, and nearly killed by Cardan’s crew. And she even blamed Jude for Jude being abused by them, and was mad that Jude fought back against her bullies.

All because she wanted to fit in the Faerie land. Taryn allowed Locke to seduce and trick her sister, blamed her for Locke choosing Taryn over the one of the female bullies, stood aside and did nothing when they physically abused Jude, still expected a proposal after the royal family were slaughtered, got mad at Jude for feeling betrayed, and told Madoc about Jude possibly knowing where Cardan was.

Meanwhile, Jude did her best to protect Taryn from the bullies, was nearly killed by them multiple times, and it was all because of Taryn and Locke.

Locke is not blameless either. I spotted his betrayal a mile away because men like him who hang around bullies but play nice with their victims are the deadliest of the bunch. I can only assume how easily he preyed on Taryn and convinced her to turn against her own twin sister, but Taryn fucking knew why the bullies were torturing her sister, and she did nothing. She let it happen and victim blamed her own sister.

Wait a minute, goddamn it, Taryn is acting like an abused woman who isolating her family because her abusive partner told her to do so. That tamps my anger a little bit, but the audacity of that bitch is unmatched and I hope she gets what’s coming to her by the end of the series. I was rooting for Jude to kill her during that duel. Taryn was absolutely nasty to Jude for no seeable reason at the part I’m on. Even Vivi knew that Taryn was a bitch and backed Jude up in the argument.

Fuck Taryn and Locke. The reason why most folks hate Taryn more than the male characters who committed horrible acts is that Taryn is Jude’s twin sister. Her family. It hurts way more when the person who betrayed the main character is someone they love and have known their whole lives. It’s not rocket science.

#the cruel prince #taryn duarte #Locke #the cruel prince spoilers #Taryn is awful

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nysocboy · 9 months

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How long did the Kelvin/Keefe break-up last?

I can't help it, I try to put events in a logical chronological order. For the Kelvin/Keefe break-up, we know it was long enough for Keefe to make the rocking chair, but not very long, or they would settle into their new lives and moving forward as lovers would be impossible. Plus Keefe was surprised to see Taryn in Kelvin's life "so soon." In my experience, after being dumped, your friends comfort you for about a week, and then they play matchmaker.

Other clues: Kelvin and Taryn work together at least twice; there are several weekly youth group meetings, after school and on Saturdays; during this period BJ is training to beat up Steven.

Here is a possible chronology.

Day 1 (Monday): The siblings and Martin tell Kelvin that Keefe is being reassigned. Keefe finds this a betrayal and dumps Kelvin. He leaves with only a few belongings, and stays with a friend. Kelvin spends the night crying.

Day 2 (Tuesday): Keefe used to work as a carpenter, but he bombed out due to the drug use (can't be around power tools). He returns to Woodpecker's Carpentry and tells the boss that he's clean and sober now. The boss hires him on a probationary basis.

Kelvin calls Taryn and hires her as his new assistant. Presumably it is a part-time job, since she is able to start work immediately.

Day 3 (Wednesday): Taryn and Kelvin lead the children's group.

Dsy 4 (Thursday): Taryn and Kelvin lead the teen group.

Day 5 (Friday): Kelvin visits Keefe at work, and tries to hurt him by claiming that he was replaced easily, and no one misses him. Keefe treats him like a post-breakup friend, but secretly he wants to get back together. He is making a rocking chair to give to Kelvin when he asks for a reconciliation.

Day 6 (Saturday): Keefe's day off, but he goes in anyway to continue to work on the rocking chair. Taryn and Kelvin lead the children's group.

Day 7 (Sunday): Kelvin and Keefe both skip church.

Day 8 (Monday): Taryn and Kelvin meet to practice some stunts and discuss youth programming for the week. Keefe knows that he has the youth-program meeting every Monday morning, and skips work to bring in the newly-finished rocking chair. He thinks that Kelvin is dating Taryn, and flips out.

Later, Kelvin views the Aimee-Leigh hologram, quits his job at the church, and mopes for awhile. He decides to ask Keefe to get back together, and goes to the carpentry shop in the middle of the night, whereupon he is captured.

Day 9 (Tuesday): The day of the kidnapping. After the rescue, Keefe meets Kelvin at the hospital. Neither knows whether the other wants to be a post-breakup friend, or is open to resuming the romantic relationship. They go home together.

Day 10 (Wednesday): During the bare-butt massage, each determines (in an oblique fashion) that they other wants to return to being romantic partners. They also apparently will be working together again; I guess Taryn is fired.

#kelvin gemstone #keefe chambers #kelvin x keefe #break-up #rocking chair scene #kidnapping

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talkfantasytome · 2 years

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Ok I just watched Alwari’a school for girl’s for on Netflix but it was a great show, but anyway the plot is this girl who gets pushed to far to the point she gets revenge on her bullies and I thought of a Jurdan plot request for you… it’s a long fic idea. What if post TWK, during her banishment, Jude was riveting in anger over Cardan’s bullying and betrayal and banishing her , Nicasia’s bullying and actions that led to her capture, Orlaugh torturing her, and Taryn’s betrayals it made her feel she had nothing left to lose to the point when she got an opportunity to get revenge she took it. Cardan knows she’s out for revenge but loves her and wants to win her out. Anyway Cardan is trying to win Jude’s love and forgiveness and Would Jude pursue revenge or forgive those who hurt her?

All right, Imma be honest, I've been having wine tonight, and it's been a long and crazy day and my mind is scattered, so I'm admittedly a bit confused by all this but I think I got you. lol

I mean, I love a character like that, who's just done and gone and will do anything to reach their goals. IDK that I can write that type of character yet. 😂 But I do love them. And I love the wife-guy energy Cardan has, it's literally everything. 💕

This honestly feels like a fic where, maybe, Vivi and Oak weren't around or in Jude's life, tbh. Like, imagine if she didn't have them to live with...then she literally does have nothing to lose and she might go batshit. Or she'd start to plan a coup. 😈

If I were writing it, I'd probably do it so that maybe she doesn't forgive everyone, but she and Cardan do end up together, cause I'm that type of sucker. lol But I do love the idea! I just know that this is not something I could take on anytime soon. I have a number of longer fic ideas, including a Jurdan one (college AU where I bring in the faerieland concepts with a project they're forced to do together 🙈), that I really need to be working on and/or finishing, so many one-shot thoughts, and very little time or motivation. So, if this was just a brainstorming sesh, then I say go for it cause I'd totes read it. If it was more a suggestion/prompt, then I'm going to open this up to others who might have an interest and, again...I'd read it. 👀

PS - when I have the time, I may need to look into this show....

#ask box #jurdan #fic idea #jude duarte #cardan greenbriar #awesome concept

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justdaphne · 2 years

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Reading The Wicked King was basically like:

ok note: i dont remember the exact order anymore im forgetting a lot of this book

Oh?? she’s seneschal now. GIRL.BOSS

what

hmm okay

the twin sister is getting married to that asshole okay….

THE LOVEE OF MY LIFEEEEEEEEEE

CARDAN GREENBRIAR WHY DO YOU SPEAK LIKE THIS ITS SERIOUSLY HITTING DEEP IN MY SOUL

lmao remember when Cardan in tcp said “i dont take commanda from mortals” pffttt

I LOVE CARDAN GREENBRIAR WITH MY WHOLE SOUL

Jude in this whole book: CARDAN. NO.

Cardan: yes mam

huh locke-

Miss girl Cardan is literally complimenting you though it may seem sarcastic

BAHAHAHA JUDE

JUDE IS LITERALLY THE SISTER I NEVER HAD. I WANT HER. NO I WANT TO BE HER.

ew balekin

Lady Asha. i hate her already

why is nicasia here

WHO WOULD DARE HURT CARDAN GREENBRIAR

“They missed” CARDAN GREENBRIAR YOU ABSOLUTE WOXJWJDEFNRKF

“KISS ME AGAIN, KISS ME UNTIL I’M SICK OF IT” UGGWHSJWJDNEND

what betrayal-

theyre “getting things out of their system” PISS OFF

LMAO CARDAN ISNT HAPPY 😭🤚

Jude, you dont hate him

AWW JUDE

i hate locke so much

its locke right

whatever i hate locke WITH A PASSION

WHAT THE FUCKEJFW

SHES NOT IN THE UNDERSEA SHE IS DID NOT

she is

can someone

bye wtf is this

BALEKIN CAN YOU PLS JUST DIE

NICASIAICJWJFJE WHY TF

JUDE MY POOR CHILD

DAMMIT THIS IS SO TRAUMATIZING WTF IS THIS

SHE HAS TO PRETEND BYE

“KISS ME AS THOUGH I WAS CARDAN” BITCHHHHH

i mean on the plus side, at least its obvious that she loves cardan and both cardan and jude are so blind by it smh

NO NO NO NO NO

oh hey cardan

CARDAN

CARDANNNNNN SAVING HERR

CARSNAHDWJFR

fucking balekin

“Yes, my sweet villain, my darling god.” “sweet jude you are my dearest punishment” HOW DOES ONE BREATHEEEEE

oh fuck

HE’S BEEN POISONED FFS

oh my god she was was covering his mouth and cardan was fighting until he saw it was jude 😭😭

I HATE BALEKIN SM

Taryn duarte. you absolute piece of sh-

“I TRUST YOU JUDE” BYE

SHE KILLED BALEKIN THANK YOU VERY MUCH JUDE

THE WAY THAT TARYN WAS WEARING THE EARRINGS MAKING HER THE PRETTIEST GIRL IN THE ROOM AND CARDAN THOUGHT SHE WAS JUDE BYE IM SO SOFT RN

“Marry me, become the high queen of elfhame” YOOO WHAT I CAN HEAR MY HEART CARDAN GREENBRIAR😭😭😭😭

OH MY GOD HER RING

SHE IS QUEEN

WIXJWJCJJEJCJERGHEJSIQMWKEOSOXJNWBCJWJFIEIFIEIFIWIZIKWKWKSKZKW

AWWWWWWWW IN THE TANGLE OF LIMBS BYEEE

what

what the

what the fuck

cardan

what the fuck

what

WHAT THE FUCKEKSWLWJX

#tcp #the cruel prince #the wicked king #wicked king #cruel prince #queen of nothing #the queen of nothing #jude x cardan #high queen jude #jude greenbriar #jude duarte #prince cardan #cardanandjude #high king cardan #cardan greenbriar

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im-someone-i-guess · 2 years

Text

wilting of Elfhame

[Part One]

a jurdan fic written by ryhanna word count: 2003 words prompt; "Ok this is fanfic request but can you make a fanfic TWK during Jude’s exile. 5 years later Jude is about to get married to a mortal man and a remorseful faerie cardan begs her not to" requested by@fantasyfox10123

Jude Duarte stared at herself, at the billowing white gown. Once, she would have daggers strapped on her thigh, knives in her boots. Nightfell would be sheathed on her hip where she could easily draw it. But there are no enemies now, and although Jude secretly wished otherwise, she knew she could only whisper her dreams quietly in her heart. In the game of Kings and Queens, Jude had become irrelevant. But I am the Queen of Elfhame, she thought to herself. The treacherous thought still lingered despite the five long years, despite the betrayal and hurt. Always hurt. You are the queen of nothing now. The voice in her head whispered. It sounded eerily like Cardan, taunting and cruel like he had always been. She glanced at the ruby ring, she still wore it, even on her wedding day. Christopher deserved better. Oh, Christopher. Jude did not deserve caring, kind Christopher. He deserves an equally kind girl, one that did not stare into the distance and wonder about another life, one filled with magic and a Fae King, beautiful yet so cruel. I hereafter exile Jude Duarte to the mortal world until such time as she is pardoned by the crown. Until then, let her not step one foot in Faerie or forfeit her life. The words rang something inside her, twisted a buried pain. Jude had shoved the memory into a forgotten corner in her mind, where she grieved her parents and the lived she could’ve lived if Madoc had not murdered them and turned her into this. She was about to be married to Christopher, she was going to finally move on but she knew, even in the dim room, that she would not choose this life if she had a choice. Jude envied Taryn, how she had always fit in at Elfhame, how she had built a home with Locke and her son. It had been years since Jude saw her twin, Taryn had tried visiting at first but Jude refused to see her, refused to look her betraying sister in the eye. Jude doubted she could do it without striking Taryn down, without doing something she knew she would regret. “Is the bride getting cold feet? You don’t have to marry Christopher, you know? We could ride a ragwort pony out of here. I’ll be sorry to break Christopher’s heart but just so you know, we could.” Jude turned to see her eldest sister, Vivi, her cat eyes filled with concern. “I do have a history with terrible marriages,” she said but the joke fell flat, even the smile she put on felt forced. “It is my wedding day, I am supposed to be happy…” Jude didn’t have to continue the sentence, she knew Vivi heard the rest; yet I am not. “Whatever though, it’s time.” Jude tore her gaze from the mirror, her fingers twisting the ruby ring. It had become a habit, something her fingers could do when her nerves became overwhelming. She knew it would be wise to take the ring off, to place it on the table and move on, it would be symbolic but Jude knew she was not ready to part with it, she doubted she would ever be. “I never thought of myself as your father figure but your other choices is a ghost or a mass murderer who probably still has a lingering desire to kill you.” A laugh escaped Jude’s lips and she felt her heart grow slightly lighter. She couldn’t fully leave Elfhame, her heart would always be stuck in the Isles, among the faeries but she would make her peace with it. Letting the smile on her lips bloom, Jude took her sister’s hand and headed down to the hall and down the aisle. She and Christopher had chosen the gardens together, he had loved the beautiful flowers but Jude chose it for its resemblance to Elfhame. All it was missing was pixies flying among the flowers, chirping birds and the chatter of joyous faeries, dancing in their fancy revels. Locke would be the one hosting those revels, Jude thought, he was the Master of Revels after all. Gasps of wonder erupted through the room, exclamations of her beauty, compliments on her

grace. They were not faeries, their words could just as easily be a lie but Jude sensed the truth in them. Jude had felt a lot of things, but she had not felt so pretty, especially surrounded with flawless faeries but she felt it now. “You look beautiful, my dear,” Christopher murmured, kissing her knuckles. Unbidden a memory arose, another night, in another place, with another boy. “Have I told you how hideous you look tonight?” There was warmth in his words but Jude had said, “No, tell me.” The familiar smile flashed in her mind, “I can’t.” “Do you, Jude

Duarte, take Christopher Smith to be your lovely wedded husband?” Jude stared into Christopher’s eyes, an answer already on her lips but she could not bring herself to say it, not yet. The crowd murmured at her hesitation and Jude resisted the desire to fidget with her ring, a ring given to her by the same boy who said, “Well, Jude, do you?” The crowd turned to stare, not bothering to keep their thoughts to themselves, Christopher must’ve glared, Vivi was on her feet, shouting threats, Oak at her side but Jude heard none of this. Her mind was whirling, she wished she did have Nightfell sheathed at her hip. She wanted to draw the blade and strike the High King of Elfhame down. The desire was overwhelming, just like the desire to run down the aisle and kiss him. “Didn’t you get my letters?” he asked, his smile twisted into a cruel smile. In his hand he clutched a goblet, he was most obviously drunk. “I spent quite a while pouring my heart out into those letters. Elfhame is wilting, for five years it has been wilting.” Elfhame was in danger, the old Jude would jump at the chance to be the kingdom’s saviour, to prove herself worthy, to use it as leverage over the High King to lift her exile. But Jude supposed she had changed, she did none of those things now. Calmly, she smiled at Cardan, “Is this where history repeats itself? Madoc would be proud.” “Jude, who is this?” Christopher stared at her with confusion, he had joked about how out of touch Jude was, and had wondered aloud if maybe she was from another world. In a way she supposed she was but Jude said nothing of it, blaming it on her fictional father who was strict and refused to let her leave the house. It was one of the occasions when Jude was glad she could lie. “Cardan, he’s an old acquaintance of mine.” “Who has no right to be here! Five years, Cardan. You knew where we live, you could’ve apologised, you could’ve explained yourself, you had five years to do it.” Vivi looked furious. Jude was scared she would slip, accidentally mention Elfhame and the exile. “I feared Jude would murder me,” he said, his smile faltering, slipping into something that closely resembled sorrow. “And I figured she would understand my words by now, I thought she would eventually come home.” Cardan glanced at her hand, the familiar ruby ring still worn. Home. Despite the long years, Jude had always thought of Elfhame as home but she did not want to admit it now. “You have no right to be here, Cardan,” Jude told him, she wanted to scream, wanted to tear the ivies twisted on the pillars along the aisle. She wanted to strangle him with her bare hands. Jude did none of those things, instead walking towards him, stopping a few paces away. “You have no right,” she repeated, her voice a whisper that only he could hear. “Until such time as she is pardoned by the crown, you could’ve pardoned yourself any time you wanted, you could’ve come back,” his voice broke, Jude could hear the sadness. “Come home and shout at me. Come home and fight with me. Come home and break my heart, if you must.” But Jude did not care for his words or his sorrow, she slapped the High King of Elfhame with the back of her hand, the crowd gasped and all sound finally rushed back to her. She could hear Vivi shouting at everyone to be quiet, Oak glaring at Cardan with hatred not fit for him. “I’m glad Elfhame is wilting, I hope it becomes barren,” Jude whispered furiously, turning away and walking back towards Christopher. “Jude, are you okay?” Christopher’s eyes were concerned, Jude couldn’t help but remember Vivi staring at her earlier, her eyes filled with concern too. They were treating her like a hurt animal, poised to lash out any moment. “No, Christopher, I am not.” Jude turned to the crowd. “The wedding is off, sorry for wasting your time.” Cardan’s expression had slightly brightened but he did not understand. Jude turned to her sister, nodding her head. Vivi nodded back, making her way through the crowd, half dragging Oak as she headed to somewhere with fewer people. She’d be summoning the ragwort

ponies. Jude followed after her sister but there was something else she needed to do. “Lift my exile, tell everyone, I’m going to return to Elfhame tomorrow and I don’t want to constantly watch my back,” she told the High King, not even bothering to meet his dark eyes. Jude could feel his gaze on her back but she did not turn to look, she did not turn at all as she left the scene. ~ “How do you know Cardan pardoned you?” Vivi asked. She was sprawled across the couch. Oak had somehow found some room for himself, squeezing himself between Vivi’s legs. He should be at school, but he insisted on bidding Jude goodbye before she left for Elfhame. “If he didn’t then I’d die, or make my way to Madoc’s camp and convince him to let me join. He’s drawing out the war, I have time to press my case. I have time to make Cardan’s life a living hell.” Jude was determined, but his words still echoed in her head. Until such time as she is pardoned by the crown, you could’ve pardoned yourself any time you wanted, you could’ve come back. He had sounded like he wanted her to come back, he had sounded like he- Jude refused to finish the thought, instead turning to pull her sister onto her feet and into a warm embrace. Vivi seemed surprised but she made no comment, instead pulling her tighter. “I hope you find your peace,” she murmured. The tears dared to slip but Jude did not want to be overtaken by sadness, she had lived in misery for far too long. “I will see you again, Vivi. Take care of Oak,” Jude told her. Oak grumbled something about he was perfectly capable of taking care of himself but that only made the ache in Jude’s heart double. Cardan did not give her his word, she could be sighted and instantly killed. Jude was no longer capable of duelling, even Nightfell’s presence though familiar threw her off balance. Vivi walked out with her, summoning the ragwort pony as she smiled. “You never belonged in the mortal world. I’ll smooth things over with Christopher, I’m sure the guy will recover so please don’t worry too much.”

But Jude hadn’t been worrying, she had been doing many things but Christopher was the last thing on her mind. It was just so easy to let the hatred overwhelm her, it would be just as easy to do something stupid but Jude knew she would prefer to throw her life in pursuit of revenge than settling down and growing old. “Goodbye, Vivi,” Jude told her sister as the pony took off, soaring towards Elfhame and the vengeance that came with it.

#the inability to post this on my phone is killing me #books #booklover #booklr #tfota #the cruel prince #the wicked king #jude duarte #cardan greenbriar #ry writes

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court-of-forever-undone · 3 years

Text

I Knew You’d Come Back to Me

Chapter One: Chase Two Girls, Lose The One (Jude’s POV)

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

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

Should you wish to listen: Cardigan | Betty | August

Tags: Multiple POVs, angst, Jurdan, post-wicked king, canon divergence

Masterlist

Read on AO3

It has been almost seven months since I last set foot in Elfhame. The memory of Cardan’s silence and sneering face as I screamed at him to deny that I was the rightful queen still haunts me.

I hate him.

I hate him so much. But no matter how much anger I hold towards him, it does not make the betrayal any easier. From the moment I decided to trust him, I should have realized this was inevitable and look where it got me; broken hearted in the mortal world, hating the person I somehow miss the most. The worst realization to come out of my exile is how much I enjoyed our time together. I miss having to give him a summary of the meetings he skipped, I miss watching him play the part of the fool when convenient and unleashing his clever tongue to get a rise out of the small council. I even miss our fights. I hate him, but now every time I think of him a lump forms in my throat.

At night, I find myself lying awake imagining what he is doing at that moment, wondering if Cardan has found ruling alone to be to taste or not. I kind of hope he is miserable.

In the beginning, I tried to forget the intoxicating feeling of Cardan’s mouth trailing my skin, the way it felt when he pressed his body against mine, and the horrible vulnerability I shared with him. But as the weeks turn into months, I now daydream about those moments, afraid I will soon forget them.

I hope the memory of me haunts him as well, if he hasn’t forgotten me already. I hope Locke keeps Taryn around court just so she can be a constant reminder of the girl he married, queened, then exiled.

I have replayed his words over and over; everything from our exchange of vows to the moment he banished me. It doesn’t bring me clarity or peace. On the best days, it lights the anger in my empty chest. On the worst days, it leaves me in a puddle of tears. Sometimes I wonder if I am a masochist and that is why I like letting the memories hurt me.

Living in the mortal world has been a strange adjustment. At first, I barely left my room, let alone the apartment. It took time, but eventually, I adjusted to a normal schedule and not everything was a constant reminder of the life that had been ripped away from me.

I occasionally go out with Vivi, Heather, and their friend Matthew. It was never my idea, but it all started when Vivi stormed into my room where I had been sulking all day and she forced me to get dressed. I was informed that we were going out to an open mic night at a local bar in the Old Port.

It was a fairly relaxed crowd, which for some reason made me more unnerved than the chaotic revels I had attended in Elfhame. I think Matthew noticed my discomfort and he had brought me a drink even though I had barely said a word to him yet.

Despite being well over a foot taller than me, he had an almost childlike presence to him. He was always smiling and didn’t seem to be bothered by anything. I tried to keep up as he talked about a show he had been watching. It was something called a “period piece” with a shocking amount of conflict. Even though I didn’t know what he was talking about, he was surprisingly easy to talk to.

Our conversation soon stopped when a brown haired boy around our age went on stage. The boy walked up to the mic and began reciting a piece of poetry I didn’t recognize. Matthew kept his attention on the stage, a light flush covered his face. He watched the boy with a gaze that I recognized all too well. After his set, the boy left out the back, and I noted how Matthew visibly deflated. I ended up returning the favor from earlier and bought us a round of drinks and appetizers to share. It seemed that unrequited love was something the two of us shared, as well as our love for mozzarella sticks.

After that night, I willingly tagged along on their adventures. They were nice distractions to break up my “doom and gloom” as Vivi called it.

I also decided to start doing odd jobs for the fae that lived locally. Even if word of Elfhame made my chest ache, I eagerly listened for news from the kingdom. I may be banished, but I still can’t help but wonder if Madoc has made his move against the crown yet? I wonder How are things with the sea and Orglah? Did anyone ever find out Cardan had married me?

I could always ask Taryn, not that we are speaking terms regardless of my exile. Even if the idea is tempting some days, there is a fair chance Locke would find out about my inquiry and that is a headache I do not need. The last thing I want is for anything to get back to Cardan.

Today marks my 197th day of exile. Not that I am counting.

I don’t have work today and it is a Monday so Oak is at school. My plan for the day includes watching game shows and staring off into space until it gets dark enough that I can train in the woods without scaring the neighbors.

I am sprawled out on the couch drinking a neon-colored soda Heather bought that tastes like citrus and chemicals and half watching people shout different letters on the tv when I hear a knock at the door. I walk to the door to check who is knocking, but no one is on the step.

My eye catches a flash of white near the treeline. Even from the distance, I can tell it is the Bomb. Her snow hair makes her stand out like a beacon against the browns of the forest. The Court of Shadow’s explosive expert gives a quick nod then disappears.

Before I can sprint after her, I notice the bundle of severally damaged letters. Some are torn, while others appear to have been partially burned, but all are addressed to me in with familiar handwriting that sends my heart beating into overdrive.

“Who was at the door?” called Vivi from the kitchen.

I stare at the letters in my hand, somehow feeling distant from my own body.

“No one. I am going to my room now.” I say back, trying to keep my voice even. The moment I shut my door I ripped open the first letter.

...You’re perhaps only being over cautious… all is settled between the Undersea and Elfhame…

I can only suppose your continued absence is due to me. I urge you: come be angry at a nearer distance.

My whole body trembles. This is a cruel trick. It has to be.

You are pardoned.

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

The words blur as tears fill my view. I am pardoned. I can come home. Cardan wants me to come home.

I can barely make out the next two letters as the tears flowed steadily down my cheeks.

In my most wretched hours, I believe you will never come back.

My heart is buried with you … it was yours before I could admit it and you’re it shall forever remain.

I read and reread the letters over and over again trying to make sense of it. My hands still shaking at the revelations. Did Cardan really love me? Was this just a sick joke to get me to return only to be punished?

I am furious that I want to believe every word in the letters, but it gives me hope for the first time in months. Maybe the letters were the truth. After all, the letters were delivered by the Bomb, who deliberately made sure I saw her, and Cardan surely sent her.

As I look at the letters, it is clear that they had been written over the span of the last few months. They also are in rough shape like someone had tried to burn them.

Did Cardan write the letters then decide not to send them?

“my heart...it was yours before I could admit it...”

I can feel the blush spreading over my face at the words. Cardan confessed to loving me and asked me to return to him and our kingdom.

I can’t help but still wonder why did he exile me in the first place and what changed his mind. My biggest fear is to return and have him laugh at me like it was all some cruel joke. At best, I return and he loves me and we can figure out what that means for us. At worst... Cardan will get his wish. I will come home and yell at him, fight him, and skewer his heart with the end of Nightfell for good measure.

The ghost of a smile rises on my face. I will get my answers once I get back to Elfhame, and back to Cardan.

****

Vivi was skeptical about my plan but she also knew nothing was going to stop me from returning. She saw the way I had hit rock bottom when I first came back and I wouldn’t be surprised if she has heard me crying at night, even though it is less common now.

I pack a few items that I have discovered in my time in the mortal world before I head off on a Ragwort pony back home. Back to him.

After a few hours, I find myself back in the familiar woods of Elfhame. As I walk, the urge to just lie down in the moss covered ground and breathe in the familiar scent is overwhelming, but I keep moving until the castle is in sight.

I highly doubt Cardan shared the news of my pardon with the kingdom, so the Court of Shadows tunnels is my best way back to get back into the castle undetected. I haven’t been in the new tunnels that were built after the Ghost destroyed the others, but it doesn’t take long for me to discover an entrance. Once in the tunnels, I start to head towards where I believe the new rooms are when suddenly a voice appears behind me.

“Your majesty, it is a surprise to see you.” The voice belonged to the Roach. I spin around quickly.

He bows his head slightly, with a large grin on his face. “We were wondering when you would return.”

“We?” I ask.

“Cardan might stop moping around now.” The Bomb said emerging from the shadows.

My heart accelerates at the mention of his name. I want to ask questions, but the first thing I want to do right now is see him.

“Where is he? I need to speak with him.” I asked, trying to hide the desperation in my voice.

“We will let him know you have arrived. Since it is not common knowledge of your return or your,” the goblin considered his word choice, “... status. I would recommend sticking to the shadows.”

I nod. The last thing I want to do is make a dramatic entrance and have the entire palace chanting for my head.

“Liv, why did it take so long to get the letters?” I can’t help the way my voice comes out small.

She wears a grim expression. “We discovered a spy was intercepting the messages. Not just the letters to you. It seems Lady Asha has been busy since returning to court.”

Lady Asha. Cardan’s mother. What did she have to gain from keeping the letters?

“Tell Cardan to meet me in his chambers.”

We had a lot we needed to talk about and while the thought of being alone in his bedroom again had me torn between excited anticipation and absolute dread, it is one of the few places I can go without being seen. The Bomb raises an eyebrow, and I feel the heat spreading on my face as I try to explain. “It is the best place we can meet without the risk of being walked in on.”

I wince at my own choice of words. I have a feeling she may have read the letters too.

I rephrase, “I shouldn’t be seen until he and I discuss the terms of my return.”

To spare myself from further embarrassment, I turn and quickly make my way through the passages until I finally reach his room. My heart races in anticipation that he might already be inside. I peek my head as far as I can to listen for any servants that might be in the room. When I hear nothing, I take a step into the room. To my horror, a figure sits across the room sitting on a couch and while there is a physical resemblance to Cardan, it is not him. Lady Asha sits with her hands folded on her lap as she glances at the door that leads into the room as if expecting someone.

Panic rips through me. I consider running back through the passageway, but it is too late. She has seen me. A similar look of dismay runs over her gray features, before her face quickly dissolved as she recognizes me.

“Hello, Jude. What an unexpected surprise.”

She is the last person I wanted to run into, especially here. All it would take is for her to call for the guards to have me drug off to the dungeons, but for whatever reason, she doesn’t...

“I wonder who the High King would be more surprised to see here? It does not look like you’ve been invited, Lady Asha.”

The scowl on her face proves I am correct. She stands up and begins to walk towards the door before turning back to me with a venomous smirk.

“It is a shame you return only after he has found a new plaything. Well, probably more than that. More than likely his queen.” Ah, so at least she doesn’t know her son has actually already picked a queen. That knowledge only partially softens her next blow. “But that is only to be expected. I mean any interest in a mortal is going to be fleeting, just like your life.”

Lady Asha’s laughs with a cruel ring to it. I keep my face carefully blank, refusing to give her the reaction she is looking for. It is not shocking that Cardan took lovers while she was gone, although her words suggest it was more serious than that.

She drops her voice to a mocking whisper as if we were old friends sharing a bit of gossip. “It seems that my son enjoys warming his bed with his closest advisors, first his seneschal, now the Princess of the Sea.”

I can do nothing to hide the shock from my face. I instinctively take a step back towards the passage as I quickly become too aware of my presence so close to his bed. The bed where he probably spent with Nicasia. My head spins with unwelcome thoughts

Satisfied with my reaction, Lady Asha slips through the doorway into the hall. It takes everything in me not to drop to the ground, but suddenly this room is the last place I want to be.

Of all the people Cardan could have chosen, did it have to be Nicasia? The beautiful princess that was his first love. Did he write those lets to me while Nicasia laid in his bed? Anger washes over me as I realize I naively gave myself hope again. How many times will I let Cardan hurt me before I learn? Cardan would never see me in the way that I saw him. The truth does nothing to soothe the burning in my eyes as tears wet my cheeks. I turn into the passageway without a second look at the chambers.

#jude duarte #jude x cardan #cardan x nicasia #jurdan #tfota #the cruel prince #the cruel prince fanfic #i knew you'd come back to me #jurdan fanfic #jude's exile #angst from everyone #tfota fanfic #song fic #taylor swift #this was coming soon for way too long so here ya go #the wicked king #the queen of nothing #tfota canon divergence

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beeirifulmer · 2 years

Text

Lost of Two Sisters

Warning// This contains all book spoilers

Prompt: What if Madoc did kill Jude in Queen of Nothing

Jude feels Madoc ripped her cloak back, where the ties choke hee, then rip free. Before Jude can comprehend much else, she felt a piercing pain into her side, into her stomach.

looking up, her eyes wide as she realized who striked her. Madoc looks just as surprised, but Jude could sense Madoc would still take the final blow.

Tears spring to Jude's eyes as a mortal response to her injury, and the wind, but also as betrayal. This was Madoc, her father since he killed her own, the man who spoke to her of stories, the man who taught her how to weild a sword despite her twin being the exact opposite, the man who was beyond pissed at her for turning her back on him, but was secretly amazed and proud at how she did it.

The blood from Jude's stomach trinkled down her body, some spitting onto her sword. She falls down to her knees, quads and hamstrings try to hang on but it hurts her wound too much. She was bleeding out, and she was bleeding out fast. Madoc stares down at her as if he can not realize what he had just done to her, but it hits him once she looks at him with slightly defeated eyes.

She awaits for the worst, the sword to slice through her neck and Madoc to win. He'd take her head to the High King and laugh in his face that he no longer has his Queen to help him. He'd laugh seeing Cardan's face at losing his wife. His wife.

I don't want to die at all. Jude tells herself, she didn't. But there wasn't much the mortal could do since she was bleeding out and becoming weaker by the second. The girl tries to stand as Madoc raises his sword, but nothing successful comes from either of them in their beginning actions.

"Jude," Madoc looks down at her and for the first time, Jude can hear fear in his voice. Fear neither of them understood. What on earth have I done? The questions runs over and over in the fathers head, here his daughter was, on her knees dying at his hand. Deliver the blow, Madoc. Another part of him screamed, but no matter what he did, he could not bring himself to kill Jude.

Just then, three arrows shot by the two, one striking Madoc in the shoulder. Looking around for his attacker, another goes straight to his chest and hits his armor. There stands his two other daughters, and the creature he never thought he'd see again.

Jude tries to move, but the sword went deeper than she had thought it did. Her hand grasped her wound as she pleaded with it to let her walk. "Dad, stay where you are." Jude scoffed silently to herself, even in the darkest moments Vivienne would still call him Dad.

The title seemed to have brought Madoc back to what he had done, for his threats to attack his children were dry in his throat. Looking at the wounded twin, he looked toward the others. "She's not going to make it. Let me-"

Vivi fires more arrows, but they all miss. Madoc stands where he is, the rest of their conversation is drowned out as Jude finally lets herself lay down onto the snow. Her side aches but her heart aches more as she pleads with herself to get up.

Taryn drops down and rushes to Jude's side. "Hey come on. You're not going to die, lets go. You have to get up." Taryn seemed to be begging, of course, death brings family together does it not?

"Jude you're dying. Let me take you back to camp." Madoc insisted, but Jude only shook her head and told him she's staying with those three. "Goodbye, then, daughter." Madoc slowly starts walking away, never turning to glance.

"Did you know-" Jude starts to strain out, Vivi speeding over to her sisters side as she adds pressure to the wound. "That I married Cardan not long before I was exiled?"

"What? Jude, how could you not tell me? Wait, does that mean you're.." The twin started, but it seemed she couldn't bring herself to say the words outloud.

"The High Queen of Elfhame? Yeah, pretty fucking awesome huh?" Jude chuckled weakly, her body drunk off of the blood-loss. "Surprise." The girl began to laugh a little, coughing mixes with it as she feels her body go numb. Her head cocks to the side to avoid coughing in her sisters' face, and her eyes shut. Just for a moment, I'm tired. She ensured herself. I'll wake up soon.

But Jude was horribly wrong. For now her body laid there, a few white flowers budding out of the snow all around, the snow stained with the now dead Queen's blood.

"Jude?" Taryn questioned softly when Jude stopped coughing. "Jude!" The girl began to shake her sister.

Madoc made it up the hill, wiping his tears away before his army could take notice, his sword slick with his daughters blood. His army stared at him in confusion. "Sir-" one of them started, but Madoc raised his hand to keep them quiet. The words almost didn't come out, he didn't want them to come out.

"Jude Duarte is dead." And as if she could hear her fathers confirmation, Taryn let out a gut-wrenching scream. Madoc stood there for a second, praying maybe it was an angry scream toward him and Jude was in fact alive. But he knew his girls, and that was certainly not the angry scream she'd throw at him.

Madoc closed his eyes for a moment and began to walk, the snow crunching under his feet. He stopped when another called for him, and he heard soft, quick crunches going up the hill. He turned, and was immediately hit with a small fist to the face. Madoc took the blow and finished recovering from the sudden hit before he looked up at saw Vivienne now being held by two guards. The two took more of their protective side of their job, and Vivienne now had a sword inside of her.

"No!" Madoc growled and pushed past the men. The two holding his daughter let go in time for him to catch her, sinking to his knees as he held her. "Vivienne stay with me, come on." Madoc applied pressure to her wound, hoping to get her to camp. Maybe he'd make it. "Vivi don't you dare end up like your sister." Madoc threatened, the ache of two deaths of his daughters would be too much. He could handle army deaths, but these were his girls he was talking about.

Vivienne looked at her father with cold eyes as she winced from the pain. "You killed Jude.." She squeaked out, Madoc's face twisting into regret as he remembered what happened not too long ago. "And now this is your karma."

"Vivienne don't die out of spite! You are smarter than that damnit!" Madoc threatens as he stands up, Vivi in her arms as he makes his way through to the horses.

"I curse you." Vivi began, spitting venom in her words. "I curse you. Three times, I curse you. As you've murdered me, may your hands be stained with blood. May death be your only companion." A pained tear fell down her cheek before she stopped, and Madoc stopped in his tracks.

Only one Duarte girl was left remaining.

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

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