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laequiem · 1 year

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Cheek to Cheek in Hell - Chapter 20

// The end. Kinda. Thank you for sticking with me for so long <3

Fandom: The Folk of the Air

Pairing: Jude Duarte/Cardan Greenbriar

Rating: explicit

Word count: 2,843

The future High Queen does not trust many. She does not trust her twin. She does not trust her former lover, nor her warmongering father. She certainly does not trust me. I wonder if she ever did.

read it on ao3

Chapter 19 • epilogue • Cheek to Cheek masterpost

Cardan POV

The future High Queen does not trust many. She does not trust her twin. She does not trust her former lover, nor her warmongering father.

She certainly does not trust me.

I wonder if she ever did.

She only trusts the shadows hiding in the palace tunnels. Spy friends of hers, she said. They act as her eyes and ears, faceless creatures hiding in dark corners. I have only ever seen one of them unmasked, the short pixie with dark skin that Jude refers to as The Bomb. She’s the one who patched me up, kept me bedridden for days and refused me wine or any kind of distraction.

Jude came by once or twice, mostly when I slept. A few times, I woke up with her hand in mine. I was too exhausted to remember that I was angry, too exhausted to let go.

It’s been two weeks and though my wound still throbs sometimes, I am dismissed from the Bomb’s care a few days before Jude’s coronation. I do not see her at all during those few days. As I start to worry that she is avoiding me, there is a knock at my door.

One of Jude’s spies stands in front of my door, their face obscured by their usual mask.

“Our mortal Queen requires your assistance,” they say, a hint of amusement in their voice.

My heartbeat feels as if it’s reverberating through my whole chest, getting faster with every turn we take through the palace. When I realize where we’re headed, impossibly, my heart rate picks up even more, until it’s all but vibrating in my chest. For years, I have avoided this part of the palace, but it makes sense that Jude would be there. The High King’s rooms—my father’s rooms. My guide steps aside once we reach the door, indicating that I should go in on my own.

My feet are stuck to the floor, heavy as lead. I’m quite certain my heart has stopped beating completely now. Anger, fear, longing—all of it broiling in me as I stand there uselessly.

“What are you waiting for?” the spy asks.

At their urging, I slip into the room, the heavy door falling shut behind me. Jude stands in front of a mirror, her back to me. Her hair falls in brown waves over a velvet robe, the fabric a beautiful burgundy that brings out the auburn in her hair. I want to bury my face in her hair, to smell her, feel her, perhaps taste her. Before I know what I am doing, I take a step towards her, but then I remember myself. She has given no hint that she wants me around now that she has risen above her station. I clasp my hands behind my back in a pose that I have seen her do often when facing her father.

“Jude,” I say by way of greeting.

Jude jumps, turning around to face me. She looks me up and down, then up again. When her eyes meet mine, her expression softens and she gives me a tight-lipped smile.

“You look well,” she says.

Now that she faces me, I notice that the robe is all she is wearing. It’s loosely tied at her waist, the fabric tapering to hide everything her mortal modesty would require her to hide. I can still distinguish the shape of her hips, the curve of her thighs, the swell of her breasts.

“You sent for me?” I ask, forcing myself to look at her face instead of lingering on the exposed skin.

Jude frowns, her eyes narrowing. I hold her stare, though I know I should look away—she has always been able to read me.

“Yes,” she says carefully. “The Living Council has... a lot to say about me ascending to the throne.”

“I can imagine,” I snort derisively. “They do well not to forget you can lie with every statement.”

I didn’t mean the comment as an attack—if anything, Jude’s ability to lie is a boon as a leader in Faerie. I see the blow as it lands, though, her lips a thin line. She clenches her fists, but quickly, her face softens and she unclenches it.

“You’re angry with me. Tell me why,” she demands.

This time, I look away. I can’t bear to look at her. She did not command me this time, but I can do nothing but obey her.

“You commanded me. You used my name to make me do your bidding. I...” I stop, looking for the right words to express myself because of course, I gave her my name, I made this possible, and yet it feels like a betrayal. “I always knew it was a possibility. But I had hoped you trusted me enough to make me a willing participant in your schemes.”

I look back at her and give her a weak, self-deprecating smile. Her expression crumples and, for the first time since I have known her, I see regret in her eyes.

“Cardan, I—” she starts, but stops herself. She takes a moment to square her shoulders, raise her chin a little higher. “I know I was… careless. As a part of their vow to me, the Living Council swore to forget your True Name, but I understand it’s not enough. And I know it would not mean anything to you if I apologized. Let me make it up to you.”

I raise a brow at that. This time, my grin is wide. “You already owe me a date.”

“I have not forgotten,” she tells me, her cheeks flushed. “We have many debts unclaimed, don’t we? You made me Queen. I need to pay back that debt, too, but I’m not sure if I should thank you or curse you.”

Neither do I.

“This is… better than being a spy, or hiding in my father’s shadow,” Jude admits. “But you’ve been avoiding me ever since.”

“I had to be stitched back together after my brother stabbed me,” I tell her. “You know how bad the wound was, since you visited me a few times.”

It’s a faerie truth if there ever was one, because she is right, I have been avoiding her. Nevertheless, the blush on her cheeks deepens, as if she didn’t expect me to know about her visits.

“Fine,” she snaps. “I was avoiding you, too. I don’t know what to make of you making me Queen.”

“I helped you rise above your station. Is that worth your censure?”

It’s her turn to raise a brow, calling my bluff. “Tell me you didn’t do it in part to punish me for commanding you.”

“I cannot,” I reply honestly.

Jude nods. She shifts awkwardly on her feet, fiddling with the tie holding her robe closed.

“I am in need of you today,” she says. “The Living Council explained the coronation process to me. They say that new rulers are painted by their subjects. To be anointed. That only then can the ruler be true. But I am not comfortable undressing in front of the Court.”

It’s my turn to blush as the words sink in. I have never been to a coronation before, of course—my father has been High King for millennia—and I never bothered to learn the customs.

“You want me to anoint you,” I say stupidly.

She nods again. “As the… ‘last’ Greenbriar”, she mimics air quotes around the word last to acknowledge it as the lie it is, “you are part of my court. I will bare what I am comfortable baring for the lower courts to paint, but I would like you to do… the rest.”

She knows I would never deny her, and so she wastes no time waiting for my answer. She pulls on the tie, undoing the knot. The robe falls to the floor and my eyes follow the movement, dark velvet pooling on the floor like blood. I’m barely breathing as my eyes trail up her body. I must look like I have never seen a naked body, for the way I am staring. But after the horrors of the last weeks, I can’t make myself do anything else. Every part of her that I yearn to worship is on full display, and how can I do anything but stare when I thought I would never see her naked again? Toned legs dusted with dark hair, wide hips to sink my nails into, heavy breasts covered in the same pale lightning scars that she has on her stomach and thighs. She’s utterly breathtaking, and I stare until she clears her throat.

Right. I have a task to do. Jude gestures towards the vanity, where a brush is dipped in a pot of gold paint. My hands shake as I grab both and move to stand in front of Jude.

Jude shivers when the brush first touches her skin. Not knowing what kind of design to go for, I follow the stretch marks on her breasts, turning them into a network of lightning bolts—or vines, I realize as I work. Her nipples pebble as I paint over them and I clench my jaw, willing my wretched brain to stay on the task at hand.

We’re both silent as I work, the tension palpable—I can hear every hitch of her breath, and I’m sure she can hear every time my heart skips a beat. It’s agony, but I continue my work until her chest is covered in swirls of gold. On one side, the lines bloom with small flowers, while the other resemble thorny vines. The lines continue down her hips like roots, stopping a few inches above her knees. When I step back to admire my work, I realize what I drew—the Greenbriar crest, save for the crown that usually contains the vines.

“My dress is on the bed,” she says. “Could you help me into it? I don’t want to smear the paint.”

I will realize later that I am acting quite below my station, but it does not even cross my mind to refuse. The dress is heavy, layers upon layers of sheer fabric—which, once on her body, does nothing to hide the painting I just did on her body. The pale fabric only accentuates her dark skin, with embroidered stars raining down the fabric and pooling at the bottom in a gradient of gold. Her arms are bare, and ready to be anointed by the lesser courts.

I paint her face, too. Only the smallest hint of eyeliner so that her eyes pop, dark kohl on her lower lash line to give her gaze that dangerous edge, and some highlighter on her cheekbones. When I’m done, I walk her to the mirror so she can look at herself.

“You’re beautiful,” I tell her.

“I look Fae,” Jude says, and I can’t tell if she means it as a positive. “Almost.”

She turns to her vanity and grabs some jewelry, earrings and—

“No,” I blurt out, grabbing her wrist before she can pick up the pointed ear cuffs.

She frowns up at me, shaking off my grip. “If I am to lead Elfhame, I might as well look the part.”

“No one will be fooled by some jewelry—no matter how pretty.” I take the cuffs and, with a grin, I put them on my own ears. “The Folk know you are human, there is no hiding it. Play to your strengths. The dress itself might look Fae, but—” I put my hands on her waist and follow her curves until my hands settle on her hips, “you look mortal. Stunningly mortal, in every sense of the word.”

Our eyes meet through the reflection in the mirror, but Jude looks away. When she doesn’t answer, I pull back from her.

“The land chose you, Jude. The Folk will love you. You already charmed some of us, after all,” I say. There is an edge to my voice that I can’t quite pinpoint.

“I love you too,” Jude blurts out.

I freeze, my hand a few inches away from the door I was about to leave through. I take a deep breath.

“The Folk will definitely love a High Queen who can lie,” I reply without turning to look at her.

Just as I am about to unfreeze and leave her rooms, Jude crosses the distance between us and yanks me around to face her. She grabs my hands in hers, eyes burning into mine.

“I’m not lying,” she all but growls. “I’ve loved you for months. I—I didn’t know how to say it earlier.”

She could still be lying, but the way she says it—like she’s angry about it, angry about loving me—that makes me pause and smile at her. I reach out and brush a strand of her hair behind a round ear.

“I would kiss you, but I don’t want to mess up your paint,” I tell her very seriously. “Perhaps we could have our date right after your coronation, ideally in a private place where I can smear that paint as much as I would like.”

Jude squeezes my hands. “Stay with me during the coronation. You made me High Queen, the least you can do is stay by my side.”

——

The coronation is every bit worthy of the might of the new High Queen.

I stand on the dais with the Living Council, an ambassador of sorts for Mab’s bloodline. Madoc stared at me suspiciously when I stepped up, but he said nothing. The rest of the Living Council made space for me, though. Baphen immediately started babbling about the current position of the stars and what it meant for the future of Elfhame. I didn’t catch any of it, too busy listening to murmurs from the crowd and the rest of the Council.

“Everyone can spill blood,” Randalin agrees. His voice drops to a whisper, “I’m not entirely convinced His Highness made the right call about her being the truthful ruler.”

“Prophecies, tsk,” Nihuar’s insectoid jaw clicks as she says the word. “If she can’t summon the power of the Land, she won’t be much of a High Queen.”

My eyes stray to where the throne used to be. In its stead, a troll brought in a rickety, rusty iron chair. The kind mortals keep in their gardens. The faelights bobbing in the air on the dais avoid it, casting the chair eerily in shadow.

Thump. The crowd shushes as someone beats on a drum. The great doors of the palace open and Jude enters. The crimson moths that were plaguing Balekin are still sitting on her hair like a crown, motionless. Fae light catches on the fabric of her dress, changing the color as she walks. Her sword is strapped to her hip, with a dagger at her thigh—everything clearly visible through the sheer fabric.

When Jude steps on the dais, the crowd thrums with anticipation. She eyes the chair, then takes out her dagger. She brings it to her unscarred palm and slices, then squeezes her hand until a drop of her blood falls to the floor. Where it lands, roots erupt and creep towards the chair. I almost expect them to stop in front of it, repelled by the iron, but they climb up the chair and twist around the metal until the chair is completely covered, twirling up in intricate designs reminiscent of the ancestral throne my father used to sit on.

Awestruck, the Living Council members have no choice but to anoint the land-chosen High Queen. Nihuar steps forward, cradling a clay bowl, and paints Jude’s right side with a paste of ground leaves and mud that dries in a darker shade of brown than the blood Mikkel paints her with on her other side.

When they swear their allegiance officially, the leaders of the smaller courts bring gifts with them for the new High Queen. An old cast iron pan, the rim of a car wheel, shards of a broken weapon, an unending supply of kitchen utensils—at one point, a goblin even brings forth a car door, much larger than he is, his hands covered in oven mitts to avoid burning himself with the iron. The pile of iron junk just grows as more and more courts bring forth items, since no one wants to burn themselves moving them.

Finally, when no one comes forth anymore, I step forward. The crown Jude has commissioned for herself is made of iron, too. It sits on a cushion to protect the smith who brought it in, but I pick it up with my bare hands. It burns my fingers and I tighten my jaw against the pain, willing my expression to stay blank.

Our eyes meet as I stand before my Queen. She nods ever so slightly and I put the crown on her head.

I clear my throat and declare, “Fated to rot no more, long live Jude Duarte, the High Queen of Elfhame.”

And with pride in my rotten heart, I kneel for the woman I love.

----

tag list: @figonas @godgavemelou @adxmparriish @hazelsheartsworn (thank you wife for betaing!) @kingandfireheart @zumurruds @inconspicuoussophia @idonotcareaboutyouropinion

#the folk of the air #tfota #jurdan #judecardan #jude duarte #cardan greenbriar #c2c #the cruel prince #the wicked king #the queen of nothing

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booksandothersecrets · 3 years

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My type is women with weapons, men written by women and anyone wearing eyeliner.

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forcedtoland · 2 years

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i miss judecardan i miss them so so much you don't understand I MISS THEM i miss them a lot like you guys i miss judecardan so much you really have no idea how much i miss jude and cardan and judecardan and did i mention i miss judecardan because i miss judecardan ?? i really do miss them

#sorry it's the hyperfixation talking #and i have exams which means it get 1000x worse #jude duarte #cardan greenbriar #jude x cardan #the folk of the air #judecardan #tfota #i haven't posted a lot about tfota here but did you know i love tfota

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amandlas · 5 years

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ok the last one was a joke but can you write jude and cardan with the prompt “If you don’t behave, I’ll have to punish you.” IM SORRY

the way you see it fall apart

tfota | jude x cardan, post-reconciliation, nsfw, so so nsfw (ao3)

[everyone say thank you claire again. title from “if they only knew” by black atlass]

The lavish room was hidden, as unguarded as the place where she’d first been touched by Cardan. In truth, it was very much the same room, containing chairs, sofas, vast flowers decorating the ceiling and walls, their perfume permeating the air. The main difference was that this room was partially open to the royal gardens. Along the place where a wall should be, there ran an enormous window, a transparent shield between them and the trees. Even the section of garden the faced was secluded, untouched by visitors and therefore rampant with flowers, with bushes, with thin streams of sunlight and an abundance of leaves. A vision in green. Jude once said it could grow to be her favorite view in the entire palace.

Hence why their current activity assured her Cardan chose this place to torment her.

Jude rested on her knees on the floor, sitting back on her folded legs. The brown waves of her hair sat loose and pushed down her back, away from her face. Below the waist, she wore only black underwear, keeping her less than decent. Above the waist she wore nothing.

Her hands were tied behind her with black lace.

Cardan, shirtless, stood next to her, a hand resting in her hair. His long fingers massaged her scalp with care.

“You look beautiful on your knees,” he whispered.

Jude’s body was filled with anticipation, for what they were about to do, yet she found it inside herself to humor him for a minute. “Did I not tell you the same three days ago,” she responded softly. She looked up at him from beneath her lashes.

He smiled down at her, caressing her chin. “Did I not prove myself to you as your creature?” His hand trailed up her neck, to her ear. “Did you not feel my love and loyalty as I willingly succumbed to your every desire?” His voice wasn’t rough. It was yearning.

He did. She remembered how she made him beg, trailing marks and scratches down his body as she so wanted, denying him control. Jude did feel loved, in every one of his motions. “You did.”

“And are you?” Cardan gripped her hair again, moving her as he liked, where he wanted. Forcing her to look at him directly. “Mine? Are you mine?”

The muscles of her thighs, brown and soft, were trembling. Her heart soared in her chest. “As much yours as you are mine.”

Cardan fixed a mask of coldness over his features. His free hand ran a thumb over her lips, slow and teasing. She immediately took it as a sign to open her mouth.

He let out a breath, face unreadable. Jude let her gaze drop to his lower body. To his dark trousers, his lean pale stomach and long legs. In contrast to her dark skin, his looked covered in moonshine. Behind him, though his face feigned ice, his tail swerved across the floor with anxiousness. From her place she watched as Cardan gripped his clothes, loosening his trousers, pulling himself out.

Jude’s insides turned to fire. She squirmed and found the lace tying her hands very restricting. She was fully at his mercy. Her mouth was still open.

“Stick out your tongue,” he commanded.

She could surely perish at his words.

His eyes were ravishing the sight. Running from her breasts to her constricted arms, to her bright pink tongue. “If you don’t behave,” he guided himself into her mouth, “I’ll have to punish you.”

At the first taste of him, she grew heady with desire.

“Don’t move,” he commanded.

He had one hand on himself, one settling on her hair, gripping lightly. He grazed her tongue with his cock, slow and teasing, using his hand to guide it, running up and down her wet mouth. She felt herself unsteady a bit, and felt grateful for his hold on her head.

“Marvelous,” he whispered to himself. He swirled the tip of his cock left and right at the very edge of her tongue. She knew he felt every breath, every anxious pant leaving her. He was probably enjoying it.

After teasing her for a few minutes, he clutched her head again, directing a new angle. He entered her mouth completely now. Jude’s heart skipped a beat when she heard his sharp intake of breath, felt his tail graze and curl on her thigh. She pursed her lips in a way he liked to help him fit.

“Moan for me, dearest.”

Jude felt her eyes droop, and did as instructed. Cardan let out a slight gasp. On her hair, his grip tightened, forcing her to look up.

“Sweet Jude. My poisonous miracle. Look at me for what I’m about to do next. Never look away, or face discipline.” He ran a finger over her ear. “I’ll have your beautiful eyes watch as you give me pleasure.”

His words electrified her being, ran shocks through her limbs. They both knew, this far into their relationship, that Jude could reach completion by Cardan’s low voice and filthy words alone. At her thigh, the tail curled tighter, pulling her to him.

Cardan’s hold on her hair turned to steel. Keeping her in place, he broadened his stance a few inches to gain footing. Then he began thrusting into her mouth.

Measured at first, his free hand lazily falling at his side. He leaned back, arching his hips, to see himself entering her mouth over and over again. A lazy smile crept on his face. “That’s it,” he encouraged.

Jude looked. And looked and looked. Even without his orders, she couldn’t tear her gaze away. His eyes, his beautiful black eyes, were drinking her in like his favorite elderberry wine. The flex of his hips, his arched brow, that delicious little noise he made every now and then, the smell of body oil he rubbed on both of them before. It made her tremble at the realization that she liked this. She liked serving him, bringing him pleasure and submission, if only in the bedroom.

“You relish it in your mouth but it’s between your legs where you want it, don’t you?” he teased. “Answer me.”

He didn’t stop, didn’t give her room to speak. She replied in between strokes, a quick “Yeb,” cut off by his fucking. Jude swirled her tongue over his cock, trying to reach every part of it, her body and soul running with excitement. Not once did she look away.

He thrust into her mouth deep and deliberately, changing pace. Her mouth now made a sloshing sound with every stroke. A groan came out from both of them.

“Do you enjoy it?” his voice was low, straining, “Watching me unravel at your touch?” He pulled himself out of her mouth.

“Yes, my king,” she said, never breaking eye contact.

He frowned. “Don’t call me that. It is a title many may bestow upon me.” His gaze fixed on hers. “Address me as no one else can.”

She understood immediately. “Yes, my husband.”

Darkness danced in his eyes. “Splendid girl. Show me that tongue again.” She opened her mouth wide and he resumed. “Eyes on mine.”

This new pace was torturous. She could feel every part of Cardan, his member bumping her throat each time. The wet, sloppy sounds drilled her ears, surely exciting him to no avail. His face slowly released that mask, brows coming together, arched, eyes becoming heavy and lips shaping into moans. At her thigh, the tail uncurled from one leg to the next. She gagged a bit once, making a slight noise as if to speak, and an evil smile spread over him. His second hand gripped her head now too, both steering her as he fucked her face.

She felt delirious. Rushes of desire and adrenaline coursed through every nerve. Her eyes were lead, weighing down on her head. Jude couldn’t take it anymore, and closed her eyes, succumbing to her desire. Feeling every inch of him as he drove into her mouth.

A sharp tug on her hair had her gasping, his presence gone.

“What did I say,” his voice was cold.

Jude panted hard for a moment, then realized her mistake. “I…to look at you.”

Another tug had her yelping. “And what did you do?”

Cardan’s tail on her leg unfurled from it’s place, instead coming up to wrap around her throat. With her arms tied back, Jude had rarely felt so vulnerable before. “I disobeyed.” It came out shakily.

If you don’t behave, I’ll have to punish you. Those had been his words.

He dragged her by the hair, made her crawl a couple feet towards the window wall facing the outside garden. She had almost forgotten that. It rushed blood into her head to realize what they had done could’ve been witnessed by any lost wanderer. Then she remembered it was secluded ground, but her paranoia ran free anyway.

Cardan stopped on a rug, plush and soft, and maneuvered her body so that Jude understood she was to lay down, face up. It took a second to adjust so that her bound arms were in a comfortable position under her back. She dared not look at his face. With a swift pull of his hands, her underwear was gone. The cold hit her center, drawing a shiver.

“Part your legs,” came his order.

Jude shivered. Her thighs lightly separated a few inches.

To her suprise, he drew attention to her breasts. A long hand caressed her soft mound. He squeezed. She grit her teeth and tried not to clench her legs.

Then, he struck.

Hard and only once, a slap to her right breast. A shout escaped Jude’s lips.

He slapped her again. Once, twice, three times on that breast and moved to the next.

Water gathered in Jude’s eyes, willing her to turn away. Cardan gripped her chin and forced her face to his. His hand left her, began massaging her left tit, then struck again.

“Why am I punishing you.”

She whimpered. “I disobeyed my king.”

Three smacks.

“Elaborate.”

Sweat gathered all over her body. Her chest was pink and aching. “I looked away.”

“You looked away.” He took a nipple into his hand, pinched and twisted.

“Ah!”

“Darling Jude, did you resent the sight?” His fingers disappeared, and smack. Another hit. “Watching me plow your mouth, seek my desire? Was it not of your liking?” Smack.

She couldn’t form words, incohesive past the raw aching skin of her breasts.

“Speak.” There was nothing but command in his voice.

“It was! It was of my liking,” she whimpered out. Six more slaps to her breasts, and she cried out after each. Finally looking at him, she saw the black pit of desire forming within him. Through unspilled tears, she said, “I liked it. I liked watching you in passion. Your hair, falling on your face. Your hand in my hair.” Smack. “AH. Your beautiful lips. Your belly moving as you fucked me.” Smack. “God. Your arms, long and lean. The sweat on your neck.” Smack. “YOUR EYES…your eyes on me.”

He leaned closer, ravishing, mere inches from biting into her face if he so wanted. “What did you see in there.” His hands left her breasts and moved…moved right down to the apex of her thighs, stroking.

Jude’s teeth began to clatter. Words came out shaking “I saw desire. Fulfillment. I saw intensity. I saw…love.”

That smile again. He leaned down and brushed his nose against hers, lips never meeting as his fingers worked her hard. “Most observant. Everything you saw was true.” And then his hand lifted, came back down, slapped her right in her center.

She jerked off the ground, screaming. Without a second to lose, Cardan pulled on her shoulders to help her stand up, forcing her on her feet. Once up, Jude shaking like a dog out in the rain, he left her to go fetch a chair at the other end of the room. With ease, he lifted it, walked to the center of the room, and dropped it. Right in front of the window wall overlooking the outside. He took a seat.

“Come here,” he murmured, “let me look at you.”

Legs weak, Jude followed. Her heart hammered inside her chest at the placement of the chair. If Cardan stood up and walked a mere two feet he could touch the glass, almost snatch a flower. They were more exposed than they ever had been.

She stopped in between his legs, facing him. Her knotted arms and ass were in the direction of the window. Cardan took a long drag of time drinking her up and down, unwilling to miss a single detail. What would he see there? His queen, lips swollen and eyes heavy? Her full breasts, red with marks, her wet core? Or would he see beyond that, at the girl who chose him, who stayed here, who made a home out of his body and allowed him the same courtesy? Did he know that she would do anything for him? Did he know that when her heart beat, it beat for him too?

Whatever he saw, he liked. That devilish grin returned. “The most splendid vision. Turn around,” he said, smacking her ass.

Jude wondered what more he could possibly be planning when she felt his hands settling on her hips, tugging back. With a little difficulty, some slight stumbles, she positioned herself above him, legs on either side of the chair, her back to his chest, ready to sit on him.

Cardan used one hand to grip his cock in an upward angle. “Will you be good this time?” he said into her back, laying the softest kiss there.

She wanted to smile, to laugh, but found herself unable to. “I will be.”

After what felt like hours, she felt his hands will her hips downward, felt the delicious joining of their centers, his member entering her in the slowest way.

“You will ride me, my love,” Cardan whispered into her back again, “and I want you to look to our kingdom while you do.”

The words left her speechless, boneless, destroying every speck of sanity in her mind. Our kingdom, he had said. The kingdom she fought for, bled for, drove herself crazy for. The one she so often was spurned from, told didn’t belong to her. The land that had driven the two of them apart and then clashing together. Theirs.

With a sigh from Cardan, she was at last sitting on him fully, every inch of him sinking inside her body. In front of her were yellow dandelions, bluebells and berry bushes sparkling with mist. Sunshine broke in through the green leaves of the tall trees. She could almost feel the breeze touching her skin.

Instead there was Cardan, hands hard on her sides. “Don’t bounce. Move your hips. Like this.” He tugged and pushed, tugged and pushed, moving her hips so she rode him with leisure, forward and back. Jude entered the state of mind she usually went to during sex with him, sparks going off behind her lids. She tried to keep her eyes open, moving her hips the way he wanted, the way he was making her do. “That’s right,” he encouraged, “That’s just right, my queen.”

He made her swirl on him this way for long minutes, torturing her with kisses to her shoulders, squeezes to her tender breasts. The occasional slap to make her speed up. She tugged on her bonds, relishing in the restraint, in the control she was seceding and the pleasure he drove into her with each command. His tail ran over her front, sending tingles through her skin with the softest touches.

She dared speak. “Is this — ah! — of your liking, dear husband?” That was a particularly good angle.

If she could see his face, he would probably be seething. “Very much,” his voice was guttural, “yet you seem stable enough to still talk. Let’s change this.” He halted her movements, pulling on her hair until her ear was at his lips.

“Bounce,” was all he said.

It was all she needed to hear. Her legs moved up and fell, running on the adrenaline of their actions and his words. He wanted her to ride him and so she did. She bounced on his lap with what strength he filled her with, joining him again and again until the whole room echoed with their moans.

They were doing it. Just like he wanted, they were doing it. They had fucked on the throne and they had fucked on their bed, but now for once they were fucking in front of the land that they ruled. The thought drove her nearly to the edge.

“You are screaming Jude,” he said with a chuckle. “What if we are found?”

She let out a strong moan in response.

“Perfect,” he said. “Beyond speech, just as I want you.” He stopped her movements, gripping her hips. He tugged and pushed again, moving her hips like before, harder this time.

He groaned, loud. The sound felt sweet. Jude let out small whispers of ‘please’ between moans, between moves. “Please,” she whispered, “you’re so deep.” And he was, the way she was riding him now.

“Faster,” was all he said.

She tried not to black out, her legs beginning to wobble. The edge was there, she could feel it, she could hover over the cliff.

Cardan spoke through gritted teeth “When I say faster I mean faster. I want you shaking and trembling.” With that, he quickened her pace, forcing her waist.

It was all she could do to keep breathing, keep sane. But he shattered it with what he did next.

Cardan took her chin in his hand, directing it forward. He sat up so his words were directly to her ear. “Look at that,” he began, fingers like steel on her jaw. The gardens. Their kingdom. “That’s all yours.”

The flowers. The bushes and grass, tree branches and sunshine. The sea past this view, every plant and bug and person, the people of this country. All of Faerie.

“All yours,” he repeated. His voice wasn’t guttural, but low and close. “I’m yours. The world is yours, my most beloved.”

Beloved. He called her beloved.

And suddenly it all became too much for her. It was an overstimulation that Jude had never known, never imagined. Tears fell from her eyes in earnest, some small sobs. Once upon a time this might have cause alarm, made Cardan stop in panic, but they knew better now. Sex was a release of feelings, a juncture of passion and love, both of which were messy in their own right. Therefore her tears were welcome, seen without judgement or spite. If he were hurting her, she would tell him.

She was Queen, and this is how he wanted her to know it. When he fucked her on their throne, when he fucked her in their royal chambers, and now here. Not his but theirs. Queen of Elfhame. Queen of his heart.

“Come for me.”

She shook her head, still crying “I can’t,” she trembled to a halt, “Not like this.” If her heart were beating any faster it would explode.

That made him stop. And she felt as realization hit him. As he understood her. Not like this, she said, not before Faerie. Not in front of the kingdom she still felt unworthy to be ruler of, didn’t feel a part of, didn’t feel good enough for. Too weak, too foreign, too mortal.

“No, no, no,” he said, pulling her back against him, touching her everywhere. She felt their sweat mingling. “Don’t be afraid Jude.” A kiss to her neck. “I’m right here with you.” Another kiss. “You belong here as much as I do.” A storm of kisses, his hands in her hair, stroking her belly.

Her heart soared at the words, lips still wobbling. She sobbed and said “Don’t leave me.”

“NEVER—”

“Please don’t leave me,” she said shaking her head.

Cardan turned her face so she faced him. “Never, Jude. You carry my heart. I cannot live without you.”

So he knew. Cardan knew of her shared heart, of the twin beats, of the unending well of love in her soul for him. A brilliant, shining connection from him to her, tethering them together despite her mortality, despite hateful Faeries and politics.

Jude kissed him with fervor, willing herself to disappear in his lips, his hips, his body still held inside hers. Cardan responded every bit as eager, as passionate, digging hands in her hair, her arm, tail too. They kissed until there was no air left. They kissed until he poured strength into her and she lifted her hips once more. Not afraid.

She started riding him again, fast. “Don’t be afraid,” he desperately said. There was an edge to his voice. He spoke into her hair, her ear. “I’m here,” he kept repeating, over and over as she rode him, his tone almost begging. One hand fell to her clit, circling furiously. She screamed. He wanted, needed her to know she wasn’t alone.

“Oh God,” she yelled to the gardens, “Oh God oh God oh God!” Her hips moved on their own volition, taking her to the edge once more. That pent up fear at the pit of her stomach became something more, something brighter. It pooled at her belly. Her teeth clattered, her eyes rolling to the side or the back of her head. There was no air to breathe. And in that suffocating electricity—

“Do you love this?” Cardan’s rough voice at her ear

She could do nothing but scream at the sky. “Yes my love!”

The end came to her crashing, unstoppable like the sea. She yelled and trembled in his lap through all of her peak, hearing him find his pleasure as well. There would be bruises on her sides with how hard he was gripping her there. Together, like in everything. Melting, clashing, molding into one another.

“Tell me again,” Cardan said through pants, barely able to speak. “That you love it.”

It wasn’t for a long time that Jude found her voice. “I love it. I love it I love it I love it.” She turned to him, body weary and soul full. “My husband.”

He brought her lips impossibly to his again, and didn’t let go for a long time.

#queenaelinash #jurdan #cardan greenbriar #jude duarte #the folk of the air #tfota #LET ME EXPLAIN WHAT HAPPENED OKAY.#so my house had AC and it broke down right? and because of that im at my grandmas house #meaning i have no PRIVACY #and its taken me a month to write this cause ive had no privacy #but i DID IT! I FINALLY DID IT! im so happy cause i love this request #thank you claire #you guys might hate the last part might not idc its what i thought would happen #nicky writes #mine #mine:tfota

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justdaphne · 2 years

Text

Reading The Wicked King was basically like:

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

Oh?? she’s seneschal now. GIRL.BOSS

what

hmm okay

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

THE LOVEE OF MY LIFEEEEEEEEEE

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

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

I LOVE CARDAN GREENBRIAR WITH MY WHOLE SOUL

Jude in this whole book: CARDAN. NO.

Cardan: yes mam

huh locke-

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

BAHAHAHA JUDE

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

ew balekin

Lady Asha. i hate her already

why is nicasia here

WHO WOULD DARE HURT CARDAN GREENBRIAR

“They missed” CARDAN GREENBRIAR YOU ABSOLUTE WOXJWJDEFNRKF

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

what betrayal-

theyre “getting things out of their system” PISS OFF

LMAO CARDAN ISNT HAPPY 😭🤚

Jude, you dont hate him

AWW JUDE

i hate locke so much

its locke right

whatever i hate locke WITH A PASSION

WHAT THE FUCKEJFW

SHES NOT IN THE UNDERSEA SHE IS DID NOT

she is

can someone

bye wtf is this

BALEKIN CAN YOU PLS JUST DIE

NICASIAICJWJFJE WHY TF

JUDE MY POOR CHILD

DAMMIT THIS IS SO TRAUMATIZING WTF IS THIS

SHE HAS TO PRETEND BYE

“KISS ME AS THOUGH I WAS CARDAN” BITCHHHHH

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

NO NO NO NO NO

oh hey cardan

CARDAN

CARDANNNNNN SAVING HERR

CARSNAHDWJFR

fucking balekin

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

oh fuck

HE’S BEEN POISONED FFS

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

I HATE BALEKIN SM

Taryn duarte. you absolute piece of sh-

“I TRUST YOU JUDE” BYE

SHE KILLED BALEKIN THANK YOU VERY MUCH JUDE

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

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

OH MY GOD HER RING

SHE IS QUEEN

WIXJWJCJJEJCJERGHEJSIQMWKEOSOXJNWBCJWJFIEIFIEIFIWIZIKWKWKSKZKW

AWWWWWWWW IN THE TANGLE OF LIMBS BYEEE

what

what the

what the fuck

cardan

what the fuck

what

WHAT THE FUCKEKSWLWJX

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

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slightlyrebelliouswriter23 · 3 years

Text

Theories and Analysis Masterlist

A probably incomplete list of mostly TFOTA meta from my mind to your unfortunate dashboards. Buckle up, Folks. I’m monologuing.

THEORIES

Jude isn’t Balekin’s murderer; she’s the fulfilment of his curse

Why Cardan sleeps in the chambers of the lover of the High King in TWK

The Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland book

Did Balekin know about Cardan’s secret crush?

Did Madoc know about Cardan’s secret crush?

Cardan’s poisoning

What did Cardan think when he saw Jude helping Sophie?

Eldred is NOT Cardan’s father???

Is Ghost the sender of the letter?

Baphen’s prophecy doesn’t disagree

Why this explains Eldred’s hatred for Cardan

ANALYSIS

True Names in Faerie - Part I | Part II

Meaning of Cardan’s name

Cardan’s True Name

Ageing in Faerie- Part I | Part II

On curses and geases

Why did Eva run from Madoc?

On Taryn, jealousy, and Nicardan

Why Nicardan has always slept with the fishes

Meaning of “clay” in Undersea threat

How to get away with murdering the fae

Could Taryn seduce Cardan? Part I | Part II

Meaning behind Cardan saying Locke and Jude are perfect for each other

Cardan Greenbriar is SMART

Cardan, Jude, and Taryn’s earrings

Jude’s dress clarification

Jude and Cardan are flawed

What does Cardan mean when he asks Jude to tarry a moment in TWK?

Why does Cardan call Jude a liar when she fell from the rafters in QON?

Cardan’s unreadable expressions

Why did Cardan want Nicasia to stay on land at the end of TWK?

What did Jude’s snake dream mean in QON?

Why did Lady Asha burn Cardan’s letters?

If faeries are allergic to salt, how do they survive in the Undersea?

Why did Cardan rip that faerie’s wing off in TCP?

Three is an odd configuration of sisters

Why Locke’s death was so satisfying

Do Jude and Cardan have middle names?

What exactly is Nevermore?

What would Cardan do if Jude commanded him to lie while he was still in her service?

More on true names and lying

In defence of one...

Cardan Greenbriar- Part I (How can I forgive Cardan?) | Part II (Did Cardan slut-shame Taryn?) The Lost Sister Excerpt | Part III (Why does he think mortals are inferior?)

Vivienne Duarte

Nicasia- Part I | Part II | Part III

Taryn Duarte- Part I | Part II | Part III | Part IV | Part V

On Jurdan

Why Jude’s feelings for Cardan seemed so sudden

When did Cardan fall for Jude?

Did Cardan love Jude in TCP?

Did Cardan know Jude didn’t hate him?

Did Cardan know Jude’s feelings in TWK?

This is why Cardan loves Jude

Meaning of “I hated you” in HTKOELTHS

Did Kaye and Roiben know about Jurdan?

What exactly happened in TWK ch. 15?

Was Cardan talking dirty to Jude in QON?

Why did Cardan tell Jude to say “I hate you” in TWK?

Why didn’t Cardan sleep in the Royal Chambers with Jude in QON?

Why did Cardan flinch when Jude said “Jude loved somebody else” in QON

What was going through Cardan’s head during the Queen of Mirth scene in TWK?

Would Jude and Cardan follow each other in death?

Why was Jude, the most terrifying thing in Elfhame, afraid of Cardan?

Jurdan and PDA

QON Chapter 21 THAT SCENE break down

Is Jurdan bullies to lovers?

About Jurdan’s wedding vows...

Did Jude change her name to Greenbriar?

Jude wouldn’t say “you piece of shit” to Cardan

OPINIONS

Reasons to love Cardan Greenbriar

Ch. 15 vs. Ch. 21

Who wears the pants in the relationship?

My opinion on Jurdan and kids? - Part I | Part II

Do I think Jurdan will have kids?

My thoughts on HTKOELTHS

Cardan and pet names for Jude

My thoughts on anti-QON re: OOC!Jude

My thoughts on Judcasia

Is Cardan bi?

My favourite poison

My favourite scenes from TFOTA

Diversity in TFOTA

Virginity in TFOTA

Let Jude murder in peace!- Part 1 | Part 2

Did Jude and Cardan keep their love private?

What kind of instruments does Cardan play?

Jude is... kind of a terrible person? (affectionate)

Thoughts on Toast (Taryn/Ghost)- Part 1 | Part 2

April fools ask

TFOTA books ranked

My first reaction to TWK chapter 15

Nicaryn Headcanons

What music would TFOTA characters listen to?

My thoughts on Oak/Suren spinoff

My thoughts on The Lost Sisters

THE STOLEN HEIR OPINIONS/ANALYSIS

My thoughts on The Stolen Heir

Part I (thoughts during)

Part II (thoughts right after)

Part III (in relation to TFOTA)

Thoughts on Suren

Part I

Part II

Thoughts on Oak

Reaction to Suren’s tongue being ripped out

What were the meanings behind the stories told in TSH?

On the passage of time in TSH

Does Oak love Wren?

YOUR ESSAYS

Madoc slander

My fancast takes

Why I don’t want a film adaptation

Felix Mallard as Cardan

heir_of_atticus as Cardan

Timothee Chalamet as Cardan and Zendaya as Jude

My (reluctant) fancasts

How do I imagine Cardan and Jude?

MISC. FANDOM SHIT

Bargainer series + opinions on grooming

The Potential Life of Addie Larue (and how it was thwarted by the final chapter)

More TILOAL Analysis

How to Critically Read

Books and Morals

Characters Should Make Mistakes

The SJM Effect

Elain Archeron ship opinions

Book of Night Tour Talk

Book of Night Thoughts- Part 1 | Part 2

What tipped me off for the Book of Night ending?

STORYTIME/ABOUT ME

The time I spent 24 hours in the woods alone

The time I visited a haunted jail

Classical Music Recs

Book Recs

Fic & Edits Masterlist

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court-of-forever-undone · 3 years

Text

My Heart Is Buried With You | Cardan POV

Summary: Cardan reflects on his past relationship with Nicasia as he hopes for a future with Jude. A Cardan POV set during Jude's exile.

Read on AO3

Jude

J u d e

JUDE

J.u.d.e.

Jude

Jude Duarte

Jude Greenbriar

The Queen of Elfhame

Cardan let out a heavy sigh, breaking the silence of his chambers. It has been another month since his last letter had been sent and ignored.

Jude was angry. That much was obvious and honestly, expected. Even so, Cardan had not expected her to remain away for this long. His hastily made plans were to send Jude off, in part to get back at her for killing Balekin but mostly to give him time to smooth things over with the Undersea. Upon healing, Jude would have realized the meaning of his words and returned. She might decide to throw something at him or hold a sharp object to his throat. The latter of which he couldn’t help being slightly excited by. But most importantly she would be home, in his arms, facing their kingdom together.

When his mind wandered at night or in particularly boring meetings, he could still feel the phantom whisper of her hands touching him and her soft lips trailing his skin. The memories were painful reminders of how badly he wanted her back.

After two weeks passed with no sign of Jude, he wrote the first letter. A week later he sent another and so on as the days kept slipping by and the only response he got was silence.

His letters continued to go unanswered despite his increased pleading. After a particularly desperate night, he had written to her about his love so clearly that she could not misunderstand the way he felt. Admittedly, a few glasses of wine had helped him put the words on paper. Never before had he so openly displayed his feelings, surly not with any family or even lovers.

Nicasia was the closest he ever had, but together they were wicked and powerful. They were a united force that looked down on others as if they were nothing but disposable toys to them. A cruel prince and a fiend princess.

She promised that the two of them would live in the Undersea. Together they would have been a deadly, merciless monarchy free to have whatever they wished. Cardan had loved Nicasia and was ready to live in whatever future she wanted for them.

She had been the first person to choose him. Of all his siblings, he had won the sea princess’ favor. Cardan had caught her attention with his cunning words until they eventually shared each other’s beds. With time, he could feel himself open up to her.

But Nicasia loved him for the worst of his behavior. He would have done anything, tormented anyone to keep her affection. He would have even suffered under the cold suffocating sea if it meant she would continue to stay by his side. Who he was mattered little if it meant not being alone.

But with Jude, it had been different.

Jude was unfazed by his princely masquerade as if she could see through to his being from the very beginning. With Jude, Cardan saw himself as capable of something else. For the first time, he wanted more; more with her.

Even if he was doomed to bring destruction to the crown, he was certain Jude would be there to stop him. Because for a reason he still could not figure out, Jude made him want to be better.

Only too late did he realize what she meant to him. She was not a name that he could write out of his mind or a desire that he would get out of his system.

Given the chance, he would tell her it was more than a game to him. The only end game he had was her. But she refused to come home. She hadn’t so much as written a letter back. The silence was deafening. Cardan was ready to endure whatever anger she threw at him, just as long as she shared the same space as him again.

“I hate you so much sometimes I can’t think of anything else” She had once said to him that day in the room behind the dais.

Oh to feel those words coming from her mouth again.

Cardan chuckled at how pathetic he was. Had she written him a letter, even if only to tell him of her loathing hatred, he would have likely hung it on the wall of his bed chambers as a reminder she was real.

If he was lucky, she would return and show him she was real with her own two hands; On his throat or otherwise.

The king rose from his desk and collapsed into the silk sea of his bed. He stared up at the ceiling succumbing to his favorite daydream.

He was lounging on his throne in the usual fashion when the crowds' sudden gasps drew his attention to the magnificent figure pushing open the double doors. Behind her were his guards, not there to arrest her, but rather following their rightful queen.

She was dressed as if she were entering battle, the chainmail flowed down her body accenting each of her curves. Perched on top of her auburn hair was a black crown, a twin to the one that sat on his head.

The battle had already been fought and now she had returned to him.

Her steps quickened as he met her at the bottom of the dais. His arms found their way around her frame, as her momentum had sent her crashing into him. His sweet Jude laid her head against him and planted a soft kiss at the base of his neck, causing him to tug her even closer and breathing in the sweet smell of vanilla and earth.

“You’re home,” he murmured into her hair.

She looked up at him with soft eyes and a smile he so rarely was on the receiving end of.

“Yes,” she whispered back as a rose-colored flush danced across her cheeks.

Cardan could only hope his queen would return to him soon and when she did, she returned his love as well.

#i wrote this months ago but never posted #i like to think of cardan daydreaming of jude #jurdan fic #jurdan #jude x cardan #cardan pov #cardan during jude's exile #jude's exile #my heart is buried with you #the cruel prince #the wicked king #the queen of nothing #just jurdan things #tfota #tfota fanfic #jude duarte #cardan greenbriar

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yourartmatters-itswhatgotmehere · 3 years

Text

WHY WE LOVE CARDAN GREENBRIAR: quotes:

“ Cardan doesn’t add that he laughs when he is nervous.”

“I’m nervous. I smile a lot when I’m nervous. I can’t help it. “

“We’re all trapped in cages, little sprite. How can I free you when I can’t even free myself? “

“I am certain you are about to enlighten me”

“I have many other, even worse, qualities.”

“How ought I know? You do whatever it is mortals do in your land.”

“I was reading, not sulking. But I am happy enough to be distracted. May I carry your basket?”

“This is most certainly not the story you told me when I was nine”

“I would have my room. Perhaps you two might take whatever this is elsewhere.”

“Stop telling me who I am. I am tired of your stories.”

“But if you regret it, do not think that you will be able to call me back to your side like some forgotten plaything you mislaid for a while.”

“I am nothing, if not dramatic.”

“If he thought I was bad, I would be so much worse.”

“My sweet villain.”

“My darling god.”

“My sweet nemesis.”

“Lessons are suspended for the afternoon, by royal whim”

“Which one? Which mortal girl?”

“Your pardon. Might you have some means by which I can navigate your land?”

“Let me tell you a story…Once upon a time, there was a boy with a clever tongue. Perhaps he had reasons to be awful, perhaps he was born bad, but no matter . None of it gave him much pleasure, so he went to the woods and begged a troll woman to turn his heart to stone. He was angry. And a fool. Thereafter he could neither pleasure nor pain, not fear nor hope. At first, it seemed like the blessing he had supposed it would be. But as the evening came, the boy was aware of the strangeness of feeling nothing at all. He had begged for the heart of stone, but for the first time, he felt the weight of it in his chest. He wondered if he ought to be afraid of what was to come. He wondered if there was something profoundly wrong with him that he could not. Though his heart was as hard and cold as ever, he wondered what he would feel if it were not.”

“You don’t think monster girls and wicked boys deserve love?”

“Everyone finds different lessons in stories, I suppose, but here’s one: Having a heart is terrible, but you need one anyway. It doesn’t matter if the boy with the heart of stone was the villain. It doesn’t matter if he got what he deserved. No one’s heart has to remain stone.”

“And you think it was sunrise I was waiting for and not my queen? Do you not hear her footfalls? She has never quite managed the trick of hiding them as well as one of the Folk. Surely you’ve heard of her, Jude Duarte, who defeated the redcap Grima Mog, who brought the Court of Teeth to their knees? She’s forever getting me out of scrapes. Truly, I don’t know what I would do without her.”

“You didn’t hear the story I told. A shame. It featured a handsome boy with a heart of stone and a natural aptitude for villainy. Everything you could like.”

“There is one thing I did like about playing the hero. The only good bit. And that was not having to be terrified for you.”

“So long as you’re begging”

"I am no murderer."

“Never is like Forever.”

"Time to change partners. Oh, did I steal your line?"

„ Ruling is like wine. It brings out the worst in anyone who takes too deep a draught, yet we all want a taste.”

"But then it is my nature to only wants things I cannot have."

“Locke hasn’t gotten around to seducing me yet, if that’s what you’re asking. I suppose, I should be insulted.“

“Most of all, I hate you because I think of you. Often. It's disgusting, and I can't stop.”

"Do not expect others to share my depraved tastes.”

“And to Jude, who gave me a gift tonight. One that I plan to repay in kind.”

“I am the Corn King, after all, to be sacrificed so little Oak can take my place in the spring.”

“You ought not to be here tonight, little ant. Go back to the palace.”

“ You believe I planned your humiliation? Me? That sounds like work.”

“Kiss me again, Kiss me until I am sick of it.”

“If you’re the sickness, I suppose you can’t also be the cure.”

“It seems I have a singular taste for women who threaten me.”

“The three of you have one solution to every problem. Murder. No key fits every lock.”

“Yes, my great villain, my darling god. I will be as sober as a stone carving, just as soon as I can”

“Marry me, Become the Queen of Elfhame.”

“I exile Jude Duarte to the mortal world. Until and unless she is pardoned by the crown, let her not step one foot in Faerie or forfeit her life.”

"I urge you: Come be angry at nearer distance."

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

"Above me is the same silvery moon that shines down on you. Looking at it makes me recall the glint of your blade pressed against my throat and other romantic moments."

„ As you wish. Then I suppose I will have to examine you alone in my chambers.”

„Do not touch her.”

"She is my wife, The rightful High Queen of Elfhame. And most definitely not in exile."

"Although I am wearing the cloak Mother Marrow made me, the one that will turn any blade, I still promise to run, tail between my legs. And since I have a tail, that should be amusing for everyone. Are you satisfied?”

"I assume you weren’t actually trying to shoot me, since the note was in your handwriting.”

„It was terrifying, watching you fall. I mean, you’re generally terrifying, but I am unused to fearing for you. And then was furious. I am not sure I have ever been that angry before.”

"Not you, You never break.”

„Pardoned by the crown. Meaning by The King Of Faerie. Or its queen. You could have returned anytime you wanted."

„There was a prophecy given when I was born. Usually Baphen is uselessly vague, but in this case, he made it clear that should I rule, I would make a very poor king. The destruction of the crown, the ruination of the throne- a lot of dramatic language. (..) I never minded being a minor villain, but it’s possible I might have grown into something else, a High King as monstrous as Dain. And if I did- if I fulfilled that prophecy- I ought to be stopped. And I believe that you would stop me.”

"Would you like me to inform the Council that you will see them another time? It will be a novelty to have me make your excuses.”

"No, no, enough. It’s all too tedious to explain. I declare this meeting at an end. Leave us. I tire of the lot of you.”

„This is my room, and that’s my wife."

„Unlike Locke, I never thought love was a game"

”To you, I offer honey wine and the hospitality of my table. But to traitors and oath breakers, I offer my queen’s hospitality instead. The hospitality of knives.”

"You looked like a knight in a story tonight. Possibly a filthy story."

„Mock me all you like. Whatever I imagined then, now it is I who would beg and grovel for a kind word from your lips. By you, I am forever undone.”

"No, What YOU want.”

"My sweet nemesis, how glad I am that you returned."

"It's you I love, I spent much of my life guarding my heart. I guarded it so well that I could behave as though I didn’t have one at all. Even now, it is shabby, worm-eaten, and scabrous thing. But it is yours. You probably guessed as much, but just in case you didn’t."

"A King is not his crown."

" I am the High King, and I do not forfeit that title to you, not for a sword or a show or my pride. It is worth more than any of those things. Besides which, two rulers stand before you. And even had you cut me down, one would remain.”

"But vows should never be to a crown. They should be to a ruler. And they should be of your own free will. I am your king, and beside me stands my queen. But it is your choice whether or not to follow us. Your will shall be your own.”

„I haven’t worn anything in days, I don’t see why I ought to start now.”

"Tomorrow, Or the next day. Or perhaps next week.” And with that, he rises, takes a long drink from his goblet, sets it down on the table, and walk to where I sit. ”Will you dance?”

"You don’t know how long I’ve waited to hear those words, You don’t want me dead."

„You need not say it out of pity, or because I was under a curse. I have asked you to lie to me in the past, in this very room, but I would beg you not to lie now."

„Because I am clever and funny, You didn’t mention my handsomeness.”

„It was like being trapped in the dark. I was alone, any my instinct was to lash out. I was perhaps not entirely an animal, but neither was I myself. I could not reason. There were only feelings- hatred and terror and the desire to destroy. And you. I knew little else, but I always knew you.”

"He ought to have paid you in gold.”

“And scheming great schemes.”

“I didn’t enjoy being a snake, and yet I appear to be doomed to be reminded of it for all eternity, the excess of songs hasn’t helped, nor has their longevity. It’s been what? Eight years? Nine? Truly, the celebratory air about the whole business has been excessive. You’d think I never did a more popular thing than sit in the dark on a throne and bite people who annoyed me. I could have always done that. I could do that now.”

“I could try. A small bite. Just to see if someone would write a song about it.”

“Seems hard on pointy boots, kicking buckets.”

“If I didn’t know better, I might think this is your brother’s fault. First, he wanted you to be nice to that little queen with the sharp teeth and the crazy eyes. Then he wanted you to forgive that former falcon his bodyguard likes for trying to murder me. It seems too great a coincidence that Hyacinthe came from Lady Nore, spent time with Madoc, and had no hand in his abduction.”

“All the obscene snake songs must have been greatly distracting. Generosity of spirit is so uncharacteristic in you.”

“Have I ever told you how much you sound like Madoc when you talk about murder? Because you do.”

“That you’re terrifying? I adore it.”

“And you, Queen Suren of the former Court of Teeth. You’ve changed quite a bit, but then you would have, I suppose. Felicitations on the murder of your mother.”

“Their dim view of treaties gives me a dim view of them. We will give Nicasia aid, as she once aided us, and as we swore to do.”

“Or?”

“Oh, very well, I will be the one to ask the obvious question—what have you there?”

“I trust that you don’t also have a cottage in your pocket. Your family is eager to spend some time with you.”

“I hate the war room.”

“Not now, imp. We have many dull adult things to do.”

“So many secrets, wife.”

“What curse?”

“Who cursed you?”

“If you’ve hurt her—”

“You bring an element of chaos to a party, don’t you? We obviously have many things to discuss regarding the future. But for now, we share a meal. Let us toast, to love.”

“Love. That force that compels us to be sometimes better and often worse. That power by which we can all be bound. That which we ought to fear and yet most desire. That which unites us this evening—and shall unite the both of you soon enough.”

“I thought that if the poison makes every part of him slow, then I could turn him into something that could live like that. But I don’t know that it will save him.”

“I don’t know,”

“You make a very good point. You had an excellent reason to try to kill him. But did you?”

“I am losing patience almost as fast as I am losing blood. Just because your brother killed Randalin, it doesn’t mean we should forget he was at the center of this conspiracy—and that he is at the center of whatever Bogdana and Wren are planning. I suggest that we lock Oak up where he won’t be so tempting to traitors.”

“Ah, but he had loftier ambitions.”

“I think it’s time to get off this isle.”

“Kill him. Very well, truss up Hyacinthe. Find the girl and the hag and kill them, at least. And I want the prince locked up until we sort this out. Lock up Tiernan, too, if he ever comes back.”

“Another protestation of her innocence? Or yours?”

“I hate being unwell.”

“You would have done the same for me.”

“Speaking of which, I would speak with Oak for a moment. Alone.”

“Pour me a goblet of wine, won’t you? Or I could get it myself.”

“You have done enough and more than enough explaining. I think it is my turn to speak.”

“For someone who cannot outright lie, you twist the truth so far that I am surprised it doesn’t cry out in agony. Which makes perfect sense, given your father . . . and your sister. But you’ve even managed to deceive her. Which she doesn’t like admitting— doesn’t like, period, really.”

“No, I don’t suspect you of wanting to be High King, nor did I believe you wanted me dead for some other reason. I never thought that.”

“When your first bodyguard tried to kill you, I ought to have asked more questions. Certainly after one or two of your lovers died. But I thought what everyone else thought—that you were too trusting and easily manipulated as a result. That you chose your friends poorly and your lovers even more poorly. But you chose both carefully and well, didn’t you?”

“Having spent a great deal of time playing the fool myself, I recognized your game. Not at first, but long before Jude. She didn’t want to believe me, and I am never going to tire of crowing about being right.”

“But I wasn’t certain which of your allies were actually on your side. And I was rather hoping you’d let us lock you up and protect you.”

“I have little experience of dispensing brotherly wisdom, but I know a great deal about mistakes. And about hiding behind a mask. Some might say that I still do, but they would be wrong. To those I love, I am myself. Too much myself sometimes.”

“I knew what you were up to before she did. And if you decide you want to risk your life, perhaps you could also risk a little personal discomfort and let your family in on your plans.”

“You may recall that Jude gave you permission to abdicate? Well, that’s all well and good, but you can’t do it immediately. We’ll need several months more of your being our heir.”

“A diplomatic mission. After that last little rescue, Nicasia has demanded we honor our treaty, meet her suitors, and witness the contest for her hand and crown. And so Jude and I are headed to the Undersea, where we will go to a lot of parties and try very hard not to die.”

my TFOTA MUSIC SPOTIFY PLAYLIST:

https://at.tumblr.com/yourartmatters-itswhatgotmehere/books-tfota-jurdan-thecruelprince/twqmspfqh1pw

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3dmMpocWt6Z6lB2r4MCoS0?si=caa463224d274441

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beeirifulmer · 2 years

Text

Talking Body

Warning// This contains all book spoilers.

TW- scars, discreet mentions of abuse.

"Cardan have you seen my blue and purple dress anywhere by chance?" The High Queen looked around her closet, not finding the dress she was looking for for the meeting.

"Not a clue, my love. Is that the only one you can wear?"

"Yes! It doesn't look to feminine, but also doesn't make my muscles look..weird.." Jude cringed at herself as she glanced in the mirror, her button-up shirt covering down to her mid-thigh, but nothing but Cardan's boxers sat underneath. Her gaze and sigh fell from her lips after she looked at herself, to which Cardan looked to her.

"I see nothing wrong with being bigger boned and toned," Cardan shrugged.

"That's because you never had higher standards watching fragile faeries dance around naked, whereas you look more like a turkey. Meat on your bones." Jude explained as she folded a pair of pants she seemed to have left on her dresser.

"Jude," Cardan started, striding over to his wife and holding her waist in his hands and turned her so she was facing the mirror. "This?" He continued, his fingers trailing up her thigh starting from her knee, his nails tickling her lightly as they went. "This muscle, is what makes you human." His teeth scathered her neck and shoulder area as it trailed up more and more. "This body, is what I love. This is what makes you different from everyone else in this land."

Jude watched Cardan's hands as they trailed up and stopped at her v-line, lifting her shirt up a little. "I love you Jude Duarte-Greenbriar. I love you and all that comes with it, your body, your mortal ways. Everything." The last word was a small growl inside her ear to ensure she understood what he meant. Her heart swelled with comfort, never hearing those words from anyone before.

The Queen looked at her King through the mirror, and he looked at her through his eyelashes. "Thank you," Jude whispered, almost as if she was thanking him for accepting the way she was. Cardan did nothing but kiss her neck and pull away to continue getting dressed for the meeting.

Jude turned to think of where to look for her dress next, maybe she should wear a different one. After all, she never truly cared about the court seeing her in a more feminine state or such. Perhaps she didn't even need to wear a dress, just something she was far more comfortable with.

"Maybe I should-" Jude stopped as Cardan took off his shirt, back facing her. The girl couldn't help the gasp that escaped her lips, seeing the scars littering all over the man's back. She had never seen them before, but she always knew they were there. She had watched the beatings happen in front of her when she had spied on the two.

"Should what?" Cardan looked up at her questionably, confused as to why she gasped before he noticed where her gaze was at and his face dropped. "Oh, yeah that was uhm-"

"I know, I know." Jude stopped him from trying to explain. Neither of them needing to hear those words being said out loud.

"I didn't think they were this bad." Cardan looked at the scars in the mirror. His right hand came across the front to his left shoulder, pulling on the skin on the back of his shoulder as three red lines created as he dug the nails into his body. "Who knew a mortal could be so harsh. Pathetic, disgusting, vile mortal. I hate her, I hate her." The man started to spit out his words before he looked at Jude and his glare softened, "I'm sorry..I don't mean that in a general mortal way."

Jude shook her head as she made her way over to him, "again, I know. I know, Cardan." She couldn't help but reach her hand up and trace one, as if she could make it disappear. But she was no witch, she was no faerie. Cardan stood there, only able to see his wife's back instead of his own.

"He will be the destruction of the crown, and ruination of the throne." Jude heard Cardan whisper to himself. Jude kissed one of the scars, then another, and a few more before she laid her forehead upon Cardan's.

"You're the best High King, Cardan. You were in fact the destruction of the crown, you quite literally broke it into two." Jude chuckled softly, Cardan cracking a half-smile with her. "But those scars don't define you, they never did, and they never will. What he did to you was never your fault."

"How can you be so sure?" Cardan's hands slipped onto Jude's waist softly as he swallowed hard.

"Cause if what he said was true," Jude began, kissing his lips softly. "I would have never fallen in love with you. Yet here I am, completely infatuated with you." She kissed him again, his lips tasting of honey. "I love you, and nothing with ever change that."

Cardan's hand grazed Jude's cheek, caressing it as his thumb ran along her cheekbone. His eyes searched for a lie in hers, but he found none.

"I'm proud of you, Cardan." Jude said softly, and Cardan's thumb stopped. The words stunned him for a moment, never had he heard those words get spoken to him. Never did he imagine he deserved those words. "I'm so proud," Jude shook her head with her words.

Cardan stared at her, maybe he heard her wrong. Maybe this was all a dream and he'd wake up to hear they were both still in school and she hated him. But this was real, and for once, someone was proud od him. The King could say nothing but hugging his Queen, hiding his face in her neck on the verge of potential tears.

Jude held him, playing with his hair and smiling softly when his tail flicked back and forth. The two stayed like that for what seemed like forever, but neither of them minded.

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

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im-someone-i-guess · 2 years

Text

just like old times

a jurdan fic by ryhanna

word count: 2,719

Jude Duarte held the hilt of her sword so tightly her knuckles had turned white. She felt the beady eyes of the Seelie and Unseelie on her, some judging in contempt and others in wonder. There were mortals among the crowd as well but Jude's gaze was locked on a singular figure waltzing on his own.

Though in a room filled with beautiful faeries, he still managed to stand out. His dark hair like a raven's wing a golden goblet held in his spindly fingers. The cruel tilt of his mouth as he turned towards her only doubled her building irritation. He held out a hand, tilting his head, gesturing for Jude to come dance with him.

Cardan Greenbriar, High King of Elfhame had always gotten what he wanted. Jude was tempted to turn away and walk back to the palace, just to be contrary. She had other things to do, schemes to plan and traitors to hunt. Just yesterday Bomb had exposed a coup against the High King, had found a mercenary in the human lands planning to kill Oak too.

The urge to return to the Court of Shadows was immense but Jude did promise Cardan she'd dance with him at tonight's revel. Unlike faeries, she was not bound to her words, it was a mortal’s abilities, along with the ability to lie. As Cardan loved to point out, Jude was a dirty mortal liar. But the statement usually followed with a kiss, burning with desire.

"I had thought you would join Bomb to contemplate suitable torture for the mercenary before you stepped onto the dance floor, it seems I am mistaken. Tell me Jude, what compelled you to stay?" Cardan passed his goblet to a servant, his hands placing themselves on Jude's hips as she placed hers on his shoulders.

This close Jude could see the leaves carved into his golden circlet, her reflection in the scarlet rubies. Earlier today, Tatterfell had braided Jude's hair in horns, draping golden chains with similar gems on them. Jude had no doubt the imp chose the particular accessory to match Cardan.

"I promised, didn't I?" Jude murmured. Disbelief flashed on his features as did delight but Cardan only smiled. "We both know how you tend to prefer the Court of Shadows over the Royal Court, especially when there is work to be done."

He was perfectly aware of the coup to overthrow him, his subjects were no longer bound to him by oath as they were before he broke the Blood Crown in two. Jude did not like what had directly followed but she did enjoy the respect glistening in every faeries' eyes. Still, without the Blood Crown and the sure devotion that came with it, wicked schemes had become a frequent occasion.

"How is Oak? You visited him yesterday." Jude opened her mouth to answer but Cardan had more to say. "Why didn't you bring me with you? You're aware of my fondness for mortals, yes? No matter how often they seem to forget me."

"It's not my fault you have matters of state to accomplish," Cardan murmured, twirling Jude across the floor then back to his arms. Her steps weren't as graceful as his but at least she did not stumble and fall face first into the grass. "Are you going back any time soon? To visit Vivienne or Madoc?"

"I don't think it's wise to speak about such things at a revel," Jude told him but her voice wavered, her mind more occupied with not messing up the dance. "And I'll try to alert you on my next adventure to the mortal world."

It was not the promise he wanted but Cardan still pursed his lips, it was satisfying enough for him. But alerting did not mean agreeing to bring him along, it still felt odd to have Elfhame's High King walking down the streets she grew up in.

"Your Majesties," a figure bowed in front of them, interrupting their dance. Cardan looked displeased but relief flooded through Jude, she was eager to stop dancing "The faeries associated in the coup had made a move, they will be going to attack Oak. What do you think we should do?"

Jude didn't recognise the figure but she did recognise the mask they were wearing. Only three faeries in Elfhame had such a mask but she couldn’t remember either of their names. As long as they wore the masks, no one would ever recognise them.

The figure made their way quietly through the crowd, summoning ragwort ponies for the journey. Jude made her way to follow but Cardan had gripped her wrist. She tried to wrench it away but Cardan refused to let go. "As your husband, I feel obligated to accompany you and as the High King, I think I have right to know the happenings in my own kingdom."

Cardan made a valid point and although Jude wanted to argue, there were faeries watching gleefully, no doubt eavesdropping. Swallowing her words, she cast a scathing glare towards her beloved husband and let him lead the way.

The faeries offered graceful curtsies and low bows, murmurs of "Your Majesty" and other noble compliments. It was such a contrast from the constant glares from before that faithful coronation-turned-bloodbath.

"Oak will be no more than leverage but they have not reached him yet. Madoc had sworn not to lay a hand on any weapon but he would be able to take any threat with his bare hands. He will not let them hurt Oak, at least for Oriana's sake."

"If Madoc has it handled then why are our presence required at the mortal land?" Cardan asked.

"My presence is required, you can return to your goblets of wine and waltzing by yourself." It wasn't, she could just as easily order a few guards but she knew she had to go.

"It has lost its appeal." The curve of his smile held the glint of something mischievous. "Could we stop for pizza, there must be a decent restaurant offering pizza. We should bring Oak along, he delights in choosing the toppings."

But bringing Oak meant bringing Oriana and surely Madoc would follow. Jude did not dislike them but she dreaded the subtle insults and disapproving glares. But she supposed seeing Oak made up for the shortcomings. If only they were visiting under better circumstances.

"We have no time to change, glamour will have to do," the faerie told them, they were already saddled on their ragwort pony. Jude nodded and climbed onto the pony, ignoring Cardan's hand.

As soon as Cardan climbed onto his, the ponies took off into the sky. The stars were bright tonight, Jude caught the look of amazement in Cardan's eyes, his black hair whipping around his face. She felt a smile tugging on her lips but she knew the faerie was watching.

"We land here," they shouted, their voice barely audible over the wind. Still, the ragwort ponies slowly made their way down, turning back into stalks the moment they stepped on land.

Jude stumbled onto the cobblestone pathway, Cardan walking behind her with an amused grin. She cast him a glare but his smile only spread wider. Jude made a gesture Oriana would heavily disapprove but Cardan merely flipped his hair, staring at his reflection on the car window.

She was about to say something else but was interrupted by a small faerie child, horns peeking from his hair. Small arms wrapped around Jude's legs, Oak had gotten taller, she realised. He had started telling Jude about school and his friends before slender hands wrenched him away.

"Your Majesties," Oriana murmured, managing an elegant curtsy despite her human clothes. The blue flowers on her white blouse matched her ghostly skin and the skinny jeans matched her slender figure. "Did something happen? Guards have suddenly been stationed outside with orders to not disclose any information."

Jude was about to tell her but the streets weren't secure, someone could overhear. "We'll come inside first, I can't wait to see Madoc." Her voice was dripped with sarcasm and she knew Oriana disapproved of her tone but like the perfect lady she was, Oriana made no comment, instead forcing a pleasant smile and half dragging Oak inside.

Vivi was out with Heather, Oriana told her, finally letting go of Oak's hand. The faerie child had ran off to converse with Cardan who was telling him to order pizza. A small part of her still laughed in disbelief at the absurdity of the High King of Elfhame eating mortal food. But she knew Cardan liked pizza, Jude wondered if maybe he would order the palace cooks to learn how to make them.

"My daughter, what brings you here? That's twice in the past two weeks." Madoc was grinning but it highly resembled a predator bearing its teeth. "I hear whispers this is about Oak, I deserve to know what's going on?"

He did, despite his traitorous ways and twisted views, he still cared for Oak.

"There was a coup against the High King, we received word that they were going to use Oak for leverage," Jude told them. Oriana looked horrified but Madoc only looked grim, his eyes drifting towards Cardan. The High King was no doubt listening to the conversation, felt the intense stare boring holes into the back of his head but he did nothing to acknowledge it.

"Why Oak? Doesn't Taryn have a child too, they could take him and he would be better leverage. Your sister would beg you for the safe return of her son and you'd do anything in your power to ensure it happens." Madoc made a valid point but Jude refused to tell him that.

"So you think it is better to condemn an infant? The boy is perfectly innocent."

"And so you think Oak being in danger is better?" Oriana held her hands over her mouth, muffling a sad wail.

"Taryn is a sister of the High Queen, she is always protected with guards and a personal acquaintance." Jude noticed Madoc's small smile, he remembered the Ghost, no doubt. "Oak is in the human world, living with three faeries whom are either unable to properly hold a blade or hold one at all." Madoc's glare could burn down forests.

"Then why not just send guards? You didn't have to visit us." Madoc was calculating, piecing together her plan. Jude could feel his stern eyes looking straight into her soul. "You think they will attack tonight?"

Jude only managed a nod, the conversation interrupted by a doorbell. Oak exclaimed something about pepperoni pizza and ran towards the door, a wallet in hand and the High King in tow. Jude saw Cardan's tail curling in curiosity.

Oak opened the door to reveal a man, a pizza box in hand. "That would be twenty dollars for two pizzas," the man said, handing the boxes to a smiling Cardan. "Though I think it would be better if you paid in blood."

The man took of his cap, revealing green hair and horns like the branches of a tree. Instantly Nightfell was unsheathed and pointed at his neck. The faerie only laughed, his eyes holding a wild gleam as Oriana pulled Oak away. Cardan stood next to Jude, his earlier excitement morphed into a glare.

"How interesting, we were not expecting the High King to be here. This makes my job much easier, you see. Less places to go, less threatening to do. Now I just stab a blade through the ribs of the High King, High Queen and Little Oak."

Jude pointed the blade closer but the faerie dodged, an insane smile on his lips. He had unsheathed his sword too, a fine blade with leaves carved in its hilt. It was shorter than Nightfell, limiting his reach but his limbs were longer, that evened the odds. If only Jude hadn't been trained by the Elfhame's former Grand General.

The faerie lunged but Jude dodged just as easily. They went on like that, Jude's arms aching from the strain but she noticed the slight huff of breath every time he lunged; a tell that wasn't even well hidden. Easily, Jude watched as he huffed and lunged, dodging and stabbing at the man's side. Then again at his right leg, and again on his shoulder.

Jude endured a few scratches, deep enough to drip blood but not enough to cause any real damage. The faerie took two more blows on his left leg and right arm before Jude swept him off his feet, demanding him to tell her who sent him.

"I sent myself, Cardan does not deserve to be on that throne and Elfhame should not tolerate a mortal queen." It was an ordinary insult but it still stung, especially when Jude remembered a faeries inability to lie. "There will be more, you should step down and save yourself the trouble, Elfhame—"

The faerie said no more, he would never say any more. Jude had cut his head clean off, the faerie was working alone, hate blooming in his heart for the High King and Queen. There was nothing else to know, Oak was safe, he hadn’t even really been in real danger. Madoc would've been able to handle him with his bare hands. Any decent guard she issued would've been able to take him down. So why did she decide to come?

"We should stay here for a while longer, we have pizzas and Jude needs to regain her strength," Cardan said, ushering Jude upstairs to the guestroom they frequent every time they visit. She was tempted to drag Cardan out and tend to her own wounds but she had a feeling he would not relent.

"You know, I have always sensed defiance in you, strong willed and threats at the ready. I find it fascinating that you have the skills to back up every promise of revenge." Cardan had started wrapping her hand with gauze. "You beheaded someone in Madoc's living room while wearing your revel dress."

Surely enough, Jude was still wearing her cobalt gown though it had been torn in several places. Knowing she'd need to take the dress off before Cardan could properly address the rest of her scratches, Jude unbuttoned the dress, Cardan helping when her arms could no longer reach back.

Jude and Cardan had stocked up their mortal clothes the last time they went together, Cardan buying several cosmetic supplies as well. She had watched him pour the items on the counter, smiling at the girl at the counter with his usual lazy smile.

She chose a black shirt and a pair of decent jeans. Cardan had changed from his feathered doublet and into a striking red blouse, puffy sleeves and polka dots printed on the fabric. He was extravagant enough for the both of them, Jude noted as Cardan rearranged his hair to better highlight the golden circlet.

Jude's own hair had somehow stayed in place, the chains slightly askew but otherwise perfectly fine. She'd thank Tatterfell later but the faeries do not thank so Jude would have to settle for a small smile of gratitude the next time she saw the imp.

"I still remember when you held your blade at me, threatening to kill me. I believed you, of course. It is a blessing that you no longer want to, having you as an enemy would destroy my kingdom." Cardan said, taking a seat in front of the vanity once he finished with Jude's wounds, his back turned against the mirror to meet Jude's gaze.

"How do you know I no longer wish to kill you, husband of mine?" Jude grinned, pointing her sword at Cardan's throat. "I could slit your throat and take the throne for myself, why share power when I could have it all to myself?"

"Just like old times," Cardan murmured, glancing at the blade then at Jude. "You are a good liar but a liar nonetheless." Pushing the blade aside with the tip of his finger, Cardan pulled Jude down and met his lips with hers. Jude couldn’t stop the smile as their lips parted, the taste of his lips lingering on her tongue.

"Shall we go eat our pizza, dear husband?"

"We shall, my beloved wife."

#books #booklover #booklr #ry writes #jurdan #cardan and jude #jude duarte #cardan greenbriar #holly black #tfota spoilers #tfota #fanfiction #fanfic

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pollyaunt · 2 years

Text

The Hate you caused- one shot

Fandom: TFOTA

Summary: Set post twk. Cardan gets the most horrific news in his 19 years of life and regrets making an intentional decision.

Warnings: Angst. Lot's of angst. Major character death.

a/n: ummmmm HIIIIIII yea y'all are mad i havnt been updating but srsly i was experiencing some serious writer's block. Anywaysssss i got this idea in the middle of the night hehe ENJOY!

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

"Whatever do you mean someone from Madoc's family has requested a meeting with me?"

"I repeat myself; Madoc's eldest daughter has requested an urgent meeting at this instant. She's saying she won't leave until she has a little chat with his Majesty," standing in the Royal Chambers of Palace of Elfhame, a messenger delivered the message of Viviene Duarte to the High King.

Upon hearing Vivi's unexpected arrival, a frown had formed on Cardan's face, "Why is she here?"

The messenger cleared his throat and said, "She told me to inform you it's regarding 'your dear exiled Seneschal' her words, not mine for she told me to tell you the exact wording."

A lump formed in Cardan's throat and he started imagining the worst scenarios about Jude in Mortal Realm.

"Where is she?"

"The Throne room," the messenger hadn't even gotten the chance to finish the sentence when Cardan rushed out from his chambers to the Throne room.

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Bloodshot red puffy eyes met obsidian black ones when Cardan approached Vivi.

"Are you happy now? This is what you wanted, wasn't it? Now you got it. Perhaps now you're satisfied?", Such a deep hatred pooled in Vivi's eyes which made Cardan's frown deepen and confusion laced on his face.

"What is it do you want from me Viviene?"

She scoffed and continued, "She's dead." Barely a whisper but he had caught what she said and hoped perhaps he mistook what he heard, hoped perhaps it was somewhat a trick, hoped perhaps it was one of Jude's little scheme but when she said it again, his body went numb.

"SHE IS DEAD BECAUSE OF YOU BASTARD! SHE IS DEAD! MY SISTER'S DEAD, JUDE'S DEAD!"

At that moment Cardan's heart cracked. He couldn't believe it was true, couldn't absorb the news.

He didn't remember when he asked her to prove it, to take him, didn't remember when the Roach and Bomb came with him, didn't remember when he reached the cemetery. The only thought he had was that his Jude, his queen can't be dead. No, it was impossible.

Only when the High King stood in front of the tombstone of the High Queen of Elfhame did the reality of this situation came crashing upon him.

And for the first time in his life, Cardan cried. He cried, screamed, thrashed and even tried to dig the grave again with his bare hands just to see his wife, just to see her lips or her eyes or her round mortal ears again but he failed.

His gaze fell on the tombstone once more and touched it where her name was written ignoring the sharp pain due to the soil and stones because of the digging.

The Roach and Bomb stood silently but even an old age man could tell there were sobs and grief was written all over there face.

"This is all my fault, my love," his voice raspy and barely less then an octave, "all my fault. If I never exiled you, you would have stayed. We would have ruled together. I thought you will be proud that I was able to trick you, that it was a riddle and you would have been back in Farieland within a week. I-"

He couldn't continue, his sobs overcame and he fell to his knees. He begged to the Gods above to please make it one of his nightmares but fate had other plans.

"I'm so sorry. I love you," his tears became uncontrollable. His heart broke into a million pieces and his body stopped functioning.

It was at that moment when Cardan Greenbriar hated himself more than ever.

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a/n: ooofff that was some emotional shit. Tell me if you want to be the part of tag list. Until we meet again.

taglist: @slightlyrebelliouswriter23 @thewickedkings @thekingdomofelfhame @greenbriarxrose @cinnamonsketchdust @charincharge @clockworkgraystairs @jurdanhell @jurdannet @nee-naw-nee-naw-beepbeep @rhysandswingspan @faerie-jude @jurdannetrevels

#tfota #jude x cardan #holly black #the cruel prince #folk of the air #cardan greenbriar #jude duarte #the wicked king #the queen of nothing #taryn x locke #nicasia #valerian #jurdan fanfic #jurdan au

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laequiem · 3 years

Text

Why do we talk in whispers?

Jurdannet Folktober 2021- Day 19. What we do in the shadows

Fandom: The Folk of the Air

Pairing: Jude Duarte/Cardan Greenbriar

Rating: explicit

Word count: 4,466

I still haven’t forgotten the taste of her lips, the hair-raising hint of poison, though none of my imaginings are vivid enough to replicate it. I kiss her deep, committing every nuance to memory. Her hands roam my body frantically as she sucks and bites at my lips.

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Masterlist • She kills my self-control masterpost

A blur of dark blue gossamer dodges wings and limbs gracefully, making its way towards the dais where I preside. I had not seen this dress since the coronation day, I realize. The dress I had foolishly ordered the tailor to make and send to the Grand General’s house, in hopes that Jude would wear it.

“My seneschal,” I say by way of greeting.

“Your Majesty,” Jude replies, bowing slightly—just for show.

I take her in, from head to toe. I do not bother with subtlety. After all, catching the High King’s eye is a privilege that many in court would kill to have. She straightens against my gaze, as if steeling herself to look professional, but I can see the flush creeping up her chest. I suspected she still wanted me, but for some reason, she has been keeping her distance. To know I still have an effect on her, despite the resentment she has for me, gives me a boost of confidence.

“I would have your first dance of the day,” I tell her. I straighten in my throne and get up, extending an arm to her. “Would you dance with your High King, Jude Duarte?”

Her chestnut eyes narrow, undefined brows creeping closer together. She leaves me hanging for long enough that I wonder if she would dare refuse the King in front of the Court. Thankfully, she puts her gloved hand in mine. I lead her down the stony steps of the dais, down to the large, open area we use as a dance floor.

The music slows, then stops as people evacuate the floor to leave room for the High King and his partner. I give Jude a shallow nod, she curtsies, and the music starts up again.

“I do not know if I trust you to stop me from dancing myself to death,” she says as I place my hand on her waist.

“Then I will join you,” I reply with a smirk. “How amusing would it be for the High King to die from dancing too much?”

Jude breaks character and snorts, a corner of her mouth lifting up. “It would be fitting of you, I suppose.”

Not a laugh, but as much as I ever get from her.

I lead the dance but Jude has no trouble keeping up with me. Her movements are technical, practiced, with no room for improvisation. If revelers join us as we dance, I pay them no mind. All my attention is on Jude, her cinnamon skin flushing with effort, a light sheen of sweat on her forehead. We are magnificent—a tornado of blue chiffon and feathers, the cape I was wearing discarded as we twirled.

“You rarely wear dresses at such events,” I say. “I did not think I would see you in this one again.”

Jude rolls her eyes. “I do not have the extensive wardrobe you have, Your Majesty. I cannot only wear pieces once.”

“I did not—” I interrupt myself as I spin her around. “I assumed you had gotten rid of it, after what happened the first time you wore it.”

“What happened?” Her eyes cut into mine, her smile sharp as a blade. “Do you mean the slaughter, or the fact that I kidnapped you?”

I snicker, a very unkingly sound. I quite enjoyed the latter, but there is no universe in which I will admit to that.

“Locke. Your chance at knighthood dying with my brother. My maladroit drunken dancing.”

As the song finishes, she spins again, this time towards me. She stops with her back to my chest and her ass conveniently positioned to feel exactly what effect her dress has on me. Her chest rises and falls quickly, every breath a reminder of how close we are.

Jude lets her head droop backwards on my shoulder as we slowly move, looking up to meet my eyes.

“Even… debilitated,” she says, nudging her hips closer to mine. “You are a skilled dancer.”

I groan, my nails digging in the boned corset as I tighten my grip on her waist. Debilitation is the last thing I feel right now. Wicked thing.

She spins to face me again, brown eyes shining with mischievous light.

“Debilitated?” I gasp with mock offense. “You are quite wrong, my seneschal.”

I lean towards her, running my nose up her throat as I breathe her in.

“In fact, I feel quite… vigorous,” I whisper in her ear.

I straighten, rejoicing at the sight of her flushed cheeks.

“It will take more than one dance to render me indisposed,” I tell her as I raise our joined hands. “Will you dance with me again?”

Jude frowns, looking around. A few courtiers hover nearby, surely looking to gain my attention. I don’t care. I meant it when I said I would dance myself to death with her—after all, I cannot lie. My other hand leaves her waist and I grab her chin, turning her face back towards me. Her lips part slightly, as if by reflex, and my cock stirs. Gods, I want to kiss her.

“Ignore them,” I order. “They can dance with me another time. I so rarely have you to myself.”

“Cardan—”

And with her using my name instead of some fancy title, I know I have her. The music starts again before she can protest further. It is much slower now, slow and sensual. I stare at Jude the whole time, and she does the same. By the end of the dance, I’m on edge, the smallest shift of her grip on my shoulder enough to have me clenching my jaw to regain control.

“The cellar,” I grind out. “I will be there shortly.”

I kiss her knuckles and turn away. I do not look to see if she leaves. I have to leave, no matter if she joins me or not.

The guards waste no time escorting me out of the ballroom when I guzzle an entire bottle of wine and fall amongst guests. The display might have been a bit much, however, since they insist on escorting me to my rooms.

I huff in frustration as I close the door behind me.

Then I remember how the Court of Shadow used the underground tunnels to steal from the cellars, the day my family was slaughtered. Tunnels that also connect to my rooms.

I crawl through the tunnels and emerge in one of the storage rooms of the cellars, racks full of bottles. I dust my clothes, straighten my doublet.

I walk out of the storage room to the main area of the cellar, where I am greeted by nothing more than the smell of yeast and drying herbs.

Of course she’s not here. Why did I think she would come? Or maybe she came and left when I took too long to join her.

I rake a hand through my hair, tipping my head towards the ceiling as I sigh dramatically.

I’m so fucking desperate.

I go back to the storage room and grab a bottle of absinthe. The burn of it down my throat heals some of my self-hatred but does nothing for my arousal.

“… Cardan?”

Jude.

I fumble with the bottle as I try to put the cork back on, my fingers apparently too eager to touch, touch, touch to do so. I give up, put the bottle back on the rack, then rush out of the storage room.

I have long accepted that I can pick her out of the largest crowd, a solid body grounded in the earth while the Folk flutter in the wind. There is an otherness to her, like she fell down a rabbit hole and needed to find her way home. I have gone out of my way to help her, just to get her far away from me. But down here, with no one around to buffer her presence and no pretty lights to distract me, I see that she belongs. Wonderland has molded her in its image until there is nothing left but a ruthless queen.

“You came,” I blurt out.

“I was dragged into another dance,” she says simply.

Quickly, I close the distance between us and cradle her face with my hands. A beat passes where neither of us dare move, then Jude moves, one of her hands sliding behind my head and pulling me down to her.

I chuckle against her lips, “I will have to deduct that from your pay.”

Jude pulls away, taking a few steps back until the backs of her knees hit against a barrel.

Her gaze trails from my face down my chest, then lower, and roam slowly back up.

“Worth it,” she mutters, pulling her bottom lip between her teeth.

I grin at her, then take my chance. I sweep her hair away from her neck. Instinctively, she tips her head to give me access.

“I love when you look at me like that.”

“Like what?” Jude tries to give her voice the usual bravado, but it trembles with anticipation.

“The same way I look at you,” I say, licking up her throat until I reach her ear. I pull at her lobe with my teeth, then whisper, “Like you want me.”

“Everyone looks at you like that," she breathes out. "You’re the King.”

The words are an echo of what I told her when she asked me to charm Nicasia. But no one else really matters, do they? It has only ever been Jude. Jude and her defiance. Jude and her ambition. Jude and her perishable, disgustingly beautiful mortal body.

“I don’t care who else lusts after me. I only care that you do.”

My hands bracket her hips. I push her further back until she is trapped between the barrel and me, my hips cushioned against her larger ones.

“Yet, you never go to bed alone,” Jude says.

I press my hips against hers, the pressure releasing some of the ache in my painfully hard cock. She gasps almost inaudibly. One of my hands reaches behind her. I trail a finger up her spine and she arches into me.

“Are you jealous, dearest Jude?” I pull at the knot holding her dress together, my other hand still tightly holding her hip. “I could make you my consort.”

Jude rolls her eyes, as if she doesn’t believe me.

“No. This,” she gestures between us, “has to stay secret. Actually, this shouldn’t even happen.”

I drop the laces of her dress. They’re undone, but her dress stays up. I don’t make a move to remove it. I know I am slightly intoxicated, but have I really misinterpreted the situation this badly?

I take a step back. Just as I am about to turn away, she slips a finger under the waistband of my pants and pulls me back towards her.

“I didn’t say I didn’t want this,” she whispers, probably to herself.

In a flash, her hands are on me again, grabbing my ass, pulling my hair. As if she cannot touch enough of me. As if she needs to convince herself this is real.

Jude’s hand roams up my thigh and I gasp as she cups me through my pants before continuing her journey. Up, up, until she reaches my waistband again. Before she can slip her hand in, I grab her wrist.

“Tell me,” I implore.

She only blinks at me. “Tell you what?”

“Tell me you want me.”

Tension ripples between us as I keep my distance, though her closeness pulls me in like the opposite pole of a magnet. I might even be shaking as I hold her hand away from me.

“I could lie,” Jude says, making no move to remove my grip on her wrist.

“Yes, you could.”

Jude guides my hand under her skirts. She presses it against her, so warm and wet even through her underwear.

Raising herself on the tip of her toes, she leans towards my ear and murmurs, “Here is a lie, then: I don’t want you.”

I burn all over, a flush of heat creeping up my chest, to my cheeks. Oh, how I have longed to hear those words, the truth hidden beneath her lie. The knowledge crawls under my skin like the most delicious high, filling the greedy, empty corners of me.

She wants me.

“Fuck, Jude,” I groan.

In a flash, my hands are back on her hips. I flip her around, lifting her skirts up and out of my way, before dropping to my knees behind her. I kiss the back of her thighs, traveling up towards my prize. Through the sheer hose she wears, I see her underwear, soaked through. I press my thumb to the damp spot and she whimpers, wiggling those curvy hips towards me.

“No teasing,” Jude says weakly. “Please.”

It’s as if she knows I cannot resist her begging. I grab her thighs and part her legs further apart.

Jude’s knees shake with restraint as my hands roam up her thighs. As I am about to reach her center, I stop, grab the hose with both hands and rend it. She yelps.

“Now we’re even,” I say, then hook one finger under her underwear and push it aside.

My mouth waters at the sight of her plump lips drenched in the clear sap of her desire. I grab both of her cheeks and spread them apart, giving me a better view of her.

Gods above.

The first lick, from slit to the pucker of her bottom, fills me with feral need. It awakens memories of the first time she let me taste her and of that time behind the dais when I pleased her with my fingers before licking them clean. She’s a delicacy I rarely indulge in, but I doubt an abundance of her would ever get old.

I lap at her with all I have, my tongue flicking her clit in quick circles as my nose probs at her entrance. I am too eager, too hungry to slow down. If she were mine, I would take my time and make her beg. She isn’t, though, and these stolen moments are so few and far between.

Jude reaches back, her hand cupping the back of my head and pushing my face further against her. I groan, the vibrations rattling through her body and making her knees shake.

“I’m so close—” she swears, pulling on my hair to the point of pain.

She pushes me into her even more and I grab the front of her thighs to anchor myself. I give her nub a hard suck and she shatters, a loud gasp hissing out of her as she comes on my mouth. I coax her through it, letting her grind against my face until her orgasm slows down.

Then I keep going. She wants me, she wants me. The thought repeats itself in my head, my mantra for the day. I lick at her, my thirst unquenchable. I swirl my tongue against her clit, push it in her heat, I need to show her what she would get everyday if she were mine—

Jude pulls at my hair, trying to get me away. I growl—actually growl, like some animal—when she manages to separate me from her core.

“Cardan, I—I want—” she whimpers. “I need you in me.”

I would gladly spend my life on my knees for her, but how can I refuse this? I rush up and make quick work of my pants, stepping fully out of them. My cock is harder than ever, leaking precum like it’s my first fuck. I slide my length against her slit, coating myself in her juices.

“Say it again,” I rasp out.

And she indulges me.

“I want you in me,” she whispers.

One hand braced against the barrel under her, the other guiding myself, I breathe deeply. I slowly inch myself in—in part not to hurt her, sure, but mostly because I am more aroused than I have been in months. I am mere seconds away from spilling like a virgin. Jude, though, has no mercy for me. She wiggles her hips back against mine, trying to get me deeper, the greedy thing. I put my hand on her ass to keep her at a distance and look away.

I force myself to breathe deep, trying to calm down. One last deep breath and I look at her again, bent over

for me, all for me

and waiting.

“Cardan,” she whines, the two syllables dripping with impatience and irritation.

I slide in—not too hard, but not slowly either—and watch as her cunt spreads around my cock, eager to take me in.

Jude’s breath hitches as I bottom in, my hips against the soft curve of her ass.

And I move, one hand still on the barrel, the other one squeezing her cheek.

“My Jude,” I whisper. “I missed this.”

I set a slow pace, savoring the softness of her ass every time I fill her completely, the small moans that escape her when I do.

“You feel so fucking good.” I kiss her back, between her shoulder blades where the dress splits to reveal bare skin. “So good.”

“I forgot how talkative you were,” she groans.

“We can change position if you wish to quiet me,” I drawl. “Your hand on my throat sounds delightful, but I do enjoy the view from here.”

Her only answer is to drive her hips backwards, hard, into me. I push her back against the barrel.

“Do not move,” I grunt.

The words are clipped, too harsh. The fact is, I would love for her to move on me, but I doubt I can last if she does. She ignores me, reaching backwards. She reaches between her legs, then mine, and grabs my tail. She pulls on it, hard.

“Harder,” she orders.

I grin and straighten up. My hand leaves the barrel to grab a fistful of her hair. I twirl it against my wrist for good measure and pull, driving my hips hard into her.

Jude moans loud enough to wake the dead, the sound echoing against the brick walls of the cellar.

We fight to set the pace, her grip on my tail pushing me forwards while I pull her back by her hair.

“Fuck, Cardan—” she cries out, pulling my tail harder than before. “Don’t stop!”

My nails dig into her hip and I pray to whichever god will listen that it leaves a mark. With another harsh tug on my tail, her walls pulse around me, contracting as she comes. It’s only then that I feel the distinct drag on my tail where it has been rubbing against her.

She came while grinding on my tail.

I don’t know what does it for me, if it’s the realization that she was using me or the pressure that it puts on my prostate when she pulls my tail so harshly. Either way, I spend into her, her name a chant on my lips.

I let go of her hair and I lean forwards on her back, pressing her down into the barrel as I kiss the base of her neck. Until I feel her straighten under me, then wiggle, as if trying to get away.

“Get off—shit, someone’s coming.”

I push myself up and off of her, my seed spilling in thick drops on the floor as I pull out. I grab her wrist and pull her into the storage room with me.

I hear them now, two sets of feet coming down the stairs. Servants, probably here to get some bottles for the revel upstairs.

In the storage room, I push her against the wall. I put my hand against her mouth as my tail wraps around her thigh, lifting her leg to hook it around my waist.

“Can you stay quiet?” I whisper to her, the corners of my mouth tugging up. “You wanted me to be quiet, it’s time you show me how it’s done.”

She nods, her eyes blank as if in a daze. Her cheeks are flushed, her face gleaming with sweat—she looks as she does when she is sparring, something I get to admire from afar some days, but not as often as I would like.

Her lips are plump and so damn kissable, I can’t help myself. I capture her mouth as I enter her again, in one long stroke that makes her gasp in my mouth. Her eyes widen and the blush on her cheeks darken.

I hear some chatter from the main room of the cellar, then snickering. I left my pants out there and the servants found them—now, they will probably go upstairs and try to find who is missing their pants.

As long as they don’t investigate the cellars.

I stay seated in her until I hear the intruders walk up the stairs again, joking about pantless chaps and boring prudes hiding in the cellars.

There is something depraved about being deep in her, with my own seed lubricating my thrusts and spilling out every time I pull out. It satisfies the animalistic compulsion I am burdened with today.

I rut into her like some lowly beast, grabbing at her thighs, her ass, her breasts. Jude’s fingers dig in my back, over wounds that were finally left alone long enough to scar. She clings to me like a vine climbing up a pillar, tendrils creeping into every crack of my defenses and working to chip at my deepest foundation. I kiss her sloppily, lust surging into me every time she is too far gone to kiss me back and only moans in my mouth.

My hand leaves her breast and hooks her other leg around my waist, pushing her harder into the wall. Her nails dig even deeper in my back. Her head is thrown back, gasping at the ceiling as I nip at her throat.

“I told you: it takes more than one dance to incapacitate me.”

Especially with her. Enticing curves, a body built to take up the space it is owed from the world. I want to carve this space for her, to call on my magic and make the land part for her.

“Are you going to come on my cock again, Jude?” I ask darkly. I trace the curve of her ear with my nose. “I want you to.”

I feel her clench around me and smirk against her throat. For all her comments about how much I talk, she seems to be enjoying it. My hips are the only things keeping her against the wall as my hands leave her curves. I reach for her clit with one, while the other grips her jaw to make her look at me.

“I asked—”

“Yes,” she blurts out. “Just… keep talking. Fuck, Cardan—”

“Of course. Do you like your High King’s cock? You’re so fucking wet and still—” I slam into her in a particularly hard trust, “so tight.”

I flick her clitoris in quick circles, my eyes never leaving hers.

“Do you think about this as often as I do? It’s all I dream about,” I confess.

Jude swears, but she doesn’t answer. I can see her eyes watering.

“I can’t stop thinking about our first time. Your cunt stretching around me,” I groan, slowing down my thrusts to calm myself down. “I would kneel everyday for a taste of you. Would you want that? I wish you would.”

I’m so damn close, every thrust is a lesson in restraint. Mercifully, she comes, her head dropping against the wall as her body shakes around me. I follow right after, filling her with my cum once more as my knees wobble under both of our weight. I have to brace my arms against the wall to keep upright, lest I drop her. I bury my face in her hair, memorizing the smell, the texture.

When both our breathing slows, Jude unwraps her legs from my waist and stands. She puts her hands on my chest tentatively, then pushes me away when I refuse to move.

I watch as she straightens her dress.

“That was… enjoyable.” She smoothes one of the many wrinkles in her skirts, making a point not to look at me.

Ouch.

“That’s it?” I laugh, a veil to hide my pain behind. “Be sure to send my seneschal your comments, she will ensure I improve for next time.”

Jude raises her eyes to glare at me. “There can’t be a next time.”

“Jude—” I raise a hand to reach for her, but lower it immediately, clenching my fist. “Come back to my rooms. Spend the night.”

Her own hand fists in her skirts, undoing the work she has been doing smoothing them. “No. I can’t risk my position.”

“Nobody will know.” I reach for her then, grabbing her hand. My thumb massages the scar in the middle of her palm. “You can command my silence.”

This earns me a small smile, though she still refuses to look at me. “It would save me a few headaches.”

She still hasn’t agreed, however. I hate that I have to say it, to expose myself so, but… I want to spend more time with her. Even if it’s only until the Court wakes up again tomorrow and she has to don her professional mask again.

“Let me care for you.” I bring her hand to my mouth. I make eye contact with her as I lick the scar. “I will clean you up, if you wish.”

In an instant, the blush that had disappeared from her cheeks blooms again.

Jude yanks her hand away, her beautiful face contorted in a snarl. “How vulgar.”

“Is that a yes?” I tease.

It was.

I lead the true ruler of Elfhame to the High King’s chambers. Even if it’s only for the day, the land sings. The bare branches framing the bed bloom with white flowers as we trade kisses in the dark. I leave marks between her thighs, marks I am selfish enough to hope nobody will discover. When I kneel for her again to lick her clean, glow lights shine brighter than ever. When Jude tucks herself against me and I wrap my arms around her, the lights dim on their own, lulling us to a peaceful sleep.

tag list: @figonas @kingandfireheart @godgavemelou @lizziebxnnet @hazelsheartsworn

Big thank you to @hazelsheartsworn for beta-ing this and hyping me up, you're part of the reason I'm actually satisfied with a fic for once. 🥺

#the folk of the air #tfota #the cruel prince #the wicked king #the queen of nothing #cardan greenbriar #jude duarte #jurdan #judecardan

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thekingdomofelfhame · 3 years

Text

Jurdan Fanfic: Highschool AU Part 1

Summary: Much to Jude's annoyance and surprise, she and Cardan have been paired for a school project. Cardan's feelings, on the other hand, continue to blossom when he arrives at Jude's apartment only to witness something beyond his comprehension.

Warnings: Mild cursing

This will be an alternative between Cardan and Jude POV just to get a good look at how their feelings develop.

Cardan POV:

She keeps staring at the ring enclosing her finger, her gaze never shifting to the notes scattered on her dressing, her walnut eyes intense with emotion. She kept humming the same tune over and over, her voice as smooth and soft as butter as she traced invisible patterns on her ruby studded ring, its bright red colour magnifying the beauty of her hand.

I had never seen her like this: bursting with emotions. Standing before me was the same girl who lived in impenetrable walls, walls that I had been trying to overcome only to lead us down a path of hatred. She was the girl of steel, no titanium, and yet she melted away like snow in early spring when no one was around.

Her voice echoes in the room which-surprise, surprise- is a mess of pillows and papers. This girl had been haunting my dreams since sophomore year but my foolish imaginations were nothing compared to the beauty that stood before me and when she starts vocalizing, I swear my heart skips a beat.

As she turns to pick up her phone, her eyes find mine and I am robbed of the melodious voice that had filled this room a few seconds ago. I am pretty sure I see her eyes swimming in tears but she immediately blinks them away. She has trained herself well.

I hadn't even realized she was in her bathrobe until she stopped singing and am left with her perfectly masked yet startled cuteness when she becomes aware of her current state.

"Why'd you stop?" I say clearly disappointed, "your voice is beautiful"

"Weren't you supposed to be here at 11 30?", she says completely ignoring what I just said, tightening her robe around her.

"I clearly said I'd be at your place by 11", my eyes skim over her robe and am pleased to see her cheeks flush with colour as I say, "maybe I'll make a habit of coming early"

"How'd you even get in?"

"Your roommate let me in and, oh, she told me to inform you that she will be staying with her boyfriend for a while"

"Wow. She and Van are really speeding things up", there a short pause that feels like eternity before she says, "Okay, now could you go wait in the lounge while I get ready?", she says and something tells me she is not asking. Though I would very much prefer to stay, I obey her orders for she is The Queen of my heart.

Jude POV:

I walk out of the room, no longer dripping, and am utterly surprised to find Cardan lounging on the white sofa, one of his legs draped over the arm rest. He looks...comfy.

I think about the way he was looking at me in awe when I found him leaning against my door, his dark black eyes peering into mine. I had never seen him so captivated. How long had he been standing there?

Your voice is beautiful...

His words ring in my ears and I can't help the faint pink rising on my neck. Cardan Greenbriar had complimented me; that was a first. I was surprised he didn't make fun of me just like he has been since the day I set foot into school. He didn't mock me as he usually would, seeing my emotional outburst. This was Cardan Greenbriar, the most spoiled rich kid who never gave a fuck about anyone.

I had never once let anyone past my defenses, not even my family, foster or not. No one knew about this small world of mine and I liked to keep it that way. That is, until today when I saw a pair of iridescent coal black eyes bewitching me into wanting to tell him everything about this tiny world I had created where I would doze off to whenever I wished. That was when reality hit me and I was reminded of why I had lived in an armour for so long, why I had never let anyone get close to me.

I snap out of my thoughts when Cardan interrupts, "Like what you see, huh?". I scoff and I didn't realize I had been staring at him as he further added, "Should we get on with the project or are you gonna stand there all day, thinking about me?"

"Asshole. You wish", I snap right back at him and he lets out a soft laugh as I go through his notes.

We had agreed on double-checking each other's notes before we started the project, and by the looks of it, we had a lot of work to do. Surprisingly, Cardan's notes were not only correct and authentic, they were thorough and much more organized than mine. He had even used fancy words like serendipity- I mean what does that even mean?

"Jude, I think some of your notes are missing", he says raising his black brows and a book with torn pages.

"Oh, yeah. The torn notes are in a green file right over there", I gesture to the stack of books behind him as he leans over to find it only to frustrate me further when he says, "Uh, Jude. There is no file here".

"It should be there. It cannot go anywhere", I stand up and walk towards the mountain of books.

That was when I realized my foot is asleep and I stumble over a book, covering my face with my hands, ready for impact. Only I don't hit the ground; instead I feel arms slide around my waist and when I remove my hands from my face, the first thing I see are Cardan's eyes partially covered by his black locks.

I almost get lost in the moment. The world stops when he runs his hand through his hair as if he is nervous and he stares back at me. That is, until I remember who he is.

Ughhh....

"Looks like you're falling for me, Jude", he teases.

I abruptly push him off of me and start looking for the notes. Despite my foot still being asleep, I try to walk as if nothing happened but the bastard still notices.

"Here. Let me help you", he reaches for my hand but I stop him with a gesture and he does.

Looks like my defiance all these years really did have an effect on him.

"If you want to help, start by looking for a green file. It is unlabeled, no fancy decorations what so ever"

"What else to expect from the boring Jude Duarte"

"Well, at least I am not like one of those stupid girls who are so easily charmed by you"

"Did you just say I am charming?"

"Fuck off"

"Okay, okay", he raises his arms in defeat and I go to my room to look for the file. My eyes shift to the scattered notes over my bed and my dressing and my carpet.

Shit.

This is going to take longer than I thought.

Cardan POV

As I search through her notes, my thoughts keep drifting to the moment I had her in my arms, her body fitting right into my hands. I battled with the urge to get lost in her deep brown eyes or to drop a kiss on her cute nose.

No, no, no. Stop.

Wine. I needed wine. I needed wine right now.

Jude hated me and I should hate her. She was the one person who had refused to let me get my way and would continue to do so. She could never want someone like me, let alone love. This was just a project and as soon as it would finish, we would go our separate ways.

And yet, I cannot help but think about her all the time.

Jude POV

I return to the lounge drenched in sweat, panting and gasping for air. I had been rummaging in my room for the past hour and had finally found that file.

I slam the file onto Cardan's face and he doesn't dare reply when he sees my tired state. I sink into the sofa, one hand covering my eyes the other blindly searching for the glass of water on the front table.

"What happened to you?", Cardan asks as I open my eyes to find him completely shocked but instead of answering him, I gesture towards the file while gulping down my third glass of water.

"Let's continue. I don't want to waste any more time", my voice is dry as I open my laptop to start typing in the outline and he continues to examine my notes.

"God, your handwriting is horrible", his voice is filled with surprise as he brings one of the papers closer to those haunting, dazzling eyes to get a better look but gives in and throws it back onto the table.

"If you can't read it, why don't you make me something to eat instead?", I say robotically while looking at my screen and had not expected him to actually go to the kitchen in search for food.

My eyebrows furrow together as I walk up to him and say, "I was joking! Come on, we gotta get this done"

"I know you were joking and I know we have to this done but I am hungry and if you are not going to ask me then I am going to make myself", he complains as he looks around, opening cabinets and drawers.

"I didn't know you could cook", I say clearly perplexed by his actions.

"There are many things you do not know about me, Duarte", he continues his search and when I have had enough of his noise I say, "Stop! Okay, stop making noise! God, it's like raising a child or something", I grab the spatula from his hands but he takes it back saying, "Well, I am hungry and I can't work when I am hungry and by looking at you, you should be too"

As much as I would hate to admit it, I was hungry and I felt like I hadn't eaten in ages.

"Fine, you cook and I am going to take a break and watch some Netflix", I say right before telling him about where I keep the food and where the utensils are.

"One more question. Should I make sandwiches or hotdogs?"

"Lilliver usually does the cooking so, whatever you want", I turn on the television and continue to watch Shadow and Bone, each episode more intriguing than the last.

I hadn't realized an hour had passed when Cardan came with sandwiches.

The room is suddenly filled with the smell of freshly made sandwiches and that does nothing to satiate my hunger as I reach out for the dish set in front of me but Cardan quickly grabs the dish before I can get my hands on a sandwich.

"Patience is a virtue, dear Jude", Cardan says raising a long slender finger in the air.

"First of all, never and I mean NEVER call me dear", I glare at him as I grab the dish back, careful not to break it, "And you took so long making sandwiches that I got hungry"

I take a bite of the sandwich and if I am being honest, I had never tasted such sandwiches in my life and Cardan must have noticed me and my increasing craving for his delicious sandwiches that only seemed to make my hunger more insatiable when he said, "Either you like them", he gestured towards the half-bitten sandwich and its cheese dripping from the side of my mouth, "or you haven't eaten all day"

"Hmm. Yeah, I think it is the latter", I lie through my teeth with ease as I take a second one into my mouth.

I would never compliment him to his face, especially since I don't want him spreading the story in school.

"Why are you acting like this?", I ask out of nowhere before I can even process what I just said out loud.

"Like what?", he asks dumfounded

"I don't know, you seem a bit more... tolerable, I guess", my voice almost drops to a whisper as I stare at my third sandwich, suddenly looking for something more interesting in a piece of food that would soon be in my mouth.

He doesn't answer but I am able to see his mood shift as his body language completely changes and his muscles become more stiff. His pupils become dilated and he looks every bit as horrifying as he did when he once threw dust into my food after I had punched him.

All of a sudden, I regret what I had said and cursed my stupid mouth for opening itself.

We don't speak to each other for the rest of the night and though I hated Cardan with all that I had, one small part of me felt that there was more to this person, that he was more than just a bully and that I had missed an opportunity to get to know the real him.

Let me know if you wanna be tagged! Also, I will now on follow a policy of following back those who follow me, just to spread a bit of kindness!!

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