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heaven-in-a-wild-flower · 6 months

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Jurdan Headcanon (Jude Duarte and Cardan Greenbriar)

I’ve also published this on ao3 if you’d rather read it there, here’s the link. I’m making this a full series (Cardan in the Mortal World).

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 2.5

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Previous Chapter (Chapter 6)

Chapter 7

Jude's POV

Yesterday, Vivi and Heather made a plan to go to the beach and insisted that we take Cardan and Oak as well. So, here goes.

Cardan's POV

This is a completely and utterly undignified method of travel. Vivienne, Heather (what an absurd mortal name), Oak, Jude and I are in this carriage-like contraption they call a Subaru. Heather is riding this metal monstrosity and Vivienne is assisting her with directions from a seer inside her mobile that calls itself Google Maps. However, the most undignified aspect is that Oak, Jude and I are sitting at the back and I cannot even sit next to my queen. Oak is holding some balm to protect one from the sun (Heather has instructed that all of us must administer it upon our skin to protect it), human skin is so fragile.

The carriage is full of sound from the front playing some ungodly screeching made by a group of humans who call themselves 'My Chemical Romance'. I cannot imagine how these three men were romanced by chemicals (I reckon it could be a love potion?), my romance is entirely natural. I can imagine if Jude were to hear this she would roll her eyes (she is extremely skilled at this due to all her practice, how proud I am of my wife's ocular dexterity) and say that no one would call it a natural romance to be forced into marriage by circumstance. The only respite is the cool air that I can only conclude is being created by ice pixies' breath who are being enslaved by this 'Subaru'.

"Might we please change this music? I can take no more of this." Both Jude and Heather give me appalled looks. I cannot imagine how they enjoy this. (My queen does enjoy torturing others, so this music must remind her of it). Vivienne merely laughs and changes the music with a turn of a knob.

"We were both young when I first saw you I close my eyes and the flashback starts...”

This music is strangely soothing and remarkably reminiscent of Jude and my meeting. I was neither in a balcony nor was it summer when I first met Jude but there were many parties when I would seek her out merely to see her (I couldn’t control my angst and idiocy and subjected her to many a taunt but perhaps that’s the beauty of our story). I certainly wanted her to be my princess but now, she is my queen. The mere thought makes my heart convulse like a chained beast. I look over at her. Her dark hair was pinned up expertly on her head. Her jade eyes met my gaze with a look even I (an expert in everything pertaining to Jude) could not interpret. She frowns and tilts her head and I cannot stand for her face to be frowning so I lean forward and kiss her cheek gently. I am pleased to see a blush upon her face immediately.

“Who is the composer of this marvellous music?” I enquire.

“Taylor Swift,” Vivienne answers. Huh, must certainly be a talented lady. Expert at swiftly tailoring clothes and creating music? I would like to bring her to Elfhame to sing for me nightly, although I am certain the mortals would object. Maybe love is making me soft, but I shall be merciful and allow this tailor to remain here in the mortal world so that they can have at least this one magical thing.

We finally reach the beach and I am surprised to see so many mortals here roasting themselves in the sun. They have however used their mortal ingenuity to create umbrellas to protect themselves from it. It is odd that they wear as little clothing as possible and then slather their exposed skin in balm to protect it, I will never understand mortals, I have given up in this futile endeavour.

Heather lays out our supplies, a mat for us to sit on, some books, tools for Oak to create monuments out of sand and towels to dry ourselves once we return from the water. Oak gets to work immediately, digging furiously at the sand. Heather and Vivienne apply the sun protection balm upon each other and now that I see them do it, I can see the appeal even though my skin certainly does not require it.

“Jude, my queen, would you like the sun protection balm?”

“Oh, yes, thank you.” She replies and takes it from my hand and quickly rubs it over her skin.

“My darling god, my sweet villain, I do not believe you are following the best technique. Might I show you?” She narrows her eyes. She is not a fan of criticism but I believe in this regard, I can change her mind. (If her soft sighs as I administered the balm were any indication, I did change her mind.)

However, competitive minx that she is, and not to be outdone, she declares that it is her turn. She quickly shoves me onto the mat and administers the balm upon my back. I do not know whether the balm is meant to soothe but I can guarantee that her hands were utterly soothing. She kisses my neck gently after she is done. I have always felt love to be a great battle. First, I fought against it in myself, then I fought for it to make Jude my queen. Now, however, perhaps I have won the battle, but love feels undemanding. I believed love was the battle fought to convince someone that it is worth it, that you are worth it. But love can be a kiss upon your neck after providing protection not needed.

Jude's POV

He looks peaceful and it is a gift I didn’t know I’d ever want but it makes me so indescribably happy, I could probably sing songs right now (I’m embarrassed by myself). I quickly pull my hands back and run to the ocean to cool my flaming face. Cardan follows and looks so adorable (I can’t believe I used that word) in his pineapple beach trunks that I simply have to tackle him into the water.

“I do not know if you are attempting to drown me or are showing affection, but I will accept either at your hand.”

“Oh, shut up and kiss me.”

“I would not dare to refuse you, but is it of concern that I can feel something latching onto my feet?”

“What the-” I quickly swim down and swat away the crab from his feet.

“Oh, my hero, what would I do without you to protect me from unnamed sea creatures?” Cardan says smirking lightly.

“Again, just shut up and kiss me.” He does.

Cardan's POV

Beaches are very exciting places. On one end, people are building royal palaces with the sand. On the other, there are people (including Jude and Heather) who are fighting with some people using a battle strategy Heather called ‘Beachball’ (It seems impossible that this strategy could injure anybody but I suppose with how fragile mortal bodies are, it is possible that this is one of their weaknesses). Jude is remarkable at this strategy and seems to be defeating all the others. I am enjoying the view, I love watching my queen in battle, when I am distracted by a beeping sound.

To our left (mine and Oak’s, whom I am watching over in case some mortal dares to attempt to abduct him), is a man with a metal contraption seeming to extract something from the sand.

He sees me watching and smiles, “Hey man, wanna join me in looking for some gold?” I must still exude an aura of royalty despite my pineapple-printed attire if he is offering me gold.

“I accept your offer.”

“That’s great, man! Let’s do this.” He offers his hand to me and I take it and stand up.

“How does this contraption function?”

“Ah! The Extra Powerful Metal Detector 2000 generates an electromagnetic field through a coil of wire. When this field encounters a metal object, such as gold, it induces a secondary magnetic field in the metal, disrupting the electromagnetic balance in the detector's coil. It’ll then beep and we’ll know we’ve found gold!” He explains enthusiastically, hands waving around madly nearly impaling me with the contraption. I understand very little of his explanation but I nod as I do when my treasurer is explaining the intricacies of our remaining riches and how he proposes to use them.

Suddenly, the machine begins to beep quite loudly.

“Man! I think we’ve got it!” Let’s start digging. I would not normally lower myself to the task of digging sand however his excitement must be infectious and I too take a shovel and dig alongside him. Our shovels both hit some metal and our eyes widen.

He quickly pulls it out with his hand and it is merely a can.

“How dare you trick me so! This contraption does not detect gold and I do not appreciate being deceived.”

“Aw, man! I’m sorry dude. The machine detects metal not always gold. But we’ll definitely find gold if we keep at it. Don’t be disappointed. I’m sure your girlfriend will love it if you gift her with a pretty ring, let’s keep looking, my man!” His explanation calms me down and I correct him that Jude is my wife but yes, she would probably appreciate a gold ring.

Jude's POV

Heather and I are pretty sweaty from that game of beachball but it was so much fun to destroy those cocky men who genuinely believed men are better than women at sports. I might’ve preferred stabbing them (I’ve pictured the full scene. I’d tell them “men are also better at spilling their intestines on the floor), but this was at least half as satisfying.

I expect Cardan to be sitting with Oak since Vivi is reading and has fallen asleep with her book on her face, but of course, he’s not there. I scan the beach and find him with some dude with a metal detector.

I go over to them and see that Cardan’s hands are covered in junk, bottle caps, pieces of jewellery and all manner of random metal pieces from the beach.

“Jude! My darling! I have tried to find you something precious from the beach but this task has been arduous and not satisfying in the least.” I laugh for a moment.

“It’s alright, come on, let’s go back.”

“Man! Looks like you already have something precious, no need to find any more, my man,” the guy says to Cardan, elbowing him and winking at him. Cardan looks surprised to have been suddenly attacked by this man but he relaxes and agrees.

While walking back to our spot, he looks concerned for a moment and says, “I hope you are not offended, my sweet villain, I did not mean for him to get such a wrong idea. I was merely looking for gold with him, I do not understand why he kept calling me his man. I am only your man and king, nobody else’s.”

I laugh so hard, I fall on the sand.

Cardan leans into my face and asks, “Are you alright, my queen?”

“Never change, Cardan. Never change.”

Tagging @jurdanhell @nee-naw-nee-naw-beepbeep

Let me know if anyone wants to be added to the tagging list (or removed).

#jurdan #jude duarte #cardan greenbriar #jude cardan #jurdan headcanons #jurdan hc #Cardan in the mortal world!#tcp #the cruel prince #tfota #the folk of the air

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heloisedaphnebrightmore · 1 year

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what are sone of your personal favourite romance books??? as in absolute favourite

No! No no no! You did not go there! You do realise this is a very biased list, right?! 😁 I don't mean biased because everyone has a different favourite, but because when we talk about romance as a genre, it means a different kind of book to everyone, still the genre is decided by publishers. Not only fantasy, contemporary, historical, and dark romance etc., but like one of my favourite romance books is not even romance! It's political fantasy with a romance subplot, still it belongs to romance, because for some unknown reason someone decided to market it like that.

Yes, Hot Keys, Bonnier Books ltd., I'm looking at you! 😅

Anyways, you asked, so you shall receive! 😁 Keep in mind, this is my personal opinion, they are not in order and my taste changes faster than you can blink, so I take no responsibility.

‘Heloise the book addict’ masterlist | Heloise’s map

Side note: I know I always add trigger warnings, but like I'm so damn tired, please check trigger warnings for yourselves this time here or here. I'm so sorry, but I honestly don't have the energy to go through them all.

So, let's begin;

The Folk of the Air series by Holly Black (The whole series which belongs to The Elfhame series by Holly Black, same world setting, different couple)

The Cruel Prince #1

The Lost Sisters #1.5

The Wicked King #2

The Queen of Nothing #3

How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories #3.5

In January 2023 comes out the companion duology of The Folk of the Air series, The Stolen Heir duology, with its first book, The Stolen Heir: A Novel of Elfhame which will then be part to The Elfhame series.

I am a complete and utter simp for Cardan. You can tell me how you didn't enjoy the book, how the romance was barely there or how it was too political. Nah, don't care. I love politics, I study business after all. I love fantasy, and it was fantasy and more. Romance? Wasn't there? We all have a different expectation when it comes to romance. I'm a character and romance focused reader and it was still simp-worthy for me. Everyone can judge for themselves, but I am a sucker for Cardan and Jude even if I'm still slightly mad at Jude. 😅 However, objectively speaking, it is a political fantasy and should not be marketed as fantasy romance, but because it is, it's now on my list.

Electric Idol by Katee Robert (Book #2 of Dark Olympus series. Kind of a stand-alone, but the books are somewhat linked.)

Other books in the Dark Olympus series include;

Book #0.5: Stone Heart [Medusa and Calypso]

Book #1: Neon Gods [Hades and Persephone]

Book #1.5: Hades and Hades [Hades and Persephone; a Patreon short story]

Book #2: Electric Idol [Eros and Psyche]

Book #2.5: Zeus and Hera; a Patreon short story

Book #3: Wicked Beauty [Achilles and Patroclus and Helen]

Book #4: Radiant Sin [Apollo and Cassandra]

Book #5: Cruel Seduction [Aphrodite and Hephaestus and Adonis and Pandora]

Book #6: Untitled [Charon and Orpheus and Eurydice]

Book #7: Untitled [Minotaur and Ariadne]

Book #8: Untitled [Poseidon and Icarus]

Book #9: Untitled [Hera and Zeus]

Book #10: Untitled [Hermes and ?]

The series is contracted for 7 books as of now but Katee said even if something happens, all 10 books that have been promised will be published. I might add, she said it because fans are going crazy over Zeus and Hera. I'd also like to add that once Zeus and Hera's story is out, you bet it will be on my list because I've been a sucker for those two since the very first book!

I'm a sucker for Eros and Psyche's relationship. He is a simp for him, but they start off along the lines of "I should hate you, but f*ck it, I can't" and I am here for it. It is very spicy, like the plot is pretty much just there in the background, but the characters themselves, the banter, the chemistry, the witty remarks make up for plot that's lacking a bit. Many people started this book off as "meh" only to come out simping. It'll make you swoon if you let it. 😅

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren (Stand-alone)

It was a funny, witty, enemies to lovers but also not, but also yes, with a lot of swoon-worthy moments. I love this book, it honestly makes my little heart swell. 😁 It's one of those little books that has a plot, but doesn't require you to use your brain much. Just a simple little read. I'm still mad about the conflict though, it made me quite pissed off. 😅

The Summer King Bundle by Jennifer L. Armentrout (Book #3.5-3.7 of A Wicked Trilogy, consists of 3 novellas: The Prince #3.5, The King #3.6 and The Queen #3.7)

Wicked #1

Torn #2

Brave #3

The Summer King Bundle: #3.5-3.7

The Prince #3.5

The King #3.6

The Queen #3.7

The Summer King bundle is basically a collection of 3 novellas that follow a different couple, though it is heavily connected to the series. I liked the Wicked Trilogy, it was a good read, but The Summer King Bundle stole my heart. Caden and Brighton are just so sweet together, they gave me cavities. It's full of drama, so not a sweet little paranormal fantasy romance, but I loved it.

A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas (The whole series except ACOFAS; I still can't get over that one scene, makes my stomach churn)

A Court of Thorns and Roses #1

A Court of Mist and Fury #2

A Court of Wings and Ruin #3

A Court of Frost and Starlight #3.5

A Court of Silver Flames #4

This whole series made me so immersed, I finished the books in 5 days. 5 days when I was hella busy. I was reading like a maniac and only so many books can do that to me. Although Azriel's book didn't come out yet, I'm such a simp, that SJM could literally write the worst book about him and that book would still be on this list.

And last, but not at all least, the person who introduced me to paranormal/fantasy romance books back when I was 14!

J.R. Ward (I'm a sucker for this woman's writing! I own almost all of her books, except 3. But no, it shouldn't be read under 16 😅)

Black Dagger Brotherhood series

Black Dagger Legacy series

Black Dagger Brotherhood Prison Camp series

The Lair of the Wolven series

Fallen Angels series

Though my absolute favourites are—

Lover Eternal (Black Dagger Brotherhood #2)

Lover at Last (Black Dagger Brotherhood 11)

Blood Vow (Black Dagger Legacy #2)

Blood Fury (Black Dagger Legacy #3)

She writes paranormal fantasy romance with male leads that make you swoon. She writes diverse characters, back stories, personalities and her whole writing is brilliant. I know I'm biased, but she is amazing! Each story is about a different couple, but the books are interconnected so they have to be read in a reading order which you can find here.

Well, that would be all for now. My brain is not functioning well. I hope you'll find something you like <3

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