#cliffhanger queen

[andydrysdalerogers]

Yours Submissively ~ Devious

Steve Rogers X OFC Isabella Davis

Summary: Five Years after the events of Civil War, Steve Rogers has moved on from avenging and has started his own business, Grant Inc. He has a secret that would turn his world upside down. And he's good at keep that secret. Until he meets the woman with violet eyes that could bring him to his knees. Now his mission is to make her, his. But she is the key that could bring the world into balance... or chaos.

And she has no idea.

Series Warnings: slow burn at the beginning, smut, angst, sexual themes of BDSM, dom/sub dynamics, kidnapping, loss of virginity, (and a bunch of others that will come up)

A/N: the taglist is open! Only six episodes left!

Dividers by @firefly-graphics

Banners by me!

I do NOT give permission for my work to be translated or reposted on here or any other site, even if you give me credit. DO NOT REPOST MY FICS. Reblogs, comments, likes, and feedback ALWAYS appreciated

Previous: Incinta

Series Masterlist ~ Main Masterlist

Ring! 

Ring! 

“Hello?” 

“Hi Sharon, its Steve.”  

“Steve?” 

“Yeah, sorry to call. I just needed someone to talk to.”  

“Oh, is there a problem?” 

Steve sighed.  “Belle left.  She found out I was lying to her and she left.”  

“What about Bucky?” 

“He left as well.  Something about being on her side.  Haven’t heard from him.”  

“I’m so sorry Steve.  What can I do?” 

“Can we meet?  I just need a friend.”  

“Of course.  The club? Ten PM?” 

“I’ll be there Sharon.  And thank you.  I know we left it on bad terms.”  

“Its ok.  I know it wasn’t you.  See you in a few hours.”  

“Bye Sharon.”  

“Bye Steve.”  Sharon hung up and turned to a sobbing and gagged Belle.  “I knew he would come back to me. He always does.” She does a little dance and spin. 

Belle thrashed in her chair, screaming against the gag. She couldn’t believe what she heard.  Her Steve wouldn’t leave her like this. The tears streamed down her face.  

“We’re ready for her to be examined.” Beck came in to see Belle a mess of tears.  “What did you do to her?” 

“Nothing, just had a call she didn’t like,” Sharon smirked.  

“Oh,” Beck feigned interest, “from who?” The couple cackled at Belle’s sobs. “Get over it sweetheart,” Beck snarled. “We have some test to conduct to make sure you are at top notch condition.  I’m gonna make sure that you make as many heirs as possible for HYDRA.” He lowered his face to look her straight in the eye.  “I’ve always wanted a big family,” he whispered to her.  Belle thrashed as two goons came to carry her out to the exam room.  

“I need to meet with Steve in a couple of hours.  You good here?” Sharon asked.  

“Yeah, I’m good.”  Beck turned away from her.  

“What is up your ass?” 

“The fact that you just want to move on from me to Rogers.”  

“Listen baby, the only way this plan works is if I get close enough to Steve that we can slip him the poison.  We get the Avengers focused on saving his life, then we can do with Belle whatever we want. Baby, you know I’m yours.” She kissed him lightly on the lips. He grabbed the back of her neck and kissed her harder, shoving his tongue in her mouth.  

“Got it,” Bucky smirked as Steve hung up.  “They are utterly moronic. They are in an old HYDRA base, 20 miles north.  I know it well.”  

“Ok then we go,” Steve stood up. 

“We have to think about this,” Sam says.  

“NO! We are talking about my family.  My wife, my baby!” 

“We get that Steve,” Nat says rubbing his arms. “We are going to get them back.  But if we just barrel in there, they could kill us or worse, her.  Let’s just plan it out.”  

Bucky pulled the blueprints up.  “The base only has one level above ground.  When HYDRA fell, it had been abandoned, I checked.  However, I just checked local police and there have been reports of activity on the property. When checked, nothing is there, which tells me that they are working strictly underground.”  

“If they are underground then how was I able to connect to Sharon?” Steve asked.  

“That tells me that they are only one level down, which is good for us.”  Bucky tapped the screen.  “There is a secondary entrance that does directly to the second level of the bunker. Right below where they would be.  That’s where I suggest we enter. Should be fairly easy to infiltrate and extract.”  

“The tests they are going to want to run for fertility take three hours to run once it hits the machine,” Bruce explained.  “That’s our time frame.”  

“What if they do a standard pregnancy test?” Natasha asked. 

“Let’s hope they are stupid enough to skip it,” Tony grimaced.  

Steve looked at his team, his family.  “Three minutes, get what you need.”  

Belle kept trying to move her arm to stop the doctor from drawing blood.  He could see Beck’s jaw tick with frustration.  “Stop moving, you brat!”  He reached over and slapped her. He grabbed her chin.  “This is going to happen so unless you want the needle to go straight through your arm, stop moving.”  

Belle cried as they held her arm down to take what felt like two pints of blood.  “It should take a few hours Dr. Beck.”  

“Good, once we have the results, then the seduction can begin,” he commented.  

As the team headed to the jet, Steve stopped.  “Shit, what about Sharon?” 

“I will take care of it, Captain,” Vision said.  He transformed his body into Steve’s.  

“Ok, that’s weird,” Sam said.  

Steve stared at himself.  “Uh, ok.  The club is in Manhattan, corner of 3rd and 73rd.  House number is 373. The password to get in is Gemini.” Vision nodded and made his way out.  “Vision, you understand that…” 

“I must be rude about Miss Belle, yes I know.  Please know that while I am not comfortable with lying, I will do this to protect your family.  If you listen on comms, it is merely a ruse.”  

“Thank you, Vision.” Steve watched the android fly out of the tower.  He looked at the team.  “This is gonna work right?” 

Tony looked at him with concern. “Of course,” without sounding confident.  

“Great.” 

Quinten Beck couldn’t believe the luck he was having.  He found the HYDRA heir, putting into place a decade worth of research and longing to create a new Hydra. He had an hour to go before the results would be completed. All he wanted was to avenge his family.  The battle of New York took everything from him.  His whole family had been visiting the city when the aliens descended.  He survived by luck alone.  He had been in the store, buying something for his sister when a piece of building landed outside. It took days to recover the bodies of his parents, sister and fiancé.  

At first, Beck threw himself into work, trying to find ways to control incoming threats.  But Stark refused, saying that Stark Industries no longer created weapons.  Beck didn’t make a weapon but a way to stop incoming threats.  He was fired, throwing him into a tailspin.  He did research on the side as he worked menial jobs to keep afloat. Until he was able to create a false identity and get in with AIM.  

Beck snorted to himself at the thought.  Aldridge Killian was an arrogant piece of shit, but his work led Beck to finish his work. Now, if he held all the cards, the heirs of HYDRA, he could be unchallenged. He could control the world.  

He walked down to the cell holding the princess of HYDRA, the beautiful Isabella.  She was huddled in the corner, tear tracks down her cheeks, her violet eyes ringed in red. When Beck entered, she curled up more, trying to protect herself.  He kneeled next to her. “You know princess, your husband is the main reason you are here.  I would have been found but it just makes it sweeter to take what’s his.”  

“Don’t call me princess,” Belle whispered.  

“I’ll call you whatever the fuck I want. You know maybe I want a taste of what I have stolen.”  He licked his lips.  “See why the Captain chose you.” He pushed her down on the bed and lifted the gown to expose her to him.  His fingers dipped below her panties and swiped roughly at her slit. Belle screamed at the touch, so foreign to her.  Beck brought his fingers to his lips, rolling his eyes and moaning.  “So delicious. I’ll be back princess.” 

The team landed half a mile from the bunker to avoid alerting anyone of their approach.  Steve placed the shield on his back but kept his helmet off.  He wanted Beck to see him when he tore him apart.  How dare this man put his hands on his wife, his baby. He clenched his fist as Bucky took over to assign the teams.  

“Sam, you and Nat go to the front.  Make sure no one escapes that way.  Tony, Wanda, you will be back up to us.  Steve, you, me, Peter and Clint will go in together and split up to sweep. After the entrance, it splits two ways. Peter Clint, take the right and we’ll go right.  Then we can head up the stairs to the level where Belle is at.  Once we clear the second, Tony, Wanda, head on it.”  

“Take down anyone you meet,” Steve instructed.  “Except for Beck.”  

“Cap, maybe…” Sam started. 

“He’s mine,” Steve continued, ignoring Sam.  “If you find Belle, get her out, no matter what.”  

Bucky nodded.  “Let’s move out.” He let Steve walk out and stopped Sam.  “I’ll watch him.  I won’t let him lose himself.” Sam nodded as he followed his wife.  

The team enter with precision, sweeping the second floor, confirming it was empty as Bucky had predicted. “Cap, I’m sensing someone coming down the stairs,” Peter said over the comms.  

“Ok, Peter, Clint, hang back and have cover. Buck, right side,” Steve whispered into the comms. They took positions just as they heard footsteps on the stairs.  Two HYDRA agents rounded the corner, chatting.  Bucky grabbed on into a choke hold while Steve slammed his shield into another, knocking both out. Peter webbed them to a pole and the team moved up the stairs. 

Bucky flipped on his infrared on his rifle. “I see three on the first room on the right, two on the left.  There are only five rooms on this floor.”  

“Ok, Stark, Wanda, have you entered?” 

“Just entering the second floor now,” Tony responded.  

“Ok, we wait for backup,” Steve says.  He knows.  He knows he needs help to get to his wife no matter how anxious he is to get to her.  They needed to get to her alive and unharmed and charging into this battle would be detrimental to her safety.  As he waits for backup his mind drifted to a conversation he had with her when they were getting to know each other so long ago.  

“The world is safe again.  They don’t need Captain America.  So, I moved to business.  I was good in school with numbers. And people.”   “Would you?”  “Would I what?”  “Pick up the shield again?”  “Only if I needed to.”   “Like?”  “To save someone I love.”   Belle chewed on her pita to contemplate that. “So not to save the world?”   “Is my loved one there?”  “I guess so.”  “Then I guess I would save the world. Again.”  

He lifted the shield and placed it back on his back.  He would do anything to save her, and it meant saving the world. Tony and Wanda appeared behind them and the six of them looked into the hallway.  “One team, one door,” Steve instructed.  

They cleared four rooms quickly, when Steve heard a blood-curling scream from the last door.  It took Clint, Tony and Bucky to hold Steve back from rushing into the room.  “Wanda,” Bucky said, “form a shield.  Tony, Clint, if you get a clean shot, fire.  Peter, be ready to web up any escaping enemy.  Steve, look at me.” Steve turned his face to his best friend.  “Our priority is to get to Belle.  This is the biggest room. She’ll probably be in the back.  Ready?” 

Steve nodded and put his shield in front of them.  “Bucky?” 

“We have this punk. We are going to get them back.”  

Them.  

His wife and his baby.  

Wanda put her shield up and used her magic to open the door.  Shots began to hit the shield as Tony flew in and fired at the HYDRA agents. A couple stumbled out as Clint disarmed them. After a minute, the shooting stopped and Steve entered, Bucky right behind.  As an agent appeared, they were taken down. As smoke cleared, Steve saw her.  Her violet eyes red rimmed, a hand on her throat. She gasped when she saw him, but the hand tightened, making her whimper.  

“God, I love that sound,” Beck taunted. “Does she make that noise for you Captain? Bet I can make her do them louder and more often.”  

Steve clenched his fist and jaw.  “Let her go.”  

“See, I can’t do that,” Beck shook his head. “I need her to build the HYDRA empire. Just needed 15 more minutes for all the results.  I guess now, either you can watch her die or she can watch while I torture and kill you.”  

“Would you really injure a woman who is pregnant?” Steve asked.  He watched as Belle’s eyes widen.  She thought back to her visit with Bruce.  She thought it was just a bug, but Bruce wanted to make sure it wasn’t any side effects from her attempted kidnapping.  She didn’t dream that she would be pregnant.  

Beck’s eyes flamed with rage.  “No, Sharon would have told me if you… the test will confirm…” 

“You did a blood test but not a urine test,” Belle whispered.  Beck grabbed her throat tighter, and Steve took a small step forward.  

“Watch what you do Captain.  I have no problem tearing her throat out. Sharon said you were waiting to have a family.” Beck snorted. “Knew I should have killed that bitch. She said you told her you were waiting for a family.”  

It was Steve’s turn to snort.  “I knew she had been spying. Glad all that false information she got from Devon was worth it.”  Steve looked at his girl and smiled. “I knew she was up to something, my love.”  

“God, I’m going to throw up,” Beck sneered. He drew his weapon and pressed the barrel against Belle’s temple. “You have two options Captain.  Walk away, let me raise your baby to be the head of HYDRA or I kill your girl, your child and then you two.” He cocked the gun. “What do you say?” 

“Neither of those things are going to happen,” Bucky growled.  “Sweetheart, quando te lo dico, fai la cosa.”  

Steve looked confused until he saw the resolve on Belle’s face.  “Everything is going to be ok, sweet pea. I’m going to take you home, ok?” 

“I love you, amore mio.”  

“I love you, sweet pea.”  

“Now!”  

Belle rammed her elbow into Beck, causing him to loosen his hold on her and dropping the gun, setting it off.  She pushed away from him and towards Steve as Steve threw his shield. He caught her just as the shield hit Beck in the chest.  He doubled over and landed on his knees. Bucky aimed his rifle to his head. “Move and die.”  

Belle sobbed as Steve held her to his chest. He couldn’t look away from Beck as he whispered words of comfort to his love. “I’ve got you baby.  I’ll always come for you.” He looked at Bucky.  Bucky nodded and Steve backed himself and Belle out of the room. He scoped her up in his arms, she threw her arms around his neck as the rest of the team flanked them. He covered her ears just in time.  The shot echoed around them.  

The HYDRA revolution had been neutralized. 

“Steve?” 

He looked down at Belle to see the blood billowing on her shirt.  “No! NO!” 

Belle felt the tears in her eyes pour over.  She hadn’t felt the shot, but it seared through her body.  “I’m sorry Steve.  I’m sorry for running.”  

“No, you’re gonna be fine.” He was running towards the jet, as Tony flew forward to get it started.  “You and our little peanut are gonna be just fine.”  

Belle wanted to believe him, but her eyes clouded.  “I love you, Steve.”  

“I love you but this is not goodbye.  Belle?  Keep your eyes open!” 

“So tired, Stevie.” Her eyes slowly closed.  

“Belle!” 

“Isabella!” 

“NO!” 

Is this a bad time to mention that I am taking a few days off?

NEXT

Taglist:

@patzammit

@texmexdarling

@slutforchrisjamalevans

@firephotogrl74

@tinkerbelle67

@before-we-get-started

@bunnyforhim

@alexakeyloveloki

@sunnyhummingbee

@whiskeytangofoxtrot555

@peaceinourtime82

@kmc1989

@lokislady82

@saucy-sassy-sparkly

#andy's hea #andy's shenanigans #yours submissively #chris evans fanfiction #steve rogers au #steve rogers smut #steve rogers fanfiction #Steve Rogers x OFC #Bucky barnes #chris evans #mcu fanfiction #Steve rogers #steve rogers imagine #chris evans au #avengers au #cliffhanger queen

[beauleifu]

Chapters: 29/? Fandom: LEGO Monkie Kid Rating: Mature Summary:

Everything is falling apart. Huntsman is missing, the Queen and Goliath could be walking into a death trap, and you and Syntax are at your wits end. You're starting to hate large parties like this, because with a group so large, nobody would even notice if someone went missing...

You just hope you can make it out of the casino alive. For fucks sake, you promised Syntax a night of stargazing, did you not?

#lmk #lego monkie kid #lmk syntax #monkie kid syntax #lego monkie kid syntax #lmk huntsman #lmk goliath #monkie kid huntsman #lmk spider queen #lmk lady bone demon #angst #tw blood #tw death - not canon character #heartstrings #lmk syntax x reader #syntax x reader #casino heist go brrrr #chaos ensues #its a wild ride guys #ur gonna hate me for the cliffhanger #sorry this took forever to get out

[quotergirl19]

Currently curious whether the split release dates will mean there’s a cliffhanger at the end of the first half of season 3 so we’re extra desperate for the second part.

#quotergirl random thoughts #I could probably post a dozen more cliffhanger ideas #bridgerton #polin #netflix bridgerton #bridgerton season 3 speculation #shondaland #bridgerton netflix #penelope x colin #colin x penelope #penelope featherington #colin bridgerton #eloise bridgerton #lady danbury #lady whistledown #queen charlotte

[queen-scribbles]

Still have lots of typing/editing to do, but the tLBT chapter writing is doooonnnneeeeee

so I'm gonna go play LOTRO for a bit😎

#queen rambles #writer stuff #tlbt #i think it's about 6-7k? #and i avoided second cliffhanger

[wonder-falcon]

i remember when voltage would go around asking ppl who posted like 5+ screenshots of any lovestruck book to take those posts down 😭😭 look where we are now 😭😭😭😭

#lovestruck #lovestruck voltage #like 😭😭😭 why were they so adamant abt it #up in my dms and all #we have to pump up the popularity yall 💔 what am i supposed to do with 4 screenshots #can you tell i miss vivienne #like i never finished her route 😭😭 #someone tell me what happens in the end like do they run away forever and get married and live a quiet life doing crime but for funsies #or is it a cliffhanger #WHAT HAPPENS #vivienne tang #come back to me 💔💔 #there was no one like queen of thieves fr 💔 #sorry i ever lost interest but im back now so pranks over u can come back too 🥹🥹 #i still have the app like #it doesnt work anymore but well 🥹 #the juliette icon will stay there forever 🥹 #i cant even remember the name of juliettes series anymore this is so serious 😭 #the one where theyre smexy spies and have animal super powers or smth #juliette was a bat #i dont remember anyone elses names 🥹

[docpiplup]

Third part of the bookscans of Al Andalus. Historical Figures, here's the previous part

Abd al-Aziz: a good governor with an unfortunate fate

When leaving for the East, Musa ben Nusayr left his son as his liutenant in Spania. Not only he had to conclude the conquest, but had to pacify those regions that, although they had already submitted to Islam, housed groups of resisters who could put in danger what has been achieved so far.

We have much less news about Abd al-Aziz than about his father, perhaps because he ruled the Peninsula for a short time, just two years before being murdered, but they all agree that he was a magnificent warrior and a skilled negotiator who preferred pact to armed struggle.

In the short period of time of his government it is almost certain that he carried out a victorious expedition in Portuguese lands, which earned him the conquest of Évora, Santarém and Coimbra, and following the instructions that his father left him, his generals continued with the conquest of Pamplona, and in the east, they occupied Tarragona, Barcelona, Girona and Narbonne. Abd al-Aziz took upon himself the responsibility of pacifying

some rebellious areas of eastern Andalusia and the Levant. He owes himself the conquest of Málaga and Elvira and the advance on lands of Murcia, at that time in the hands of a Visigoth nobleman, Teodomiro, vassal of the kingdom of Toledo, who ruled the region as a practically independent prince. And here we can see the negotiating spirit of Abd al-Aziz, who knew take good advantage of the pact he established with Teodomiro, Tudmir in Arabic, and the name by which it will henceforth be known the Murcian region.

The Christian count and the Muslim governor engaged conversations in which the second offered the first the maintenance of all his prerogatives, as count and as Christian, as well as total respect for his subjects, in exchange for the recognition of vassalage, the payment of an annual tribute and the delivery of seven strongholds, a delivery that would be carried out immediately.

Teodomiro, or Tudmir, must have weighed the pros and cons. The Christian kingdom of Toledo no longer existed, and it made no difference to be a vassal of the Goths as well as the Muslims. Without a doubt, too paid tributes to Rodrigo's monarchy and those that now Abd al-Aziz imposed were not too onerous... There was the matter of the seven strogholds, but it was better to give in on something that lose everything. The document signed between Teodomiro and the Muslim leader, one of the few treatises of this type that have come down to us, and it specifies that everyone, the count and his vassals, will preserve their religion and their churches, will maintain their rights of sovereignty and will not be bothered at any time, neither in their lives, nor in their estates,

as long as they comply with what is stipulated. And what was stipulated was the delivery of Orihuela, Baltana, Alacant, Mula, Villena, Lorca and Ello. The annual tribute consisted of one dinar in cash, four bushels of wheat and four of barley, four measures of new wine, four of vinegar, two of honey and two of oil. This tax was reduced by half for the slaves.

If we have detailed the characteristics of this treaty, it is because of its rarity. and because, according to Levy Provençal, it is the first document diplomat of Muslim Spain.

Abd al-Aziz married the widow of King Don Rodrigo, at least that is what several historians say. It seems that they met after the fall of Mérida, when the royal widow left the city with another group of captives. Some consider this wedding as a real love story, at least on the part of Abd al-Aziz, since it seems that he did not take another wife. The Arab chroniclers call her Ailo and the Christians Egilona. Some say that her husband allowed her to keep her religion, gesture that was very well received among the Mozarabs, and others say that converted to Islam and was renamed Umm'Asim, “the mother of Asim", as soon as the only son she had with Abd al-Aziz was born.

The couple lived almost always in Seville, where it is still preserved, in the gardens of the Alcázar, a white tower of typical African construction, known as "the Tower of Abd al-Aziz". However, if they were happy, their happiness must have lasted little, because at the same time Seville, an envoy of the Caliph Sulayman, Ziyad ben Udhara, assassinated him in the church of Santa Rufina, converted into a mosque, while Abd al-

Aziz performed the pious duties of prayer. The charge against him, according to the caliph, was abuse of power. He was beheaded and his head was sent to Damascus.

A confusing time passed in Muslim Spain that was left without a governor. The Spanish Arabs decided that the son of a sister of Musa ben Nusayr would occupy the position until the one appointed by the caliph arrived.

The oddyssey of Prince Abd al-Rahman the Immigrant

After the violent death of Abd al-Aziz, the governors of the Muslims succeeded one another in Spain at an astonishing speed. Some barely held office for six months and It seems that only one of them lasted for about five years. They were difficult times in Muslim Spain. Had have deepen the conquest, quell the possible rebellions that could arise among groups of defeated and, also, and not less important was to make peace between the different Muslim factions, without dismissing the possibility of carrying out raids over lands of Gaul.

In the East, in turn, there was a complicated situation, such as result of the dissent of various religious groups that put the unity of Islam is endangered. Jarichis and Shiites conspired, already openly, against the Umayyad dynasty that reigned in those moments, without the caliphs having the strength or intelligence enough to face that situation that, each time, became more dangerous for them.

The flag of rebellion against the Umayyads was raised everywhere in the Muslim empire, awaiting the arrival of the "imam hidden" that was going to restore to Islam all the purity of its faith and all the splendor of its early days. The black flags, symbol of a new dynasty, the Abasid, were already flying in the Furasan and in the large Iraqi city of Cuta. Abu-l-Abbas Abd Allah proclaimed himself caliph, as a descendant of a first cousin of Muhammad and his son-in-law Ali. According to him, he was the imam that everyone expected and fought Marwan II, the last Umayyad caliph who would die with weapons in hand on July 7, 750.

The new Abbasid caliph, even before the death of Marwan, had already began the extermination of all the Umayyad princes who were left. They were persecuted to death, without mercy, and their bodies, as the maximum punishment, were left unburied. And for what no one would escape from that carnage that would cost its executioner the nickname "the bloodshed", resorted to a cruel stratagem. He proclaimed a false amnesty in which they trusted the relatives of the last caliph, which allowed, in one fell swoop, end the lives of about eighty people belonging to the Umayyad royal family, at Abu Futrus, near Jaffa, Palestine.

Only two Umayyads, grandsons of Caliph Abd al-Malik ben Marwan, distrusting the amnesty proclaimed by their enemy, managed escape from that horrible massacre. It was about the brothers Yahya ben Muawiya and Abd al-Rahman.

Everything we have seen so far is a necessary background to understand why Abd al-Rahman was called to become the first independent emir of al-Andalus.

The life of Abd al-Rahman seems like a real adventure novel, in which there is no shortage of persecutions, harassment, trips to unknown lands, the material needs, the struggles, the uncertainty...The prince would manage to save himself from the harassment of his pursuers? He would see his integrity rewarded or, on the contrary, would he end up as another victim of the Abbasids? That odyssey that would the last of the Umayyads undertake have a happy ending? From all of this We will talk next.

At the time of the great Umayyad extermination, Abd al-Rah-man had about twenty years. He was born in the year 731 in a town near Damascus, son of a Berber captive named Rah, who belonged to the Nafza tribe, which would explain the tendency of the Umayyad prince to head towards North Africa.

He hid, along with his brother Yahya, but they would soon be discovered and Yahya was captured and killed. His only chance to survive was to flee, and so he did with one of his younger brothers, his two sisters and his son Sulayman, who was barely four years old. They took refuge in a lost village, next to the Euphrates River, thinking about cross to Asia when the slightest opportunity presented itself. But the long arm of the Abbasids also reached there and his young brother died at the hands of the soldiers sent to pursue them. It seemed that there was no escape for

the Umayyad prince, when he saved himself by swimming across the Euphrates River.

But Abd al-Rahman was assigned a glorious destiny and protection of Allah he placed at his side the freedman Bard, a servant and counselor, who will accompany him throughout his life, even in the most difficult and who will maintain unlimited loyalty towards his lord, so unfortunate at that time. Bard managed to collect some wealth belonging to Abd al-Rahman and join him in Palestine. They undertook a long and dangerous journey across the Isthmus of Suez, trying to go unnoticed and rushing long and exhausting days, they arrived without problems at Ifriqiya.

This region was ruled by a Fhirid Arab who aspired to be appointed governor of Spain. He was a close relative of the Walí of al-Andalus. Some supporters of the Umayyads were refugees in Ifriqiya and, although the governor said he was opposed to the Abbasids, he thought that the change of dynasty would benefit him to make his territory an independent principality. Under this premise it is logical that Abd al-Rahman's arrival did not please him at all. Some friends warned the Umayyad prince of this situation and it was better not to trust the governor, so he decided to move away and try to enlist the support of the Berber tribes, to which his mother belonged, if they agreed to receive him. Everything was uncertainty and danger for the young prince.

Four years passed on these trips, always in search of support, of tranquility, of survival, while

The fate of the future emnir was as indecisive as it was miserable. But the prediction of an astrologer, to whom the Muslims were so fans, had told him that he was destined for the throne and Abd al-Rahman clung, with all his strength, to that horoscope when everything seemed to be going wrong and all the doors were closing before him. Only the faithful Bard kept his spirits and sustained the fallen spirit of the Umayyad.

It seems that he lived in various places in North Africa, always between the distrust of the people who feared Abbasid revenge when they knew that he was an Umayyad prince, until he landed, in this wandering life, among the Nafza, his mother's tribe, who occupied the shores of the Mediterranean Maghreb.

It is possible that Abd al-Rahman did not think of going to Spain, but settle in African lands, but time passed and no achieved nothing in particular. That's when he thought about moving on to al-Andalus, knowing that there were a important number of supporters of the Umayyads. In Muslim Spain, the panorama was also mixed. In Jaén and Elvira they were installed Syrians who had arrived from Ceuta brought by the general Balch, addicted to the Umayyads and among whom the first polls on whether Prince Abd al-Rahman would be good received and accepted.

Of course, it was the freedman Bard who was in charge of these negotiations, crossing the strait in June 754. He carried a message from his lord, and managed to meet with the Syrian leaders. Everyone was willing to accept Abd al-Rahman, but decided to consult with a very important person

which was the most considered in al-Andalus. It was about the Qaysi chief, al-Sumayl, at that time governor of Zaragoza, who was defending the stroghold from the Berber siege and Kalbi Arabs. Once this coalition was defeated, al-Sumayl listened to the proposals of Bard and his companions and took his time to think about it.

Many months passed before receiving a reply, which was positive, but in the end, fearing the Abbasid reaction or fearing that an Umayyad restoration would take away freedom from the Arabs of al-Andalus, he withdrew his support for the project. What to do? Request Abd al-Rahman to desist from setting foot in Spain or request help from other groups such as the Yemenis who had been cruelly crushed in the battle of Secunda? They decided for this last option and, from this moment, with his help, the panorama was cleared for the Umayyad prince.

A boat was chartered and a financial contribution was made so that Abd al-Rahman had some money and could pay his ransom to the Berbers who held him.

Finally, after countless waits, after long trips, after untold deprivations, August 14, 755, Abd al-Rahman set foot on Hispanic soil in the port of Almuñécar. Now a new stage began, not exempt from problems and battles to fight.

The governor of al-Andalus was, at that time, Yusuf al-Fihrí, busy suppressing a rebellion by the Basques. He decided go to Córdoba leaving his son in charge of Zaragoza and the defense of Pamplona. However, he soon learned of defeat of his hosts and the arrival of the Uma-

#al andalus #al andalus history #al andalus. personajes históricos #al andalus. historical figures #book scans #bookblr #historyblr #abd al-aziz ibn musa #abd al rahman i #abd al rahman i of córdoba #abd al rahman i de córdoba #egilona #queen egilona #ailo #abd al-aziz #sorry for the cliffhanger

[kingliam2019]

Happy Birthday Anitha

@ao719 HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR QUEEN OF ANGST AND CLIFFHANGERS

#birthday girl #liam lover #queen of cliffhangers

[laxmiree]

MLQC Season 2 Chapter 33 - Lucien’s part Translation (Part 2)

IMPORTANT!!! to fully understand the story, prior knowledge of previous S2 chapters, especially ch 13, 14, 20, and 23 are needed. Before, I made a short summary that explain those chapters. I hope this can help :D. But if you’re here just for angst, there’s no need for that.

Translation under the cut~

Previous part in case you lost your way-> [Part 1]

[Chapter 33-17]

I have to give Lucien his medication, I can't let anything happen to him.

???: MC....

He believes in me, so I must...

???: MC!!

In the boundless darkness, I vaguely heard someone calling my name.

I opened my eyes abruptly, and the dazzling sunlight shone into them, causing me to squint subconsciously.

MC: Lucien...!

Lucien: MC, I'm here. I'm in front of you.

The blurred figure in front of me slowly faded away, and Lucien stood quietly in front of me, looking at my dazed appearance, showing a small smile。

Lucien: Good morning, MC.

I stared at him in disbelief, my stiff fingers slowly loosening.

The medicine in the palm of my hand fell to the ground, making a very clear sound.

MC: ...Lucien?

Lucien: Well, it's me.

Lucien: I think we probably made it.

He took the trouble to repeat himself again, but his soft face faded into a blur in my vision.

MC: But I... I haven't given you any medicine...

MC: After that circle of light appears, you fell in......

MC: I, did I miss the time... and you... are you just my hallucination…?

Tears kept falling, making my voice choked up with emotions.

I suddenly remembered a long time ago, all the despair and nostalgia when Lucien mistook me for a hallucination.

It turns out we are the same.

There are hesitation, surprise, and also fear of it being just a beautiful bubble.

The illusory and brilliant light made the moment seem even more unreal, and I was frozen in place.

Until a pair of hands gently brushed my cheek and the familiar warmth fell on my face through his fingers.

In my hazy vision, the smile on Lucien's face faded, and his narrow eyes shone with many complex emotions.

A few moments later, he reached out and wrapped his arm around my shoulders, embracing me in his arms, with a whisper of sadness and tenderness in his tone.

Lucien: MC, I am not your hallucination.

Lucien: Can you hear them?

Lucien: The sounds of this heart beating non-stop.

Lub-dub lub-dub lub-dub.

I closed my eyes, leaned on his chest, and covered myself with his scent.

The sound of his heart beating vividly and clearly was heard in my ears, like a pair of gentle hands stroking my heart.

Make it beat along with it.

Lucien took my hand and led me to gently stroke his cheek and chest.

Lucien: Here... and here, it's all real.

His voice was a little hoarse, and a warm touch came from his fingertips, which led me to outline his clear and familiar outline.

My nose felt sour.

Lucien is still alive.

These four words alone made my eyes moist again.

Lucien: Do you believe it now?

Lucien gently rubbed his chin against my head and spoke in a soft voice.

Lucien: Now in your heart, I shouldn't become that big liar who doesn't keep his word, right?

I shook my head in response to the amusement in his tone. Then, I heard his slightly hesitant voice ring out.

Lucien: ...The way I looked just now, it scared you, didn't it?

MC: I was scared that you would never wake up for real.

I pursed my lips and answered frankly.

MC: But I'm more scared if.... I’m the one who caused it.

The breath above my head halted a little. After a long time, with a soft sigh, the arms that held me firmly tightened slightly.

Lucien: [softly] Fool...

The intimate and gentle voice is the same as before.

We snuggled quietly together until my panicked heart slowly settled down.

Lucien: Are you feeling better?

MC: ...Did I just behave embarrassingly.

Lucien: Of course not.

Lucien smiled at my face as I lifted it from his arms, and something in his eyes seemed to have quietly melted away.

But here... What exactly is this place?

After my mind calmed down, I finally looked around and noticed that we appeared to be sitting inside a dilapidated train.

Inside the train, the rusty interior is covered with yellow warning tape. In the blinding glare and whiteness outside the windows, the train seems to be at a standstill, but it also seems to be moving slowly.

Lucien: I guess this is probably an entrance. An entrance to the former site of the real orphanage.

As soon as Lucien's voice fell, the train suddenly shook. A harsh rubbing sound followed, and the door slowly opened.

Lucien: Let’s go.

Lucien: The answer you're looking for, it should be right here.

Lucien and MC enter the orphanage, which is almost the same as it was 17 years ago. MC comes to a cordoned warehouse and looks through the documents on the shelves.

Among the piles of worn-out papers, I rummaged carefully.

Each folder was clearly labeled, and I struggled to identify its contents through some blurred handwriting.

"Detailed list of experimental subjects", "Instructions on the use of equipment in the ninth laboratory", "Comparative observation records of active genes" ......

I kept opening each folder, feeling like I was getting closer to that once-distant answer until a folder's name came into view.

"Experimental record report”

I read the title above softly, opened the document in surprise, and found a lot of experimental data recorded on the yellowed paper inside.

And without exception, the word "failure" will be written on the final experimental results.

Could it be about that experiment 17 years ago ......?

Looking at the pages of paper with all kinds of names, the conjecture in my heart gradually became clear.

These people, I believe, were the children who were experimented on at the time.

It turned out that so many children were involved in this experiment, and in the end, only the word "failure" was used lightly to represent their meaning of existence.

I pursed my lips, feeling a silent rage.

Just when I was about to turn to the next page, the last line of the page in my hand made me freeze.

“Result of the 121st experiment: failed.”

Subject Name: Lucien.

[Chapter 33-18]

...Lucien?

I blinked in dismay and hurriedly flipped back several more pages to find Lucien's name all over the place.

Both the data and the date on the pages are changing, but only that result, which is always the same

“Failure”

And in the last experiment, Lucien's name was followed by a "Defective Product" stamp.

Those two words in scarlet are extraordinarily harsh.

My nails pressed hard into my palm, and I felt my whole body tremble with rage.

Why did these people give him such a definition?

What qualifications do they have to judge him?

He is clearly a living, breathing human being! Not just any object that can be defined and categorized!

It's obvious that they did the experiment on Lucien without his consent...

Lucien: Did you find anything?

The sudden sound made my fingertips twitch subconsciously, I looked up and bumped into Lucien's gaze.

With a smile on his face, he lowered the cordon in front of him with his hands in order to see me more clearly.

Lucien: I didn't realize they had left this warehouse behind.

Lucien's gaze flicked around casually, and with a final swipe, it swept across my face and landed on the folder in my hand.

Lucien: Looks like you found some answers.

I opened my mouth, but my throat was too dry to utter a word

In the cold light, I looked at Lucien's gentle brow, and the words I had just seen flashed before my eyes once again.

...has Lucien read this document?

I think of the bridge across the river a long time ago, when Lucien wasn't surprised. He didn't say anything and just asked me if I believed him.

The heart felt like it was twisted into a ball, and a gut-wrenching pain came from it.

I quietly squeezed my hand, sensing that if I told Lucien about the document just now, a crack would develop on the smile in front of me.

I closed the file in my hand and shook my head at Lucien with feigned disappointment.

MC: I haven't found anything yet.

I threw the document into the deepest part of the shelf.

In my heart, I sincerely hope that it will disappear from the world forever and ever.

To divert Lucien's attention, I picked up another file next to me by hand.

Lucien's eyes flickered as if he sensed my strangeness.

But seeing that I wasn't going to say anything, he didn't press the issue and just gazed at me silently.

I deliberately ignored his glance, and after flipping through several folders in a row, I was suddenly attracted by the content of a document.

"Experimental Log No. 0".

Seeing this line of familiar words, I suddenly had an inexplicable hunch.

After I flip it open, a lot of things will be different.

I couldn't help but slow my breathing, my fingertips trembling slightly before firmly flipping open the folder.

"Experimental content: A closed barrier layer is set around the CORE's host, MC, so that the host loses the ability of CORE and cannot be detected.”

"But due to the severe energy fluctuations in the core, the barrier may be eroded from the inside..."

"Because of the technical limitations of the barrier layer itself, it can also be affected by external energy and then destroyed.”

MC: What is this…

“CORE’s host MC”?！

A barrier layer that causes the host to lose their abilities?

I shuddered subconsciously, and my brain rang with a violent buzz.

It all points to one absolute answer –

That CORE that I have been searching so hard for is in my body.

Lucien: ... What's wrong?

Seeing that I was completely frozen in place, Lucien's expression also became serious at once.

He stretched out his hand to the folder in my hand. I subconsciously wanted to stop it, but I was still one step behind him.

MC: I....

I spoke in a harsh voice, and the thoughts in my mind were chaotically intertwined.

I finally reached the end of the long journey; I found the CORE.

It is only a small distance away from me, waiting for me to find my own direction and answer slowly.

That's what the little boy said, something that needs me more?

My heart was racing, I couldn't tell if I was excited or nervous at the moment.

Lucien should be surprised by this answer...

I raised my eyes, surprised to find that he was just looking at the files calmly.

After browsing a few pages, the expression on his face did not change, but he frowned slightly.

In the quiet space, only the sound of turning pages and the sound of our breathing from each other could be heard.

With a sigh, Lucien closed the file and dropped it in the deepest part of the shelf.

Lucien: You can pretend this never happened.

I was stunned and couldn't believe what I heard.

MC: What do you mean....

Why doesn't Lucien look surprised at all? On the contrary, there was a hint of little irritation.

It's like the answer that he clearly guessed will appear, but there’s still an uncontrollable emotion at the moment it actually appears.

Suddenly, a somewhat absurd-looking conjecture flashed through my mind.

MC: Lucien.... Did you know all along that CORE was inside me?

Lucien paused and lowered his eyes to the cordon under his palm, hiding the emotion in his eyes.

Lucien: Does the answer matter?

This question is like a stone thrown into the water, falling on my ear, making a crisp sound of water breaking.

I followed his gaze, and my eyes moved down slowly, towards the cordon between us.

For a moment, I suddenly felt as if I had become surrounded by a cordon, warning others not to approach.

Like all the documents on this shelf, it should be dusty and hidden in the silent corner of the world.

After an unknown amount of time, Lucien suddenly sighed and broke the silence.

Lucien: I didn't expect this technology to be available 17 years ago either.

His voice was soft, but it turned into a heavy stone on my chest, making me gasp a little.

MC: ...When did you know about this?

Lucien fell into silence again.

I stared at him blankly, unable to imagine anything that had occurred for Lucien to find CORE in my body .......

Suddenly, an answer popped into my mind.

MC: Is it...when you experimented on me in NW?

Everything I experienced in the NW lab still seems to be fresh in my head, even the dull pain of being torn apart at that time is still clearly burned in my mind.

Lucien: I was just guessing, I wasn't so sure.

MC: No, You are absolutely sure.

I am reminded of the text I just saw in the experiment record.

MC: ...I have a barrier in my body that inhibits the core, so I can't be recognized by the core test bullets.

MC: But the barrier layer can be affected by external energy and can be destroyed.

MC: As the bullets continued to shoot into my body, the barrier was slowly being reduced.

MC: And you, that's when you found out about it.

I looked into Lucien's eyes and said firmly, but there was a bit of helplessness in his expression.

Lucien: That experiment is over, it doesn't matter.

MC: But it's important to me!

I took a deep breath and spoke again with a trembling voice.

MC: In that experiment, I don't know what you did to make the results of my experiment look like "ordinary people"...

MC: Made me pass the NW test with flying colors, hiding the fact that I was carrying CORE.

Those small details that I had overlooked gradually became clear, like a piece of a puzzle filling in the gaps and piecing together a complete answer.

His coldness, his detachment, the way he pushed me away again and again...

At this moment, the answer is all there.

Back then, my heart was full of pain that fell on my body, but I forgot too many important things.

Huge guilt overwhelmed me at this moment and I didn't even dare to look up.

MC: Lucien...

I mumbled his name. I didn't know what I was supposed to say.

There are too many broken folds, and no matter how hard I try to smooth them out, I can't get rid of the stinging scars.

I opened my mouth, but it only turned into the most simple words-

MC: .....I’m sorry.

A helpless sigh sounded gentle, and I didn't look up, wondering what kind of look he would have at this moment.

Lucien: You don't need to apologize.

Lucien breathes a deep sigh.

Lucien: I also don’t want NW to know about this, I’m not doing this just for you. I have my own purpose and selfishness.

Lucien: So, you don't need to feel guilty.

The soft words fell on my ears, yet the folds between my brows did not dissipate.

I stubbornly kept my head down, letting the shame swell in my heart and even overwhelm me.

Suddenly, a pair of hands poked right in and pulled me out strongly.

MC: ...!

I spun and found myself in Lucien’s arms.

Lucien: You don't need to bow your head to me.

Lucien: I made you feel pain against your will and did not offer any explanation.

Lucien: You should really be angry with me.

Lucien: When anyone does something like this to you, you should really be angry.

MC: But, but I should trust you more...

My vision was blurred and I felt Lucien rest his head against my forehead

Lucien: I didn't trust you either.

Lucien: So we balance out.

The light but deep eyes were extremely close, and the dark tide that surged through them seemed to gently diffuse through my whole body, causing me to stop trembling.

Lucien: MC, let the past stay in the past. What matters now is the present.

Lucien: Since you have chosen to accept all of this, then you will have to continue to face the constant barrage of choices.

In the end, he added with a soft sigh.

Lucien: Sometimes ignorance can be a blessing.

I pursed my lips and looked at him earnestly.

MC: I’m not afraid.

MC: I will hold on to the answer I have finally found and keep running forward.

MC: Even if there are countless setbacks and sufferings waiting for me, I am willing to endure all of it.

There was a glimmer of light in Lucien's eyes, and his face was a little dazed.

Lucien: You are far stronger than I thought you would be.

Lucien: Perhaps some things would have been different if I had chosen to trust you.

I looked at him blankly, not knowing how to answer for a moment. But Lucien just smiled and carefully put me down.

Then he took my hand and led me out of the warehouse.

[Chapter 33-20]

Walking out of the orphanage, they find Xiao Yue and the NW team standing at the door. For various reasons, Xiao Yue became suspicious of Lucien, which would hinder Lucien’s future actions in NW.

Xiao Yue: I just happened to discover an interesting thing recently.

As he spoke, he took out a pistol from his pocket and pointed it straight at me.

Xiao Yue: There are some problems with the data in the CORE bullet experiment report, and I would like to know what Professor Lucien thinks about it.

The unique-looking pistol glowed with a strange cold light, and I instantly felt a chill climbing up my back.

The memory buried deep in my heart screamed out, and there was a faint tearing pain in my heart.

Lucien silently stood in front of me, speaking in a very icy tone.

Lucien: Are you questioning the conclusions of my experiment?

Xiao Yue: I just have some doubts and hope to get further proof.

Xiao Yue: The NW program has achieved a milestone success, and we're moving on to the next step. Isn't it?

Xiao Yue sharply turned the pistol around, put the butt of the gun against Lucien's eyes, and raised his chin.

The air was silent

I couldn't see Lucien's expression but I could feel his body tense up.

What is certain is that Xiao Yue is already suspicious of Lucien. Since he came for the CORE, there must be a result in this tug of war.

This is a test that kills two birds with one stone, not only to detect me as a core gene carrier but also to target Lucien's position and sincerity towards NW.

I looked up at his tense profile, and the sourness and unease in my heart were intertwined.

I know he will always find a way, and I trust him more than anyone to find the best answer to a problem.

But I don't want to stand behind him forever.

Lucien must have a reason for choosing to stay in NW, and it means there's still work to be done there.

I can't be his hindrance, I want to be his strength.

I lowered my eyes, pursed the corners of my lips, and let go of Lucien's hand, which I had been holding.

MC: Professor Lucien, let's end our cooperation.

MC: You have worked so hard this time.

I tried to sound suave and calm, but I still gave away a slight tremble.

Lucien didn't say anything, just clenched my fingertips firmly the moment I pulled them away.

I saw his pupils twinkle, and there was a lot of emotion there. They seem to be telling me, ‘whatever you want to do, stop.’

I didn't avoid his gaze, just pulled out my hand forcefully.

Xiao Yue: What is Miss MC playing?

Xiao Yue said as if he just watched a play, the corners of his mouth pulled out a mocking smile.

I faintly swept him a glance, pretending to speak without thinking.

MC: Officer Xiao, do you know that many civilizations have existed before this world?

MC told Xiao Yue about the folding world and other civilizations.

MC: These things concern the end of this world.

MC: Originally, I should have kept these secrets, but it was a pity that Professor Lucien found out.

MC: So in order to seal the enclosure, I made a deal with him.

I tugged the corner of my mouth and tried to sound sincere and trustworthy.

Lucien: MC.

Lucien called out my name softly, sounding a little helpless and anxious.

He is so smart, he must have sensed what I was thinking, and he hoped that I would stop talking about it.

But I didn't dare to turn around. I'm afraid that if I just meet his eyes, all my strength will collapse in an instant.

MC: I gave Professor Lucien some secrets that only I knew, and it just so happened that this information would help him accomplish something.

MC: I thought this was a win-win partnership for all three of us...

MC: But I didn't expect you guys to include me as a subject so soon. NW plan is really more rapid and meticulous than I thought.

I said and feigned a self-deprecating grin.

MC: So I've also left a backup. If an accident happens, Professor Lucien must do me a favor.

MC: As for what that favor is .... Officer Xiao probably has a few things in mind.

MC: Looks like we worked well together, we even fooled the NW commander.

Xiao Yue scanned Lucien, and then looked at me with a critical eye.

Xiao Yue: Do you think I believe it?

MC: Of course not. I just feel bad for Professor Lucien.

MC: It looks like I know this experiment leader of yours better than you, Mr. Xiao.

MC: I know how to use what he is most interested in as a bargaining chip for mutually beneficial cooperation.

I smiled lightly and glanced at Lucien with a slightly regretful look, trying to hide the emotions that were about to pour out.

MC: Professor Lucien, you tried so hard to get information from me, but you are still suspected by them, don't you think it's not worth it?

MC: Just take this opportunity and leave NW.

Lucien's deep eyes are terrifyingly heavy at the moment, but I seem to turn a blind eye

MC: If NW can be your springboard, so can I.

MC: Good birds choose wood to perch on. Professor Lucien must understand this principle.

The oppressive atmosphere spreads. I don't know if Xiao Yue believes my words. He seems to be thinking, and his face is full of shrewdness that I can't see any clues.

In the long silence, I don't know if it was just me, but there was a flash of sadness flashed across Lucien's face, but it was quickly concealed again.

A moment later, he hooked the corners of his mouth and broke the silence.

Lucien: It's a tempting offer.

Lucien: I just wonder how Miss. MC is going to convince me that she would be the more favorable springboard when she's in a difficult position to protect herself?

His voice was tentative and tinged with a certain acknowledgment and concord

I suddenly let out a sigh of relief, and some untimely complacency and expectations sprang up in my heart.

It seems to be telling, you see, in becoming your opponent, I will also be your best helper.

After saying that there is also cooperation between her and Lucien, the other party is stunned. Not wasting the chance, MC took out the mechanical box, and with the tree(?) power that she gained, she grabbed the CORE recognition gun from Xiao Yue’s hand.

I hurriedly waved my hand, trying to use this ability to build a temporary wall, but the severe pain suddenly exploded at this moment, and I fell to my knees unsupported.

My whole chest seems to be on fire, I try my best to control the power

I felt a huge towering tree rising up behind me, and in the blurred vision, only a white light remained.

As my brain buzzed, I looked at the gun I held in my hand and gazed at the shifting halo in a trance.

I seem to see a butterfly landing on a flat line, the line is so thin, as if it will break at the slightest touch.

Lucien: MC!

Lucien's voice sounded like it was coming from far away, and I blinked forcefully to see a rift between us.

And he was coming across toward me, his face had so many emotions I could not read. Somehow, my eyes were heavy with mist, blurring Lucien's face.

On the road that leads to walking with you, I will quicken my pace.

I stood up, raised the pistol, and pointed it at my chest.

“Bang-“          

The stinging burning sensation exploded in my chest, and the body felt as if it was torn apart.

I struggled not to fall down.

In a haze, I saw the leaves rustling down from the branches and Lucien's panicked face…

The dense water mist engulfed all the scenes, and the last image left on the retina was me-

She slowly approached me and extended her arm to me.

I saw our figures overlapped.

The gears are returned to their original position.

On the far side of the rooftop, stood a young boy in a shirt and beach pants, wearing a strange duck-tongue hat.

He shakes his leg and looks at the tree that suddenly grows out of the sky a few miles away.

Little boy: You've finally made it this far.

Little boy: But can you change anything this time, given the doomed fate?

Continue -> Chapter 34

#THOSE SMALL MOMENTS OF INTIMACY FINALLY #mlqc lucien #mr love queen's choice #mlqc translations #mlqc spoilers #mlqc #mlqc cn #they reconciled for real this time :" #that 121st experiment broke me #just how many times he got experimented on sobs #this cliffhanger is illegal wtf

[eyebagsanonymous]

The Folk of Air

ok this series is rightfully as popular as it deserves bc I just read The Wicked King and it was fantastic. Tomorrow I am going to wake up and read The Queen of Nothing. All day. no breaks.

you don't understand how happy I am I grabbed both of them because I would have died from the cliffhanger you have no idea.

#the folk of the air #the cruel prince #the wicked king #the queen of nothing #book problems #holly black #cliffhangers can go screw themselves #idk why but i really like this series

[houseofhurricane]

art by @carol-pisarro | fic by @houseofhurricane

Bryce had warned them that Hel was dark and cold, but when Azriel arrives, there’s sunlight on his face, heat on his skin. He eyes Gwyn even before he takes in his surroundings. She’s smiling, really grinning as she looks around her, even with her fingers wrapped around the pommel of her sword.

There’s a rebuke on the tip of his tongue, and then he follows the sweep of her gaze.

Takes in the enormous bay before them, laced with white sand beaches. There are children laughing as they run for the water, but Azriel is instantly grateful for his armor when he sees the children themselves: fierce creatures of scales and claws, their teeth glinting in the sunlight.

He turns and surveys the city at their backs, and again he’s almost lulled into the smiling contentment he sees on Gwyn’s and even Bryce’s faces. These buildings are mostly old stone, carved with flourishes and flowers, painted in bright pale colors.

Hel would be a close cousin of the Summer Court if not for its inhabitants.

The city streets are lined with monsters who make the inhabitants of the Prison look harmless. Azriel has never seen such a profusion of fangs and spikes.

But the monsters of Hel do not attack. Instead, they move through markets, select flowers, speak softly to each other in a language that sounds like Bryce’s.

Before Azriel can warn her to be cautious, Bryce strides towards them, the leather of her new armor creaking. Azriel wants to hide his face in his hands. This is not the way one walks into a new world.

Still, Bryce walks into the market, grinning as she addresses the monsters in her strange flat language. The only word Azriel understands is Aidas, the same name she kept repeating when he found her on the outskirts of Velaris weeks ago, his shadows whispering about a female from another world with a sword like starlight.

Now, Gwyn hangs back with him.

“This wasn’t what I expected,” she murmurs, low enough for caution. Though of course he doesn’t know what the monsters can hear. “I can’t believe we’re in another world.”

“Stay on guard.” The words catch in his throat. They’re not enough for the searing in his gut when they realized Gwyn’s powers were required to bring them here, when she insisted on coming on this mission to Hel, her jaw set and her eyes blazing. The expression of a Valkyrie on the battlefield, certain of her purpose.

He had wanted to take her into his arms and shield her with his body until the danger had passed, and Azriel still isn’t sure what to do with that. Even after the hours they’ve spent together over months in the training ring, the weeks spent researching all of Bryce’s revelations, delving deep into near-forgotten history. He thinks he can precisely catalog the shift in her voice, first hesitant in the presence of the Inner Circle and then gradually more certain as she realized that, apart from Merrill, she was the most qualified to speak on the theories of many worlds, that the quicksilver in her mind made her the most adept at finding solutions, at drawing on diverse observations and making a plan. She’d make an excellent spy, he’s found himself thinking more than once.

“You’ve trained me too well to do otherwise, shadowsinger,” Gwyn responds, her grin irreverent even as she scans the landscape, her eyes pausing only briefly as she catalogs each being before them, the ones who congregate around Bryce, following her animated gestures with an interest that seems genuinely benign. Still, he notes her stance, poised to strike.

“So you keep showing me, Valkyrie.” He allows himself a hint of a smile, even as he reaches for the place where Truth-Teller has remained all these years, only to find another dagger.

His old companion seems to wink at him as Bryce turns toward them, her smirk evident from ten paces away.

“Stop flirting,” she yells, “I found Aidas.”

“Amren and Nesta have been teaching her the common tongue,” Gwyn murmurs as they move towards the knot of monsters, and Azriel sees her cheeks are flushed pink. Stores that fact up for further contemplation.

“Meanwhile you were doing all the important work.” 

Is it flirting if he’s merely telling her the truth?

Still, he savors the smile on Gwyn’s lips as they walk through this city in Hel, making their way through the streets and up the ridge of the city, towards a palace made of white marble, inlaid with gold so that it sparkles in the sunlight.

In retrospect, Azriel thinks, they likely could have found this Hel-Prince Aidas without involving the locals. Still, they seem to take an instant liking to Bryce, calling out to her and waving as she walks the streets before them, dodging the strange vehicles and the monsters. As they reach the outskirts of the city, a blue-green creature with seven heads and arms like the tentacles of a sea-beast hands them flowers, placing them on Bryce’s brow like a crown.

He watches the female’s smile slacken for just a moment. As if this is an unwelcome reminder of some other moment.

My mate, she’d said over and over, when she’d first appeared in Velaris. Feyre says that she repeats the words in her sleep, speaking a name none of them recognizes. Perhaps her mate was a ruler in that other world, Bryce a reluctant consort. 

Still, she is all determination as she walks the ridge towards the palace, the crown of flowers on her brow and Gwydion now singing in her hand.

“There’s a carving of one of the old goddesses in the temple…” Gwyn starts to say, then trails off. “Maybe I’m imagining things.”

He hazards a squeeze of her shoulder, likes the way her flush deepens a little at the contact.

“You’re not,” he tells her. “I’m sure you’re as right about this as you’ve been about most things.”

Because one day, if they survive this journey and manage to return to tell the story, it will sound like an incredible legend, some fiction crafted in a haze of drunkenness. Of this Azriel is already certain.

They scale the ridge side by side, their fingers brushing occasionally, their eyes moving across the landscape, both assessing where danger might strike. Gwyn’s hand is never far from her sword, the way he is only an instant from his dagger.

Finally, the palace comes into view.

A male awaits them on the threshold, dressed in garments of pristine white, a perfect complement to Rhys’ usual attire, with the same princely bearing. Indeed, all of him is like some great mirror for his brother: the pale hair, the eyes like the noonday sky.

Eyes that Azriel has seen before, for just a few moments, in the Illyrian wilds. Eyes that quickly vanished into mist and nothing.

He pushes Gwyn behind him just as Bryce greets this regal stranger like a friend.

Aidas, she is saying, and then a string of words, alternately frantic and hopeful and friendly, which Azriel cannot hope to understand. Instead, he keeps his eyes on the Prince of Hel, preparing his defensive strategy, summoning his shadows and readying them to strike. He does not know if he can winnow here, but if need be he will grab Gwyn and Bryce and take to the skies. Even if neither female will appreciate the intervention.

Gwyn is already peeking over his shoulder. Her breath is warm on his neck. Azriel doesn’t allow himself to think about it, about the proximity of her lips.

Instead he keeps his eyes on Aidas, willing him to reveal his hand.

Finally, the Prince of Hel turns away from Bryce just slightly. Fixes his eyes on Gwyn, then on Azriel. And the spymaster of the Night Court watches as, for an instant, recognition sparks in those pale eyes.

“Hello, Shadowsinger,” the Prince of Hel intones with a smile on his face. “I wondered when I’d see you next.”

#gwynriel #gwynriel fanart #gwynriel fic #gwynriel week 2022 #gwyn x azriel #azriel x gwyn #acosf #acotar #acotar fanart #acotar fanfiction #carol is our watercolor queen #this is a dream collaboration for me #gwynriel supremacy #bryce quinlan #aidas prince of hel #hosab spoilers #house of sky and breath #hosab #sorry about that cliffhanger

[queenofsimpsblog]

YALL WON

pt 2 of believe me and rivals gonna come out by latest this saturday

@locoforshuri i just know you’d kill me if i never published part 2 for both these fics 💀💀

#shuri x reader #black panther #wakanda forever #shuri #letitia wright #shuri x black reader #part 2 gonna be out soon i promise #i ain’t gonna leave y’all with that big of a cliffhanger #queen of simps does it again

[andydrysdalerogers]

Yours Submissively ~ Incinta

Steve Rogers X OFC Isabella Davis

Summary: Five Years after the events of Civil War, Steve Rogers has moved on from avenging and has started his own business, Grant Inc. He has a secret that would turn his world upside down. And he's good at keep that secret. Until he meets the woman with violet eyes that could bring him to his knees. Now his mission is to make her, his. But she is the key that could bring the world into balance... or chaos.

And she has no idea.

Series Warnings: slow burn at the beginning, smut, angst, sexual themes of BDSM, dom/sub dynamics, kidnapping, loss of virginity, (and a bunch of others that will come up)

A/N: the taglist is open! And I AM SO SORRY! Merry Christmas! 🎄

Dividers by @firefly-graphics

Banners by me!

I do NOT give permission for my work to be translated or reposted on here or any other site, even if you give me credit. DO NOT REPOST MY FICS. Reblogs, comments, likes, and feedback ALWAYS appreciated

Previous: Sanctuary

Series Masterlist ~ Main Masterlist

“Belle?! Isabella?!” Steve was yelling in the phone, frantic.  He heard movement.  

A second man picked up the phone.  “You want her, Captain? Come get her.” 

Steve stared at the phone.  His head snapped up.  He touched his comms.  “Sam?” 

“I’m landing.” There was a muffle. “We need EMTs on the corner of State and Henry.  I have a total of four down, three DOA.”   

Steve blanched. “Bucky?” 

“Alive.  Two shots, one critical.  EMTs are here and taking him to Brooklyn General.”  

“Who are the others?” 

Steve could tell Sam was hesitating.  “One of them is Disktant. Shot in the neck.  He bled out.  The others I don’t know.  I’m connecting to the security systems around here to see what happened.”  

“Sam, they were after Belle.”  

“How…” 

“She called for me to find her, but she was taken.  Clint and I are headed to her last known location.  Just get the intel and well reconvene. Sam,” he sighed, “get Bucky back to the tower.”  

“On it, Cap.”  

Steve turned to the remaining team. “Stark, you and Nat start working with Friday to see who and where. Wanda, Vision, I need you back ASAP.  Clint, you, Peter and I need to get to Brooklyn.  We need to find her and fast.”  

“Alright, you heard Cap,” Tony said.  He walked by Steve and clapped his shoulder.  “We’ll find her.”  

Clint drove Steve and Peter to the diner, see the police cars surrounding it.  Steve approached the officer in charge. “Captain, I’m Lieutenant Provenza, officer in charge.”  

“What happened?” 

“A young lady entered the diner and sat at the back.  No clean look at her on security.  She made a call and the waitress said she look distressed.  Two men entered through the back.  Video of them is clear but we have no hits on identity.  They approached the girl, grabbing the phone, speaking to someone as they took the girl to the back. They dropped her phone and glasses.”  He waived a tech forward and he brought out the evidence bags.  “They got into a van, no plates.”  

“Lieutenant, the girl taken is my wife, Isabella Rogers.  We need an APB for her right away along with the description of the van.  It was me she was talking to on the phone.”  

“Right away Captain. Any reason she was out her all alone?” 

“We had a disagreement. Sargent Barnes had accompanied her, but he was shot a few blocks away.”  

“Understood.  We’ll put out an emergency APB on her right away.” The lieutenant walked away to speak to the officers when Steve’s phone rang.  “Sam?” 

“Bucky’s wounds are serious but non-life threatening.  He’ll be awake in a couple of hours.  I have his phone.”  

“Can you check to see how he found Belle?” 

“I’m checking.  The last notifications are text between him and Paul about a car and a doorbell video.” 

“Doorbell video?” 

“Yeah, hang on.” He could hear Sam fiddle with the phone.  “Shit, Cap, he found where Belle had gone.”  

“Where?” 

“Lila.”  

Steve motioned for Clint and Peter. “I’m headed there now.  Thanks Sam.  Keep me updated for when he wakes.”  

“You got it.”   

Steve hung up and called Tony.  “Tony, check surveillance around Lila’s apartment.  I’m headed there now.”  

“Why would she go to Lila?” 

“It makes sense.  I didn’t even think to ask her since they had the falling out. Maybe she will know why Bucky and Belle were in Brooklyn.” Steve hung up and stared out the window.  His biggest fear, Belle being taken was now coming to fruition. He just had to be honest and none of this would have happened.  He glanced down at his wedding band, pulled it off and looked at the inscription.  

AAAO, KOMH B&S 

He gave a sad smile.  And all at once, you are the one I have been waiting for, King of My Heart, Body and Soul. She had it inscribed as a surprise that she told him about in London.  And while he was the king of her heart, she was queen of his.  

Belle woke up with a sore head. She tried to rub her head, but her arms didn’t move.  She tugged and felt pain in her wrists.  She blinked her eyes open to harsh light. “Finally, the princess is awake,” she heard.  Belle tried to look around but couldn’t see anything past the blinding light.  

“Jesus, this girl is dumb.”  A shadow came in by the light.  “This is the heir to HYDRA?” 

“You knocked her out with a tranquilizer.  It takes some time to get out of her system.”  That voice sounded familiar. The fog from her brain was lifting and Belle was starting to be able to focus.  

“Now she’s coming around.”   

Belle blinked several times bringing the face into focus. “Sharon?” 

“Hey there princess,” she mocked. “How ya feeling?” 

“Like I got taken by a hoe,” Belle replied.  She noticed a man standing next to her in a weird green suit.  “Who the fuck is that?” 

“My name is Quinten Beck.” He walked towards Belle and kneeled in front of her. She stared at the man in front of her. Brown hair, blue eyes, he looked kind, but malice was hidden in them. He reached up to tuck a stand of hair behind her ear.  “You have beautiful eyes Isabella.  It’s a wonder that no one else notice the similarities.”  

Belle couldn’t help herself. “Similarities?” 

“Yes, to our founder. Schmidt.  See, your mother’s side came from a long list of HYDRA supporters, but no one figured out that Schmidt had a son who had a daughter. Your mother.”  

“No, my grandfather is Pierce.”  

Beck chuckled.  “Yes, he is one of your grandfathers. But you, Mrs. Rogers, are the true heir of HYDRA. You are the most important piece to complete our mission.  We have to keep your bloodline going. And it can’t be with that All American asshole.”  

Realization dawned on Belle.  She began to thrash and scream.  “No! I won’t do this!” 

“Oh, don’t worry Isabella.  I’ll take good care of Steve once you’re gone,” Sharon said with an evil smile.  

Steve arrived at Belle’s old apartment and kicked in the door.  Lila fell as she was stuffing items into her suitcase.  Peter fired his webs to pin her to the wall. “Miss Stevens, in a hurry?” Steve growled as he walked into the apartment.  

“Steve… Steve I can…” 

“You can call me Captain Rogers, Miss Stevens.” He sat in the chair across from Lila.  “Where is Belle?” 

“I don’t know,” she replied trembling.  

“Ok, answer me this.  Who took her?” Lila remained silent, tears streaming down her face. “Delilah,” he said with a low voice dripping with fury, “Who. Took. My. Wife?” 

Lila sobbed.  “She told me that it would be better for all of us if Belle disappeared.  Belle ruined my life.  My friends abandoned me, my parents were furious at my actions.  They loved Belle like a daughter and took her side.  I just wanted to be back to where I was.”  

Steve tried to remain calm.  “I’ll ask one more time. Who took her?” 

Lila stared at America’s hero and saw the pain, the anger, fury in his eyes.  “Sharon.  Sharon Carter paid me to set Belle up.  She said if she came to me to find out where she was going.  I just made a call.”  

“Clint, please take Miss Stevens to the tower.” Clint cut Lila from the webs and escorted her from the apartment. Steve grabbed the phone Lila had next to her, but it was locked.  “Shit,” he mumbled.  

“Allow me, Cap,” Peter said, pulling off his mask.  He started to tap the phone as Steve’s phone rang.   

“Sam.” 

“It’s me,” Bucky’s voice filled the air and Steve breathed a sigh of relief. “What’s the update?” 

“Shouldn’t you be resting? 

“I’m a super soldier as well asshole.  Tell me.”  

“Lila set up Belle. To Sharon.”  

“Motherfucker.  I knew that bitch was up to something.  What’s the plan?” 

“Don’t have one yet.  We’re still trying to figure out where they took her.” Steve looked at Peter who raised his head.  

“I’ve got it Cap.  The messages from Sharon confirm what Lila was saying.  But they never mention a location.”   

“Fuck.  Ok so…” 

“Wait…” Peter kept reading. “Does anyone know a Dr. Beck?” 

The team assembled in the control room with Tony leading a presentation. “Dr. Quinton Beck was an engineer with Stark Industries.  He was working on weapons manufacturing before I changed the direction of the company.  He was let go. He hasn’t had a presence in a company for the last few years until…” he flipped a screen, “AIM a few years ago.  He got in under a false name.”  

“Why was he flagged in the first place?” Natasha asked.  

“Beck wanted to use technology to fake visuals with a slight mind control initiative weaved into it,” Tony replied sarcastically. “I shut it down and fired his ass.”  

“Why would he want to take Belle?” Bucky studied the man’s photo.  

“Yeah, that was the question we had,” Banner replied.  “I ran her DNA through websites like Genealogy and it was interesting that she had no other family out there.  No cousins, nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, nothing.  So, I had a hunch and ran it through old military databases.  And got a hit.”  A new picture hit the screen. Steve and Bucky looked at each other.  

“Johan Schmidt, founder of HYDRA also known as…” 

“The Red Skull,” Bucky and Steve answered at the same time.  “How?” Steve asked.  

“Schmidt is Belle’s great- great grandfather. So, when they say she is the heir to HYDRA it wasn’t because of Pierce.  It was because of him.”  

Steve stared at the photo of his former nemesis.  He never thought that fucker would ever be a problem again, but history taught him otherwise. The tesseract made an appearance although it was safe on Asgard now. But it was amazing to him that Belle was so pure, so loving, so innocent compared to her family.  But her mother had ran from her family so the apple did fall far away from the tree.  

“Steve? Steve? You with us?”  Bucky shook his friend’s arm.  

“How would Beck know to reach out to Sharon?” Steve pondered aloud.  “I mean, they don’t run in the same circles unless…” he froze.  

“Oh shit,” Bucky looked at Steve.  “You don’t think…” 

“I do.”  He turned to his team.  “I guess I need to come clean with something first so you guys can understand.”  

Belle was moved to a room with a bed and locked in.  She looked around and noticed some familiar items.  Sharon walked in after a few minutes.  “Does it get you all hot and bothered?”  

“Is this how you two met?” 

Sharon sighed.  “After Steve completed his training, I needed to find a more permanent plaything.  You see, at the club, all walks of life come in.  And here comes this guy who is almost as handsome as Steve who just wants to have a friend and a release.  Well, I did what I do best and helped him with that.  And as we got to know each other, I realized that he had the technology and the will to get to the top.  And if he could get rid of the Avengers and take the only thing, they all care about, they I could have chance to get Steve to finally see me."

“What are you even talking about?” 

“I was almost there.   I almost had Steve.  And then you came along.  You seduced him, you entranced him with your fucking eyes. And he was gone.  He left me.  For you.”  

Belle cried.  “I didn’t do anything. He wanted me, he pursued me.  I fell in love with him after.  I even left when I thought he didn’t want me for more. But we were made for each other. Please let me go. Please I’ll talk to him, I’ll tell him whatever you want.”  

“I’ll tell him myself when we ‘look’ for you.” 

“Please Sharon. You know this is wrong.” Belle pleaded. “I don’t want this. I was made for Steve.” 

“You were made to be bred for HYDRA,” Sharon snarled.  “Even my great aunt knew that Steve was meant to be for a greater purpose.  She almost married him before he put that fucking plane on ice.”  

“Your aunt cheated on him before he decided to save the world.  I found the notes, her letter to him.  He thinks I don’t know but I do! You Carters are just a stain on American history!” 

Sharon reached out and slapped Belle, snapping her head back.  Sharon got right into Belle’s face. “And you will be known as the whore who married America’s hero and slept with HYDRA’s next great leader.  You will be bred; you will give birth and continue the HYDRA line and Steve will never see you again.”  

“Wait so Sharon, who helped us out multiple times, is a closeted sex fiend?” Sam looked astonished at his friend.  “And you were too?” 

“I technically still am.  Belle and I have an adventurous bedroom life ok?”  Steve was becoming annoyed.  “But that’s not the point.  The point is, I gave up that life and Sharon has not.  She still visits the club we used to go to.  Since Belle, I hadn’t been there for a few months.  That’s probably when she met Beck.”  

“Ok, focus up,” Tony started, “while we are all fascinated at Cap being a dominating bastard, which by the way makes total sense, we need to get back to finding Belle.  Now why would Beck and Sharon want to take her besides Sharon being a twisted bitch?”  

“Because Beck wants power.”  Maria Hill walked into the room.  “He was on SHIELD’s radar for his researching while he was still looking for work.  We think his goal is to create the next generation of HYDRA royalty.”  

“HYDRA royalty?” Bucky looked enraged.  “The only way would be if she had children with a true HYDRA supporter.”  

“Steve!” Bruce came running in with Helen Cho.  “We have a problem.”  

“What could possibly bigger than my missing wife?” 

“The fact that your wife is pregnant.”  

“What?”  Steve blanched.  “What are you talking about?”   

“Belle came to us a day before she ran away complaining that she was feeling under the weather.  We checked her out and she seemed fine, so we took blood. The results got lost in her running away but as we checked for any links the reminder hit my email.”  

“She’s pregnant?  My Belle is having our baby?” 

“Oh god.” Natasha covered her mouth.  “What will they do when they find out?” 

Tony looked at Steve who was still reeling from the news. “Let’s call this bitch and negotiate to get her back.”  

“They aren’t just going to give her back,” Bucky argued.  

“No, but they may be stupid enough to let us get a ping on their location.”  

Steve looked at his team, his face broken.  “Do it.  I need to get my family back.”  

NEXT

Taglist:

@patzammit

@texmexdarling

@slutforchrisjamalevans

@firephotogrl74

@tinkerbelle67

@before-we-get-started

@bunnyforhim

@alexakeyloveloki

@sunnyhummingbee

@whiskeytangofoxtrot555

@peaceinourtime82

@kmc1989

@lokislady82

@saucy-sassy-sparkly

#andy's hea #andy's shenanigans #yours submissively #chris evans fanfiction #steve rogers au #steve rogers smut #steve rogers fanfiction #Steve Rogers x OFC #Bucky barnes #chris evans #mcu fanfiction #Steve rogers #steve rogers imagine #chris evans au #avengers au #cliffhanger queen

[my3e]

YASSSSSS she finally dumped that a**hole

#operation true love #webtoon #slay queen #you go girl #eunhyeok #dohwa #suae #minu #trash #she dumped him #saturosbitch #no cliffhangers

[queen-scribbles]

The Long Burning Torch ch 7

Big chapter for my @shepherds-of-haven 20s AU, both in terms of length(9k) and plot happenings :3 Enjoy!

---

Xaeryn woke earlier than she’d intended, largely thanks to barking her sore knuckles against the bedframe in her sleep.

She clenched the hand into a fist, instinctively cradling it close to her chest. Red had done a good job tending to it, it was just more sensitive the morning after. As was the way of injuries in her line of work.

But the thought of Red dragged her the rest of the way awake. She ran a hand down her face, fingers slowing as they passed over her lips. No. She wasn’t thinking about that literally first thing in the morning.

Mr. Syndran was coming by. That was where her thoughts should be dwelling; preparation for that meeting. She needed to be focused. Professional.

A yawn cracked her jaw and Xaeryn glanced over at the alarm clock. Almost an hour’s lost sleep. But her mind was already too busy--with thoughts of the day ahead and ones she was trying not to think--for much success at reclaiming that hour.

Wonderful. She groaned as she shoved back the covers and swung her legs down. She headed to the kitchen, made herself tea and toast for breakfast. She knew when Mr. Syndran was coming, it was Red and Pan who were the wild card for her schedule.

They’d promised to come say goodbye before they headed back to Solhadur, but she wasn’t sure when that would be. Pan hadn’t exactly been a willing early riser during their school days, but he could do it when called for. Like wanting to get an early start on a drive.

Best to be prepared, Xaeryn decided. She finished her breakfast swiftly--at least, swiftly as she could with both elbow and hand sore from yesterday’s scuffle--showered, and dressed in trousers and a coordinating blouse. Professional, practical for any legwork she might do later, and didn’t look half bad if she said so herself.

The thoughts she’d been trying to ignore pushed their way in. The gentleness of Red’s hands as he helped her. Her whispered confession of wanting to do something improper. The irritation she’d swear she’d seen in his eyes at Pan’s timing. Tying it all together, the persistent thought:

I almost kissed my best friend--and he looked ready to kiss me back.

They clearly needed to talk. She just wasn’t sure if there would be opportunity today, with Pan here as well.

Xaeryn threw herself into busy work, putting away her evening gown until she could get it cleaned properly, dealing with the dishes from her breakfast, reviewing her notes from the gala. She’d need to speak to Miss Acquell about investigating the portions she’d seen Stormbreaker heading for before she lost her. If she could find the woman’s destination, that might give some clue what she was up to, either physical or scrying.

A knock on the door broke through her thoughts, and Xaeryn’s gaze instinctively went to the clock. Too early for Mr. Syndran.

A nervous flutter passed through her as she stood from her desk and headed for the door. She glanced at Red’s tuxedo jacket, still hanging over the chair, and reached for the knob. It was, as anticipated, him and Pan waiting in the hall.

Red smiled soon as their eyes met. “I knew you’d be up this early.”

“I’m a bit surprised you two are,” she admitted in return, stepping back to let them join her in the office. “Well, more you.” She arched a brow at Pan.

“Trust me, not my first choice,” he said wryly. “But since Red has a class to teach, we wanted an early start.” He smirked. “And I know how you two like to bump gums; figured this way we don’t have to rush goodbyes.”

She chuckled. “You do know us well. It was good to see you, Pan. However briefly. Maybe next time can be longer.”

“Ditto, Xaer.” He held out a hand to shake. “I’ll try to make myself easy to find when you visit next, maybe we can have more of a chance to chin, if you’ve the time.”

“That does sound keen,” Xaeryn said with a smile, shaking his hand. It would be nice to do some more catching up with old friends. “Where’s likely to find you?”

“His office is just down the hall from mine,” Red chipped in.

“But I’m not there much.” Pan shoved his hands in his pockets. “More likely in the gardens trying to impart my wisdom to a new gaggle of students.” He stifled a yawn. “Now, I’m gonna go sit with our stuff and hopefully not fall asleep. Red, remember we do need to be getting on the road soon, hm?”

“I know, I know,” Red said, raking a hand through his hair, something of his usual confidence lacking from the motion.

“See ya ‘round, Ryn,” Pan winked, and ducked out of the office.

Xaeryn’s stomach twisted with nerves at the loss of his presence as a buffer. Did she bring up last night? Would Red? Was it better to pretend it didn’t happen--or, almost happen--in the name of preserving their friendship?

“You, ah, forgot your jacket last night,” she fumbled, stepping over to the chair to retrieve it. The slight increase in distance didn’t help settle her nerves as she’d--somewhat--hoped.

“Yes, I didn’t realize until we were halfway back to the hotel,” Red admitted with a small laugh. “Seemed silly to come back when we were already planning to stop by today.” He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly as he crossed the room. “I also figured you’d turn in quickly and didn’t want to disturb you.”

Her pulse jumped at the thought of if they’d come back, of him seeing her in her pajamas and Xaeryn cleared her throat to shoo it away. “I did pretty much fall in bed soon as you two left.” She picked up the jacket, held it out. “It was a draining night.”

“That’s one way to describe it,” he said wryly, taking the jacket. “I still had a good time.” His gaze dropped to her bandaged knuckles. “For the most part, anyway. How’s your hand?”

“Sore,” Xaeryn said. Her fingers instinctively flexed. “A tad stiff. But definitely on the mend.” She brought it up, the other hand rubbing the side of the injured one. “Thank you, again, for helping patch me up. That would’ve been much trickier to handle myself.”

“Oh, ah, you’re welcome.” Red draped the jacket over his arm. “Always happy to help, Xaer, you know that.” He was standing so close, barely an arm’s length away.

She nodded. “And I’m always grateful, and willing to return the favor. But that was... a little outside the wheelhouse, far as things I’ve asked of you.”

He bit his lip, hesitating on a question. His gaze flicked to her hand, her mouth, quickly to the bookshelves, grip tightening on the jacket. “Is that... something you have to do a lot, Ryn? Patch yourself up?”

Xaeryn smiled faintly and sucked the inside of her cheek. She rested a hand on his arm. “Do you really want me to answer that?” I know how you worry.

“I...” Red sighed, met her gaze again. “...do.”

“I wouldn’t call it a lot,” she said, still choosing her words with care, “but occasionally it’s called for.”

“Mm.” He shifted, the motion leaning slightly into her touch.

“It’s usually like this or less serious,” she assured him. “Scrapes, bumps to ice, that sort of thing.” A laugh escaped her. “Some are even self-inflicted due to stubbornness in chasing leads.”

Red chuckled fondly. “Of course they are.” He reached for the injured hand, tugging it close to look over. “Glad this one’s healing, but try to be more careful, Xaer? This case seems like it’s pretty high stakes, and thus high risk.”

Xaeryn nodded, trying not to be distracted by the way his thumb brushed the side of her hand. “It is a bit more... involved than my usual job,” she allowed. “And I don’t do unnecessary risk-”

“Having seen some of what you considered necessary during school, that’s not the comfort you might think,” Red interjected wryly. 

She huffed a small laugh and reluctantly withdrew her hand. “My point, Liefred, is that detective work comes with a few more risks than academia, but I know what I’m doing in navigating them.”

“I know.” His gaze ran over her face. “And I trust you, but as your friend” --did his pulse jump in his throat on the word, or was it just a trick of the light?--”I am still going to worry about you. A little.”

“Only a little?” Xaeryn teased.

“I’m trying to be better about it,” he said with an abashed smile, “so it doesn’t get in the way of more important things.”

“A wise plan.” She smiled in return. He’d been a worrywart as long as she’d known him, she wondered how much success he’d have relaxing that facet of his personality.

A sharp knock sounded against her door. They both snapped a gaze toward it, though Xaeryn’s quickly shifted to the clock.

“That’s too awake and impatient to be Pan,” Red joked.

She laughed. “Given the time, I suspect it’s Mr. Syndran. We had an appointment. How lucky you’re still here for introductions.”

“I’ll be on best behavior,” he said, twinkle in his eye as he mimed adjusting a tie he wasn’t wearing and ran his fingers through his hair.

She rolled her eyes and tried to school her expression into something professional on the way to the door. Her guess had been correct. “Good morning, Mr. Syndran.”

“And to you, Miss Shrike.” Mr. Syndran arched a brow at Red. “And your guest.”

“Yes, I didn’t get to introductions last night,” Xaeryn said. “Mr. Riel Syndran, head of Whitestone Couriers; Headmaster Liefred Antiqua of Solhadur Academy in Capra.”

“Ah, yes, I know it.” Mr. Syndran stepped into the office, giving a formal half-bow of greeting. “We’ve handled some artefact deliveries headed there, though nothing recently.”

Red inclined his head in answer to the bow. “Hasn’t been much coming in for study, sadly. We’ve had to content ourselves with teaching and research.”

“Yes, what a struggle for you,” Xaeryn said dryly. “Liefred’s been helping with the historical research for Solimer’s Torch,” she explained to Mr. Syndran.

He cut her a sharp, knowing smile. “So he’s the one who prompted your inquiry about outsourcing?”

She nodded, flashed a smile to Red. “I felt it was smart to use an expert I trust. And his help has been... invaluable.”

“I see.” Mr. Syndran ran a glance over Red; the half-rolled sleeves, wrinkled waistcoat(at least it was buttoned this time), the tuxedo jacket draped over his arm. “And the gentleman trying valiantly not to nod off in the car out front? Is he another outsource?”

“No, he’s my ride,” Red said with a laugh. “And on that note, I should be going. So he doesn’t doze off.”

Frustration flared in Xaeryn’s chest, but she quickly clamped it down. Yes, they needed to talk, but that was a conversation she wasn’t keen to have in front of a client. So she just nodded farewell. “Thank you again for all your help,” she said, flexing her fingers to keep them from stiffening.

Red nodded, bit his lip, and stepped closer to give her a quick hug goodbye.  “Anytime, Ryn. And I’ll have that information together by lunch tomorrow for you to come pick up.”

That seemed ambitious, if he had a class today, but if he wasn’t done when she got there, it would be a chance to visit more. “See you then.”

One last dimpled, lingering smile, something unsaid in his deep green eyes, and he was gone.

Mr. Syndran waited until the door clicked shut behind him to fix her with an appraising look. “You truly trust him?”

“Implicitly,” Xaeryn said with a firm nod. “He’s top notch and won’t blab about working on it.”

“He looks too honest by half,” Mr. Syndran muttered, and she couldn’t deny that, but he rolled on before she could comment. “What information is he gathering for you? I’d think you have all the background you need by this point, Miss Shrike.”

“And you’d be correct.” Xaeryn moved behind her desk, gesturing for him to take a seat as she settled in her chair. “My handbag was stolen, and my notes happened to be inside at the time. I copied down what I remember-”

He held up a hand. “Your notes were stolen?”

“My handbag was, yes, and with it my notes. Which are written in personal shorthand, so I wish anyone who might try to read them the best of luck.”

“This is still a distressing development,” Mr. Syndran mused, twirling his walking stick against the floor. “though I do applaud the precaution.”

“It might be, but as I said, I copied down what I remember, and Liefred’s reassembling the historical data he found for me in case it becomes relevant. Nothing about this is slowing down my search.”

“Mm. And you rewarded his efforts by bringing him along to the gala?” he asked archly.

“I needed a plus one to get in,” Xaeryn reminded him just as archly. “It was more asking him for an additional favor. One he didn’t mind granting, given what he got to see. He’s my best friend and helped me a lot. Even if it was a reward, would that be so bad?”

“I simply do not care for you to get distracted from the task for which you were hired.”

She bit the tip of her tongue, forcing down irritation at being lectured like a child.  “I assure you, I am still focused, Mr. Syndran. Some mingling and taking in the exhibits between... interviews was called for to avoid drawing attention.”

“And, to the point of this meeting, were those interviews fruitful?” He steepled his fingers over the walking stick as he asked.

“They were, and there’s more besides...” Xaeryn gave him a recap of the chats she’d had with Ms. Aescar and King Kaza, as well as mentioning the odd behavior of the latter’s bodyguard. “My hope for today is to pick up her track, see what she was up to, where she went, if anyone else was there. This ties to her and the king somehow, I just need to find the connection.”

“That does seem likely, but do keep an open mind, Miss Shrike,” Mr. Syndran said, lips pursed.

“Of course, comes with the territory,” she returned.  There was something in his look that made her wary, like he was about to suggest a theory she wouldn’t like. But he didn’t, instead nodding toward the battered knuckles she’d been idly rubbing the latter half of the conversation.

“Have to fight someone over the punch bowl, did you?” he asked drolly.

She snorted a laugh. “No, just a bit of excitement on the way home from the gala. I’d had Liefred leave with the car while I was following Stormbreaker, so I had to walk back and was... menaced by a thug for ‘sticking my nose where it doesn’t belong’.” A thin smile. “I handled him. This is just scrapes.”

“I should see the other fellow?” Mr. Syndran said, arching a brow. “A pickpocket and a menacing ruffian in the span of a couple days? Miss Shrike, your neighborhood is not that dangerous.”

“Oh, the latter incident is undoubtedly tied to the case. Means I’m getting close. They’re trying to make me breeze on it, or at least slow me down.” Xaeryn shifted in her chair. “Unfortunately for them, this sort of thing only makes me more determined. And I have some solid angles to follow today so I get even closer.”

Mr. Syndran’s eyes glittered. “Good to hear, Miss Shrike. Whitestone Couriers is eager for a positive resolution to the matter.”

And a rapid one, from how you keep nudging, But he’d made that clear from the start, so she could hardly complain. She’d already missed one deadline--the gala--and wanted to wrap this up quickly herself. “I’m close to giving you one,” she promised.

One side of his mouth twitched as he picked up the subtle hint. “Best of luck in your efforts today, Detective.” He stood, then paused, lips pursed. “You are quite certain no one will read your notes, should they fall in the wrong hands?”

She thought briefly about bringing up she’d had this conversation with Ms. Aerin last night, but that might seem like deflecting. “Yes. I developed it with Liefred in school for faster note-taking and then further altered it when I took up detective work, so I doubt even he could read it anymore.”

(Not entirely true; Red could probably figure it out with a little time, but she didn’t like the suspicion crinkling Mr. Syndran’s brow.)

He seemed satisfied, giving a nod. “Very well, I’ll take you at your word, Miss Shrike. Again, best of luck today.” He inclined his head in farewell and was gone.

Xaeryn blew out a breath and deliberated on the better course of action from her options. She could go back to the museum, see if Miss Acquell would let her in to try and pick up Stormbreaker’s trail. The earlier she got on that lead, the better her odds of it going somewhere. She could also scry on the woman, or on the green-haired man from the alley. That could be fallback, she mused. The museum was the best bet, and staff should be there for the day by now.

She called the direct number the curator had given her, fervently hoping Miss Acquell was in her office rather than roaming the floor.

It was answered--slightly breathless--on the fourth ring. “Shery Acquell’s office.”

“Mis- Shery, it’s Detective Shrike.” Xaeryn glanced at the clock. “I was wondering if I could swing by the museum to follow up a lead or two from last night.”

“Oh, detective.” She gave a frazzled-sounding cough. “Of course. We’re closed to the public today, gala cleanup, but I’ll tell the doorman to keep a watch for you. When do you think you’ll be coming?”

Xaeryn shrugged. “Earlier’s better; does five minutes work? Maybe a little more?” It might be prudent to walk in case she wound up following something away from the museum; she wouldn’t have to return later for her car.

“Certainly. I’ll let them know you’re coming and allowed in.”

“Thank you, Shery.” She hung up, fetched a hat, and was off.

--- 

The museum, much to her chagrin, did not prove fruitful. She followed the same route as the night before, branched in each direction Stormbreaker could have gone. There were only a half dozen display rooms and they were all undisturbed, no matter how closely she scrutinized. The second hallway, however, did have an exit at the end of it. Stormbreaker could have either stepped out or simply talked to someone without being observed. Security had been mostly focused around the gala. Miss Acquell confirmed nothing was missing and Xaeryn, annoyed, headed back to her office.

Scrying it is, then, she thought, trying not to dwell on the wasted time in the museum. 

If she’d just stuck with Stormbreaker instead of getting distracted... but there was nothing to be done about it now other than work with the problem. She just had to decide if it was a surer thing to scry on the green-haired man or Stormbreaker. One she’d only seen in a previous scry, the other was guarding a person likely to have warding or protective sigils.

It only took a few minutes’ deliberation to settle on the green-haired man. It would take some extra effort to scry on someone she’d never met in person, but she’d bumped into protection sigils before. They gave her a monster of a headache. If King Kaza was utilizing those--and he seemed the type--it was a surefire way to make her day worse.

Xaeryn took out the polished bronze disk she used for scrying, set it on the desk, then locked the door and took the phone off the hook to minimize distraction before getting down to business.

A present-day focus was at least easier than trying to see something from the past. Her vision shimmered, the dish clouding over before clearing to reveal a silent, sepia-tone image of the man she sought.

He was walking briskly along a street, the shadow of other pedestrians few but present. The stores her passed were all too blurred to give any clue of his whereabouts. His newsie cap was tugged low but couldn’t quite hide the flash of green hair, the scar on his neck just showing over his shirt collar. He slowed, checked something on a scrap of paper, and ducked into a café.

That she did recognize. It was only a few minutes from her office, she’d lunched there frequently. Xaeryn broke the scry, hurrying to collect handbag and hat. Lucky for her it was lunchtime, so she could snag a peek without drawing too much attention.

As long as her quarry was staying a while, not just meeting someone to head for a secondary location. Hence her haste. She pinned on her hat once more, confirmed the desk was locked, and headed out, careful to lock the office door as well.

----

The weather was nice, so Xaeryn found herself with plenty of company as she walked. She was the one one to step into the café, which was a relief. A glance around the space quickly revealed the man she sought.

Her search was made easier by the fact other patrons appeared to be giving the table a wide berth. The unusual hair colors of the occupants made them stand out as Diminished even more; her quarry’s hat was off, and his companion’s pale pink hair was corralled by a dark red ribbon.

A companion Xaeryn recognized, though she tried to keep that recognition off her face as she took a seat at a relatively close booth. The One-God works in mysterious ways. She was far dressed down from last night, but Green Hair’s emphatic conversational partner was none other than Stormbreaker, King Kaza’s bodyguard. She was also rather agitated about something.

“...no Diviner, whaddya want me to do?” Green Hair muttered.

“He’s only planning to stay in town a few more days, Darius,” Stormbreaker hissed back. “Our window’s closing.”

“That knowledge doesn’t magically give me the ability to track things down,” Darius growled. “I wanna stop him as bad as you, Bry, but-”

They both fell silent as the waitress approached with Xaeryn’s order. She sent up a small prayer they didn’t look too closely at the booth. Stormbreaker at least would recognize her.

Apparently the One-God was feeling kind. After an extra minute or so of silence, their conversation resumed, albeit in more hushed tones. Good job she’d always had keen hearing.

“You don’t have any idea where he would’ve squirreled it away?” Darius asked, so low Xaeryn barely caught it.

“Nothing more than we’ve found. I thought he was gonna keep in at the hotel, where he could have eyes on it. But he’s not, and whatever the details of what he and Jarkyth are doing, they’re playing cards close to the chest.”

Xaeryn’s brows twitched even as she bit into her cucumber sandwich. Assuming ‘he’ was who she thought, not only was there more going on than appeared with Solimer’s Torch, but King Kaza was plotting something with one of the most influential religious and political figures in the known world.

Which presented her with a conundrum-- if King Kaza was involved in the theft but these two weren’t, she should probably talk to them. They could fill in some blanks, maybe point her in the right direction. But if they weren’t on the up and up, she’d be making things worse to show her hand. They could have their own selfish designs on the Torch.

The dilemma was at least partially taken out of her hands even as she turned it over in her mind. “Circe??”

Fortunately, she’d used the alias for a few other cases, and still had the instincts to react to it without too much of an interval. “Hm?” The pause at being pulled from her thoughts wasn’t an affectation in the slightest. “Oh. Stormbreaker, right?”

The woman grimaced slightly. “Only when certain parties are trying to show off. I prefer Briony.” She cocked her head, expression riding the fine line between curiosity and suspicion. “What a coincidence running in to you here.”

“It certainly is,” Xaeryn said with a light laugh. “My office is nearby This is my go-to when I want to step out for lunch.” She held up the uneaten portion of her sandwich as evidence. “And you? Did you find time away from your duties to see some sights today?”

Briony nodded, cheerful smile and hard eyes, her companion gone stone-faced. “A few. Haven’t gotten much time away. His highness doesn’t care to be unprotected for long.”

If her distaste were any more thinly veiled, it would be sheer. Xaeryn’s gut said to gamble, and she listened to it. “Well, I’m glad you managed it, Haven has a lot to offer.” She set down her sandwich. ”I’m also glad I bumped into you; I was hoping to speak when we could be more... open.”

“,,,What about?” Briony asked cautiously.

“There’s a piece I’m trying to track down with possible ties to Elinden. Wouldn’t want King Kaza to think I’m accusing him of involvement in it’s disappearance with no proof, now would I?”

Briony’s eyes narrowed, likely judging, in turn, if this gamble was worth her taking. She gestured for Xaeryn to join their table, shushing her companion when he started to protest. “And what would this piece be?”

“An artefact from the Jalis desert,” said Xaeryn, still measuring her words. It would really put her behind the eight ball if she read this wrong. “I’ve been tracking it on behalf of the proper owner”--Or near enough, she thought to herself--“and signs are starting to point toward Elinden.”

“Is that why you were chattin’ up his highness last night?” Briony asked with a keen look and faint smile playing at her lips.

“More or less, He has previously tried to claim this artefact through legal means and failed. But his is not the only faction on Elinden, either.”

She didn’t miss the look between the two her words prompted.

“So why were you hoping to talk to me?” Briony asked, tracing one finger ‘round the rim of her cup.

“I happened to note your... early exit and couldn’t help wondering if that was related,” Xaeryn said coolly.

“I told you s-!”

“Darius, close your head,” Briony cut him off, squeezing his arm. She looked back at Xaeryn. “I think we should continue this bull session somewhere just a bit more private, don’t you, Circe? If we’re gonna be discussing things like that.”

“Probably a good idea,” Xaeryn agreed.

“You said you have an office nearby?”

“I do.” And that would work nicely. Familiar ground and all. “Though one thing you need to know if we’re moving there... My name is not Circe Blackwood.” She pulled out a business card and slid it across the table. “I’m sure you can understand how aliases might come in handy for my line of work?”

Briony nodded, but Darius still looked suspicious. “I can,” she said. “Shall we?” 

The three of them settled up and left the café, Xaeryn carrying the uneaten half of her sandwich wrapped in waxed paper. They were all silent as they walked. She spared only a brief moment to muse over their thoughts before sinking into her own.

They had agreed to go to an unfamiliar location with an unknown actor with surprisingly little fuss, and it made her wonder if they were planning something she needed to worry about. Or maybe Briony had a gut instinct as good as her own. She’d deal with any scenarios that arose accordingly. Her true concern was how much of her hand to show.

When they reached her office, Xaeryn let Briony and Darius examine the room as she settled in her desk chair. After they’d prowled around enough to satisfy themselves it was safe, they sat opposite.

“So,” Xaeryn said with a searching look.

“So,” Briony echoed, holding her gaze steadily. 

Apparently the first trust fall was on her. Very well. “I was hired to locate an artefact stolen from the collection on display at the museum and return it to the proper owner. Certain... aspects of what I’ve learned in my search have pointed very firmly toward Elinden  So, of course, it was of great curiosity to me, seeing the bodyguard to the current--controversial--king of that island slink away from her charge.”

Briony snorted, ignoring Darius’ uneasy shift in his chair. “Oh, he’s actually quite a brawler. I’m more... flaunted for show and paranoia.” A sharp, bitter smile curved her lips. “He doesn’t really need me, just wants people to think he does.”

“Well, he might want to do something about the number of records describing him as warlord,” Xaeryn said wryly. “That certainly conjures images of ferocity. It’s also not my point. What were you doing?”

“Why should I tell you?” Briony crossed her arms with a shrug. “No offense, Xaeryn, but what reason do I have to trust you?”

“Fair.” Xaeryn steepled her fingers. “Assuming King Kaza is involved in the theft of the relic I’m tracking, I have a feeling you’re also trying to get it away from him. This would, I hope, put us on the same side, and we could work together looking for it.”

Darius scoffed. “Y’want us to trust you, but that’s blazing hard when you won’t even tell us what you’re looking for.”

She grimaced. “My client specifically requested discretion. I’m trying to give you enough while still honoring that-”

“Is it Solimer’s Torch?” Briony blurted. “B’cause that’s what we’re looking to get away from Kaza.”

“Briony!” Darius growled.

“I’m tired of this cat and mouse bunk, D.” She tugged on the ribbon in her hair absently. “If Xaeryn here is an actual snooper” --an emphatic gesture at the sign on Xaeryn’s desk--”she might be luckier’n we’ve been figuring what happened.”

“I am very good at finding things,” Xaeryn promised, tapping her fingers on the desk. “Maybe if you give me what you know, it’ll fill in some blanks that have been tripping me up?”

“Might as well, cat’s outta the bag,” Darius grumbled, running a hand through his hair.

Briony gave his arm a light punch, which made him rock in his chair, before looking back to Xaeryn. “So the Torch is what you’re looking for?”

Xaeryn nodded.

“Well, then, Kaza Ackshin is your man. He timed his visit to Haven to line up with the gala for two reasons; trawling for support of his claim to the throne, and to steal the Torch. Two birds and all that. I dunno everything about how they pulled it off, but he’s involved.”

“You’re quick to throw over your boss,” Xaeryn commented.

“Because he doesn’t deserve what he has,” Briony said fiercely. “And I’ll do what I have to to set that right--even work for the bastard.”

“What she means is, we’re from Dar-elin, the largest rebelling faction,” Darius explained wearily. “We’ve been workin’ to get that muti off the throne since the moment he took it. Outright conflict was dragging, so we switched to infiltration. Stormbreaker here has spent the last two years ingratiating herself so she has better access.”

“Right, that.” Briony waved a hand. “He’s been after the Torch--obsessed, really--since before I started, though. He can trace his ancestry to some Jalis warlord who owned it. Only problem for him is there’s some gaps where he only has a parent or grandparent’s say-so to back him up, no records. So even though he tried the official route, and outright buying it, he didn’t have any luck.”

“So he turned to thievery,” Xaeryn muttered.

Briony gave a grim smile. “He sees it as liberating, he’s that up his own ass about it belonging to him.”

“What good does he think it will do him, to make him so focused?” Xaeryn got out her notepad to start scribbling down at least rough notes.

“Aside from prestige and pride,” Briony snorted. “He’s superstitious enough I think he at least half believes all the applesauce about it bringing good luck or invulnerability and would use it to try and take at least a kingdom’s worth of the desert by force.”

“What, he’s not happy with Elinden’s throne?”

“Warlords never are,” Darius scoffed, and she nodded a concession.

“And I imagine it’s hard to, ah, increase your territory and influence from an island after a certain point,” she said.

“Well, and he knows there’s at least a chance it doesn’t end well for him, fighting three dissenter factions at once,” Briony added. “He still believes the throne is his because he took it, which is why he’s looking for political and financial support to fend us all off. But if he can establish a place of authority elsewhere, he has a fallback in case the ungrateful masses get to be too much for him.”

“So you’re trying to get the Torch away from him.” Xaeryn doodled a ship in the corner of a page.

“It’s two-fold.” Briony curled a loose wisp of pink hair around her finger and tugged on it. “It’ll mess up his plans, makes it harder to establish himself in Jalis if he’s a random power-hungry outsider. Gods know they have enough warlords of their own without adding a new one.” She caught Xaeryn’s eye and held her gaze as she continued. “And we want the Torch back with its owner, since from what I understand she has a solid claim to it.”

“Well established and documented, yes,” Xaeryn nodded, thinking back to her conversation with Miss Acquell about the provenance. “There’s also... a sentimental connection.” She tapped her pencil against her notepad. “I’m a bit surprised someone from a place as... insular as Elinden has the pull to hire competent thieves or deploy his own in any city on the mainland, but especially a hub city like Haven, with no connections.”

“Who said he doesn’t have connections, doll?” Darius smirked.

“Are you saying he did, despite never leaving Elinden? And it’s Miss Shrike. Or Xaeryn, if you really must.” She would grit her teeth through being addressed as doll by random shop- or barkeeps who didn’t know her name, but not a potential ally.

Darius’ brows arched, but he gave a nod of understanding.

Briony, however, was the one to answer her question. “Talquist Jarkyth.”

“The Western Hierophant?” Xaeryn’s stomach rebelled at the thought of one of the most prominent members of the church being involved, but he did dabble in business and politics, and she had seen King Kaza talking to him at the gala.... “He’s not local, either,” she protested, “He’s based in... Heth Macoll, I believe. He might be powerful there, but-”

“He travels. He’s been in Haven four months,” Briony cut her off. “Attending to business and avoiding the home climates. And d’you really think someone like him didn’t find at least a couple hoods to do his dirty work while he’s here?”

Someone like... The phrasing, and vehemence with which Briony uttered it, made something click for Xaeryn. “Are you saying you believe the scuttlebutt about him being a Faceless Lord?”

“It’s not just rumors and hokum, Xaeryn.” Briony let go of the hair she’d been twisting to lean forward. “Some of it, as we’ve recently found, is very, very true.”

Well, that was news she hadn’t been expecting--and had trouble believing. The Faceless Lords were grown-up bogeymen; powerful leaders in every sphere of influence--political, religious, cultural--manipulating events across Blest for their own ends and profit. Anyone with at least a decent amount of influence or wealth was accused of membership at some point. 

Xaeryn had always felt the ‘cabal trying to control the world’ concept was an exaggeration, a flight of fancy, an excuse. But if Briony was truthful and correct, she’d been very wrong. It was a lot to wrap her head around.

“Assuming... assuming I take you at your word,” she said slowly, “why would Jarkyth be helping King Kaza? I can’t imagine there’s anything in Elinden he’d want to exploit.” She grimaced at how that sounded the second it left her mouth, no matter how true it was. Forthright, huh, Red?

“There’s not,” Briony said with a shrug. “Jalis, however... He looking to establish trade in the region with some of the larger settlements. There’s lots of... specialty goods you can only get from Jalis, and they aren’t cheap, thanks to the difficulty acquiring them. Jarkyth probably thinks if he helps Ackshin get this secondary kingdom running, he’ll have an in for trade with almost no competition.”

“So he’s, what, financing the theft of an artefact as a... business decision?” Her thoughts went to Chase commenting how the ‘butter and egg man’ for a Thieves Guild job on the same caravan had breezed. An interesting coincidence, if it was one.

“Would hardly be the worst thing his blessedness has done, if half of what we’ve heard is true,” Darius said gruffly. “Long as he thinks it’s profitable, in one sense or another. Quite the businessman, he.”

“So, what about you two, then?” Xaeryn asked, partly to change the subject, partly because she was actually curious. “What makes you care so much about the artefact, and what part have you played here in Haven?”

“I’m really tempted to say that would be telling,” Briony laughed. “But there’s something about you I like, and I’m keen on the idea of working together, so. Building trust.” She wiggled a little to settle more comfortably in her chair. “It might seem to make more sense, chasing Kaza off Elinden and saying good plan, go build your sandcastle. But. Who’s to say he wouldn’t either set up in Jalis, build an army, and come after Elinden again, or muff it hard, and crawl back to ‘his’ throne in an even fouler temper? We want him stuck with us, so he can’t tuck tail when we win, and has to face justice.” She grinned fiercely.  “B’sides, the Torch isn’t his. Isn’t right to let him keep it.”

“As to the second part...” Darius ran his fingers through his hair, reluctantly accepting this alliance, though it was clear he still had doubts. “I came over early, ahead of the scheduled arrival. Briony was stuck coming with his highness, of course, but that would’ve been too late to be any good, and I’m a known rebel besides. That muti so much as saw us make eye contact the whole game would be up. He’s that paranoid.

“So I scouted ahead with a few others, cased the museum, figured out likely approaches for the caravan when it arrived, and we hammered out a plan or three for keeping thefts at bay til it was safe inside.” He snorted softly. “Only, turned out the schedule we’d found was bogus. False trail. Caravan showed up a day earlier than we thought. Had to hustle to the service entry to keep an eye out. The others posted themselves along different routes, ‘long with a few local street kids we’d been paying for gossip. I asked ‘em after ,and no one saw anything.”

“Nothing?” Xaeryn frowned.

“Nothing.” He gave a sardonic smile as he picked red paint from under his nails. “I was planning to mark the truck we’d been told held the Torch, so I wouldn’t lose it in the shuffle, could keep an eye ‘til it was safe inside. But some hobo started yellin’ ‘bout me bein’ in his alley and rushed me with a blazin’ knife. By the time I’d thrown him off, I’d missed my chance with the truck and a couple of the guards were startin’ to look our way with the ruckus. So I dusted out and hoped for the best. Next time I talked to Briony, she said Ackshin was struttin’ like a peacock over getting his prize, knew we’d failed to keep it away from him. Now we’re shifted to getting it away from him.”

“And not having much luck, though we are on the trail of where he might’ve hidden it,” Briony added wryly.

“So your sneaking off at the gala was...?” Xaeryn prompted, wanting to be sure her original query got answered.

“Part searching display rooms, part checking in with Darius,” Briony said. “We wanted to be sure the Torch wasn’t just stashed somewhere inside the museum.”

“Mm.” She could see the wisdom in that. Xaeryn chewed the inside of her cheek, fingers inching closer to the desk drawer as she debated the wisdom of her next move. In the name of building bridges she went with it. She turned to Darius. “You say this bum in the alley charged you with a knife?”

He nodded. “Just a little one, but it still threw me he was so... fierce about it. Tried to wrestle it from him but couldn’t manage.”

“So you didn’t have a weapon of your own?” Xaeryn pressed.

“Peashooter in m’boot, but I couldn’t get it before he was on me, an’ didn’t want the attention, anyhow.”

“So this isn’t yours?” She withdrew the sheath from the drawer and set it on her desk.

“Hael, no,” Darius scowled, shaking his head. “Got Ackshin’s seal on it and everything.” His eyes narrowed as he looked at her. “Where’d you get it, snooper?”

Briony cut him a warning look, which he ignored. Xaeryn was unfazed; she’d dealt with worse. “The alley behind the museum,” she said coolly. “It was dropped in your scuffle, gave me something of a lead. If it’s not yours, and this ‘bum’ had a knife, I’d imagine it belonged to him.”

She watched the fire flash in his eyes as he connected that his opponent, who distracted him from watching the caravan at a crucial moment, likely worked for Kaza Ackshin.

“That rat bastard,” he growled. “Muti.” He rubbed the scar on his neck before focusing in on Xaeryn again. “How do you know what it’s from, anyway, Miss Detective?”

“I scryed,” Xaeryn said. “Saw what happened. Unfortunately Seer is not my main focus for this talent, so-”

“You’re a blazing Diviner?! Why don’t you just spy on the damn Torch and save us all a load of trouble?!”

Xaeryn sat a little stiffer, a little straighter, at his tone. “It’s scry, and don’t you think I tried?! Divining is a valuable skill as a snooper.” She pursed her lips.  “Attempting to scry on the Torch, however, nets me only... dead air.” It was the best comparison she could think to make. “I don’t know what’s keeping me out; maybe they have some sort of protection.”

“Sigils or wards like that are tricky, aren’t they?” Briony asked with a frown.

“They are. It takes a very skilled Binder to lay and maintain something like that, and it wouldn’t be cheap.” But they were talking about a king and the Western Hierophant(supposedly a ‘Faceless Lord’ of immense influence), surely between them they had the resources. “Had you found any clue where they might be storing it until King Kaza leaves? I assume he’ll take it with him?”

Briony nodded. “That is the plan, far as we know. And we have a few leads, but nothing definite. We think they’re in Ashtown, but there’s a lot of people hiding things there,” she said with a laugh. “So we’re having trouble narrowing it down, and there’s the time limit. And since his highness isn’t personally involved, there’s no reason for his bodyguard to pry for details.”

“He’s not personally involved?” Xaeryn echoed, brow furrowing.

“He saw it once, on arrival, to confirm they nicked the right thing, but otherwise doesn’t want to rouse suspicion by constantly checking on it. He might be a tyrannical bastard, but he’s smart,” Briony said grimly.

“So, then, best way to proceed?” Xaeryn asked, mentally sorting all the new information. “Should we continue separately and check in with developments? Or arrange somewhere to meet and work together?”

“I like the first one better,” Darius muttered. “Lets us spread out more and won’t raise high and mighty suspicions.”

“Agreed.” Briony nodded. “And it’s probably better if you talk to Darius if you find anything; since King Kaza’s met you, it might raise eyebrows if Circe is seen chatting up his bodyguard.”

“Good point,” Xaeryn said. Darius looked less pleased with this arrangement, but still nodded. “Where can I reach you?”

He hesitated. “The Quarssen. Leave a message for Mr. Thrace.”

She nodded. “I’d further suggest, since I imagine the king will be heading home soon? that if we haven’t heard anything either way by... three tomorrow afternoon we meet at either the same café or the curiosities shop across the street, Chandry’s. Either makes a good cover for a meeting.”

She’d done so before, a few times, for clients who didn’t want to be seen visiting a detective’s office repeatedly.

“Works for me,” Briony nodded. “Long as I can get away from his highness again.”

“Fine with me as well,” Darius said, pushing out of his chair and tugging on his cap. “But we should get back to it, yeah?”

“Yeah.” Briony stood as well, flashing Xaeryn a smile. “Glad to make a friend in this, at least. And he’ll warm up,” she whispered, nodding toward Darius. “He just has some hard-learned trust issues.”

“I understand.” Frankly, Xaeryn didn’t cared if the man kept her at arm’s length as long as he didn’t dig in his heels about working together. “Best of luck to you, and I’ll see what I can find.”

“Thanks,” Briony said brightly. “Good luck to you, too.” And she darted after Darius, already walking down the hall.

Xaeryn could hear them talking as they walked, but didn’t bother trying to eavesdrop.

She had a lot of new notes to transcribe.

---

Writing everything down took a while, even using shorthand, but Xaeryn was determined to include all that she’d learned. Even the... disquieting fact the Faceless Lords might be real and not the conspiratorial scapegoat she’d always thought. Election didn’t go the way you wanted? Don’t think someone deserves the position they were given? Easiest to blame some group of anonymous, hidden, and powerful string-pullers. But if what Briony and Darius relayed was correct, this conspiracy, at least, was true. And she did have to admit, of all the various bogeymen she’d heard of in the course of her life, this one was the closest to being plausible.

Xaeryn still sighed as she scribbled a note about it. She knew keeping an open mind was important, but she didn’t think she’d have to keep it this open. What was next, banshees were real, too?

The clock showed early afternoon by the time she was done. Events had been as worthwhile as they were time-consuming, however, so she didn’t mind terribly. With the time left in the day, maybe she could fit a visit to Ashtown; see if Thieves Guild had noticed anyone using a warehouse they shouldn’t be. Given Briony and Darius’s suspicions in that direction, maybe she’d even ask if they could keep an eye out.

What would that cost me, I wonder? she thought wryly, before pinning on a hat and heading for the gates between city circles.

---

It was, for obvious reasons, not that easy to dance in and speak to Chase Trinaeste, even if you had left a favorable previous impression. Xaeryn had to talk her way past two layers of brunos, and even then got stonewalled by the lieutenant she’d met before.

“Chase isn’t here,” Ari said, arms crossed and chin jutting forward slightly. “So you can just scram, Miss Private Dick.”

Xaeryn sighed. She didn’t entirely believe the claim of Chase’s absence, but either way, “I’m not after Thieves Guild, I’m after someone else who might be mucking around in your territory. You’d likely know as well as Chase.” She explained what she was looking for.

Ari cocked her head and thought for a long moment before gesturing negative. “Ain’t seen anything like that.” She grinned wolfishly. “Twenty deucalions a day, we can keep our eyes peeled.”

“Ten,” Xaeryn countered, crossing her arms as well.

“Fifteen, and not a danar less,” Ari said, finality in her voice.

“Deal.” It was an expense she could at least partially claim on her bill to Whitestone Couriers, and it was worth it when they were so close and on a deadline.

“Pleasure doin’ business,” Ari said, looking pointedly toward the door.

“I’ll check in tomorrow with coin for both then and today,” Xaeryn said as she took the hint. There were a few other, minor leads she could check this afternoon. 

She made her way back out of Ashtown--safely once again, despite hearing Red’s voice fretting in the back of her mind.

The other leads didn’t pan out too much, though a little probing at the right sources did confirm what Briony said about Jarkyth and King Kaza. Satisfied with the day’s work, Xaeryn headed home for the night. Tomorrow she’d check in with Thieves Guild before she went to Capra, then her new Elinden acquaintances when she got home. And maybe seeing all the historical information together would jog something.

Or maybe Red will find something new in the process off compiling this, she mused fondly as she settled into bed. He did have a knack for honing in on books that had just what he needed for whatever he was currently researching. It was a talent she’d envied in school and was grateful for now. She drifted off with a smile on her lips. The mental image of Red, tousle-haired and surrounded by books, was a very pleasant last thought for the day.

---

Xaeryn woke in a fine mood, and stuck to her plan for the morning--though she did have to talk herself out of the outfit part of her wanted to wear(a golden yellow dress with red and navy embroidery) in favor of a much plainer grey blouse and deep green skirt. Best to not stand out on her visit to Ashtown.

The Thieves Guild report was about what she’d expected; they’d seen a bit of “unsanctioned” activity at a few warehouses, but none of it stood out as particularly furtive or foreign. Promising to check again later, Xaeryn backtracked to retrieve her car and start for Capra.

Leaving now, if she made good time, she’d get there before lunch. But she could always bump gums with Pan or stroll the grounds if Red wasn’t ready for her yet. She suspected he knew she liked having the excuse to visit, and that was why he hadn’t offered to bring the information to her. After all, he knew where she lived now, Traveling would be much safer and faster. 

She hoped, after he passed off the research, they had a chance for a private chat. They really needed to discuss the night of the gala, what--if anything--it meant for their relationship. He valued her forthrightness, maybe it was time to show some in regards to him, she mused, then snorted softly as she steered around a curve.

If only it was that simple.

Xaeryn sighed and shook of the whirling thoughts as she pulled on to Solhadur’s grounds. Business first, then personal matters. If for no other reason than to help it not distract her at such a crucial point. By all accounts there was less than a sennight before King Kaza headed home, and he would undoubtedly take the Torch with him. She only had a few small losses on her professional record, and no desire to add one this large to the ledger.

She bypassed the desk as she headed inside; the girl was deep in conversation with a security man, and she didn’t want to wait through their chat or be a distraction.

She was a quarter of the way up the stairs when her passage registered and she heard the receptionist’s “Wait-!”

A few steps further when she noted the additional security personnel at the top. Someone must have pulled another prank; the headmaster’s hall was a favorite site for the bolder jokesters. Xaeryn was torn between amusement the tradition held string and annoyance at it delaying her meeting with Red.

Halfway up, one of the security men noticed her and headed down, a hand outstretched. “Miss, you can’t come up here.”

“I have an appointment-” Xaeryn began, still walking.

The guard cut her off. “You need to wait downstairs.”

“It’s alright, Kellan,” a familiar voice floated down before she could protest further, “you can let her by.”

Kellan frowned, looking back up the stairs. “You sure, sir?”

“Yeah, she’s fine,” Pan said, gesturing for Xaeryn to join him. “I’ll talk to her.”

Kellan stepped aside with an uncertain shrug, and she moved past him to join Pan. There was no evidence of a prank, and it made something odd pulse in her chest.

“What’s all this?” she asked, indicating the goings-on with a swivel of her wrist.

Pan sighed. “I tried to call, but guess you’d left already...” He rubbed the back of his neck, then met her eye with a sympathetic smile. “Xaer, Red’s gone.”

The words hit but didn’t fully sink in. “What?!” she blurted, “What d’you mean gone?” We had a meeting. “He wouldn’t just leave.”

“You’re right,” he said, green eyes more serious than Xaeryn could remember ever seeing them. “He wouldn’t.”

Her fingers curled, digging into her handbag. “Panrachus, what are you saying?”

The odd pulse had turned into something foreboding.

“What I’m saying, Xaeryn, is it looks like Red was kidnapped.”

#queens fic #tlbt #shoh #I'M SORRY FOR THE CLIFFHANGER #an also cacking a little ngl <3 #xaeryn shrike #red antiqua #ryn/red

[nostalgia-tblr]

Today I wrote about 900 words \o/ But only 100 of those were in the thing I wanted to add words to :( And most of them are in the wrong chapter. :( :(

#i know i need to finish the next AU chapter - just today i thought “they've been stuck mid-shag for ages. her legs must be sore by now” #but it's okay! fictional characters don't experience the flow of time when they're not being written! i assume! #i also thought “oh for fuck's sake stop wangsting [sic] about your illegitimate wean” oh no i am sick of the main plotline!!! #look as long as this next chapter is posted before march of next year i won't have broken my “longest time stuck between chapters” record #this is why many people don't read WIPs isn't it? #one scene requires the main characters to talk about their feelings for each other - URGH!!! #(but everyone who was worrying about how far AU!Sylvie is just in this for the sperms can relax as you will FIND OUT in chapter 5!) #(also i'm pretending it's making An Ironic Statement that i wrote fic about the woes of historical queens and she's not the PoV character) #(but actually i just didn't want to have to write lots of pregnancy stuff. this way i can lock her in a darkened room for much of that) #(oh god i'm so sorry AU!Sylvie the Confinement thing seemed like a good idea at the time... well no it always seemed fucked up. but.) #(and! chapter 6 makes things a bit clearer about what Unspecified Tasks AU!Loki has been doing off-screen. clue: it involves knives.) #(chapter 7 will be Mostly Filth but also a Shocking Cliffhanger!) #(and chapter 8 brings The Ending! gosh what a thrilling ride lies ahead when/if i actually finish writing this story! stay tuned!) #but no i'm gonna go now and see if i can at least get her legs into a more comfortable position #the sylki au that got longer and wronger #don't believe the hype #fic related

[queenmarytudor]

What does everyone think about the press release for the final episode?

#becoming elizabeth #Elizabeth thinking she could rule over Mary has me... 👀😏 #it has to end on a cliffhanger right? #I can’t imagine having all 9 days of Jane as queen in a single ep #also see they’re going with the myth Mary and Elizabeth both went to see him