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yukidragon · 4 months

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Sunny Day Jack - Dragon Jack Fantasy AU Headcanons

So, I know that Jack’s fursona is a snake, because he wants warm cuddles his sunshine won’t run away from, which is where we get naga Jack, but what if he was a different sort of mythical creature?

No, not an incubus, but you can check out my incubus headcanons here and here. I’m talking about a different fantastical creature that still has a few scaly features.

It’s the year of the dragon, and that got me thinking about a certain piece of absolutely gorgeous artwork my friend Mars made back in August, which in turn made me think, dragon Jack AU?

Dragon Jack AU.

Oh hell yeah, let’s get fantastical.

Credit for this beautiful artwork and fueling my inspiration goes to the marvelous Mars, who you can find over here on tumblr and on twitter. Please consider popping on by to leave a kind word or two. Trust me, you won’t regret looking at all of her jaw-droppingly stunning art!

Content warnings: There is going to be spice in these headcanons, and it’s going to get a bit kinky at times. I mean, we’re talking about Jack as a dragon getting frisky with his sunshine. Bad Dragon didn’t get its name for nothing after all. Oh and there’s also some dark themes like going insane from isolation, families being awful to one another, exploitation of workers, bullshit politics in a medieval inspired fantasy setting, deadly monsters attacking people, yandere obsession, that sort of thing.

Overall it’s going to be pretty lighthearted, especially in comparison to the super dark and angst-filled hurt/comfort story that I recently posted, so this post shouldn’t get more intense than the game itself.

The Cursed Prince

Let us begin this AU with the tale of Sunny Day Jack, a poor soul who was damned to be left alone and forgotten by all who knew him. In this case, that place he was left to be forgotten was a castle in the middle of a dark and twisted land, bound by a curse that not even the strength of a dragon can break.

Jack wasn’t always this way. Long ago, he was someone grand, a prince by the name of Joseph, though not in line for any sort of throne. He was the spare of the spare, the unwanted and unneeded family member who was a risk to the true heir to the crown. He had to learn how to be strong and cunning to survive the castle politics, while at the same time he was overlooked and ignored by all.

Initially, Joseph tried all he could to earn favor with his family, to be loved by them, but no one cared. Because his family didn’t care about him, and he had no “purpose” in existing except as an obstacle to the heir to the throne, others often ignored him as well to not risk showing favor and appearing to side with him against the current forerunners to the crown. Acting out and creating mischief that the royal family couldn’t ignore was the only way for Joseph to get people to pay attention to him.

Unfortunately, Joseph pushed his luck one too many times. He ignored a family member’s warning that it would be best if he lived as a dead rat, forgotten and unseen. An assassin struck in the guise of a tutor during one of his lessons. He barely escaped, but uncovered a terrible truth. The family he always hoped might someday truly see him and love him had been behind the assassination attempt. How many members of his family were involved in the plot, he never knew for sure, but their indifference and disdain for him left him with no one he could trust.

The unwanted prince was then forced to flee the kingdom, never to return. Joseph lived as a wanderer, hiding his identity. He changed his appearance as much as he could, even stealing a potion from a wizard once. Sadly, the potion he stole could only change his hair from brown to blue, but it was better than nothing, and he quickly grew fond of the look.

Yes, blue hair is something natural in this setting. This is a fantasy world where dragons and magic exist after all. We can have people with anime hair and eye colors. ;3

The unwanted prince learned the ways of the world firsthand and took many names as he drifted along like the wind. No longer a spoiled prince, he learned how to put on a smile, to placate people instead of antagonize them. He was still alone, forced to be a wanderer until he was far, far away from his homeland, but eventually he tried to set up roots. There, he took a humble job as a jester for a noble, hoping that maybe he could find a new life, one where he could be seen and loved.

Fortune smiled on Jack, as more and more people came to watch his shows, and he earned the stage name of Sunny Day Jack. His performances with silly jokes and stories with sound moral lessons delighted the children. Nobility took notice of him, and he started to make real connections and a real life for himself in this distant land. The lord ruling over the country even eventually took notice of him, a rich and powerful ruler that could afford to throw plenty of gold this entertaining jester’s way… provided he was always entertaining.

Sadly, his good fortune was not to last. Jack got too much attention from the nobility, and a traveler familiar with his homeland took notice of how eerily similar the jester looked to the lost prince.

Word eventually got back to those who saw Prince Joseph, however unwanted and overlooked he may have been, as a risk that could not be accepted. His popularity, however frivolous, made certain people of power nervous that perhaps one day he might return and lay claim to the throne of his homeland.

It was during a performance that the world came crashing down around Sunny Day Jack. The lord that favored him and helped him most with his fame and acclaim had betrayed him to his homeland in exchange for more riches. The trap was sprung as Jack stood before a crowd of hundreds, a sudden accusation ringing out that he was a notorious criminal who had done several heinous acts while the knights of the land came at him in force to arrest him. He barely managed to escape, though not unscathed, his new life destroyed and forever sullied to all who knew his name.

This time the pursuers were relentless. Jack wasn’t known here as a prince in this foreign land. There was no one who would show even a token loyalty to his royal blood and aid him. He was now a heinous criminal, wanted dead or alive, with none willing to give him shelter. There was no way for him to use his former name or royal bloodline to gain assistance, as Prince Joseph was long since declared dead.

Jack was a clever man, and a clever man who has nothing left to lose is capable of anything, including mutually assured destruction. His time as a jester wasn’t spent as a simple fool. Though he tried to be sincere when forging his friendships, truly wanting a life of happiness where he could be loved for who he was, he had tasted betrayal once, and it cost him everything but his life. Sadly, he was prepared should this happen again. He learned how to be charming, and he used his appealing and kind nature to learn secrets that might help him one day.

One of these secrets Jack learned was of magic treasure that the lord’s family guarded and exploited for generations. He also learned of a few secret passages in the lord’s castle, which helped him to elude his pursuers. With nearly all the knights put to the task to capture or kill the escaped criminal, this left the castle vault’s security unusually lax. It granted him an opportunity that could save him, or damn them all.

There in the vault was one of a set of golden cuffs, the symbol and pride of the lord’s family, and the very thing that allowed them to take dominion over the land generations ago and rule to this day. These cuffs were said to possess a magic too powerful for any one person to control, so no one dared to wield more than one at a time, but the truth was that if anyone was foolish enough to do so, they would unleash a terrible curse that would doom the land. This was why they were kept separately, for the safety of everyone.

These cuffs have their own history to them, as a fae was tricked into creating them, a bargain for power and a price not yet paid, which was the reason behind their curse. I could ramble on about ideas I have for how they came to be, but their backstory doesn’t really matter to Jack… yet.

Betrayed, branded a criminal, his hopes for a new life dashed to pieces, and everything spiraling out of control, Jack managed to break into the vault and steal the golden cuff hidden there. Before word of the theft could spread, Jack repaid the lord for his betrayal, launching a surprise attack and stealing the other cuff before it could be used by the lord to fight back against him.

With the power of both of the golden cuffs, Jack defeated all the knights that came for him, but the power he used went out of control as the curse took hold. The power was too much for a human’s body to contain, so it changed him into a fierce creature that was made of magic, a dragon.

The land around him changed as well, the natural ley lines of magic in the land exploding out in all directions and birthing all sorts of monsters from cracks in the earth. It was chaos, and those that could fled. It was a terrible night of horrors so great that survivors who witnessed the apocalyptic destruction dared not speak of it. Over time, the plants in this tainted land grew strange from the saturation of magic, and what few animals that braved to remain in this twisted land were changed as well. The land, once prosperous and full of smiles and laughter, became a dark and foreboding place where humans refused to linger long, for fear that they too would be cursed and forever changed.

Years passed, and with the survivors refusing to speak of what happened, all traces of what happened the night the kingdom fell were lost to history. The name of the country was lost as well. The place was only known as the dark woods now, named for its twisted features and the heavy clouds that covered the land and hid it from the sun. Speculation of its creation sprang up over the years, the details growing more fanciful from storyteller to storyteller until it became only myths. The closest to the truth was that the fae had regained the land and turned it wild, which, in a way, they had when a clever but desperate prince turned fool unleashed the fae’s curse that had long been kept at bay.

What happened to that foolish prince? The curse kept him bound to the heart of the land, making it nearly impossible for him to stray far from the castle where he unleashed the curse. The more he struggled to escape, the more ways the curse would manifest to bind him to the land, chains erupting from the ground to hold him, thorns of an unnatural, cold substance blotting out the sky, monsters birthing from the land to hold him back and inflict pain on him until he could no longer fight back.

Jack had become a powerful dragon, but his power came from the very curse that turned the land into his own personal hell. His body was warped, a scaled monster with wings and horns, terrifying to behold. Those who saw him would flee his presence, save for those that tried to slay the beast that legend has it is the heart of the curse.

The dragon of the dark woods, unnamed and feared by all, was known as the master of the dark woods, dangerous and cunning. Adventurers that dare risk going into the cursed land for its materials rich in magic are wary of the great and powerful beast. Its scales gleamed of fire, its eyes spoke of endless hunger, and its power was unmatched. None could hope to slay this beast, and all who tried all failed, for only the curse itself is more powerful than the beast it created.

Despite it all, Jack struggled to hold onto his humanity. He read every book in the castle, every scroll and scrap of paper, desperate to learn the way to undo this curse he unleashed. Naturally, this was difficult for him to do with giant claws, but unfortunately for the former prince, he had nothing but time to learn how to use his altered body.

As the world forgot about the lost prince, the sunny jester, and the awful day an entire kingdom fell along with the names of all three, Jack started to forget his humanity bit by bit. He didn’t learn how to break the curse, but he did learn of other magical artifacts that had been gathered in the castle long ago, including an enchanted belt that would allow him to change his form into whatever he pleased. He used it to become a “human,” but by that point he didn’t quite remember what he used to look like. The passing years eroded his memory of humanity, and he had gotten used to his imposing dragon body. The result was a form that was a mishmash of both, a humanoid man with scales, a tail, wings, claws on his hands and feet, pointed ears and fangs, with horns and blue hair.

Jack might have started to forget things over the years of solitude, but he was at least certain that he had blue hair when he was still human.

Funny enough, no matter how large or small Jack became thanks to the magic of the belt, the golden cuffs remained fastened to his wrists. The curse wouldn’t allow them to be removed, only warp in size and shape to match whatever form his body took. Even if he were to, say, transform into a copy of a different person to fool someone, his golden cuffs would give away the ruse.

When Jack learned how to transform back into a “human,” he went through the motions of being a human in his empty castle filled with riches that were all but useless to him. He wore clothes again, even learned how to alter the fancy clothes left behind to suit his tastes. He learned how to cook the strange plants and animals of this cursed land. He no longer had any need to eat due to the magic of the land sustaining his flesh, but food still tasted good, and there was some satisfaction to be had from creating something. He kept himself sane with what hobbies he could, learning new things, but he could never learn how he could free himself from his lonely hell.

The presence of adventurers into the heart of his land was both a blessing and a curse. It was rare that it happened, and in fact it was several years after the land changed that anyone dared to venture into the dark woods for fear of being cursed for doing so. It was years more before they found its master at the heart of the cursed land.

At first, Jack was elated. He tried his best to be friendly, overly so, desperate for company and help, but this was before he found the belt that made him at least passably human. It had been so long since he had been around another human that he hadn’t tried to speak, and with his draconic muzzle, all that came out were terrible growls and unholy noises. The adventurers that found him only saw a great horned beast with claws and fangs, another monster to slay for materials, riches, and acclaim.

Jack never wanted to kill anyone. He learned to fight when he had to, though he tried to avoid killing if he could. Unfortunately, when he unleashed the curse, people perished in the chaos, much to his dismay. Though he tried to approach these adventurers peacefully, he would not allow them to cause him further suffering. His power was so great that it was difficult to hold back, so the damage he could cause was severe. He would let those who fought him live if he could, allowing them to flee, but none saw this as a mercy. He became a nightmare spoken in hushed whispers, a challenge for adventurers to overcome, rather than a lost soul desperate to be free.

In a twisted way, over time Jack started to look forward to anyone brave enough to venture into the heart of the dark woods, even if the result was always violence. It was always a rare thing due to the intense danger of the dark woods. Certainly, they would always try to kill him, but at least he got to spend time with another human being! Being alone messes with a person’s mind, especially for such a long time. Humans are pack animals not meant for solitude.

Sometimes these adventurers would leave stuff behind, and Jack kept them. Dragons have an instinct to horde, and the castle is already filled with treasure. Plus they were reminders that humans were still out there and that someday, hopefully, he’d join them as one of them once again.

Jack tried his best to learn how to talk with his new body, to sound friendly instead of fierce. Unfortunately, oftentimes he found himself getting the opposite result, the words coming out of his muzzle sounding strange and uncanny, which only added to the nightmarish legend of the master of the dark woods.

Every encounter with Jack was a battle more fierce than the last, and the dragon’s legend only grew. His attempts to follow after the humans who fled from him led to the land itself stopping him, and others would be caught in the crossfire. To Jack, the humans that came to visit him were his only hope, and he would struggle harder against the curse to escape, to be with them. This made the curse fight back even harder in more brutal ways, summoning worse monsters. Soon the heart of the dark woods was known as a hellish place, where the land itself would turn against you if you tried to escape its brutal master that hunted you relentlessly.

Over the years, humans adapted, as they often do. Adventurers learned to stick with the outer fringes of the dark woods to harvest materials. It was the least dangerous, relatively speaking, and what could be gained deeper in was not worth the cost, especially if they strayed to the heart of the land where its terrible master lay in wait for any poor soul to enter.

It’s been a long, long time since Jack has seen another human, and he’s slowly going insane from solitude. He does what he can to distract himself or escape, trying desperately to hold onto his humanity, but it erodes bit by bit with each passing year. Even gaining the ability to transform into a “human” form hasn’t stopped his ever steady decline into madness. He fears that one day he might lose his humanity completely and become the mindless monster that those who fought him believed him to be.

Perhaps all that Jack and the dark woods need to heal is a little bit of sunshine.

Beyond the Dark Woods

Outside the fringes of the cursed land, time marched on. Years went by, rulers came and went, borders changed as land was annexed or reverted to wilderness. A lot can happen over the decades, especially in a fantasy world filled with magic, monsters, and mischievous fae.

How long Jack was trapped alone in the dark woods is a mystery. Maybe it’s 40 years, or perhaps a lot longer than that.

Regardless, the homeland that once had a lost prince named Joseph is still around, a relatively stable country all things considered. In fact, it had grown over the years thanks to annexing land from other countries that had been weakened by the results of the curse. Monsters often wandered out of the dark woods, putting nearby villages in danger and impressing the need for more adventurers to cull the monsters that threatened human life. What was once a kingdom had grown into an empire, growing prosperous with its many strong knights and adventurers, though like any place, it had its own share of problems.

But enough politics, let’s get into the other characters, shall we?

MC is a knight, as demonstrated by the lovely Thea in Mars’ art. Well… they aspire to be a knight anyway. Bullshit politics have kept them as a squire to a knight of higher nobility since they were a teenager. It’s been over 10 years already! How much longer do they have to wait to become a knight? They’re sick of having to polish and shine Barry’s armor, and if they have to scrub his codpiece one more time…

Yup, Barry is a knight in this AU, though only technically. Nobility sometimes get granted a knight title for some reason or another, usually as a token to honor them and/or their families. These nobles usually were just knights in name only, parading around as if they’re this grand figure when other knights did the real battling. They can play the hero without ever actually having to go into battle and send squires to do the menial work for them.

In a sense, Barry is a rich man who bought a title because it was cool, and he makes a big show of it. It’s pretty much a vanity project, and a way to increase his clout to maybe move up in the ranks of nobility. He has MC announce his presence grandly, something just as over the top as the greeting to Yogurtopia. Perhaps something like… “Announcing the great, honorable, and very handsome and still very single and looking for a bride, Sir Barry of [insert surname here].” Or something like that, maybe with his noble title thrown in there for good measure. Maybe he could insist his squire plays a horn first…

Man, even with a proclamation heralding Barry wherever he goes, no one is interested in him. He hasn’t had a date in way too long. Maybe he needs his armor to be polished a little brighter.

While MC isn’t Barry’s only squire, they are the one often left doing the work, as other squires slack off or wind up getting elevated to knight despite being younger than MC is. It’s understandably really, really frustrating for MC. They come from a lesser noble house, just barely above a commoner, so they’re an easy mark for any higher ranked noble to rub the power difference in their face.

Really, it’s all enough to make MC consider quitting to become an adventurer. Sure, adventurers are basically mercenaries for hire at the guild and the jobs can be infrequent, and money can be hard to come by, but… Ah, who are they kidding? The squire job might suck, but at least they get the security of steady pay, regular meals, a place to sleep, mild prestige, and they don’t have to go camping in the woods for days on end hunting some specific monster or harvesting a certain number of rare herbs.

Besides, MC admires the knights (aside from Barry). Their best friend became a knight a few years ago, lucky dog. Still, Shaun didn’t rub it in their face like the pal he is. Shaun looks so regal in his shiny silvery armor, even having it adorned with pretty badass etchings and other decorations. There’s a very feline feeling to it as well, since cat daddy has to be cat knight in this AU. Hey, I don’t make the rules.

…Oh, wait. :3c

Anyway, the other knights can be pretty cool as well. There’s this one knight who has been friendly, though MC doesn’t know his name yet. The guy acts strangely shy when they’re around, which is confusing to them. They’re just a squire after all, not a cool knight in studded leather armor like him.

Poor Nick has a crush on MC in this universe too and is pretty tongue tied around them. MC might still be a squire, but there’s just something about them that lights up a room. Their spirit isn’t crushed despite the fact that they should’ve been a knight years ago. He envies how easily Sir Shaun can chat with them.

Of course, Shaun is in the same boat as Nick, in that he also has a crush on MC and can be pretty clumsy with how he tries to express it. Still, in spite of this, he would have tried to see if they could be something more if not for a certain scandal that happened.

The reason why MC is still a squire, or at least one of the biggest reasons, is because of rumors that they were the secret lover of Prince Ian, the current heir to the throne.

Of course, given that MC is barely above a commoner, the idea of them getting together with the crown prince is scandalous. They got to know each other as children, with MC serving as a page to play with the young prince. When the queen caught wind that the prince saw them as anything more than a playmate in their teen years, their relationship got exceedingly strained.

Ian is in love with MC, and they felt the same, at least at one point. All the time they spent together while growing up led to fondness, then sweet first love. Unfortunately, they knew early on how their different stations meant that the chances of them being together were almost non-existent. This led to a lot of mutual pining, moments where they were tempted to act on their feelings, and some secret encounters between the two.

In spite of the queen’s interference separating them, MC and Ian saw each other in secret as much as they could. They started a forbidden romance together, and the two of them convinced themselves that maybe, somehow, they could defy the odds.

But the weight of the crown hangs heavy on the head. As Ian was swept up in his duties and the time he would be crowned as king drew ever closer, he had less and less time to spend with MC. His mother’s interference certainly didn’t help, especially since she was trying to get him engaged to a high ranked noble woman to ensure that he would be able to sire the next generation of royalty.

While yes this fantasy world is far more open with gender expression and loving others regardless of gender, nobles tend to be uptight when it comes to making sure their bloodline and power continues. Plus Ian’s mom is still abusive and controlling of her son in this universe too, and she uses not only religion to bully Ian but politics and duty as well. As queen, she has a lot more power too, and a lot more flying monkeys to spy on her son and interfere.

In a way, it’s lucky that the queen hasn’t decided that MC is a threat that must be entirely eliminated at all costs. No assassination plots… yet. Mostly it’s interference and petty revenge by forcing MC to remain a squire instead of a knight. She could throw MC out, but then how can she occasionally be petty if MC never comes to the palace? MC might be Barry’s squire, but everyone follows the queen’s orders, and a narcissist needs attention and others to bow down to them.

Unfortunately, the queen’s schemes did succeed. Ian, in a moment of weakness, fell for the seductive charms of one of his potential fiancees. He felt awful for betraying MC, to the point that he had to see them despite the risk of his mother catching them, so that he could confess what he had done and beg for forgiveness.

MC’s heart was broken, but what was worse was that it became a huge scandal. Someone had seen Ian’s confession and begging, and soon word spread like wildfire. Now everyone knew that they had secretly been lovers and that the prince was begging a mere squire for forgiveness. Ian’s reputation took a hit, while MC’s outright tanked due to the scandal, and things became much harder for them, and people have been keeping their distance from the squire that dared think they could become a future king’s consort.

Since then, MC has kept their distance from Ian as much as possible, and Ian, reluctantly, has given them space, knowing that he’s messed everything up for them. But… when he’s king, not even his mother will be able to stop them from being together. When he’s king, he’ll be able to fix everything. He just has to do what he can to make sure that happens. Then he and MC can finally be together in the open, stations be damned! Then he can truly make amends and be forgiven for what he’s done.

Shaun was there to support MC with their broken heart. While his becoming a knight has put a bit of distance between them, as he has more duties to attend to, including being sent away on missions for the country, he makes sure to keep in touch and meet up with them as best he can. Anyone who dares to say a bad word about MC in front of him is getting this cat’s claws.

Nick is no stranger to scandals. He’s basically the most popular knight in the realm, with countless admirers. Perhaps they could offer MC a word or two on how to deal with so much unwanted attention and rumors rumbling in the background.

A Squire’s Quest

Now, how does Jack factor into MC’s life without a compelling VHS tape to tie them together? Well, the instigating factor in this universe is that a thief made off with an important treasure, and Barry the knight was tasked with retrieving it. As Barry’s squire, MC was compelled to come with him to assist, which usually meant doing 99% of the work if there were no other squires with them at the time with Barry taking all the credit. But don’t worry, he only does it because he knows they’ll do a good job at it, and it just shows that they’re one step closer to becoming a true knight!

After traveling quite a ways, tracking down the thief (with MC doing most of the work picking up the trail in the first place), the pair realize that the thief went into the infamous dark woods.

Well, that’s not good. Sure there are areas that have been explored for materials, but still… the cursed land is quite dangerous. Barry decided that the best way to divide the work is for MC to continue to follow the thief’s trail, as they were better at tracking, and he, being much better at supervising and dealing with people, would see if anyone nearby could get information about what the thief might have been after, maybe set up a trap that MC could chase the thief into.

MC had to seriously consider their life choices up until this point, but if they quit now, that meant kissing goodbye to the stability they had going for them. Also, it’d probably bring dishonor to their name, maybe damage their lineage permanently, and so on and so forth.

Well, if they quit to become an adventurer, they’d have to do stupid things like trek through the dark woods anyway. Besides, the thief already stole a national treasure, which meant they weren’t stupid enough to go hunting for the invincible dragon guarding the heart of the forest, right? Sure there’s rumors that maybe the dragon guards the greatest treasure of all, but no way the thief is that dumb. No one’s actually ever seen any real treasure, or have a consensus on what the supposed greatest treasure is actually supposed to be.

After a hard internal debate, MC ultimately decides to brave the dark woods, tracking the thief stealthily. They may only be a squire, but they would probably be the greatest knight in the kingdom if not for politics. Their exact combat style is up to interpretation and personal preference, but they’re no stranger to slaying powerful monsters. They’re also used to Barry giving them unreasonable demands like this one.

And, hey, at least they’re not mortifying themselves by singing Barry’s praises when he enters a room while they’re busy with this stupid quest. That’s got to count for something, right?

Right?

Yeeeahh, okay, MC is obviously just lying to themselves and they know it, but damned if they do, damned if they don’t. They swear to themselves that they’ll only go as far as the hunting expeditions usually travel into the forest. If the thief really is stupid enough to go to the dragon’s lair, MC will just circle back and just tell Barry that the dragon probably just killed the thief, or something. No way they’re going to risk getting eaten by an unstoppable dragon.

These thoughts are a small comfort as MC follows the thief’s trail. Occasionally they have to fight magic-tainted plants or monsters. Their skill shines despite the dark gloom of cursed woods. They even get some nice materials they can sell for some extra cash. Maybe being an adventurer wouldn’t be too bad a gig after all…

Just then the loud noise breaks the eerie calm. Some sort of explosion. Magic? Fireworks? Regardless of what it was, it riled up something. That something is big, nasty, and charging right at them! In fact, it’s a lot of somethings! A pack of creatures got aggravated, and MC is forced to run!

Now, was this a natural occurrence? A bit of misfortune? Did the thief make a false trail to trick MC into going on ahead while they secretly doubled back and used a small explosion to make the monsters go nuts on MC while they used the commotion as a cover to make their escape?

Perhaps. Perhaps. MC certainly isn’t in a situation to figure out which of these possibilities it was at the moment though, as they’re too busy running for their life, inwardly cursing Barry, the queen, the thief, and anyone else that annoyed them lately. If they knew they would die today, they wouldn’t have held back last week when that one jerk stole their cinnamon roll. They would’ve at least had the satisfaction of telling them off for it!

Sarcasm and sass are a good way to cope, but MC knows full well the gravity of their situation. They quickly lose the trail back the way they came, forced to do battle with creatures that are in their path while avoiding being overwhelmed by being so outnumbered. It’s only through a mixture of skill and sheer dumb luck that they manage to survive.

And by dumb luck, I mean that they fell into a catacomb through a ruined ceiling that was keeping it hidden underground.

Well, shit. From bad to worse, right?

Nothing for it, MC is forced to find a way out of the catacombs, then somehow find a way to leave the dark woods without another group of monsters going aggro on them.

Piece of cake. Noooo problem. They just have to avoid the castle at the center of the dark woods that the dragon supposedly uses as its lair, and they’re fine. An old crypt with some undead ready to pop out is better than an unstoppable dragon. Right?

As you may have guessed, MC is, in fact, going in the direction of our lonely dragon prince. Is it just bad luck? Is it some sort of intuition or instinct drawing them to Jack? Are they bound together by fate? Is it some sort of spell Jack has cast that compels humans to seek him out because it’s been forever since a human came by, and he’s desperate for both company and freedom? Maybe some combination of these things or something else entirely. Who’s to say~? It’s up to interpretation/personal headcanon~

In any case, MC is very taken aback when they meet Jack face to face for the first time, as is Jack really. It’s been so long since he’s seen someone. A part of him wonders if MC is actually real. When they get defensive and try to figure out who or what he is, he does his best to placate them, even if they might have their weapon out and ready for battle.

Jack puts his best foot forward, being friendly and welcoming. He invites MC to his home. They look exhausted and like they’ve had a hard time. MC isn’t exactly trusting this at face value, being very guarded about the whole exchange despite how cheerful and friendly this man with wings and horns is being. He’s also getting dangerously close. Should they try to use their weapon to ward him off, like Thea might have done with her sword, Jack is skilled enough in combat by this point to easily redirect her sword with his claws.

Oops, that put Thea off balance. Don’t worry, her new pal Jack is quick to catch her before she takes a tumble.

“Careful, we wouldn’t want you getting hurt, would we?” Jack said, his tone playful.

Despite MC’s skills, they are hopelessly outmatched by Jack. He has far more experience with combat, and he has the insane powers that the curse granted him.

Of course, MC is pretty quick to put together that Jack is the invincible dragon that rules the dark woods, which means that they’re utterly screwed. Strangely enough, Jack isn’t really acting like the monster people whisper about. It’s almost enough to make MC wonder if they aren’t mistaken, but the dragon features and his overwhelming strength kind of gives it away. The fact that Jack brings MC back to his castle pretty much seals the deal.

So MC is stuck as a guest with Jack. The dark woods are too dangerous for humans to wander around alone, especially at the heart of the forest. He’s curious about MC and why they would take such a risk, very concerned by their recklessness. Why were they there?

It’s an awkward situation, but MC has no choice but to play along. How much they resist or comply depends on the MC. I figure Jack indulges even a very resistant MC due to how lonely he’s been. He can easily disarm any attempts to attack him or thwart them from getting away, so they pose no threat. He has all the time in the world to convince MC to lower their guard.

And Jack is just so… so nice. It’s hard not to find him charming. He seems so concerned about MC, and they’ve been having such a hard time with, well… everything. The castle, despite being old, has been maintained decently well. The rooms are decorated so nicely, filled with clothes for them to wear, and the food Jack makes is fantastic. Holy crap, his cooking is out of this world!

Really, the longer MC stays there, the more it seems like there’s nothing Jack can’t do, and their stay is kind of like a vacation in ways. Given how much time he’s had to teach himself new things, it’s no wonder he has become something of a jack-of-all-trades.

I make no apologies for that pun.

Here then comes the classic conundrum when it comes to Jack - does MC fall for his charms, or remain suspicious and hold him at arm’s length? They’ve been feeling pretty lonely and beaten down by life for a while now, and Jack seems almost too good to be true. It’s not like he’s keeping them captive, but they’re in the heart of the dark woods. Outside this castle are some of the worst, most dangerous monsters imaginable. Jack can protect MC if they stay there in the castle with him, but he can’t go very far from the castle, so he can’t help them leave the woods. That is why he’s keeping them from leaving the castle. You know, aside from not wanting to lose the only company he’s had in so many years.

Jack is right about the danger, unfortunately. Whether MC tries to slip away from the castle or just scopes out the surroundings via a window, they find that it’s surrounded by monsters far too dangerous for them to handle alone. There’s no way they could make it, and if they tried, they’d only survive thanks to Jack coming to their rescue.

Of course, Jack acknowledges that MC is powerful. He saw them try to attack him if he did, or he just can tell in simply because they made it all this way on their own. It’s just, well, there’s only so much anyone can do on their own. Sometimes we all need a friend to help us out.

If Jack could leave, then he could help MC leave too, but he’s stuck in the castle. He’s been there for such a long, long time.

Whether his tragic plight is enough to make MC sympathize is, of course, up to the individual. I do know my gal Alice is going to want to help him after hearing him out. Being trapped in this awful place by a curse is a fate she wouldn��t wish on anybody.

Not to mention helping Jack would help MC leave the dark woods. There’s no threat he can’t handle after all. They’d be getting their own personal dragon bodyguard.

Perhaps with a pair of fresh eyes and more knowledge of the state of the world, MC will have better luck figuring out how to free Jack from the curse. Maybe they’ll just play along to not upset their super powerful host so they can escape. It would certainly take time for MC to really trust Jack, even if he seems so friendly and kind… and, they have to admit, this place is lonely and very unsettling for anyone to stay in, even if Jack has tried his best to make it look nice. It’s certainly creepy to be alone here in the heart of the dark woods. The castle is better than the woods full of monsters, but still…

Anyway, the interactions between MC and Jack are up to the individual to decide. Romance the dragon, or flee from the dragon in the end. Being stuck together can bring a sort of fondness, and Jack falls in love. It makes him determined to never lose MC, ever, so he falls down the yandere path, which can lead to some pretty obsessive moments depending on the choices made.

As for the alternate love interests, after Ian receives word that MC disappeared in the dark woods, he sends knights on a quest to find and rescue them, despite the queen’s interference. This of course includes Shaun and Nick, who are the first to volunteer for the rescue mission. Despite the queen’s meddling, not wanting to waste manpower on a thorn in her side, Ian finally takes a stand against his mother for the sake of MC and their love, and the expedition is sent.

Unbeknownst to the knights, Ian sneaks along with them in disguise. He can’t just sit back and wait while MC is in danger. He can’t let them down a second time. He’ll prove to them, and himself, that he’s truly worthy of their love.

From there it’s trials and tribulations of the guys trying to rescue MC from the dragon… provided that MC still wants to be rescued by the time the guys reach the castle.

Really, in order for all of the love interests to spend time with MC and interact, perhaps Jack will be brought back with them somehow, like he found a loophole in the curse or a way to bind him to MC. That way, Jack can leave the forest, so long as it’s with MC, with the added bonus that he can’t stay too far away from his sunshine. It’d create something of a dynamic similar to the game, only in this case everyone can see Jack and learn that he’s an incredibly dangerous dragon that has the power to kill all of them if he so chooses. Not that he would ever! He’s MC’s best friend after all. He just wants to protect his sunshine.

Though chances are MC will want to hide the whole “dragon” thing if they decide to leave with Jack. Maybe coach him on how to better pass for a human. Best not to scare people, am I right?

Or this AU could just stick in the castle where MC chooses to either romance the dragon or flee the dragon. I know which one Alice is going to choose, regardless if they stay in the castle or go back to civilization.

On that note, let’s get to the part that I suspect you’ve all been really waiting for.

(S)laying the Dragon

With Jack being a mythical creature, that offers possibilities for a very kinky fun time. There’s his obvious features like his sharp teeth and claws, but there’s also those long pointy ears that are perfect for nibbling, and maybe offering a bit of emotional expression in the way they tilt. Then, of course, there’s the tail and wings, perfect to wrap around his sunshine. He’s got even more limbs to hold them close!

Now… dragon anatomy is pretty much whatever we want it to be. Bad Dragon has the name for a reason after all. Want dragons to have two dicks similar to snakes? Go for it. He could still have that while he’s in his “human” form too. In fact, with a belt that allows him to change his shape, he could alter himself in very fun ways. A funky fantasy dick with ridges and/or bumps? Perhaps some tentacles anybody?

I mean, Jack has been alone for a long, long time. He’s only had himself to entertain and experiment with. He might have some very kinky tricks that no one has ever tried before.

To be fair, the tail is probably prehensile, so it might be able to be used like a tentacle for sexy times. He might not even need a second dick to plug up all of MC’s holes at once.

Dragons tend to have long tongues, so french kissing Jack is going to be intense, especially if it’s forked too. Then of course there’s oral. Naturally, he’ll be careful with those sharp teeth of his. Well, unless MC is into something a little rougher. Jack doesn’t want to hurt his sunshine (humans are so fragile after all), but if they like a little pain, well, their good old pal Jack will oblige them!

In my personal fantasy headcanons, pointy ears and the base of wings and tails are sensitive erogenous zones. Nibble on Jack’s ears, please! Preen his wings and make him feel loved and cared for. Rub at the base of his tail, and he’ll get hard instantly.

The scales might be harder than armor, but they’re nice and smooth, and have a nice feel. Jack has some control on just how hard or soft his body is at a time due to the belt’s power. Unless otherwise requested, Jack is very gentle with his sunshine, worried about going too rough due to how easy it was for him to hurt others.

Of course… Jack is also so desperately lonely and horny. MC’s presence has been his only bright spot in so long, and he loves them so much. When they love him too… well, it was already so hard for him to hold himself back. It wouldn’t be that difficult to rile him up and make him start to lose control, struggling to hold back his power even as he tosses MC around and takes them.

Naturally, many of my personal sexy headcanons for Jack apply in this AU. This includes a breeding/seeding kink. It’s a bit more pronounced here. If MC has his child then they’ll never ever leave him after all, and they’ll be bound together forever and ever and ever. Even if a child is off the table, the act of breeding/seeding alone is enticing, making them beg him to take them and fill them up with his hot cum is something that he fantasizes about often.

Of course, Jack doesn’t simply want sex with MC, he wants to make love. They make him feel truly loved for the first time in forever. Did he ever feel so loved before? He wants to experience their love in every way he can, fill them up with it until he’s a part of them forever.

Jack won’t ever force his sunshine, no matter how desperate he is for their love or to make love. He’ll go crazy with need, but always hold himself back if they need him to. As long as they love him, he can take care of himself sexually like he always has. He’s just been so empty, alone, and unloved for so long. MC fills them up with love in a way that he can’t live without anymore.

Naturally, when the pair do start making love, Jack can’t get enough, and his stamina is insane. MC is without a doubt going to be the one passing out first after they’ve been fucked senseless with Jack thrusting inside them, babbling how much he loves them and how good they make him feel. The more they go on, the more feral for their love Jack becomes. He’s needed his sunshine so, so badly, and now that he has them and their love, he can’t live without them anymore.

Of course, with a dragon AU and a shapeshifting ability, you can get really creative. For one thing there’s his full dragon form, which would be a giant compared to MC. Size difference anyone? Plus the exact details of how Jack looks in his dragon form could offer interesting possibilities of its own.

Then of course there’s even more furry-related kinks like oviposition or stuff like that. It's not for me personally, but I can imagine Jack would be open to experimentation and indulging in MC’s kinks, even the more outrageous ones. After all, it’s all just more ways to show just how much he loves his sunshine~

You best believe Jack has a predplay kink in this universe. He can smell MC and track them down easily. If that doesn’t work, there’s all sorts of magic he’s learned over the years that can do the trick. Of course he doesn’t want to scare MC, but when it’s good fun, it can lead to a delightfully spicy time~

While I’m on the topic of Jack smelling MC, he is addicted to their scent. The smell of their pheromones easily riles him up, practically sending him into rut like an alpha from Omegaverse!

Naturally, since Jack is a dragon, he has a horde. The castle was loaded with treasure, and it is pretty and shiny. It looks nice all piled together, maybe even neatly decorated. No doubt he’ll want to make love to his sunshine atop a pile of shiny gold coins and jewels, though he’ll make sure that he’s on the bottom so they don’t get jabbed by the hard edges… unless they’d like that, of course.

Of course, the true treasure Jack is hoarding in his lair would be MC. Gold and jewels are nice, but they don’t hold a candle to the love of his sunshine~

Wow. I think this is the longest headcanon post I’ve ever made while sticking with neutral MCs for the most part. I think I’m long overdue to shamelessly self-indulge with my OTP. Let’s see how Alice’s choices will affect this AU and how events unfold, shall we?

Lady Alice of House Rose

Naturally, Alice can’t have the surname of King in a setting like this, so I’m going to use her middle name as the house name.

Fun fact, Rose is the middle name for Barbie and Coraline too!

Yes, that means Barbie’s full name is Barbara Anne Rose King.

Yes. Yes, that pun was indeed intentional.

No, I will not apologize. Her name was picked to be a pun in the first place after all. ;3

Anyway, back to Alice. Being the eldest child, she has the responsibility to elevate the status of her household. Not only are they barely nobility, but their finances aren’t in the best shape. She needs money to help her family, and the honor of being a knight in hopes of gaining a better title.

It’s a shame that the queen doesn’t care for Alice and she’s been stuck as a squire way longer than is reasonable.

Alice knew that it would be impossible for her to marry a prince like Ian, no matter how kind he was, or how close they were. She couldn’t avoid falling for him though. It made her more determined to earn a better title, to make something of herself and earn acclaim. Maybe if she became the greatest knight in the kingdom, maybe she can prove herself worthy of royal consort and be with Ian as his wife one day.

Alice busted her ass trying to be a knight despite all the rough training and being forced to work menial, often degrading tasks as a squire. The weapons she specializes in are the bow and magic, combining the two to devastating effect. She’s also very good at keeping quiet and being stealthy.

In this universe, Alice never had sex with Ian. Although this fantasy setting is more open about sex before marriage, the gap between her and Ian was so wide, she didn’t want to risk doing anything that might ruin their chances of being together. That’s why finding out he cheated broke her heart, regardless of them being physically intimate together. Worse, his outburst when he begged her for forgiveness made it sound like they had been sleeping together to those who overheard, and the rumors were very unkind to the two of them, Alice especially.

Ian cheating proved to Alice that she was only fooling herself that they could be together. Their worlds were too far apart. Ian was to be king someday and she… well, maybe she’ll reach the title of Baroness. Though Ian begged for forgiveness, and Alice gave it to him, she couldn’t go back to the way they were. Advice from Shaun and others helped her see that it was best for everyone involved that she simply remain as the loyal (future) knight and Prince Ian as only her liege.

Let’s skip ahead to the mission to catch the thief in the dark woods. Alice’s best means of combat is the stealth kill. She sneaks quietly, sets up magic traps, fires arrows when the enemy is unaware, and in general takes her time to take her enemy at her own advantage. She actually works pretty well as a solo fighter due to being so stealthy. Though she is good at hand to hand combat if need be, she prefers to strike before her enemy realizes she’s there, and she’s amazing at her skills. Why, if she put her mind to it, she could be a skilled assassin. (Or in another world, a sniper.)

The horde of monsters the thief set off to charge after Alice was almost her undoing. By the time she fell into the catacombs, she passed out from exhaustion, having drained her mana dry. She might have been doomed if a monster came upon her then, but fortunately the master of the dark woods found her in time.

Alice was pretty darn shocked to wake up in a surprisingly fluffy bed, with her armor removed. Not all of it fortunately. She had her modesty protected and her softer clothes still on, but the uncomfortable hard outer plates were removed so that she could sleep peacefully. Jack was apologetic about removing any part of her clothes without asking, even blushing about it, but he didn’t want her to be uncomfortable while she recovered.

Needless to say, Alice is wary of Jack at first, but he did save her life. She does piece together that he’s the dragon pretty quickly and is naturally wary, deciding that the best course of action is to rest up, heal, and carefully get information from the legendary master of the dark woods.

The rumors and legends are so varied, it’s hard to know what exactly is the truth. The dragon of the dark woods doesn’t even have a name, and some of the tales are clearly exaggerations. Since Jack is showing himself to be surprisingly friendly, and he saved Alice from certain death, she decided to trust him… at least enough to remain civil and learn more about him, the castle, and the dark woods.

After asking many questions and getting as much information as Jack can give her (though much of it is confusing due to how rusty he is with socializing), Alice agrees to help him find a way to break his curse. She’s taking a risk, but if she leaves the castle on her own, she’ll die. If she stays, she can keep an eye on Jack to see if he’s really as good and gentle as he presents himself to be. If she has to, she’ll find a way to escape without him if she gets the sense that he’s using her to escape the forest in order to conquer the world or something.

Being very good at sneaking, Alice does slip away to search around the castle for answers on her own as much as possible. However, Jack can’t stand the idea of losing track of her, and all it took was one time of losing track of her for him to leave a magic tracker on her discreetly so he can find her wherever she goes - for her own safety of course! He can’t stand to be far from her. He has to give her time to herself, since if he leaves her with no privacy she won’t trust him, but it’s so hard to stay away. He’s so lonely.

At first Jack’s feelings for Alice are platonic, just a lonely man in desperate need of friendship, but over the time they spend together, getting to know one another, he falls in love and falls hard. Alice, naturally, takes much longer to fall after her relationship with Ian fell apart. At first, Jack is someone she can’t quite trust because he’s a stranger, then she is cautious because he’s a powerful dragon with many unflattering legends about the monster that he is, then it’s concern for the power imbalance between them… but eventually she sees that he’s just a lonely, sweet dork who just wants a friend.

Of course, Alice won’t realize he wants much more than friendship until later. Jack doesn’t want to scare her away after all.

I don’t think Shaun, Nick, and Ian are just going to sit back and wait long to try and find her, but I want to give Alice and Jack plenty of alone time, so I’m going to go with the idea that when humans come deep into the heart of the woods, at first Jack is excited. More friends! Then he becomes fearful when he realizes they’re looking for Alice. They want to take his sunshine away. She’ll leave him, forever!

Well, that won’t do. Jack doesn’t want to hurt them, but he can just make it difficult to find the castle. Maybe use the power of the cursed land to rearrange the forest when the search party isn’t looking, mix them up so that they find themselves suddenly outside the woods. Jack might not be able to leave due to the curse, but he’s not known as master of the dark woods for nothing. He can wield the golden cuffs’ power however he likes, just he can never leave.

Jack just needs to divert them long enough that they give up and leave, or he can find a way to escape with his sunshine’s help. Alice knows many interesting spells, being very creative with magic in ways that he never thought of before, and she knows of things that he doesn’t due to coming from outside the woods. With her help, he is able to figure out a way to free himself from his imprisonment… provided that he remains close to his sunshine. It’s more of a change in the curse than an actual cure for it, but it’s a vast improvement! He can leave the dark woods! Finally! At long last! He can converse with more people! He can make friends! He won’t have to be left alone and forgotten in the dark anymore!

Of course, Alice helps Jack prepare to be around people by helping him refine his “human” form. People aren’t going to understand that the deadly dragon of the dark woods is really just a sweet marshmallow, practically a giant cuddly puppy in human-ish form! When Jack can master looking properly human, they can come up with a cover story that he was a wanderer that found her lost in the woods and helped her until she could get back home. It’s not a lie technically. He used to be a wanderer after all, and everything else is true. He’s been nothing but helpful to his sunshine~

So Alice has to hide the secret of her new dragon friend, who has made it his mission to win her heart. Jack is willing to wait for her to be ready to love him the way that he loves her, even if the wait drives him crazy, but he’s very territorial, not liking the way the other guys look at her. However, Alice does notice his more possessive behaviors even as he tries to remain subtle about them, and she makes sure to keep her new “pet” dragon on a tight leash. Jack is fine with that so long as it means he’ll stay close to his sunshine.

I’m going to say that the change to the curse to bind them together does cause an empathy connection because I really love empath magic. Plus, allowing the pair to feel each other’s emotions and even pleasure and pain is very intimate. When Alice realizes they now can sense each other’s pain as a result of what she did, Jack makes it clear that he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe so that she won’t have to experience any pain. He’ll promises to protect her for the rest of his life.

Of course, such a declaration leaves Alice feeling rather flustered. ;3

Overall, it is a bit more of a slow burn than Sunshine in Hell, but eventually the two of them fall in love, much to the dismay of the rest of the male leads.

Naturally love will overcome the curse, because I am an absolute sucker for happy endings. Jack and Alice will find a way to break the curse and remain together so they can live happily ever after. And make love like rabbits hopped up on viagra.

No, I won’t apologize for that pun either.

It won’t come too easily, of course. There’s plenty of people who aren’t going to be keen to immediately trust Jack, and not just the male leads. He came from out of nowhere, with no known background. Alice’s family is certainly going to be concerned by the stranger that waltzed into her life after her heart was already broken by Ian, especially since by the time they meet Jack, she’s already shown signs of crushing on him. The family is going to need to make sure that this new guy is worth potential heartbreak.

Then of course there’s the whole political aspect of things. This country used to be the very kingdom that Joseph was chased out of many, many years ago. The lost prince is a story that could be uncovered to potentially explosive results.

Why, if Jack had the mind to, he could take back the throne and rule the kingdom that once chased him away… with his sunshine ruling by his side after all.

Will that happen with Alice? Maybe. Maybe she’ll actually become a queen after all, or maybe she’ll just live a simple life with Jack who doesn’t let on that he’s powerful enough to level the whole kingdom. After all, all he truly wants is to be loved, and Alice is sure to give Jack all the love he could ever ask for.

Perhaps that love will wind up with a lot of adorable half-dragon babies running around. Though they could be fully human if Jack does become a human after the curse breaks. I kind of like the idea that Jack is freed of the curse, but he is still a powerful dragon and can still use the belt to have fun with his shape. Plus baby dragons are the cutest and the idea of Jack and Alice’s kids being little dragons with tiny wings and cute pointy ears heals my soul.

…Holy crap this ramble went on for 26 pages. That’s over 11,000 words according to google doc! This must be my longest ramble yet, and that’s saying something! Well, I suppose that’s what happens when a dragon lover makes a dragon AU, haha. Fantasy has always been my jam, and I love playing with magical elements.

Anyway, I’m going to take that as a cue to wrap things up here for now. Let me know what you think about this AU and if you want to hear more about anything in particular. Also, let me know if this post inspires you to create anything of your own and please share it with me! I love it that we can inspire one another to create in this fandom, just like Mars’ lovely art inspired me. I hope I’ve given you a few new fun ideas to play with. Thanks for reading this far!

@channydraws @earthgirlaesthetic @sai-of-the-7-stars @cheriihoney @illary-kore @okamiliqueur

#Sunny Day Jack #Something's Wrong With Sunny Day Jack #SunnyDayJack #sdj #swwsdj #Headcanon Ramblings #Fantasy AU #Dragon AU

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vanellopes-mun · 3 months

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Vanellope VS. Turbo: A Mini Analysis!

There are a million reasons why Turbo’s reveal in Disney’s Wreck-it Ralph is such an iconic and memorable scene. A scene that I and many others have replayed ever since 2012 and its impact has never left our minds. It solidified King Candy/Turbo as one of Disney's top villains ever created, surprising and shocking viewers with a plot twist that Disney hasn’t been able to overthrow with their other movies before they abandoned villains until King Magnifico but he sucks so. He WISHES he was as charismatic as King Candy plz-

But this analysis isn’t just about King Candy/Turbo, it’s also about Vanellope Von Schweetz. She’s the most important ingredient to making this scene work and play out the way it does and ultimately why it’s so fucking cathartic. ( More so than Ralph’s fight against Cy-Bug Turbo in my opinion) After watching how it was originally story boarded, the crew behind WiR perfected this scene with a specific detail that they changed. In the early storyboard, Vanellope causes King Candy’s vehicle to crash, causing him to glitch and transform into Turbo in front of the cameras. While I love love love the extended race between Vanellope and King Candy and sort of wished it could have been longer in the actual film, I am content that they didn’t go with the direction. In the movie, King Candy is revealed after trying to beat/kill Vanellope with his horn rod/pole thingy from his kart, she grabs it and glitches due to stress/adrenaline/her emotions, her blue glitch traveling through the cane and making contact with King Candy, finally putting down the facade he had on for 15 years and revealing him as Turbo to the characters in the film and the audience. It’s such a small detail, it only happens in a second, but it’s all it took for the start of his downfall and his eventual demise.

And this is why it brings me catharsis every time I watch this scene. I could never put it into words before, but it’s beyond satisfying that the end of King Candy’s horrible reign starts with Vanellope and her glitch. The very same glitch that he caused trying to delete her code and remove her place from the game. The glitch that he used as an excuse to turn everyone in Sugar Rush against her. He usurped her throne and tried to ruin her life. Despite this, he still had the audacity to shout “Get off of MY track!” earlier. It brings his Roadblasters incident back up, it was his choice, trying to steal the thunder of another racing game that just got plugged in because he couldn’t stand the idea of anyone taking his place, only for Turbo Time and Roadblasters to be unplugged. All of this circling back and biting him in the ass. Vanellope was the key all along and he knew it, he feared her despite never really having a conversation with her as far as we know (Vanellope asking Turbo “What the-?! Who are you!?” leads me to believe that if they did converse in the past, it was not in his true form and he was most likely already King Candy. Plus it just goes to show how fast he hijacked Sugar Rush), but you can just tell by how desperate he was to keep her from racing, he didn’t want anyone to take his place ever again.

So the scene continues and his famous line and breakdown goes as this: “I’m Turbo! The greatest racer ever! And I did not reprogram this world to let YOU and that halitosis riddled warthog TAKE IT AWAY FROM ME!” It’s just so ironic, unfair and hypocritical of him it makes my blood boil! And the way he’s raising his voice, jabbing his finger at her and Vanellope’s trying to shrink away from him as he yells at her face before he tries to murder her I just- So cruel, scary, wicked and disturbing! But Vanellope, this brave WARRIOR, is reminded of her glitch after Turbo calls her for what he believes is the last time. “End of the line, Glitch!” She takes a moment, everything slows down around her as she tries to control her glitch to escape Turbo. She glitches away, missing the wall and It ends up saving her life! I just cannot stress enough how beautiful that is! She used her disability, that everyone thought would simply doom her and the game, and embraced it when she needed it most. Her glitch, while it was suddenly given to her by circumstances she couldn’t control or prevent, she took control back. It’s her beautiful superpower and it’s empowering. After this scene, it’s the “end” of Turbo before he gets nom’d by a Cy-Bug. ( I want to note that he later says “I’m the most powerful VIRUS in the arcade”, part of me wants to believe he said that because clearly Vanellope bested him as the greatest racer ever but I doubt that was their intention lol)

They’re the embodiment of Selfishness vs. Selflessness. While Vanellope had everything taken away from her, she didn’t follow the same path as him. Turbo had everything taken from him, but it was his fault and he only ever thought about himself, never about the destruction he left behind. Hell, all she ever wanted was to be one of the racers, no matter how much they bullied her and ostracized her, she never ended up being evil like him even though it would be a perfect recipe to become a villain, this is also what makes her a mirror to Ralph. (Remember in that one deleted scene where she said she wanted to break the racers’ legs but come on can you blame her!?!?! She was so real for saying that.) VANELLOPE IS MY FAVORITE CHARACTER EVER AAAA.

Before I ramble any further, I will forever love the choices that the writers made for the climax and it just ends up being an absolutely perfect and brilliant scene and I will continue to rewatch for the millionth time.

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scarasimping · 11 months

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love-avoidant princess

pirate!scaramouche x princess!reader

synopsis: scaramouche’s crew had been planning this heist for years prior, and finally, they dock ship at the most heavily guarded kingdom on this side of the world with only one goal in mind: infiltrate the castle and steal the crown used for the coronation ceremony. The only setback? The princess had already stolen it, so now he has to go through her.

tags: fem!reader, allusions to medieval sexism, you know how that is, mentions of blood like once, alcohol also mentioned a couple times, i believe that’s it for this part!

author’s note: ITS DONE omg, this took way longer than i thought but I guess that’s what happens when i try to throw myself in to writing actual pieces for the first time in three years instead of taking it slow. and it only ended up being 3k words TT but this is not the end, i have way more in mind for these two, this is honestly more like...a prologue of sorts!! hope you all enjoy !! so glad we actually have a plot now instead of me posting random hcs hshshshs also yes, his crew is most of the anemo characters because I said so

word count: 3.63k

One can only see the same garden of flowers so many times before becoming bored of the sight. You have walked through here on so many occasions that you're sure that you could list each plant by its scientific name in the order they appear, from the front of the garden to the back.

So, really, it shouldn't come as a surprise to your retainer when they watch you leave a meeting with a potential suitor halfway through your millionth walk through the garden.

The suitor was confused, calling out to you and running to keep up with your fast-paced steps.

"Princess! Did I do something wrong?" He shouted, but you shook your head, an unimpressed and uncaring look painting your features.

"I apologize for saying this after you made the long journey here, but this simply will not work between us."

And thus, another man was rejected by the unromantic princess.

Known for turning down every suitor imaginable, you had gained the reputation of being entirely against romance. Even though you were clearly not interested, this only made people want you more, and your father, who was eager to get you married off, agreed to let everyone interested in you meet you, as long as they were of high enough standing. This included royalty from other kingdoms, wealthy businessmen, and other government officials or their sons who were your age.

None of them even came close to winning your heart.

It’s not that there was anything wrong with them. To be honest, even you weren’t sure why you were so bored with every man or woman you met. It seemed to be more the life you would lead with them than the suitor themselves that made you gag. No first-born heir of a royal family wants to be married off; they want to have the throne! And if your parents weren’t going to give it to you, then you wouldn’t make it easy for them to send you away.

As you gracefully left the heartbroken businessman behind, the retainer assigned to watch over you hurriedly followed, barely keeping up with your pace.

"Princess, this is the seventh suitor you've met. Please tell me, what is wrong with this one?" he pleaded. In truth, he was scared to report more bad news to the king and queen, but frankly, that was not your problem.

"I'm sorry, sir, but I just do not see myself having a life with him," you replied, staring straight ahead and hoping he would stop following you. After forcing yourself to be nice to these suitors, all you wanted was to lay in bed and nap, or maybe practice your sparring skills with your sword.

"We'll have to tell your father about this," he gave you one last warning, but your mind was already made up.

"I understand, but I'm not altering my decision."

Just as you and your retainer thought, your father was not pleased, going on one of his long-winded rants about how you should get married quickly because it’s ��better for the kingdom” and “what a princess should do.” All the while, your mother sat and watched, not saying a word because she knew that she did the same thing when she was your age. It was how your parents met in the first place, after all.

"At this rate, your little brother will have inherited the throne before you're satisfied with a man." The king ends his rant with this statement, huffing angrily as he furrows his thick eyebrows in your direction. There it was, the constant reminder that you, the eldest heir, were not to inherit the throne, which should rightfully be yours, all because your parents favored your younger brother.

However, who would dare question the king? When he makes an order, it is carried out, and what he demands is brought to fruition. So if he says your sibling shall inherit the throne, he will, and when he finally gets fed up with your high standards and simply makes you marry someone of his choosing, you will have to obey. Such is the life of a princess.

With a heavy heart, you bow to your father, asking to be excused. He sighs and waves his hand, allowing you to leave, to which you immediately turn on your heel and pace quickly toward your chambers.

When Scaramouche's crew docked at the pier, they knew the welcome they would be given wasn't going to be a warm one. It never was, wherever they stopped. It was no secret that wherever this ship docked, well-known valuables would soon go missing and trouble would follow, yet no one could prove it was them.

Still, seeing every guard on patrol look at them with a noticeable glare and watch their every move was more than unnerving. All Scaramouche was doing was going for a stroll, after all.

But, so were his crewmates, Kazuha and Heizou, in separate parts of the city. And it's not their fault if they happen to notice which areas are more guarded than others, when the guards switch shifts, or which buildings have the least amount of foot traffic coming in and out of them. It's all coincidental, of course, not on purpose at all.

It's definitely not intentional when Heizou reports that the only guards that step into the tavern are always there to get so drunk after their shift that they won't remember what they say.

And who's to shame Scaramouche if he wants to step in and have a drink or two, and happens to run into a guard who's slurring his words and would have fallen over if he ever tried to stand up in this state?

"And that princess…god! She's so stuck up.." the guard ranted, taking another swig from his pint. Scaramouche listened with faux sympathy to the drunken man in front of him, but he wasn't sure how much more he could take from this man. He too often leaned too close as if whispering a secret, the stench of sweat, metal, and cheap booze radiating off of him.

"That princess! She keeps rejecting every suitor who's interested in her! Do you know who has to deal with the king's fury after she does this? Us!"

He leans in once more, and Scaramouche gets a whiff of his rancid breath "I hear….the king wants her married off to someone wealthy because he's in debt…but she just wants the throne instead! Can you believe it? Too stuck up to let her brother be the heir to the kingdom…."

It seemed all this guard was going to reveal was pointless rants about the king’s only daughter, and today he was not going to get any information that would be helpful to him. After all, if this princess was to be married off, it’s unlikely she would be able to get hold of the crown that was to be used in the coronation ceremony when the prince came of age.

Like an answer from the heavens, his doubts were quickly proven incorrect when the guard’s voice drops to a whisper, and he leans across the table to speak in Scaramouche’s ear.

“I hear…that she got so jealous, she stole the crown. The king says it just got lost, however, we guards know the truth. But what grounds could we present that would warrant a search through the princess’s private quarters? It’s useless…”

And just like that, Scaramouche knew whom he should target.

The captain stands from their booth in the corner, excusing himself. He buys the guard another drink as thanks for the “lovely conversation” and to ensure he really wouldn’t remember the information he spilled.

The next few nights, Scaramouche and other members of his crew alternate between taverns to gather as much information as possible. Each night, a different person hit a different establishment to not raise suspicion. This heist was going to be big, and after it was pulled off they wouldn’t be able to dock for months to avoid being caught and interrogated.

Stealing the crown from the most heavily guarded kingdom on this side of the world was no easy task, but it had been Scaramouche’s dream ever since he started his life of piracy. Something like this would earn them respect like no other on the seven seas but also put a huge target on their back. His crew was prepared, of course, they wouldn’t have docked here if they weren’t. It’s not like they couldn’t fight, either. They were notorious for many reasons: their crimes that left no evidence behind, the sheer intimidation their crew gave off, and the fact that no crew member lost any duel they were challenged to.

After a couple weeks of solely gathering information, Scaramouche’s crew was ready to take things to the next level. They learned that the princess was unable to leave the castle without supervision, which only occurred on rare occasions. She lived a secluded life and many of the kingdom’s citizens didn’t even know her face. His first mate, Kazuha, who was always good with his words, even managed to get one of the guards to reveal which terrace on the castle belonged to the princess’s room and that the staff had recently increased security in the city and outside the castle because of a suspicious ship that had docked at the pier, which lessened the amount of military inside the building.

Kazuha was always better with people than any other crew member, and Scaramouche was forever thankful he was a part of his crew, even if he didn’t show it.

However, it seemed no one was able to learn that the princess provided enough security for herself, not even needing guards.

Scaramouche quickly learned that when he was finally ready to attempt to get inside the castle, scaling the walls during a shift change and approaching the terrace he was informed about prior.

A candle on your bedside and the illumination from the moon were the only sources of light in your quarters at this time of night. Every other member of the royal family was asleep, but not you. Far too frequently would you stay up reading a novel you “borrowed” from the castle’s library, even though books weren’t supposed to leave the area.

All was silent except for the wind blowing outside and the rare footsteps in the hall, metal clashing with each step from the guards’ armor.

Though silent, and easy to miss, a sound from outside your window caught your attention.

Breathing, silent steps getting closer, the scraping of someone climbing the walls and terrace.

You turned, blowing out your candle so that whoever was coming wouldn’t know you were awake. With the time it took for them to reach the glass door that separates your room from the balcony, your eyes had already adjusted to the darkness and you had your sword out from underneath your bed, drawn and ready to be used.

The door cracked open, slowly, and it was obvious that whoever was there was trying to use the element of surprise. They must not know you, considering they thought you wouldn’t discover them. One hand pushes the door open all the way, then pulls the person inside. It was a man with indigo hair and eyes. Everything he wore was black - his boots, high-waisted pants, and tricorn hat, - besides his shirt, which was a white poet shirt with purple and black accents tucked into his pants. Adorned on his hat were feathers that spewed from the back and gems which were sewn on, each one catching the light from the moon. He was obviously a pirate, and based on the whispers from the staff in the castle, he was probably from the ship that docked recently and made everyone nervous. The captain of the guards had even told you to report anything suspicious you happened to see, which told you they were no joke, Normally, if there was a threat, you wouldn’t even be informed. 'No one wanted to worry the princess, of course' is what they would say, but you know they just think you can't handle it.

Before he even has time to process you're there, you point your sword at his throat, the tip pressing against his flesh, but not hard enough to draw blood. Just enough so that he knows he made a mistake.

The pirate stares down at the sword at his neck, his gaze following the blade to its holder; the very princess he intended to come in here and threaten. It's a funny thing how easily the tables can be turned. He eyes the princess warily, one eyebrow raised and an awkward smile on his face, knowing he's been caught so easily.

"Well, isn't this a surprise?" He chuckles to himself, raising his hands up beside his head in a phony sign of surrender, but your sword never wavers.

"What do you think you are doing here?" You demanded, sword to the pirate's throat. The captain remained silent, weighing his options. He could try to talk his way out of this or use his cunning tactics to somehow overpower the princess and make a break for it. Whatever decision he made, it could mean the difference between life and death.

"Sure, as soon as you put that sword down. I'd rather have a conversation than an encounter between your blade and my jugular if you don't mind," he reasons, staring right back into your eyes with a look that screams mischief. Still, you sigh, and lower your sword, taking a step back and never loosening your grip on its handle.

"Speak."

He chuckles, lowering his hands and letting a cocky smile spread across his face.

"You see, princess, there's a rumor going around that you've stolen and hidden the coronation crown. I'm here to simply…take it off your hands," he explains. Everything about him seems sly, and even though it seems he's at a disadvantage, he's acting like he has the upper hand. There's not an ounce of fear on his face.

Your hold on your sword is steady, ready for combat at any moment, and it seems he's thinking the same thing.

"I'm afraid I can't allow you to do so. I can, however, offer you a deal. Leave now and I won't report your attempt to rob the royal castle and have you thrown in prison."

The pirate shrugs and sighs, his hand reaching for the sword that hung from his belt.

"Oh well, looks like there's no other way."

And with that, he draws his sword from its scabbard, a sleek, steel sword with a curved blade, and lunges forward, dealing the first strike. Blades clash and the sound of metal on metal echoes throughout the room as you parry his sword, pushing him back further. He doesn't let up, dealing strike after strike, yet landing no hits nonetheless.

While the pirate’s blows are strong and aggressive, his attacks powerful and relentless, yours are both quick and agile with fast and precise strikes.

He expected the princess to be less of a hassle, yet here you were, not only putting up a good fight but winning too. Similar to him, there wasn't even a hint of sweat dripping from your brow, no signs of exhaustion as you dueled him in just your nightgown and slippers.

Your sword comes down once more towards his chest, and he raises his own to block it when suddenly you change your direction and aim to land a hit on his arm instead.

Ever quick on his feet, the pirate steps out of the way, dodging an almost fatal attack, but not before your blade can tear through his shirt and leave the faintest wound on the flesh of his shoulder.

He hisses as he feels the sting of his skin splitting, looking down as red stains the sleeve of his shirt.

"Not bad," he mumbles, his eyes sharp as he glares at the princess, a cocky smirk adorning his face. "Haven't struggled this much with an opponent in a while."

"Likewise," you muse, tightening your grip on your handle as you raise your eyebrows, almost taunting him.

"Tell me, pirate, what is your name? I want to know what to call my attacker before I slice your throat."

He chuckles, rolling his wounded shoulder back and getting into a better position to keep fighting.

"Oh, I don't believe you really could. Wouldn't want to get your pretty hands dirty after all." He, once again, swings his sword, but to no avail. You continue trading blows with him, barely giving each other a chance to breathe. No matter what he tries, he can't seem to get the upper hand. Mentally, he wants to blame it on the fact that he was caught off guard, or that the way the silk of her nightgown hugs her body when she twists and turns to use her sword is distracting, but really he knows he's just finally met a well-matched opponent.

"But the name's Scaramouche, consider this knowledge a gift before I beat you at the game of swords.”

It was then that the sound of armored footsteps approaching rapidly caught both Scaramouche and the princess’s attention. You bite back a laugh, glancing at the door and then back to the pirate in front of you.

“Looks like that will have to wait, Scaramouche.”

His name spilled from your lips easier than you’d like to admit, sounding almost natural when it came from you. Scaramouche noticed this too, stiffening as you say it and running his tongue along his cheek. It was annoying whenever he found himself having to make an enemy of an attractive woman. He takes one last look at the princess, before stepping away towards the glass door he came in through. He keeps his sword pointed at you as he backs away, not taking any chances.

“This was lovely, princess. I’ll be seeing you again very soon, but for now, I bid you adieu,” He takes his hat off, bending his arm at his waist and bowing overdramatically before opening the door and launching himself over the fence of the terrace, disappearing into the night.

As the footsteps get closer, you kick your sword under the bed, praying it wasn’t damaged, and toss yourself onto your mattress, throwing the covers over your body just in time for the door to swing open. A few guards peer inside, seeing nothing but you sleeping soundly in, your back turned to them as your body rises and falls to the rhythm of your breathing. There was no sign a fight had even occurred, despite the noises that multiple knights had heard coming from here.

As they close the door, the sound of their footsteps moving away from your room, a giddy smile creeps onto your face. After all, if no fight happened in their eyes, there would be no reason to increase security and you could see that intriguing pirate again.

After Scaramouche escapes down the castle walls, he books it for the treeline that separated the castle from the ocean. It was just past there that his ship resided, where his crew was eagerly awaiting his return with good news. A sinking feeling resides over him whilst he runs through the trees, kicking up dirt and leaves with every step. There is no reasoning he could possibly give that would excuse his failure. Not when he knows it’s caused by his own faults as a man. He, just like all of her numerous suitors and admirers, simply got distracted by her appearance. At some point, he had to stop as his head became too muddled by his thoughts, leaning against a tree, taking a deep breath, and trying to calm his thoughts.

Before, when hearing about rumors of the princess and all of the men interested in marrying her, he assumed the stories all came with a tinge of exaggeration.

Yet, after seeing her and fighting with her, he knows each metaphor and story told of her had to have been nothing but the truth. Tales of her beauty were honestly an understatement. It’s not often he finds himself this distracted by a woman, especially a princess, and he can’t help but feel ashamed in a way. He just failed to execute the plan his crew had been working on for years prior to docking it this kingdom, but all he can think about is her smile when she taunted him, her confidence because she knew she could fight, or the way her nightgown revealed the shape of her body, expensive silk clinging to every curve of her flesh. She was a princess rarely even seen by the public, but he got to see her in such a private setting, and god was it worth it.

He starts running again, her face in mind doubts infecting his every thought. His heart pounds heavily in his chest, and his lungs burn with each breath, but he doesn’t stop running. He would much rather face his crew than the entire royal army. He was sure the princess had reported what had happened by now, and he didn’t want to stick around so they could remember his face.

As he runs, he starts to feel the ocean breeze brushing along his face, and it reminds him that he’s almost home. His crew is smart; they’ll be able to come up with a new plan together. Maybe next time they’ll send a different member of the crew.

As soon as the thought of someone else seeing her like that enters his mind, he quickly shoos it away.

Just for now, he’d like to keep the image of her to himself.

taglist: @danfelions @bleachisfood @klanxii @nillajhayne @call-me-nayo @pinkiepiescanonn @etherisy @kazuuhhaaaa @featuredtofu @ulquiorraswife @skyoverkill1 @wandererskitten @lxkeeeee

#omg first part is done #WE HAVE A PLOT FINALLY #pretty sure the anon i said guessed most of the plot has a pretty good idea what they got correct now #but anyways !!#there will definitely be more parts #i just didnt want to keep you all waiting for so long #hope you enjoyed !!#pirate!scara #scaramouche #scaramouche x reader #genshin scaramouche #scaramouche fluff #scaramouche au #wanderer #wanderer x reader #wanderer genshin #wanderer au #genshin au #gonna go take a 13 hour nap now

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eufezco · 1 year

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HIS PERSONAL REVENGE – A. T. x FEM!READER

(lovers to enemies) / english isn't my first language / masterlist

"Henujagon zirȳla sagon. (Leave him be.)" You mumbled by his side once you both turned to see who the guest was, just to find that it was one of his nephews. You were both talking with Lord Borros Baratheon's daughter Aemond decided to wed when the kid entered the castle. Aemond's jaw clenched, you could see it from the corner of your eyes, all the rage he had inside him coming out in such small gestures like those. But you knew him so well, and you weren't going to let him accomplish whatever his Machiavellian head was thinking.

He kept quiet as Lucerys spoke in the name of his mother, the Queen. Aemond turned his head slowly to you, you shared a glimpse with him and then you both returned your attention to Rhaenyra's child. You could only think of what the Small Council in King's Landing would be plotting against her and her children.

"Wait." Aemond broke his silence, bringing you out of your thoughts. "My Lord Strong." He had his arms crossed behind his back as he took a few steps forward. Lucerys turned his way towards his uncle, defensively.

"Did you really think that you could just fly about the realm trying to steal my brother's throne at no cost?"

"I will not fight you. I came as a messenger, not a warrior."

"Fight would be little challenge. I want you to put out your eye." Aemond took off his patch. Your back tensed after hearing his demand. "As a payment for mine."

"Stop it, Aemond." You were trying to keep things calm for him, and for prince Lucerys' well-being.

"One will serve. I would not blind you." Aemond threw his dagger to the floor, handing it over to the young prince. Aemond was hearing you, but he wished he wasn't. Your sensitivity was your weakness. You might be strong in combat but you were weak. Too compassionate. And Aemond was not even nearly close to letting you infect him with it. "I plan to make a gift of it to my mother."

Your eyes were locked on the kid who expressed he had no intention of doing what his uncle was asking him to.

"Then you are craven as well as a traitor."

You drew your dagger when Aemond picked up his from the floor and he aimed at the kid. "Give me your eye, or I'll take it, bastard!"

You stepped in between him and his scared nephew. As much as he tried to hide it, he was basically shaking and it was obvious that he had no intention of fighting Aemond. As he told, he didn't come as a warrior, and even if he did, the chances of getting out alive against Aemond were poor. You probably were weak in his eyes. But you weren't a coward, and you certainly weren't afraid of Aemond.

"Issi ao naejot aōha ābrar syt bona nādrēsy? (Are you willing to give your life for that bastard?)"

"Daor, yn iksan daor ao rhaenagon iā vīlībāzma (No, but I'm not letting you start a war)" You answered to him. Aemond showed you that devilish smile of his as you pointed at his throat with your dagger. His sapphire eye was as cold as his heart when it came to Rhaenyra's children. Your knuckles were turning white from holding your dagger so hard, not afraid of using it if he tried something with Lucerys.

"Nāpāstre. (Traitor.)" Aemond accused you.

"Not here! The boy came as an envoy. I will not have bloodshed beneath my roof."

The tension between you and Aemond banished after Lord Boros spoke. You put your dagger down and Aemond did the same with his after swinging it between his fingers, not breaking the eye contact with you while he did. He recomposed, his arms crossed behind his back again and he bowed in front of the Lord of Storm's End. You did too. "My apologies, Lord Borros. This will not happen again." You said to your host, Aemond left the big hall of Storm's End without saying a word.

You followed him through the hallways of the castle until you both made it to his chambers.

"Are you out of your mind?" You closed the door of the room behind you. "Do you wish to start a war?"

"Only if it ends with those bastards and the usurper of their mother dead." He covered his eye with the patch again. "She already started a war by crowning herself."

"Your mother will not let that happen. As well as she would not have allowed you to put out Prince Lucerys' eye." Mentioning Alicent was a thing that always worked for making Aemond come to his senses. Queen Alicent was more prudent than him and she took into account the consequences of his actions, not like Aemond.

"Daorys istan konīr naejot mīsagon issa skori ziry dīnagon hen ñuhon... (No one was there to protect me when he put out mine.)"

"It happened years ago. Ao istan sepār riñnyke. (You were just kids.)" You cut him off, trying to approach him to show him some comfort.

"... yet the bastards always seems to have someone around to keep them from pay for what they did." Prince Aemond's eye stared into your soul. Disgusted by your behaviour. Disgusted by how you just destroyed everything you both had and everything you could have been by defending that bastard. Disgusted by seeing you turn into one of them. Betraying your true king, betraying your own house, betraying him. Aemond walked towards you, his arms still on his back and his eyes locked on the floor. You looked at him, confused once he started walking in circles around you.

"Nyke ossēnagon ao syt bisa. (I should kill you for this.)" He stopped and stood next to you. Aemond analyzed you and how you turned into everything he hated. His grandfather, Otto Hightower, never really trusted you, like Aemond, Otto was an extremely analytic person and he noticed things no one else did. Yet his mother, his poor and naïve mother, treated you as one of the Greens, a big mistake. It had been days since Aemond had been suspecting of you, since his brother's coronation, when Rhaenys broke into the DragonPit with her dragon and looked at you as if she was asking you to leave with her. Maybe no one else noticed but Aemond did, and that was enough.

"I would like to see you try."

"I should fucking take you to King's Landing and made my brother behead you in front of the entire city so that everyone could see what happens to traitors like you." He moved in front of you, dangerously looking up and down at you. Rage in his voice as he talked to you.

"Wouldn't you like that?" What would Otto say if he ever finds out that Aemond had the chance to kill you but he did not? His mother would be so disappointed with him but would try to convince everyone that love blinded Aemond. Love? And Aegon could not stop laughing at his brother for being so fucking stupid, and Ser Criston would lose all the respect he had for him. The idea of Aemond letting you make it out alive after confessing being a traitor made the knight want to strangle the young prince and to look for you in every corner of the Seven Kingdoms to kill you with his own hands.

"Lo hen bona iksā ñuha riña, kesan ao naejot ñuha zaldrīzes. (If anybody finds out that you are carrying my child, I will feed you both to my dragon.)" And you knew that Aemond wasn't joking when he said so. When you discovered that you were with child, you didn't expect Aemond and you to start a family, all of a sudden move to a castle in some remote place and live a normal life without wars, and usurpers. No sides, no duties as a prince, and no feeling of revenge keeping him awake at night. You were being forced to hide in a tower until you gave birth. Your child would most likely have silver hair so you would be all forced to pretend it's Rhaenyra's and prince Daemon's child. Aemond was threatening your life and his unborn child's life too. You drew your dagger and pressed the point of it against his throat.

Maybe you should be the one killing him. One less problem for Rhaenyra and Daemon, and for you. The biggest dragon alive would be ritherless and you could claim him. You could end with every single soul in King's Landing, you could finish the war before it even started. "Skoro syt gaomagon ao pendagon nyke jaelagon ñuha riña naejot emagon iā kepa hae ao? (What makes you think I want my child to have a father like you?)"

"Because if so, you would not have openned your legs to me like the whore you are." Aemond could feel the point of your dagger pressing harder in the middle of his throat. He smirked while saying that, showing you that he was not scared of what you could do.

"I would have rather fucking your stupid brother. At least he is the fucking King and not some-"

Aemond's hand flew to your neck, wrapping his fingers around it and using that grip to pull you closer to him. His eye stared deeply into yours, his breathing was strong, and his lips were pressed together which meant that he was truly angry.

"I'm flying to Dragonstone." He fought the urge to choke you to death after you announced your intentions. He could end this, he could kill you right there. Either ways he would prefer to see you death than joining Rhaenyra. Your hand was already holding the dagger fatally positioned on his neck. By the time Aemond would have killed you, you would've already stabbed him to death, probably resulting in both of you dying. So tragic. The jugglers would sing about you two, the lovers that rather die than separate because of the war. The prince that betrothed to assure his brother's throne and the lady that could not take seeing his beloved one getting wedded. Nothing could be further from the truth.

"Lo īlon rhaenagon arlī, nyke'll ossēnagon ao. (If we meet again, I'll kill you)" He squeezed his fingers around your neck tighter, but still not hard enough to choke you nor to let you run out of breath either. His lips brushed against yours when he warned you and then he let go of your neck, pushing you away from him, disgusted, and making you stumble on your feet. Aemond walked past you, his shoulder hitting yours, and closed the door when he left the chambers.

After everything he said, after everything he did to you, you didn't think that he would ride Vhagar after his nephew seeking his revenge.

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bluewings55 · 5 months

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Lolirock

So I recently watched the entirety of Lolirock

And it was... Okayish

The story itself wasn't bad, but a lot of it feels very incomplete.

So let's break down a few points:

Story:

The story itself wasn't too bad. I liked a lot of the ideas. But since this is directed to a younger audience, a lot of story plot was very predictable sadly enough.

And it didn't bother me that much that Iris was in the centerstage most of the time. Unlike later season Bloom, the creators didn't make things that aren't related to Iris about Iris. There were a few moments yes, but I never thought "wait, why is it about Iris, it's not about her!" Unlike (sadly) with Bloom in Winx where she gets the Spotlight for no reason

Princesses:

I do really like the transformation and animations for the princesses. Although I do feel odd about Lyna and Carrisa having different animations and songs. They look good, but since they don't have a similar transformation like Iris, Thalia and Auriana, I feel like it just says that they aren't part of the group. Which is kinda true since they are absent for 75% of the time in season 2. (Fr, where are these two the entire time?)

And I get Iris is the main character and all, but the creators make Talia and Auriana look so useless and weak for most of the time. And then Talia is able to beat their asses on her own, yet struggled to do so five minutes before.

Also Talia is the best, defo my fave from all of them.

Like her transformation? Goregous

Also:

dark princess's

Omg, I love their design, I need more of them

Magic and Ephidia:

Similar to the story: it felt incomplete. Like things aren't being explained:

What's Ephidia? Is it a continent, is it the capital city? Who created it, what's so special about it?

What are the oracle gems exactly? Are they amplifiers or a key, WHAT ARE THEY? and why do they only show up in front of Iris? Is it cus she's the crown princess or why? Who knows: things aren't getting explained.

And how does the magic work? Is it just crystals? Can they use elemental powers as well? We see them use levitation and time spells as well soooooooooo?

And what about Dark magic? Do you have to be born from it, is it an emotion you redirect, how does if work?

And can we talk about Iris's different transformations? They look epic af but.... How? Can only she do it? What exactly is it? Like a different stage or is it a temporary a power up? Can other princesses do them as well or not?

And what exactly is Amaru? A dog, a pegasus? A shapeshifter animal? How does his magic work? Why can he summon a giant battlefield out of nowhere?

And what about the other magic kingdoms? We only saw a tiny bit of Xeris, but what about the others?

I wish they not only explained a little more about the magic, but also showed us more about the magical world. By doing that, it feels more alive, more

Villains:

Alright imma say it:

Gramorr is the most useless fucker there is

He's being portraited as this all mighty powerful wizard but then he just sits in the throne room doing God knows what, maybe looking at tarot cards with Banes who knows....

He doesn't do anything, just screams when an oracle gem gets to the crown, and yells at Praxina and Mephisto bc they are so 'useless'

Like dude.

If they are so terrible at their job and you are "oh so powerful":

DO IT YOURSELF?!?!

Also, stop blaming everything on the twins cus of your laziness!

Speaking of blaming

Praxina is the worst.

Her newest design is amazing tho.

She looks more threatening then Gramorr ever could

And the butterflies? Amazing, I'm really excited about how she's gonna act in season 3

But if there's a problem she immediately blames it on her brother, but as soon as there's something she can be proud of, she steals the credit, like, bitch stop being so toxic.

And stop blaming Mephisto for everything???

He's the one literally working with the enemy to save your ass TWICE and even almost died a few times (or just.. died after what happened) and what does he get? Not even a thank you. Girl, your bro almost died, wdym? You're siblings, he supports and helps you multiple times yet here you are scoffing, rolling your eyes and blaming him for every inconvenience happening in your life.

Don't give me the "that's how twins act" or "that's cus she's evil" bullcrap cus I got siblings myself, I know what it's like.

So yeah, I'm here in the Mephisto support group.

I also decided to adopt him.

He doesn't know that yet tho.

I'm personally not a fan of the comedian character, but I just feel really bad for him with all the crap he's going through: A shit boss and a shit sister.

Respect to him that Gramorr stab them in their backs AND THE TWINS WENT BACK TO THEIR BOSS TO SERVE HIM EVEN THO GRAMORR REPLACED THEM.

Also he's so sweet? If u can look past all the evil things he did, you realize that he's really sweet and not that evil and he really cares for his sister (even tho she's a bitch).

And the time he and Iris worked together and said that he would be honored to serve her if he was on her side?

Listen, if he's not on Team Lolirock and just dead in season 3 imma be so pissed.

#lolirock #iris lolirock #auriana lolirock #talia lolirock #carissa Lolirock #lyna Lolirock #mephisto lolirock #lolirock praxina #gramorr #magic Princesses #magical girl

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lovedreamer11 · 5 months

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There are times when I really hate HOTD

You have no idea how much I want the HOTD writers to go to hell. I'm a patient person and I'm used to adaptations being different from the original, but what they did with HOTD is a huge piece of garbage. Adaptations often change appearance, plot, time frame, but a drastic change in personality is something I cannot tolerate.

What the hell happened to Alicent? Maybe the real Alicent was a stepmother from hell, but at least she knew what she wanted and was ready to do anything to achieve what she wanted. What happened to the boastful, arrogant, stupid and hot-tempered Aemond? And Aegon? This guy was a hot-tempered, spoiled hedonist, but not Mr. "I do what my mom says. My parents don't love me. It's time to show everyone my sad eyes."

Rhaenyra and Alicent's "friendship" is just 🤮. What the hell is friendship? From the very beginning, show!Alicent was jealous of show!Rhaenyra's position and status and her relationship with her parents. The real Rhaenyra would never have noticed someone like Alicent, let alone befriend her. Both girls had different upbringings, interests and worldviews. What common topics of communication did they have?

What kind of love are we talking about between Show!Viserys and Show!Rhaenyra? For half the season, all Show!Viserys did was just yell at his daughter and not listen to her, and for the second he looked like the walking dead.

How the writers couldn't come up with anything better than stealing some of Rhaenyra's things. Like her signature black dress, a forced marriage to a man who didn't care about Rhaenyra. Did you notice show!Rhaenyra's dresses and hairstyles? The book literally had a description of how Rhaenyra dressed and what hairstyle she preferred, but the writers apparently read the book from Wikipedia and skipped every second word.

I showed my friend, who hasn't watched the show and doesn't know anything about GOT or HOTD, photos of young show!Rhaenyra and show!Alicent from the series and asked what she thought. Do you know what the answer was? My friend decided that show!Alicent was a princess and show!Rhaenyra was a servant.

Just look at the banners they made for the second season. The green banner is really nice, but the black banner looks like a cheap towel.

What about the blacks on the show? How stupid must a girl be, who grew up in a world in which the main purpose of a woman is marriage and the birth of an heir, and who is the heir to the throne, to think that she can avoid marriage? The real Viserys didn't give Rhaenyra a choice and chose her husband himself, but did show!Rhaenyra really think she could avoid marriage? Show!Raenyra is the height of stupidity and absurdity, which constantly contradicts itself.

And Daemon? I really feel sorry for Matt. He is a talented actor and tries very hard. I think if the show had more skilled writers, he could have portrayed the real Daemon. But show!Daemon is a stupid, illogical, absurd clown who doesn’t understand what he wants and doesn’t follow through. This character has so many fans solely because of Matt's charisma, the writers should kiss his feet for that.

And of course, my favorite. There's only been one season out, but the writers have already demonstrated their style of throwing aside logic for the sake of effect. I mean, show!Laena's self-immolation and the way show!Rhaenys ruined show!Aegon's coronation. Do you know what the people who work on the show said in interviews? They added these scenes because they thought it would be cooler and more impressive. Wasn’t the creators of GOT guided by a similar point of view when working on the plot of the last seasons of the show?

And now, because of this show, a lot of people have come out of nowhere to argue that women should not hold leadership positions, remain silent and accept neglect because it is necessary, and rapists and aggressors can be forgiven if they are played by beautiful actors or if the characters lacked parental support love. According to this logic, people should love Joffrey and Ramsay since they both also lacked parental love in childhood.

This show really had potential and a good cast. But the screenwriters' work destroyed everything from the very beginning. Many people still have hopes that everything will be better in the second season, but I am in despair. No, seriously, look at the team banners for season two. They really did a good job on the green banner and that would be fine if the black banner wasn’t yet another proof of the writers’ bias. Black team, we have no hope.

#anti team green #anti hotd #I want to cry #what did these barbarians do with the plot?#team black

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terapsina · 2 years

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Reasons to watch Love Between Fairy and Devil.

A Chinese fantasy romantic drama with a dash of comedy in the beginning and a huge wallop of angst in the second half.

One, the romance.

(take careful note of this gesture, please, it will break your hearts in the future)

Okay, so this is honestly one of the best told love stories I've watched in recent memory. And that is honestly very impressive when you consider how very easy it is to mess up this kind of love story.

She's Xiao Lanhua (or 'Little Orchid Fairy'), bright and innocent and kind. And in the beginning more than a bit naive and foolish. A fairy who is looked down on because of her damaged immortal root, who bends under the pressure of the bullying she's always known from the other fairies. Lonely in her home of Arbiter Hall where she looks after the destiny books alone by herself because her shifu left to wander the mortal realms.

He's Dongfang Qingcang. The Moon Supreme, the leader of the Moon Tribe who has been imprisoned following the last war between his people and the Heavenly Realm 30'000 years ago. He's cold and unfeeling and quite literally heartless (this involves fantasy reasons and some pretty horrible childhood trauma that gets slowly unraveled through the story).

And in the beginning the only reason he doesn't kill her as soon as he's free is that there's an accidental curse that ties his life to hers. If she dies so does he. If she's cut, so is he. And whatever emotion she feels, he will feel too. Whatever order she gives, he must follow. And sometimes, under certain conditions, they switch bodies.

(the actors have great fun with it, warning of huge amounts of second-hand embarrassment in two out of 36 episodes, I nearly died, it was worth it)

He keeps her safe because he has no choice.

And the thing is that he doesn't actually ever try to seduce her. The normal formula of this kind of story is 'he lies, seduces her, then falls in love, but still breaks her heart, she forgives him' right? This show though? It plays with the formula, yeah, but it twists it in a very interesting (in my opinion) way.

There's a misunderstanding between them. And here's some of the comedy of the show. She thinks he's fallen in love with her and she's trying to gently let him down. Meanwhile he's not actually pretending that he's in love with her, he's just not telling her exactly why he can't let her out of his sight.

And the development in both their characters is incredibly detailed and intricate. They both grow immensely through the story. As Dongfang Qingcang first experiences emotions through her and then as his own emotions begin to wake up following that. As Xiao Lanhua starts out wanting to return to her normal life and then falls in love not only with him but also his land and his people.

They're very Hades and Persephone (minor kidnappings including). And very Romeo and Juliet (though more mature about it, she isn't actually willing to compromise her own morality just because she's fallen in love with him).

And their love story isn't at all rushed. It takes nearly three quarters of the story for them both to fall in love, it is gradual and believable and mutual. And then once they have fallen in love despite the fact that there are all kinds of very familiar angsty plots thrown at them, none of them get dragged out to annoying lengths and many of them get resolved in very refreshing ways.

(angst, there will be such big whallops of angst, my friends)

But the romance is not the ONLY thing this show has going for it. It is what changes the fate of all three realms, yes, but there are other relationships that deserve to be mentioned.

And other characters, because this is actually a pretty beautifully built ensemble show.

One character is Dongfang Qingcang's brother Xun Feng, the character that in a different show would be the malicious underhanded brother who wants to steal his brother's throne and cares only of power.

Here though, after an old secret is revealed and he finds out the truth behind the reason (a good one) he's hated his brother for thousands of years his wish to rebuild his relationship with his brother is genuine. And though there are things he does after that which could have been because of cruelty in a different show, here they are simply misguided.

(there are lots of awkward Dongfang Qingcang trying to show affection for the first time since childhood scenes, they're adorable, and hilarious)

Then there's the false friendship between Xiao Lanhua and Jie Li which slowly develops into a real one through the power of Xiao Lanhua being simply too stubborn and too good and too genuine for Jie Li to remain stone against.

(here portrayed scene of Jie Li flinching under horror that is Dongfang Qingcang doing his very best to make Xiao Lanhua as ugly and unattractive as possible)

Jie Li is an orphan of the Moon Tribe from Haishi City who has spent her entire life scrapping for survival by lying and cheating. Including by selling to Xiao Lanhua fake cures for her damaged immortal root.

Again, there are certain ways you'd expect her story to go. You'd be wrong.

And then the relationship between Dongfang Qingcang and his most loyal guard, the Black Dragon Shang Que.

(here shown the reaction to the miracle of his lord patting his brother on the shoulder).

Poor dragon needs to deal with a lot and deserves a raise. He's also just as dumb as the rest of them. And FYI falls in love with Jie Li.

And then of course is the very healthy way this show portrays unrequited love too.

There are two characters who this is shown through. One is fairy Dan Yin who is in love with the God of War Chang Heng and is introduced as a spoiled bully but very quickly is shown being capable of fairness and ultimately gets developed into a character that you want to see gaining happiness.

The other character is Chang Heng himself who is secretly in love with Xiao Lanhua (who actually does have a crush on him bourne from gratefulness and a little hero-worship at the start of the story), but he ultimately loses his chance through inaction and silence that he abandons too late. But I want to make clear that he is not an unlikable character. In a different show he would have been the other lead. Just... not in this one.

Anyway, the two characters experience unrequited affection and though both go through stages of denial and unwillingness to abandon hope, neither do either one of them ever turns into something despicable - and when the time where they must choose between selfishness that would hurt the ones they love, and selflessness that would save them comes around both do the right thing.

Which is something I found refreshing and a relief.

And this show has so many relationships that get fully developed and explored. Not simply between the main couple and those around them. But between the secondary characters themselves. Other than the relationships I've already mentioned, other ones that have their chance in the sun are Xiao Lanhua and Dan Yin, Dan Yin and Jie Li, Dongfang Qingcang and Chang Heng, Xun Feng and Xiao Lanhua. And more besides.

And then there's the villain of the story who is both monstrous and utterly unforgivable and yet also has a very sad story and motivations for what they do. I can't really say anything more though.

Basically I just really recommend this show to fans of fantasy and people with a weakness for a very compelling, well developed love story.

For those interested, the first five episodes are available to be watched free on the official streaming site here (at which point you can decide if it's worth subscribing for a single month to finish watching).

I think it's also going to be available on Netflix on September 18, 2022 update: September 9, 2022.

That's of course for the... official sites. There are of course other options available 🏴‍☠️.

P.S. I finished the entire show with all its 36 episodes in three days (despite it being my first time watching a live action Chinese TV series) am now going into withdrawal. Seriously, this show is SO GOOD, I PROMISE.

P.P.S. It's got a happy ending. I will not tell you anything other than that. But yes, it's got a happy ending.

#love between fairy and devil #xiao lanhua #xiao lan hua #dongfang qingcang #xun feng #jie li #shang que #dan yin #chang heng #terapsina rambles #can lan jue #苍兰诀 #tv rec #tv recs #otp: in thousands of identical orchids i will find you in an instant #terapsina's lbfad rambles #moon orchid

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gav-san · 1 year

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I won't get around to this JJK story so I'll post my idea here. Totally a rip-off of some ideas from Twilight Poem but we're here for a good time, not making high art.

Twins, one born with celestial energy, and the other twin born without anything. The celestial twin is favored in the clan until in a terrible accident a cursed spirit manages to infiltrate their clan and steals her eyes, said to hold power beyond compare.

The celestial twin is turned on, and when she and her twin discover that they can utilize cursed spirit energy together, they send the other off to become a sorcerer and find the missing eyes.

The celestial twin is mistreated by the clan and secreted into a temple where no curse can harm a human but can gain strength.

The celestial twin meets a sorcerer named Sukuna, who becomes entranced by the divine power left in her body. He returns often and eventually manages to woo the girl, especially after she heard that her entire clan has tragically died in a terrible fire caused by a rogue curse.

He takes the celestial being in as his bride but makes her promise to never touch him, and to never trust anyone but him. His assistant, Urame, often advises the lady on how to attend to her Lord husband and tells her that the Lord Sukuna cannot touch her until he has 'prepared himself' for her.

Meanwhile, the sister returns to the Clan, having become a powerful sorcerer but discovers the terrible King of Curses, Ryomen Sukuna has destroyed her clan and stolen her sister in an attempt to gain immortality.

In a tomb, she discovers the secret manuscripts of Celestial Spirits, and how curses can use them to gain power. They may be killed to gain immense, godlike power, or if they fall in love, procreate and reach ascendance, they may ascend to the celestial realm and become gods.

The sister is able to reduce her spiritual power and sneak into Sukuna's temple, where she returns the eyes to her Celestial sister and tries to tell her the truth and get her to run away with her. But the sister is in love with her husband already, and so the sister forces her to take her eyes, telling her that her husband is a cursed spirit, killed their family, and is planning on killing her. This use of curse power gets the attention of Urame.

Urame has witnessed the interaction, but believing it better for Sukuna to kill the celestial being and take her power, decides to let her see Sukuna from afar. She witnesses him as he holds court with the other feudal lord, and realizes that he is indeed a monstrous cursed spirit and not just a sorcerer who could use them.

In despair, Urame leads her to Sukuna's throne room, where the bodies of countless are stacked to create Sukuna's throne. The Celestial Twin has a breakdown.

Knowing that she'll never escape, unable to live with herself causing the deaths of her family, and being unaware of Sukuna's true nature, she ends her life.

Her sister manages to take the body and burn it, so no other can use the power within. She also ends up unlocking immense power and helps contrive a plot to take down the King of Curses.

...

1,000 years later, two twins are born into a powerful clan. One is born with celestial energy, and the other twin is born without anything. They both work at their alma mater, Jujitsu High, only to stumble upon a young man who decided to eat a certain finger.

#sukuna x reader #sukuna x yn #sukuna #jjk sukuna #jjk #heien #romance #bittersweet #friends to lovers #reincarnation #celestialeyes #oc x sukuna #thirst

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incandescentlysomething · 11 days

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Lady of the Ashes: Chapter 12

House of the Dragon Season 1

Aemond x TargaryenOC

Chapter Word Count: 8792

She was his everything… For her…he would do anything.

From the moment of her birth, Aemond Targaryen swore himself to the protection of his niece Aelinor Velaryon. As the two grew up inseparable, they find themselves entangled in the Dance of Dragons, battling to stay together even as their families try to pull them apart.

A/N: This is the ending of book 1! Enjoy! Thanks for reading! Cross posted on A03

Let me know what you think!

Masterlist A03

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 P.1 P.2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 This story is now complete!

Aelinor was nearly mad with waiting by the time Aemond returned to her. The door to her chambers was locked from the outside, guarded by a guard who was unmoved for her pleas. With no means of seeking out answers herself, she was forced to sit in the window, watching the dust settle over the Dragonpit and praying to all the gods she could name that Aemond would come back to her. Her tears dried on her face, her throat sore from her sobbing.

The sun was dipping below the horizon when she heard voices outside her door, and then Aemond was pushing through. His hair was messy, a deep frown carved onto his face, but he looked no less worse for wear.

She began to cry anew, throwing herself across the room and into his arms. He barely caught her, her weight throwing both of them against the wall as she sobbed.

“I thought you were dead!” She beat a fist against his chest.

He wrapped his arms around her waist. “No, Lina. I am not dead. Rhaenys only sought to flee, and no one was harmed.”

Aelinor pulled back slightly. “It was Rhaenys, then. I saw Meleys take flight from the Dragonpit and I feared the worst.”

“Only smallfolk and a small number of guards were injured.” Aemond’s hand stroked down her arm, and yet she did not feel comforted. “She had escaped her chambers, we suspect with aid.

Her chambers. Because like Aelinor, the Princess Rhaenys had been confined to her chambers. A well-treated prisoner. A hostage who was served dessert and treated with courtesies. If Aelinor had gone with Aemond to the coronation, might she have been able to flee as well?

“It is done then?” She asked quietly. “Aegon?”

“Yes,” Aemond nodded, a flicker of pain crossing his face when he stepped away. “My brother wears the Conqueror’s crown, and is lord of the realm.”

For how much longer, Aelinor wondered. Rhaenys would surely head straight for Dragonstone, to alert Rhaenyra and Daemon. If they had not already begun to muster their forces, they would now. What would they think when they learned of what had happened? When they realized Aelinor was still a prisoner in the court of the usurper?

“You’ve grown pale,” Aemond whispered, reaching out to touch her arm.

“Is it any surprise?” She scoffed. “With all I have learned today?”

Aemond took her arm and led her toward the chaise, not releasing his touch until she was seated upon it. Then he took the seat opposite her, allowing her a few moments to collect herself.

“We left things very badly earlier,” Aelinor said. “Before…before you left.”

Gods, to think that only a few hours ago she had been angry at him. That she had internally cursed his family and their entire idiotic plot to steal the throne. That those might have been her last word to Aemond, that he might have died in the Dragonpit while she paced in her chambers cursing his name, it was almost too much to bear.

“You were angry,” Aemond’s tone was gentle, understanding. “I cannot blame you for that. Though I will confess, it was not how I hoped you would react.”

“How else should I have reacted?” Aelinor demanded. “I was dragged from my chambers in the dead of night, made aware of a plot to steal my mother’s birthright, and then informed that I am to be a hostage for peace negotiations in a war that your mother and grandfather have started! Have I missed anything?”

Aemond looked down at his feet. “No. Only that I wish you would not think yourself a hostage. You are my betrothed, Lina. We are to be married. Is there not some part of you that is happier for it?”

Aelinor leaned forward, taking his hands in hers. “Aemond, I was happier for it the moment the King announced it. There is no one in the world I would rather marry than you.”

“But?”

“But…” She sighed. “Our union was meant to bring about peace. Now it is being leveraged against me to prevent a war.”

“And if a war is prevented?” Aemond asked. “What then?”

“What do you expect?” Aelinor asked, voicing the thoughts that had filled her mind since she had been alone. “If your brother retains the throne and my mother relinquishes her claim, I have no doubt that your mother will break the betrothal and seek out a bride more to her liking. And if my mother chooses to fight for her crown, if she storms the Keep and lets Daemon cleave Aegon’s head from his shoulders, then they will kill you as well, no matter how I might protest.”

Aemond’s face grew cold. “You have given this a great deal of thought.”

“I wish to marry you, Aemond.” Aelinor squeezed his hands. “But I do not wish to see the world torn apart.”

Aemond stood suddenly, marching toward the window. “Do you think I want this war? Is that it?”

“No!” She exclaimed. “Why would you ever want that?”

But even as she said it, she found herself doubting her words. Could Aemond let go of his grudge against her brothers so easily? He had promised her, but that promise had been made when they believed they would have years to slowly bring their families together and reconcile their feelings. Now they were heading for a terrifying clash, one that provided the perfect opportunity to spew hatred against her brothers.

Aelinor buried her face in her hands. Nothing seemed to make sense anymore. She should have been happy. Everything had been so close to perfect, and now it was all ruined.

“What are we going to do, Aemond?” She whispered.

He did not respond.

There were not many options left open for Aelinor. If she tried to flee, to rejoin her family on Dragonstone, then she would most likely be either killed in the attempt or captured. Then she would be treated as a prisoner should be treated, cast into the dungeons somewhere with Jeyne. If she died, or if her family learned that she had been mistreated, there would be war.

But what was her other option? To remain at court and play the good little princess? If she stood at Aemond’s side as he supported his brother then she would be a traitor to her family. And she was many things, but she was not a liar. She could not swear false oaths and fake loyalty to a man who did not deserve his crown. What could Aemond do in all of this? He was loyal to his brother, and while she did not agree with it, she could understand it. After all, she had forgiven her brothers for their own cruelties against her, and she would have stood at Jace’s side against any who might have threatened his claim. Perhaps even against Aemond. So how could she expect him to do any differently?

And how long would she have to decide? Before Otto Hightower and Queen Alicent marched to her door and demanded that she bend the knee or face the consequences. What would she do then? What would Aemond do if she refused?

“I cannot swear to Aegon,” She said. “I cannot. It would kill me.”

“Then I will not ask you to.” His voice was hard.

“But what will you ask of me?” She asked. “Because I cannot remain locked in this room. People will demand answers.” Perhaps they would not. Perhaps there was no one left in King’s Landing who would question their new king on what prisoners he saw fit to keep.

“You shall not be confined, I will see to that.”

“How?” She demanded. “Talk to me, Aemond, please. You are all I have right now.” Her voice broke as she realized that it was true. There was no one else in this city that she could trust, no one who might look out for her or care about her wellbeing.

Aemond turned from the window, startling when he saw her near tears and rushing to her side. “Please, please don’t cry.”

“I don’t mean to!” She hated to be weak, to be so overcome that she could scarcely speak. But this was the most terrifying thing she had ever experienced in her life, and she could not see the way forward.

“You are my betrothed,” Aemond said. “ My Lina. I don’t care who you are sworn to, or if you bend the knee to my useless brother. You will have a place here. Always.”

“At your side.”

He nodded.

“In your brother’s court.”

His nod was more hesitant this time. “Yes.”

It was barely a solution. She could hardly go around proclaiming Aegon a usurper, and sooner or later someone at court would question her presence and the ambiguity of her loyalty. She would be declared a traitor by her mother’s supporters, and an enemy by Aegon’s. She would be parted from her family, from her brothers and Baela and Rhaena and the little ones, for an indeterminable amount of time .

But she would be with Aemond.

Would that be enough?

She reached out a hand, and Aemond did not hesitate before taking it. He dropped to his knees in front of the chaise, resting their hands in her lap. “You’ll stay?”

Did she have a choice? “I will stay with you, Aemond.” For better or for worse.

His face melted in relief, and he leaned up to capture her lips with his. For a brief moment Aelinor let her eyes flutter closed, let herself forget that the world was crumbling to pieces around them, that the dream she’d had of a perfect future with Aemond was being trampled in the chaos.

Aemond’s hand raised to trace her cheek, brushing softly against her nose. She pulled away slowly, regretting the loss of his touch as soon as she moved.

Aemond lifted their hands, pressing soft kisses to the back of her hands. She could feel the apology behind each touch of his lips. I’m sorry . I didn’t want it to be this way . I’ll protect you .

“So what now?” She tried to give him a small smile. “I suppose going for a ride with Darrax and Vhagar is out of the question.”

It was meant as a joke, but his face darkened.

“What is it?” She asked. “Is Darrax alright?” She cursed her selfishness, realizing that she had not even wondered after her dragon, if he might have been injured in Princess Rhaenys’ escape.

Aemond was shaking his head. “No, no, of course he is alright. I checked on all of the dragons before I returned. It was part of what delayed me.”

Of course it was. Because the Aemond she adored would never have let anything hurt their dragons. “Part of what delayed you?”

He looked down. “My mother — that is, the King has requested that I go as an envoy to Storm’s End.”

“But House Baratheon is sworn to my mother.” Aelinor breathed.

“Yes,” Aemond nodded. “I am to deliver an offer of alliance. Supposedly one that he will not be able to refuse.”

Aelinor could think of no offer that would justify breaking an oath. “What is it?”

“I do not know. I am just to deliver the missive.”

She was sure that her despair showed on her face. Not only was Aemond leaving, but he was walking into almost certain danger. If House Baratheon stayed true to their oath, then Aemond would be a servant of a usurper. They could detain, harm or even kill him. Perhaps turn him over to her mother.

But if Aemond was welcomed, then it meant that her mother had lost the support of a powerful house. And most troubling of all was that Aelinor did not know which outcome she was praying for.

“How long?” She asked weakly.

“Two days.” He said, squeezing her hands tightly. “I will leave on the morrow, and return in two days.”

Two days. Two days alone in this Keep, alone with her thoughts in a den of traitors and snakes.

“Aemond.” She was begging, though she did not know for what.

“I must, Lina.” He implored. “But I will return to you. I swear it.”

She pressed her eyes closed, taking a shaky breath. “You’ve never broken a promise to me.”

“And I never shall.”

Gods curse her for her stupidity, but she believed it. With all the faith and devotion she had held at five years old, Aelinor chose to believe him. She had no other choice.

“Then,” She forced a smile, trying to blink some tears from her eyes. “Let us have dinner together, so that we each have a good memory to tide us over until we see each other next.”

“In the library?” Aemond asked, lifting his hand to brush her tears away.

She shook her head. The library would remind her too strongly of her grandfather, and she did not know how much more sorrow she could bear. “The garden?”

“The garden.” He agreed, standing from the floor. “I shall order our dinner, and return to escort you in an hour. I must…I must change and speak to my mother first.”

Change because his clothes were still speckled with dust from the Dragonpit. Speak to his mother so that she might prepare him to serve as an envoy for Aegon. The world had truly gone mad.

But Aelinor nodded. “I shall await your return.”

He leaned down to kiss her again, looking like he wanted to say more. But whatever he saw in her eyes scared him into silence, and he turned and left.

************************************

Storm’s End was a miserable, damp, hellhole of a castle.

Aemond’s impression of their potential new allies was a bleak one, making him regret all the more that he had agreed to his grandfather’s request. Anyone could have gone to treat with Lord Borros, could have delivered the message that he held clasped in his hand. This was not worth being parted from Aelinor.

The two of them had taken dinner in the garden. Aemond had the servants move the table away from the balcony, knowing that Aelinor would not be cheered if she were looking out at the city and could see the damage to the Dragonpit. Instead they had eaten in one of the interior pavilions, attended by a small army of servants now that they did not have to keep their meeting a secret. He had tried his best to take her mind off things, but he knew that he had been unsuccessful. No amount of lemon cakes or roast chicken could distract her from the loss of her family. They had retired early, and he had left before the sun rose to reach Storm’s End.

And it would be a loss. Despite what Aemond had told her, he knew that peaceful resolution grew less likely by the day. His mother held some fondness for Princess Rhaenyra, but he could not see an outcome in which she, Prince Daemon, or their pack of bastards were allowed to live the rest of their lives in any comfort, if at all. No, he was not about to risk Aelinor’s safety to sue for peace between their families. Instead he would just have to do his best to ensure that she remained on the right side of things, protected by their betrothal.

But it was difficult to protect her when he was in Storm’s End.

The Storm Keep was not impressed when he compared it to the Red Keep. He’d heard the stories, of course, about how the castle had been destroyed by a thousand storms until finally it’s walls were built strong enough to withstand the gales and thrashing waves that rose up the cliff. And it was not the strength of Storm’s End that he doubted. It’s walls were thick, it’s foundation solid, but the entire thing seemed to be little more than a beautifully carved cave, no amount of tapestries or fur able to keep out the damp cold that permeated every inch of the castle.

He had not been greeted upon his arrival. Vhagar had attracted much attention when he set her down just outside the castle walls, but Lord Borros was not there to greet him. Instead he had been met by the two knights who now led him into the castle. It was a sign of disrespect that the brother of the King had not been greeted properly, but Aemond could understand it. Though his brother sat the throne, things would seem less certain elsewhere in the realm. If Lord Borros were smart he would be sure not to commit to either side without considering his moves wisely. That he had not been meant with iron and steel was an indication that there was hope in Aegon’s cause. The Baratheon’s were not so dedicated to their vows that they would kill him on sight.

Two heavy doors swung open, and Aemond stepped into yet another cavernous room. A small crowd had gathered around the throne at the far end, where a large man with a dark beard sat swathed in a cloak of fur. At his side stood four girls with equally dark locks, along with a small retinue of knights and other lords that Aemond did not recognize.

“Prince Aemond!” Lord Borros called. “To what do we owe this visit?”

Aemond supposed he needed no introduction, not when his eye — or lack thereof — made his identity so obvious. “Lord Borros, I come with a message from your King.”

He walked forward, the letter held in his hand.

“And how is your father?” Lord Borros asked, no hint of subtlety in his tone. “Well, I hope.”

“My father is dead,” Aemond announced, noting the titters it set off in the crowd. “I come in service to the one true King, Aegon Targaryen, Second of his name.”

Lord Borros tilted his head, his expression unreadable. “Your elder sister still lives, does she not?”

“I believe so.” Aemond stopped a few feet from the foot of the throne.

“And was she not sworn in as his heir?” Lord Borros asked. “Or am I misremembering.”

“My Lord Borros is very astute in his memory,” Aemond smirked. “But we must always do what is best for the realm, must we not?”

Lord Borros nodded.

Aemond held out the letter. “From the King, and my mother the Dowager Queen.”

There was an awkward pause, and then someone shuffled forward from the crowd. Aemond let the maester take the letter from his hand, watching the man climb to Lord Borros’ side before breaking the seal and reading aloud.

“I, Aegon Targaryen, Second of my Name, King of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men and Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, do invite House Baratheon to swear fealty to the Iron Throne and my ascension, as is willed by the gods and my father, King Viserys.”

They had made Aemond fly all the way to Storm’s End to deliver that ? Any knight could have delivered that message.

Still, the declaration seemed to alarm the room. People began to shift where they stood, some eyeing him nervously. He was either the brother of a king or a usurper, but he had nonetheless brought this matter to their doorstep.

“In addition,” the Maester continued, “As an act of good faith, I, King Aegon the second, with the support of the Dowager Queen Alicent Hightower, to propose a formal alliance be struck between our houses.”

Aemond schooled his features so that none of his confusion showed on his face. A formal alliance? His niece and nephew were still far too young to be wed, though he supposed a betrothal might be enough ‘good faith’ to secure Lord Borros’ support.

“With the consent of Lord Borros, we would seek the betrothal between his eldest unmarried daughter, or whichever daughter he sees fit—”

Something wasn’t right. Aemond started to step forward, but the maester beat him to it.

“And my brother, Prince Aemond Targaryen.”

One of the girls next to the throne let out a shocked gasp. Aemond glared at them, realizing that these were Lord Borros’ daughters. They were pretty enough, he supposed, but it did not matter. He was already betrothed to Aelinor, and no Baratheon could hold a candle to her.

“Well then, boy,” Lord Borros seemed to puff up in his chest. “You bring us an offer of marriage.”

Aemond opened his mouth, ready to dispute their claim. His blood seemed to boil as he realized what his family had done. They had sent him as an emissary to make their offer seem more legitimate, all but forcing him into a position in which he had to feign disloyalty to Aelinor in order to support his brother.

There was no way that any of his family expected him to go through with this plan. He was betrothed to Aelinor, and that had been his father’s dying wish, or close to it. It was not a betrothal that could be broken, nor was it one that he had any intention on breaking.

But this situation required a delicate touch.

“Does House Baratheon require bribery to ensure their loyalty?” He asked, trying to force some levity into his tone.

Lord Borros let out a single, hearty guffaw. “Hardly bribery when it is freely given. As it is, my House is so overcome with loyalty that we could never refuse such an offer from the Crown.”

Because who would? Aemond glanced at his daughters again, wondering which of them was the eldest. He would not marry any of them, and from the frightened looks they were casting his way, they did not wish to marry him either. They were no different from the ladies of King’s Landing who trembled any time he cast his eye over them.

“Is this it then, boy?” Lord Borros demanded. “If we pledge allegiance to your brother, swear to him as the King, then you shall marry one of my daughters.”

No . Aemond thought. I shall never marry anyone who is not Lina.

But what was the harm in lying? Once his brother’s claim was secured, they could break the engagement without consequence. If any rebellion had already been suppressed, if Princess Rhaenyra and her family had already submitted, House Baratheon would be forced to set aside their discontentment. Yes, this would work. As soon as Aemond returned to King’s Landing, he would take his mother aside and tell her his plan. They would hold to this false betrothal until such time that they no longer needed House Baratheon, and then they would break it and he would be free to marry Aelinor. Perhaps they would even find some wealthy lord to marry one of the Baratheon girls, as a show of good faith. His mother had likely already thought of this plan, and would support him when the time came.

So Aemond gave a sharp bow of his head. “I shall do as the King wills.”

Lord Borros smiled. “Very well then. To the King!”

*************************************

As forlorn as Aelinor felt without Aemond, she was determined to make a good showing at court. If what Aemond said was true and she was not a prisoner, then she needed to act as a guest. She would not remain in her chamber sulking and hiding as the Hightowers schemed against her family. No, she would not allow them that privacy. If they could move freely through the castle, then so could she.

Still, it took her until nearly midday to work up the courage and prepare herself to leave her rooms. Dressing herself without Jeyne was not a struggle, but she was not skilled enough to manage her hair, so she settled on a simple braid with her dragon hair pin at the crown of her head. Her dress was a plain gown in sleek black velvet, the long sleeves decorated at the elbow by thin silver bands. A mourning gown, for the death of her grandfather, with just enough ornamentation to show her standing.

She was a princess of House Targaryen. The daughter of the rightful queen. And she would not be made to hide.

The guards stood to attention when she opened her door, twin looks of confusion on their faces.

“Princess?”

Aelinor clasped her hands in front of her, the picture of a proper princess. “I am going for a walk. I assume you both will be accompanying me?”

“We…have been told to escort you, Princess.”

They had been told to keep an eye on her, more likely, but she didn’t care. They wouldn’t stop her, and that was what mattered.

She started down the hallway, keeping a brisk but casual pace that kept the guards following just a few steps behind her. The corridors were empty, an uneasy quiet filling the halls as she realized that far too many of the rooms she passed were vacant. Where had their occupants gone? Fled in the chaos? Imprisoned? Or worse?

The thought was one that could have sent her spiraling, so Aelinor once again focused on her goals. She must get her bearings and try to understand what was happening at court. She could not be useful to anyone, not even herself, if she was clueless as to what was going on. As she walked, her second goal would be to find someone who could help her find Jeyne. Not only was it not appropriate for her to not have a chaperone or a maid, but Aelinor did not like to think of any member of her household being treated unkindly. She had hope that Jeyne had simply been reassigned, perhaps told to work in the kitchens until she could be returned to Aelinor’s service. Whatever the answer might be, Aelinor would find it.

As she approached the center of the Keep and the main gathering halls, she slowly found herself surrounded by more and more nobles. They huddled in small groups, many of them with shoulders hunched or red rimmed eyes. Too many of them were wearing mourning black, and more than a few wore Hightower green. All of them turned to look as she passed, with only a few remembering to bow in greeting.

Aelinor did not pretend with niceties as she had when she first arrived, and did not grace them with so much as a nod. They did not deserve it. The frequency of the color green, and the fact that these people were still alive, all but confirmed that they had declared for Aegon. And Aelinor would not treat with oathbreakers.

“Princess.” A voice said from behind her, and she watched as expressions of alarm spread through the crowd.

She turned slowly, keeping a mask of indifference on her face. “Lord Larys.”

The lord in question stood behind her, wearing a black doublet with a dark green undershirt, pinned in place with a small bee-shaped broach. His cane was clasped in both hands, and that same unnerving smile was painted on his face.

“I admit, Princess, I did not expect to see you today.”

“No?” She kept her tone light. “I thought to take a walk. I found my chambers rather…confining.”

“I’m sure,” He hummed, his gaze scanning her from head to toe. “I’m sure you are lonely with Prince Aemond being gone. Perhaps I might offer my company?”

She would rather die. “That is not necessary nor suitable, Lord Larys.” She said quickly. “I would sooner keep company with the ladies of the court, though I do not see as many familiar faces as I would have expected.”

“As you can imagine, recent events have been divisive.” Lord Larys smiled.

“Evidently.” She wanted to turn and walk away, yet she knew that Lord Larys had the ear of the Queen, and as such likely had many of the answers she sought.

A guard walked up to Lord Larys, leaning down to speak in a low tone. “Lord Larys, you are needed in the dungeons.”

“The dungeons?” Aelinor said sharply. “I should not think the dungeons would require the attentions of a lord of your standing.” She spoke loudly, her words setting off an uncomfortable murmur in the gather nobles.

“As it is, we find our cells rather crowded at the moment.” Lord Larys said. “I must excuse myself.”

“You are not excused, Lord Larys.” Aelinor declared. She was a princess, after all, and it would be a grave insult for him to turn his back on her. She saw a muscle tick in Lord Larys’ jaw, and his tongue darted out to lick the corner of his lips.

“I am looking for my maid,” She said. “Her name is Jeyne and I understand she was detained the night of the King’s death. I want her returned to me.”

Lord Larys clicked his tongue. “Then I am afraid I must disappoint you, Princess.”

“I am prepared to go to the Queen,” Aelinor said. “She would not deny me my maid.”

“Oh, I have no doubt that she would not deny you a maid,” He tilted his head. “But alas, your maid, and all that remained of the Princess Rhaenyra’s household, have already been executed as suspected spies.”

A deathly silence fell over the hall.

“Executed?” Aelinor breathed, her chest feeling too tight. “When?”

“Yesterday evening, Princess, on the orders of the Hand.” Lord Larys bowed. “Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

This time she did not protest, letting him walk away and leave her in her barely concealed grief.

Yesterday .

While she had been dining with Aemond, worrying over how she was going to miss him and how she would survive the confines of this new court, Otto Hightower had ordered that Jeyne be murdered. Who else? She was ashamed to realize that she did not know the names of the grooms who had remained to care for Darrax, or the tailor and stewards who had remained to help her get settled, before returning to their own families on Dragonstone in the coming weeks. They would never get the chance to return now. Was it her fault? Instead of eating dinner in the gardens and wallowing in her own grief, she should have been demanding their safe return, fighting for them. That was her duty, and she had failed them.

People were dead, and she hadn’t been able to stop it.

And she had a terrible feeling that this was only the beginning.

************************************

Lucerys Velaryon was here.

This complicated things. The boy was soaked to the bone, but kept from shivering as he walked into the hall. Aemond held back, just out of view of his nephew.

After delivering his message, Aemond had been offered a meal, which decorum had forced him to take. He had been preparing to leave, unwilling to spend anymore time away from Aelinor, when word came that Vermax had landed in the courtyard.

Lucerys’ eyes were scanning the crowd, unease clouding his features. No doubt he had seen Vhagar outside the castle, and he would be looking for Aemond to be somewhere within these halls.

“Lord Borros,” Lucerys announced, his voice impressively powerful. “I bring a message from my mother, The Queen.”

Lord Borros let out a huff of amusement. “Yet earlier this day I received an envoy from the King. Which is it, King or Queen? The House of the Dragon does not seem to know who rules it.”

Aemond stepped forward, a smirk pulling at his lips when Lucerys’ eyes widened. The bastard had not expected to be beaten in this game of diplomacy, and Aemond wondered whether the boy had the mettle needed to best him.

But Lord Borros’ words were not to be borne. How dare he question the House of the Dragon? It was for exactly that reason that this uncertainty must be squashed as quickly as possible, lest the power of their House be questioned.

Lucerys handed over his missive, and the maester hurried forward to read it. Aemond smirked as Lord Borros scoffed.

“Remind me of my father’s oath?” He shook his head. “King Aegon at least came with an offer: my swords and banners for a marriage pact. If I do as your mother bids, which of my daughters will you marry, boy?”

Lucerys swallowed. “My lord, I am not free to marry. And I am already betrothed.”

“So you come with empty hands?”

“King Aegon is already married,” Lucerys said. “Does he claim to set aside his wife for your daughters?”

Aemond saw what he was trying to do, attempting to sow distrust into their brand new alliance. It was smart, something that Aemond himself would have tried to do.

“The offer is from his brother and envoy, Prince Aemond.” Lord Borros gestured to where Aemond waited. “So you come empty handed, boy.”

Lucerys turned to look at Aemond, confusion coloring his face. Aemond kept his expression neutral.

“This cannot be, My Lord,” Lucerys said hesitantly. “For I know Prince Aemond to be betrothed to my sister, Aelinor Velaryon. Unless…he has broken this engagement?”

Aemond heard the question he did not speak. Where is my sister?

The irritating thing was that Lucerys was right. Aemond could never cast Aelinor aside, but for the sake of his family, he must pretend that he was willing to do so.

So he squared his shoulders and said, “Princess Aelinor is the daughter of a traitor. I do as my King wills.”

Lucerys shook his head incredulously. “Then you are an oathbreaker, and as unworthy of my sister as you ever were.”

He turned back to Lord Borros, offering a polite bow. “I shall take your response to the Queen, my Lord.”

Unworthy .

You are unworthy of my sister .

“Wait, my Lord Strong,” Aemond stepped forward. “Did you really think you could fly about the realm trying to steal my brother’s throne at no cost.”

Lucerys tensed. “I will not fight you. I come as a messenger, not as a warrior.”

“A fight would be little challenge,” Aemond said, anger simmering in his blood. “No, I want you to put out your eye.”

There were gasps from those gathered in the hall.

“As payment for mine,” He continued, relishing in how Lucerys backed away. “One will serve. I will not blind you. I plan to make a gift of it to my mother.”

“No!” Lucerys shouted.

“Then you are craven as well as traitor.” Aemond ripped off his eye patch, letting the bastard see exactly what he had lived with. “Perhaps I should hold your hand in the fire, as you once did to your sister.”

“Do not speak of my sister!” Lucerys stepped forward with surprising boldness. “You who have never deserved her loyalty, nor her love. Where is she? Is she a prisoner in your Keep? Have you killed her already to make room for your new bride?”

“Give me your eye!” Aemond roared.

“I shall give you nothing!” Lucerys shouted. “I come as an envoy. But know this, Usurper, if Aelinor has come to any harm by your hand, you shall not know peace.”

“Who shall bring that vengeance, bastard?” Aemond seethed. “You? Your brother? You are no match for me.”

“Where is my sister?” Lucerys demanded.

“Your eye!” Aemond reached for his sword.

“Not in my hall!” Lord Borros ordered. “Someone escort Lucerys Velaryon back to his dragon. I’ll not have bloodshed beneath my roof.”

Lucerys cast one last glare Aemond’s way, before following the guards out of the hall.

Aemond’s chest heaved, his blood boiling with rage. Who was Lucerys to question his love for Aelinor? To suggest that he had hurt her? She stayed in the Red Keep for her own safety, and no matter that his family considered her a hostage, she was still his betrothed.

But that bastard conspired to take his brother’s throne, to take Aelinor away from him.

No, Aemond would not make it that easy for him.

And he followed Lucerys out of the hall.

**************************************

Aelinor was surprised when the guards allowed her to visit Helaena’s chambers. The Queen’s chambers, as they called it, because her husband was now King. It was nearly laughable. When the door was opened and Aelinor saw her aunt sitting on the chaise, a hoop of needlework in her lap and a vacant expression on her face as she watched her children play on the ground, she thought that she had never seen anyone less queen-like than Helaena.

And it was not a slight against her aunt, or at least, she did not think it was. Helaena was a gentle soul, ill-suited for Aegon and the politics of court. She wondered if her aunt had had any idea of the plot to steal her mother’s throne, or if Helaena was just an unwitting passenger in the scheme.

“Aelinor,” Helaena did not look away from her children. “You’re here.”

“I am,” Aelinor looked over her shoulder, waiting until the guards had closed the door behind her. “I am shocked that they will leave me in your company, considering we are apparently enemies.”

“Are we?” Helaena mused. “No one told me.”

“Nor me.” Aelinor went and sat next to her aunt. Leaning over, she studied the embroidery in the hoop. A tangled dark mess, with a single red thread knotted throughout. Not quite messy enough to be a mistake, and yet far too cluttered to be art. But her aunt had never held a particularly clear mind, and these were not easy times.

Jaehaerys and Jaehaera were playing with wooden blocks on the ground, seemingly unbothered by the tense atmosphere.

“They’re growing well,” Aelinor said. “They take after you.”

“Do they?” Helaena tilted her head. “I hope not.”

That hurt Aelinor’s heart, to think that her aunt might not see that she was a lovely person. She reached across to take Helaena’s hand, but her aunt flinched away. Aelinor tried not to let that sting, remembering how her aunt had never enjoyed being touched.

“I’m so scared, Helaena,” she whispered, knowing that she could trust her aunt to keep her secret. “I don’t know what to do.”

“What do you think you should do?” Helaena tore her gaze from the children, an unreadable expression in her eyes.

“I’ve no idea,” Aelinor sighed. “Aemond wants me to stay with him, and I do not wish to leave him, but how can I stay here? I…I cannot pretend to be something I’m not. I won’t.”

“Nor should you.” Helaena said. “You are more of your family than you know.”

It took her a moment to decode that statement. “Yes, I have often been told that I have all of my mother’s stubbornness. Perhaps that will serve me well here, give me the strength to stay true to what I know to be right.”

How did Helaena feel, knowing that Aelinor considered her husband to be a usurper? Did it bother her? Sometimes she thought that Helaena existed in a different world entirely, too distracted to be bothered by their family politics, so long as they never touched her.

“You are your father too.” Helaena’s voice was ice cold.

Aelinor froze. “What do you mean?”

“You will see, before the end.” Helaena sighed. “We all will.”

Aelinor was nothing like Prince Daemon. He was cruel, ruthless, the type of man who sowed chaos and blood everywhere he went. She could never be like that.

“You should go,” Helaena said suddenly.

“What?”

“You should go,” Helaena repeated. “It's for the best.”

“Oh, alright.” Aelinor stood, brushing out her skirt. “I’ll see you tomorrow, perhaps?”

Helaena shrugged, picking up her needle and thread. Aelinor took that as a dismissal, and Helaena started humming as she left the room. It was only when she was nearly back to her chambers that she recognized the tune Helana had been humming as one she had heard many years ago, a disturbing verse from her aunt’s lips.

“Blood and bars and iron. Blood and bars and iron.”

****************************

The sun was setting when someone began to pound on her door. She nearly froze in terror, remembering that night only a few days ago when the guards had come to take her away. Had they learned that she went to see Helaena? Had the hand finally ordered that she be thrown in the dungeons, or worse?

“Lina!” A frantic voice came from the other side. “Open the door!”

It was Aemond. She hurried to unlatch the door, and he tumbled inside.

Her first thought was that he looked unwell. His face was paler than normal, a slight tremble to his flesh, and his hair still is disarray as if he had come right from the Dragonpit.

“When did you return?” She asked, grasping his arms. “Was there….everything went alright?”

He didn’t respond. “Come, we must go.”

“Go?” She asked. “What do you mean?”

“Come.” He grabbed her hand, pulling her from the room. Her guards were gone from the hall, and she wondered if he had sent them away.

“Aemond, where are we going?” She asked. “What happened?”

He turned and pressed a finger to her lips. “I beg you, please, please stay quiet. We don’t have long before they realize I’m back.”

Did no one else know he was here? Why was he sneaking around? Aelinor had a million questions, but she did as he asked and refrained from speaking as he led her down the stairs and out into the courtyard. He peered through the door, and once he deemed the coast was clear they hurried toward where is white horse was secured to a pole.

“Where are we going?” Aelinor whispered. “I’m not dressed for—”

“There’s no time,” He insisted, spinning. With an easy motion he grasped her around the waist and lifted her into the front of the saddle, swinging up behind her.

“We can’t just— Her words died in her throat as he kicked the horse into a gallop and she had to grasp the saddle to stay seated. He wrapped one arm around her waist, the other holding the reins as the stallion thundered through the open gates and down into the city.

Aelinor was not dressed for a ride. She wore the same black down she had worn all day with a simple hair pin, and now her hair was fluttering around her face as her skirt exposed her lower legs. Though, she supposed there was no cause to be outraged. They did not pass any guards as they passed into the city, and then they moved so fast that the smallfolk they passed seemed little more than a blur.

Aemond’s hand kept an iron grip on her waist, and she let herself settle back even as unease crept through her. She was certain that she was not supposed to leave the Keep, which meant that Aemond was purposefully doing something forbidden. Why? And had he only just returned from Storm’s End? Surely he should have gone first to the King and to his mother, but instead he had come to her.

They rode for what felt like an hour before they began to climb the hill to the Dragonpit. Aelinor’s mouth dropped open as they passed mounts of crumbled stone, some of them still stained with blood. The broken bodies of the dead had already been cleared away. Aemond pulled his horse to a heel at what had once been the gates, jumping to the ground and pulling her down nearly as quickly.

“Aemond, what are we…”

“Prince Aemond,” One of the Dragonkeepers appeared. “He is ready.”

“Good.” Aemond tossed a small purse to the man, who slunk back into the shadows without a word.

“Did you just bribe him?” Aelinor demanded. “Aemond, what is happening?”

It was growing dark now, dark shadows cutting across his face. “You’re leaving.”

Her heart skipped a beat. “What?”

“You need to leave,” He repeated. “They have readied Darrax. If you leave now no one will be able to catch you before you make it to Dragonstone.”

She shook her head, even as hope fluttered in her veins. “What do you mean? Not two days ago you were insisting that I stay with you.”

“Things have changed,” He said. “Things are…I think things will get worse. I will not have you here when that happens.”

Understanding dawned on her. Lord Borros had not agreed to Aegon’s demands. This was fear, terror as he realized that his brother would not be able to keep the throne.

Aelinor should have been happy. She did not wish for Aegon’s campaign to be successful. But Aemond…he was clearly terrified.

“I shall go to my family,” She said quickly. “I shall speak for you. We shall have peace, Aemond, I know it.” Her mother was far more rational than the Hightowers, and she could sway Daemon into cooperation. There need not be bloodshed.

Aemond shook his head. “You…you need to go, before it’s too late.”

Aelinor realized that he thought he was saying goodbye to her, perhaps for ever. She could not believe that it was true, and yet she had to acknowledge that things seemed terribly uncertain.

She lifted her hands to cup his face, “Aemond.”

“Please,” His voice broke. “You must go. Before…”

Before? Before what?

“Aemond Targaryen,” She forced her voice to be strong. “This is not the end for us. I have loved you all my life, and I will see you again. I swear it.”

A strangled sound escaped his throat. One of his hands dug around in his tunic, removing a small velvet bag. With shaking hands, he held it out to her.

“What is this?” She asked, taking it from him.

He glanced around. “It…it’s for you. Please…”

She wasn’t sure if he was asking her to hurry, or what he might be asking. But she carefully undid the strings, turning the back over her palm.

A small pendant slid into her hand. It was difficult to see in the dim light, but when she lifted it she could see that it was a small blue gem set in gold, a spiderweb-thin gold chain hanging from it.

“Oh Aemond,” She gasped. “It’s beautiful. Is it…” She gasped loudly as she recognized the gem.

“My…it’s my sapphire!” She gasped. “Your eye?”

He swallowed. “When they cut it to fit my eye, I had them keep that piece. I had it made for you years ago, and I was just waiting to give it to you at the right moment. But now I…”

Now he did not think that there ever would be a right moment. No, Aelinor could not let that stand.

She lifted the pendant over her head, the chain long enough that the sapphire slipped under the front of her dress, coming to rest between her breasts. “Thank you, Aemond.”

But he was shaking his head. “I’m sorry.”

“We will have more time.” She promised, wrapping her arms around him. “Won’t we?”

He didn’t answer.

A familiar screech sounded from the Dragonpit, and she smiled as Darrax crawled forward. His dark scales glistened in the fading light, and he let out a soft coo when he saw her.

“Aemond?” She turned to him, still waiting on his answer.

He surged forward, pulling her tightly to his chest and kissing her with furious energy. Aelinor didn’t care that they were in public, that any of the dragon keepers might see them. She just melted into him, dimly aware of tears sliding down both of their faces. She could have stayed that way for an eternity, happily starved of oxygen if it meant that they need not be parted.

But Aemond pulled away, his hands tracing over her face. “You need to go. Please.”

She nodded shakily. “Alright, I’ll go.”

With more strength than she thought she had, she tore herself away. Darrax chirped when she grew near, dutifully dipping his shoulder for her to climb into the saddle. It was not easy in her gown, but she managed to settle herself and secure the straps around her thighs. Once she had the reins in her hand, she turned to look at Aemond.

“You’ll be alright, won’t you?” She asked.

Aemond gave a jerky nod. “Of course.”

“Good.” Her throat grew tight. “I’ll miss you.”

He pressed his eyes closed, nodding again. “I shall miss you as well.”

If she didn’t leave now, she wasn’t sure that she would ever find the strength. “Goodbye, Aemond.”

“Goodbye, Lina.” He stepped back, giving Darrax room to spread his wings.

Aelinor opened her mouth, the words catching in her throat. She took a deep breath. “Darrax, Soves! ”

With a loud screech, Darrax lunged forward, diving off the side of the hills. For a few terrifying moments she was in freefall, and then his wings caught the wind and carried them toward the sky.

*******************************

Dawn was breaking when she sighed Dragonstone. They had flown through the night, Darrax having to work twice as hard to avoid the harsh winds sweeping the coast. She suspected that they had missed the worst of the storm, yet her fingers were still frozen by the time she saw land.

Screams rose from the island as she circled low, aiming for the courtyard. Guards piled into the small space, narrowly avoiding being crushed by Darrax as they landed.

“State your purpose!” Someone yelled. Swords were drawn, reminding Aelinor that this was not a happy homecoming.

“I am Princess Aelinor Velaryon!” She shouted, dismounting as gracefully as she could. “Take me to the Queen!”

She had never thought that she would be so happy to see Dragonstone, but to see the halls filled with familiar faces, to know that she was not about to be arrested or murdered was enough to have her fighting back a grin.

She was escorted the the Great Hall, surprised to find it filled with people.

“Princess Aelinor Velaryon!” Someone announced.

Aelinor stepped forward, scanning the faces. Lord Corlys, Princess Rhaenys, Baela, Rhaena. No Jace or Luc. At the head of the table, her mother sat in a chair with Prince Daemon by her side.

Not forgetting the new order of things, Aelinor dipped into a curtsy. “Your Grace.”

“Come from King’s Landing?” Prince Daemon asked.

There was a heavy feeling in the air, one that made Aelinor wish to curl up into herself.

“Yes, I flew through the night.” Aelinor said, turning to Princess Rhaenys. “I was glad to hear of your escape, Princess.”

“And I am surprised to learn of yours,” Princess Rhaenys said.

“I had assistance.” Aelinor said, deciding not to betray that it was Aemond who had helped her.

Disliking the atmosphere, Aelinor stepped around the stone table, making her toward her mother.

“Mother?” Rhaenyra did not rise to greet her, her face pale and stricken.

Aelinor cast a glare at the crowd, and most of them averted her eyes. She knelt next to her mother’s chair. The gold crown on her head sat low on her brow, and there were salt marks down her cheeks.

With a start, Aelinor realized that she was no longer pregnant. “The babe?” She asked quietly, her voice breaking.

Rhaenyra shook her head. “No. She is gone.”

She. Aelinor had lost a sister.

She reached for her mother’s hand, and Rhaenyra took it, giving her daughter’s hand a squeeze. “I have missed you, Mother.”

Rhaenyra’s lips pressed together, as if she were trying for a smile and failing. Something was wrong.

Aelinor looked around, noting the absences from the table. “Where are Jace and Luc?”

“Jacaerys flies North,” her father said, “ To summon the banners to your mother’s cause.”

Jace was well-suited to diplomacy, and Aelinor had no doubt that he would do well. “And Luc?”

Rhaenyra made a broken sound, and Aelinor felt her stomach drop. “What is it?”

Prince Daemon’s fingers tightened over the hilt of his sword. “Prince Lucerys was sent as an envoy to Storm’s End.”

Aelinor was going to be sick.

“And word reached us before we fished his remains out of the sea.” Prince Daemon finished.

“No,” Aelinor breathed. “No, it cannot be.”

“Lucerys is dead,” Rhaenyra choked out. “Murdered.”

“Murdered.” Aelinor shook her head. “This is not possible.”

She rose shakily to her feat, feeling as though the world was falling out from under her.

“Don’t forget the most important part,” Prince Daemon leveled his gaze at Aelinor, and she knew what he was going to say even before he spoke. “His murderer, the one who they say hunted him through the halls and pursued him into a storm.”

“Please, no.” Aelinor begged.

“Your brother was killed by Aemond Targaryen.”

Aelinor’s world shattered.

#hotd #aemond targaryen #aemond fanfiction #fanfic #fanfiction #game of thrones #lady of the ashes #aemond one eye #house of the dragon #aemond x oc

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yudrein-aile · 19 days

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Meta: Emperors and Usurpers (1/?) - The Reign of Emperor Katchian la Orr

It is only fitting that in a story about an Empire whose imperial lineage has withstood a millennia, it comes to a disastrous end once a new Emperor not from that lineage takes the throne. In my opinion, the reason Turning is such an appealing novel, is in part the author’s narrative style. Kuyu is a master in mentioning small matters and bringing them to immense plot relevance much later, but never in a way that the reader feels overwhelmed or could not imagine this turn. It makes re reading this novel a genuine joy because you start to pick up narrative parallels and foreshadowing.

This writing style extends to the politics present in the novel as well, which leads me to my main point and topic of this meta post: Keilusa la Orr, even in the first time line, was preparing to leave Kishiar with all the tools necessary to seize the throne himself in case Katchian turned out to be a tyrant.

Or short, Keilusa wanted his brother to do a regicide.

To put this into context, we first have to look at why Keilusa might be preparing in such a way and for that, we have to go to a time much beyond Keilusa and Kishiar: Yuder’s execution.

At the time of Yuder’s execution, the Orr Empire was already deeply destabilized.

“You are a criminal who forgot your duties and responsibilities as the commander of the cavalry, and dared to conspire with an absurd claim that you acted for the sake of the world. You trespassed into the forbidden sanctuary, attempting to steal the World Sphere. Do you acknowledge your involvement in the assassination of Duke of Peletta nine years ago, the destruction of the Pearl Tower seven years ago, the Red Field Rebellion five years ago, and countless other incidents that cannot be enumerated? When the truth was revealed, you shamelessly attempted to flee by joining forces with other countries.” (Chapter 1)

The accusations leveled against Yuder are quite heavy, especially considering he really only did two of them. He did kill Kishiar, even if that was on Katchian’s orders as he feared Kishiar organizing a rebellion (Chapter 166), and Yuder attempted to steal the World Sphere, which we know is practically useless.

The point, however, are the other things Yuder is accused of, such as the destruction of Pearl Tower, the Red Field Rebellion, and collaboration with other countries. We’ll take those one by one.

Yuder had nothing to do with the destruction of Pearl Tower, even if he did think it was a “good riddance” (Chapter 34). Pearl Tower, however, was still the leading institution on magic on the continent (Chapter 26). Its destruction had to be a tremendous loss for the Orr Empire.

Similarly, the Red Field Rebellion appears to have been one of the biggest players attempting to kill Katchian during his reign (Chapter 630). At this point, the people were rallying against “the Emperor’s tyranny” (Chapter 630). Never mind that at the same time, the duchies were pressured by Katchian, so that they also didn’t particularly like him either. It has to be noted here that Yuder, once again, was the one stopping Marin’s first assassination attempt and it took knights sent by Katchian, the imperial army, and the Cavalry to take her down (630).

But why were the people rebelling against Katchian? To answer this question, we have to examine how Katchian (didn’t) care for the Empire and its people.

Yuder himself notes that Katchian was “the type who insisted on personally verifying everything. If put positively, he was cautious; negatively, overly suspicious. As he grew older, he began to doubt everything more and more, and in the end, he didn't even dare to deal closely with his overly powerful subordinates.” (107)

Katchian, ironically much like Yuder, decides to deal with everything himself. He doesn’t delegate, not because he necessarily considers himself to be the best at everything, which is Yuder’s issue, but because he doesn’t trust his subordinates. As the ruler of an Empire, Katchian’s unwillingness to rely on others, however, means that he makes decisions incredibly slowly and solutions are found similarly slowly. Acting on your own might result in quick solutions, yet the Emperor might assume you seek to betray him as you didn’t ask for permission.

Additionally, the Emperor is not shy in getting rid of anyone opposing him. After the poisoning event, Yuder recalls that speaking ill in front of the Emperor during the first disaster resulted in those people “secretly [being] killed by drinking the second poison that induced a burning throat.” (151) Katchian wanted such things to be handled in his absence, and the one to handle all kinds of assassination, more often than not, was Yuder. This went as far as Yuder calling himself “a tool of punishment when the Emperor suspected someone of treason.” (166)

It becomes evident that Katchian’s style of ruling appears focused on holding a few powerful people on a tight leash. He sends Yuder to kill Kishiar, forcing him to “Show me your worth, the reason I should keep the Cavalry around” (1031). Katchian relies on blackmail, on endlessly having people prove their loyalty to him, while at the same time using their actions to put “the final nail in the coffin” (815) if he desired to get rid of them.

Katchian’s entourage was filled with “many individuals who veiled their crooked ambitions as loyalty, intending to shake their own lords, and even the whole country. […] These types of individuals were loyal when their superiors followed the paths they desired. However, the moment things took a different turn, they would change their direction, claiming it was all for your sake, ready to tear your throat out.” (243) Thus it was no surprise that Katchian kept Yuder, as his most useful attack dog, on a short leash, and that Katchian, who “despised any potential threats, […] showed mercy to those who kept a low profile and collaborated.” (340)

Yuder continued to prove over and over again that he was loyal to the Emperor, yet Katchian did very little personally to repay Yuder for that. We know that Katchian did nothing to help elevate Yuder’s status in a meaningful way. Yuder was known as a “lowly commoner and an omega, treated as neither a proper man nor a woman” (999) and he was surrounded of rumors making him out to be a monster who would “cruelly use his power to kill people whenever he got angry”. (999)

At the same time, Katchian bequeathed Yuder with “with countless lands and treasures” (173), for which Yuder did not care. To outsiders, Katchian was honoring Yuder’s service in a way Yuder could not even complain about, while actually giving him very little of use. A perfect example of this is the black thornwood staff Yuder receives from Katchian.

“In fact, the item was of no use to an Awakener. Unlike mages, the Awakeners did not utilize magic power. Though it might have some use if already processed into a magic tool, in its pure magic stone form, it was merely a useless ornament. The black thornwood that held it was also not the commonly used white birch or the noble applewood favored by the Founding Emperor, but rather a wood that was prone to decay and weakness, and thus not often used in fine craftsmanship. Emperor Katchian must have known that the magic stone staff would not be of much use to Yuder. But if the Emperor had bestowed it as a symbol of the Commander of the Cavalry, such a point could not be dwelt upon.” (389)

Katchian also continuously “praised Yuder's abilities as the Empire's most valuable jewel in the presence of foreign envoys” (473), which rings hollow as Katchian praising himself for having such a useful servant.

When Yuder speaks up about the correlation between the disasters and the cracks, he is not believed by Katchian either, despite, essentially, providing at least a hint for the disasters striking the West and South, providing a starting point for researching counter measures.

It has to be noted that the other people also did not believe Yuder (Chapter 1), but the main point here, however, is that Katchian, despite Yuder’s loyalty, did not trust him.

To return to the topic of Katchian’s rule, it was to be noted that he enjoyed the lavish lifestyle of an Emperor.

“Seeing the simple yet elegant dishes made with seasonal ingredients, Yuder was reminded of the imperial cuisine he had experienced under Emperor Katchian. The food he had seen then had been uniformly large, flashy, and seasoned lavishly with expensive spices. Despite the increasing scarcity of ingredients due to ongoing climatic anomalies and disasters, Emperor Katchian had never cut corners. His extravagant imperial cuisine had quickly become symbolic of both him and the then Orr Empire.” (Chapter 471)

The people of the Orr Empire are suffering from “earthquakes, droughts, and all kinds of disasters […] and countless people dying” (301), but the Emperor throws lavish banquets and enjoys all the delicacies. It is easy to see why there were so many attempts to kill him. Yuder notes that even during banquets, where he might have been invited to as a guest, Yuder was most familiar with “the corner of the shade below the platform, where he could perfectly protect Emperor Katchian from any assassins that might suddenly barge in.” (999)

Even at the start of Katchian’s reign, years before the disasters happen, the situation is troubled. “All kinds of crimes, including human trafficking, raged out of control as illegal fighting arenas became popular among the dissolute nobles” (269). The one to deal with these issues is Yuder, though it is noted that Katchian gained “considerable fame” (269), although the novel does not elaborate whether that is because Katchian seized the assets of the nobles or because this actually helped the people. Considering what we see of his rule long-term, I would bet on the former.

Now the final question is, why did Katchian turn out this way?

If we look at Katchian’s origins, we’re faced with a child, who grew up, maybe not even in his biological father’s care, as a bastard forced to hide his identity, living not with his family’s riches, but in poverty (Chapter 630-632).

This only changes when the Diarca suddenly need a crown prince candidate. They want to establish themselves as the next imperial lineage. After succeeding to do so in the first timeline, they showed a “subtle sense of superiority […] [which] stirred considerable resentment” (148), but that doesn’t mean they actually wanted a competent emperor. For the longest time, people assumed that “Duke Diarca was the real Emperor” (166).

They want someone easily controlled and thus, most likely, also do not see the point in educating him properly. During the harvest festival, Yuder notes that “the person causing trouble around the Cavalry was Duke Diarca, even if it seemed outwardly to be the Crown Prince.” (121) While Katchian is Crown Prince, the Diarca hide many of their schemes behind his power, waiting for their chance to act. Duke Diarca at one point notes that he has more soldiers, that all the judges are paid off, he has firmly established their family as the most powerful in the Empire (Chapter 1019).

Naturally, Katchian is not content with simply being Diarca’s puppet emperor. Yuder recalls that in the “in his previous life, [Katchian] had never contradicted Diarca or acted alone until he became Emperor” (152), which implies that he was bidding his time.

While Katchian is Emperor, he is characterized as someone who cared about maintaining his position and is described as “sensitive to external recognition” (166). Yuder also notes that Katchian did pay “considerable attention to state affairs, and skillfully pacified and collaborated with the nobles. However, he was relentless if he ever suspected someone of coveting his position.” (166)

Considering all this, it paints the picture of an Emperor deeply concerned with the matters of the imperial court, while leaving little time and awareness for the Empire at large, thus resulting in the continued suffering of its citizens.

It is, however, no surprise that Katchian is so concerned with himself. Even as a prince, he was “compared to a splendid flower since his childhood for his exceptional beauty.” (121) His facial features are the only reason he ever became crown prince in the first place. They are, in a way, his only legitimacy as the crown prince selection was rigged and Keilusa’s original choice for an heir died (Chapter 169).

Duke Diarca also seeks to reaffirm this believe in Katchian as we see in this scene:

“Do you know who gave me this mirror?” “It was... I heard it was His Highness, Duke Diarca.” “Yes.” Katchian’s lips curled into a derisive smile, reflecting in the mirror. “He sent me this, telling me to reflect on my status every day.” (204)

It is thus also not surprising that Katchian “erased all traces of the entire imperial family” (347) so that not even a portrait of them could be found. It is not just that he perceived Kishiar as a threat, it gives Katchian more room to establish his own legitimacy.

Katchian early on develops a sever inferiority complex over his looks. We see this most severely in the aftermath of the assassination attempt.

“Though Katchian, the crown prince, had fully recovered from the physical wounds of the assassin's attack, his mental state had not improved at all. Every day, he lashed out and broke objects, as if his previously wicked laughter had been but an illusion. The primary cause of his madness was the unbearable scar on his face.” (303)

Katchian threatens his servants of several occasions, escalating even as far as injuring and killing them. To deal with his own mental state, he further takes drugs capable of functioning as pain killers for their “mood-enhancing effects” (205).

Of course we cannot talk about Katchian’s mental state without mentioning the Sage. The Sage’s doctrine that “the superior should punish and make [the weak] repent” (493) must have deeply appealed to Katchian. Yuder notes that “Katchian’s trust in the man had been deep at the time” (493) and that if Yuder had not connected him to the Star of Nagran, Katchian would’ve executed him. So in part, Katchian’s deteriorating mental state cannot be blamed just on himself, but also on the Sage, who manipulated him. The aftereffects of this severely impacted his relationship to Yuder as well, as he grew mistrustful of Yuder too (Chapter 136).

And now, the final nail in the coffin of Katchian’s rule: his foreign policy. While Katchian did not react appropriately to the disasters, he did try to help the West recover and initiate changes in the Empire. He poured “effort into commercial policies” (345) and began “trading with other countries much more actively for a while” (345). It is noted that this stands in direct opposition to Keilusa’s rule. It should also be pointed out here that Katchian participated in illegal trade, gaining the magic stone of the Cavalry Commander’s staff through such means (389).

Katchian’s foreign policy was protested against, but failed to achieve genuine results against his will. ‘Positively’, we have to say that Katchian at the very least did not let xenophobia stop him from trying to exploit foreign countries. Still, he feared that “envoys from other countries, including the South, might extract information about the Cavalry or the Awakener management system” (391) and thus remained wary of them and did not allow them to interact with Yuder. Had he allowed for a closer collaboration, he might have realized which Southern traders might be out to scam citizens of the empire.

However, the project failed as Katchian’s policy “didn’t bring about effective results without sufficient disaster recovery” (345). Naturally, the result was Yuder being sent out for assassinations once again.

It is, however, understandable while Katchian might try to trade with other countries, especially considering the growing influence of Nelarn. Katchian “was wary of Nelarn swallowing him up” (173), even if that never happened until Yuder died. To understand why Katchian was so scared of Nelarn, we have to take a brief look at King Ejian. Yuder describes that Ejain, upon meeting him for the first time “seemed less like a human named Ejain and more like 'the King of Nelarn' itself” (247). Few rulers managed to lead their nation well “amidst the tumultuous times.” (173)

Ejain, opposed to Katchian, fought his battle to even get the throne, his legitimacy was not an issue. He was well-admired as a king, “never committed any tyranny” (247), and even stabilized the Western countries (Chapter 277). As an Awakener too, Ejain personally was incredibly powerful. Under his rule, Nelarn grew into a power comparable to the Empire, willing to risk war with the Orr Empire (301).

Ejain going as far as sneaking somebody into the prison to break out a man convicted of high treason is nothing short than risking hostile retaliation, which means that Ejain was not only confident that Nelarn could withstand it, but also that Yuder would be worth it.

Thus Katchian’s Empire was falling apart while the neighboring country was thriving.

So where does that leave us? With a picture of a rather incompetent Emperor, who leads the Orr Empire down the path of ruin. While Katchian could have done nothing to foresee the disasters, he could have reacted more appropriately. His habit of executing everyone speaking out against him also did not help. Considering that he showed the tendencies that would later characterize his rule already early, it is no surprise that Keilusa, upon realizing his brother is healthy, started planning to give Kishiar the capability to keep Katchian in check or, if more drastic measures were required, get rid of him altogether.

#turning #katchian la orr #kishiar la orr #yuder aile #keilusa la orr #meta #why am i doing this to myself

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