#fanfic-ception strikes again

[heiressofdoodles]

Journal of the Last Prophet (Part Two)

November Seventeenth, 1635

I was summoned to the Queen’s Court yesterday afternoon. Non negotiable, even in the case of emergencies. If she had more honesty with herself and with us, she would’ve sent her guards to drag me to the castle at swordpoint. Being in her presence is sickening, and even though I was allowed to bring my spouses here, I… was unable to sleep last night. The anxiety was so intense, I felt ill just attempting to sit up. I was dreading the idea that the second I closed my eyes, her guards would break down the door, and throw me into a cell… or worse…

I’ve… heard stories of a place in the castle… Dull Glass. You can use it to travel across Wonderland if you know how to use it, but… if you aren’t careful… it’s a never ending maze… What’s worst of all, again I’ve only heard stories about Dull Glass, is that if you are not of sound mind or are hiding dark secrets, even if you don’t know those secrets exist, it will haunt you. Follow you, chase you relentlessly, stalking you until they break you… figuratively or literally… or until you find the way out. I don’t want to find out if those stories are true. There… is not much I can do against the Queen. No matter how much I want to…

The sun is rising as I write this. I just hope they make hot chocolate or coffee here to help me feel more awake…

It was… not a pleasant visit, I must say. She was so calm and friendly to us when the rest of the court had arrived. Somnia was even joking with us a bit… in her own twisted way, of course. Taunting me for the curse she forced upon me… After lunch, she had invited me into her office. Still, she was calm… right up until she had dismissed my spouses and her guards. The moment those doors were closed, her needlessly cruel and sadistic tendencies were on full display. For one, she had… a strange box in front of me, just sitting on the desk. When my curiosity had gotten the best of me, I saw there was a strange, soft blue, whispy pearl looking thing in the glass box. I knew what it was before she had even said anything. 

“So, how is your situation going in Tarot Town, anyways? Everyone is happy and content?” It was sickening to me that she could talk to me as if there was nothing wrong; as if she hadn’t stolen my voice from me. I tried to give her the best answer, and she just laughed at me. “I’m still surprised they keep reelecting you as Mayor when you sound so pathetic.” I said nothing… What was I meant to say? She just… stared. “I’m certain you’ve noticed this little case on my desk. Would you like to know what it is?” That smile… How could someone be so wicked…?

She… I don't know how, but with a snap of her fingers, a soft, red glow appeared, and… I had my voice back; the glass box was empty. I could speak again. I could genuinely speak, and not just in those strange phrases. Real words and real sentences again. I had been dreaming of this day, the moment that I’d be able to speak normally again. I even had a plan of what I’d say… I’d tell my spouses that I love them. But I highly doubt I’ll be able to do even that before she reverses the spell again… Trapped… in this one room with the person that had done so much to people that only wanted what was right… She certainly was expecting me to be at my nonexistent feet and begging for her mercy and forgiveness. When I did nothing of the sort, she seemed more frustrated and angry.

I tried to block it all out… Her anger, her hatred, and the threats… but nothing I could do really… helped… After a while of failed negotiations, I… seem to have worn down her, because, she… did exactly as I feared she would. Our meeting was over, and she had stolen my voice again. I was just as ashamed of facing my family as I was… when this curse came into effect. And to think that we’re trapped here in the Card Castle until the Queen dismisses us… I just want to go home… But I think that the Queen ordered at least two of her soldiers to stay posted outside my bedroom… I can hear them talking through the door, and the windows are locked. I don’t want to die here.

January Twentieth, 1640

The weather has been a bit clearer lately; we’ve had a few days of blizzards and snow which had snowed most of us inside. I’ve been going through the town as I usually do now, checking with every family as I go. Sadly, I don’t have time to socialize with all of them, but it’s certainly better than not having anything. Quite a number of families were glad to hear that the storm had cleared, and not just because they needed a break from their families or needed some more food. I just hope the grocery store didn’t lose power.

I heard stories when I was a child of someone called the Snow Queen. She’s somewhat of the physical embodiment of winter with all the metaphors and characteristics of its hostile nature. Lonely and cruel, with a never ending hunger for power and a thirst for violence. Despite this, I’ve also heard tales of sympathy, calmness and even friendliness to those that respect her and her rule. While her appearances and stories about and including her have become sparse in recent years, she is known to be petty, and causes unnaturally violent blizzards to those that disrespect her. If any of those stories are true, I hope that she is doing okay, wherever she is.

About half past three, I had knocked on the door to the twins' home. They seemed to rush beyond the door, before opening it. “Oh, Mayor Aeon,” the one twins had said to me. “What are you doing here?” I had mentioned that I was here to make sure everyone was okay. They seemed… hesitant, before they opened the door to let me in. Their home was cozy and warm, even if it was a little bit dull here and there. They didn’t seem to mind, however. In fact, I think it was rather put together and calm. It wasn’t quite like the other villagers. “Hey!” the one twin called. “The Mayor is here!” I tried to tell them (to the best of my ability) that there was no need for them to be so… worried about speaking to me. But they insisted that I stay for some time…

They had made some hot chocolate to help warm me up, and had welcomed me to hang up my coat and veil. Naturally, as I didn’t want to disrespect them, I did as they asked with a smile, and sat down on the couch. They were rather decent hosts, I must admit, and the conversations were far more pleasant than normal. That is, until they had asked if it was true, what I had said to the Queen almost five years ago now… the stories of my “bravery” having apparently spread across the town, yet never having been said to me… I’m… still surprised that people hold me in such high regard… It doesn’t quite feel like something that would be said about me, I guess… But, I did confirm it. I had done that… I had spoken against the Queen, and I had rejected the chance to be given back my voice…

“Then… you truly are the Mayor of the people.” I was somewhat confused… They had sat down across from me, and the weight of the air… it grew heavy with anticipation. They seemed to be… holding their cards tightly against their chest, however. “Are… you sure you won’t tell her anything?” I nodded my head. I restated what I had told her all that time ago. I will not bow to her, and nothing she can do to me will change that. They seemed to be afraid… 

“We are… from Underland, Mrs. Mayor.” My heart sank. Not because they had lied to me, but because it all made sense. The strange, subtle movements they made, their unwillingness to give their names, the look in their eyes… How could I look upon them with any discontent now? Peaceful lives weren’t going to be available to them so long as Somnia sits on the throne. “We had moved to Wonderland about… oh, fifty years ago now? But… with what happened nearly thirty years ago… We had been desperate to hide ourselves. We heard what she had done to the Bishop, and… we dread that if she learned there were Underlanders living in Wonderland for even longer than him…” The one with the cane shook his head, trying to block out the thought. It must’ve been a dreadful idea, if he couldn’t even speak it.

The other spoke instead. “None of us want to face her wrath. Because she’d almost certainly burn this entire town down to make us pay for existing. No one would be innocent in her eyes; all co-conspirators in sheltering us from her… Not even you, Mrs. Mayor.” My hands shook. All this time, they had been living in fear of the Queen, and of anyone that got too cozy with her. I still feel so horrible for them. How could anyone be able to live that way? They… didn’t say much afterwards… I understood why. They must’ve felt like they had already told me too much. But it was better for them to tell than for this secret to be stressing them with their every moment. I left shortly after, thanking them for the hot chocolate, and finished greeting everyone not long afterwards.

I hadn’t even told Kaseki, Kamenshi or Galacta about this… I’m just writing it down, in this book, where no one will ever be able to find it. They trust me with their life, and I trust that this secret will stay in this book. I don’t even care if I have to rip out these pages to protect them; I will do it. No one deserves to live in such terror and fear for every day of their life. I swear, I will never tell her anything. I won’t let any of them down.

I would rather die than tell her anything.

July Thirty First, 1642.

Today marks one long decade of my curse. There has been no sign of it breaking. No sign of release or freedom from this dark spell, and yet, we have overcome the troubles she had forced upon us. While the world is indeed suffering, the town has slowly been clawing out of the worst of it. Well, as best we can thanks to the Queen’s regular intervention. If I was not so… polite, I’d already have written out a rant of less than appropriate words to describe her. I have reason to believe she’s become paranoid with me still being in power, but I don’t have any time to make a revolution from the town. And besides, I’m not a Suit; I don’t have the power to take away the throne from Somnia, and no one has heard of the Spade, Diamond or the Club in ages. It’s like they’ve just up and vanished without a trace.

It’s… fine, though. We are doing what we can do without them. I’ve held up my promises to the town, which must be why I’ve held office for so long. Despite my curse, and despite the long hours of work… I do try my best to make sure we’re all protected… My mother seems a bit on edge with some of the things I’ve told her, though. Of course, I haven’t told her any secrets that I promised to never share. I could never… But, from what my Mother has told me… things have been getting worse over at the castle. People are being thrown into the prisons, some are being killed over petty slights… and Somnia seems to be driving herself even more mad than before…

If it was anyone else, I’d feel sympathy. Pity, at worst. But I don’t. I feel horrible for the people she’s betrayed, however. She had sworn to protect Wonderland when she took the throne, but she is just using her power and privilege to make everyone around herself suffer. She’s not cruel because she’s alone. She’s alone because she’s cruel. At this rate, I don’t think anyone should take the throne again. From what I’ve read of the history of Wonderland, it’s just more corruption as the line goes further down. Every power vacuum creates another crisis… I can only assume Underland or whatever other realities out there are doing far better than us.

…I’m just rambling again. I’m sorry.

August Twenty First, 1643.

My mother passed away today. I went to her house this morning to talk to her and to go out for breakfast, but she was already gone. She passed away peacefully. It feels… so wrong for her to not be here. I miss her so deeply, but it’s only natural that it would’ve happened. Her health had been in decline for some time now - since last year at least, but losing her still feels horrible. There are still so many things I want to ask her about, so many things I want to learn, and yet she’s taken her knowledge and experience into the void with her. Doing my work for the town will be a bit difficult, but I pray that this wave of misfortune will pass over soon.

August Thirtieth, 1643.

I… severely over estimated how hard losing my mother would be. When I went to the office the day of and after her passing, the others told me to go home and rest. After a brief protest, I did. But I still feel so exhausted. I wish she was here. I try to distract myself with my work, but it doesn’t work for long. I don’t know what’s worse now; this curse, or this… feeling that I could’ve helped her. She was going to die eventually, but we had plans. Places to see, things to do. And there are things I wanted to talk to her about, answers that I couldn’t find for myself. Kaseki and Kamenshi said this is normal after losing a parent, but… I still miss her so deeply. I want to keep her close, but just memories of her aren’t enough. Not really. Maybe if I actually had my father here to grieve with me… or if I had already learned how to grieve if he's not alive anymore, maybe this wouldn't feel so much worse… I hate to end this on a negative note, but… I just have nothing positive to say today.

September Fifth, 1643.

I've been doing more of my job to the best of my ability. Things have been rough, but the people have been understanding. There has been no word from the Card Castle for too long; I'm expecting a visit at any point. I hope that no one has noticed my stress, but it's a bit difficult. How long can I wait without an answer for the question if I’m even going to be alive at the end of the week? Somnia’s rage grows with every visit and every refusal.

While I was making my rounds, I believe the Twins had taken notice of my gloomy state. They were sitting at the café again, before they saw me and waved me over. While they still haven't told me their names, they’re pleasant as long as they don’t bicker. Which… Now that I think about it, it isn't very often. Probably not the best way to describe them, then. Those two will find anything to argue about. It’s rather impressive, but can also be draining to be around them for long.

The first twin, the one with the cane beside his chair, asked me how I was doing without my Mama. It… was hard to answer honestly. I don’t like being vulnerable to a good amount of the town, and with those two in particular, it’s best that you have your defenses up. But he was calm and sympathetic. Didn’t even raise his voice when his brother made another ill-timed joke. “I understand, my dear,” he said to me. “It’s very hard to lose someone, especially if they’re the only one that you’ve had for so long.” I… didn’t really want to hear it. I’ve been hearing things like that since Mama passed, and it was more so getting on my nerves at this point. When you hear the same thing over and over, even the most sympathetic of phrases can become nails on a chalkboard.

“I… Both of us had gone through something like this, dear. This… realization and pain of knowing they’re gone.” I gently excused myself the best I could, (I had no translator again today, but they seem to know what I said to them, even without Galacta’s help) but the more I think of it, the more I needed to hear what they said next. “Your mother would be proud of you.” I turned to look at them again, astonished at the gentleness of his voice. His brother was completely silent, but the look in his dark glasses told me that he was thinking the same. “You’ve been through a lot, and if anyone else was in your position, we would’ve caved to the Queen’s demands. Yet you still fight her tooth and nail for every shred of dignity that she wants to rip away from you.” I almost didn’t want to accept such kind words, but it felt very nice to be appreciated in that regard. I… hope that’s not my ego talking.

After a bit longer, I said my farewells again, and left them to their coffees. I can never tell what I’m going to get myself into when I go to talk to those two, but just knowing that they care about the struggles it takes to keep this town safe from the Queen… It just helps. I think that maybe that’s why they left Underland all that time ago. Despite the risks, they somehow knew things were going to get bad on this side of the rift. I spoke with my spouses about this earlier, and I was surprised to hear that they agreed. They said that my Mama had done the best she could, but even she couldn’t stand against Somnia like I have. Again, it might just be my ego talking, but it feels like I’m carrying on the torch. Leading the town to a time and a kingdom that is safer for everyone. Not just for the one at the top.

September Eleventh, 1643.

Queen Somnia is paying the town another of her surprise visits. I had been warned by Galacta as her carriage and her royal guards appeared on the horizon. She's done so much to myself and my people. Why does she still feel the need to come to our home and spit in our faces? He's going to accompany me during my meeting with her, translating as he often does now. I still feel so foolish speaking to my people; talking to her will be like a nightmare. I wish Mama was still here. If not to guide me, then to at least hold my hand and understand what I’m going through.

When she arrived, she was her usual self. Soft and sickeningly sweet to the people, but the moment that she and I were behind closed doors, her vile self was on full display. Galacta Knight stood beside me, and his grip on one of the swords, even if it was just for decoration, was terrifying. His stare was blank and empty, but I know that he was furious to see her again. She laughed and taunted me, asking if I was finally ready to tell her my visions. I refused again, and that just made her more furious. She threatened to sentence me to Dull Glass if I refused any further. But I won’t bow down to her. And she knows that if she so much as raised a hand to me, she would come to regret it. She left without any sort of pleasure from the trip.

But regardless, if nothing is done to stop Somnia, she will become so powerful that she's going to starve the land, and even if she doesn't, her thorns will choke the life out of the people she had sworn to protect when she was crowned. When she had undoubtedly stolen the crown from the poor soul that was the Ruler of Wonderland before her. If only I could do something. If only any of the other suits were here to do something. Please, Club, wherever you are, please come back to us.

September Fourteenth, 1643.

The Club has returned.

I had a vision not long before I woke up this morning. There were vines covered in poisonous thorns spreading across Wonderland, and the world shattering like glass, leaving only a void in its wake. Then I saw a green glow, with clover flowers blooming, healing and piecing back together the broken world. From the furthest corner of the world where the light was coming from, there was a figure standing there, a young Bluebird child, with the Club in the palm of their hand. Our world, all of Wonderland, will come to the brink of destruction at the cruel hands of the Queen, but the Club will defeat her in some form or another. The Diamond and the Spade couldn't do it; I just pray that this nightmare will finally be over.

There was… another part of my vision however. When the world was falling to pieces, I saw the Moon. It appeared suddenly, and it glowed an ominous blood red. I… will have to do research on lunar imagery in Wonderland's history. The moon on the sleeve of my priestess gown is symbolic of wisdom, fertility, womanhood, and empowerment… But I don't think everyone would have used her symbol so kindly. I'll have to be extremely careful if the Queen pays another visit to our town. She has some way to tell if someone is lying to her; if she asks about the Club, and she learns that they’ve returned… There won’t be any way to save them.

September Seventeenth, 1643.

The world had fallen to ruin, if only briefly. When I woke up after everything went to black, the world was still and quiet. Whatever had happened, it was sudden. The Club was gone, but, to my joy, so was Queen Somnia. I can finally speak again. I can finally speak clear, proper sentences again. I’ve been waiting for this day for over twelve long years. The first thing I said to my spouses when they came home early to see if I was okay was “I love you”. We… We wept and laughed in joy, just holding each other for hours. We had taken the rest of the day off, and just spent the day together, finally able to just talk without needing someone to translate my words anymore.

September Twentieth, 1643

I was making my daily rounds today, a grand weight lifted from my shoulders, when I heard a small commotion. Some of the children were playing in the fields like usual, but some of the adults were standing at the edge of the town, staring at something. I went to investigate, and I’m not too sure how to describe what I saw. At least, I wasn’t sure without drawing potentially unwanted comparisons. There was a man playing in the fields, running around with the children, but also using a cane to help support himself. He had long, wavy, silver hair, two pairs of arms, and clothes like other Wonderlanders, but some of the movements he made resembled those Twins that came from Underland. As if he wanted to move slightly further or slightly less, but couldn’t compromise with his body. I went over to greet him, and he stumbled, before turning to look at me. That smile he had was slightly disturbing, but I think what was most concerning to me were his eyes. Or rather, the lack of his eyes, hidden behind those colourful glasses he wore. I tried to shut it out; it was horrifically rude of me to judge him based on something that he clearly tried to negate with his glasses. 

The children ran to me, cheerful and happy as ever, and the man greeted me like I was an old friend. “Oh ho! It has been quite a long time since I’ve seen you, miss. Perhaps… Twenty five years? Maybe longer?” I opened my mouth to respond to him, but I don’t think he had many people to talk to. He was so excitable, and even I couldn’t help but be lost in his amazement at just… existing, I suppose. “Ah, it doesn’t matter. How are you, though? How have you been? I’ve been meaning to find the place you described to me, and now I’m here!” I… gently expressed my confusion, and after a small chat, I… I knew I wasn’t crazy. I knew that he wasn’t gone forever. That was Shard. Shard was standing right in front of me! He really was alive… or as alive as you could be, trapped under a curse for that long. Had it really been over twenty five years since I saw him? I’ll have to check.

I spent the rest of the day just talking with Shard, or Lucid as he preferred to be called now. It wasn’t a name he chose for himself, but it stuck, and he didn’t think he’d change it. He stumbled through the streets, even when Kamenshi came over to help him walk. Lucid was still taller than Shimi, but the support was deeply needed. A cane could only do so much for him, as we quickly discovered. I can’t imagine sitting down for so long, and even being able to walk or float ever again. And yet, here he was, walking, running, and just breathing in how life should have been for him. A life that the Ex-Queen Somnia had stolen from him. I will have to inquire how the Club had even defeated Somnia and how she was dethroned, but I think that might be a bit too soon to discuss. Perhaps at another date.

For now, Shard, Lucid, whatever his name will be, is alive, and I believe the guest bedroom will be occupied for some time.

September Twenty Fifth, 1643.

Something rather unexpected happened today. I had woken up today with a bit of a cold, and we’re out of medicine at the moment. Kaseki said the soonest she’ll be able to get some cold medicine is tonight, but it’s bad enough that I don’t think I’ll be able to go to work today. Lucid had caught wind of my ailment, and offered, chipper as ever, to take my place for the time being. I… attempted to persuade him to not take the offer. Even a calm day was still quite a lot of work, but he seemed up to the challenge. He clumsily let me know that the town was in safe hands. I kindly asked Galacta to keep an eye on him and to help him. I don’t want him to overwork himself or to do something that would take more than a small conversation to undo. I doubt it would get that far, but the chance is still there.

For now, I’m just sitting in bed, reading a few books, the fan on to keep the room decently cool, and a nice drink of warm water, lemon juice and honey to soothe my throat. Perhaps I can use today to continue more of my research, but I'll have to take more notes to make sure I actually remember anything. I’ve seen more than one instance of Lucid’s newfound clumsiness get him into more than a spot of trouble, but with no word from the Card Castle still, maybe we’ll finally get an easy going day for Lucid. He did say he was the Bishop of Underland, but I don’t think that Wonderland is the same, even back when our worlds were connected. So long as he tries his best and Gala is there, I should be able to rest easy.

Probably.

October Thirteenth, 1643.

When the wrath of the bloodstained moon bathes the sky and washes over the land, the nightmares that burned up our imaginations will come to flesh. All corners of the Divided Realities shall be consumed by The Lands Between. The Traitors and the Sinners will perish in the flames, and the Bystanders will be without hope. Our Judgement Day is arriving.

I have no recollection of writing this. Did I write it and pass out? Or did I write it in my sleep? I… I don’t even remember having a vision that could prompt this… I’ll have to get into contact with the Card Castle soon… As much as I despise that place… I need to speak with the new Queen. Wonderland is in more danger than I thought we were.

October Twentieth, 1643

The Club has returned again.

It’s… strange. Mama said that out of all of the Suits, the Club has always been the most mysterious and the least likely to be around for significant amounts of time. They primarily appear when the Divided Realities, as my… as my blackout vision described it, are in immediate danger, possibly even when they are close to complete destruction, and soon after the source of the problem has been removed, they disappear into the pages of myth once more. The history books are full of the first three suits, but the Club is barely present for more than two sentences. It’s… frustrating to say the least. It doesn’t help that there’s so much missing. I’ll have to ask the Jailer, Dero, about some of Wonderland’s past.

The trends that I’m finding are most interesting, though. The Heart is most often the ruler of Wonderland. The Spade is often a powerful Lord or Lady, sometimes at the right hand or even the consort to the Heart. The Diamond varies, but in times of unrest and war, is usually the first to rebel against the throne and even be the leader of a rebellion faction. And the Club, whenever they make themselves known, is often the mediator; the one to take control of all of Wonderland, even for a fraction of a second and even if they don’t know it, to ensure the future of Wonderland is in good hands. Perhaps there was a flaw in how they did it recently.

Lucid said the Club is a child; a young bluebird by the name of Fylass. He left to travel the world a few days after I recovered from my cold, and visited again briefly yesterday to return to Card Castle. I was able to ask him about the Club, and said “they are a troubled youth, but I’m sadly unaware if they are even alive anymore. If they are, it breaks my heart that they haven’t come back to say they’re okay.” I believe the current Club is the same one that assisted in dethroning Somnia… Speaking of Somnia, I haven’t heard of her since she was dethroned. Not even Lucid really had an answer as to where she disappeared to. While I’m curious… I can’t say I’m sympathetic. After all, she almost certainly made enemies in every village, town and district in Wonderland. I think the only choice she’d have now is to disappear completely; leave Wonderland to find some place that she could eventually call a home for herself again.

I just know it won’t be here.

-

Fylass in Wonderland belongs to @george228732

Aeon and Cresunsa belong to me

Queen Somnia belongs to @stardustshimmer

Shard/Lucid belongs to @lostsoulau-ask

Dero belongs to @monsterhatdoodles

#fanfic-ception strikes again #aeon #aeon caldera #lucidreamer #shard knight #fylass in wonderland #fylass through the looking glass #tw violence #cw violence #violence tw #violence cw

[lordsisterxotome]

Reward (Napoleon Bonaparte x Reader)

Fandom: Ikemen Vampire

Pairing: Napoleon Bonaparte x Reader

Prompt:  école / “En garde!”

Warning: None

Intended Audience: Female Audience

Word Count: 1,180

Disclaimer: I do not own Ikemen Vampire or any of its characters. All of that goodness is the property of Cybird. I do, however, own the plot of this fanfic. Please do not repost this on any other website.

Other notes: This is for day two of @kissmetwicekissmedeadly​‘s Napoleon Birthday Prompts 2020. I already have a couple more of the days finished, but it’s taking me a while to type, sooo... I’m determined to keep typing even though my left arm is in a cast.;D

Tag list: @puffpuff300​ @nad-zeta​ @jiyuu-chan​ @i-sleep-like-napoleon​ @kisara-16​ @cheese-ception​ @cailannuesugi​ @vespeshadowmoon​ @ravenarld​

Let me know if you would like to be (un)tagged!💜

       “En garde, Napoleone!” The dull clack of the wooden swords echoed over the cobblestones, a small crowd of children watching in rapture as one of their own faced their teacher. 

       The little girl in your lap, Élise, gasped in awe as Napoleon blocked the strike the boy aimed at him. “So cool!” she whisper-squealed, little fingers digging into your arms around her. You smiled, sharing in her excitement. He really was as cool as they came, dashing even with a simple wood training sword in his hand. Your lips broke into a bashful grin when your lover shot a glance your way. His signature smirk dazzled you as he winked, bringing a blush to your cheeks. 

       Next to you, Isaac sighed, shuffling uncomfortably where he sat on the ground. “Did he have to distract everyone with this?” he grumbled, “We’ll lose the daylight before we get to latin and geography.”

       “Why not?” you giggled without tearing your eyes away from the duel. “It was time for a break anyway.”

       “Shhh!!” Élise hushed, giving you a fierce look as she held a small finger in front of her lips. You bit your bottom lip to keep from chuckling, turning your attention back to the duel. 

       It happened often that one of the young boys of Napoleon and Isaac’s école would challenge the former emperor to a match, eager to impress the man they so looked up to. Even now there was a determined glint in the boy, Edmund’s, eyes as each of his strikes was blocked or dodged with ease, desperate for his teacher’s approval. 

       Of course, the matches never lasted long, and as you watched, a quick spin of the heel sent the boy stumbling forwards, feet knocked out from under him. He landed on his hands and knees, wooden sword clattering against the stones. With a defeated sigh, Edmund turned to give Napoleon a rueful look. “I lost.”

       “Yes,” Napoleon replied, reaching down to lift the boy back onto his feet, “but now you can get better. Your body won’t always be so small. One day soon, you’ll be considered a man with all the expectations and responsibilities of being a man. It’s important that you make mistakes and learn now so you can be better in the future.” His gaze darted to you, the soft look in his eyes spreading warmth through your chest. “So you can protect the person you love.”

       Edmund blinked at Napoleon, but he just smiled knowingly, ruffling the boy’s hair to lighten his words.

       “Teach me how to do that, Napoleone!”

      “No, me first!”

       A herd of small bodies rushed around the two, released from whatever force of rapture had been holding them in place until now. Élise jumped up from your lap as you stood, dusting your skirt off. The warm sensation in your chest spread through the rest of your body, leaving you feeling light and bubbly as you watched Napoleon interact with the children. He smiled and laughed as they crowded around him, faces shining with adoration as he took the time to answer each of their questions. As you watched, he lifted Élise into his arms, indulging her as she stretched her tiny hands up at him. The little girl squealed in delight, wrapping thin arms around his neck, and you were once again reminded of what a great father he would be.

       It was all too easy to imagine, a tiny version of him or you held so lovingly in his embrace, family snuggling late into the morning, picnics in the countryside as your children played in the field…

       You didn’t notice he was looking at you until he started making his way toward you, wading through a sea of children still vying for his attention. As he came closer, you gave him a questioning look, opening your mouth to ask, “Napoleone? What is it?”

       “I’ve come to claim my reward,” he spoke with a smirk.

       You blushed, knowing exactly what he wanted, but Élise just looked at him curiously. “Mademoiselle (y/n)’s going to give you a prize, Napoleone? What kind of prize? Can I have one too?”

       His smirk widened and he started leaning closer to you. “I hope she will,” he murmured, and your hands were already reaching to cup his face, your body leaning closer instinctively. “I’d love it if she did,” he breathed against your lips, half-lidded green eyes filling your narrowing vision as your lids fell shut and the little distance remaining between his body and yours closed. 

       Élise squealed and squirmed between the two of you as you kissed your lover, smiling lips meeting and lingering against yours. The other children “ooed” and “awed” dramatically, a few giggles, hacking sounds, and exclamations of “gross!” punctuating the group.

       Your lips released his with a loud smack and Napoleon licked his lips as he pulled away, satisfied. Little Élise cupped her cheeks, fits of giggles wracking her small body. “Mademoiselle (y/n) and Napoleone are in looovvveee!!!”

       “Noooooo!!!” a couple of boys screamed, running away as a few of the girls gave chase. Isaac shifted his feet nearby, his cheeks dusted a light pink and looking like he just wanted to get back to teaching as children tumbled around him.

       “Wait!” Edmund stomped up to Napoleon, his chest puffed out. “I want a rematch!” he demanded. “If I win, I want a reward from Mademoiselle (y/n) too!”

      “Me too! Me too!” A couple of boys joined in, jostling Edmund as they came forward.

       “Now, hold on.” Napoleon frowned as he set Élise down. “(Y/n)’s rewards are all for me. No one else can have them.”

       “That’s not fair!” they whined, turning to you for help. “Mademoiselle!!”

       You giggled, leaning into your lover as he wrapped an arm around your waist. “Sorry, boys. All my rewards are for Napoleone.”

       Two of the boys made disappointed “aww’s,” but Edmund tilted his head, lips twisted in hard thought. The boy gasped a second later, coming to a realization. “When I’m big, I’ll marry Mademoiselle (y/n) and then she’ll only have to give me her prizes!”

       You and Napoleon were silent a moment and then you felt him stiffen. “...snrk!” His shoulders trembled. “Ahahahahaha!” And he burst into laughter, burying his face against your shoulder as he gripped his sides.You couldn’t help laughing too, covering your mouth with a hand as Edmund frowned.

       “Not - ha! - going to happen!” Napoleon managed, chuckling.

       “Why not?!”

       Strong arms wrapped around you, tucking you against your lover’s chest protectively. “Because the only one who’s going to marry (y/n) is me.”

       More squeals and coos erupted from the other children. “Napoleon wants to marry Mademoiselle (y/n)!!!”

       “He has a crush on her!”

       “And have lots of babies!”

       How babies came into the mix you didn’t know, but as Napoleon added, “That’s right,” you couldn’t help but enjoy the fuss. Laughing, you fell into your emperor’s waiting arms, your own wrapping around his neck as you rewarded him again, this time simply for being him.

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