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smolvenger · 29 days

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A Court of Mischief and Purpose, Chapter 20 (Loki x fem! Reader Crossover Series, A Court of Thorns and Roses AU)

Series Summary: Sarah J Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses series reimagined with Tom Hiddleston's various characters- Especially the events in the second book: A Court of Mist and Fury. England. 1885. You are dying of tuberculosis right before your upcoming wedding to the Lusty Vicar of Aldwinter, Will Ransome. As you lay on what could be your deathbed, the god of mischief Loki appears before you with a deal. He will heal you in time for the wedding...if you spend a week of every month with him.

Chapter Summary: A sudden confrontation from the enemy...

Chapter Word Count: 4K

Series Masterlist

Warnings: A sex scene that isn't smut. It isn't too explicitly described and is not meant to be super titillating and is brief.

It just occurred to me that said scene, while not explicit, could have what is considered dubious consent. Even if it is in her imagination, even though Reader verbally says "yes" in the fantasy, it is bc she is doing her duty as a wife, I can see how this is considered dub-con and could make some people too uncomfortable to enjoy the chapter. So, for your safety- It scene starts at "Now, hurry and get it over with, Will," and ends at "Then, when he was done-"

Mentions of cheating (I portray the Will/Cora affair in The Essex Serpent unsympathetically so if you have an issue with that, you have been warned). Supporting Women's Wrongs. Violence and blood implied sexual harassment, and fear of sexual assault (but it DOESN'T go there), scary stuff and angsty stuff, but a happy ending. Grammar mistakes and lack of editing or extra super revision bc I just wanted to Get This Shit Done (tm).

Taglist: @evelyn-kingsley@jennyggggrrr@five-miles-over@fictive-sl0th@ladycamillewrites@villainousshakespeare@holdmytesseract@eleniblue@twhxhck@lokisgoodgirl@lovelysizzlingbluebird@raqnarokr@holymultiplefandomsbatman@michelleleewise@wolfsmom1@cheekyscamp@mochie85@fandxmslxt69@skittslackoffilter@mischief2sarawr @asgards-princess-of-mischief

A03//My Ko-Fi//My Etsy Shop//Masterlist//Wattpad

When you found the letters on your first wedding day, you had a life already set before you. A life that would take an obtuse turn. Where all would happen…but you would not be happy. You had often wondered if the marriage to the revered went through.

You imagined the scene. One image haunted your mind once you saw the inside of your fiancee's house. Of when he was no longer your fiancee, but swore an oath before his God to be your husband. It was after the ceremony, the celebration where you could only stare blankly at the table, barely eating. And he would hold your hand as the sky got dark and lead you to the white house, ducked his head under the doorframe to go upstairs and commence the wedding night.

You lying on that blue bed. You said “yes”, because you were a dutiful wife. A motionless doll for him to play with, for there was nothing inside you to fight now. Stiff as a board on the bed. You would lift the skirt of your shift on the blue bed. Legs open and eyes open, face away and placid, consenting because it was your duty as a wife now. That was what good women did. Now, hurry and get it over with, Will.

The Lusty Vicar…well, living up to his nickname above you to put it delicately. Hearing him grunt in your ear, and feeling him over you, inside you.

Knowing who he was thinking of. Knowing who he was imagining beneath him, in him. Knowing who it was who made him lose his bearing.

And it wasn’t you.

Your face was turned away despite the position of the act, your eyes not wanting to even look at him. Feeling his sweat and how his curls brushed against you. Hoping he wouldn’t notice. Wouldn’t ask questions. Focusing yourself on the far left corner of the ceiling and not him or what he felt like. Creating a mental distance between the two of you in the ultimate act of physical closeness. You would not fool yourself and let yourself feel the pleasure of the marriage bed now that you knew the truth. You wouldn’t think of how much you wanted him, much less how much you loved him. Thinking of what you’d make for breakfast, what the next sermon should be on, or the dishes that needed to be washed tomorrow. Not on Will as he was on you, in you.

Then, when he was done- after he read his Bible on his lap, quietly reading aloud the verses, making a note to skip the fifth chapter of Matthew, verses twenty-seven through thirty.

You would make yourself small. In a feral position with the covers of the marital bed over you. You were a woman now in the town- wedded and bedded. But you wanted to be a child. You wanted to run back home to your father and mother in tears, knowing that a good cry and a little chocolate and tea would make everything better. But no. You weren’t a child anymore. You were a woman wedded and bedded. You were a wife. A priest's wife. A priest's unwanted wife.

You wouldn’t be able to quiet your mind to dream. It would be repeating that question, endlessly, on your lips, knowing it would ruin everything the minute you said it- “Why am I not good enough for you?”

But you wouldn’t speak. A wife never considers herself, she only considers what makes her husband happy. You’d stare at the wall. Waiting for him to fall asleep, tears quietly streaming down your face. You would have melted over the erotic sight of his strong upper body normally- but it wasn’t yours. He wasn’t for you. Not really.

Then, when you were certain he was asleep, you would quietly get up and leave the room.

You ended up wandering to his study. You turned on his lamp by the window. Perhaps you should try to read a dull, intellectual, dense book of his on theology to make you sleepy. But your eyes would only be drawn to the walls.

The green, elaborate wallpaper with vines, branches, and leaves, both golden and emerald. A few white flowers in bloom. You would walk to see more of it.

What struck you most was the image of a white bird with its wings stretched open. It flew over the leaves of various green and yellow branches. Among white and blue flowers in bloom- of a new, exciting life, of promise. And most of all, the animal stretching its ivory wings as if ruled over all. Like it could escape the paper easily, soar over your head, and out the window.

How you wished you could turn into that bird. So you could stretch your wings and fly far away from the town. From him. And leave it all behind for a new place, a new life.

But you couldn’t.

You would go downstairs, past the kitchen, to the main room. downstairs to curl up on the cushions before the window overlooking the wild marshland, the town. And let yourself sob.

Thank the norns Loki called in his deal when he did. You didn’t know what would happen. He’d call in the deal, but by then, it would be too late.

I’m not in that house, I’m in the woods, you reminded yourself.

Giving a deep breath through the woodsy, clean air, you made a mental note. You’d have to give your husband, the one that was your actual husband, who was not a godly husband but a plain old god husband- that long-awaited thank you. You didn’t think you could bear going through the marriage or have the scarlet letter for jilting him at the altar without an escape plan.

You thought you would just stay in Asgard. Take care of the cauldron and Grendel all neat in a little bow. Then things changed.

You would not be that passive, sobbing victim anymore.

You had fought. You managed to take your revenge, completely.

It wasn’t the right thing to do. It wasn’t healthy. But gods, was it freeing.

As you walked further into the woods. A small laugh of relief even chuckled through you. The release, the ridiculousness, and the awe that you had done it- destroyed Will’s ministry, and his reputation, and brought physical harm to both him and Cora all without getting caught.

But…did they survive? That was quite a flame on her. It would be the same for him.

Pausing, touching a tree, you had to think it through. Develop a plan.

If they lived and said something, then the better for you. That would confirm the rumors of the affair, damning both in society. No person would want to associate with Cora at least after that. The visiting council would strip Will of his position with the evidence before them. The superstitious town would be convinced that God had stricken them as punishment for hurting his little Blessed lady. For none knew of your gifts. And none would think you even capable of any act of harm from your reputation as the town’s angel. Besides, none of them knew of your powers. How could even Cora, in her scientific high and mighty mind come up with the solution of why her coat burst into flames when you were far away?

If they lived and said nothing, then at least Will would get in some hot water over what happened.

If they died, then they died. It was their deserving death.

You paused. No, how could you dismiss that? To think- you took two more lives. Not just some nameless bullies, but two people who you met, you knew their names, their histories, and one you loved and were about to marry…you were capable of that! You did something horrible! There was more blood on your hands!

You heard the sound of a branch being stepped on from the distance behind you.

What if Cora survived and ran right after you!? Likely she would. What would you do? With the fury still in your heart, perhaps take out more of her fire and toast her in a place without witnesses until her body dissolved to ash so there would be no evidence. But what if she caught you? You could see her face twisted in her ugly crying and feel her slapping and punching you.

Not that you would have to deal with her. You were headed off somewhere she could never reach. Not even by train.

Taking a deep breath, you let those thoughts of Will and Cora go away. You were done with Aldwinter forever now. Revenge had been taken and was successful. You wanted to see your friends, your in-laws, and your True Love again. You wanted your new home.

You paused in your steps. The trees growing so thick over your head it hid the sunlight and made the woods a little darker.

There was another crunch of feet on leaves. Someone was arriving. No more time for dallying.

You opened the shield. You sent the words clear in your mind.

“Loki…I’m ready to go home…Open the portal. I want to go back to Asgard now.”

You waited one minute. Then another.

But nothing happened. The birds were barely chirping and the air was cold. Shivering, you blinked as you tried not to panic.

“Loki, I am ready now. It’s done. Open the portal, take me back to Asgard.”

Nothing. You heard none of his witty replies or promises or cheekiness. And you saw no portals. Much less Loki. There was only the rustling of the trees.

Did…did he have his shield up? Why? Did something happen in Asgard? You should keep trying.

Then…you heard something- more footsteps.

It was more than one person.

But, you heard more than one footstep. Was it a party of men? In the evenings they would go to the marshes, hunting for serpents and trickster gods with torches, scanning the waters and fields. Some began setting up charms so that their daughters would be safe. Did they realize you were missing and send a search party…

You saw one man, then two, then four. No torches, they were smirking at you like wolves with a plump, injured lamb.

You felt your stomach drop. They were Gerndel’s army.

One stepped forward with short blonde hair and was overly muscular.

“Ah…looks like we’ve caught you. Right where we want to,” he said.

You felt their eyes on your nightgown. Peeking at how your body’s outline could be seen, your breasts hinted at, and feel the air of unwanted lust. And you were one woman surrounded by men.

Terrified, you held out a hand to release fire to them.

But no flames emerged from your hand.

Hurriedly, you tried again. But nothing. Your breaths came fast and shallow and you could feel yourself shaking. They snickered as they walked forward slowly. Knowing no matter what pace they set, they would win.

You retreated, realizing they were going to back you into a tree, as you tried to back into one, they would still keep a steady pace. There was nowhere to run or hide. Bile ran up in your throat. You fought back the urge to cry. You began to gasp for air, seeing their smiles, their eyes bright over you. One unsheathed his sword with a sliiiick, and the blade gleamed brightly in the dark woods. Silver and spotless and ready to be soaked with your blood.

You tried flicking a hand again, but there were no flames. You realized your senses were dulled- you couldn’t feel or hear any presence besides the four men before you and the dark, consuming woods.

“Ah, ah, ah! Someone took a little bit of our old friend’s apples.” The blonde one taunted.

“You’ve…you’ve poisoned me!?” you cried, your voice becoming shrill.

Another, a gentleman with dark brown hair, tall and lanky, shook his head with a half laugh.

“If you dropped dead right now…where would be the fun in that? Oh, not poison. Just a littke Kunigr potion. ”

You remembered the arrow that drained Loki of his magic in Jotunheim. Then you recalled the apple, the only thing you ate today. It struck you…your mother got those apples from a new grocer in town….

It all came into place. Panic made you shake, your throat and chest tight. The brown-haired man lifted his finger, beckoning you teasingly.

“Now…come with us…we can have some fun with you if you don’t struggle. You won’t get a scratch on you…for now. And won’t Grendel be thrilled when we hear who we caught?”

You steadied your breathing. You had to steady yourself- or enough that you could act, that you could fight. Hoping, praying to whatever god was out there, the Christian God, the trickster god, anyone, that your training was enough.

The brown-haired one approached you. Quick as lightning, you punched his jaw and then kicked his groin. As he backed down, his grip on his sword loosened as he groaned in pain. In one brief second, you kicked his hand. His hold loosened and the sword fell. Quickly, you grabbed the sword by the hilt and pointed forward. You were terrified, but you would not give up. Not yet.

“Ah, now, this kitty’s got claws!” the blonde one mocked mocked.

You steeled yourself, pointing the sword. Making your hold steady.

“What, haven’t you considered that you’re outnumbered?” said the third, another brunette with a scar across his face.

You stepped forward, speaking with the powerful venom you could muster.

“Do you expect me to surrender that easily? I will not. I am the Princess of Asgard, beloved wife of the God of Mischief, and third in line to the throne. I may have lost my magic, but I am not untrained in other methods of slaughtering all of you. I have killed, I just killed, and I will kill again. And I will not die here without a fight.”

They all got out their swords.

“That’s enough chatter,” replied the first blonde.

They charged. As did you.

Thrusting the sword forward, gritting your teeth, you stabbed through the gut of one. Blood erupted and he let out a cry. He wouldn’t last long, and you pulled out the sword to hasten his meeting with his maker. As the second tried to grab you, you merely dodged low, his sword through the air. His lower body was left open. You stabbed him through the groin- quickly in and out, blood bursting into gushes as he screamed in pain.

Blood dripped from your sword in its coppery scent. One attacked you and you blocked with your sword, the metal clinging as it stung the air. You swirled around. Stabbing and cutting. Dodging blows and putting up a fight. But they were advancing on you and you had to block two swords, it was harder to keep up.

There were shouts. You turned your head and saw a glimpse that almost loosened your bladder at the sight-

Five more men were coming. Five more of Grendel’s men. You heard the swords being unsheathed and saw them glimmer even in the woods.

They were now in sight and joined their two brethren.

They were right, you were outnumbered. Seven to one. And they were starting to circle you.

Though your muscles ached from the sword, and your nightgown was splattered in some blood-you couldn’t let them win easily. You fought the urge to tremble, to cry. And you held your ground, your sword pointed. You knew your death was arriving sooner with every second, every step of their feet. Your heart hammering despite your aching muscles. You had to keep going. Somehow. Someway. You gritted your teeth and held up your sword to fight until the end. That at least you would face your end with dignity.

They raised their sword to strike at you, and you raised yours, ready to fight this futile battle and-

There was a loud, metallic growl from the distance. A sound you never heard before. So loud, that it rattled the trees. Then another.

Grendel’s men stopped and turned their heads with wide eyes. You couldn’t help but pause in wonder.

It got louder and louder and louder, something was coming. The men looked among themselves. You took their distraction to start to flee, and you made it to a tree when something pierced your field of vision.

Turning back, you saw bright lights.

Their heads turned and they grew pale, holding out arms to block the lights.

One of them grabbed you, dragging you by the collar, almost hoisting you up as you faced him, his eyes glaring into you and his blade ready at you.

“I’ll-I’ll stab you twenty times through your cunt, you little bitch!” he growled.

The sword was knocked from his hand and he cried in surprise. His grip loosened.

You both looked.

There was the sound and two lights ran by with the whirring-it then revealed what it was-

It was the thing Loki told you about. A motorcycle- and a man on it with a helmet- one hand on the steering wheel and the other around a pistol pointed at him.

The man said no reply until a bullet hit him in the shoulder. He let go of you and cried in pain.

You gasped at your rescuer- adn then realized the source of the bright lights-the other thing Loki told you about.

Through the woods, bursting through like a chariot was a car. The men of Grendel all stood, staring agape. But the motorcyclist held up his gun, pointing.

Out from the car, emerged Robert.

“Y/N! Y/N! Hurry- come in!” he urged.

“Get in the car, now!” he cried.

You let out a gasp and could have cried. You hurried to them. The men gritted their teeth and raised swords-

The motorcyclist said nothing as he lifted his weapon and aimed, quickly but steadily. The gun was fired with a loud crack in the air.

One of the goons dropped dead.

Only one of your friends you knew was capable of that, and would come from an era where he knew how to do that-

“Jonathan!” you cried out.

His helmet was still focused his gun raised. His voice distorted, but you knew it was him. Not daring to take it off to give himself a target for them to hurt him.

“The Princess of Asgard with us- let her come with us. And no one gets hurt.”

“YN! Hurry!” Robert urged.

You would not look at the scene as Jonathan began to shoot more at those who attacked. You turned on your heels and ran into the car’s side door, slamming the door shut.

You followed and jumped in. A far cry from any run-of-the-mill carriage you had been! The velvet, soft seats, and big, wide windows and space. You saw the knobs and turns and levers from the front. You covered your ears as bullets rang out. When you peeked back, the men of Grendel were dead.

Jonathan turned to Robert, nodding his head.

Jonathan got out his watch and clicked it.

“Time to go to Heimdall, let’s hurry,” Robert urged.

A portal opened in the woods.

Robert stepped on a pedal, and moved the wheel- he drove through the portal. There was a flash of bright, rainbow light swirling about you.

You landed on the other side, in a golden room. With the night sky in a large window before all. Then Robert hit the brake and parked. Jonathan’s motorcycle followed after.

You noticed a man standing in the center of the room. He walked to you, and at first, you were intimidated. There was an incredibly tall, broad man with piercing yellow eyes matching the gold of his armor and his helmet.

He spoke in a deep powerful voice- he could have been the new king of Asgard and you would have accepted it.

“Well, you both made it.”

His head turned. His golden eyes easily spotted you, not squinting though you were far away. Despite his intimidating presence, his face softened. He gave you a small bow in respect.

“I am glad for our Princess’s safe return,” he said.

“We got her just in time. Can’t blame her for being shaken,” Robert confirmed.

“Yes, I saw it all. Now hurry, all of you. All of the castle is worried for her.”

Robert drove by pulling the wheel, and then the car went down the rainbow bridge. Jonathan’s motorcycle was right behind, whirring along. Looking out, you finally realized- you felt like that white bird in flight at last. Wings stretched out, the beautiful world before you. Not only safe, not only loved- but free.

The blue sky and sun shone. The gentlest summer day. The sea that formed around you in a crystal blue-green. And you almost tore at the outline of the glittering, golden city, Asgard as it got closer, until you were driving through its streets. Passing commoners with astonished faces.

Tears welled up in your eyes as you turned to the doctor driving.

“Robert! Oh, Robert!” you cried. “You -came for me! You both did!”

Robert looked at you with a gentle smile, the speed of the car steady.

“You don’t have to be frightened, Y/N. You’re with us now- you’ll be fine,” he assured you.

You went over and kissed his cheek chastely. “Thank you!”

“Save some for Jonathan too!” he replied with a wink. He was still Robert. And Jonathan would still be Jonathan. Each of them- your friends, your friends! You were going to see them all again!

Excitement gurgled in you as Robert parked the car outside the palace. The guard's eyes flickered to the contraption, as well as the motorcycle. Jonathan parked it and then took off his helmet, his eyes serious, but his shoulder dipping in relaxation and a small smile on his face.

You ran over and gave him a big hug and he hugged you back.

“I’m glad you’re okay,” he said.

“I’m glad too,” you said.

“Now, I think it’s time you’ve reunited with your husband,” he announced.

They escorted you right into the palace through the hallways and into the throne room. You were astonished to see so many of them there, sitting and pacing about in worry. Thor and Hal were talking quietly. Thomas sitting on the steps next to Stella, doing embroidery anxiously. Queen Frigga remained as composed as she could as Sif paced around.

They all turned and there were smiles and gasps. They took in your nightgown and the blood and you- alive and breathing and seeming physically well.

At once they all gasped your name and charged into you, saying your name. Sif’s eyes flickered to Robert and then back to you.

“Did you give them hel?” she asked.

You nodded, showing her the bloodied sword still in your hand. “I gave it to all who wronged me back there, and didn’t spare Grendel’s men from it.”

She smirked. “That’s my girl.”

Stella ran forward and hugged you.

“YN! Oh, YN! You poorest thing! You gave us all a fright! I thought I would cry- I thought you would be gone forever! I missed you so much!”

You hugged her back.

“Don’t worry, I got scared-but I’ll be fine.”

Thor at once charged forward. He hugged you and lifted you so your feet didn’t touch the ground. He shook you around, hugging you like an overexcited toddler with their beloved toy.

“SISTER! My dear Sister! You are RETURNED! How victorious! My brother said he missed your signal and it FRIGHTENED him! Why, thank the NORNS!”

Hal patted at Thor and he let you down. You welcomed him with a hug.

“Well, I’m royalty as well, dear lady. You shall have no bows from me, yet the title suits you- to see you returned alive and triumphant!”

You hugged him back. “Hal, thank you!”

You then hugged Thomas as well.

“You gave Loki a scare- all of us.”

“My powers were taken away- they have to come back with time. But I’m fine- Jonathan and Robert saved me before I could get hurt,” you assured him.

Frigga even embraced you. She smiled.

“I hoped you and Loki would both realize how much you loved each other. And I thought I would never see you both happy together…I can’t even speak right now.”

She let go and cupped your face and then kissed your forehead.

“You are of Asgard now, and I welcome and bless your union and you with all of my heart,” she said.

You could have teared up.

“But, speaking of unions…where is he? Where is my husband?” you asked, looking around.

Thor folded his arms.

“He was getting the army of Asgard to go to the forest. He got scared that perhaps Jonathan and Robert wouldn’t be enough- they were preparing to search for you, but-”

You heard footsteps. And several voices.

But one stood out

Though it was a voice exactly like so many in your life, past and present, there was no denying whose name it belonged to. His voice.

“YN! YN!! All of you- stand and run firm! Destroy any who dare touch a hair on your princess’s head! Where is-”

Loki hurried forth, several guards and soldiers of Asgard behind him. His black and green robes with little gold embellishments. Typical of him, but with his black curls, ivory skin, and blue eyes, he never looked so beautiful to you before this moment. His eyes met yours and you paused. He froze, blinking. His boots almost skidded to a halt as you took each other in for a second.

Tears welling up some, you replied in a small voice. “I thought I’d never see you again, darling.”

Loki seemed to turn white, and you saw his hands shake at his sides. He frantically checked the others in the crowd. “Is this some illusion? Did mother-”

Robert clapped your back.

“We got her. This isn’t an illusion, Loki. She’s here,” he assured the god.

You cupped your mouth and he stood, breathing fast, crying tears coming out from you despite your smile. He walked again, faster, hurrying through, as if he would tear through each realm to touch you again.

You ran right into each other's arms. He picked you up and turned you again. You broke into crying again. You curled a hand behind his dark hair, kissing his lips and then his cheek and any part of him. A sound came out of you like laughter.

“Loki- Loki darling, I’m here! I’m right here!”

He broke the hug and then cupped your face.

“Are you hurt? What happened? I lost your signal! The one you promised me!”

Sniffling, you began to recount what happened.

“You were right to be worried, Loki. I was tricked into eating a Kunnigr apple. My magic was drained by the time Grendel’s men cornered me…I held them off for as long as I could. Then reinforcements came. Robert and Jonathan hurried in before I could be made prisoner or worse. They brought me here!”

There were big eyes as the others took in this information.

He hugged you again. You felt yourself shake some, crying, laughing, as if every emotion at once was washing inside you.

“How I missed you all, and…husband–my…my husband! My dear! I missed you most of all! I love you, darling! Loki- thank you! You saved me! You brought me back!”

“I would have torn Midgard to pieces to get you back- I love you, my wife,” he replied.

Your heart bursting at the fresh word, spoken from his mouth instead of in your mind, you kissed him on the lips again. Soft, but eager, demanding. Wanting to touch him, reacquaint with him. And never let go no matter what.

Hal was smiling wide and Stella was blushing pink. Jonathan looked down, trying not to laugh. Frigga merely then began to wave them off with her long sleeves. Turning away discreetly.

“Everyone…I think it’s best we let the couple have some privacy…” she suggested. Everyone gave a farewell smile, with a promise of a return.

Loki only held your hands and hurried you through the halls, the guards not behind you, right to where his chambers were.

“But…Grendel, the cauldron-what will we do?” you asked.

Loki caught you in his arms and you gasped. Carrying you, he led you to the threshold of his private room. He smiled mischievously.

“I think the Grendel matter could wait for a few minutes, don’t you agree?” your true love asked.

37 notes · View notes

theycalledmekay · 5 months

Text

This Means War

This is a William Ransom fan fiction work created on Wattpad by me.

Her name was Catherina. Princess of England, daughter of King George.

She was missing.

The posters were up everywhere in England and the 13 colonies. Even in North Carolina, where she was. She was hiding in the woods by a ridge. Frasier's Ridge. The house was beautiful, but she couldn't get close. She stayed in a tree.

Until the fateful night, she saw soldiers. If she were to be caught, they would send her back home, and who knew what was waiting for her there. Cece knew the man who had kidnapped her was dead. Long gone, in fact. Stephen Bonnet had been murdered. She had been glad when she found out.

She laid down on the branch she was on, carefully and quiet. If only the guards hadn't heard the snap. Her eyes widened.

"Who's there!" A not to familiar voice calls. The Frasier's were demanded to investigate. The man, with long red hair, finds her. She begs him to stay quiet with her eyes.

"There is no one here! Just a birds nest." He says the the soldier. "Get down then, Mr. Frasier!" The soldier sighs. "Lord John Grey will visit you in the morrow." The soldier walks off.

"Lass, what are yeh doin' in the tree?" The man asks her finally. "I was trying to nap as I've only stayed in this tree and done no harm." Cece replies. "Got a name, lass?" He asks her. "Uhm..." She couldn't use her real name... could she? No, everyone would know she was Catherina. "Cercei." She responds.

"Come along. Let's get you to the ridge before the soldier comes back." Once bathed and feeling much better, Mr. and Mrs. Fraser fed her, making her feel much better. "I apologize, Mr. and Mrs. Fraser. I didn't realize I was evading." Catherina apologized.

"Oh, it's quite alright, dear. My daughter saw you up there a few days ago. We were wondering why you were hiding." Mrs. Fraser says. "Come now. Let me lead you to your room where you may rest for the night." For the first time in months, Catherina slept well.

Many months later:

"Mistress Fraser -" "Yes, Cece! You can come with! We're sending Briana and Roger off. They are moving!" Claire invites her along. Holding Mandy and helping Jimmy, Cece went along with Bree to grab some items the children and her might need.

"Lord John!" Bree almost bumps into the man. Cece stops and freezes seeing the young British soldier. "Madam." He nods to her. Her breathing almost stops altogether, and she almost faints.

"Cersei!" Jimmy taps her arm. "Are you alright?!" The young boy asks. "Ah yes, Jim. I'm quite fine. Just had a bit of spell." She says softly. The soldier offers her his hand. "I can help you and the children back if you and the other Mistress don't mind."

Shruging his hand off and acting a bit hostile. The words she uttered next made the young soldiers rethink his action as if he had horrified the young woman. "I am fine. Perhaps, if you stayed away-" "Cersei!" Bree shrieked. "We don't speak to soldiers like that!"

"Red Coat!" Cersei hisses. "Rebel!" The soldier hisses under his breath. "She's not too keen on soldiers, I apologize. She claims she was kidnapped from England." The soldier realized who she was. "I understand. No ill intent. I insist on helping though, Miss-" "Cersei." She says softly.

"I do not need your assistance." She bows and hurries off with the children. "Father, how long has it been since the Princess has been missing?" William finally asks before he could be introduced to Bree. "Almost a year now. You don't seriously think that girl could be Catherina, do you?" Lord John Grey asks.

"I'm afraid you're right. See how defensive she got -" "She could be a rebel, Willie." Lord John Grey interupts. "I believe the Princess is long gone, my boy. She'll never be found." Lord John Grey shakes his head. "Some of us still have hope." William disagrees. He introduces himself to Bree and then walks off.

He sees Cersei again. She seemed in a better mood now. She noticed him again and he saw the guilt in her eyes. She approaches him.

"Good morrow." She chimes. "Good morrow." He bids. "I'd like to apologize about my terrible behavior earlier." She stops walking. Seeing as they are in the middle of a road, he gently moves her out of the way of a carriage.

She thanks him, softly. "All has been forgiven, Miss Cersei." He says, holding her arm steady as she slips in the mud. "I didn't quite catch your name, soldier." She says.

"Leftenant (Lieutenant) Lord Ellesmere William Ransom." He introduced himself. "Lady Cersei of York." She lies. He nods and bows. She gulps, taking a long breath. "Care to accompany me?" She asks.

He nods in agreement, and the two walk around the town. They talk for a decent while until dusk. "I'm afraid I must go, Mistress Cersei. It was quite an honor meeting you." He bows. She smiles.

"Rise soldier. I am no queen." She jokes. He smiles. "Until we meet again." He nods. "Until then, Leftenant." The two part ways. "What was that about?" Bree asks as Cece makes her return.

"Oh, nothing. Had to... Apologize to Lord Ellesmere." Cece smiles. "Did you get too overwhelmed?" Claire asks her. "Well... I believe so. Mistress, he seems.... indifferent." Cece says.

"Oh Pa, should we tell her!" Bree exclaims. "Don't trouble yerself lass. We may 'as well tell 'er." Jamie sighs. "Is it about Lord Ellesmere?" Cece asks. "Yes." Claire sighs. "As you know, I disappeared for almost twenty years. Jamie was serving out his parole in Helwater. A young woman by the name of Geneva Dunsany was infatuated with him. She was to wed the Eighth Earl of Ellesmere, Ludovic Ransom, who could not have children." Claire says.

Cece's jaw dropped.

"Don't say anymore. I think I understand. Cockoldry, correct. He's illegitimate. The illegal son of Mister Fraser and Lady Dunsany?" Cece says. "Yes." Jamie says. Cece thought about it.

As a princess, such a crime could have the man hanged for allowing it, however... No one knew she was the princess. "Your secret shall be safe with me." She nods. She thought back to the Lord of Ellesmere.

He did resemble Jamie very little. He even had the highlander fire in his eyes.

The battle of Saratoga:

Hiding in the trees, Cersei aimed her bow straight and true, waiting for the first brit to fire.

She was committing high treason for the Frasers, and she was damn sure going to keep them safe. The British stood in a line, straight and true.

The slight talking of two soldiers made her look over. She was gonna shoot one. She smirked and took her aim.

One of the Colonials fired. "You dumb shit!" Cece cursed.

She shot the other one, but he moved just as she fired. It took his hat clean off, and she gasped, "Lord Ellesmere!"

It seemed like he heard her cry as his gaze swept the area. His eyes seemingly landed on hers. Her look of shock and his of anger. He was speaking, but the rush of her heart was strong in her ears.

He drew his sword and charged with his men. His screams on the field made her feel guilty. She accidentally shot one of her own, making the brits yell, "Sniper!"

She rained down her army of arrows until she was out. Jamie saw this, and so did William. He fought with his highlander spirit, she could tell.

Jamie was suddenly knocked out, and the battle subsided. Most of the colonials were dead, many brits as well. She gulped, and she watched as all of them as they searched and searched for her.

She prayed that they wouldn't find her, but they did. "Look 'ey here. I say we use her -" "We bring her back as prisoner. You know the rules." William retorts.

"Come on down, Mistress. We won't hurt you." William tries to coax her. "Go away! I'm hunting!" She lies. "Hunting what? The Royal Army?!" One of the soldiers yelled.

"Please, Lady York! It's dangerous!" William sighs. All the soldiers gasped. "No one touch me except for Leftenant Ellesmere, then!" She promises. "Yes, Mistress." They abliged.

She slowly climbs down, sliding on the last moment and landing almost on her behind if Jamie hadn't caught her.

"Be a shame if the lass fell. Right lads?" He asks. He takes off running, most of the army after him, leaving William and Catherina alone. "Lady York, I apologize, but if you don't run now, you'll be hanged for treason." He says. "I know, Leftenant." She sighs. "My condolences. At least I shot your hat off." She jokes.

"I knew it." He chuckles. "I'll be in the trees, keeping you safe when I run." She smiles. "Go, now!" He gently nudges her. "See you again? On the battlefield?" She laughs, running.

"I hope not, Lady York." He calls after her, watching her run. He runs in the opposite direction, chashing after his father.

Jamie survived, and so did Catherina.

The battle of Saratoga 2:

The early morning signals the cries of war.

Saratoga. Another time.

Catherina shared the strategy. "They will be looking in the trees. They caught me there last time. If I make it past the fence and be on their side, they will assume I am with them." She chuckles. They nod.

"Be careful." Jamie warned. She nods. She runs across and finds a tree. Climbing it, she nestled herself into the hollow part where it almost split off.

The drums start, and the battle slowly commences. Waiting until the right time, she notices them trying to shoot and kill General Fraser. Her aim would be true until she notices. "Not again!" She groans. She shoots Lord Ellesmere this time.

In the hand. His shriek made the Brits panic. It wasn't deep, and he released who it was.

"Damn woman." He mumbles under his breath. He fights, pulling the arrow out. Suddenly, they come face to face with each other.

"Cersei!" He grabs her, pulling her out of the way of another soldier. "Kill me." She begs. "I'd rather you than anyone else." William gulps at those words.

Taking a deep breath, he choked her gently, causing her to pass out. He fights until most men are dead. They retreat, and he looks over at Cersei.

"Aye Leftenant Ellesmere killed the sniper!" The men cheer. William sighed and pretended to be happy until one of his men got shot with her arrow.

He turned swift as did the others. "Heed my warning!" He stares at her in shock at her words. "She's just begging to be killed, isn't she!" General Fraser sighs, but then he collapses.

"General!" William rushes to him immediately. Everyone turns to them.

He sighs, "Damn woman!" William curses, again. Everyone agrees with him. They trugg on, eventually forgetting about her, hoping to save General Fraser in time.

Unfortunately, they didn't. General Fraser died not much after they got back to camp. William grieved him.

Camp:

Leftenant Lord Ellesmere was enjoying being out of battle. He really dreaded it. Until a curly haired woman angrily grabbed him. He stared in shock. Mistress Fraser.

".... basic necessities of care for your prisoners. Sir, are you hearing me?" When she noticed his strange face.

"I-" He stutters. He chuckles. "I beg your pardon, Madam. I do believe I know you?" He questions it. "Your Mistress Fraser, are you not?" He smiles. Her eyes sparkled with recognition.

"I am." "I am Leftenant Lord Ellesmere, William Ransom." He bows. "I visited your home on Fraser's Ridge when I was still a boy." He stopped a moment and noticed a certain look in her eyes. "You saved my father's life." The realization sets in for him at that moment, too. Claire Fraser was a rebel.

"William." She smiles. "You're a rebel?" He asks as he turns back to face her, realizing where she had been. She nods, "Yes."

She feels a bit disappointed. After this exchange, with some bandages and food brought to the prisoners, William was left with his head reeling.

He went to his tent to grab something, and he walked in and saw her.

Immediately, he closed the flap, making sure no one saw her. "Cersei." He glares. "Leftenant-" He covers her mouth.

"Leftenant? Has anyone seen Lord Ellesmere?" He hears someone calling for him. She stares in horror. He silently tells her to be quiet. They sneek out the other side and run to the Forrest not that far at the edge of his camp.

Cersei giggles, "That was fun! Let's do it again!" "I'm afraid not. This is where I leave you." He sighs. "Leftenant!" She grabs his arm.

"Cersei, if you get caught here, you will be captured. I don't want another rebel I know in my prisoner quarters." He sighs. "Leftenant, I- William..." She sighs.

"I just wanted to make sure you were alright." She looks down. "You've never been fond of... what do you Yankees call us British.... Red Coats?" He teases. "Aye, we call them Red Coats. Because they have red coats stained with blood." She pretends.

He smiles. "You should go." He warnes her. "I wanna stay." She keeps her hand entangled in his. "Lady York-" He sighs.

"Lord Ellesmere-" "Run!" He pushes her gently. She stares in shock and suddenly runs off. "What was that about?" One of the other men asks him.

"Just a random girl asking about the war. Such a strange girl." He turns to his soldier. "Leftenant, Mistress Fraser got her items." He nods. "Thank you." William says.

The soldier walks off, and William sees Cersei farther ahead, in another clearing, picking some flowers. He smiled.

That poor innocent girl was gonna get herself killed. He walked back to camp. It was slowly getting later and then he saw her.

Dressed as an Native American. "Cece!" Claire pulls on her dress. "Not a worry, Claire. I can-" She turns and freezes. "Lord Ellesmere." She looks at her feet. "Cersei." He sighs.

Suddenly, a fire starts. He glares. "Take her. I saw nothing." He nods. Cersei helps Claire get to the exit, but not before she runs back to William, who had turned to walk away.

"Lord Ellesmere." He turns to face her. She kisses his cheek and runs off. How.... interesting. His gaze lingers on the exit after he watches her disappear. Interesting.

Many months later, after the war:

William walks inside. "Father-" He freezes seeing.... Mac. His head reeled. For a moment, hearing him speak. A voice so familiar.

"William James." His jaw dropped.

Lord John Grey turned to his son. "Willie-" "You will not call me such a name!" Everyone stared at him. "William-" "I know all I need to!" William goes to storm out. "William!" It was Cersei.

He huffs and walks away anyway. "William!" Catherina hurries after him. He doesn't stop. "William, please!" He turns.

"What do you want?!" He snaps. At this point, they were deep in the forest by Fraser Ridge. "Apologize!" She stops him by grabbing his arm. She had decided not to tie up her hair today. Worst mistake of her life.

"I will do no such thing." He pulls away from her. "William!" She yells at him.

"You can't command me! You are not the king of England!" He yells back. "You are so petulant!" She screamed. "At least I'm not a princess!" He growls. "At least I'm not a bastard!" She responds.

His hand connects with her cheek. She gasps, and he looks at her, horror in his eyes. "Catherina!" He grabs her arm as she goes to run off. "I didn't mean to harm you." He pleads with her.

He gently gets on his knees in front of her. "Get up!" She whispers. "Get up!" She changes her tone to a yell. He gets up swiftly.

"I could have you and your family hanged, but I won't. It's a privilege knowing a princess, isn't it." She growls.

"Such a high rank and yet as a bastard you feel you don't deserve it and -" "Hush." William whispers softly. "You think that one will know-" "SHUT IT!" William snaps.

"YOUR SUCH AN ADDLE PATE!" She screams. "You can be so awful and-"

He shuts her up by grabbing her arms and throwing her forward. Their lips connect, and she freezes up. He pulls away almost immediately, ashamed by his actions.

She stares at him in shock, eyes pooling with tears. "Catherina, I-" "Catherina is in England... Cersei is in North Carolina." She says softly as a tear slowly slides down her cheek.

She wipes it forcefully. "I deeply apologize, Lord Ellesmere. I shouldn't have called you a bastard and such other foul names."

She turns and runs to away from him. "Cersei!" He calls after her. He sighed and sat on a log. This princess was gonna be the death of him.

Part 2?? And for anyone wondering, an "Addle Pate" is a foolish or dumb witted person

#outlander #claire fraser #jamie fraser #queen #queen of england #william ransom #lord john grey #my first fic #foryou #enjoy #part 2 coming soon

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