#royal tour protest
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The Princess and her Bodyguard
Orc!Eddie Munson x Princess!female reader
Word Count: 2318
When the princess (reader) can't sleep, she calls on her orc bodyguard for some help.
Warning: 18+ unprotected sex, fingering, teasing, p in v, breeding kink, multiple orgasms,
Masterlist
The castle air was stuffy as I lay in the strange bed. Although it was a nice room it smelt of dust and general disuse. The bed was also not as luxurious as the one in my own palace, the lumps were starting to annoy me to no end. You would think that if you knew the royal princess was coming for a visit, you would air out her rooms and find a suitable, non-lumpy, mattress for her to sleep on, but alas, not even the highest of the nobles had the best of the best.
Sighing in annoyance, I threw the blankets from my form and padded my way to the two double doors which marked the entrance to the rooms. Slowly I opened the creaky door and poked my head out. A small smile adorned my lips when I saw my guard standing next to the door.
“Eddie,” I whispered, catching his attention more than I already had with he opening of the door.
His tall form loomed over me as he craned his head down to look at me. The light of the torches turned his normally dull green skin into a more yellow hue. Most people would be scared of him, a tall broad orc, charged with guarding the princess, but not I. I had never thought of him as anything but attractive, much to the befuddlement and disgust of my closest friends and two younger sisters too whom I had told of my attraction.
I looked around the door quickly before grasping his larger hand in mine and pulling him into my room. He came with no protest other than a short grunt in what I could tell was amusement even if his face stayed as stoic as ever.
“Princess, you should be sleeping. It’s nearly the witching hour.” He spoke out as I continued to pull him towards my bed.
“But I can’t sleep, I may need tiring out,” I smirked.
“Ah, but don’t you recall us saying we were going to stop that? You are to be married to one of these noblemen or their sons by the end of this tour.” He spoke, ever the voice of reason.
“Oh screw letting me choose who I am forced to marry, I’d rather be with you.” I trailed my fingers lightly over the leather brace tied around his forearm. I pulled on the ties and tossed the brace to the floor. “Come on, just one more time,” I pleased, knowing full well that would not be the last time I asked.
He groaned as he continued to follow me, his large hands holding onto my hips as he eventually tossed me onto the bed gently. “You are my weakness, you know that?” He mused while he began to untie the many leather articles of protection.
I just laid back in my silk nightgown waiting for him to pounce and ravage me as he had so many times before. His tongue darted out over his lips and the two long tusks protruding from his bottom jaw, the left one adorned with a metal ring around the circumference.
I couldn’t help the giggle which left me when his large hands smoothed over my legs, pushing up the light cloth of my gown to my hips, tickling my skin. He then grasped my hips and pulled me to the edge of the bed, my legs dangled there before he knelt down and placed them over his shoulders.
“And I thought I was the eager one.” I chuckled, only for my words to catch in my throat when he leaned his face between my legs. A long sigh passed my lips as I felt him kiss the soft flesh of my inner thigh. My hands quickly knot themselves in his long hair which had been braided back away from his face. “Please,” I whimpered.
“Please what?” He asked. My body shivered at the feeling of his tusks rooting at my leg, drawing him ever nearer to where I wanted him.
“Please touch me, wanna feel your mouth on my cunt.” I bucked my hips up without thought.
He grinned and placed a hand over my abdomen, holding me still. “You still need to learn patience, Princess.”
“You have tried before, I will never learn,” I smirked, fingers pulling on his hair just slightly, eliciting a low groan.
“We shall see.” He pulled his head away and my fingers slipped from his hair, coming to rest on the hand he had set across me. With his other, he began to massage the delicate skin of my thighs, and there they met at the apex between them but never once did his fingers slip past the slit of my cunt and into the wetness.
My head flings back as I whimper. He felt so good but not as good as it would feel if he were touching me where I wanted. My body was vibrating as need and want grew with each simple push of his fingers.
Minutes felt like hours as his fingers continued to tease me. I could feel the wetness growing and I was sure that soon it would be seeping down my ass and onto the bed. I was a mess of whimpers and short pleas of need, Eddie simply ignored them all in favor of placing his whole hand over my pussy mound and rubbing circles. I could feel the faintest pressure on my clit and tears of frustration began to well up in my eyes.
“Please, please, touch me. I need you to touch me.” I begin to beg, not being able to take any more teasing.
“I am touching you.” He states, voice mocking.
“Need more. Please, Eddie.” I try and buck my hips only to be pushed back down.
“I don’t know if such an impatient princess needs more. I don’t think you deserve it.” His fingers leave my body and he's now looking up at me, grinning.
“I do deserve it, please. I’ll be good, I’ll be patient.”
“Are you sure?”
I nod desperately and breathe a sigh when his large middle finger slips over my slit and then pushes past, collecting wetness and pushing it to my slit. A moan leaves me as well, my body elated to be touched.
His finger rubs into the swollen nub, back and forth, back and forth. He started slowly at first then the movement became faster and faster. I couldn’t help but clench around nothing as he toyed with me.
“More.” I pleaded with him, trying hard not to let my hips move.
“Oh, you want more? Are you not content with what I’m giving you?” He hums. “Sounds to me like you need to be taught a lesson on being greedy.”
I cried out to him, back arching off the bed, “No please, I’m not trying to be greedy.”
“You aren’t? It sounds like you are.” His finger keeps flicking past my clit.
“Please, I’m begging you, just a little bit more, that’s all I need.” My own fingers gripped his arm tightly as I shook in his hold, so close to coming but not quite there.”
He shook his head as he sighed, relenting to my pleas. Moving his finger from my clit, he began to circle my entrance. My breathing stuck in my chest when I felt the digit push inside. It was long and thick around, stretching my walls out. I cried into the humid air of the room.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you.” My cunt squeezed him tightly as I whimpered.
The sounds of him thrusting into my wet pussy were loud. It sounded as though there was someone sloshing around a bucket of water. Eddie’s other hand moved from pinning my hips down to having his thumb circling my clit.
A long deep mewl flew from my lips at the stimulation. I was coming to the edge and he knew it if his unrelenting movements were something to go by.
“Don’t- Ah! Don’t stop. Gonna cum!” I cried, tears running down my face no longer from frustration but pleasure.
He began to move his finger and thumb at an almost unrelenting pace. I could barely make out the praises he spoke over the sounds of my own moaning.
“That’s it, Princess. Let it all go.” He coaxed.
It took only a few more thrusts into me and I was coming. A rapture of intense feelings came over me as I writhed, back arching even more, hip bucking wildly.
“You always look so pretty when you cum.” He coos up to me as he takes his fingers away, pushing them into his mouth to taste them. “Taste good too.”
I have no time to catch my breath before he is atop me, large green hands pushing my thighs together and back so the tops of them touch my stomach. His own thighs press snugly to my ass. I moaned at the feeling of his long hard cock resting against my cunt.
“Gonna give you what you really wanted now.” He grins, taking one of his hands and giving his cock a few rough tugs.
He gives no warning when he pushes my thighs back more, causing my lower back to lift off the bed, and placing his cock at the entrance to my wanting cunt. The head pushes in, taking my breath away at how big it is, and stretches me out even more than his finger had. My hand flies to my mouth to keep my loud sobs from being heard outside of my room.
Eddie pushes in slowly only to pull back and then push in again. He begins to fuck only his thick head into my cunt. The position he has me in gives me no leeway to movies I am stuck lamenting over how I can feel every excruciating bump and ridge of the first inch of his cock being constantly thrust into the tight rim of my cunt.
With each advance of his cock, wet arousal seeped from our junction. I could feel it as it slowly flowed down my round ass, to my back, then finally onto the sheets below soaking them. I was at a loss for words as he fucked me, his cock, like always, had reduced me to a needy, horny mess.
Moments later he stopped only fucking the head inside and began to plunge into me all the way. I bit my lip to keep from screaming out into the open air. I could practically feel him hitting my cervix, bruising my insides as he moved like a beast built for battle.
I loved every painfully pleasurable minute of it. My body eventually went ridged beneath him, and my skin became clammy as a sweat broke out all over. I was on the verge of another orgasm.
“God, I’m gonna fill you so full of my cum, have you nice and bred.” He begins to grunt.
I nod my head frantically. “ Yes, yes, please. Want it so- ah- bad!” His words made a flash of heat erupt through my body. Never had he mentioned breading before but now that he had said it, it was all I could think about and it was bringing me so so close to the precipice.
“How would you explain that to your father, the King? Hum? How will you explain all the little half-orcs running around when you’re supposed to be marrying one of these Noble lords?” His thrusts become wild and without rhythm. “Such a fucking whore aren’t you? Letting an orc fuck you over and over.”
I grunt and groan at his words, nodding my head along with him. “Don’t want them,” I speak breathlessly. “Only want you.”
Then, like the snapping of a rope, I am cumming again. My muscles seize up, and My cunt contracts and spasms around Eddie’s cock as he also cums. Greedily I take everything he gives me.
We both ride out our respective highs together before he leaves me, hands uncurling my aching body, massaging my skin where the joints ache.
My eyes are half closed, overcome with exhaustion, and now ready to sleep. I can feel Eddie climbing up my body, placing soft kisses along my naked frame before he nestles me into his chest.
“I’m sorry. I should not have let myself release inside of you.” He mummers into my now frizzy hair.
I shake my head. “Don’t worry about it.”
He moves some of my hair from my face and leans down for a short kiss. “I do have to worry about it. I am supposed to protect you, nothing good will come of you being with child, especially from me.”
“Then maybe we can run away together. I never wanted to rule in my father's place anyway. I’m more of an adventurer at heart.” I joked, eyes now fully closed, head resting on his chest.
He shakes his head and lowers it to the bed, resting.
“If I am pregnant, we can work that out when it comes to it. We don’t know for certain, and even if I am, there will be a few months before anything will show.”
It’s quiet for a long time, I assume he has just fallen asleep like I am about to but then his voice rings out next to me.
“Would you really run away from all of this? A life of luxury and safety for one of near poverty where we would be looked down upon? No one likes the thought of an orc and human together.”
“Yes,” I confess. “But only if it were with you.”
“Then it is decided. If you being to show, we will leave and never return.”
I hum in response.
"It seems you are now tired out." Eddie laughed and it is the last thing I hear before I am finally falling asleep.
#eddie munson#eddie munson x reader#eddie munson smut#joseph quinn#joseph quinn x reader#joseph quinn smut#stranger things x reader#stranger things smut#stranger things fic#female reader#orc!eddie#orc eddie munson
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K I N G S I D E, a tale of seven kings
first season 1514-1520. Claude and François finally get married, a vacant seat for Mary Tudor, Louise of Savoy's stubborness to keep her son in check. A new King arises, the New Order, François' quest for glory in Italy. Another crown, another campaign.
second season 1522-1530. The inheritance dispute that leads Bourbon to treason. The pursuit of the italian dream, Claude dies, all is lost in Pavia. Süleyman and the unthinkable alliance, captivity in Spain. The Ottoman fleet. Royal depression. The inheritance dispute that led Bourbon to treason. The ladies' peace, Henry VIII flinching, a price for two princes, a New wife for the King.
third season 1531-1537. Louise dies, tensions between François and Marguerite. The wedding of Catherine and Henri. The rise of Pisseleu, the battle at Court between Charles and Henri and their people. War between Diane and Montmorency. Placards and the anti-heterics frenzy, another war in Italy. Wedding and death of Madeleine.
fourth season 1539-1547. Mending tensions between France and Spain. A very stubborn niece. All eyes on Henri and Catherine's sterile womb. Death of Charles. The duel in Jarnac. The King is dead, long live. Diane de Poitier's absolute triumph over Anne de Pisseleu. The Guises make their move.
fifth season 1553-1559. Diane of France's not so typical royal wedding. Catherine giving birth to the twins, Chenonceau goes to Diane, the cordial hate between the two. Rohan VS Nemours. Montmorency mess and a remarriage for Diane of France. The death of Henri, everything falls down.
sixth season 1560-1564. François II barely hanging on, Catherine's almost giving up, Elisabeth married off, the Guise family's counterpower, Montemorency's political exile, the Amboise conspiracy, preparations for the grand tour.
seventh season 1565-1572. The end of the grand tour, encounter between the royal family and Elisabeth, queen of Spain. The rise of Charles IX, a new queen, Marie Touchet and her bastard boys. Catherine's plans to get a match for Marguerite. Rising tensions between Charles and Henri after Jarnac and Montcontour. Marguerite's nuptials amidst tensions and Coligny's attempted murder.
eighth season 1572-1575. Coligny and the Protestant leaders rallying the troops. The Saint Barthelemew Massacre and the promise of Marguerite to never forgive her family. Catherine finds out Anjou's possible involvement. A new king for Poland. Marguerite's toubled married life. Death of Charles IX. Henri's escape from Poland and slow return to France.
nineth season 1581-1584. Catherine's illusions shatter. New King, no heir. Marguerite returns to Paris. Louise shows some spine against the King's favorites. Quarelling with Anjou, tensions with Elizabethan England, Anjou's election and subsequent death and Catherine's anger. The Guise family veering off the road.
tenth season 1585-1589. The mounting war of the three Henris. All eyes on King Henri who has no sons, Catherine's political exile, the slow burning of the last Valois children. Hunting down Marguerite from stronghold to stronghold, ending with her house arrest in Usson. Assassination of the Guise brothers, the death of Catherine, Henri III breaks down in Diane's arms. Marguerite in exile, Diane the only "true" daughter of Catherine's, as she sets out to (successfully) pacify the kingdom on her own.
#historyedit#perioddramaedit#mine#*#*kingside#16th century#so yeah this took me a whole month instead of a good week#we love crappy laptops
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Jellyfish Grotto
Space Riders AU - @onyxonline
Eve Ewe - @lavendersartistry
This is a angst/wholesome fic for onyxonline's Space Riders AU! This is mainly centered on the headcanoned friendship between DogDay and my OC Eve Ewe! Please check Onyx out, their work is super cool!
IN MY LIL GOOBER BRAIN AND MY PARTICIPATION, THEY ARE FRIENDS YOUR HONOR-
Now onto the fic✨✨
The gardens of the palace seemed so silent since the last visit of schooling children touring the home of the soon-to-be queen. It was nice to have the planet still lively after the loss of their late royals from the war, despite the princesses going different paths to keep their home afloat.
Eve could only glance back at the throne room from the gardens, resting under the star wisteria as she quietly read. She couldn't get the memories from her head about the war. It felt like only yesterday that it was announced by the council that her coronation would be near.
If only she could have saved-
"Princess? Are you alright?"
Eve suddenly flinched at the sound of someone calling for her and quickly turned her head. She sighed, noticing it was only her friend DogDay.
"I'm alright. And please, we went over this. You can call me Eve or Evie, friends don't have to be formal."
The captain scratched the back of his head in embarrassment and sat next to the princess. To him, it felt like not too long ago when they first met each other. And befriending a princess, a almost queen, felt too much of a dream to the sunshine critter.
"I know, but I can't really help it. You're becoming big top while I'm just a captain. Besides, I don't think the council or your guard would like it if I just called you that."
Eve stifled a laugh and closed her book, leaning her back to the trunk of the tree.
Ever since she was 5, the council was harsh on her. From lady etiquette to lessons on all preparation for becoming queen of her planet, Eve never truly got to enjoy the life of a normal person. To meet friends, to find love.
Just being happy.
"Those old birds would have the stingrays after you if that happened. But don't worry about Bolt, he's just protective."
DogDay rolled his eyes yet smiled at his friend's enthusiasm. He looked up to the stars, suddenly frowning at the forcefield that clouded the clear sight of the twinkling lights.
He knew that it was necessary, after the war. And with the Prototype out creating chaos, it was definitely needed. But he couldn't shake away the feeling from when Bolt informed him about Eve's dream that one night.
It was a vision, a written destiny almost. And the sunny hound couldn't let that fate take away his friend.
"So what were you reading? Seemed a bit uneventful."
Eve looked back at her book and grazed her hand at the leather covering.
The book was about the biology of the planet's most docile creature: Astral Jellyfish. It was a favorite of Eve's and it was a pleasant memory to see a very large one for the first time.
"The astral jellyfish. You know, my favorite creature in all my planet?"
"You mean the one creature that stung me?"
Eve burst out laughing at his comment while DogDay lightly glared at her.
"It's not funny!"
"It's actually a little funny!"
DogDay huffed and crossed his arms in protest to her laughing but he couldn't help but let a little smile appear on his face to see her laugh and be happy for once.
Eve quickly calmed herself and smiled back.
"You should give them another try. Maybe this time, you won't startle it and it'll let you pet it."
The captain groaned again and stood up.
"How long will you remind me of that?"
"Till you're a veteran."
"Great..."
The hound was being sarcastic. As long as something made the princess smile despite the rough times, that was enough for him.
The two kept conversing in the silence in the gardens: talking about the crew's wacky moments during missions, meeting the mysterious "Angel", Eve's stressful schedules, and other things.
Unbeknownst to them, the astral jellyfish had already welcomed themselves in mindlessly. A few rested near Eve while others floated around DogDay and some pestered him.
Eve could only hold back a laugh as the captain tried shooing away the creatures.
"Still not a fan of them?"
"The day I pet them is when I let CatNap drive the ship for a mission."
#pineapple drink | writing#Space Riders AU - onyxonline au#smiling critters#smiling critters au#eve ewe - space riders au#dogday - space riders au#space riders au#JUST SOME GOOBERS#eve: it don't sting#dogday: YES IT DO#their dynamic when it comes to the lil things#but also: friendship#love them#also yes the rivalry between dogday and catnap are mentioned#love that part yes yes#i see dogday being the main one driving the ship but oh well#bet is on the table
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R Vil Schoenheit Beastly Garb Personal Story
"I completely regret thinking that!"
[Sunset Savanna – Sunset Villa]
Leona: Yaaaawn…
Vil: Good morning, Leona. You've taken your sweet time waking up. I've been waiting.
Leona: You've been waiting?
Vil: Are you still half-asleep? I'll have you do your job as our tour guide once more today.
Leona: Hah? Your guide? I already did enough of that yesterday.
Vil: Wow. You said you'd "provide quality hospitality," but was that it?
Leona: I even brought you to the specially reserved section of the Elephant Legacy hot spring… You saying there's more you want to do?
Vil: Of course. I came all this way to the Sunset Savanna and applied my UV protection perfectly.
Vil: …Well, if you'd like to take it all back, I don't mind.
Vil: However, in that case, I'll no longer be obligated to participate in Catch the Tail.
Leona: …Tch, fine. May I enquire as to what the great Vil Schoenheit-sama would like to see?
Vil: Oh, you would actually consider what I would like to do? If that's the case, then I would like to request a tour focused on beautification.
Leona: Beautification, huh… Then you should go to the beauty salon here at the hotel.
Leona: Their body treatments made from the plants found here in Sunset Savanna are pretty well known.
Vil: I see… I just looked it up, and it seems to have a wonderfully soothing effect on the skin as well.
Vil: Yesterday, I was running around outside all day, so I would love to focus on self-care today. I'll head there now.
Vil: Fufu, how is it? Do you not think my already beautiful self has gotten even more beautiful?
Leona: Yeah, yeah. Good for you.
Vil: I'm curious about the black soap that they used during the treatment. There wasn't much of a lather, and the scent wasn't too terrible.
Vil: The salon at the hotel didn't have any to provide me… Can it be bought anywhere?
Leona: So you want that black soap next. …There's a store I know. Follow me.
[Sunset Savanna – Sunrise City]
Leona: This beauty store here in the heart of Sunrise City deals with orders from the royal household.
Vil: Oho. This seems promising.
Vil: Skin care items made from plants grown in such a sunny region tend to be very invaluable, since they have a greater moisturizing effect.
Vil: In addition, there are many products that help in clearing the skin here… I wonder which one should I get. It's so difficult to decide.
Leona: Isn't this the black soap thing you were talking about earlier?
Leona: It's made of 100% natural plant products that are native to Sunset Savanna.
Leona: The black coloring seems to come from the ash of burned banana peels. Other ingredients include palm oil and cacao pods.
Vil: Bar soap like this usually gives a soft feel after washing. It's nice to use for delicate dry or sensitive skin.
Vil: I'm sure that I'll be exposed to a lot of UV rays during today's match, so… I should definitely purchase this soap.
Vil: These other skin care products are also all natural cosmetics. This country sincerely does put a lot of emphasis on nature.
Leona: ‘Cause they can't think of anything else to use. …There's other stores that have cosmetics you can take a look at. Once you finish paying, I'll take you to the next one.
Vil: …Despite all his protests, he's doing a pretty good job escorting me around to suit my likes.
Vil: Fufufu, it's not too terrible a feeling using Leona like this.
[Sunset Savanna – Market]
Leona: The stuff that's sold in the Raintree Market are mostly lower cost.
Leona: That store over there has merch made from wild plants like rooibos and baobab.
Vil: They have body lotion, oil, shower gel… Ah, and also lip balms.
Leona: In the next store over, they sell solidified resin. That's a natural fragrance that's been used here forever.
Vil: What an unusual shape. It smells smoky and spicy. And yet at the same time, it has a sweet aroma, like fruit.
Leona: If you want fragrances, they also sell a ton of essential oils.
Vil: I see resin perfumes, as well as herbal and citrus fragrances… There really are a plethora of different products.
Vil: There's much more variety here than I expected. I may run out of time if I try to examine them all.
Storekeep A: Hey, isn't that the top model Vil Schoenheit?
Storekeep B: You're right! I hear if he uses your product, sales just go through the roof!
Storekeep C: VIL-SAN! PLEASE TAKE THIS! THERE'S NO NEED TO PAY FOR IT!
Vil: W-Wait! I make it a point to not accept these kinds of things!
Vil: Leona, you say something too.
Leona: Hey, lucky you, you're so popular.
Leona: You should get the storekeepers to show you around now. I'm gonna head back to the hotel. See ya.
Vil: LEONA!!!
Vil: That man… He ran away as soon as it got troublesome! I completely regret thinking that he was even the slightest bit reliable!
[Pomefiore Dorm – Lounge]
Vil: …was something that occurred there.
Epel: Oh wow. I'm... a little surprised that Sunset Savanna had so much make-up for sale?
Rook: Sunset Savanna's beauty brings such joy and grace to everyone, yes.
Rook: Fufu, I'm so pleased that Vil was able to see just how wondrous that country is.
Vil: Ah, that's right. Since the two of you invited yourselves to my room like this, I'll give you a special gift.
Epel: I mean, we all got a souvenir from the Elephant Legacy hot springs earlier with everyone else in the dorm, though…
Vil: This is separate from that. I'll prepare it right away, so wait right there.
Rook: Merci, Vil! I cannot wait!
Epel: What does he mean he's going to prepare it…? Is it some kind of cosmetic he's making? What should I do if he starts a lecture on how to use it…?
Vil: Sorry to keep you waiting. Here you go, a specially-made smoothie from me made from fruits bought in Sunset Savanna.
Epel: …Eh, a smoothie?
Vil: In order to cultivate beauty, it is just as important as taking the right nutrition from the inside as well. That's why I bought an abundance of fresh fruit as well.
Vil: A vitamin-rich smoothie is not only good for a beauty regimen, but also for your health.
Vil: Enjoy.
Epel: Wow! Thank you very much! [gulp, gulp] …It's so good!
Rook: There's mango and papaya in this, I see. C'est bon!
Vil: As for the Catch the Tail match, it was a shame that I wasn't able to perform as I had hoped, but…
Vil: Other than that, I was able to refresh myself and have a bit of fun. From the perspective of a beauty-focused trip, I suppose it wasn't as bad as it could have been.
Requested by Anonymous.
#twisted wonderland#twst#vil schoenheit#leona kingscholar#epel felmier#rook hunt#twst vil#twst leona#twst epel#twst rook#twst translation#twst tamashina mina
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Tickle the cute nipples, brush those royal girly buttons for sure ~
but did you know the whole boob is a tickle zone?~~
Oh yes, I'm going to be soooo soo rude about this~
And I'm not just talking underboob tickles ~ although they are such a delight, slipping hands under there so walky walky fingers can explore the undercurve of each delightful bouncer~ working slowly outward to just teeease the areolas with fleeting affection~ gotta thoroughly inspect that undercarriage after all~ a supple blush brush works wonders on those curves too, especially if they're bouncy ~
Those sideboobs are gonna get it too ~ a gentle probing touch with an index and middle finger will find where it tickles ~ there's always hot spots there, like the underarms and ribs and nipples are triangulating to create a lovely little ticklish erogenous zone ~ and with a gentle prodding massage of the fingers, all those cute bashful giggles will tumble out~
The topboob tickles can be addressed a few different ways ~ it's lovely to leave them last, because they'll always think there's nowhere else those regal avocados can be tickled ~ and that's when we draw little circles around those tender top tatas~ but we can also start there, especially reaching into a top so perfectly exposed to show off that surprisingly ticklish skin, drawing along the curvature, threatening of tickles to come~ a feather in this zone will be so sweetly mean, drawing up the tickles and slipping between to get those lovely boobgap tickles ~
No matter the strategy though, it's sooo cute how the nipples will protest all these incursions around them ~ all those tickles creeping closer and closer but never crossing the line ~ sooo stiff and wanting, ready to be tickled and teased and taunted ~ and they'll be sooo perfect for some electrifying lickly tickles, just the tongue tip darting along each button ~ while those dancing mean fingers take a tour of alll those lovely tickly spots discovered on dolce & gabana ~
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Believe me don’t listen to that nonsense that Kate failed at her first tour. I am Canadian and I remember that tour, it was like rockstars landed everywhere they went. I even waved at the government plane as they flew to the next city- i live near the flight path of a major airport:).
I followed it too, and it was huge. The maple leaf hat! The sailor dress! The nude pumps and espadrille wedges! The cowboy pics!! She put Erdem on the map during that tour. (lol. I've hated Erdem since 2011)
Yes, there was a Marilyn moment and some protests, but that didn't make it a failure. She handled the protests pretty well. It was the tour that launched a thousand (okay, maybe several dozen) CopyKate blogs.
A lot of current royal fans weren't around in 2011 and don't remember how the monarchy was perceived before the Cambridges arrived. Charles' marriage to Camilla was still controversial. Diana's death was still felt. Angela Kelly hadn't perfected the Queen's style yet, and QEII looked a little dated and frumpy.
William and Kate's wedding was an institutional renewal, and the Canada tour reflected that. There isn't much on the internet from that period, but here's a good article describing the transformation. I also found the Kate in Canada documentary on Youtube!
youtube
youtube
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In the summer of 2020, [...] Black Lives Matter protesters tore a statue of 17th-century slave trader Edward Colston from its plinth in the centre of Bristol and rolled it into the harbour. [...] [C]ritics [...] argued that this type of direct action was “erasing history”. Britain’s prime minister at the time, Boris Johnson, claimed that to remove statues of figures like Colston from the public square was “to lie about our history”. Sir Trevor Phillips complained that Britain’s public history was being “erased entirely” [...]. Yet rather than lead us into an era of collective forgetting, the tearing down of Colston’s statue transported his name – and deeds – into the public consciousness.
This week, the renewed attention towards Colston bore fruit when the Guardian revealed that a historian, Brooke Newman, had unearthed a document showing that in 1689, Colston transferred £1,000 of shares in the Royal African Company (RAC) to none other than King William III. The exposure of the extent to which the monarch was financially intertwined with the slave trading company of which Colston was a director does not teach us less about history, it teaches us more.
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The activities of colonial companies like the RAC, which enjoyed a monopoly over the English trade in slaves from the west African coast, are often presented as distinct from the internal history of the British Isles.
Yes, there may have been the odd massacre performed in the service of British imperialism, but these were the actions of rogue merchants in distant tropical lands, operating far from the watchful eye of Westminster and the living embodiment of British sovereignty, the monarch. This makes it easy to delete the actions of the RAC from the national record: the 84,500 men, women and children who, during Colston’s time with the company, were taken by its ships from their homes in west Africa to suffer a life of slavery in the New World.
A quarter of them would not even survive the journey, so horrific were the conditions aboard Colston’s ships.
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Yet this separation between internal royal histories and external colonial histories has always been a [hidden] spot in our understanding of the past. Companies like the RAC needed to be granted a royal charter just to exist: they couldn’t be just registered and incorporated like companies today.
And furthermore, as the Guardian’s research has illustrated, there was often a cosy personal connection between the ruling kings and queens of this island and its slave-trading and colonial companies. This extended from James II acting as a governor of the Royal African Company to George II being a shareholder of the South Sea Company, which held the contract to supply enslaved Africans to the Spanish colonies in South America. [...]
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The new revelations arrive at a difficult time for the monarchy, with the coronation of a new king seeking to shore up the disruption caused by the passing of the long-reigning Elizabeth II. [...] Leading politicians in Australia and Jamaica, countries where the British monarchy traditionally enjoyed a great deal of public support, are now campaigning to follow in the footsteps of Barbados, [...] a step towards the Caribbean island “leaving our colonial past behind”. The rising unpopularity of the British monarchy in the once-reliable British West Indies was made evident by the protests that greeted [...] William and Kate, during their tour of the region last year. [...] The relationship between the British royal family and the former colonies isn’t just a question of symbolism or constitutional law. It is an entry point into a deep and bloody history [...]. It is a history that the lid has only just started to be lifted on.
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Text by: Kojo Koram. “Those who tore down Colston’s statue helped lead us to the truth about slavery and the monarchy.” The Guardian. 7 April 2023. [Bold emphasis and some paragraph breaks/contractions added by me.]
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The De Facto Queen Chapter One: Queen Without a Crown
Series: The De Facto Queen
Fandom: The Royal Romance
Pairings: Riley x Drake, Riley x Liam
Rating: Teen
Warnings for this chapter: Language
Word Count: 5,355
A/N: Extensive Author's Note
My other stuff: Master List.
Unity Tour, Day 2, Portavira
Riley handed the color-coded, tabbed, and thick as a copy of War and Peace dossier back to Madeleine, “I appreciate all the hard work you put into this, Madeleine. And since you’ve done such a thorough job, I trust you to fill me in on the most pertinent details so that I don’t have to wade through all of this.”
Things had been crazy since Drake had been released from the hospital. There had been a press conference announcing their engagement, wedding planners had practically taken up residence at the palace, and there had been an entire security detail assigned to Riley that had taken some getting used to. She wasn’t accustomed to having people follow her everywhere she went. She had protested that it certainly wasn’t necessary inside the palace but both Liam and Drake had overruled her.
She had wanted to move into Valtoria as soon as possible but again she’d been overruled by both men who insisted that the estate be fortified and locked down as securely as the palace itself prior to her taking up residence.
These two men were going to be the death of her.
Drake, though still recovering from a bullet wound, had thrown himself vigorously into building her security team, as well as the one for Valtoria and he was both meticulously exacting and excruciatingly detailed oriented.
Liam seemed determined to make her queen in all but name. Her security detail wasn’t being called a queen’s guard, but it followed the exact structure of one. She was privy to details no one outside of herself and Liam knew. She received the same daily intelligence briefings as the king. She was given security clearances and thrust headlong into ruling.
No one seem to question why Cordonia’s newest duchess, the one that had been a commoner and a foreigner mere months ago, was ruling by the king’s side. Why she, and not any of the Cordonian-born noblewomen, had been given the privileges and responsibilities of the crown.
No one but Riley herself.
She assumed, and Drake verified, that it was because Liam trusted her, and he needed a ruling partner. It was too great a job for one person alone, that was the whole reason for the marriage provision in the succession laws in the first place.
She wanted to help. Drake may have been the man she said yes to, but Liam still held a special place in her heart, and she would never be able to tell him no about anything again. Not after saying no to the biggest, most important thing he had ever asked of her and shattering his heart into a million pieces in the process.
The memory of that night still physically hurt whenever it pushed its way into her consciousness. Staying busy actually helped distract her from that, and from the fact that her fiancée had almost died when he had taken a bullet meant for her. Those first hours when she thought she might lose him had nearly destroyed her. If she sat still too long, the fact that the perpetrator was still out there somewhere started to eat away at her, gnawing at her sense of safety and threatening her very sanity.
So, she’d thrown herself headlong into the business of governing.
Preparations for the Five Kingdom’s Festival, planning the Unity Tour, and being brought up to speed on the investigation into the attack at the Homecoming Ball had kept her in seemingly endless meetings with Liam, The Royal Council, and the heads of the Cordonian Armed Forces.
All that was on top of scheduling engagement pictures, the engagement party, private fittings for a custom-made dress, picking out flowers, and cake…… thank god she had Hana and Max to run point on all things wedding related. Still, the final decisions rested in her hands.
Then the attack on the orchards had happened, thrusting her somehow into a public relations role. Her, of all people. She attended meetings in the situation room with Liam and Drake, conferred with the palace’s PR team, scoured intelligence briefings, and made public statements to the press, hoping that she had found the right words to calm and reassure the people. Even though she herself often felt far from calm or assured of anything.
But the most difficult thing she’d done by far was swallowing her pride and convincing Madeleine to work for her.
Now she was standing in front of a full-length mirror having a strategy meeting with the woman that had been the bane of her existence for the entirety of the engagement tour, while Max held up dresses for her approval and Hana picked out her accessories.
“This one is the Ebrim house colors!” Max enthused.
“You haven’t steered me wrong yet,” Riley took the dress out of his hands and tried it on.
She admired herself in the mirror. The floor-length purple dress was sparkly with a plunging neckline, putting her cleavage on prominent display. She twisted one way then the other checking out how the dress hugged her curves before nodding in approval, “This is the one!”
She was rewarded an hour later when she exited the dressing room and saw her future husband’s face light up.
Drake had been waiting for her in the private train car. He was standing in the hallway, leaning against the wall, phone in hand when he heard the door slide open. His eyes flicked from the phone screen to his fiancée, then back to the phone screen before jerking up to find her again. He fumbled the phone, barely keeping it in his grasp as his eyes raked greedily down her body, “Riley! Wow!”
“You like it?” She smiled as she spun to give him the full effect.
“Like it?” He pushed away from the wall and pocketed the phone so he could pull her into his arms, “That dress nearly killed me! Are you sure it’s not overkill for an informal dinner?”
“Oh honey, nothing involving crown business is ever really informal,” she told him as she tipped her head to the side to give him access to her neck.
He knew the drill. No mussing up the hair and makeup before a royal event. After, and sometimes even during if they could sneak away, all bets were off. But perfection was required for making a proper entrance.
There was no lipstick to smear on the side of her neck and he loved the way she shivered when he peppered it with kisses. Her low moan and the feel of her body trembling in his arms just pushed his anticipation for the end of the night higher.
“Fuck, baby,” he whispered in her ear, “you have no idea the torture you put me through…”
“Oh, I have some idea,” she told him with a teasing smile as she pulled away, “You look pretty good yourself, Walker.”
Drake shook his head with a laugh at the reference to the suit he was wearing. The button-down shirt wasn’t a far cry from his usual, just dressier than denim. The jacket and slacks were an upgrade, but he still refused to wear a tie.
She didn’t care what he wore. The denim was fine with her. He was the one determined to fit into a world he’d always hated.
For her.
She sighed as she ran a hand down his chest and thought, not for the first time, that maybe she should have declined Liam’s request for help with…well, everything.
But she wanted to help him. She wanted to be involved. She liked making a difference in the world. And as it turned out, she was good at it! She fit seamlessly into Liam’s world.
But where did that leave her husband to be, she wondered as she watched him fidget with the collar of his shirt. It was sweet that he was willing to push himself outside his comfort zone for her, but she didn’t like that he felt like he had to.
She reached up and undid the top button, “Let yourself breathe babe.”
“I just don’t want to do anything to embarrass you tonight.”
“You couldn’t if you tried. I love you. Now, come on before we’re late, Liam is probably already out front waiting on us.”
Liam was indeed standing next to the limo when they exited the train. His face went slack when he saw her, “Riley! You look amazing!”
“Thank you,” she felt her face color not at the compliment as much as the obvious effect she was having on her former lover. She shot a glance sideways at Drake to see if it upset him but he didn’t seem to notice.
Liam recovered quickly, smoothing his face back into polite monarch mode and giving her a chaste peck on the cheek before helping her into the limo and then sliding in after her. He took the seat across from her. Drake slipped into the seat next to her.
Drake talked about the deep-sea fishing off the coast of Portavira as they drove. Riley’s eyes lifted slowly to meet Liam’s. It wasn’t the first time she had caught him staring at her with frank unadorned longing on his face. The sexual tension still hung in the air between them, so thick it was almost suffocating and how her intended never noticed it was beyond her.
The yearning disappeared from his face as he composed it into a cordial smile the moment he noticed her looking, but the damage had been done. Warmth had already exploded inside her, heating her blood and making her heart race. She glanced quickly away and slipped her hand into Drake’s to steady herself.
She had made her choice and she was in love with the man she had committed to. Drake gave her everything she could ask for from a man and so much more. He was loyal and brave, funny and kind, intelligent and endearing. He centered her, he calmed her, he grounded her. She loved everything about him. The deep rumbling of his voice, the way his hair fell in his eyes but he refused to cut it, the way he talked with his hands when something excited him, the way he loved with his whole heart. She loved his snarkiness, his sharp, witty repartee that kept her on her toes and she loved the tender, soul-baring honesty of the declarations he whispered to her when no one else was around to hear. She loved him.
But Liam still ignited a fire within her with every glance, every seemingly innocent touch and she had no idea what to do about it other than ignore it and hope it went away.
“How does that sound?” Drake asked as the car coasted to a stop in front of the seaside restaurant they were meeting the Ebrims at.
“That sounds lovely,” Riley responded, hoping it was the right answer.
“Great! I’ll find out where I can rent a boat for tomorrow night!”
Greetings and pleasantries were exchanged, seats were taken, orders were placed and the conversation turned to the weather.
“You’ve probably seen the news about the wedding,” Drake said as a way to segue into the topic they were really there to discuss.
“We have! Congratulations to both of you,” Landon responded.
“Thank you,” Riley beamed at him, “We would like to personally extend an invitation to all of you!”
While Liam and Riley attempted to sway the Ebrims toward attending the wedding, the waiters sat piping hot bread bowls filled with steaming bisque in front of them.
Drake started to tear off a piece of his bread bowl but froze as his eyes flitted around the table. Everyone else was eating the bisque with a spoon. He sighed as he picked up his own spoon, wondering what the point of a bread bowl was if you weren’t going to eat it.
“This is a nice place you’ve got here,” Drake commented when there was a lull in the conversation.
“The restaurant?” Landon asked, “We don’t own the restaurant.”
“No, of course not,” Drake stammered, “I just meant the whole duchy. It’s very nice.”
“It is quite lovely,” Hana agreed.
“And this food is amazing!” Max added, “Kudos to the chef!”
“Thank you,” Landon smiled at them, “This is my favorite restaurant, because of the food and the view.”
“It’s an amazing view!” Drake agreed, “It would make a great painting or postcard! I’d love to have a postcard of this place!”
“We don’t have…er, postcards..” Emmeline gave him a puzzled look.
“I just meant it’s a great view…” Drake trailed off in frustration. This was why he hated socializing. It was stupid.
He sighed as he leaned back in his chair. Fuck it. He tore off a chunk of bread and dunked it in the bisque before bringing it to his mouth. He closed his eyes briefly in appreciation as he chewed. Delicious!
That’s how you were supposed to deal with a bread bowl. He met Riley’s eyes across the table. She was biting back an amused smile, her eyes sparkling with mirth. He had to repress one of his own as he shook his head ever so slightly.
One glance and he knew that she knew the exact thoughts that had spilled through his brain. She really got him. And she shared his disdain for the superficial, hypocritical bullshit of court. The difference between them was that she knew how to play the game and could do it without letting it get to her.
Catty, backstabbing, and backhanded compliments rolled right off her. She suffered fools patiently with a serene smile pasted on her face. She charmed and coaxed the nobility, she turned fence-sitters into allies and enemies into fence-sitters. And she did it all without the extensive lifelong training that Leo and Liam had received.
Not that those lessons had taken in Leo’s case.
As angry as Drake had once been at Leo, he recognized that Riley would never have come into his life otherwise. If Liam hadn’t been thrust into the role of crown prince, they never would have been in New York that night. He couldn’t regret that.
Riley’s attention was pulled from Drake as the conversation turned to the devastating floods that had recently ravaged the port community.
She was instantly on alert. This was something they could use. Her eyes met Liam’s over her water glass. He gave her an imperceptible nod. She knew they were thinking the same thing. They were perfectly in tune like that. They made a formidable diplomatic team. Turning to Landon, she asked, “Is there anything we can do to help?”
“I’ve allocated crown resources of course,” Liam added, “but if there’s anything Riley and I can personally do…”
“We’re here to help.” She finished his sentence.
Liam felt pride stir in his chest. She had them. She always did. He had never worked a room with anyone as in synch with him as she was. Not Leo, not his father, no one. They made an unstoppable team and he regretted that he had ever questioned her suitability for the role.
The way she had handled the press after the attack on the orchards had cemented for him just how perfect she was for the role. When she had told the press, and the public, that “No true king would give in to their demands!” he had known then and there that she was exactly the woman he needed by his side.
His father had been wrong. The council had been wrong. She was perfect for the role. She was perfect for him.
But she wasn’t his.
His eyes flicked across the table to Drake, taking in the way his best friend’s eyes lingered on her, the soft, contented smile on his face as he watched her and he felt guilt, anger, and loss punch him in the gut in rapid succession.
The dinner wrapped up with promises for Riley and Liam and their entourage to join the charity polo match the following day. As everyone prepared to leave for the Ebrim estate, Liam pulled Riley to the side, “That was very well done.”
“Thank you, but I know I’m not quite at your level.”
“What are you talking about?” Drake walked up behind her, slipping his arms around her waist.
“I was just complimenting Riley on her diplomacy skills,” Liam smothered his irritation. Drake was with her nearly every minute of the day. All Liam wanted was a few moments of her time, a few crumbs of her attention.
Riley smiled as she ran her hands along the arms that encircled her, “And I was telling him that I feel like I still need some work. My nonverbal communication could use some polishing.”
“Well, I think you’re perfect!” Drake kissed her neck, just behind her ear.
“Mm,” Riley smiled and relaxed back into him.
Liam cleared his throat, “Yes, well... Riley does display a natural propensity for diplomacy, but she could benefit from a crash course in body language management.”
“Yes!” Riley agreed.
“I would be more than happy to give you a few pointers. Right now, if you like. So you’re more prepared for tomorrow.”
“That would be great, Liam!”
“Okay,” Drake released her, “I’ll meet you back at the Ebrim’s.”
“Wait, you’re leaving?”
Drake’s eyes went to Liam and back to Riley, “Yeah…I don’t think I’m required for this. We all know that I’m never going to be good at it no matter how many pointers Liam has to offer.”
“I’ll wait over there,” Liam pointed toward the nearest dock, “while you say goodbye.”
Riley spun in Drake’s arms, “Diplomacy isn’t your strong suit. That’s why you don’t do it, remember?”
He combed his fingers through her hair as he spoke, “Yeah, but…I just want to be an asset to you, Riley, not an embarrassment…”
“Oh, Drake, you big marshmallow, you could never be an embarrassment! Are you kidding me? I prefer you just the way you are, rough edges and all!”
“Really?”
“Really!” She went up on her tiptoes, bringing her lips to his.
He returned the kiss with all the passion she’d come to expect from him. He showed his love through physical touch and acts of service. He wasn’t great with words, but god did he know how to let his body do the talking for him.
“I love you the way you are,” she told him when she pulled away, “You don’t need to change for me. Besides, you’re good at so many other things.”
“Oh yeah, like what?”
“Security for one. You’re a genius at it. Do you think Liam knows what securing the perimeter or shoring up the flank means?”
“Yes.”
“Would he know how to do either thing?”
“No.”
“And he sure doesn’t have your extensive knowledge of weapons, or horses, or martial arts, does he?”
“Yeah, but-“
“But nothing, mister! I’m the one that agreed to help Liam with all the crown business, not you. There’s no reason you have to be good at any of this!”
“I just don’t want you to think I don’t care about the things that are important to you!”
“And I don’t want you to feel like you have to change for me,” she insisted.
“Okay, you’re right,” he sighed with relief, “Does that mean I don’t have to do any more of these fancy dinners?”
“Not if you don’t want to! But you do have to play polo tomorrow, sorry.”
“Meh. Smacking a ball with a mallet is more up my alley than worrying about which fork I’m using anyway. And there are horses involved, so I’m all good!”
“Good! Now kiss me again before you leave!”
She was a little breathless when they pulled apart. He made her go weak in the knees and the cocky grin on his face told her that he knew it.
“I’ll be waiting at Penelope’s,” he whispered in her ear before glancing up and giving Liam a wave goodbye.
She watched him walk away then turned and made her way to the railing next to the dock where Liam was patiently waiting.
“Everything okay?” He asked.
“Yes, fine,” Riley replied.
“Good! Now, if you’re ready, I’ve taken the liberty of procuring a boat for the evening’s tutorial!” He gestured to what looked to be a sixty-foot yacht waiting at the end of the pier.
“Oh, wow! How did you manage that on literally no notice?”
He gave her a dazzling smile as he offered her his arm, “A man can’t reveal all his secrets, can he?”
“Fine. Keep your secrets,” she teased as she took his arm, “Lead on Captain Liam! Or should I say King Captain Liam?”
“I can do without the ‘King’ once in a while. I preferred it when I was ‘just Liam’ to you….” He trailed off as his eyes traced across her face.
She looked out over the water, away from him, hoping the darkening of the sky as evening faded into night hid the pink that flamed across her cheeks. “You’ll always be just Liam to me,” she replied quietly.
“I can’t begin to tell you how much it pleases me to hear that.” He told her as they walked down the dock and boarded the ship.
“Shall we?” he gestured to a row of lounge seats attached to the railing.
She took a seat as the yacht glided away from the dock and headed further into the Mediterranean. “It’s a beautiful evening.” She inhaled the night air deeply basking in the peacefulness. There was a beautiful starlit sky, and the weather was a perfect autumn temperature, not too hot, not too cold with just a hint of a breeze drifting off the water.
“I’ve always loved how quiet things are on the water. I could stare at it all night,” Liam said, “But I promised you lessons and the first lesson calls for props!” He pulled a chilled container out from under the deck’s bar and uncorked a bottle of champagne, pouring two glasses as he talked about toasts.
Riley’s eyes scanned the deck of the Italian yacht. Full crew. Chilled champagne, Armand de Brignac, her favorite brand, two Baccarat champagne flutes. There was no way this had been an impromptu rental. She was suddenly uncomfortably aware that they had not been alone together since the Statue of Liberty.
The night she had rejected him.
The night they had the most mind-blowing sex of their relationship inside the statue. She turned her head and rested her chin on the railing, pretending to stare out over the water to cover up her sudden nervousness.
Liam took the seat next to her and handed her a glass of champagne as the boat slowed to a stop and dropped anchor.
Liam talked, Riley listened and then they played out several scenarios involving toasts. Liam proposed hypothetical diplomatic landmines and Riley successfully navigated her way around all of them. She slowly relaxed as Liam’s nothing but professional and polite conversation and the effects of the alcohol soothed her.
“Look at you,” Liam smiled, “I told you, you’re naturally good at this. You barely need me.”
“I’m sure that’s not true,” she returned his smile.
“There is one more thing I can teach you, Riley….” He turned his body to face her, his arm resting across the back of the seating, “body language. You asked about nonverbals. I have a few suggestions.”
She leaned toward him, “I’m all ears!”
“Did you know that roughly eighty percent of communication is nonverbal?”
“What? That much? No!”
“Oh, it is! You can tell a lot about what people don’t want you to know by paying attention to their body language and facial expressions. You can learn to read the signals people give off unintentionally. Take Drake for instance, you can tell when he’s with someone he trusts, he hooks his fingers in his pockets when he feels comfortable.”
“Aww, he’s got a tell!”
“That’s how I first realized he had feelings for you….”
“What?” She was startled at the sudden shift the conversation had taken.
“He was relaxed and comfortable in your presence when it was just the two of you. The times you were together, but apart from the rest of the group, for instance, in a crowded ballroom, but in a back corner out of the way of said crowd. Reversely, he was nervous when the two of you were around other people. Especially me.”
Very rarely was Riley ever struck speechless, but that did it. “I…”
His eyes searched her face, “You didn’t know?”
“Know….what?”
“That he had feelings for you from the beginning.”
“I didn’t know,” she replied quietly, eyes dropping to her lap.
“That’s what I thought,” Liam responded thoughtfully as he twirled the glass in his hand, watching the remaining liquid swirl around the sides, “Nice to know I haven’t lost my touch reading people.”
She reached for his arm, “Liam, I’m sorry-“
“What?” he looked up from his glass, “No, no! I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable! I’m the one that’s sorry! Let’s…Let’s get back to those lessons!”
“Are you sure you don’t want to talk about it?”
“I’m sure!” He diffused the situation with humor. Making her laugh had always been easy. They shared the same sense of humor. “Hey, Riley, why can’t you hear a pterodactyl going to the bathroom?”
“What?” She laughed, “Why?”
“Because the “P” is silent!”
“Oh, my God!” She covered her mouth as laughter shook her body, “That was bad!”
“So bad it was good?”
“No!”
“But you’re laughing!” Her laughter made him laugh, which made her laugh harder.
“Okay, okay, okay!” She gasped, “I’m done! No more dad jokes, okay?”
“No promises,” he shook his head with a smile, “ready to get back to it?”
She wiped the tears of mirth from the corners of her eyes, “Yeah, I’m ready!”
Twenty minutes later she felt she had a good grasp of the concept. “Wait, wait, wait! Watch this!” She smoothed out her expression letting her face go blank, “What did that say?”
“Very little…which is the whole point. You’re the perfect example of courtly composure.”
“Thank you!” she let her smile rush back.
“Thank you, Riley, for agreeing to help me with all the diplomatic stuff. You’ve fallen into the role so well, it’s like you were born to it, honestly. You’re perfect.”
The unadorned longing was back in his face, and he wasn’t trying to hide it this time.
“Thanks,” Riley turned her head away to watch the play of the boat’s lights along the water as a myriad of emotions collided inside her. The only sound was the peaceful lapping of waves against the boat’s hull as it drifted through the harbor.
They sat in silence, staring out over the water, both lost in their own thoughts for a good while.
“In peaceful moments like this, you can almost forget what the region has been through,” Liam broke the silence and changed the subject, “They’ve had more natural disasters in the past few months than most of Cordonia has faced in years.”
The self-blame in his voice brought her up short, “Hey, don’t go feeling responsible for that. Kings can’t prevent earthquakes or floods, or meteor strikes!”
“If we could, that would be quite a superpower,” he chuckled softly, before heaving a sigh of discontent, “I don’t blame myself for this, Riley…but it’s hard not to feel my reign thus far has been one crisis after another.”
“Liam…”
He tipped his head back and looked up at the stars, “Riley….do you think I’m doing enough for Cordonia?”
“Of course you are! Things might be hard right now, but you’ll learn as you go,” she reached over without thinking and took his hand in hers. “And you’ll have me by your side.”
He turned his head to search her eyes and she suddenly became hyperaware of just how close they were to each other. She stopped breathing for a heartbeat.
He ran a hand gently down the side of her face as she dropped her gaze to her lap. His feather-light touch sent goosebumps chasing down her spine. Using a finger and thumb, he grasped her chin and tipped her head up. His thumb ghosted across her lips, “I want to kiss you,” he whispered.
He waited for her to object.
She licked her lips.
His mouth met hers, and her lips parted, his tongue slid softly against hers, moving languidly. One arm wrapped around her waist and tugged her closer, as the other continued to caress her face before moving to tangle in her hair.
She leaned into that kiss, her heart rate speeding up as her hands slid up his chest.
He pulled her closer and kissed her harder.
She pushed him away, gasping for air, “Liam….”
“I know, I’m sorry,” he reached for her, and their hands entwined with each other, his forehead resting on hers, “I got carried away. It won’t happen again. Please accept my apologies. I couldn’t bear to lose your friendship, Riley!”
“Liam…I….” Her whole body was trembling.
The two of them alone in the moonlight brought so many memories rushing back. All of the good ones.
But even the bad ones weren't so bad anymore. They had worked past coronation night, they had worked past her refusal of his proposal. They had salvaged a friendship and forged a working relationship. At least that’s what she had believed until this moment.
She still loved him. The realization hit her like a freight train. Then guilt plowed right into her, and she pulled away from him and jumped to her feet, “I guess we should…get back…”
“Certainly, if that’s what you want,” Liam stood immediately, reaching for her again, “but please tell me that my unwelcome slip-up won’t affect our working together, or our friendship,” he pleaded.
“That’s the problem, Liam….it wasn’t unwelcomed.”
“Oh! I…I’m not sure I understand….”
“Neither do I!” She fought back tears, “but it can’t happen again!”
“Of course not!”
“And I have to tell Drake!”
“Are you sure that’s wise?” Liam asked hesitantly.
“Yes? No…maybe?”
“Whatever you think is best. I’ll follow your lead on this.”
It had been an accident, a momentary slip-up. If it was never repeated, then maybe she didn’t have to tell him, right? No, she had to tell him. “I…I don’t know, I’m not sure….”
“Well, perhaps sleep on it before you make any rash decisions.”
“I don’t know, Liam….I feel like he has a right to know.”
“I realize I might not be the best person to advise you on this, since I’m the one that just kissed you, so I won’t try. But I need you to know…”
“Know what?” She wasn’t sure if it was anxiety or butterflies clawing through her stomach. Maybe a little of both.
“That I’m here, Riley. For whatever you need.”
“Thank you, Liam. I appreciate that.”
The ride to the Ebrim estate was filled with superficial chit-chat, that felt wrong, forced, and awkward. Which wasn’t what she wanted at all. As the car rolled to a stop she turned and took his hand, “Liam, we don’t have to talk about the damn weather and the fluctuating cost of apples! I know what happened tonight threw us both for a loop but can we just…I don’t know…go back to being us?”
The moment it fell from her lips she realized her error, “I don’t mean us, like us…I mean, our friendship, the way it’s been since-“
“It’s okay, Riley,” he squeezed her hand, “I know what you meant, and I’m gratified that you value our friendship.”
“Okay, good,” she sighed with relief. She and Liam would be okay. If they could get past him allowing her to be drug out of the coronation and her refusing his proposal, they could get past this. It was just one little kiss after all.
The bigger issue was how she was going to explain what had happened to her fiancée. Especially when she wasn’t sure she understood it herself.
#trr au#trr au fanfic#trr poly#drake walker#liam rys#choices fic writers creations#cfwc fics of the week#trr drake#trr liam#the royal romance fanfic#the royal romance#choices trr#trr fandom#trr fanfic#trr#trr fanfiction#choices fanfic#why choose
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Red, White & Royal Blue recs, all Alex/Henry. I've been doing nothing but read rwrb fic all week. I'm obsessed with the damn movie. All recs are using book canon as the starting point. All fics are 50k+ and explicit.
If you have any recs, please share!
the poem you make of me by @omgcmere (91k, explicit)
Charming, happy-making AU
Henry writes gay erotic poetry (enough said)
check out the author if you're into explicit sub!Alex fics
After being discovered on Instagram as a teenager, Alex Diaz is thriving as a social media influencer and model who just landed a high profile, high fashion contract with Calvin Klein. Alex can get any girl he wants, and he’s loving it. Meanwhile, British poet Henry Fox has just arrived in L.A. to kick off a North American tour promoting his new, steamy book of gay erotic poetry, and he’s attracting a lot of attention.
Bad blood is immediately sparked between them when Henry blows Alex off at their first meeting. Several tabloid rumors and an Instagram tantrum later, Alex and Henry are reluctantly thrust together to make nice, resulting in a grudging friendship and a magnetism between them that Alex can't explain. Why is Henry's poetry making Alex feel like this? And just what is it about Henry Fox that gets to him so much?
all that glitters (is not gold) by @indomitable-love (112k, explicit)
(book)canon-compliant, post canon, established relationship, Alex focused
Sensitive exploration of mental health issues
Alex Claremont-Diaz has it all. His mom won the election, he’s got the perfect boyfriend. He gets to love Henry out loud. Everything is great. Perfect.
Except for the itch under his skin every time he goes outside, and the tightness in his chest when he goes online, and the fact that he can’t fucking sleep.
But it's fine. He's fine. Really.
—-
Or: after the emails, Alex Claremont-Diaz isn’t fine.
(our last summer) memories that remain by bleedingballroomfloor (91k, explicit)
AU, getting back together, dual timelines
love the setting and watching them fall in love twice over
Fresh out of law school and fresh out of a relationship, what Alex Claremont-Diaz needs is a goddamn vacation. He plans to spend his summer on a small island off the coast of Wales, three months of peace and relaxation and figuring out what the hell he actually wants to do with his life. But all that is thrown out the window when he runs into his ex-fling, Henry Fox, who just so happens to be running the hotel he's staying in for the next three months.
Four years prior, Henry Fox meets the most beautiful boy he's ever seen at an NYU party: Alex Claremont-Diaz. Henry soon finds himself whisked away to Texas with Alex, a summer full of poetry and skinny dipping and stolen kisses, and everything is perfect. Almost too perfect for a summer fling. Yet Henry can't stop himself from falling in love with Alex, falling for the lake house and everything Alex loves, even when he knows it's too good to last.
Two summers, two places of falling in love, one filled with memories of the last. It leaves Alex and Henry wondering: is this summer truly going to be their last one together?
With so much of my heart (that none is left to protest) by @kiwiana-writes (WIP 14/17, 56k, explicit)
Work in progress, AU, getting together
love the structure and Rafael Luna's role in this, hits a lot of the emotional beats of the book (without the outing)
Alex is a former child star struggling to make the transition into being seen as a serious actor. He jumps at an opportunity to perform on stage in the UK, seeing it as a way to break free from the typecasting and show what he can really do. But he wasn’t prepared to star alongside someone he hates.
//
Henry is a recent theatre graduate who accepts an amazing role in a queer reimagining of Much Ado About Nothing. And then it turns out his co-star is none other than the man he’s been hopelessly pining after for years—even though Henry made a terrible first impression when they met.
//
It’s… well, it’s practically Shakespearean.
>> more rwrb recs <<
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Day 2 in London: I went back to the Royal Albert Hall for a tour! I didn’t have any time to take in the beauty of the building's inside yesterday so when our tour guide pointed out all the A's on the staircases that Queen Victoria wanted to have there so her husband Albert would never be forgotten I realised just how many little details I'd missed in my rush to get to my seat the night before. It's such a beautiful place and I hope I'll get to go on a behind the scenes tour one day.
I wandered through Hyde Park on my way back to the hotel. It's such a pretty place during the day (but quite scary at night when you're walking through it alone in the pitch black). Saw some swans that made me think of Mary and stopped at the Peter Pan statue (among others).
I went to Trafalgar Square as well but ended up in the middle of the huge protest that was happening in London today. After a terrifying 5 minutes of trying to gauge the situation and debating whether or not to walk to Buckingham Palace instead, I headed back to the hotel. A disappointing end to an otherwise great day but ultimately the right decision.
Thst being said, I'm very excited for MCM and the Gillian Lynne Theatre event tomorrow! It will be my first time meeting the Idiots and I can't wait to see their reaction to my cosplay (spoiler: it's not one of the main ghosts so hopefully a bit of a surprise for them).
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gn reader x bowser fan fic second chapter
You finally get to meet the Koopa king himself and are even invited to have dinner and to stay in the castle.
Curious of Bowsers where abouts you decide to ask the young koopa
"Hey, Jr. you keep talking about your dad but where exactly is he?"
“Huh?" Jr. looks to you "Uuum... the last time I saw papa he was fighting Mario. I think if he's back he should be in the throne room."
"C'mon we can see 'em if ya want!" his little hand excitedly grabs yours before you have a chance to protest dragging you as you nearly fall over yourself.
Eventually, you stop in front of the throne room. Jr. excitedly hops on his feet, pointing to the double doors ahead. "Here we are!!!"
You gulp, feeling the foreboding atmosphere radiating out of the room. Despite knowing Bowser isn't all bad you still can't help but feel intimidated.
Bowser Jr. notices your unease and pats you on the shoulder gently.
"Don't worry! My dad's really really really really really cool! Just wait until ya meet him!"
You take a deep breath, feeling a bit more relaxed with Bowser Jr's reassuring words. You step into the throne room, hoping for the best.
And then, there he was: Bowser himself, the King of the Koopas. The giant turtle-dragon hybrid dominated the chamber with his sheer size alone. His sharp red eyes were fiery and intimidating until he saw Jr. with you, his face softened.
"Ah, I see my son has brought a guest. Welcome to my castle. What brings you here?" he boomed.
You stand there for a moment just taking in the king not really knowing what to say before Jr. piped up
"I found 'em laying outside the castle confused and not really sure of what happened."
Snapping out of gazing at Bowser you add "Yeah um I'm not really sure how I got here, or even how to get back home." confirming what Jr. said.
"Can we help them, papa? please!? please!? please!?" the little Koopa begs
You think to yourself seems Jr.'s already very attached to you despite only knowing each other for a few hours
Bowser looks to his son before looking at you for a few moments then cracking a soft smile. "Well, it looks like you need some help then! I'd be more than happy to help you with finding a way back to your home. In the meantime, why don't you stick around and get to know the castle a little better? You're welcome to stay here as long as you like!"
at those words Jr. jumps around excitedly
Bowser pats his son's head after he hops off the throne, "Now then, come with me and I'll show you around the rest of the castle."
You follow Bowser and Jr. as they lead you through the parts of the castle you hadn't seen yet, showing you many rooms and introducing you to many different koopalings. The whole time Jr. skips around excitedly, obviously happy to be able to introduce his new friend to everyone.
After finishing the tour, Kamek appears informing the two royals that dinner was ready and that he had heard there was a guest and had the chefs make enough food. After finishing speaking to Bowser Kamek comes up to you to introduce himself (despite you knowing him already you still go along with the introductions) After that Kamek disappears away.
Bowser leads you and Jr. to the royal dining room, a long room with enormous brick walls and pillars. At the center sits a grand table with a feast truly fit for a king of Bowser's size. Bowser motions for you to take a seat in one of the chairs. As you dig into the dinner, Bowser and Jr. keep you entertained with stories of their past adventures and Bowser's as he says "courageous" battles against Mario and Luigi. Despite knowing (and playing) the stories it was refreshing to hear the tales from the Koopa's point of view.
You finish the night with a friendly game of mini-golf, laughing and joking with the Koopa king and his son.
It's clear that they both enjoyed your company and shortly after the game Bowser says
"My boy and I are wondering what the deal is… Where did you come from? We want to help you get back home. We can even provide you with an escort if needed."
You wonder for a moment. What you could even say, that you're from a world where both they and the mushroom kingdom are fictional? no you couldn't tell them that could you?
After contemplating the question, you decide the best course of action is to explain you're from a world that is like theirs, but different in some ways explaining how in your world the Mushroom Kingdom, Bowser's Castle, and Magic are fictional and that you have no clue how you were even transported here. Explaining that you fell asleep playing the game that their world exists in.
Bowser and his son look at each other in awe, trying to process your story and understand how you even made it here. They’ve dealt with other worlds and such before but never really something quite like this.
"Well whatever crazy magic brought ya here, we're gonna help ya get back home. Don't ya worry." Jr. looks to his dad “Right, papa?”
The big Koopa looks between you and his son with a look of pity.
He sighs before saying "We will deal with this and help them tomorrow Alright Jr.? I'm sure our new friend here is exhausted. I mean waking up in a completely different world and dealing with all they have been must be pretty tiring."
Jr. looks over to you and as if on cue you yawn
"Yeah, I guess you're right." Jr. says
Bowser then suggests "How about you and Kamek show them to the room they'll be staying in?"
Kamek then appears "I heard you call Your Highness?"
"Jr. would like to help you take our guest to their sleeping quarters."
"All right Your Highness. Come Young Master let us show them to their room."
"oh... ok!" Jr. then once again grabs your hand as him and Kamek take you to your room.
#bowser#bowser x reader#bowser x y/n#x y/n#nintendo#x reader#x gender neutral reader#x gn reader#isekai#yes it's an isekai sue me#first fanfiction#slowburn#slow burn#monster fudger#monster fucker#slow to update#bowser x gender neutral reader#bowser x gn reader
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wild and blue — part one
Read on AO3 | Masterlist | Series Playlist ♫
Series Summary: In the middle of a sudden heartbreak, getting away for a weekend of camping with your best friend seems like both the best and the worst thing you could possibly do.
Chapter Summary: At the boys' last show before your trip, your boyfriend doesn't make a good impression on his future camping partners.
Pairings: Danny Wagner x Reader [+ Sam x Birdie] | Genre: friends to lovers, angst, mutual pining | Word Count: 4.8k | Chapter Warnings: one (1) toxic jerk of a boyfriend
A/N: Yes, I started Danny's cabin fic before I finished Sam's or Jake's. I'm awful at being consistent in any way, rip. This is just the set up for the cosy camping vibe this fic is going to have, so don't fret if it doesn't seem very "cabin-y" right now. I hope you like it, and please let me know what you think! ♡
“You look perfect, Danny. Quit fussing.”
You batted your best friend’s hand away from his artfully mussed head of curls, not wanting him to mess them up in his characteristic pre-show nervousness. Danny gave you an unimpressed look in the mirror, a little put out at your scolding, but you both knew you were right.
“Don’t look at me like that,” you said, and the longer you held his gaze in the mirror, the harder it was to keep a firm tone. A smile spread over his face until the corners of his eyes were crinkled with it, and you couldn’t help but grin back.
“I’ll look at you however I want,” he said, straightening to brush his hand over the sparkly mesh top he wore. “I’m the rock ‘n roll god here, remember?”
You rolled your eyes, but it was affectionate. “Sure. Remind me again what kind of rock ‘n roll god still shakes like a chihuahua before every show.”
He sighed and turned to sit on the edge of the makeup table. “Yeah, it’s stupid.”
“Hey,” you said gently. You moved closer and touched a few fingers to his cheek, careful not to muss his makeup. “It’s not stupid. I was just teasing, but I shouldn’t have. It’s ok to feel nervous.”
He gave you a wry smile. “Even though I’ve played a million shows and I should be used to this kind of thing?”
“Oh, you should be used to thousands of adoring fans screaming your name?” you teased. “How very big-headed of you, Daniel.”
He chuckled. “You know what I mean.” He tugged on one of the curls you’d purposefully left out of your space buns. “Thank you for being here.”
You smiled. “You’re welcome,” you said. “Thank you for inviting me.”
You knew you had an open invitation to any of the boys’ shows — all you had to do was ask, and they’d roll out the red carpet and fly you in, get you a room in the hotel they were staying at, and make sure you were backstage or in the pit or wherever else you wanted to be for the show. You’d been kind of embarrassed the first couple of times they did all that for you, trying to explain you were only letting them know you’d be at the show, not that you’d been expecting or even asking for the VIP treatment. But you’d since realized that it was their way of showing you love while their lives were so hectic on tour, and you didn’t protest the royal treatment any more.
You hadn’t needed all that for this show, though, because it was only half an hour away from where you all lived in Tennessee. You’d only asked to be able to bring your boyfriend, and the boys had been kind enough to include him even though you knew good and well that none of the boys were particularly keen on him. You’d been dating Ben for about a year now, and while his bad-boy charm had attracted you to him like a moth to the flame, Danny and the Kiszkas weren’t overly impressed. You had to admit that Ben wasn’t the perfect boyfriend, not by any stretch of the imagination, but there was something about him you just couldn’t give up.
He was waiting for you backstage, likely sulking at your absence instead of trying to make friends with the boys you’d known and loved since middle school. You’d stayed with Danny when he hung back in the dressing room, knowing your best friend needed a few more minutes to get a hold of his nerves and wanting to be there to help.
“You’re gonna do great, Danny,” you said, giving him an encouraging smile. You kissed his cheek, and you hid your smile when you saw a telltale blush under the glitter on his face.
“Just pretend you’re playing for me,” you said, a little sassy, and you were pleased when he smiled.
“Who says I don’t already?” he said cooly, and he smiled when you laughed.
He tapped your nose as he stood. “Come on, sunshine. Let’s go play some rock ‘n roll.”
You beamed up at him, feeling a comforting warmth in your chest like you did every time he called you that. It had been his nickname for you since you were kids, and while Sam, Jake, and Josh had taken to using it too, it always sounded different in Danny’s voice.
You followed him out to the backstage area, finding the brothers and a couple of roadies talking in a lopsided circle while last-minute checks were conducted on instruments, outfits, and mic sets. Sam’s girlfriend, affectionately dubbed “birdie” since your childhood, had her arms wrapped around his lanky frame and was looking up at him with an adoring gaze. They’d only started dating in the summer, and the glow of the honeymoon phase looked good on them.
Just as you’d expected, your boyfriend was standing off to the side looking like he’d rather be anywhere but here. You reluctantly walked to him instead of the circle of your friends, holding your hands out to him.
“Ben, honey,” you said, uncrossing his arms and taking his hands when he didn’t offer them to you. You’d learned not to let stuff like that bother you, else you’d be tied up in knots all the time.
He scowled. “Where were you? I’ve been standing out here forever.”
You threaded your fingers with his. “I was helping Danny. You could have gone and talked to the guys.” You gave him a teasing smile. “They won’t bite, honey. They’d actually like to get to know you. Maybe you could be friends.”
He didn’t return your smile. “I don’t need any more friends.” He moved your hands behind your back, untangling his fingers from yours to hold your wrists together with one hand. You felt an odd thrill, the same kind you did when you slept with him — equal parts nervousness, excitement, and an unwavering knowledge that you should do what he told you if you wanted his attention.
“You don’t really need any more either, do you?” he asked, and finally, you saw him smile. It was a little hard around the edges, but it was a smile, and you’d been the one to draw it out.
You shivered when he grazed his knuckle down the side of your breast, feeling his warmth through the flimsy lace top he’d picked out for you. You couldn’t help but glance over your shoulder, heat racing to your face at the thought of the boys seeing Ben touch you so intimately.
“Ah-ah, baby doll,” Ben chided, touching your jaw to get you to turn back to him. “Eyes on me. Wouldn’t want me thinking you’re looking for someone else, would we?”
You flushed. “I’m not looking for someone else,” you said sincerely. “I just... maybe we shouldn’t be so...”
His expression hardened. “So what? So obvious?” He took your chin in an unforgiving grip. “Don’t you want everybody to know you’re mine?”
“Of course I do,” you said, knowing better than to try and fight his grip. He’d only make it tighter, and it hurt a little already. “But everybody here already knows that, Ben.”
“They do?” he said. “Well. Maybe I should have a chat with Wagner, then.”
You paled. “Why?” Ben had always held a particular dislike for Danny, though you’d never understood why. Danny had been nothing but friendly to Ben from the day you’d introduced them.
Ben brushed his thumb over your bottom lip, smudging your lipstick. “He must be pretty stupid to try and make a move on a girl who’s already taken.”
Your eyes widened. “He didn’t,” you said quickly.
“What were you doing back there alone?” he demanded.
“We were just talking,” you assured him. “Nothing happened, Ben, I promise.”
“You swear?”
You nodded. “Yes, I swear.”
He didn’t say anything for a long moment. Then, with his hand on your neck, he gave you a bruising kiss.
“You better not be lying to me, baby doll,” he said in a low voice. He kissed you again, and it sent a dangerous, electric thrill running through you.
“I’m not,” you breathed. You thought of how to get back on his good side. “When we get home... why don’t I do something special to show you how much I love you?”
He gave you a wicked grin. “Why wait? Let’s go right now.”
You frowned. “I don’t want to miss the show.” You kissed him before he could protest. “I promise I’ll make it worth it, Ben. Please.”
He gave a displeased huff. “No, you know what? If you care about them more than you care about me, I guess I should just go.”
You held on to him as he tried to pull away from you. “Ben, please don’t go. I want you to stay, please.”
“I want you to leave with me,” he said. “Why don’t I get what I want? Why is it always you who gets what they want?”
“I...” You didn’t know what to say. You hadn’t been trying to make this into a competition.
“I thought it would be nice to do this together,” you said. “They’re my friends, and you might like their music if you give it a try.”
He broke away from you, and you knew any chance of getting back into his good graces ws gone for the night.
“No, I’ll just go,” he said after a moment, but it wasn’t as harsh as you thought it would be. “You have a good time with your friends, doll.”
You were a little uneasy, trying to read his mood. “Are you sure?”
“Yeah,” he said, and it was almost sincere. He closed the distance between you and gave you a too-innocent smile.
“And since I’m being so generous, I know you’ll be just as eager to please when you get back home.”
You wilted. You should have guessed you wouldn’t be getting off scot free.
“You will, won’t you?” he asked, nipping at your bottom lip. “My sweet baby doll. You’ll be good for me because I love you so much, won’t you? You know I love you more than anything.”
You softened a little. “I know you do.”
He kissed you, quick and hard. “Good.”
He left, and you felt guilty at the twinge of relief that accompanied his departure. You watched him go, and as much as you wanted to stay for the show, part of you felt like you ought to chase after Ben and make him happy with you again.
“Sunshine.”
You jumped a little at his voice, and you felt him put a steadying hand on your back.
“Just me,” Danny said. He came around to face you. “You ok?”
“Yeah,” you said quickly. You looked beyond Danny to make sure Ben was gone, not wanting him to get the wrong impression. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
He shrugged. “You look a little tense.” He licked his thumb and wiped at your smudged lipstick, and you blushed vividly.
“I’m fine,” you said, pulling away and attempting to repair yourself. Hopefully the lipstick wouldn’t be so visible once you were in your seat. “Ben’s just... tired. He decided to go home.”
“Ah.” Danny let his hand drop. “Well, you’ll still have birdie. But you can stay backstage if you’d rather.”
You shook your head. “No, I’ll stick with her.” You wanted to be close to your friend and enjoy the show with her, not spend the whole night being upset about Ben.
Danny gave you a sweet smile. “Good. I know she’s been missing you. We all have.”
You knew without him having to spell it out that he wasn’t just referring to how little you’d seen them during the tour. Since you’d started dating Ben, you’d spent less and less time with birdie and the guys, and you missed them too.
You collected yourself and gave Danny a smile. “Well, we’ll have plenty of time this weekend to catch up.”
He grinned. “I know. I’m really excited for it.”
Sam and birdie had planned a camping trip a while ago for the first weekend of the boys’ break, and they’d invited everyone else to come along, including Ben. The twins had politely declined in favor of spending a long weekend at the beach, but Danny was going and you’d somehow miraculously convinced Ben to go with you. It worked out wonderfully that this last show before the break was close to home, and you were all supposed to meet at the campsite tomorrow evening.
Danny took your hand, chaste and comforting.
“You and birdie should get your spots,” he said, leading you towards the group of your friends. He nodded to the stage where the opening band was playing. “They have one more song after this, so you still have time to get Jake to make you a drink.”
“Or two,” you said.
He laughed. “Yeah, or two.”
Jake was happy to make you and birdie drinks strong enough to get you plastered before they even went on stage, and after wishing the boys good luck, you wove your way through the venue to get your seats in the first row. You sat back to enjoy your drink and your sweet friend’s company while the opener finished their set, relaxing into your buzz and the energy from the crowd.
When the boys came on stage, you cheered as loud as the rest of the fans and waved like they could see you. Sam blew a kiss, and though a wave of swooning cheers was given in response, you nudged your shoulder against birdie’s. She grinned back, knowing the kiss was for her but pleased to share it with the rest of the fans.
You forgot all about your argument with Ben as the boys played, letting yourself get lost in the familiar, incredible feeling of their shows. You sang along with every song and laughed at Josh’s stream-of-consciousness ramblings, knowing you’d tease him about them later. You sat in awe like you always did when Jake, Sam, and Danny soloed, blown away at the talent you’d never be able to wrap your mind around no matter how many times you heard them play. When Josh sang the final notes of “Black Smoke Rising,” you made yourself hoarse with cheering, proud beyond words and alive with joy and energy.
You stayed in your seat after everyone else had left, drinking in the post-show ambiance as the roadies started to break down the set. Birdie had gone backstage right after the show to see Sam, but you were content to be alone; you watched as groups of friends took final pictures together, some crying and laughing, some with love tokens like picks and flowers and necklaces generously given from the boys during the show. You loved to watch how much people loved Greta Van Fleet, enjoying how all the love the boys poured out was given back tenfold by the fans to the boys and to each other.
Danny stepped out on stage after a while, careful of the roadies diligently working around him, and you knew he was looking for you. You waved, feeling a tight squeeze in your chest at the sight of him looking for you. He grinned and waved back.
“Come here,” he called across the pit, his voice carrying in the near-empty venue.
“I can’t,” you called back. “I’m too tired.”
He laughed, and he gave you an affectionate shake of his head. “Alright then, trouble. Stay put. I’ll come get you.”
He jumped down from the stage and made his way to you, pausing on his walk to pick up some of the empty cups and little bottles of alcohol that littered the floor. He tossed them in a nearby trash can, much to the surprise of the teenager with a broom instructed to sweep up the pit; the kid gave him an almost bewildered “thank you” and Danny smiled in response.
He climbed up on the railing above the wall of the pit, holding on with one hand and leaning back precariously as he surveyed you.
“You’re just exhausted, huh?” he asked. “All that cheering and worshiping really took it out of you?”
You laughed. “Is that what I’m doing now?” you asked. “Worshiping?”
He grinned. “Weren’t you?” He swung himself over the railing and leaned back against it, nudging his shoe against yours.
“Did you have a good time?” he asked.
You smiled. “Of course I did. You were great, just like I said you’d be.”
“Oh, right. I forgot you know everything.”
You huffed a laugh, and he cracked a smile for you. He offered you his hand.
“Come on,” he said. “You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here.”
His mom had always said that when it was time for you and the Kiszkas and birdie to go home from hours of hanging out at the Wagner’s house, and you smiled at the memory now.
He groaned a little when you let him help you up, his muscles sore from their workout on the drums, but he steadied you like it was second nature when you realized just how strong Jake’s drink had been.
“Easy, sunny,” he said with a chuckle. “You alright?”
You hummed. “Jake’s an alcoholic.”
He laughed. “I coulda told you that.” He swept his hair back from his face, his curls damp with sweat and his makeup smudged. “In fact, he’s the one that suggested we go out. You coming?”
You sighed. “I shouldn’t,” you said, reality coming back as you came down from your post-show high. “Ben’s waiting for me.”
He raised a brow. “He left in your car, though. How are you supposed to get home?”
“He sent me money for an Uber.”
Danny rolled his eyes, and for the first time in a while, your best friend couldn’t hide his dislike for your boyfriend.
“What?” you said defensively, a little hurt and embarrassed. You wanted more than anything for Danny to like Ben, but you also wanted Ben to be someone worth liking, and you didn’t seem to be faring well on either front.
“He sent you money for an Uber?” Danny repeated. “Come on, sunshine. His apartment’s, like, twenty minutes away. He can’t come get you?”
“I don’t want to make him drive if he doesn’t have to,” you said.
“It’s not safe,” Danny insisted.
“Oh, relax,” you said irritably, disliking the thought that Danny was looking out for you better than your own boyfriend was. “I’ll be perfectly fine. It’s not like I’m jumping in the back of an unmarked van and asking for a ride home.”
“No, you’re not,” he agreed. “And you’re not getting an Uber, either.”
You crossed your arms over your chest. “What should I do, then, Danny? Walk home?”
He gave a dry laugh. “Yeah. I’m gonna make you walk home, sunshine.”
He went over the railing again and jumped down to the pit. For an awful moment, you thought he was leaving you, and you leaned over the railing to call him back.
“What?” he asked, looking up at you. He was waiting patiently at the bottom, not leaving you all alone.
You shook your head. “Nothing. I thought you were leaving.”
His expression softened. “No, sunshine. I’m right here.” He extended his hand to you. “Come on.”
“I’ll meet you down there,” you said, intending to find the stairs down to the pit. You looked left and right; the stairs were way off on the edges of the bleachers.
“Nah, it’s quicker to come this way,” he said. “Just come over the railing.”
“No way,” you said. “I’ll fall to my death.”
He gave you a grudging smile. “When have I ever let you fall to your death, huh? That’s right. Never. So come on.”
You cautiously, hesitantly did as he said, easing yourself over the railing until you were standing on the other side. You looked down; the floor seemed a lot farther away than it had a few seconds ago.
“Just drop,” Danny said. “It’s not as far as it looks.”
“Yes, it is,” you said, clinging to the railing. “Besides, I’m drunk. I’ll break my ankle trying to do that.”
You heard him sigh and walk over to you; a moment later, you felt his hands on your waist.
“Let go,” he said.
“Let go?” you repeated.
“Yes, sunny.” His voice was tired but patient. “Let go of the railing.”
You did, and he took you by the waist and set you down on your own two feet.
“There,” he said. “That wasn’t so bad, was it?”
You were a little embarrassed at your theatrics, especially considering that the railing really wasn’t that high up now that you were looking at it.
“Thanks,” you said bashfully.
Danny’s tired smile soothed your embarrassment. “No sweat.”
He led the way backstage, and you were surprised to see that he only went into the dressing room that was obviously hosting the post-show party to get your jackets.
“You’re not gonna try and get the guys to convince me to stay?” you asked as he helped you put on your coat.
“If I thought it would work, maybe,” he said. He looked over his shoulder at you as he put on his own jacket. “Would it work?”
You sighed. “No. I need to get home to Ben.”
“Right.”
He turned back and continued to walk towards the exit, and you had to jog a few steps to keep up with his long strides.
“Where are you going, Danny?”
He gave you a bemused look. “I’m driving you home.”
You stopped. “No you’re not.”
He noticed you weren’t walking with him any more and turned around with a huff.
“Yes, I am,” he said. “Let’s go.”
“Why are you driving me home?” you pressed. “You’re... you’ll miss out on the party.”
He shrugged. “We probably shouldn’t be partying all night anyway if we’re going camping tomorrow.”
“Sam and birdie are partying tonight,” you said.
“So they’ll be hungover as shit tomorrow,” he said, tossing his hands up in exasperation. “Who cares? You said you needed to go home, and I’m not letting you get in some creepy axe-murderer Uber just because your boyfriend’s too lazy to come get you.”
“Danny,” you warned.
“Fine,” he said. “Your boyfriend isn’t coming to get you for some chivalrous, sexy reason. Either way, I’m driving you home. So come on.”
You had no choice but to follow him as he started walking again, and you tugged on his jacket pocket to get him to slow down.
“Danny, wait.”
He sighed and stopped again. “Yes?”
“You don’t have to take me home,” you said. “It’s sweet of you to offer, but I’ll be fine taking an Uber, really. I don’t want you to miss out on the party.”
After a moment, he gave you a half smile. “Wouldn’t be much of a party without you there, sunshine.”
You softened. “Danny. Please don’t make yourself miserable because of me. I’ve already had one too many people do that tonight.”
He affectionately tweaked your cheek. “I’m not making myself miserable, I promise. I’m ready to go home, and you’re on the way.”
That was only sort of true, but you didn’t argue. You wouldn’t have been able to change his mind even if you had. He offered his hand and you took it, walking together to the parking garage.
You got in Danny’s car as he cranked it and turned the heat on low, combating the chilly early October weather outside. It wasn’t often that the boys drove in to shows by themselves, but they liked the novelty of it and did it whenever they could. You propped your arm on the door and pressed your head against the window, watching as Danny texted the group chat he was in with the guys.
“Just telling them I’m taking you home,” he said, sending the text and opening up Spotify. “Any requests?”
You shook your head. “Whatever’s good with me.”
He put a playlist on shuffle and backed out of his parking space as you pulled out your own phone to tell Ben you were on the way home.
You found an Uber ok? he asked.
No, Danny’s driving me, you said. Are you at mine or yours?
He didn’t text back right away. You set your phone down and listened to the song that was playing, John Anderson’s “Wild and Blue”.
“Hey, you listened to him,” you said, pleasantly surprised. “I didn’t know if you’d like his music.”
You could just make out Danny’s smile in the dark. “I do like him,” he said. “This song’s one of my favorites.”
It was one of your favorites too, and you hummed along to the melancholy, honky-tonk tune.
“ In somebody's room on the far side of town, with your mind all made up and the shades all pulled down, someone is trying to satisfy you — he don't know you're wild and you're blue.”
Danny was singing along, his voice soft and a little distracted as he made sure you were headed in the right direction on the highway. Your phone buzzed, and you read the text from Ben.
I’m at my apartment. Tell Wagner to take you to yours.
You felt a thrill of panic.
I thought you were waiting up for me, baby, you typed back, frantically trying to soothe him. I’m really eager to please, remember? ;)
Again, a pause, and you bit the inside of your cheek.
I don’t want to fight, you typed. Do you want to meet me at my place?
Finally, he replied, and your heart sank.
No. Tell Wagner he can keep you.
You put your phone in your pocket and tried to take a steadying breath. No reason to get worked up. He was just upset about what happened earlier, and you’d call him when you got home and work everything out.
“Everything ok?” Danny asked.
“Yeah,” you said quietly. “Fine. He’s... he’s at my place, so if you could drop me off there, that would be great.”
Danny seemed to sense that you weren’t up for conversation, and the rest of the ride home was quiet. When he pulled into one of the two parking spaces for your apartment, it was glaringly obvious that Ben’s care wasn’t in the other one.
“Didn’t you say he was here?” Danny asked, and you noticed a tinge of frustration in his voice.
“He’s... he’s coming in a little bit,” you said.
Danny looked over at you. “Sunshine...”
“It’s fine,” you said, taking your purse from the floorboard and opening the door. “He said he’s coming, so he’s coming. Thank you for driving me home.”
“You’re welcome,” he said. “Do you want me to wait with you until he gets here? I know you don’t like to be alone at night.”
You felt an uncomfortable ache in your chest.
“No, thanks,” you said, trying to keep your voice from wobbling. For some reason, the idea of Danny staying with you made you want to cry. “I’ll be okay.”
He didn’t say anything for a moment, and you knew he was trying to decide whether arguing would do any good.
“Okay,” he finally agreed. “But... please call me if you need me, sunshine. I mean it.”
You tried for a smile.
“I will,” you said. “Goodnight, Danny.”
He gave you a soft smile back. “Goodnight, sunshine. See you tomorrow. Try and get a good night's sleep, okay?”
He waited until you were safely inside to head home, and you watched him leave until you couldn’t see his car any more. Part of you wanted to call him and tell him to come back, to confess everything that was going on with you and Ben, to ask him to stay with you in your apartment that you hadn’t spent a night alone in for a long time.
Instead, you called Ben, and you got his voicemail. You texted him and asked him to call you when he got a minute, wanting to explain and ask his forgiveness; you showered and curled up in bed, waiting for your phone to light up with a notification.
It did, and you jumped up to read it. A heartsick sigh escaped you when you saw it was from Danny.
Sorry for being kind of a jerk tonight, he said. I shouldn't have talked about Ben like I did. I know you love him, and I just want you to be happy. I’m sorry.
You didn’t know what to say back. He texted again before you thought of how to respond.
Thanks for coming to the show, sunshine. I’m really glad you came. I’m excited about our trip tomorrow, and I can come get you if I need to. Just let me know.
You texted back a quick thank you and told him you’d text if you needed him. You looked back at your messages with Ben, and you felt the sting of tears. You sent him one last text, saying that you were sorry and still wanted to talk.
You fell asleep with your phone in your hand, waiting for your boyfriend to call you back.
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#i hope you like it! it's different than what i planned originally but i think it's gonna be good ;)#danny wagner x reader#danny wagner fanfiction#greta van fleet fanfiction#gvf fanfiction#danny wagner#sam x birdie#wild and blue fic#maddie writes stuff!
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Wait ...WHAT ....?
A walking tour we took in Derry Sunday focused on "Bloody Sunday," also known as the "Bogside Massacre" of Jan. 30 , 1972, when British soldiers shot 30 unarmed Irish civilians participating in a protest march.
The tour features several outdoor murals portraying various aspects of the attack, including the one you see here, which features the faces of those killed that day (one of the 14 died 4 months later, of injuries inflicted that day).
Our guide was a man named Gleann Doherty. About halfway into our walk Doherty let it drop - almost casually - that among the "Bloody Sunday" victims was his father, Patrick Doherty. That's Gleann (standing) and that's Patrick, just above Gleann's head.
Patrick was 32; his widow, 29. Gleann was 7 months old, the youngest of six children, all under 11.
Tour guides don't get any more authentic than that.
A side note: The city of Derry, as most of its inhabitants call it, was rechristened "Londonderry" in 1613 via Royal Charter. Most residents resisted the change and still do to this day. As Gleann Doherty put it, "Its the only city in the world whose first six letters are silent."
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🔴 Berzé-le-Châtel, un castrum du Xème siècle en Bourgogne
Constitué d’un donjon primitif en bois et d’une chapelle carolingienne en pierre, le castrum de Berzé est attesté dans un cartulaire de Cluny datant de l’année 991, en faisant la plus ancienne baronnie du Mâconnais.
Intégré au réseau de défense de l’abbaye de Cluny dès le Xème siècle, le château prend une importance considérable au XIIIème siècle. En 1229, le sire Hugues de Berzé bénéficie d’un prêt de l’abbaye lui permettant de transformer le château en place forte. Berzé devient ainsi en l’espace de quelques années la plus grande forteresse militaire de Bourgogne du Sud, principal château de défense de l’abbaye. Cluny est alors à son apogée et accueille près de mille moines à l’année.
Au cours de la guerre de Cent ans, le château devient un enjeu disputé et convoité entre les Armagnacs et les Bourguignons. Donné aux Bourguignons en 1417, il est pris par les Armagnacs en 1420 lors de leur attaque du Mâconnais. Après quatre ans d’occupation, il est finalement repris par Philippe le Bon grâce à la présence d’un tunnel souterrain reliant le château à une tour de garde située sur une colline voisine. En 1471, il est à nouveau la cible d’une attaque royale, celle de Louis XI, cette fois infructueuse.
Durant la renaissance, le rôle militaire de la forteresse devient plus secondaire, cette dernière se trouvant pourtant au cœur du conflit déchirant alors le royaume : la guerre des ligues. Catholiques et protestants s’affrontent à travers des escarmouches mettant le pays à feu et à sang. Le duc de Nevers à la tête de la ligue catholique porte un assaut considérable en 1591. Forte de 1100 hommes, 100 chevaux et d’une série de canons portatifs, l’armée du duc vient à bout des défenses de la forteresse qui cède après deux mois de siège.
Après l’attaque de la ligue et l’expulsion de ses propriétaires, le château est laissé à l’abandon pendant près de deux siècles. Lieu de pâturage pour le bétail durant la révolution française, il est malgré quelques dégradations relativement épargné par les vagues de destructions révolutionnaires. Déclaré tout comme l’abbaye de Cluny bien national, il entre dans la propriété de l’Etat mais n’est pas réinvesti. Le château subit alors les affres du temps…
En 1817, les descendants des anciens propriétaires rachètent le château, celui-ci redevenant alors un bien privé. Ayant subi de nombreuses dégradations de par son inoccupation prolongée, le château nécessite alors de nombreuses restaurations : charpentes, toitures et planchers doivent être rénovés afin d’assurer la sécurité du lieu. La famille Thy de Milly agrandit peu à peu les fenêtres, rénove le logis seigneurial et entretient les jardins, permettant bien des années plus tard de l’ouvrir au public afin de partager et donner à voir ce monument remarquable du patrimoine.
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It’s wild none of the royal tumblr accounts have made a post or talked about Willem and maxima being confronted by protesters over slavery. Had this been W&K all these blogs would have never quit talking about it
I literally heard about it first from a random brazilian leftist account that twitter found appropriate to put on my feed which is wild lol but it's interesting that their caribbean tour went very well but south africa didn't
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KLAW | DAY 2 - King/Historian
tagging: @kingliamappreciationweek, @lizzybeth1986, @sazanes
Five Headcanons About King!Liam
Despite the chokehold The Royal Romance has had over me since 2018, I’ve always found it difficult to articulate how Liam rules. I believe it’s because when TRR isn’t using him for the MC’s benefit, they keep all his decision making off-screen. But, I’ve knuckled down and come up with five headcanons for how Liam rules Cordonia.
International Relations & Diplomacy
We see from book 2 that Liam has a focus on diplomacy. His entire engagement tour with Madeleine was also a diplomatic trip around the world. I’ve already heacanoned that Liam goes to more countries during the tour. It was always strange to me that the tour didn’t stop by the United Kingdom even though it's one of Cordonia’s allies and Madeleine’s father is an English duke. Liam brings Cordonia into the European Union because it’s what he deserves. Unlike his father, Liam puts more emphasis on the art of diplomacy. He revitalizes the foreign ministry with the advice of Duke Hakim and hires more ambassadors to make connections across the world. Under his reign, Cordonia becomes more well-known on the international stage.
The Liberation Core
We don’t know much about the Liberation Core. They’re introduced as a potential enemy in book 3, but our only insight into them is Gladys. What I’ve gleaned from Gladys’s story is that the Liberation Core is an political organization that protests the ill treatment of commoners by the nobility. The only reason they end up as the enemy is because Anton and Claudius, both members of the Sons of Earth, co-opt their movement and use it for their own benefit. So, I have Liam sit down with the Liberation Core to discuss grievances. I desperately need Liam to engage with commoners who aren’t his best friend and weren't essentially raised in the palace with him. Liam’s always stated that his duty is to the Cordonian people, which leads nicely into…
The Nobility
…Raising commoners into the nobility. We know that in TRR2, the MC gains a duchy regardless of whether she’s engaged to Liam or not. I believe down to my core that Liam gave Hana a duchy because it doesn’t makes sense for him not to. During his speech before the Homecoming Ball is attacked, he mentions wanting to revitalize the old houses of Cordonia. What better way to do that than bringing some commoners into the nobility and therefore bring new ideas and ways of thinking? Liam also makes efforts to mitigate the nobles' ability to abuse the citizens of their estate. He never wants another Lady Carmine situation again.
The Government
Remember in book 1 when there was a council that helped government affairs and influenced the outcome of the social season? Remember in book 3 when Liam implied that he wanted to put commoners on his new council… and then didn’t? Pepperidge Farms remembers. In my mind, these two councils merge into one, where each duchy has a council member from the nobility and the common people. I haven’t worked out the exact mechanics of the selection process yet, but the noble council seat is typically the current head of the duchy and someone they appoint to act as their stead if they’re unable to do their duties. The common seat (I need a better name), however, is chosen by the common people of the duchy in an election. As time goes on in his reign, I see Liam giving more voting power to the common people in Cordonia.
Culture & The Arts
What are two things Liam loves? Art and history. Liam gives more royal funding to every library in the country because that is what the people deserve. The Therons’ International Arts & Food Festival becomes more well-known as the years go by partly because of Liam’s effort to attend every year. I believe it’s canon that part of the royal palace is a museum and Liam makes sure it’s well taken care of. A lot of his personal wealth is funneled into cultural events like festivals and fairs that allow more intermingling between the common people and the nobility.
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