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skzsauce01 · 3 years

Text

Hymn to Myself

Anniversary Request Special

Synopsis: The Goddess of Spring tells a mortal the story of her abduction by the King of the Underworld. Follows the Homeric Hymn to Demeter.

Warning: kidnapping

Word Count: 2.6k

Pairing: fem Persephone!reader x Hades!Hyunjin

Dear mortal, listen closely, for I have deemed you worthy to hear my tale. You have danced in my name, burned offerings to me. You shall be rewarded for your worship. Lend me your ear now, and perhaps I will lend a hand in the future.

You know me by many names — The Maiden, The Younger, the Goddess of Spring — but today I will be the Queen of the Dead. There is no need to be so frightened. Your time has not come yet, nor will I be the one to ferry you to the Underworld, as you well know. Trembling and bowing your head for mercy will serve you no purpose but do as you like.

You have heard the tale, I am sure. The Dark-Haired One seizes a maiden and makes her his bride, as her mother, holy Night-Mare of the golden double-axe, ceases the earth’s harvest in her despair. The story you may have heard prior is my mother’s version, without the details of me in the Underworld.

Like most stories, it begins with the Cloud Collector, my father. Seeing that the King of the Underworld had no queen and that no goddess or nymph desired him, he offered him a bride, the flowerfaced daughter of the Corn-Mother. The King of the Dead accepted.

As you may have guessed, I did not know about this arrangement. The nymphs I surrounded myself with then, daughters of the Titan God of Rivers, did not either, yet they braided my hair and wove flowers in. Roses, crocuses, and hyacinths entangled with violets and irises to make a crown of spring. I still remember the way they fussed over me, singing songs and pulling at my scalp. I hated it. I only wanted to pick my blossoms. Once they had finished, I walked through the meadow, leaving them behind, gathering as many of the flowers I could into my arms.

Then I spotted a narcissus, its center as radiant as the sun and its petals the color of fresh milk. Its honey-sweet fragrance filled the sky and enchanted me. I approached it with both hands, ready to hold the bud to my nose, when the earth beneath me broke open.

A golden chariot drawn by sable-black horses leapt out, and I was snatched by the gloomy Lord. I cried out for my father, he of the thunderbolt, but he was the one who promised me, and I did not know that then. The King of the Dead had me in his grasp. He refused to let go. But still I cried a piercing scream, begging the pantheon of gods seated at Olympus to help, pleading Lord Helios in his own golden chariot to come down and save me. No one heard a thing when the chariot descended back into the earth.

And when we finally entered the Underworld, my voice had gone hoarse, my body limp. The flowers I clutched to my chest were the only remnants of the sunlit earth I had, but their petals had scattered into the wind and their stems wilted in the dark. The Dark-Haired One kept his arm on me, making sure I would not be able to flee. The shades wandered in the fields below us, their moans a constant hum.

Soon we stopped in front of his palace, a cold and imposing labyrinth with a locked gate reaching to the sky. A three-headed dog stood guard, saliva dripping from its maw. The King stepped off first and offered his hand to me, but I remained frozen on the chariot. It was still warm from the sun, and I wanted to soak in every last piece I could. The hound growled and lowered its center head to sniff me when I latched onto the side, even as the Lord of the house tried to drag me off.

“Leave me be,” I cried, pushing at his chest. “My father will punish you for this. He is the king of the heavens, and you will be struck with his bolt.”

“At the behest of the Thunderer, you are now my wife. Come, my queen, into your new home.”

I had no tears left, and I mutely followed him, keeping my eyes on the back of his wine-dark cloak. He led me through the gates, the corridors of his palace, all the way to the throne room. Two chairs stood next to each other, both as black as the horses and the sky. His was obsidian, etched with bone-white carvings and lined with onyx gems. The other, the ebony one intertwined with asphodel and pomegranates, belonged to me now.

“Are you pleased?” he asked.

I said nothing, for the fight in me had died along with the flowers I left between the paws of the hound.

“Are you frightened?”

Again, no sound left me. He made me sit on my throne, and I did with my head hung low. He cradled my face, and I shut my eyes. If he desired a kiss, then he could take it. I was a wife now, to the king of the Underworld too, and I would let my husband put his mouth on mine.

“Tired,” he declared after some time. “I will bring you ambrosia and nectar, so that you may recover.”

He brought the divine foods to me, but I did not eat. He tried to make conversation, but I did not speak. The scent of the asphodels and pomegranates were suffocating, and the musk of death coated the air untainted by natural fragrance. The thick slabs of wood underneath me were unyielding, and so was I. The Dark-Haired One was dismayed.

“What is it that you require?”

“I require that I be returned to my mother and to the earth.”

He smiled. “I have all of the riches of the earth. See what I have made for you.”

Humans called him the Wealthy One on occasion, and I understood that it was not merely a euphemism when he presented my crown to me: a golden-leaved garland with apple-red rubies the size of hen’s eggs and emeralds as vivid as moss, not a hint of death clouding its elegance. It was magnificent and befitting for a queen of spring. He undid the nymphs’ braids that still remained in my hair and placed the crown on my head.

“Are you happy now?” he asked.

“I will never be happy until I see the sun again.”

He frowned and left me alone on my throne, hoping I would change my mind. The ambrosia and nectar laid on the moonlight-silver tray. They glistened and glowed, their dangerously sweet scent enveloping the room, doing their best to entice me. Instead, I sat as rigid as a tree for days, languishing in my misery. Color faded from my features, and I looked like the very image of the Queen of the Dead, with my soulless eyes and ashen skin.

Day and night, I remained there. The Lord of the House was patient, as his realm was eternal and as I was immortal. He brought gifts to try to sway me: diamond birds perching on bronze branches, amethyst crocus bouquets with delicate sprigs of roses the colors of ripe peaches. I left them on the ground. They reminded me too much of what I no longer had. The treasures around me grew, but he persisted with his prizes and his attempts at conversation.

“There are many souls arriving today,” he would say. “How lovely,” I would reply.

“What do you think of the sky here?” he would ask, and I would tell him, “It is like you.”

“Would you like to see Cereberus again? I think he liked you,” to which I would answer, “I am content here.”

It was his offer to visit the Asphodel Meadows that drew me out of my fog.

We took his chariot, golden and gleaming as before. This time, he held out a hand for me, and I accepted. The three-headed dog at the entrance of the palace whined when I did not pat his heads like his master. The flowers I left as a peace offering earlier were gone, not even a broken stem lingering. I could only imagine that they were played with and eaten.

“He does like you,” the King whispered. He placed one arm around my shoulders as he held the reins with the other. I shrunk as much as I could, burying my nose in my hair so not to smell the death radiating off of him.

“Yes, I suppose he does.”

We stopped in one of the many fields, the asphodel ghostly white and fluttering in the breeze. The shades kept their distance when I stepped off the chariot and into the flowers. My bare feet touched the Underworld dirt, my ankles brushed the stalks as I roamed the meadow like I did that fateful day, plucking the prettiest blooms from their roots. The Dark-Haired One followed closely behind, and I did my best to keep my eyes on the iron sky as I wandered through more of the fields. Lone petals circled in the wind, adorning the false flowers of my crown with themselves. I thought about the nymphs — their songs, their chatter, their life — and nearly wept. Then I thought about my poor mother, with the beautiful garlands in her hair, finding no trace of me among the meadow, and I dropped to the ground.

“There is no need to cry,” said the Dark-Haired One softly. “The shades will not hurt you.”

“I want to go home,” I replied in-between my gasps. I thought that picking flowers would somehow soothe me, but they only pained my heart. “Please, let me return home.”

He held me up, and I saw up close the famed black locks that framed his face. “Home,” he smiled.

My spirits soared, and I clamored onto his chariot, eager to see the wispy clouds and splendid sun again. But I had deceived myself. For the Queen of the Underworld, the palace was home.

The throne was too far for my limp body to retire to, so he set me down upon a funeral couch. There, I laid and stared out the window at the vast number of souls inhabiting the fields. He brought me ambrosia and nectar once more, a feeble attempt that even he knew was wasted.

He ordered entertainers to sing and dance for me, but I stared at them like one of the many skulls carved on his throne.

However, my prayers were soon answered months later. The mighty Messenger of the Gods, with his golden wand, came and relayed my father’s message: I was to be returned to my mother, for she was wrathful against the gods. The Lord smiled and did not disobey the Thunderer’s orders.

“Go to your mother,” he said to me, “for I am not an unseemly husband. But you are my queen, and all those who do not perform your rituals with reverence, all those who do not perfectly burn offerings for you, will be punished.”

I did not care about those things. Still, I rejoiced and leapt from the couch with liveliness, my crown falling to the ground in my eagerness. To feel the warmth of the sun on my skin, to see the vibrant earth, to be with my mother — those were what mattered to me.

“Before you leave, I ask that you try the Underworld’s fruit,” he said, holding out a pomegranate. “As a blessing to us from the Queen of the Dead.”

“You have been nothing but kind to me, so I will,” I told him. I ate four of the seeds, red as the rubies on my Underworld crown and sweet as honey, before I could tolerate my impatience no longer.

The King’s chariot was already drawn with his sable-black horses. The dog eyed me curiously as I got onto the chariot with the Immortal Guide rather than his master. The messenger took the reins, and we ascended to the upper world. The taste of the pomegranate still coated my tongue when the earth cracked open.

We burst forth like a new sprout. The nymphs came out from the sea and flocked around, fussing like they did before. This time, I did not mind. I let them pull at my clothing and let them weave fragrant flowers in my hair.

My mother, with a dark robe, soon arrived. She saw me, stretched her arms out, and I ran into them, breathing in her familiar scent. She stroked my hair, all while murmuring in my ear about how I was safe now, how happy she was. I was happy too. I recounted my tale to her in a frenzy, words crashing into one another like the churning tides. We stayed together, roaming the fields, soaking in the sun and earth I had missed. I danced in the streams, playing with my nymphs in celebration, for I was home.

It was later that I learned that I was bound to the Underworld, having eaten the pomegranate seeds. I left with a heavy heart and arrived to the expectant Lord, smiling with his brows.

“You tricked me,” I said. I would not weep; I could endure my time here.

“It was a request you accepted,” he said as he strode to me with my crown. He adorned me with it, and I let him brush the loose tendrils from my face. “Welcome home, my queen.”

In the beginning, it was a partial home.

I left the palace as often as I could to roam among the asphodels and the shades. The shades grew acquainted with my presence and bowed to me, moaning cries of worship in that strange tongue of theirs. I learned to feed the horses with sweet pomegranate seeds to entice them into being obedient, and the golden chariot of the King became one of my possessions. I stayed away from him, for I still felt betrayed.

Despite my frigidness, he adored me like no other. The entertainers seemed to be a constant at his court now that I present. He offered to dance with me, to which I rejected every time. He played knucklebones with me on the rare occasion I was receptive. I suspected he let me win on several occasions in an attempt to open me up like a blooming flower. And whenever I returned from a walk through the fields, he would have a lavish bouquet of false flowers waiting on my throne.

However, over time I grew to recognize my stature. After all, not many goddesses could say that they had power like mine. I began to wear my royal title like a mantle, draping it around my shoulders and letting it trail behind me in my wake. I was not always merciful, as you may well know yourself, mortal, but it is nigh impossible to say that I was not fair. The Lord took this fervor of mine as a sign that I had forgiven him. I still do not know if I have.

I sit beside him, as his equal, commanding the dead just like he does. I let him kiss my cheek and sometimes return the favor if I am feeling kind that day. I dance with him, resting my head over his heart and breathing in his musk.

But he is the one who made me his bride and thrust the Underworld upon me.

It is difficult to say that I resent him. It is much easier to say that I cannot, and will never be able to, love him in the same way he loves me.

Thus, for four months of the year, I live as the Queen of the Dead, never as his wife.

Now, dear mortal, you have heard it all. Tell it to the world.

~ ad.gray

Extra: Sorry for the unholy amount of name euphemisms and epithets. The TL;DR is that I didn’t want the associations of the Greek gods’ relationships, and by extension their names, in this story because they’re a mess by modern standards, so I opted for euphemisms and epithets instead. I decided to not use names at all because consistency, I guess? This kind of works though since “Persephone” is telling the story to a mortal and mortals avoided saying certain god’s names, Persephone and Hades among them, out of fear or respect (source). Saying a god’s name gets their attention, and getting the god’s of death attention was considered unlucky (source). This story’s version of Persephone is pretty understanding, I guess. Also, I tried to mimic the style of the Homeric Hymn to Demeter (this was the translation I used), and the amount of descriptors is insane. Thanks for coming to my TedTalk.

Hope you enjoyed this! <3

202 notes · View notes

forever-rogue · 3 years

Note

Amazing thank you for considering my request! It’s an Oberyn x reader fic, where they are married but she had been kidnapped and presumed dead till one day he finds her in kings landing as a servant and prisoner to Cersi and the Lannister’s. Then he does whatever it takes to get her back and the rest is up to you! Whatever you want to do I’m fine with.

Pairing: Oberyn Martell x Fem!Reader

Warnings: None

Word Count: 3k

Pedro Characters Masterlist

»»————-　♡　————-««

Oberyn sighed as he sat near the fountains in the lush gardens of his Dornish palace. He played aimlessly with a berry in his hand, plucked from the overflowing bowl that had been placed by him.They didn’t taste as sweet as they used to. It was a solemn day for him, and everyone around him knew to stay away and weary of the Prince.

It was your name day today. Your third one since you'd been taken from his clutches.

He still thought of you every single day. Oberyn had searched far and wide, scouring every part of the Seven Kingdoms for you, but he'd never found you again. It seemed like every time he got close or some sort of lead as to where you were everything was ripped away again. It was like you keep slipping through his fingers.

The Prince had been through a torrent of emotions, but at the end of it all, he just missed you. He would have given up again to have you back, even after all this time. Things had never been the same.

»»————-　♡　————-««

A yawn escaped your lips as you tended to the laundry of the royal household. You'd been up since before dawn tending to duties around the Red Keep, and your body was screaming for a nap. But there was no rest for anyone on the small staff and Cersei ensured that you would never be able to have a moment of rest.

It was her, after all, that had ruined your life several years ago when she'd found you at a vulnerable moment and taken you away from Oberyn and Dorne. There had never really been any real reason either - she just had a particular disdain for the prince and would do anything to hurt him as much as possible.

And that had turned into kidnapping and keeping you hostage and in servitude at the Red Keep under a false alias. At first you'd tried to fight, tried to resist, and even run away but you'd never even gotten close. The times you did, or tried to defy her, you were met with grueling and torturous punishments. At some point your heart and spirit had broken, and your body seemed permanently bruised and aching.

You still held out hope that one day you'd see Oberyn again. That one day you would be reunited with your love, in this life of another.

But days like today, your name day, made it hard to keep that hope alive. No one even remembered what day it was - once it had been filled with nothing but love and celebration. Now it was a long day of work, from dawn till dusk and beyond.

"Hey, girl," you cringed at the sound of Cersei's voice. She knew your name but refused to address you by it, "there's more work for you to do. The Prince and his retinue have decided to come for a visit to King's Landing for some round-table discussions. We must prepare. You remember him, right? Of course you do...I doubt you'd forget your husband just like that."

Your shoulders rose and fell with effort as you tried to keep your composure. She was doing this on purpose, every word picked carefully to cause you to suffer. She wanted you to lash out to yell at her so she could get mad back and use it as an excuse for punishment.

And you were tempted, so tempted, to give her a piece of your mind. But you stopped yourself and continued on with your laundry, scrubbing at it as thoroughly as possible. You were not going to give her the satisfaction. You were not going to give her the time of day on your name day.

Instead you tried to conjure up all the happy memories you could, remembering how Oberyn would always go all out on your name day, how he would throw such lavish celebrations and shower in you in love and affection. But not today. Not anymore. But the ghosts of days gone were enough to get you by.

You remained silent, only offering a nod in acknowledgment and eventually she left after informing you of all the things that would need to be done.

Maybe...just maybe you'd get to see your love one last time.

»»————-　♡　————-««

Naturally, the entirety of the Red Keep was buzzing with the arrival of the Dornish Prince, along with other lords from around Westeros; Oberyn was always the star of the show however. When he arrived at the castle, you tried looking everywhere for him, hoping for even a glimpse of his handsome face. Even if you weren’t able to talk to him, you wanted one look - one moment to make sure he was alive and well.

But Cersei, ever the vile and repugnant pseudo-queen, made sure to give you tasks that kept you far, far away from him. She let you get so close, so close to a momentary reunion with your husband before preventing you from seeing him at all. It was hopeless, and the little bit of spark you had left in your soul seemed to dissipate. At one point you were almost positive that you had heard his laughter; a beautiful, warm sound.

You let the memories of those beautiful sounds, how often you heard softly in your ear when you were alone with your husband, get you through it all. You’d resigned yourself to not seeing him going.

But then one evening, you were working late in the kitchens, preparing things for the next day when you were a throat clear from the entrance. Rolling your eyes to yourself, ready to be fully annoyed, you tried and almost stopped breathing when you spotted Oberyn standing there and watching you closely. Your mouth opened and closed your mouth a few times, hardly able to believe your eyes - there he was, your husband, alive and in the flesh.

“Pardon the interruption,” he sauntered in, robes swirling behind him as he approached you, “I know it’s late, but I was wondering if you had any spare berries or other fruit.”

“O-Oberyn,” your voice cracked as he walked over to him as well, leaving only a small gap between the two of you. His soft, dark eyes studied you intently and you could tell he was processing something. What if...what if he didn’t remember you? But no...he would never forget you, right?”

“Yes,” he laughed lightly, “that’s generally what they call me. I-I’m sorry to be so bold and forward, but you look just like my wife used to.”

“Oberyn,” your lips trembled as you felt the back of your eyes prickle with tears,”i-i-it’s me. It’s me, I swear it, I would never lie to you.”

“I have looked for my wife far and wide for going on three years and have never been able to find her,” he whispered as his voice cracked, “it would be the most cruel joke to play on someone if you did not mean it. P-please tell me you’re not lying - please tell me the gods are not so cruel as to play such a joke on me.”

“My moon and stars,” as soon as the words left your lips, emotion overwhelmed him as his lips trembled with emotion, “it is me, I swear it - your sunshine. Please tell me how I can prove it to you.”

“Tell me the first thing you ever said to me when we met,” his heart was racing with nerves as he tried not to get too ahead of himself, “when I approached you.”

A few years had rolled down your cheeks as you laughed lightly at the memory. Needless to say, when you were first introduced, you had never envisioned yourself loving or marrying him at any point, “you came up to me with so much swagger and you told me your name and then you said although I’m sure you already know who I am. I’m hoping you’ll give me the chance to make a proper introduction in my chambers this evening. You had so much confidence, so much nerve. You were so bold and brash, and yet...I did not turn you down.”

“You did slap me though,” he reminded you as nodded in laughter. As soon as the words had left his lips you had slapped him across the face, surprising both of you. You’d spent that first night, and countless others in his bed, “you always were something else.”

“Oberyn,” you reached up, almost hesitant as you longed to touch his cheek. He did you one better and almost instantly wrapped his arms around you, holding you as tightly as possibly against this body, afraid to ever let you go again. A sob wracked your body as held onto him and buried your face into his chest, “Oberyn, my love. I never thought I’d see you again. I hoped and I hoped and I just never knew. “

“I have never stopped looking for you,” he promised as he pulled back and pressed a gentle kiss to your lips, “I never gave up the hope that one day I would find you. I just never expected it to be like this.”

“You found me,” you pulled back and stared at him with wide doe eyes, hardly believing that you were looking into the face of your husband. After all this time, he was still exactly the same as always and gods - you had missed him so much, “I hoped and hoped and hoped that one day I would get to look upon your face again.”

“I will always find you,” he whispered as he placed a chaste kiss to your forehead, “in this life or the next or the one after that. Our souls belong together - I knew few things in life, but this I know.”

“I love you beyond what words could ever describe, my moon and stars,” after all this time, you were still just as in love with him as you had ever been. It was like no time had passed at all, “I’ve been here this entire time. The wretched woman took me - and for what? To make us both suffer all because she cannot stand us and our family. We have what she never will - what she can only dream of - love. True love. Every single day without you has been a cruel sort of torture on its own. I dreamed of you often, and thought of you every day, it was the only thing that got me through the day. My dreams came true.”

“As have mine, my sweetest sunshine,” your prince gently took your hand in his and brought it to his lips, placing a gentle kiss to your knuckles. A soft sigh escaped your lips at the intimate gesture, “I will bring you back home with me, I swear it. Back to Dorne - our home, where you belong at my side.”

“I’ve been waiting to hear those words, to go back home for so long,” the images of your golden home in the sun kissed land of Dorne flooded your mind, and a warmth spread throughout your body; home. It was so close, “please don’t leave me here, Oberyn. I cannot bear it another moment, especially now that I know you are alive and well.”

“I will do whatever it takes to bring you home,” there was a searing intensity to his promise as you just nodded at him, already feeling like the weight of the world was off of your shoulders, “we will never be apart again. Go to your chambers and gather anything you have that you might want to bring home with us.”

“It should be but a few moments,” you knew there was just about nothing you desired to bring back; there were a few pieces of jewelry that you’d managed to hide away. One was a beautiful necklace Oberyn had gifted you on a name day shortly after your marriage, along with a set of moon and star rings, “where shall I meet you?”

“Meet me at the gates to the castle,” he instructed as you nodded, “I’ll have Jeron meet you there to protect you. I’ll let them know we are to return to Dorne at once - and that’s after I give the lion queen a piece of my mind.”

“Please be careful, my love,” you were ready to beg him if necessary, afraid that you were going to lose him again, “and hurry.”

“I will see you soon,” he pressed a hurried kiss to your lips as he almost ran in the direction of Cersei’s chambers, “my sunshine.”

»»————-　♡　————-««

Oberyn was many things, including rash and stubborn; he’d calmed down over the years, mellowed out with age, but today he saw nothing but blood and fire. The Red Viper didn’t bother to knock on the vicious queen’s doors before barging in. For once there were no guards surrounding her chambers, whether luck or sheer coincidence he didn’t know - or care.

Cersei let out a small shriek of surprise as she looked up from the looking glass atop her vanity. A deep frown formed on her face as she realized it was Oberyn, but before long it turned into a look of sheer, disgusting joy. She knew immediately that he had discovered her wretched secret, “my, my, my. What a most pleasant surprise, from my favorite Dornish Prince.”

“I could - should - kill you for what you have done,” he was seething with rage as his hands flitted to his waist belt and he traced over the dagger at his side. It would have been so easy, so quick to just kill her then and there. He should have done it; gods knew he wanted to. But he stayed his blade, as much as it pained him to do so. But he knew if he did, the consequences would have been much more grave. As such he pushed down his anger and decided to channel the rage into words, “you are the most vile, wretched woman in these Seven Kindgoms, if not the entirety of the world. How dare you try something like - stealing my wife from me for three years. It took me longer than I cared for to find her, but I never would have stopped looking.”

“Consider it a fun little game,” her little smirk was enough to make him reconsider his choice, “and now you’ve won. You can have your pathetic little wife and take her back to that savage land you call home.”

“You dare to speak to me like this,” he approached her, the dagger slipping out of its holster as he clutched it tightly in his hand. Cersei gave him a s sickly sweet smile and he couldn’t stop himself from grabbing her long golden hair in a firm grip, and placing the dagger against her throat. It took her by such surprise that she didn’t have time to react, “you are nothing, Cersei Lannister. Even less than the fleas that live on stray dogs. You will never be a true queen - you are an imposter, a fake. One day everyone will see you for what you are worth, and it will be your undoing. You will be your own biggest downfall and it will be my pleasure to watch your demise.”

“You won’t kill me,” she breathed quietly, feeling the pressure of the knife against her throat. He sighed heavily but made a small sound of agreement.

“You’re right,” he confirmed, “I will dream about it though. I will not be your executioner - that would be a fate much too kind. The death you deserve is far worse than anything I could ever deliver. But let me make one thing extremely clear - if you ever come near my wife, or any of my family ever again, I will not hesitate. This is your one and only warning. She has lost three years of her life because of her twisted little game, and I will not stand for it. You stay out of Dorne and our affairs, and we will stay far from here.”

“You’re weak - a fool,” she insisted with a snarl, “love has made you soft. The Red Viper? What a joke.”

“You’re wrong,” he whispered, “love does not make one weak - it makes them stronger. It is everything. How pathetic and sad that you will never know that.”

Before she could say anything else, he pressed the sharp valiaryn steel against her tender skin and nicked it just enough to draw blood; not enough to do any permanent damage, but enough to leave a lasting impression. As soon as he pushed her away, she clutched at her throat and drew in a ragged breath.

Oberyn stormed out of her chambers as he almost sprinted back to meet you at the entrance to the castle. Despite knowing in his heart that you would be there, he was still nervous for a moment. Until he saw you standing there and waiting, chatting quietly with Jeron, his most trusted companion. His heart melted at the sight; he felt more complete - whole - again.

When you heard him, you turned and offered him the sweetest smile; the same one he had fallen in love with. He rushed to your side as you held open your arms to him and he almost knocked you over in excitement, “my love.”

“Come on, my sweetest girl,” he held you tightly against his chest, “it’s time to go home. Finally. And we are never, ever coming back here again.”

“I love you so much, Oberyn,” you whispered against his lips, “thank you for saving me.”

“Always,” he whispered softly, “I will always find you. I love you more than you will ever know.”

»»————-　♡　————-««

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#oberyn martell #oberyn martell x reader #oberyn martell x fem!reader #oberyn martell x you #pedro pascal #pedro pascal x reader #got #requests

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vivacissimx · 3 years

Text

lyanna stark, a drop of the wolf-blood, & the pragmatism underneath

the youngest we see lyanna (in my estimation), is this vision from bran

Now two children danced across the godswood, hooting at one another as they dueled with broken branches. The girl was the older and taller of the two. Arya! Bran thought eagerly, as he watched her leap up onto a rock and cut at the boy. But that couldn't be right. If the girl was Arya, the boy was Bran himself, and he had never worn his hair so long. And Arya never beat me playing swords, the way that girl is beating him. She slashed the boy across his thigh, so hard that his leg went out from under him and he fell into the pool and began to splash and shout. "You be quiet, stupid," the girl said, tossing her own branch aside. "It's just water. Do you want Old Nan to hear and run tell Father?" She knelt and pulled her brother from the pool

- Bran III, ADWD

but four books earlier, we see this quote from ned:

Lyanna might have carried a sword, if my lord father had allowed it

- Arya II, AGOT

so we know that that ned was close enough to lyanna to know that she enjoyed swordplay, close enough to know her desires and to know that rickard would never accept this (for whatever reason).

...but not close enough to be the one she practiced sworldplay with in secret. the picture this paints is telling. lyanna was explicitly banned from something, and chose to pursue it in a secret and harmless way, with someone she trusted.

but ned isn't privy to that information. whether because he wasn't around, or because lyanna thought he would disapprove, or because he just thought it was childish - either way, we see that lyanna is picky about who she trusts, bred out of having to be sneaky in achieving her goals under her strict father's nose. she even identifies old nan as a snitch (et tu brute?). clever kid.

lyanna has other hobbies, too. she loves flowers. she loves riding horses.

"You ride like a northman, milady," Harwin said when he'd drawn them to a halt. "Your aunt was the same. Lady Lyanna. But my father was master of horse, remember."

- Arya III, ASOS

[Brandon] loved to ride. His little sister took after him in that. A pair of centaurs, those two.

- The Turncloak, ADWD

Horses … [Domeric] was mad for horses, Lady Dustin will tell you. Not even Lord Rickard's daughter could outrace him, and that one was half a horse herself.

- Reek III, ADWD

worth mentioning, imo, that even though lyanna was an excellent rider, she couldn't beat domeric. this is paralelled with arya, who is great on horseback, but not faster than harwin the son of winterfell's master of horse. this isn't a case of 'not like other girls' syndrome, of mary sues who are magically the best there ever was. conversely, adversity doesn't scare either of them off - lyanna was clearly competitive, with domeric and likely with brandon before him, and it all added up to her being remembered as a fantastic horserider despite effectively leaving the north at 14.

so lyanna is determined. she's willful, to hear ned say it.

then, of course, we have this

"Robert will never keep to one bed," Lyanna had told him at Winterfell, on the night long ago when their father had promised her hand to the young Lord of Storm's End. "I hear he has gotten a child on some girl in the Vale." Ned had held the babe in his arms; he could scarcely deny her, nor would he lie to his sister, but he had assured her that what Robert did before their betrothal was of no matter, that he was a good man and true who would love her with all his heart.

Lyanna had only smiled. "Love is sweet, dearest Ned, but it cannot change a man's nature."

- Eddard IX, AGOT

this seems fairly clear cut, but let's break down this conversation:

lyanna (told the news by the authoritative father; being approached by ned, the sibling who is best friends with the guy in question; thirteen years old): he will never keep to one bed. he has a bastard already, on a common girl he cannot marry which speaks to his character

ned: it isn't robert's actions that matter, it's his feelings. *crickets on lyanna's feelings*

now lyanna is thirteen. but she already recognizes that this is a losing battle. why? because she can't change robert?

no. because she cannot change the minds of rickard, or of ned.

there is no doubt in my mind that both these men loved her. but do they listen to her? clearly not.

lyanna doesn't bother to fight this fight she cannot win. she just smiles, realizing that rickard/ned are not going to hear her out on this, and gets the last word with "love does not change a man's nature."

this isn't the divide between lyanna and robert - this is the moment of divide between lyanna and ned. they're siblings who love each other, and love is sweet, but none of that changes that ned is on rickard and robert's side. it's a rough moment for a teenage girl. she was right earlier, she must realize - benjen is the brother she can trust.

so lyanna is determined, but she is pragmatic.

the next time we see lyanna, she's kicking ass at harrenhal.

[...]they heard a roar. “That’s my father’s man you’re kicking!” howled the she-wolf…

The she-wolf laid into the squires with a tourney sword, scattering them all. The crannogman was bruised and bloodied, so she took him back to her lair to clean his cuts and bind them up with linen.

- Bran II, ASOS

here is where lyanna really shines.

she has a moral code all her own, we already know this from her assessment of robert's child that differed from how catelyn views bastards disconnected from the home.

she dislikes bullies, which is fairly common (jaime hated bullies growing up, for example) but for some reason at this very moment, she also has a tourney sword in hand - why? well, because lyanna stark takes her opportunities when she has them. barred from swordplay? that's fine, dad, but when you're not looking is another story.

she doesn't go rushing in, nor does she ignore the scene. she watches long enough to see if howland can fight them off (he can't), giving her time to identify him as a crannogman - possibly even as a highborn crannogman. and then what does she do? she weighs her options, decides that she can probably beat the bullies, and does so. then she takes care of howland reed, picking him up like she picked benjen out of the water in bran's vision.

[T]here was to be a feast in Harrenhal, to mark the opening of the tourney, and the she-wolf insisted that the lad attend. He was of high birth, with as much right to a place on the bench as any other man.

- Bran II, ASOS

she claims his rights as a highborn lord to attend. he doesn't have clothes, nor does howland insist that he can go, but lyanna makes a reasoned argument that howland has every right to attend and that surely benjen can find him some clothes!

so lyanna is determined, pragmatic, and a problem-solver.

[T]he Knight of the Laughing Tree spoke in a booming voice through his helm, saying “Teach your squires honour, and that shall be ransom enough.” Once the defeated knights chastised their squires sharply, their horses and armour were returned.

- Bran II, ASOS

here, lyanna displays a trait that sets her apart. howland memorizes the face of his bullies. he wants to "revenge" himself on them. but lyanna does not go directly for the bullies, she challenges the lords to whom the bullies squire, and commands them to chastise their squires.

lyanna understands the chivalric system she lives in, and that she will not be listened to (how? her own father and brother don't listen to her!), so she figures out another way to get justice that plays on the very ideas of might & honor that exclude the weak. she is confident in her abilities (being experienced riding at rings), gathers up all the material she needs, and takes a calculated risk.

she manipulates the system, plainly. she plays the players at their own game and wins.

and she does it for a guy she met a few days ago.

lyanna is determined, pragmatic, a problem-solver, and ascribes to a moral code that is all her own, one that rejects societal hypocrisy.

You have a wildness in you, child. 'The wolf blood,' my father used to call it. Lyanna had a touch of it, and my brother Brandon more than a touch.

- Arya II, AGOT

so how do we square this away? lyanna was wolf-blooded. she was wild. she was untameable.

or was she?

any girl/woman with half a personality gets described as "spirited" or "willful" or "stubborn" in asoiaf. it's a polite of saying "hard to control." we see several times that lyanna takes a measured approach to matters. she is brave, yes, but she is also thoughtful and chooses her battles with the information she has. when she is denied something for no reason beyond her gender and status, she finds a way to pursue her interests regardless.

but robert is something lyanna can't avoid. and that had to rankle her, the betrothal she is determined to avoid, but pragmatically cannot due to her family's insistence. the marriage that goes against her moral code (i'm sure lyanna noted that robert gladly volunteered to capture the KOTLT, regardless of what punishment might be given down by a deranged aerys).

[i'm going to skip over her relationship with rhaegar, because there isn't enough/any text to analyze that explicitly deals with their dynamic post-harrenhal. speculation isn't the point of this post. suffice to say she saw in him something she did not in her family or robert.]

then aerys burns her father and brother.

could rhaegar have stopped aerys once he made up his mind? we as readers know the answer is no. grrm says so much himself, that it was aerys who kicked off the war in this interview:

The Mad King was mad. He was paranoid and violent and he was abusing his power... [Robert's Rebellion] was triggered by[...]the execution of Ned’s father and brother, it was the thing that radicalized, as we would have said in the 60s, Ned and it put him in opposition to it. Robert was just rolling for a fight and it might affect that he’d lost his girlfriend.

the absolute power of kings is continuously critiqued in the series.

so how did lyanna react? of course she grieved deeply. even if she knew that she would likely not see her family again for several years at least, for them to die in such a terrible manner is horrifying.

but lyanna has been forged into pragmatism. she looked at the squires beating up howland and saw that the issue was not the bullies, but the corrupt, lazy lords they squired for.

why would she not be able to see that aerys's abuse of power was what had killed her own family? she's realistic and she's a moral actor and she understands the social system around her. whatever her opinion on feudal lordship before, abuse of power has now killed two people she loved. only extrapolation can say how she would react, but given that we see her in similar situations - it is safe to say that the she understands the removal of aerys from power is a necessity, and that a king who is ruled by his urges is unfit.

[lyanna doesn't have the highest opinion of robert, does she? would she think him fit to be a king? doubtful.]

however, she also wants her family to be safe - a family which is now going to include her unborn baby.

[Ned] could hear her still at times. Promise me, she had cried, in a room that smelled of blood and roses. Promise me, Ned. The fever had taken her strength and her voice had been faint as a whisper, but when he gave her his word, the fear had gone out of his sister's eyes. Ned remembered the way she had smiled then, how tightly her fingers had clutched his as she gave up her hold on life, the rose petals spilling from her palm, dead and black

- Eddard I, AGOT

the promise she solicited from ned is to care for baby jon, presumably.

more importantly, in this final conversation, lyanna is putting all her trust in ned.

this moment is a tragic one, but it is also a cathartic one. whatever has happened, and there is plenty of difficulty between ned and lya at this point, they are putting that to the side and affirming what matters most: their love and loyalty to one another, not in service to house stark, or to any king or cause, but to each other as lyanna and ned.

ned didn't listen before, but he promises her now. lyanna didn't confide in him before, but she does now. yes she's on her deathbed, but this is powerful anyway. it's a healing moment for them both, one lyanna held on for even though by all means she could have trusted the kingsguard to whisk baby jon away earlier and succumbed to the pain.

lyanna doesn't spend her last moments begging for forgiveness or explaining herself. she spends her last moments trying to solve the problem of jon's safety, of her son's life. even at the end, she is determined that he will live.

she dies fearless. she smiles, maybe the same way she smiled in winterfell when ned told her robert would be a good husband and she saw the love in ned's words but not the respect. a bittersweet smile, because jon will survive but she won't see it.

"She should be on a hill somewhere, under a fruit tree, with the sun and clouds above her and the rain to wash her clean."

"I was with her when she died," Ned reminded the king. "She wanted to come home, to rest beside Brandon and Father."

- Eddard I, AGOT

this is our actual introduction to lyanna, when robert and ned initially visit her in the crypts. given everything we know, it's so fitting - robert is displeased with her gravesite. he never got what he wanted (his manic pixie dream girl </3), and even in death he doesn't like her grave.

lyanna was never the person robert projected her to be. in her crypt, she's still defiant against him/what he symbolizes. her determination, her wishes, her home, they all shine through.

But there were others with faces he had never known in life, faces he had seen only in stone. The slim, sad girl who wore a crown of pale blue roses and a white gown spattered with gore could only be Lyanna. Her brother Brandon stood beside her, and their father Lord Rickard just behind.

- Theon V, ACOK

in the end, lyanna's close to her family (even by their side in theon's dreams). she's close to brandon, rickard, ned, old nan, everyone she ever knew growing up, and most importantly: to jon. it's a romantic ending for a minor character, a character grrm clearly cherished when he wrote.

the point of this post is that i want to leave behind the idea of lyanna stark as this harbinger of tragedy. the woman who ruined every man who looked into her eyes (robert, ned, rhaegar) and is now turned to stone. lyanna stark isn't written as a cautionary tale, as a romanticized medusa - instead, her memory lives on in a son who doesn't know her but still loves her, in how the people she knew remember her for what she actually loved, and even in lyanna mormont (a fitting namesake). there's defiance and meaning in that.

i could never say it better, so have hélène cixous's banger to round out my thoughts on lyanna:

You only have to look at the Medusa straight on to see her. And she’s not deadly. She’s beautiful and she’s laughing.

#lyanna stark #asoiaf meta #valyrian scrolls #lyannaweek2021 #ned stark #long post #text #in this house we do not respect the idea that women are spoiled or wrong for choosing themselves <3

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ayanna-wild · 3 years

Text

Broken Wings

Word Count: 2921

Pairings: Lucifer Morningstar x Reader

Warnings: angst, fluff, hurt, comfort

A/N: Request from Wattpad, for the sake of this story Lucifer and the reader will not be related, set somewhere between s1 and s2, and I have nothing against Amenadiel, but he was kind of a dick during s1 lol

Requests and Tag List are open

Summary: It was a simple matter of loving the wrong man, but you couldn’t control your heart. How was it fair for you to be punished? But life was cruel that way.

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

You weren't an angel per-say. You had the wings, the immortality, yet you lacked the power that came with being a true angel. To be blunt you were a side project God had taken up before abandoning it to create humanity, more a helper to his children than anything.

The only of your kind.

With little other purpose you dutifully fulfilled your role as the aid, accompying the true angels to earth. A mundane existence, but one you tolerated.

Until Lucifer had taken an interest in you, life was so much better after that. So full of fun and laughter, he called for your help more than any of his brethren or sisters. Although he never really needed any assistance, it was all an excuse to steal you away for a while.

For centuries that was your life, and you were content with it if it meant spending more time with him. You two grew impossibly close and thought you'd be with him until the stars in the sky fizzled out.

But that was before, before the rebellion, before his banishment, before your existence dulled so drastically. Spending centuries, millenniums feeling as though you were missing out on something better.

Which is why you had so graciously agreed to accompany Amenadiel to earth. So he could once again fail at convincing his brother to return to hell. You masked your excitement surprisingly well, or Amenadiel was just incredibly oblivious. Either way you weren't complaining.

"You seem happy..."

Your wings fluttered a bit, unable to contain the smile on your face as you glanced at the dark skinned angel.

"Well it's nice to get out of heaven once and a while, you know?"

That was only partially a lie, you really did enjoy earth much more, but truthfully you were excited about seeing Lucifer after so long.

"No. Heaven is perfect. " Amenadiel stated bluntly.

You watched him walk inside from the balcony, hanging back a moment to mutter to yourself.

"For you maybe..."

Your wings folded into your back as you walked in, not the least bit surprised to see the brothers at each other's throats already.

"Such hostility from such divine beings."

Your sarcastic remark quickly drew the attention of the king of hell, who turned to you with a grin so wide you wondered if it hurt his face.

"Oh brother, you failed to mention you brought along this beautiful little creature. Y/N, it's an absolute pleasure to see you again."

Lucifer approached you with open arms, your smile matching his as he embraced you.

"It is her role to assist us." Amenadiel said as if that was the obvious answer.

Lucifer pulled away from you, noticing the way your shoulders sagged a bit at the elder angels words. The devil frowned a bit.

"Role? Are you still listening to such nonsense?" Lucifer scoffed.

Amenadiel rolled his shoulders, flexing his wings a little in irritation.

"It is our father's will. You should be following your role as well."

Lucifer clicked his tongue, strolling over to his bar.

"It became rather dull, so many years doing the same thing, a drab existence, isn't it angel?"

The ending was directed towards you, and you almost forgot yourself, almost allowed yourself to agree, in front of Amenadiel. It was a nickname he had given you centuries ago. His own way of telling you he saw you as his equal, unlike the others.

You were his angel.

"She's not a real angel Lucifer, don't try to fill her head with your rebellious nonsense."

His words stung a bit, but he wasn't entirely wrong, you weren't a true angel. That bit of fact didn't seem to lessen the blow to your pride though.

"With such exquisite wings as hers, who could tell the difference?" Lucifer winked at you.

You straightened your back, feeling proud of yourself, your wings always were your favorite feature. You took immaculate care of them. Just as quickly as Amenadiel tore you down Lucifer built you back, you supposed that was one of the things that had drawn you to him all those years ago.

"You're a disgrace."

You stepped between them, placing a hand on Lucifer's chest.

"Maybe I can talk to him? He was always at least willing to listen to me." You offered.

Amenadiel seemed to ponder this a moment before nodding.

"I'll return tomorrow, don't let him pull you into any of his schemes."

Lucifer scoffed at his brother's warning. You smiled softly.

"Of course."

With a flutter of wings he was gone, and you were left alone with the fallen angel. Without a moment to appreciate the silence, a cup of amber liquid was held in front of your face.

"Fancy a drink my dear? We have so much to catch up on."

You weren't sure how it happened, maybe it was the drinks, or the way he spoke to you, but you found yourself stumbling out of his bed the next morning. Panic surged through your veins as you hastily pulled your clothes back on, cursing softly. You regretted nothing, but there'd be hell to pay if any of the heavenly host caught you bedding the devil. Lucifer still slept soundly, and you tried your best not to wake him.

You rushed from his room, running straight into a broad chest causing you to stumble back a bit. Amenadiel stared at you with an uncomfortably blank expression, and your heart dropped.

"Amenadiel... I-"

Your world became a blur in the next second, and you fell forward as your feet unexpectedly hit the roof of a hotel.

"What were you thinking! Fornicating with Lucifer!"

You glanced up at him, snorting at his wording.

"Fornicating? For someone who comes to earth so frequently, your vocabulary is a little dated."

You couldn't help the poorly timed jab, humor your way if deflecting tense situations. Unfortunately for you that only seemed to make Amenadiel more angry.

"Have you no shame? You don't seem the least bit remorseful for the sin you just committed!" He shouted.

You flinched a little, sitting back on your ass as you stared up at him. Should you grovel? Beg for forgiveness?

That would be the logical thing to do, it was what he was expecting. But perhaps your short reunion with Lucifer had sparked something in you because you found yourself leaning back on your hands, staring up at the angel before you with no remorse.

"I regret nothing."

Blood soaked your once white shirt as you leaned against an alley wall, shifting most of your weight onto your side. Anything to avoid the crippling pain in your back. Tears stained your cheeks and burnt your eyes. Dry sobs shook your body, no tears left to cry.

He'd ripped your wings from your back, tore them from your body, taking your immortality with him. You barely registered the sound of footsteps, hardly heard the woman talking to you in concern. You just felt so tired, a feeling you weren't used to.

It'd be okay if you slept, just for a moment, right?

Chloe panicked as she saw your eyes close, waving frantically as the paramedics arrived just moments later. Her hands covered in your blood as she wondered who could have possibly done that to you.

You woke to steady beeping, and an uncomfortable feeling of something wrapped just a little too tight around you. Bright lights forced you to close your eyes almost as soon as you opened them. You took a moment to adjust as you sat up, looking around the unfamiliar room that you slowly realized was a hospital room.

It all seemed so... human.

The reality of your sudden mortality crashed down on you, and you carefully pulled the I.V. from your arm. You hissed as you quickly stood from the bed, the sudden movement causing pain to shot up your back.

You nearly collapsed.

But no, you had to leave, get out of this place before questions you couldn't possibly answer came. You gathered your ruined clothes, fleeing before anyone could notice.

You kept your head low as you left the building, the bandages on your back straining against your hasty movements.

"Hey!"

A voice called out, catching your attention and a blonde woman hurried over to you. You stared at her in confusion, and she looked you over with concern.

"What are you doing out here? You shouldn't leave the hospital yet."

It suddenly clicked and your body tensed as you vaguely recognized her as the woman who found you.

"I'll be fine."

She looked ready to protest, and you grabbed her hands in desperation.

"Please... I just can't be there..."

She seemed to relent a little, and you breathed a sigh of relief until she told you her name. Then you found yourself begging her not to tell Lucifer anything, and she promised not to utter a word, if you told her what happened to you.

It had to have been the greatest lie you ever told, a fabricated story about a scorned lover. She believed it nonetheless, offering to help you get a change of clothes. Something less covered in blood, you went straight to Lucifer afterwards, carefully hiding what had happened.

Perhaps he trusted you too much, or maybe you were getting better at lying because he didn't question your claim to want to stay on Earth. He seemed thrilled, and you hid your pain with a smile when he embraced you, thankful your new jacket hid the bandages.

For months that was the routine, a difficult dance to move to, especially with how close you two were becoming once more. But you'd stop his hands before they could trail up your back in your more heated moments, directed his attention to something else. You were so careful not to let him see your back.

Careful to never let him follow you into the shower. Careful never to sleep on your side, or let him give you a back rub. Always avoiding Chloe, lest she bring up your injuries. You were so careful, for months.

So why had you forgotten to lock the door while you were getting dressed?

"Should we order out again darling? Perhaps from that little coffee shop you so like much? I heard they have a new..."

Lucifer had barged into the bathroom, clad in only his underwear and robe loosely tied as he questioned what you wanted for breakfast. Your whole body froze, mind shutting down as his words came to an abrupt stop. The atmosphere of the room suddenly felt thick, and you could have sworn it became harder to breath.

Lucifer said nothing, staring at your horribly scared back. You held your shirt to your chest, refusing to turn and meet his eye. Worried what emotion you might find. He had moved so quietly, and so quickly that you jumped when his fingers were suddenly grazing your back. Just below the rough skin where your beautiful wings had once been.

"Who did this to you..."

It was more of a soft demand then a question, but you hesitated.

"I... I cut them off..."

He chuckled a dry, humorless chuckle, and he draped his robe over your shoulders. Probably realizing you'd be more comfortable if you could cover your scars. You muttered a thank you and his hands rested on your arms, rubbing soothingly up and down as you grabbed the silk robe, holding it tighter around you.

"Those aren't the scars you get from cutting your wings, I would know. No, those are harsh, angry scars, something tearing wings off would cause. Don't lie to me angel, who did this?"

His grip tightened on your arms ever so slightly, but it wasn’t out of anger, at least not towards you.

"Amenadiel..." Your voice was so faint you barely heard yourself, but judging by the sharp intake of breath, he had heard you just fine.

"What?"

"A punishment... for being with you..."

You caught his reflection in the mirror, the flash of his eyes, his face shifted, just for a moment, but it was enough for you to realize just how angry he truly was.

"Lucifer-"

He turned on his heel, leaving the room and getting dressed in a fury. You approached him cautiously, closing the robe around you and tying it into place.

"What are you doing?"

He finished buttoning his shirt before turning back to you.

"I need you to do me a favor my dear."

A frown pulled at your lips, but you slowly nodded.

"Pray to my brother."

You jerked back as if someone had physically slapped you.

"What?"

"You trust me, don't you?" He smiled, but there was something in his eyes, something that unnerved you.

"Of course."

He seemed so calm, contrary to what he had been just moments ago.

"Then pray to my brother."

He guided you into the living room and stepped just out of sight. You hesitated, shifting your weight from one foot to the other before finally doing as he asked. It only took moments before Amenadiel appeared in front of you.

He'd come so fast, probably expecting you to beg for forgiveness.

You had no idea how vastly unprepared you were to see him again. Your hands trembled, and you held the robe closer around you, taking an unsure step back.

You didn't have time to dwell on it and Amenadiel had no time to say anything before a sickening crack filled the room and the angel was sprawled out on the ground.

"Hello brother."

You blinked slowly, taking a second to catch up with the fact that Lucifer had just delivered a crippling blow to his brother's face and Amenadiel laid dazed on the ground. Blindsided by the unexpected blow. Lucifer gave him no time to recover, picking him up by his neck carelessly throwing him into a wall. You shielded your eyes from the debris flying by.

"I've just had the unpleasant surprise of discovering what you did to my darling little slice of heaven."

You wordlessly watched Amenadiel pull himself out of the now prominent hole in Lucifer's stone wall. He was unsteady on his feet, but that mattered very little to Lucifer who swiftly grabbed his brother's shirt, tossing him across the floor as if he weighed nothing.

"And they call me the devil." Lucifer scoffed.

Amenadiel managed to at least prop himself up with his arms, spitting out a bit of blood.

"You are the devil, Lucifer, and she betrayed heaven by being with you."

Lucifer took a step forward, clearly ready to continue the one-sided fight. But you quickly stepped in front of him, worried he might go to far, if his red eyes were anything to go off of.

"Just let him leave, you made your point. You're flogging a dead horse at this point." You uttered, refusing to glance at the angel pulling himself off the ground.

"She received a punishment fitting her sin and she still crawled back to you."

Your skin bristled at his comment, and you found your unease fading away to anger. You rounded on him so fast you surprised even yourself at the words spilling from your lips.

"My sin!? You think you're a saint, but you're no better than me! It wasn’t sin Amenadiel, it was free will, if humans can have it why can't I?"

Amenadiel narrowed his eyes as he stood, but you didn't back down.

"You sound just like Lucifer."

You found yourself laughing at that, and with a sudden burst of confidence you shoved his chest back a bit. His beating from Lucifer making it slightly easier to do so. Speaking of the devil, he watched you unleash your anger, gazing at you with amusement and satisfaction.

"Good! You know what, I should have sided with him during that rebellion! Because he seemed to have the right idea! Heaven might have been perfect for you, but it was hell to me! I was beneath all of you, an errand girl for you to degrade, treat like shit!"

Lucifer pulled you back a little when he saw the anger in his brother's eyes. You were mortal now after all. You let out a cruel laugh, though there were tears in your eyes.

"Do you want to know the best part it all?"

Your laughter died down, and you gave him a cynical smile.

"I don't owe the Silver City a goddamn thing anymore, you think you were punishing me? You freed me, you and all your kind can go to hell, because if anyone belongs there it certainly isn't Lucifer."

Amenadiel opened his mouth to say something, taking what he probably assumed was a menacing step towards. But Lucifer rested his hands on your shoulders, daring his kin to try something. You didn't seem fazed though.

"Run back home and lick your wounds like the obedient lapdog you are. I'm not wasting any more words on you."

Amenadiel clenched his fists in repressed rage, but said nothing, not in any condition to fight his brother. He was gone in a blink, and you felt all the energy drain out of you. Lucifer caught you as your legs gave out, and he smiled proudly at you.

"You were marvelous love, I'd nearly forgotten how sharp your tongue can be."

You laughed breathlessly, and he brushed your hair away from your eyes.

"How do you feel?"

You smiled up at him, the heavy feeling finally lifting from your shoulders.

"Free."

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

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calpops · 3 years

Text

mercy | a.i.

Ashton’s life hangs precariously under fabricated accusations and a blade. The only one championing for mercy is the daughter of the man about to swing the sword.

1.5k words

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A tense silence cut through the growing crowd. The stone dais beneath Ashton’s knees scorched, the sun was blazing above, merciless as it beat down and washed everything in a menacing glow. It was the first time in weeks that he had seen the sun, felt the breeze on his skin and took in fresh air. It would also be the last.

His time in the dungeons was bleak, the one sliver of light pooling in from the near endless line of cells doing little to warm the damp holding. The thin pants he wore were ragged, worn out in the knees and falling apart at the seams. His wrists were chaffed, the cell they kept him in seemingly not enough, shackles kept him bound for days. An authoritative voice boomed through the quiet crowd, a portrayal of crimes Ashton had not committed falling from the king’s lips. A punishment of death giving gasps to the commoners. A shiver ran up his spine and made him quiver.

He finally looked up from the stones. Pangs of pain shot through his forehead as his eyes found the light, still not used to it after such time in the dark. He squinted past the glare, trying to find one last thing of beauty to fixate on. The castle stood tall against the light, foreboding though it was washed in a golden glow. The tallest tower loomed over the crowd, the window at the very top wide open. A shadow danced past, a lurid figure that kept Ashton’s attention. The king’s speech kept on, lies rolling off his tongue like scripture. The people bought every word. The gasps of horror they once bestowed upon the prisoner and punishment turning to an uproarious cheer.

Ashton tuned it out, kept peering up at the window in the tower. The shadowy figure coming in and out of his hazy vision. With the blade of a sword hanging over his thread of life he decided he’d rather not see the swing coming. The shadow disappeared again, seconds ticked by before the figure broke through the dark, a princess taking its place. Ashton wasn’t sure if he was hallucinating, if the deprivation of food and water ruined his sanity, but he swore she found his gaze. He could almost feel the sadness in her eyes. He was sure she frowned. But she fluttered away before he could take a second glance.

“For high crimes committed against the crown, the punishment shall be given by my hand,” the king announced.

Ashton went slack jawed but quickly recovered. He swallowed down a lump in his throat and looked back down to the stones. The princess was gone, even her shadow had abandoned him. Ashton heard the sword being pulled from its sheath. He could only imagine the priceless steel it was forged from. It was surely more valuable than his life.

“Any last words?” the king asked but the sudden eruption in the crowd would have made them fall on deaf ears.

Ashton had no words. His words would have no one to hear them. He kept quiet. Hung his head down low and took in one last breath. Eyes slipped shut. He heard the arc of the sword but felt softness where the blade should have hit him. The crowd quieted again. Instead of cheers he heard pleas.

“Mercy.”

His eyes sprang open, his senses came back to life. He recognized skin on his, supple and sweet. The arms of a woman thrown around his neck, her body pressing against his protectively. She smelled of honey and lilacs, intoxicatingly sweet after breathing in the mold riddled air of the dungeons. Ashton was still in his shock, on his knees as if a statue. He frantically tried to take in the rest of the world; from the astonished crowd to the woman clinging to him, to the guards swarming the dais with weapons pulled and the king with his blade still in the air.

“Father, please,” the woman begged and Ashton all but collapsed at the sudden realization. The princess held him. “Mercy.”

Mumblings cut through the crowd. Mercy was repeated in hushed whispers and confused utterings. Ashton’s vision was blurry but he blinked back the haze, swallowed down the burn in his throat and found his movement. His hands clenched as they felt silk. While he expected the princess to flinch away from his touch she only came closer, desperately keeping him in her hold, arms secure around his neck.

“Seize him,” the king commanded but the princess was having none of his orders.

She slid beneath his arms, now stuck between him and the shackles binding his hands together. The guards about to storm fell short, suddenly not knowing what to do. To get to him would mean getting to the princess first.

“If you take his head you take mine with it,” she declared.

Ashton shivered, the words were so powerful he felt ready to drop. No one had ever taken such a stance against the king. Let alone a woman who shared his blood.

“Enough of this foolishness. He’s a criminal.”

“He saved my life!” the princess cried, her voice carrying across the crowd and to the castle. He knew her words would reach beyond, from the crowd to the markets to the lowlands, over the sea and to Ashton’s own home kingdoms away. “Do you really mean to execute the hero that saved your only heir?”

Ashton turned and the princess swayed with his motion. Her hold on him only strengthened. Her hair blew in a subtle breeze, the tresses soft against Ashton’s cheek. He found the king, saw the shine of the blade he had yet to drop under the sun.

“What?” the king asked and though he did not fully drop the sword he lowered it, the threat now hanging idly by his side. “Stand down,” he told the guards with swords drawn and archers with bows readied. “Explain yourself, criminal.”

Ashton stayed quiet. He knew his words would fall flat. He knew the king would poke holes in his story. Nothing he said would be enough to get him off his knees.

“During the attempted siege,” the princess spoke up instead. Ashton shuddered at the memory of that night.

He had fallen in line with his army. Followed orders from his own king’s lips and stormed the castle that stood tall in front of him. He didn’t lead the way to the princess’ tower but he wound up in her chambers.

“He stopped them,” she continued and the short explanation was enough to intrigue the king. His eyebrow shot up and the grip on his sword loosened. “The men in my chambers. He stopped them. He saved me.”

As soon as he realized who’s chambers they were in Ashton knew the men’s intentions. As they dragged her from behind the curtains he felt his stomach turn. Without hesitating he drew his sword. It took three motions for him to save her life. One cut. One punch. One shove. And then it was only he that stood in the chambers of the princess with the broken door as the guards finally found their way to her side.

The princess slightly pulled away from him but kept her hold around his neck. Her eyes met his fully, regret and pain flickering across her face. Her voice lowered, her words meant only for Ashton. “Thank you.”

Ashton was flustered and couldn’t find the proper words to respond. He wished he could’ve said something to her that night but the guards pulled him away too soon. He didn’t know what she said to them, how she explained the dying men on the ground. But he ended up in chains rather than his grave that night.

“One good deed does not erase his crimes,” the king announced, the hesitation and intrigue that once captured him suddenly vanishing.

“Does it not deserve a pardon? Spare his life for the life he saved.”

Ashton shut his eyes, the bargaining on his behalf overwhelming. He had not so much as heard the word pardon since his time in the dungeons. Only execution and other choice words from keepers who more so grunted than spoke.

As the crowd absorbed the shocking revelations and waited for a deliberation Ashton tensed. Every muscle in his body tightened. His hands splayed out on the silk of her dress, wanting to feel one last touch of softness before his final blow.

Instead of drawing his last breath it caught in the back of Ashton’s throat as he heard the king’s sword slide back into its sheath. His eyes opened once more and found the king’s pointed stare.

“For the life you saved yours will not be taken today,” he promised amongst the new reactions of the crowd. “But your crimes cannot go unpunished,” he continued and a wicked twist of a smirk claimed his face. “Bring him to the fighting pit holding cells. He’ll spend the rest of his life fighting for the crown he wronged.”

Before either Ashton or the princess could react they were pulled apart. Honey and lilac leaving his senses. Silk and softness drifting farther and farther away from him. She went in the arms of several guards, kicking and thrashing. He went with only one, solemnly following as a blade tipped into his back. A lifetime fighting for the rest of his life against other imprisoned men was not mercy, Ashton realized, rather wishing the blade had done its job. He knew he had no chance of actual mercy in the fighting pits, he would be thrown in with hardened criminals who faced years of training and cut throat killer instincts. Some men fought for glory, some for money, some for freedom. Ashton knew he would not be given a chance at any. He would fight for his life and nothing more.

“I’ll save you,” the princess swore as she was torn away, down the dais and into the crowd. Back to her tower.

Ashton wanted to believe her. He wanted to hold onto hope for her, for his life. He didn’t know if he could. He didn’t know if she could keep her promise. He didn’t know if he would ever even see her again.

Part 2??

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suchalonelysunflower · 3 years

Text

A Dance Of Thorns (c.h)

Where The Roses Bloom - Chapter 4

Pairing: Stable Lad! Calum Hood x Princess! Reader

Summary: Welcome to the masquerade to celebrate Your Royal Highness engagement. How many surprises can one night hold?

Warnings: Angst, Drama and Smut. Language, mentions of alcohol and abuse. Some grammatical mistakes (English is not my first language, I’m sorry!)

Word Count: 12.3 k

Author’s note: by far the longest chapter I’ve written but anything for the drama ✨ I would love to hear your thoughts on this 🥰 Remember that Reblogs, Feedback, Comments and Likes are very important! You have no idea how much they help me 💕 Hope you like it and Happy Reading 🦋🌻✨

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Series Materialist || prologue || chapter one || chapter two || chapter three || chapter five || chapter six || chapter seven || epilogue

A month has gone by since the first time you saw King Luke Hemmings and you found out that you are supposed to marry him in less than a few weeks. And ever since that moment, you have invested every little free time you have into trying to stop that from happening.

You spent your afternoons sitting down at the library, reading book after book that might contain some kind of information to let you escape that awful deal. But every book you read said the same thing “A King’s promise may never be broken by law”

Still, that didn’t stop you.

Calum was also helping in every way he could. In the afternoons on his free days, he would go to the public library in town, searching for anything that could help your situation. He would spend hours reading about foreign laws that could give you at least some kind of leverage. He would ask around, hoping some kind of gossip might help you win something against your father, but until now all your tries gave little to no satisfaction.

At night, Calum would climb the castle’s walls to your window. It was the only way you could spend some time together and share hushed conversations since your father forbade you to go out without a proper companion.

He would lay with you in your bed, curled up together as he told you stories about faraway lands his father once told him, all in attempts to distract your mind from the reality you were facing every time the sun came out. He would kiss you goodnight as you fell asleep in his arms, letting the beat of his heart work as the symphony of your dreams. You would whisper “I love you’s” in the darkest of the room, letting them get lost in the stars as they shined down on you.

Every night you would go to sleep with Calum around your arms, but when the sun came up all traces of him disappeared with the moon. Well, everything but the white rose he left on your dresser along with the promise of keep fighting for you, no matter how long it took.

And with the sun it came the charade. You acted as the most obedient daughter you could ever think of. You attended your lessons, you didn’t speak out of place and obliged to every activity that surrounded the wedding, whether it was about flowers, food, decorations… things you couldn’t care less about since you were determined no to marry the King.

King Luke was not a bad person, on the contrary, he was one of the few people you could have a conversation with besides Sir Michael. Many afternoons they would accompany you in the library, never commenting about the books you chose to read as they sat in silence one in front of the other, immersed in their reading or their hushed conversations.

You learned to find a friend in Luke, someone that could have at least the same amount of trust you once had with your brother. He would make you laugh and he’d tell you everything you wanted to know about him, it was so easy and somewhat comforting to know that you were not as alone as you felt. But that did not mean that he had your full trust.

After Ashton took your father’s side in this dilemma, leaving you alone in a marriage you wanted no part of, you lost every ounce of trust you once held in your heart. And even though Ashton did try to make it better, to apologize for the way he treated you; you did not let him go near you. Every time you found yourself alone with him, you ignored his every move, and if you were in the company of others you didn’t even dignify him with a glance. You knew you might be a little harsh on him, and all of this hurt you as well, more than you would care to admit. But if your father learned about you and Calum… who else could’ve told him if not your brother?

Out of all the people who could betray you, you never expected Ashton to be one of them and you let him know that, no matter how much you needed your brother with you. If he declared your death with this marriage before you were sent away, then he’d be dead to you as well.

You were not going to give up, not even with the ceremony breathing on the back of your neck. There must be a way where you could break this engagement, something that could give you your freedom again.

The ceremony was scheduled one day before your twenty-first birthday, one day before you gained your independence as a royal as the law said it, one day before you could refuse the King’s requests with total liberty. Your father had planned this well, you must admit at least that. But if there was a way where you could delay the wedding… somehow make it past your birthday without getting married, then you would be able to get away.

But that task was more difficult than you have anticipated since your father was in charge of your schedule, everything was going smoothly and at perfect timing. There was nothing that you could do to delay the event.

“I need you to hold your breath for me, Your Highness”

For example right now, as the seamstresses adjusted the corset of your white dress to your body, your mind was reciting the laws again, trying to find some plothole that could be beneficial for you.

The grip you had in the chair tightened as they tied the corset on your back, helping you get into the skirt afterward. You didn’t say a word as the seamstresses chattered among them. You ignored the comments regarding your future marriage, or how beautiful your children will look if they look just like the King, or how lucky you were to be marrying into a rich kingdom.

“You will look beautiful on your wedding day, Your Highness,” The oldest lady said with a dreamy sigh “Your lover will not know what hit him”

“But my love will not be the one waiting at the end of the altar” You wanted to say, to scream at them for keeping up with the lie. You didn’t love Luke, you could never love him the way you love Calum. But Calum was not your fiance, he was just a secret.

You kept the tears at bay as you let them work over your dress, not daring to breathe too loud so you wouldn’t call their attention. They didn’t know that you were dying in the middle of a sea of white fabric and soft silk.

“There,” The young lady exclaimed as she finished the last touch of your veil, placing it carefully on your head “Oh, Your Highness. You look like a dream”

A dream trapped in a nightmare indeed.

You observed your reflection in the nearest window. You didn’t look like a child anymore; no, in front of you was the reflection of a woman, of a bride about to be sent to the slaughter of her liberty. A clockwork tragedy waiting to happen.

The white contrasted with your skin and hair, making you glow with the candlelight. It made you look more mature, more like a royal than you ever felt before. It was a beautiful work, but none of this ever felt right.

“You look just like your mother” The words of the older lady took your breath away. The memory of your mother’s face was already fading in your mind, you remember she was beautiful, but you couldn’t make the color of her eyes or the sound of her voice anymore.

“She would be so proud of you, Your Highness”

Would she? Would she have wanted this for you? If she were here, would she care or would she take your father’s side? Oh, what would you give to listen to one last piece of advice from her. To feel her embrace one more time, for her to tell you that everything would be okay.

You haven’t really felt the absence of your mother hit you as hard as of now because maybe with your mother here you wouldn’t feel so scared.

“Oh, don’t cry, princess” You didn’t even notice the tears running down your face until the lady pointed out “This is a happy occasion! There needn’t be any tears”

Only if she knew…

You accepted the silk handkerchief and dried your tears without saying anything, letting them help you out of your wedding gown as you tried on another one.

This was a black dress with roses embroidered along with the skirt and neckline. It was lighter than the wedding dress but the fabric was more delicate. The somber aspect of the dress, along with its sophistication, made you think of it as a better choice for your wedding day.

“Your father was very kind to host a party to celebrate your engagement, Your Highness. This is a perfect dress for the occasion”

You knew by now that none of your father’s actions could be considered kind. He organized this masquerade ball for his own benefit.

The King of RoseWood invited representatives of all the neighboring kingdoms and alliances that Ashton helped build, to the castle for a magical night of dancing and fun. But you knew he just wanted to parade the match you and Luke made in front of the world.

He wanted to show power, the kind of which someone would look at him and say “This is a man that demands respect” When in reality all he did was abuse his power and intimidate the ones closest to him.

The masquerade served as a punishment rather than a delight. He would put you under the spotlight and expect you to smile while he knows you’re dying on the inside. He will parade you around the room with the story of a good and lovable daughter, the little Princess that’s living the dream of a magical life in the arms of the man you love all thanks to the father whom she loved with all her heart.

He knew that this was all bullshit, and he rejoiced in the fact that you hated every single minute of it.

“The dress is absolutely stunning, Your Highness” Continued the older lady “What a lovely idea you had when deciding to use one of your mother’s old gowns and make it new again”

You gave her a small smile. It was a lovely idea, but not for the reasons they might think. This dress represented much more than just your mother and your wish of having her close in a moment like this. It represented going against your father in ways that only he could understand; it represented your heritage, how you didn’t forget who truly loved you and taught you how to be strong; it represented the image of the rebellion you set upon yourself, a sign that screamed “I will not stop even if you try”

It represented you.

“There is only one detail missing…” The young lady walked over to the dresser only to grab something delicate in her hands before presenting it to you: The mask.

Soft and made out of silk and with golden broderies across the eyes, the mask hid half of your face perfectly. If not for the tiara you must wear on your head, nobody would’ve been able to recognize who you were.

How ironic was it that in the night where you should be the center of attention, you wanted nothing more than to disappear.

The night was clear, all the stars and constellations were visible from where you were standing in front of your window. Your hands were touching the soft stones of the window frame as you tried to count your breaths.

You couldn’t help but look for him in the gardens, hoping you could see him waiting for you under your window, asking you to come to the tree where your meetings were held before everything went wrong. It’s only been a couple of days but you missed him, and with the way, he consumes all your thoughts it was almost impossible not to.

But he was not coming tonight, your father made sure that the help was not invited to the party since it was such an important event to make it “common”, so your meeting will have to wait until tomorrow.

Still, you imagined how it would be like if he were to attend the ball. You dreamt about his smile, how his eyes would shine once he spotted you standing there at the top of the stairs as he waited for you at the end of it. You wondered if he would like the dress and you wished you could show it to him.

You sighed as you imagined his hand taking yours, guiding you to the middle of the ballroom, and starting dancing with you as if nobody were watching. It’s been so long since your last dance with him and you couldn’t help but laugh at the memory of his clumsy feet stepping over yours in an attempt to teach you how to dance for your first ball.

Calum was always like that, caring and selfless until he couldn’t give anymore. That is one of the many things why you loved him, why you would never stop loving him.

But now you were forced to pretend to love someone else in front of strangers and people who didn’t care about you enough to notice how much you were hurting. The glamour of the night might hide it, but you know that there was only one person who you would much rather spend the night with; the only person who would not be there tonight.

“Y/N?” A voice called from outside your room, waking up from your dreams as you heard them knocking softly on the door “Are you ready to go?”

You pushed yourself from the window with a deep sigh, grabbing the mask that was laying on top of the bed before walking towards the door and opening it with an emotionless expression.

There, Ashton was waiting for you, pacing the hall until he heard the wooden door open. His whole body froze as his lips parted for a second when he took your appearance.

“You-” He said, choking up a little bit as he shook his head for a moment, thinking he might’ve seen a ghost “You look just like her…”

You were not expecting that comment. You knew the dress would affect your father, but you didn’t imagine it would have that kind of effect on Ashton.

But now, as he stood in front of you with wide, watering eyes and the faintest hint of a smile, you realized that you might not be the only one who misses your mother.

Ashton knew her longer, he used to spend every single moment with her along with you when you were nothing more than a child. When she died, you didn’t quite grasp the concept of death, but Ashton was the one who took it way harder. But, as a prince, he was not allowed to break down as any other normal kid would do when they lose a parent who was dear to them. No, he had to maintain his image and at the same time took it upon himself to raise you as your mother would.

He was the only loving family you’ve ever known. But he was also the only person who had ever broken your heart.

You looked at him with a sense of pity and understanding.

“I wanted to feel her with me tonight” You told him, these being the first words you exchanged with Ashton in a long time.

You noticed this also affected him. His eyebrows raised slightly and he took one step towards you, still bargaining with your feelings towards him.

Ashton took your hand in his, covering it completely as he softly spoke.

“You are her spitting image, Y/N/N. She has always been with you and lived through you. Everything you do reminds me of her and I promise you she would be proud of the beautiful, brave woman you’ve become”

His words struck you more than they probably should have. Ashton was never the one who spoke freely about your mother, not since you stopped needing him as much. He always kept that part to himself unless you asked.

He thought so highly of your mother and now he was comparing her to you. For some reason, this served as no comfort, but rather it angered you. Not because you didn’t think your mother was a horrible person, but because you thought that maybe if they - your father and Ashton - loved you as much as they loved her, you wouldn’t have to be in this position.

“The only difference is that mother’s family did not sell her for marriage,” You said bitterly, pulling your hand from Ashton’s grip as you saw hurt flash through his eyes.

“Y/N-“

“She loved our father, Ashton” You cried “For some reason she loved him and she married for love. Why can’t you let me do the same? Why can’t you help me and let me be happy? Am I to be trapped forever in a loveless marriage just because of the greed of this kingdom's leaders? I don’t even know what alliances we are keeping! In what world is it fair that I have to sacrifice my spirit just to please your egos?”

“You know it’s not like that-“

“For you, maybe! But you know exactly what father is doing and why he is doing it and you are taking his side! Ashton, you are just as guilty as he is” Your truth was spilling out of your mouth with nothing but desperation.

You wanted your brother to know how you were feeling, how much you were willing to fight for your freedom. For weeks you’ve been holding these words out of pride and pettiness, but you cannot go a day longer without letting him know just how much this is affecting you.

“I can’t trust you, Ash, and I can’t pretend that we are going to be okay after all of this no matter what happens in the end. You broke my heart, and I don’t think you understand to what extent”

Ashton stood in front of you with his head low “You hate me”

“I’m disappointed” You admitted, knowing you will have a hard time trying to hate your brother.

“Y/N, I’m just trying to do what’s best for the kingdom. What’s best for you!” He excused “You will be safe in the Vail, you’ll be a Queen and I know King Luke will treat you right. You have to understand that this is hard for me, too. But I can’t be here to protect you-“

“Protect me?” You interrupted him “Protect me from what?” He stayed quiet “Ashton?”

“Your Highnesses?” A guard called from the end of the hall “The King awaits”

“Announcing Prince Ashton Irwin, Heir to the Throne of RoseWood, and Princess Y/N Irwin, Future Queen of the Vail”

Wilsburg’s voice ran across the ballroom accompanied with two stumps of his scepter, calling everyone’s attention as you and Ashton descended the staircase together, claiming your rightful titles as everyone’s heads turned around to see you.

You kept your head high with every step you gave. All eyes were on you but you were not able to recognize anyone as their faces were covered with masks of every form, color, texture, and shape.

When you reached the end of the staircase, you and Ashton walked together to the center of the room where your father was standing with a winning smile plastered on his face. You were never prone to violence, but the feeling of wanting to punch your father in the face and erase that smile grew every minute.

You stood in front of your father and his court and gave him a courtesy in sign of respect. Your father’s eyes met yours once you stood straight again, and you couldn’t deny the feeling of pride that overwhelmed you when you saw the pure disgust in them as he took a glance at what you were wearing, knowing that this time he couldn’t do anything about it.

“My children,” He said with fake tenderness as he opened his arms in welcome.

It was so easy for him to fool the people who surrounded him, making everyone believe he was a good, caring, and loving father. But you could see clearly through his mask, no matter how much he tried to hide it - this time literally as his masks covered most of his face - he will never look at you with an ounce of love.

“King Luke Hemmings from the Vail and his loyal advisor, Sir Michael Clifford from Chesthire” Wilsburg announced, saving you from your father’s stare as the attention shifted back to the staircase where Luke and Michael were.

They walked next to each other, his movements identical as they elegantly descended into the party. They were both wearing the shades of blue that represented their Kingdom, each of them with matching masks that made them look regal, undoubtedly showcasing their royal status and importance.

Luke spotted your little broken family in the middle of the room, smiling a little bit and nodding towards you as he and Michael approached you with ease while the guests made way for them.

“Your Majesty” Luke bowed to your father, but his attention did not linger on him as much because soon his eyes were on you.

You noticed how blue his eyes looked under the mask, his blond curls falling perfectly to his shoulders and making him look like an actual angel.

“Princess,” He said, bowing just enough to capture your hand in his and bringing it to his lips, softly kissing your knuckles.

“Your Majesty,” You greeted him with courtesy, thankful that at least you’ll have some friendly faces in the crowd. “Sir Clifford. I must say you look very elegant today,”

You caught a glimpse of blush under the young guard’s mask, his green eyes sparkled at the compliment. His outfit was not as elegant as Luke’s, but his hair was pushed back in a short ponytail at the ends of his neck making him look like a prince.

“One can only try, Your Highness” He answered with a dashing smile “But, surely, no beauty compares to you, Princess. People should envy your exterior as well as your kind heart. My King is a lucky man” He said, looking back at Luke who was already smiling at him.

King Richard cleared his throat loudly, making the three of you turn your attention to him. His jaw was tight as he showed a smile to the other monarch.

“Now that the guest of honor has arrived,” Your father said with a loud, authority tone “Let the festivity begin!”

The small orchestra that worked under your father’s orders started to play lovely symphonies the minute those words came out of their King’s mouth. The other guests soon resumed their previous chatter and quickly got lost in the celebratory atmosphere, some grabbing drinks while others started dancing along with the soft melodies.

You stood awkwardly in the middle of the room, fidgeting with your fingers as you watched how your father called Ashton’s attention and took him aside for a talk. Your eyes roamed across the room, feeling out of place as you caught glimpses of people passing by, not knowing anyone as they proceeded to ignore you.

You thought about how this will be your life from now on. How you will end up alone in some party you don’t feel comfortable in just to please the aesthetics of how a royal should be. People will not be interested in you, only your title, and they will judge you, envy you, hate you, and take advantage of you for it. You will not be Y/N anymore, you won’t have the chance to. You will be a Queen and that’s all people will want to know as you will be pushed away into someone’s shadow.

“Not much of a social butterfly, I see” You heard Luke comment next to you, leaning over to your side so he could whisper in your ear.

You gave him a small smile, “I was never really fond of parties,” You admitted quietly “Which is ironic, given that I always wanted to attend these kinds of gathering when I was a child”

Luke laughed softly, “I believe that is because you don’t know how to properly have fun at a party” He chuckled once he saw your confused gaze “Michael, have you seen Lady Thompson today?”

Michael, who was standing in front of you, smiled as his gaze followed Luke’s “I cannot believe she came here after the scandal”

“The scandal?” You asked, trying to see whom they were talking about.

“Oh, yes. Haven’t you heard?” Luke asked casually “Her poodle caught a case of hair eating fleas, and once they left the poor dog bald, they went for the main of hair Lady Thompson used to brag about”

Yours parted your lips in shock, but Michael continued “Not only that, but I heard she’s telling everyone how her hair grew back in just a few hours by putting some kind of magical mud she found near the river end”

Finally, your gaze fell into the person they were discussing and you furrowed your eyebrows.

“That’s not Lady Thompson, her name is Lady Judith from the Mountains of Chaversty” Your eyes fell back on Luke and Michael, who were trying to suppress a laugh “You are mocking me…”

“Not at all, Princess,” Luke said with a chuckle “We are just teaching you how to have fun”

“When we were kids, we used to sneak into the palace’s parties and hide under tables watching people pass and creating narratives about their lives” Michael explained “We started with a simple sentence, and then we created the most outrageous stories from them. The one who could come up with the craziest storyline would win”

“And somehow, I always ended up losing,” Luke smiled as Michael shrugged.

“It’s not my fault that you lack creativity,”

You smiled fondly at their teasing banter. You were amazed at how titles were forgotten when they were just talking to one another, it seemed so simple to them to call each other by their name as if they were normal people. And seeing that, somehow, made you feel less alone.

They taught you how to play in between their anecdotes and inside jokes, but you didn’t feel left out as you remember Luke’s words about Michael and how much he means to him. It was their little thing, their little moment in time that they could share with none other than each other, and still were kind enough to share some of that with you.

You spend a few hours playing the game and laughing along with them as they found you a worthy opponent with how many crazy stories you could pull out of your mind in an instant. One of the rules was that you couldn’t tell real names nor real gossips about those people to keep their integrity and the innocence of the game, so all your thoughts and outraged comments were taken lightly with fun. You even won a couple of times.

From time to time, people came to congratulate you and Luke on your engagement. You were glad to know that they could never notice how uncomfortable you looked thanks to the mask, but you were one hundred percent sure that he and Michael noticed how your posture changed and how you tensed at the mention of the wedding. Luckily, they brushed it off and carried on like it was nothing.

Sometime later, Luke went to grab some drinks for you and him, leaving you alone with Michael who quickly started a conversation with you about sword fighting and training.

You were too immersed in the conversation that you didn’t notice a person standing behind you until they cleared their throat.

“Pardon me, Your Highness,” You heard someone say. The familiarity of that voice sent shivers down your body and made your throat dry the second you heard it.

You turned around in a fast movement that made the skirt of your dress appear like it was floating above the floor. Your breath got caught up in your chest as you were suddenly hyper-aware of every inhale and exhale your body made the moment your eyes met his.

There he was, hiding under a white mask that matched his white and gold suit that once belonged to his father. There he was, standing in front of you and hiding in plain sight as his brown eyes were set on yours, taking you in as he let out a sigh in amazement.

“Calum…” You wanted to call him by his name out loud, to jump into his arms as you let the tears that were gathering in your eyes fall free from the happiness you were feeling at that moment. The kind of happiness only he could bring with such ease; the kind of happiness that you longed to experience all your life as long as he was next to you.

But you couldn't say that, you couldn’t blow his cover like that. If they found out he sneaked into the party, they would surely put him in the dungeon for god knows how long. He took a lot of risks coming here, and one word from you might throw that all away.

Instead, Calum noticed your hesitant shock, so he smiled softly as he said.

“Will you give me the greatest honor and pleasure of sharing one dance with me, Your Highness?”

You wanted to answer immediately, but according to the protocols a woman always needs their partner's permission to dance with a stranger. But Luke was not your real partner and Calum was not a stranger. You could feel your heart wanting to jump out of your chest from how strongly it was beating, but you couldn't identify if it was beating out of excitement or fear.

You looked over to Michael who was already staring at you with a curious gaze. He could easily see the unsaid pleading inside your eyes as you fought with the need to take this stranger’s hands in yours. The green-eyed man looked over between the two of you and was able to connect the dots in an instant.

Then, he simply smiled understandingly as he said “Just another secret between us, Princess” Looking at you like the way he did the morning you eavesdropped on your father’s conversation with Luke.

You let out a breath of relief as you nodded, silently thanking him as you watched him walk away just a little bit to give you and Calum enough privacy.

When you turned back to Calum, he looked as relieved as you felt, kindly offering his hand to you.

“May I take this dance, my rose?”

“You may”

Calum took your hand in his, kissing your knuckles as he softly guided you to the middle of the dance floor where several other couples were waiting for the next piece to start.

He placed a hand to your waist, stocking his fingers slowly over the fabric and bringing you closer to him as he held your hand with his other one. You blushed as you placed your free hand on his shoulder, squeezing it lightly to encourage him.

You both understood how recklessly dangerous this was; to be dancing in front of everyone as your fiance stood somewhere in the room, probably wondering where you were, and with your father and brother at such a close distance. But neither of you cared when your eyes met again through the masks.

You didn’t care about the risks as long as you were holding each other like this; when you finally felt free inside the cage.

A sweet melody filled the air, but you were too focused on Calum to even listen. You only realized the dance has started when you felt his fingers grace your waist tightly as he spun you around with delicacy, taking the lead as you followed his steps with care.

Memories of your first dance together flooded your mind and you couldn’t help but smile. You were only children back then, now it seems like another life.

“You learned how to dance…” You said fondly in a hushed tone, a blush covering your cheeks as you heard him softly chuckle at your comment.

“I had to. I didn’t want to embarrass myself the next time we’d dance”

“You knew there would’ve been the next time back then?”

“I always hoped I’d get to dance with you again after that night” He admitted, his eyes never leaving yours “You are the only one who I’d like to dance with all my life”

His feet moved carefully around your dress, following the other couples as they spun and changed places with their partners placing their hands together between their two bodies. A classical dance made for lovers, for one must never leave their partner’s eyes as they spin and turn just to fall back into their arms again.

It was slow at first, building its tempo as more instruments were added to the melody, making it enchanting, haunting as they took over the room with an admirable strength that only a feeling of utter power could describe as beautiful. It was supposed to represent passion and how it can dominate you, slowly and then all at once before you even realize it was there.

“You look absolutely beautiful, my rose,” He said once his hand was placed to your lower back, pulling you closer to him as you let your hand wander just inches from the back of his neck. “You always knew how to put flowers to shame, but tonight you look just as radiant as the moon itself”

“Calum…”

“Shh,” He whispered, “Let me tell you my truth while I still can, my love. For if this is one of the last times I shall see you, let me relish on how beautiful you are. Let me tell you all the compliments in the world and see me fall short since no compliment could ever be enough to capture just how enchanting you are”

You tugged on the hand that was holding yours.

“Why do I feel like you’re saying goodbye?”

“I’m not” Calum answered quickly “That’s the last thing I’ll ever do. But seeing you tonight just reminded me that I don’t tell you how much you mean to me. And I promise you that when we get out of this situation, I promise that I’ll tell you every day of my life”

“When,” You thought “Not if, but when. It’s just a matter of time”

To know that Calum hasn’t given up on you, on your love, meant the world to you. Most of the time you felt like you were battling alone as if no one was listening. But he was right there with you, even if you couldn’t see him or be with him all the time. He still hasn’t given up on you.

You felt it right there; the love. He was risking everything for you, to see you and be with you in the night where you’re supposed to celebrate your engagement. He broke every rule for a moment with you, knowing that you would do the same for him.

The music kept going, the crescendo was at its peak. Calum grabbed you with both his hands on your waist and picked you up as he turned around, placing you back on the ground to your initial position of one of your hands intertwined while the other rested on his shoulder and your lower back.

You giggled like children as he put you down, pretending the world didn’t exist as you swayed to the music. Tonight, you were a young couple enjoying their first dance together and loving every minute of it. Nothing else mattered.

You didn’t feel the stares of the guests or Ashton’s careful gaze as he tried to decipher who you were dancing with. You didn’t hear the whispers or notice how Luke hid his smile in his drink as he handed the other to Michael who looked at you in complicity. You didn’t see where your father has run off to, but you didn’t care.

You were in love. You were dancing with the love of your life; letting him guide your steps carefully as the crescendo started to go down and his grip on you tightened, not wanting to let go of this moment.

“I love you” Calum whispered just loud enough for you to hear.

You smiled like the sun “You are risking a lot by saying that here”

He shook his head “And I’ll risk even more if I have to. I cannot go a day without telling you I love you, my rose. Even if they throw me in the dungeon, I’ll find my way to you”

“Don’t say things like that,” You warned him as the melody started to fade “I’ll be damned if I lose you, Calum. This was reckless enough from both of our parts”

“And yet, you’re still dancing with me” He smiled as his movements started to slow down “My love for you is as reckless as it is endless, Y/N, and if I have to risk myself a thousand times; if I have to die a thousand times to love you freely then so be it. All of that will be worth it as long as you say it back”

You stare at him with tears in your eyes as the song reaches its end.

“I love you”

Calum stopped completely, letting go of his grip on your back but still holding your hand on his.

“And just like that, everything is worth it,” He said, placing a kiss on the back of your hand.

You smiled at him, chuckling through the unshed tears as you pondered in disbelief at just how lucky you are to love him and be loved by him.

“I’ll see you soon,” He said with a bow of his head.

“Aren’t you going to stay?” You knew you sounded a little desperate, but he just got here and, even though it was a little selfish on your part, you wanted him here just a little bit longer if possible.

Calum smiled “Only with the promise of another dance, my rose”

You nodded gracefully as Calum bowed once again before you watched him disappear into the crowd.

Your smile was still evident in your face as you gathered yourself and started to back up into the crowd, maybe try to find Luke to keep appearances until Calum asks for another dance.

“What a promising young man. Isn’t he, Y/N?”

The blood in your veins froze when you heard your father’s voice from behind you. You stood still, hoping you misheard him or mistaken him for another person that was passing by.

“Say, do we know him by any chance?” King Richard said with a mocking interest that made you want to run away right in that instant to find Calum and ask him to hide somewhere.

Instead, you turned around, and as calmly as you could, you answered:

“I’m afraid not, father. He didn’t tell me his name before nor after our dance”

“Didn’t I tell you never to talk to strangers, little Princess?”

He stood in front of you with a wicked smirk, not really waiting for an answer as he puffed his chest, showcasing the Kingdom’s shiny emblem on his fancy attire.

Your father lived for the adoration and fear of his subjects; he relished in your fear towards him for many years now, watching with delight as you submit to him out of fear or hope for any kind of attention he could show you. He adored the power he had over you, on how easy it was just to mess with your life as you’d allowed him to. And now, as you looked into his eyes you could see the fun he was having watching you tremble under his gaze, fearing that he might’ve discovered you.

The King looked you up and down and smirked as he announced “I believe it’s time for a father and daughter dance!”

The people who were gathering around the two of you started clapping and cheering as your father looked at you with a pleased gaze. You watched as the couples who were getting ready for the next dance suddenly left and were now standing to the side, anxiously waiting for the Princess and the King to have a sentimental moment.

From the corner of your eye, you caught a glimpse of Ashton who was making his way to the center of the room, pushing people as he tried to get to you; on the opposite end of the room, Luke drifted his gaze between you and Michael with a hint of worry in his eyes. Calum was nowhere to be found as your eyes searched for him in the crowd and you couldn’t help but feel scared for him.

King Richard ran out of patience. He grabbed your hand in what seemed a delicate touch, but only you could feel how his nails dug in the skin of your hand, forcefully pulling you to the dancefloor.

You felt disgusted as his hand gripped your waist, snapping his fingers to the musicians with his other hand before gripping your wrist and holding it high.

When the music started, he moved you around the dancefloor in stiff circles; there was no delicacy, no softness in his touch as he dragged you at the rhythm of one of the sweetest melodies you’ve heard.

“That dress does not belong to you” Your father whispered in between a smile. A tone of warning lacing his every word.

You felt the buckle of your knees weakened your step, but you didn’t dare move your eyes from his.

Too long you’ve been under his domain, living in fear of his next move whenever you were left alone with him. The bruises healed but the scars remain as your memory recalled the moments where he would get so mad at you just for being there, how he hated you just for looking like her.

All the pain, self-doubt, hatred, and fear he put you through… all the times you let him win because you didn’t think it could ever become worse… it all came crashing down into a feeling of anger and resentment that only served to give you strength for your next words.

“I don’t know what you are talking about, father” You defied him with fake ignorance “This is my dress. My mother left it for me. Don’t you like it?”

King Richard locked his jaw, his eyes spitting fire as you held his stare without moving an inch as you danced through the room.

“I know what you’re doing, Y/N,” He said with a wicked smile “And you won’t win. You can’t”

He laughed maliciously as he saw the shocked look in your eyes.

“Did you really think I wasn’t going to find out what you were doing in the library this past few weeks?”

Your heart stopped at the statement, feeling weak as he got you figured it out. But how? How could he know unless someone told him? Someone who knew what you were looking for…

The color drained from your face as you stuttered “I-I don’t know what-”

“Don’t play stupid, you insolent child” His grip on your wrist tightened, hurting you in front of everyone without raising any suspicion “I have eyes everywhere, ears in every wall of this goddamned castle and you think you can outsmart me by hiding in the library and looking through the books of laws? But you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, correct?” He asked, smiling as he saw how you frowned at the truth “And I’ll make sure you never will. My plans will not be ruined by a weak little girl”

“Plans?” You asked suddenly, realizing that he overshared something he might’ve not supposed to say “What are you-?” You started, before everything became clear, remembering Ashton’s words from a few hours prior “The wedding, the alliance… That’s all just a trick, isn’t it? You need something from them, from Luke…”

You smiled to yourself as you saw your father speechless for the first time.

“You need me,” You stated as a matter of factly “And you know that I won’t ever help you voluntarily, that’s why you are forcing everyone to do this. You know I can stop you, you know there is a way to stop all of this and you’re afraid…”

His fingers dug into your skin with force, leaving red marks that will become bruises, but you didn’t even flinch.

“You don’t want to play games with me, child” King Richard said, all niceties dropped from his face “I am the King!”

“And I’m not scared of you!” You smiled with sufficiency “Look around, father. You want to play? Let's do it. Hurt me in front of all these people, let them see how their monarch loves his daughter. You cannot hurt me here”

A sense of pride came over you as you finally stood up for yourself to your father. You finally saw a flash of fear pass by his eyes as he scanned the room and saw all the eyes on him.

“I will stop you”

But then, the King smiled like the devil.

“I’d like to see you try. Stop the music!” He suddenly yelled, making all the guests flinch at the sound of his voice.

Your movements came to a stop, but the grip he had on your hand just became tighter and tighter, crushing your bones as you tried to get rid of his touch.

“My daughter, Princess Y/N, just had the most wonderful idea!” He announced to the crowd as you looked at him in shock while he smiled “She told me she cannot wait to be married, just like any other lady” He joked, making the guest laugh at you.

Your father cupped your face by the chin, applying pressure on it so you wouldn’t be able to say a word as he exclaimed:

“And who am I to deny anything to my beautiful, beautiful little princess? The wedding ceremony will take place in two days! And you are all more than invited!”

The crowd cheered and clapped as you felt sick to your stomach. Two days?! How are you going to stop everything in only two days?

You released yourself from your father’s grip, tears clouding your eyes as you saw the winning smirk on his face.

“I warned you not to play games, little rose”

You stood in horror as you watched your father disappear into the crowd, accepting congratulations on your behalf and laughing with the other guest at your “eagerness” of getting married already.

“Y/N?” You heard Ashton said and he placed a hand on your shoulder “Are you-?”

You felt your breathing start to pick up, short and fast exhales came with almost no intake of air to your lungs. You were getting dizzy, disoriented as you analyzed the situation.

It was so fast… too fast. It all happened too fast.

“Y/N-” Ashton tried again, but you shook yourself from his touch.

“For fuck’s sake leave me alone!” You half-whispered, half yelled as you picked up your skirt and ran away from the ballroom.

The sound of your heels clicking on the floor was drowned by the sound of your breathless sobbing as you desperately looked for a way out of the castle.

You couldn’t stay here anymore. You needed to find Calum, see if he’s okay, and just leave. But with every step you took your worry grew stronger as thoughts of Calum hurt flashed through your head.

“Rose,” He said. Your father called you rose. He knew. He knew! And you couldn’t find Calum.

“Y/N!” A voice called from behind you, the sound of their heels coming closer as you tried to get away from there “Y/N, wait!”

You were almost at the door leading to the gardens, just a few steps from freedom when you felt a hand grip your arm, making you stop.

Luke stood there in front of you, almost breathless as his eyes filled with worry when he saw your tear-filled eyes and your trembling lip trying its hardest to suppress a cry.

Without thinking it twice, the young King pulled you into a hug. You were shocked at first but eventually, you relaxed in his arms as he let you cry onto his chest, hearing muffled apologies in between sobs.

“It’s okay,” He said softly, looking to his side to find Michael catching up with them at a distance “It’s okay”

“No!” You cried “No, it’s not! Luke I-” You stopped as the words of your father filled your brain “I have eyes everywhere, ears in every wall…”

You grabbed onto Luke’s hand and guided him outside the palace, looking over your shoulder in case someone tried to approach you.

“Tell Michael to stay at the entrance,” You told him.

Luke nodded as he signaled Michael to stay where he was, letting you take him away to the entrance of the woods where you were somewhat hidden from the palace while still being able to see it from where you were standing.

“What is going on?” Luke asked calmly “Why are we hiding? Why did you tell your father you wanted to marry this soon? I-”

“I didn’t do it! You have to believe me in this, Luke. Please” You begged “He is trying to hurt me, to hurt you! I didn’t want any of this to happen, please believe me that I had no idea that would happen”

Luke sighed, placing both his hands on your shoulders to try and calm you down “I believe you”

“You do?”

He nodded with a soft smile.

“Yeah, this is the first time I heard you say my name so I know this is serious,” Luke said “Why is he trying to hurt you?”

You didn’t answer, how could you? You trusted Luke, but did you trust him enough? How in the world would you tell your fiance that you are in love with someone else and that your father wants to punish you for it, that this whole charade of lies was created for dangerous means, and that he might also be in danger?

After a while, Luke asked softly:

“Is it because you love another, don’t you?” You froze, eyes filled with fear as you looked at him “It’s hard to pretend not to love someone when you’re close to them. I could see it while you were dancing with him, because it was him, wasn’t it? The man who owns your heart?”

You lowered your head, eyes filling with tears as you whispered “Luke-”

“It’s okay, love” He reassured, caressing your face and cupping your cheeks so you would look at him “I knew from the start that you belonged to another, and tonight I recognized that look, that complicit smile you only find in those whose life complete yours in a way where you didn’t think it was possible. I have never seen you as happy as you were dancing with him. You truly love him, do you?”

“More than anything” You answered without a doubt.

“And he surely loves you. It was more than obvious from the way he couldn’t stop looking at you throughout the dance. He’s a lucky man, and he knows how to give himself entirely to you. I don’t think I have ever seen a man so in love before”

“You sure know a lot about love, Luke,” You said surprising him “You know just as much as a man who is or has been in love before”

He chuckled lightly “That’s because you’re not the only one with a heart owned by another, Princess”

Luke averted his gaze back to the castle, a nostalgic cloud covering his baby blue eyes.

“Is your love waiting for you at home?” You asked softly, not wanting to intrude.

He chuckled softly before his expression changed from dreamy, to worry, to sad, you pretended you didn’t notice how his eyes became glossy from the tears.

“He’s the only home I’ve ever known…”

Then, you understood. Luke was not looking at the castle; he was looking at the person guarding the entrance, commanded by his King.

Your heart filled with an indescribable joy as you took your hand and placed it on Luke’s cheek, softly wiping a tear that started to roll down.

“I guess we are both stuck in this, huh?” He laughed, looking at you in the way only a strong bond could describe.

“But you don’t have to be,” He said, “Your love, do you know where he is?”

You started to shake your head, but then you remembered something.

“I think I might have an idea”

“Go to him.” Luke encouraged, kissing your knuckles before letting go of your hand “Michael and I will cover this entrance, I’ll tell everyone who asks that we were together talking and walking through the gardens the whole night so no one gets suspicious”

You could almost cry of relief at his words. You jumped into his arms and placed a kiss on his cheek while muttering a small “Thank you” before you started running through the woods, knowing exactly where to go and hoping that he’ll be there.

“Calum!” You sighed with relief, finally feeling like you could breathe when you saw him in front of your tree.

You took your chances coming here, not knowing if he was going to be waiting here or if he was somehow captured by your father's orders.

On your way to your secret place, your heart could not stop racing, the countless tragic possibilities flooded your mind as you ran through the woods, not caring if some parts of your dress got ripped because of your careless moving.

But there he was, sitting in one of the roots that were visible from the surface. He was not wearing his mask as he fiddled with it between his fingers until the moment he saw you.

“Y/N!” He breathed, getting up from his improvised seat and running towards you, involving you in a tight embrace. Only then, wrapped in your arms you understood Luke’s words.

Only there you felt truly at home.

“I thought something happened to you” You cried into his chest as you felt his hand soothe you while caressing your back “My father…”

“I know,” He said, placing a small kiss on the top of your head “When he announced the ceremony I could see a couple of guards coming my way, I had no choice but run”

Your whole body shook in terror when he said that. Now you knew your father was planning on hurting Calum now that he knew who he was. Unless he’d always known…

“Hey, hey, hey,” He said when he felt you cry again “It’s okay, my love. I got away, didn’t I?”

“Now, but you know what he’s capable of doing, Cal. You saw what he did at the party! He moved the wedding closer because he knew we’ve been searching for ways to stop it. He knows who you are and if anything- if anything happens to you, I-”

“Nothing is going to happen to me, okay?” Calum stated, pulling you away from him just enough so he could see your face and cup your cheeks with his hands “I will not let anything happen to me or you, I promise. I will be there for you, Y/N, always”

You nodded but still felt a cloud of darkness surrounding you. You trusted Calum more than anyone, but this might be the first promise that he might not fulfill. Your father is a powerful man that reigned by inflicting fear into his people and respect by his equals basing himself with lies.

If he could turn your world upside down with just a couple of words… what would he do to Calum?

“How did you know I was here?” Calum asked, trying to lighten the mood when he noticed you spacing out in sorrow.

You chuckled, lowering your gaze to the floor “I had a hunch”

“Were you followed?”

“No, Luke and Michael stayed to watch the entrance and the surroundings” Calum looked at you puzzled “We can trust them, it’s okay. Luke doesn’t want to marry me either”

“What a fool-”

“He doesn’t want to marry me because, like me, he is in love with someone else,” You said with a smile that quickly disappeared with your next thought “And now we’ll both be trapped in a marriage where we’ll be forced to be away from the ones we truly love”

“Then don’t marry him,” Calum said in a breath.

You rolled your eyes “Is not that easy, Calum. You know that-”

“That a King’s promise may never be broken. But what if the King promised something that can’t be possible?”

His tone was questioning, almost as if he wasn’t sure of what he was saying either and he was just thinking at the top of his head.

“Love, what are you-?”

“What if you couldn’t marry the King because you’re already married?” He asked, more certain this time.

You were about to answer him with another question, trying to understand what he was trying to say. But he continued, trying to explain himself better.

“You know the law commands that no one should remarry while still being married to another partner. What if- what if we get married first? That way-”

“That way the King’s promise will be null” You finished for him “Because the bride he promised is a married woman who cannot go over the law… Calum, that’s genius but how-?”

“I thought about it for a while when I came over the statement that ruled that no law should cancel another”

You looked at him confused, but with a smile showing on your face “And you’re telling me this now?”

He looked nervous.

“I-I didn’t want to put that pressure on you. It is a huge risk, not to mention a lot of responsibility as well, and I didn’t want to pressure you into marrying me if you weren’t sure you wanted that. I thought we could find another way out before the ceremony, so I kept it a secret for some time. I admit I was afraid of how you might react”

You answered him with a tearful chuckle as you jumped into his arms and crashed your lips to his as you caught him by surprise.

It was impossible to deny the happiness you felt as he responded to the kiss as eagerly as you, wrapping his arms around your waist and pulling you closer to him.

“If you thought for a second that I would ever say no to that, then you might not know who you’re asking for her hand in marriage,” You said, smiling against his lips, chasing them into another kiss as a complete feeling of euphoria came over you.

Calum smiled, wrapping his arms around the back of your thighs and picking you up as he spun you around, laughing along with you as your giggles could be heard from all around the woods, for you just made him the happiest man on earth.

“If we are going to do this,” He said as he put you down “Let me do this properly”

You felt your eyes filled with happy tears as you watched Calum get down on one knee in front of you. Smiling at you with bright brown eyes that shined like the stars from Orion above.

“Y/N,” He started “My love, my rose. God knows this is not the way I planned this; in my dreams we are sailing away to a new land, traveling the world as we share our dreams and make them come true before our eyes. In my dreams I had a ring to give you, a pretty speech prepared, and a thousand lights to illuminate the way you looked, bringing the start to shame.

But I have no ring, and the words that are coming out of my mouth come straight from my heart. But the moon does shine on you, my love and you’ve never looked so beautiful as you do.

I cannot offer much. I’m no royal nor do I own stacks of land that could be ever worthy of you, my love. I cannot offer you a house, I cannot offer you fancy dresses or expensive jewelry, I cannot give you the kind of life royalty deserves. But I can give you all my love as we made the world our home. Because all I need, Y/N, to live a happy life is for you to be by my side if you let me.

I knew I wanted to marry you since the moment I saw you standing in that pile of dirt when we were nothing more than children venturing in a world filled with adult problems. I knew I loved you then, even before I knew what love is. And, if you let me, it would be my honor to love you for the rest of my life. Will you marry me, my rose?”

You tearfully nodded, covering your mouth with your hands as you tried to prevent a sob from getting out.

“Yes,” You said softly before repeating it loudly “Yes!”

In an instant, you threw yourself into Calum’s arms, wrapping your arms around his neck as he held you by your waist, helping you straddle his lap, one leg at each side of his hips, as he pushed your skirt to the sides so you’d be closer and more comfortable.

You wasted no time in pressing your lips against his, letting your hands play with his hair as he rocked your bodies together, deepening the kiss as far as you’d let him.

A little moan escaped your mouth when you felt his tongue press against your bottom lip. Calum took this opportunity to capture every sound you made as you granted him more access, parting your lips slightly and letting him explore more of you as you got drunk with his touch.

“Say it again” He begged, his lips now leaving kisses along your jaw as your fingers tangled and tugged on his hair, making him groan against your skin.

“Yes,” You whispered breathlessly.

You felt your skin on fire every time his lips trailed along your jaw and neck, kissing it gently as you melted against him. It wasn’t something new, you’ve kissed like this before and stopped before it turned into something else, but there was something about tonight.

You didn’t know if it was the proposal, the adrenaline, or the simple need of being together now more than ever since your future is still uncertain. But every single kiss, every sound, every move… it just made you crave it even more.

“Calum…” You breathed, tugging his hair to bring him even closer to you.

He muffled a groan into your neck, letting the smell of your perfume intoxicate him as you moved your hips closer to him, “Love, don’t do that” He whispered, almost begging you to stop as he knocked his forehead with yours “You know that if this goes any further, I might not be able to stop”

You’ve been intimate before, only not like this. It wasn’t uncommon for you to lay next to each other, whether it was on our bed or in the clear spot next to the tree. You would explore your bodies with soft touches and lingering kisses that always felt like the start of something but that never lead to anything other than whispered confessions and soft makeout sessions.

The need was always there, you both felt it before, but this time you had no intention of stopping.

“Then don’t,” You said softly, looking into Calum’s eyes as he raised his eyebrows in shock.

“Y/N…”

“Don’t stop, Calum, please” You whined, moving your hips again to gain some kind of friction between the layers of fabric as you felt how his cock hardened in his pants “I want it. I want you”

Calum stopped your movements altogether, holding your hips with one hand as the other one cupped one side of your face, making you look at him when he asked.

“Y/N, are you sure about this?” His breath was heavy, but his eyes were determined as he gazed into yours “We don’t have to do anything if you’re not one hundred percent-”

You placed your fingers on the top of his lips to silence him.

“I was yours since the day we met.” You whispered, a soft smile illuminating your face “I was yours the day I told you I love you. I was yours when we danced tonight and I’ll be yours forever for the rest of my life. Make me your wife, Calum. Be mine and make me yours again”

Something shifted in Calum’s eyes at the sound of your words as lust settled all over them. He wasted no time in pulling you closer to him, capturing your lips in a much more heated kiss.

It was entirely different from whatever you’ve experienced before with him. This kiss was sloppy, a mixture of tongues and teeth as he bit your bottom lip. The sounds that came from both of you died in your throats as you desperately acted upon your desires.

You pulled apart for one minute as you took the top part of your dress, throwing it god knows where as you tried to untie the knots of your corset. Calum took it upon himself to start kissing your neck again, this time with more freedom to roam across your collarbone. “Let me,” He said softly after a while, letting his hands take over yours as they started to undo the knots one by one.

Once you were free, you felt Calum’s hands cup your breasts, massaging them as you moaned softly, still moving your hips with a more steady and fast rhythm against his groin looking for some sort of release.

“Y/N,” Calum moaned, taking his hands off your breast down to your hips, halting your movements once again “Lay down for me, my love” He whispered, kissing your earlobe as you felt goosebumps all over your body.

Calum took off his suit jacket, laying it on the floor so you’d be more comfortable. You sat back on your elbows as you watched him take off his shirt, leaving him with his chest exposed to you.

Your eyes widened at the sight of him shirtless on top of you. You’ve seen him shirtless before, but the context is different now that you can admire his well-defined abs under the moonlight. You couldn’t resist letting your fingers caress his chest with barely-there touches over his muscles and nipples, making him let out a breathy moan as soon as you did.

But before you could go any further, he grabbed you softly by the wrist.

“Not yet, Princess,” He said, lust laced in every word as he let your hand go to start working on getting you out of that skirt and underwear.

He worked quickly, leaving you completely bare in front of him. You felt his eyes on you and your first instinct was to cover yourself even though shame was the last thing in your mind right now. Despite that initial response, you felt safe with him, the safest you felt in years.

Calum smirked playfully, shaking his head as he grabbed both your hands in his and pinning them over your head “Don’t hide from me, my love” He said, lips hovering over yours but never touching them as he started kissing the spot under your ear, leaving you breathless in a second.

You closed your eyes and let yourself drift in pleasure as you felt Calum’s lips trail down to your breasts, kissing each one of them softly around the pebbled nipples, sucking and biting them as you felt your arousal grow with every new sensation.

Once he felt satisfied with the way you were moaning, he started kissing along your chest and down to your stomach, leaving a trail of fiery kisses until he stopped before reaching your core.

Calum let go of your hands which immediately flew to his hair when he started kissing the inside of your thighs, getting closer but not close enough to where you needed him most.

“Calum,” You moaned, feeling his breath over your entrance.

“Say it again,” He asked, kissing your right leg as his hands wandered over to your ass, lifting you up slightly and bringing you closer to him “Say yes, again”

“Yes.” You said in one breath.

“Again” He demanded softly, kissing you over your mound.

“Yes.”

“Again”

“Yes, oh...”

No sounds came out of your mouth as he placed his lips over your clit, kissing it softly at first before starting to lightly suck on it. You then felt him lick a long stripe up your center, making you shiver each time as he always ended up at your clit, gathering your arousal in his tongue and moaning at the taste, sending glorious vibrations up to your core. He smiles when he feels you tug on his hair with every breathy moaned you let out, letting him know that you were enjoying this as much as he was.

Soon, you felt his fingers trace along your folds up and down, stopping at your entrance a couple of times before he pushed the first finger inside, making you both moan at the feeling.

Then, a finger became two as Calum started to move them inside and out of your tight hole at a fast pace while his lips remained attached to your clit, licking and sucking over it until you reached your first climax of the night.

Calum licked you through your orgasm, lapping on your arousal until he heard you whine thanks to the oversensitivity. Then, he pulled himself up, kissing a trail from your stomach to your lips.

You were seeing stars behind your eyelids as you tasted yourself on his tongue, moaning as you felt his hard, clothed cock brush over your sensitive core.

“Calum,” You whimpered as he pulled away from his lips to let his head fall to your side, kissing your neck with zeal.

“Tell me what you want, my love” He whispered in your ear, making your whole body shiver under him as he kissed your cheeks tenderly “Tell me what you want and I’ll give you the world”

“You, only you”

He smiled, prompting himself onto his elbows to kiss your lips again.

“I’m yours”

It took no time for Calum to get rid of his pants and thrust into you, letting you adjust to the new feeling as he kissed the pain away while he started to thrust slowly into you. His hand cupped your face as he kissed you over and over again until you begged him to speed up the pace, letting the sting of pain become one of pleasure every time Calum moved his hips into you, hitting every spot with ease.

You became one big pile of tangled limbs and shared pleasure, moaning and groaning your feelings of ecstasy as you held each other as close as you could. One hand caressing your sides while you alternated between playing with his hair and dragging your fingers down his back, feeling every muscle work as you wrapped your legs around him, letting him deeper and deeper each time.

You got drunk with the sound of each other’s moans as you reached your climax. Calum swears he’s never heard a more beautiful sound than his name falling from your lips in total bliss as you clenched around his cock, making his thrusts slow down as he came with the taste of your name still on his lips.

"I love you," He said with a smile as wide as the sky, pulling you closer against his naked body "God, how I love you, my rose"

You kissed his lips softly, humming an "I love you" in between a content smile before saying:

"Calum?"

"Yes, my love?"

"Thank you for loving me"

You woke up sometime later, still wrapped around his arms as his jacket covered you both from the cold night. You let out a breath of relief as you realized that the moon was still high up in the sky, meaning that you still had a few hours before having to go back to the castle.

Calum slept peacefully next to you, holding you close as he let his chin rest above your head. You kissed his Adam's apple and softly giggled when he pulled you closer to his chest, you knew that you would always be safely wrapped around his arms and there was no other place you’d rather stay than with him.

It was almost incredible to believe that by tomorrow night you’d finally become husband and wife and that this will be your life forevermore.

No more castles, no more parties, no more dangers nor royalty duties. You will be together, finally be free.

Tags: @iknowyouthinkimbulletproof @mystic-232 @talksoprettyjjx @theshyspy @hoodhoran @flaneurcth @notinthesameguey @bubblegum18 @irwin-fletcher-ash @just-here-to-escape-from-reality @1980holland @wiiildflowerrr @hoplessromantic727 @fivesecondsofonedirection @another-lonely-heart @aabc5sauce @dudethisiswhyyoudonthavefriends @major5sosstan @myloverboyash @nicebasscalum @calumspupils @secretsicanthideanymore @the-ghost-of-ashley @alltimesos @girlwhosimps @wontlastimokwiththat @yeah-and69 @fckingpernico @multistann @averageantichrist @a-darneddarling @tpwkcth @f-mu @kindahumanbutalsoinsane @lemonswizzle

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sweetobseesion · 3 years

Text

About Wang So’s Villainy

*I DO NOT HATE WANG SO, NOR IS THIS A POST CRITICISING HIM. IT IS BASED ON MY OPINION , AND IT AIMS TO POINT OUT AND EXPLORE HIS “VILLAINOUS SIDE” THAT SHAPES HIM THROUGHOUT THE DRAMA.

I just wanted to point this out because I’ve noticed people have two reactions to it. Either there’s people denying it or people heavily emphasising on it.I would like to clarify,that Wang So is very much a character that is caught in crossroads, stuck between both his selfless heroic nature and his ,beastly savage side.

The show never denied his villainy, not even for a moment.He was always dangerous,scary and he himself, usually acknowledges his crimes and extreme personality.

The only difference is , he had the scope to be a better person. He realises he is in the wrong and understands the consequences of his actions. But even then , he never changes. Murder is always a full forged solution in his book.

But what made his personality more flawed was his anger, pride and this ability to listen to only himself. It’s what made him into a powerful king too, but it’s also what affected his relationship with Soo towards the end.

It’s hard to discern whether his impulsive , suspicious nature is the result of his environment and circumstances that he grew up in or just his personality. His Nature. But Wang So has always been pragmatic, opportunist and suspicious of those around him.

When we see him enter the palace, he kills of a horse. When Jimong offers him the opportunity to protect the crown prince , he questions his intentions. And he never opens up to anyone and is always on guard, full of excuses and masks. Which is why when Yeonhwa suggests he learns with the princes, he says he prefers being alone with his hunts. We all know he wants to live in Songak,but he says this because he doesn’t want her to know his intentions. And even Yeonhwa,can see through it.

He isolates himself from people.And it’s this exact combination of stubbornness, impulsivity and constant suspicion that makes it so easy for him kill anyone quickly and justify it. And since he isolated himself, there’s no one to stop him or make him think on it.And hence, he grows up, used to his extreme actions and not reflecting on it. Though he has his moments of regret, it’s not something he dwells on a lot.And he will never admit to it too,because he has pride.

All this makes it all the more easy for him to justify his actions.

It makes him either invincible or impossible and stubborn. Quite possibly both, but that doesn’t mean he is not bound to face the consequences of his actions. He is human after all, and if he chooses reckless actions one after the other and defend it, he’s bound to face the consequences. It doesn’t matter if he has a good reason or not. General Park points that out to him , clearly.

But he doesn’t think it through , and just ponders it for a while. But this moment, pretty much sets the stage for his inevitable end. All throughout his life he has to kill to survive, but the more he kills, the more enemies he creates and the more he has to cover up his path. And hence , the lonelier he becomes.

Meanwhile his relationship with Soo blossoms,and he finds it hard to explain his feelings for her.She shows him empathy and never judges him in his worst state,and tries to understand him. She treats him with kindness and like any other human being. He finds it easy and comfortable to talk to her and be around her.He opens up to her easily and listens to her easily. He also thinks about her and willingly incorporates what she says into his thoughts and actions. In other words , he has a crush on he doesn’t realise it. It’s quite hard for him to understand his own feelings, given how lonely he grew up.

And when he does,he is confused yet thrilled. But he still doesn’t possess complete understanding of his emotions, and he is not completely comfortable with having a person who sees right through him. Like when she sees right through his insecurity of his scar.And he punishes her for that by silence , and reprimanding her when she makes his favourite tea.

He ignores her, and it’s not until she reaches out to him after the rain festival does he put his defences down. But then, this was only achieved through her own efforts.In order to help him,she creates a foundation that conceals his scar,and she helps him succeed in the rain ritual.

He pretty much sets his heart to her after that and chases her and focuses on getting her for himself.He never listens to her rejection or her refusal and is quite insistent with his ways.He seeks her out and is quite determined to have her and he uses all means possible to have her by his side. Like he asks the King for her, then he takes her out of the palace ,drinks poison to protect her and stands by her side.

But little does he realise that this puts her in danger more than anything else. Because the more he chases her the more jealous Wook gets, the more worried his father becomes and the worse her reputation becomes ,because everyone calls her “bad luck” and blames her for how he turned out. But thing is , he does not realise it. He never sees the damage he’s unintentionally caused to her because in his mind he’s doing the right thing, choosing the right thing. He won’t listen to anyone who disagrees and he defies anyone who tries to stop him and that includes the king. In his mind, he already sees himself as the Knight in shining armour, who fights for the woman he loves.

And as his feelings grow, he also finds himself getting easily jealous. He has this habit of just assuming things and sticking by it, and it makes it hard for him to communicate.When he has to marry someone and is aware that is a deal breaker to her, he never reveals to her the reason behind it. Fans say this better than making up a excuse but I don’t see how this is better as it just leaves her alone without an explanation.All because he assumes she would hate him anyway.At the end of the day an explanation is better than an assumption or an excuse. He gets jealous when Baek Ah gets her the best present. His emotions have now become completely besotted with her,and is eager for real romance .So it’s not much of surprise to see his reaction after he discovers Jung hid in her room,it’s clear that he’s suspicious and doesn’t trust her easily.But this time , he goes to her asks her. He communicates and clears his doubts and reaches a deal. And it’s all sweetness for once.

Soon, their loyalties are tested, and they both hesitate to sort it out on their own. Wang So tries to sort it out all by himself and Hae Soo is hiding the people he’s searching for, eventually confesses to her , she holds back since she has too many warnings and supernatural visions that hold her back, but she does trust him . But it’s too late,and he ends up killing a brother and that haunts him. But that’s what pushes him to realise his place and finally steer him towards his path of being king.But for that when he’s asked to sacrifice Soo, he understands and breaks up with her in the cruelest way possible,by blaming her for his brother’s death.

The thing is, while saying those cruel words, he is also venting his anger out to her. When he returns he is still cold to her , but she still chases after him.She is burdened with guilt,and he cannot deny his feelings. Soon this leads to reincoincillation But thing is, Soo know he left her for the throne, but listens to his other reason anyway.She is beyond the point of no return, desperate to be with him. Hence gets what he wants, the throne and the girl.And they’re happy , for a while.

Until the issue of their marriage comes up,and everyone around Soo reminds her that she cannot marry him and be queen.The whole court urges So to marry Yeonhwa and he holds back, stubborn and he refuses to listen to them.Again Hae Soo ,has to give her approval and seem weak or the bad person.She is willingly talking the burn out for their relationship, both publicly and personally. Meanwhile , So grows more powerful.And he doesn’t back down this time.

He gets more stubborn and set in his ways,and refuses to listen to anyone else, especially now that his word is practically the law.He distances himself from Soo because he’s failed to live up to his promises of marrying her and starts channeling his anger to the Court and Jung .So he doesn’t hold back and starts unleashing his power and vengeance , beginning with Jung when he opposes him, and forbidding him to see his mother.When his mother protests , he forbades him to see her , which causes the queen to go on a hunger protest, asking to see her Jung.

We see Soo try to stop it , yes out of concern for Jung. But only because it’s in her character and she foresees the disastrous consequences, that it could possibly haunt him in the end and it did, in a way he never saw coming. When she sends for him ,he doesn’t reprimand or argue with her,he directly threatens her with punishment , proving he’s finally become the King he’s destined to be. Everything that was Wang So has already submerged into his conscience and only Gwangjong remains.

How could anyone expect her to understand him, when the man who loves her and risked his life for her is now threatening her with punishment, while instilling fear in her ?He’s being a King more than anything else. Jung arrives late and the queen dies.He later berates her for not taking his side, and walks away before she has the chance to apologise or provide comfort. He’s broken yes, but he is also unwilling to listen.Then, he proceeds to kill Chaeryung without an explanation, probably expecting her understanding in that matter too. People still blame Hae Soo , like they do for everything. But it was too much of a shock for her, just watching as she is beaten to death,without any anticipation or explanation.So explains his reason, but it’s too late, the graphic images of what she saw still reel in her head and no excuses can properly apply, because he really did kill her without warning. The reality of the palace becomes clear to Soo, and she makes up her mind.

Meanwhile, Wang So is furious and he blames Wook for all this,and when he goes to his room.He finds Yeonhwa , sitting there trying to trick him into consummating the marriage,but he sees through it.He makes a deal with her to get his revenge against Wook and it involves making the same promise he made to Soo.

So executes his plan to stand up to Wook, but he’s shocked to see Soo stand up to him. He states that he doesn’t like it but he listens to her this time, only because she doesn’t give him the opportunity to walk away by kneeling and she comes up with a good reason.

People point out and sometimes even write lengthy metas defending his actions, romanticising it and citing it as the greatest example of love to ever exist. But they fail to understand why this is considered problematic.It’s problematic because it’s so twisted and it’s bound to have consequences. He’s out here framing his brother, using consummation with his sister as colleteral, and is deriving pleasure out of momentary revange using his position of authority.As if that’s not that’s not bound to have consequences.

As viewers, we have an idea of how conniving Wook is. But the idea Goryeo’s society has of Wook is he is a wise scholar an benevolent individual, a brother in law of the king who would be gracious enough to marry off his sister to him. He has the ministers in his fingertips, and if the King were to kill him over a bird, it would just prove what they and history have been thinking : That he’s a tyrant and a wolf dog who’s only good at killing people. He’s early into his reign and it would certainly build up a reputation that would not get him respect from the ministers.On top of that this was a guy that blamed himself for killing his brother for years.

And that’s exactly why Soo stops him. Sure she doesn’t want Wook to die, but also doesn’t want So to be remembered only as a bloody king. But this riles up his suspicion and Jealousy and increases his paranoia more than anything else.Next we have Jung , who finally has a chance to use his decree. He goes to Soo, who basically says what she’s been saying all along. That she wants to leave and there’s no hope for their relationship.She’s honest with him and even confesses her hate.He again doesn’t listen to her and walks away, vowing he’ll never let her go.

And it finally allows Yeonhwa to execute her plans meticulously and for Wook to have his revenge. Wook confesses his past relationship with Soo, and it literally turns his brain upside down.He cannot believe the woman he loves used to love his enemy and she still sticks up for him. And it’s all it takes for his paranoia to sweep in and convince himself that she has never loved him and it was all Wook. He says he’ll never see her again and agrees to let her out of the palace.

I guess his actions after this split truly exhibit the many layers of his characters: his insecurity, his hypocrisy, pride ,vulnerability and jealousy. Insecurity in his feelings for Soo, that she loves someone more than him. That she never loved him and has abandoned him.Jealousy in the fact that she loved and married someone else.I guess these overwhelming emotions make him really vulnerable, and that’s what makes him cry, and still keeps tabs on her, because despite all the anger and hatred , he cannot forget her.

Besides, we cannot discuss his aspects of villainy without discussing his childhood, which is really the cusp of where it all begin. Personally, I think he only survived because he’s Wang So. He Fought back.He never let anyone disrespect him,and he found his own way to derive respect. I think he deliberately improved on his skills, from combat to education, he improved because he wanted to prove to everyone that’s he much more than what they think. He doesn’t care for people. He only cares for his people. He’s only selfless towards those he cares about.

And that’s where his final and most darkest qualities surface: his pride and hypocrisy.All of his actions, from the beginning to the end, have been influenced by his “pride”. There’s no denying that it’s a big part of his character and the writer made it clear from the get go. We cannot say if it’s because of his traumatic childhood, and how he was treated as a hostage or it really is a underlining element of his personality, but Wang So is all about proving thing this to people. Proving that he is someone who’s much better what they think and getting back at them for putting him through what they did. It’s Soo that makes him see that power can be something more . That it can be used to do something more and help people. It’s she who makes him selfless.

But with that pride and pent up anger, he has this side of him that’s bit of an hypocrite. Why else do you think he’s able to continuously make excuses for all his actions, from the beginning? I’m not sure if it’s because he’s him or hypocrisy is a dominant gene that gets passed on to every member of the Goryeo Royal family and runs fresh in their veins , but just like all of them, he’s an hypocrite. He only sees his side of things.

He blames Soo for leaving him , but he left her as well. Two years prior, and even now. He accuses her of not trusting him and not understanding him , but as we can see , he’s the one with trust issues and he’s the one who misunderstood her feelings. He spies on her and assumes she never loved him , and really, this time he cannot blame anyone else but himself for his actions. It’s because of these actions that they have such a painful separation. He’s so involved with himself at this point , that besides seeing only his side of things, he views himself someone who’s wronged, but he never sees how much he’s actions hurt and affect the ones he’s loved .

There’s no denying that that throne makes him very vulnerable that his insecurities and guard go up times higher , making him isolate people even more. But it’s what makes him such a hypocrite , because he can only see his side of things and excuse anything he does. Especially now that he’s a king , he believes his judgement is better than everyone. Besides, anyone in a position of power, have to be a bit of an hypocrite to begin with. The trick is to not let it completely consume you. But it does and it isolates him, and its what causes him to shut himself from everyone.

In retrospect, I still vehemently hold on to my view that it was best for Hae Soo to leave the palace.With his tunnel vision, once again he never sees the danger he puts Soo in. He tells Soo that she would be his only Queen, but he says the same thing to Yeonhwa to make her give up on her brother. But he doesn’t see that she expects to have him all to herself and be his “only queen”. So when he plans on making Soo his “second queen” and she has a child on the way, how did he think Yeonhwa will react? With open acceptance and genuine Joy? He’s so blind to her problems and caught up in his struggle, it does not even occur to him how there’s no hope for her in the palace.

All of this problems arise because of all the reasons that I’ve discused in detail. I’m not denying Hae Soo has a part in it, but this is a post focusing on Wang So’s flaws. It’s because he’s possessive, stubborn, arrogant and ignorant that he reaches the conclusion that she never loved him, believes the words of a random spy and spies on her and sees what he wants to see.

There is this thing where people always compare his love to Jung’s and argue that Jung loved better, because he didn't expect anything in return.I would like to remind them that there was a time and Soo didn’t reciprocate Wang so’s feelings and he was ready to sacrifice everything for her. He would drink poison for her. But it all changed when she started loving him back. It’s hard predict how Jung would’ve been if she reciprocated his feelings, but I’m sure he wouldn't’ t have been the same. But where his love triumphs over So is in the respect he had for her as a person. Jung respected Soo. He respected her choices, her likes and her personality. Whereas,So only agreed with aspects of her personality and disagreed with the rest. He never respected or understood her as a whole. There was no acceptance of her as whole. His love is great but it’s also very suffocating, because there’s no space for her as a whole , flawed person. In his love there’s only space for the Soo he wants her to be: kind, understanding, fun, naive,loyal, and smart. But the stubborn, arrogant, independent, impulsive Soo that can argue back and make her own decisions ? Let’s just say there’s a reason her never listens to her in the first place.

Which is why when the news of her death reaches him and he reads the letters, The consequences of his actions finally hit and the reality is so cruel he cannot handle it. Which is why he is in so much denial,that he is rushing in the hopes of seeing her one last time. But this time, he’s simply too late.

And this was partly a consequence of his own actions, but it finally hits him: He’s all alone now.He finally understands Hae Soo and longs for her.

The thing is, it wouldn’t have ended up all like this if he had listened to her or apologised. But like mentioned above, all his insecure,dark qualities come together, and bring out his worst self.

But ironically, that’s exactly what Goryeo needed at the time.They needed a king who’s stubborn, not easily influenced and full of pride that will withstand till the end.A king who is powerful enough to push his law through, despite opposition from noble families. And now, he has more than enough reasons to influence him and push him through those decisions. From his horrible childhood to Soo, everything stood as a reason for shaping him into who he is set to become: The powerful 4th King of Goryeo.

But its sadly it’s exactly those qualities destroys his relationship with Soo. As long as he is king, she will be used as his weakness.

My main point in writing this lengthy, tedious post is because to be honest, I’ve seen way to many Wang So stans in this app, who in order to support him, bash and blame other characters for his actions, and look at him through dreamy, swoon worthy glasses. They overlook his flaws and make defences for it, but the things flaws are very much a central point of his character.

He is a passionate lover and an astute King. But he is also is an experienced and skilled warrior, a possessive and jealous man who has no problem with scheming or giving out harsh punishments.He is childish, with trust and mommy issues and he has never recovered from the scars of his childhood. All of which eventually shapes the man he becomes.

Though it’s romantic that he states he will find her wherever she is, even if he does, it won’t bring him the romance or closure he desires. Why? Because, he still has to face the consequences of his own actions. He has to answer why he never came to get her, why he thought she never loved him etc..

He has to learn from his mistakes and understand Soo better.He needs to learn to differentiate love, and to trust her more.He needs to handle his anger properly and not confuse and channel it towards Soo. He needs to respect and understand Soo better, and all of that takes time.And space. And lots of conversations and privacy.

It’s ironic but once again through on his own words, he’s set to prove himself all over again. For all the discussions on “fate”, it seems like he’s deciding his own “fate” now. Again, very heroic but the road to it is very difficult, and there’s no Hae Soo to bear the brunt of making difficult decisions anymore.

But the real question is, whether is the same qualities that drew them apart, will it lead him to her now?

I suppose that’s the roundabout irony we’re all rooting for in the end.

#kdrama #moon lovers #scarletheartryeo #scarlet heart fever #Moonlovers:Scarlet Heart Ryeo #scarlet heart ryeo #i love wang so though #wang so #lee joon gi #gwangjong #mlshr:characterstudy #mlshr #Mlshr: analysis #kdramacommentry #sayitwithme:wangsoisaflawedinduvidual

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i-love-hobbies · 3 years

Text

(This isn't an anti-Eda, anti-Lilith or anti-Bump post. Just read this fully, please!)

Murder and violence are not ok!

This whole thing started literally after s1ep2 where Eda murdered a dude on screen.

What am I talking about?

"It's just a cartoon. Don't read too much into it."

I don't have a very strong opinion on this but I'm not a fan of normalizing murder. Also "Heroes that are genocidal maniacs, kill the villain cause he's awful." sounds extremely cringe.

And why are you reading a post that analyses a part of a cartoon right now?

"Death is normal on the Boiling isles, so that makes it ok."

Woah, woah! WHAT?

If everyone used that logic, slavery would still be a thing.

Just cause it's normalized in a culture doesn't mean it's less harmful or that everyone that comes from that culture does it.

It can be used to explain someone's actions, but not excuse them.

The ignorance of context.

1. Eda's murders

First I wanna point out that it was never emotional, it was all calculated. Remember when Tibbles scammed her, she didn't attack him back. None of her kills are revenge. She has always had something to win from them.

She has murdered two people, probably more, Adegast and Tibbles.

If she didn't kill Adegast. I can see this going two ways. He would starve to death, which means she put him out of his misery or he would slowly go back to full power which ties with Tibbles.

Batman kills the Joker.

No they are not as bad as the Joker but they would have continued trying to hurt her untill they got the idea of killing Willow and Gus in their sleep. TIBBLES KNEW THEIR ADDRESS!

Also if they were willing to do this. Who knows what else they have done to other people too. By doing this she has saved more lifes than she has taken (mostly kids).

Plus this willingness to kill is probably the reason Luz can go to school. Eda's enemies know that if they become an actual treat, things won't end well.

Her enemies are criminals. They are not stupid enough to think that she is helpless without magic. Especially now that she isn't running from the law.

- Now on to almost killing Amity in s1ep5 by making Luz cheat. That was messed up but not that badly.

Witches are harder to hurt, there were healers around who would help a Blight. She saw Amity use abomination so she knew mainly her traps were gonna be activated by a non-living thing.

Luz was going to be injured if that didn't happen. Amity was not in control of her strength and I don't think Lilith thought this trough. Though both sisters would have probably intervened when this got out of hand.

She also isn't the one to force Luz into the fight as many people have said. She has never on screen forced her opinion on someone else except in s1ep9 which was to protect her from school and changed in that episode. Luz just couldn't leave cause quitting ment never being able to perform magic.

Now I know that the right thing to do here was for her to try talk things through. I'm just saying it's not as bad as it seems.

2. Eda's scamming

To get my point across I'm gonna compare it to Wordlob.

Hers is the equivalent of you trying to buy gold and getting plastic. His is the equivalent of you're desperate for a cure and he promises to give it to you and then steals all your money and leaves you to die.

You're not going to try to buy gold when your desperate are you?

Scamming can take different forms and hers is the least harmful.

And consider this, what else can she do to put food on the table with her two adopted kids, Hooty and Owlbert. She can't find a legal job, cause that would be helping Belos, she'll die before she does that and she definitely knows ways to disguise herself but that puts her at risk as well.

3. Lilith's redemption arc still works

Yes, she did murder a bird in s1ep18, but the way it talked and acted. It seemed like it was mimicking speach.

Yes, she did almost kill a child, but she has made up for it probably in that week and a half that we didn't see considering this is the Boiling isles and everything is trying to kill you.

Plus, Eda only talked about the curse, considering "You hurt Luz, you cursed me!" She is not the person who would forget about her kid.

Bonus, she did make up for it on screen as well. In s2ep2 she saved King from Eda's experiments. In s2ep3 she saved Luz and King with her ice glyphs, when she could have just left, giving time for Eda to get them out of there. If Eda didn't show up Lilith would be dead.

4. Bump's jokes

- Dissecting Luz

I don't know why everyone talks about Bump and Amity trying to dissect Luz. They weren't certain if this was going to kill her. They weren't certain if she was alive. All they knew was that the lie will be broken if this would kill her.

Yes, they did try to catch her later on, but not to kill her. They wanted to make sense of what's going on and hopefully find her parents so she gets at the very least a talk on why she shouldn't do this.

Willow just overreacted which in return made Luz do the same.

- Bump's detention room

This room is a hypnosis one. Hypnosis is a job in real life. It can be dangerous but that can also be said about therapy if the therapist is bad. Depends on who does it.

"Impressive still alive!" This is a joke.

If a hypnotic session is stopped in the middle, you'd be too relaxed to be able to move. He was fine, he just needed some time.

- Bump's add

Everything that attacked Matt was alive. He probably did something to piss them off. But yeah Bump should have done something.

- Detention track

Guys knowing what he did for Willow in s1ep3, it's obvious that he was in a lot of stress. If he did what he did in that episode regularly. You just touch an orb and byeeeeee. Then this place should have been crowded.

Plus the wall with troublemakers' names had what six names and a portrait of lord calamity. Eda left school before three decades. And that's all we got.

He was probably not gonna keep them there even though he said so. He probably wasn't even planning that.

- Grom was very messed up. I have nothing to say except I wouldn't be surprised if the Emporer's coven forces this to be a thing and refuses to send actual adults, so the kids learn from a young age or whatever.

- Same with the photomemory class.

- "Bosha got away with murder. I can't say I approve, but at least she's trying new things."

This was a joke. Bosha's parents definitely have influence. His hands are tied like usual so he has learned to make jokes out of it. Plus since when are principals responsible for what happens out of school grounds.

5. The bat queen

She is a protector of palismans and I don't think she started to kill until the government was against her (I'm talking about her cave having bones all over it.)

I can't say it's completely justified like I did with Eda. But I don't see a way out of it where palisman wouldn't be extinct.

Now let's see our vilians' behaviour

1. Adegast

He was trying to kill Eda for his business by using a child as a bait.

2. Tibbles

He almost murdered four children so his stand is revenged.

3. Piniate

Is keeping people captive and literally is making them helpless as a punishment for not writing a book.

4. Demon hunters

They were gonna trow kids off a cliff. I'm not sure why actually.

5. The cat ladies

They were kidnapping children for their cafe.

6. The "coven" inspecture

She was stealing all the magic from none other than kids for power.

7. Wordlob

Who knows how many people have died, lost their jobs and so one, cause of his scams. All for money.

8. Warden wrath

He cut Eda's head so she goes out with him. Captures people for nothing.

9. Odalia and Alador

Alador was not stopping Odalia from trying to kill Luz. In their mind this was gonna help in combination with their child abuse, with their daughter helping their business. Everything they have done for now is for their business.

They backed up when Alador saw an opportunity for THEIR BUSINESS.

10. Kikimora

She tried to murder a child, cause of jealousy. Uses her authority to make the system even worse, cause how dare them look in her direction.

11. Belos

Is abusing a child and abused Lilith. Is the reason that palisman are getting extinct. Wild magic= death sentence. Basically created a horrible authority system that has created a lot of suffering and who knows how many it has killed. Probably all for power, though we don't know completely.

#toh #the owl house #toh eda #eda clawthorne #eda the owl lady #edalyn clawthorne #the owl lady #toh lilith #lilith clawthorne #toh bump #toh bat queen #toh vilians #toh kikimora #toh belos #emporer belos #toh odalia #toh alador #toh golden guard #toh hunter

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a-smile-hides · 3 years

Text

UPTOWN - I.R.

Pairing: reader x ivar

Warnings: angst(?), death, my terrible writing because I haven’t been feeling well

Sum: Hvitserk moves his way through a snowy Kattegat where Y/N and Ivar moved to live after a heavy loss.

—

Hvitserk walked over the cold, harsh ground, pass the Great Hall, pass the different houses, and pass the market. The thick carpet of snow crunched underneath his feet as he stepped on it. The icy wind felt harsh against his face and made his braided hair dance behind him. The fur wrapped around his shoulders gave him the comforting warmth he had left behind in his own home.

Only a few people were out on the streets. Everyone chose to remain inside, warming themselves above a fire or sharing a story about the Gods. Anything was better than to face the cold weather outside. Hvitserk felt glad to be spared of their judgemental eyes. They always seemed to know when he was out...

With each step, he distanced himself from the heart of Kattegat. The narrow streets widened. The houses stood further apart uptown. They were a bit smaller, a bit more run down. But at the same time cosier, more private.

Exactly what they needed.

Uneven footsteps and a long, thin line carved in the snow as if something were dragged over the ground left a rather odd and uneven trail in the snow that could only be left behind by his younger brother and his cane.

He had been out. Again. And in this weather.

Ever since that fatal day, the people of Kattegat watched how their former king walked around the city. Never missing a day, dragging himself forward if he needed to. No cold weather, mud or rain could hold him back. Every day, they watched as he passed them. Not meeting their eyes with his jaw clenched and his face blank. Not one emotion visible. The people had not forgiven him. How could they? He was not worthy of their love or care. But as they watched how he pushed himself forwards, they felt something they thought impossible to feel for that tyrant: they felt compassion.

It was a punishment, really, those walks. Given to himself for ruining his own life. For ruining hers. For ending his.

Every day, the former king walked to the same spot. An old tree stump that now was covered in lots of snow and gave a look out to the Fjord. Once there, he sat down as if he waited for someone that would never arrive and listen to the deafening silence around him.

Ivar never liked the quiet before.

He would talk. To the quiet atmosphere around him. He would whisper words of comfort, of regret and hope, before returning to the cottage given to him by Kattegat’s new king.

Every day, Ivar walked this path alone.

Hvitserk shook his head. How long had it been? Weeks? Months?

He had seen it all crumble apart right in front of him. How his little brother went mad. How the people turned against him. How he had the best person standing beside him, and he completely ignored her. How he fell for that other woman and left the perfect one behind as he was slowly consumed in a web filled with horrible lies. And still, she remained loyal to him. She stayed and held her head up high. And after he had to flee like a coward and lost everything he had... She still loved him. And Ivar was beyond grateful for her support. He thanked the Gods, he thanked her. He knew he did not deserve this. Suddenly, having her by his side was more than enough. Power, fame, … It all meant nothing anymore.

Little clouds of hot air escaped Hvitserk’s mouth as he came to a halt before a small home. A wooden fence stood around a small garden. A few goats were standing next to each other, scratching their hooves against the ground. It wasn’t the palace she deserved to live in... but it was decent.

Hvitserk looked to the left. Where covered under the thick snow, an axe lay on the ground. Thrown there once in a fit of rage. Never picked up as the person who it belonged to never returned home.

It was a heated argument. Shouts echoed through the woods. An unknown man had gathered a crowd on a cloudy day, complaining how the two sons of Ragnar were just allowed to enter their city and live amongst them. And that the ‘great’ Ivar the Boneless, could just walk around as a free man. That he was able to get back to the life he had left behind after his horrible leadership and the riot that came out of it. The man spoke out harsh words and scattered Ivar’s pride. A young man, Ødger, was amongst the men and women standing around him and had the hardest time to contain his anger. Still, the anger blinded him, and he opened his mouth before he could hold himself back, challenging the man. Until they both agreed that words could not bring them to a solution, but a fight would.

In his blind rage, Ødger ran home, expecting to be welcomed and offered advice. But he just ran into his father’s disapproval, not understanding how his son could let this happen. How he could put his own life at risk by accepting this challenge. But still, Ivar could not ignore how his heart was warmed by his sons love and willingness to protect his pride. And so, Ivar watched how his son parted later that day to a hidden spot, unknown to most men and women in Kattegat, well informed and in his eyes ready for the battle.

Sadly, Ødger died in the fight trying to protect his father’s honour.

Y/N’s scream of anguish that echoed through the woods made even the cruellest person’s heart clench, but Ivar’s heart... It shattered. Because he knew... He knew his wife could not take another heartbreak. And yet, he did not prevent it.

Hvitserk swallowed. It was after that, that they both moved and went to live uptown. Away from the people and their eyes filled with sorrow. Away from the whispers that commanded anyone that spoke with a voice filled with hatred to have pity. To the peace and quiet, Ivar had said to her. In a vain attempt to convince her, or maybe even himself.

Ever since then, Ivar has started these walks, paining himself while he missed his son, and his heart longed for his wife. He wished each day to hear her speak once more. Because even after all of this, she stayed beside him. But to his horror, she went quiet and did not meet his eye again.

Summoning all his courage, Hvitserk walked towards their little garden, where he would often find them standing together when he visited. But as he neared the home, he followed the trail of his brother's step and saw something lying in the snow that made him breath in deeply. Ivar’s crutch. Obviously just thrown there, as he saw that the trail of uneven footsteps continued until he saw the imprint of a body that had fallen onto the snow and then dragged onward. Bending down, he took the crutch off the floor and brushed the cold snow off it. Hvitserk shook his head, fearing for what he would see when he turned the corner to enter their little garden.

His breath hitched. And he felt the crutch slip out of his hands.

The both of them were not just standing next to each other, they were sitting next to each other. In the ice-cold snow, looking at the broken fence where a couple of chickens ran around in search for food. Their shoulders almost touching. A single fur carelessly thrown over Ivar’s legs, without a doubt not doing much in providing him the comfort he should be getting.

But... Hvitserk saw them sit together.

With small steps, he neared them, torn between interrupting this moment to look after his brother’s health and letting them reconnect. But even as he stepped on the snow, that crunched loudly underneath his feet, the couple remained unfazed, as if they could not hear him.

And Hvitserk stopped moving.

If he had stepped further, he would have seen her pale face, her red eyes staring wide ahead, the tears running down her cheeks... And the hand that tightly held onto him. With her thumb running small circles on the back of Ivar’s hand in a soothing way.

If he had stepped further, he would have seen her lips move, trying to form words... Until her soft, broken voice filled Ivar’s ears, making him look up in surprise.

“It's quiet uptown”, she sighs.

Forgiveness.

Hvitserk realises and walks back. And Ivar breaks. Tears run silently over his cheek as he nuzzles his head in the crook of her neck. She does not feel the need to push him away. No. Instead, she wraps her arm around him, comforting him. Silently promising him, she would never leave his side. That they would go through this pain... together.

Hvitserk watched in awe, nodding his head at the sky. Thanking the Gods, and her, for giving his brother another chance.

—

If, by now, you guessed that this is based on the song “It’s quiet uptown” from the musical Hamilton… Then, you are right. And I love you. Sorry that this isn’t “wow”. I am not feeling well >_<

Thanks for reading xxx

Tag: @fairyofvoid @youbloodymadgenius

#vikings #vikings imagine #ivar the boneless imagine #ivar the boneless imagines #ivar the boneless x reader #ivar imagine #ivar imagines #king ivar

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bumblebeezandhoney · 3 years

Text

The King’s Feast (2)

Yandere Hoseok/Reader, Jungkook/Reader

Summary: Sir Hoseok, Guardian and Knight of the King, was the most feared and respected knight in the kingdom. He had the eyes of a viper. And I…I was a fool for realizing too late I was the apple of his eye.

Recap from Chapter I

“But would you have the audacity to fuck a concubine?” asked Sir Hoseok ever so softly as he petted his horse.

Jungkook flinched before falling at Sir Hoseok’s feet.

“Never! Never!” cried Jungkook.

Sir Hoseok rummaged through his saddlebags until he found what he was looking for. He dropped the object in front of Jungkook.

My shoes rolled in front of Jungkook’s trembling hands.

Chapter II

I didn’t know what was louder – my heart thundering in my chest or Jungkook’s labored breathing.

Sir Hoseok scoffed at Jungkook’s kneeling body.

"Where is the concubine?" asked Sir Hoseok.

A tryst had never looked like such a horrible idea until now. Regret filled my mouth like ash. I bit my lip to stop myself from crying out.

"I asked you a question," said the knight, anger in his voice.

Sir Hoseok crouched down until his nose was nearly at Jungkook’s temple. He sniffed Jungkook as if he was a dog.

“Enough with this farce. You smell like sex, boy,” said Sir Hoseok, spitting the last word.

With great hesitation, Jungkook raised his head, the lantern illuminating the stricken look of fear on his face.

“Tell her to come out. It is rude to leave a woman without shoes,” Sir Hoseok mused sardonically, the corner of his mouth curving up ever so slightly. He picked up my shoes and waved them in front of Jungkook’s sweaty petrified face.

“I do not know who those belong to, Sire,” said Jungkook, his voice coming out in a broken whisper. I held my breath and counted to ten.

This was a bad idea, this was a bad idea, this was a bad idea. Please leave, please leave, I recited in my head like a desperate prayer.

Sir Hoseok casually hit Jungkook with my shoe. Jungkook winced but stayed still.

“You do not know who these shoes belong to?” Sir Hoseok asked incredulously.

Jungkook shook his head, looking pitiful and lost.

“I supposed they appeared out of thin air,” sneered Sir the knight, ridicule dripping in his voice. He grabbed the other shoe and turned it to examine the sole. I shivered as his thumb went over the sole.

Then without warning, quick as lightning, Sir Hoseok grabbed Jungkook’s jaw. He had the reflex of a damn viper. My heart sank as Jungkook flinched in surprise. Sir Hoseok was merciless, grasping Jungkook’s jaw with such roughness. He forced Jungkook to look up into his eyes.

"At the sole of every concubine's shoe is a mark designated to show she is the property of the King. You are aware, correct?" said Sir Hoseok calmly, as if talking to a child.

"Yes, my Lord," Jungkook managed to choke out. He grimaced as Sir Hoseok’s gloved hand bit into his skin.

"Enough foolery. You are hiding the King’s concubine in a stable filled with horse shit and piss. I will not leave until she comes with me,” promised Sir Hoseok darkly.

My cheeks reddened with shame. I did not know what to do. If I exposed myself, Jungkook and I would be severely punished. I could possibly face exile. But if I remained hidden and if by some miracle this man could not find me and left, all would be well. Surely his priorities lay with the King.

I strained my ears, but I could not hear the drumming announcing the King’s Feast. How long would the King’s right-hand knight stay in a stable, squabbling with a stable boy over a concubine he could not find? A part of me knew I was feeding myself delusional hope, but I could not stop. My heart was pounding in my chest. I forced myself to breathe through my nose.

If only I made it to the concubines’ quarters in time. That was a fool’s dream now. Who was to blame in this? I did not have the heart to blame Jungkook. He acted in the heat of the moment, thinking the stables was the safest place until the commotion died down. No one was expecting the King’s Feast to be announced tonight. It was pointless to blame anyone. I closed my eyes and lay my head against the hay as if to will the man away with my mind. I cursed Sir Hoseok’s name under my breath, my hands fisting the hay in anger.

“Tell your lover to reveal herself before I burn the stables down," commanded the knight.

I let out a gasp of shock. Was this man mad? I slowly peered down, the lantern casting large, intimidating shadows around Sir Hoseok and Jungkook.

Irate at Jungkook’s silence, Sir Hoseok pushed him to the ground face first. The knight grabbed the lantern, opened it and fed it some hay. His face was unreadable as he watched the hay catch fire. He raised the burning handful of hay above Jungkook’s head.

“Sire, I beg of you to reconsider,” pleaded Jungkook, raising his hands in supplication.

Sir Hoseok ignored him. His dark eyes roamed the quarters, searching for any sign of life. Searching for me.

I hated this man. Why must he be so cruel?

Sir Hoseok dropped his arm an inch and Jungkook winced as pieces of burning hay landed on his face and clothes. I knew Jungkook to be foolish and stubborn but seeing him kneeling and shivering with fear pained me to no end.

“Come out, little flower. You must feel so ashamed. No need, come out,” cooed Sir Hoseok.

For the first time that night his voice was soft and delicate, urging me to come out as a mother would coo for her child to come out from under the bed.

Could he – no it was impossible. I crushed the thought immediately. How on earth would he know it was me?

It was folly to stay hidden. I could no longer watch Jungkook beg and plead until every nook and cranny was searched.

With great trepidation I cleared my throat and slowly exposed my hiding place. Two pair of eyes were on me as I brushed off the hay from my hair and dress. I crawled to the ladder, my arms trembling. My feet ached as I climbed down the ladder with deliberate slowness. The sensations of pins and needles shot up my legs and made me wince. My descent was met with heavy silence.

I stood before the two men, my bare feet planted firmly on the ground. I clasped my hands in front of me to stop myself from shaking. My eyes were trained to the ground. I was the perfect picture of submission. Could I somehow fool the Knight of the King?

I refused to look at anyone, most importantly Jungkook. I knew I would burst into tears. I felt the weight of Sir Hoseok’s burning gaze. Shivers ran down my spine. Did he recognize me? I did not want to meet his eyes. This was a cold man. I knew begging and pleading would do nothing to sway him. I felt anger rise to my throat. Who did he think he was?

With a palace as big as this and with the King as old as he was, it was not uncommon for concubines to have trysts – with knights, priests, stable boys. The unspoken rule was no one knew if you were discreet.

What kind of ill luck had befallen me that it was not Sir Chanyeol or Sir Mark that had discovered us? The night would have ended on a lighter note. I could imagine Sir Chanyeol drunk with one concubine on each arm, loudly berating me for my lack of stealthiness. Or Sir Mark teasing Jungkook about his manners and performance while erupting in his famous boisterous, infectious laugh.

Out of all the knights, it had to be Sir Hoseok who discovered us. The man did not fornicate, get drunk or gamble. I doubt he even slept.

The sound of clapping broke the deafening silence and my musings. My shoulders stiffened in shock. Was he mocking me?

I glared openly at the knight’s muddied boots, humiliation burning in my veins. My plan of feigning humility long forgotten. I have been humiliated and embarrassed in this cursed palace more times than I can say. I had had enough.

“Shall I applaud you for your excellent service to the King?” I bit out before I could help myself.

The clapping stopped.

“Do explain,” said Sir Hoseok, his tone deceptively light.

My eyes trailed up to his knees, covered in silver armor that shined in the weak lantern light.

“Surely the King’s best knight has other important things to do than interrogating a stable boy and concubine on a night such as this,” I inquired, my tone neutral. I could hear Jungkook sigh to my left.

Within moments Sir Hoseok was standing mere inches before me. Heat emanated from his body; he was like a burning furnace. A gloved hand lifted my stubborn chin and our eyes met. All expression was gone from Sir Hoseok’s face. He was so cold, it was as if he was made of stone. I saw no light in his pupils.

The rage and humiliation I felt moments before that burned my body sniffed out like a candle. Reality settled deep in my bones, and an overwhelming sense of sadness overcame me. This was how everything was going to end.

I lowered my gaze, and my eyes began to water as I glared at his armored chest. The engraved insignia on his breast plate blurred in front of me, mocking my predicament and my status. This was a slap to the face. Here stood a man of power, a man who had everything – riches, loyal men, the ear of the king. And here stood I – a foolish concubine young enough to want more but old enough to know better, with nothing more than an angry tongue and a lustful stable boy. The odds could not be less in my favor.

But I refused to cower. I looked up to see him staring down at me from the tip of his aquinine nose. How many men and women had he stared down before slaughtering them? Would he be crazy enough to slaughter me tonight?

From my periphery I saw his hand raise to the side of my face. For the briefest moment I wondered if he meant to strike my face. His hand froze in midair before removing a stray piece of hay tucked in my hair.

“Why don’t you tell the King yourself, sweet one,” offered Sir Hoseok in a low voice, lost in thought as he rubbed the hay between his fingers.

My stomach dropped. This was not the first time I heard that nickname.

“We are both tied to the King one way or another. He will be the one to judge your loyalty,” he nodded to Jungkook who was hovering in the background. “And mine.” He added as an afterthought.

Before I could react, he grabbed my forearm with a vice-like grip and dragged me to his waiting horse. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Jungkook follow with slow, tentative steps.

“Stay where you are, boy. I will find you tomorrow morning,” promised Sir Hoseok.

Jungkook blanched at the order.

Sir Hoseok grabbed me by the waist. I was hoisted on his saddle before I could even contemplate his strength. I stared in amazement at his strength. His horse was still as if he understood the severity of the situation. Sir Hoseok hoisted himself behind me and held me unabashedly close as he took the reins and nudged his horse. I could feel his cold armor through my sweat dampened dress.

In a blink of an eye, we were outside under the stars. I refrained from looking back. It would do no good for me now.

I squirmed in his hold, the midnight air cold and unforgiving.

“Do not call me ‘sweet one’,” I said between clenched teeth.

“When you meet the King, you may judge who is the most fearsome, him or I,” reminded Sir Hoseok into my ear, ignoring me. I shivered and held my tongue.

The silence was so burdensome. I could only think of poor Jungkook, standing alone in the stables.

AN: I hope this wasn’t boring *crying emoji*. Thank you to everyone who read this story so far. We’ll get a lot more interaction between YN and Sir Hoseok in the next chapters. I didn’t want her to like him rightaway lol. And I haven’t forgotten about poor Jungkook. I’m really happy and overwhelmed by the love I’ve gotten. Have a happy and safe 2021!

Please like, comment and/or reblog <3

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kittehkwrites-backup · 4 years

Text

You Believe That?

Summary: This draft was based on this gif

Images and gifs aren’t mine

Warning: Sad, mentions of blood, bit of fluff near the end.

A/N: As I said, which ever number is commented first, I’ll post it. This is #4 from my drafts.

Thanks to the anon for replying.

You were able to get to Erik and T’Challa but the sight broke you.

Erik. On his knees. The barbed spear rammed in his chest.

You wanted to scream but you pushed to him faster running towards the two at a speed that resembled a track star.

“Baby?”

You heard him sniffle before his head moved slightly in your direction.

“No. Stop. I’ll come round so you don’t have to move. Ok?

He still jerked his head and released a grunt as an indication to him saying he understood.

You saw the look on his face.

Pain. Hurt. Sadness

“Hey Princess. Who let you down here?” He still managed to put that silly smirk on his face but you could still see the pain in his eyes. It didn’t help that you saw the few tears running down his face either.

You wanted to laugh at him but his voice scared you even more then before. You’re baby was hurt and you didn’t know what to do.

“Baby. You’ll be ok. Alright? We’ll get you some hel-” You had started wiping the tears off his face. Your head turning from his pained expression to the face of the undead king, his cousin, T’challa. Your eyes pleading to the king for an answer as to what to do in this situation.

Before you could finish your sentence he placed his hand over yours which had moved down to the one near his chest- “No need for that.”- he cut in and squeezed your hand.

“Huh?” You almost fell down from your kneeling position next to him.

In that moment you felt like your whole world was crashing down.

To hear the man you love talk as if he was finished living when he was in a land where technology was so advanced you were sure they would figure out what to do in order to save him.

You watched as his head raised and his eyes pierced yours with that final glare he had when he made his mind up. You heard his gruff voice release the low toned utterance -“You heard me”- before looking down at his chest seeing more blood come out and staying his tactical suit.

“Eri-”this time it was T’challa who spoke to the wounded man.

He wanted to save his cousin. He knew he wasn’t at fault in a way and that if given another chance, things would be different.

He didn’t want to continue this generational destruction which his father had stated with his own uncle.

“Don’t say shit to me.” His voice wasn’t exclamatory. It was a final statement to those that heard. He didn’t want to hear anything else from the one who did this to him, eventhough he knew he set these events in motion. He just wanted him to feel guilty once he heard the roughness in his voice.

When Erik looked back into your eyes was when the damn broke. The tears came down his face uncontrollable like a waterfall. An unstoppable force and it was you that brought that emotion out of him.

Not the spear in his chest. Not the fact that his dad was killed by his uncle. Not that a promise from his youth was broken before the ink could dry on the page of his fathers journal. No it wasn’t any of that.

It was you.

“He promised he was gonna show it to me one day....” All you could do was hold him the best you could without causing more pain to him or be the reason more blood was to pour out of the wound.

You knew this was tough to confess, even without the spear in his chest you knew this was something hard to talk about for him. You were the only one he’d open up to when you were growing up.

He sniffled before continuing, knowing you’d stay silent and knowing his cousin would feel even more like an ansshole then he himself felt during this whole ordeal. “You believe that? A kid from Oakland running around and believing in fairytales” His voice watery but his face attempting to show the comical disbelief that he himself even believers that at his young age.

“Baby. You can’t just give up. Ok?” You heard as his breathe grew shaken and watched as his inhales were getting shorter. This was hurting him and you knew you couldn’t do much for him if he didn’t want you to. The saying you can take a horse to the water but you can’t force it to drink was something you knew best fit Erik’s persona. If he didn’t want to, you couldn’t force him. You’d be able to attempt to convince him otherwise you’d just be there silenced by his final resolve on a matter.

“I ain’t giving up” The cough that came from his throat after, the small dribble of blood on the side of his mouth that appeared, made you tear up even more at watching the “love of your life”, as he would say, die in your arms.

“Yes you are” Now it was your turn to have the wavering voice at watching him sit there instead of getting the help he knew would be available to him if he really wanted it

“Baby girl, liste-”

“No you listen. I love you, okay?”

“I can’t lose you. You’re all I got left. I need you to get better for yourself instead of finding the easy way out, okay?” She had a fake smile on her face to persuade him to think about what he was doing and who he was leaving behind.

You weren’t trying to sound selfish. But you couldn’t lose him. You just knew it’d be too much to take on.

“Yea you may have done wrong, but you’re here now. You’re here and you have that family your younger self would’ve dreamt of.” Your hold on him tighter as you held the eye contact with him.

“The sunsets you said your dad promised you? It’s here and we’ve watched them since the time we’ve arrived here.” Each time you spoke, your voice grew softer from fighting the full on breakdown that was sure to ensue in that moment.

“Baby. There may be punishment but at least they’ll understand.” He knew that tone of voice.

She was negotiating with a stubborn man. Bargaining with the devil, if you may.

“Just don’t leave me. Please?” She was gripping him harder. His sight clouded by the tears he had no control of at the sound of his girl in distress over him.

“Please don’t leave us” a whisper and her face coming closer to his at the way he only looked forward, as if he had made up his mind and was ignoring her completely.

She didn’t like that and he knew that but it was getting to be too much for him.

His sight was going and he kept seeing this bright light. It was getting to him and so he asked out loud- “Why is it so bright?”- voice soft and would’ve gone unheard had your cries been any louder or the carriers been passing during that time.

“Erik?” You had heard him and sniffled before finally looking into his face and seeing the faraway look he was sporting.

“Erik?!” The panic in her voice made his eyes turn to her before they completely rolled back and all she could see was the white of his eyes, head dropped back and body limped.

“Baby?! Baby wake up!” You shook him at the realisation that he passed out with an essentially life threatening, critical wound, in an underground transportation area.

T’challa could barely watch the heart wrenching scene in front of him between the two, yet he was quick to jump at the change in your voices pitch and tone. On one knee he gripped the shoulders of the beefy male who had fallen on to you, raising his voice-“Do not close your eyes cousin!”- taking the dead weight of his cousins body off of your shaken form.

“Baby?” You still followed the movement of eriks body, even if T’challa did raise him up off of you, you still wanted to be near him. He was your person. You didn’t want the last moments he had to be of you crying over him and pleading for him to stay.

The voices became harder to focus on for Erik.

It was as if he was underwater and he could hear the muffled sounds, the blood pumping in his ears and a sharp ringing was the last thing he heard before his eyes completely rolled back and the last thing he remembered seeing was your face with tears running down your cheeks in panic.

Beep

The groan he released was so dry and soft but you heard it and rushed to his side once you saw him attempting to move.

Then he felt the presence of someone near hun and heard the voice that reminded him of a time in his life where he was at peace.

“Relax big guy” You grabbed his hand and watched as he turned to you, confusion on his face at not only the room he was in but why you were there also.

“Here. Have some water” The contemplative expression on his face gave you enough time to grasp onto any pending tears and handed him the water near his bed side which you had got for yourself, but now was of more use to him then you.

“I know you said you didn’t want any help, but when your eyes rolled back, I couldn’t help but ask him to bring you here so they could at least try and save you” it was the way your voice sounded to meek and wobbly that his eyes softened at the sight of you.

At that moment Erik saw his cousin come through the door with his sister and mother who now came near his bed.

“How are you feeling cousin?” T’Challa approached him slowly and cautiously. Understanding that it may be overwhelming to just wake up and be surrounded by people.

“Like shit.” his voice came out hoarse and deep. Almost as if he was just waking up.

You pinched his hand and he let out a sharp hiss to you before turning and seeing that tight smile on your face, telling him to behave.

“What?” The small whine he let out made you want to hug him but slap him at the same time because of his snarky nature.

You couldn’t help but roll your eyes at the mans antics.

“Queen mother. Shuri. I can leave if you would want to talk to him alone” Unlike your man who was near death yet still rude after the fact he’s survived, You were going to continue to be respectful towards the royal family, the family that Erik is apart of.

“Oh nonsense. You are practically family” Romonda still had that motherly aura to her even after the events that took place. Just like her son, she knew it was not entirely Erik to blame for the fight which broke out.

“Where you goin?” Erik kept his sight on them until he felt your hand moving away from his. The warmth you brought leaving slowly and he didn’t like that.

“To mind the business that pays me.” You kept that smile on your face and he knew it was a look that read ‘don’t play with me’.

“She hasn’t left your side since you have been in here.” His aunts voice broke the stare off between the couple and she could see how Erik’s eyes brightened slightly at the mention of his girl staying by his side. Even if wasn’t for long, she was still there and that’s all he cared about.

He then looked at you, spotting the little differences in your face compared to the last time he saw you.

You had a certain glow and softness that he hadn’t seen before with you. It made him ask the next question, no regard to those in the room with him.

“When you said don’t leave us, who’s us?” His voice was lowered slightly and not as harsh as when he was responding to the King.

“Uh” the look in your eyes made him hold your hand tighter as he knew you’d probably distance yourself once the question left his mouth.

“We can leave, if you’d like?” Shuri’s voice came out and it took your attention away from Erik to her breifly before he was able to bring your face back towards his.

“Princess?” He was looking deep in your eyes again.

Intense. Everything was intense with him. That energy was so dominating when directed to you that you couldn’t help but look away, your interlocked hands more interesting then his brown orbs.

“Us as in me and the life I’m carrying” You were unsure of the outcome to your response so your voice was soft and near to a child that had been caught taking from the sweet jar.

The look on his face was priceless as he watched you place your smaller hand over his and bringing it to your rounding belly which he had yet to notice, under one of his looser shirts.

“Us?” He asked again but this time, hopeful. His eyes were shining like diamonds.

“Us.” You repeated with some more certainty in your tone. No sense in being afraid when he seemed so hopeful rather than scared or disgusted.

The two stared into eachothers eyes, having their moment before hearing an excited voice

“So what I’m hearing is there will be a baby in the palace?!”

“Shuri!”

“Sorry mother” the young Princess couldn’t help but jump up and hug you even after being scolded by her mother. The news was just too good to hold her squeals in.

You couldn’t help but laugh at the young girl.

“Aye back up.” The sharpness laced in eriks voice made Shuri detach from you so quickly. All of you turning to him, unsure of the reason for his outburst since he knew that the young girl wouldn’t harm you in anyway.

“Carrying precious cargo in there” The eye roll energy was strong in that room.

You kissed your teeth before lightly slapping his arm and placing your arm over the youngests shoulders, bringing her closer to eriks bed and on the other side, T’Challa and Queen Mother did the same.

The closeness and family Erik craved as a child was now in his grasp, it was even better that he was having children of his own with the love of his life which made the moment even sweeter.

And since then, the bond of the udaku royal family became stronger with the coming of the youngest member, or members you should say, Jhayda and Joseph Udaku-Stevens. Born in august to the newly married couple Prince N’jadaka and Princess Y/N Udaku-Stevens.

After 13hrs of labour, the twins were born.

“Hey mommies babies.” The sight almost made you tear up. The added hormones weren’t helping but it was a cute sight.

“Welcome to the world.” Hovering over the bassinets stood Eriks hulking stature to the small newborns swaddled.

“Who would’ve thought.” You couldn’t help but move closer to them, and moving the little knit caps over their heads down more. Their soft breathing let you know that they were out of it.

“I knew we would’ve made some cute ass babies. Look at them. Bout to be some heartbreakers.” You couldn’t help but let out a snort at your husbands little monologue

“Erik.” The look you gave him made him chuckle.

He stopped when he heard the deep inhale of Jhayda, looking back at her as she stared up at him. Mouth moving yet not open and so he figured she was sucking on her tongue.

He picked her up and handed her to you before getting his son and holding him in his arms as he moved to sit near your thighs on the bed.

“I know. You hungry huh?” You said as you fixed yourself to feed the baby girl.

“I’m a father.” You heard your husband say as he watched his little boy in his arms. So enthralled by the little person that was made of you and he.

“Got two kids already and a beautiful wife.” He kept on going as you continued to feed your daughter and softly brush the top of her head as a calming tactic to help get her back to sleep faster.

You watched the tears coming to his eyes once you heard the sniffle coming from the man.

“You believe that?” His voice came out watery as he brought the baby closer to his face, angling him so that their foreheads touched but still supporting his neck and being careful to not drop him.

“Yes.” You said, watching the man you love, your husband, hold your first born son in his hands while you fed his first born daughter.

He moved up closer, you moving to give him more space near you and your baby girl, so you could both watch over them.

Guess I did have a right to believe in fairytales. He looked at you watching over the two newest additions to the family.

This is my happy ending. He thought as he saw your eyes closing. He placed your son in the bassinet first before reaching for your daughter and placing her near her brother.

Once they were settled, he made his way back to you and got in the bed with you and take a nap.

Who would believe the lonely kid from Oakland would have such a beautiful family? He thought before kissing your crown and shutting his eyes.

Hope you guys like this:)))

I’m trying to get back into writing and so this is my first short so leave feedback or like&reblog if you liked it.

Love you and hope y’all are staying safe and healthy during these times.

-K❤️

#black!reader #marvel #black reader #killmonger x oc #erik killmonger #erik stevens #black panther #erik stevens x reader

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