#zaros x reader
Text
ZAROS IS SO MAJESTIC HERE WTFFFFFFF
this photo is from the artist who drew the official artwork for zaros,on twitter @/keimoneuwu !!!
107 notes
·
View notes
Text
Zaros x Reader
You leave Serulla, only returning when danger threatens your kingdom
This fic is based on THIS brilliant theory by @astralbulldragon13. I simply couldn't get it out of my head and had to write about it I have to say I'm not very happy with the way this came out, but I spent too much time on it to not post it😭
Also, this is really long (almost 3.5k words) idk how it happened🤡 when I started writing it, I just couldn't stop. Plz let me know if i made any mistakes
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
"There, you win. Your son is now the Eminence, but know this, if you try to rule my kingdom vicariously through your Zaros, or control his new life in any way, there is no where you could go, no hole you can hide in, that I won’t find you."
-
The realisation dawned on you, way before the trials began. You weren’t interested in the throne; that wasn’t where your heart lies. That position was polished and refined for your brother, but guilt has its ways of twisting one's mind and kept you fighting for a life that was stolen from him, replacing a prodigy child that was stolen from your mother.
Zaros' insults and demeaning remarks only contributed to your mindset, though that didn’t make them any less hurtful. How could they not be? Especially when coming from someone you admired and cherished. They were fuel to the fire, a constant reminder of how unfit you are.
It was hard to imagine yourself as a good ruler anyways. Sure, you were knowledgeable, but what good is education with no real experience or empathy for the struggles of your people? Not to mention being cloaked by a porcelain mask 24/7, designed and altered to meet the needs of the people around you.
Zaros, on the other hand, was different. His pernicious attitude cracked the corners of your mask, forcing raw emotions to erupt to daylight. It was a distasteful experience considering your position, but deep down you never felt more alive than when you could be yourself with him, throwing insults right back into his face. It forced the masked persona to face the real you and come to terms with what you wanted, before it was too late.
You wanted a life that was yours to live, a life where you could be yourself. Not one you are forced to live, or a person you are required to be. There were things you had to let go of and things you needed to learn.
By himself, Zaros would be a skillful leader capable of building a successful future for Serulla. He had the experience that you lacked, that alone could potentially secure Serulla a brighter future than you could ever offer. The only threat was his mother, Nira Atha’lin. She was obnoxious, quick to point out every miniscule flaw and mistake in your ways, if Zaros was unbearable, she was enough to push you to insanity. Her personality was sour and ugly, like biting into a mouldy rotting fruit. Her intentions are unclear, but it isn’t hard to see her abusing the authority of her son and the crown.
Though that didn’t matter, you trust Zaros, he would never put the wellbeing of Serulla at risk. He’s headstrong and stubborn. It’s no wonder you admire him, in some way or another he’s just like you.
He has become a decent acquaintance in your life. Looking back, he could have easily double-crossed you in the trials and spited his way to the top, but he didn’t. Every last minute of it was fair and just. Maybe that’s why you felt so strongly for him now.
-
Outside the hall, minutes away from a final decision, both Zaros and you stood. If you had something to do, now was the time to do it.
He reaches for the heavy gold handles of the door, but he doesn’t get to push it open.
"Zaros", you take his hand.
He ignores the door, turning to face you.
"If you are indeed the victor, which.... I have no doubt you are; I need you to promise me something."
His eyebrows perk upwards, and he steps closer, taking your hand fully in his.
"We don't know that yet. You gave me quite a challenge during the trials you know. Don't tell me you're giving up now?", signature smirk plastered to his face, though you no longer feel the need to punch it off.
“Please listen to me.”, you sigh, "I need you to promise me you'll never let Serulla suffer. I know I'm not capable of helping all the people who deserve our help, but you are. I’m certain of it, so promise me."
The seriousness in your eyes was enough to stifle his usual sarcasm.
"I... I promise." He barely mutters, no longer smiling. It’s an unusual sight, the kind that makes you feel nauseous. He's even more alarmed when you offer a pinkie to him, like you used to do years ago when you were just kids roaming the corridors and sneaking into the kitchen.
"Pinkie promise?" You smile.
He caught his own pinkie onto yours. "I promise, I'll do my best."
He knew what you were about to do. But he also knows how stubborn you are and there was no way he could stop you, no matter how desperately he wanted to.
After facing Nira that day, you smiled at him and whispered a gentle "Take care of yourself and my home for me". You swore that from that moment onwards, you’d never mask yourself again.
Those were your last words to him before you'd vanished, leaving behind only a letter. In which, you asked that he looked after your mother and detailed an apology as well as a segment of feelings you'd harboured for him. It was an intended goodbye before he forgets about you, lest you have a reason to return. You hoped you wouldn't.
-
Throughout your travels you faced many hardships, the expected reality of being a lone traveler. But you grew from those experiences. You learnt from the people around you and made friends.
You sharpened your survival skills as you traversed the lands, a melody of experiences of new cultures and flavours, from continents you'd only dreamt of, melted on your tongue. Those fleeting dreams were nothing compared to the reality you held in your own two hands. You learnt to appreciate life and how to trust.
The last place you ventured was the Northern Nation, though their reputation is scandalous, their culture is rich. What you weren’t expecting was to meet see a familiar face, a palace staff, an informant no less. Only now he worked for Nira, delivering letters to the most dangerous kingdom of all the nations and had informed you that you were banned from the home you grew up in.
After 8 years, it was time to turn back. It was time to head home.
-
There was a masquerade ball being held in Serulla at dawn, the perfect opportunity to tiptoe into the palace unnoticed. What was the plan? You weren’t entirely sure but one way or another you had to speak to Zaros. If you marched in like you own the place, you would be promptly kicked out a few feet upon entering the gate. It’s a good thing you knew your way around every crack and crevice like the back of your hand. It shouldn’t be too hard blending in once you’re inside. But first you needed clothes and a mask, nothing extravagant, just enough to blur into the masses.
Learning to walk silently made slipping in as easy as dreaming, before you could blink you were in the ballroom. Oh, did it feel nostalgic, you remember the times you were the main focus of these elaborate events. Now look at you, sneaking in and avoiding any attention whatsoever. You missed these walls, they look the exact same since you’ve left them, grand, luxurious and unchanged. You couldn’t help but take a minute to reminisce and admire.
“Can I ask for a dance later, mysterious stranger?” a young man snapped you out of your trance.
“I’m afraid not sir. I have prior arrangements for the evening”, you bow. “My sincerest apologies.”
What a nuisance, you thought, abruptly turning and leaving. You had to find Zaros. As King of Serulla he had to be here, his presence is of utmost importance and entirely compulsory for this kind of event. Perhaps he’d show up later in the evening, all you had to do was wait amongst the crowd. Maybe a drink would take the edge off while you do, maybe it would help you ignore the eyes you felt burning holes into your back.
Hours later the arrival of the king was finally announced, and there he was, fashionably late in all his blond glory. He’s just as captivating as you left him all those years ago, just as beautiful and refined. It was like staring at the sun, glowing so brightly it just might blind someone. Yes, you were staring, but so was everyone else. Who wouldn’t stare when graced with the presence of the King himself? His lips moved as he acknowledged his audience, but your mind was too preoccupied with gawking at him to hear a single word. You’re yanked back to reality when the crowd scatters at his dismissal, so you retreat to a space further away, where you could keep an eye on him as he conversed with guests. It would be unwise to approach him now, there’s too many eyes on him this early into the night. Once the crowd has had their fill of wine and was no longer capable of seeing any further than their nose, you’d seize the opportunity to steal him away.
Lay low, keep an eye on him. Two simple tasks to accomplish. But the fool you’d rejected earlier in the eventing, now a drunken fool, apparently doesn’t understand the meaning of two simple letters, no. You rejected him twice already but he keeps coming back.
“I’m not taking no for answer hic- you simple must dance with me”, before you could reject him again, he’s dragging you to the floor. If it weren’t for the fact that you didn’t want any attention tonight, his arm would’ve been broken on the spot.
You struggle in his grip as he swayed you, haphazardly and arrhythmic to the music, and FUCK you lost sight of Zaros. If only this imbecile would let go of you! And cease his gooselike movements!
“Unfortunately, good sir, they’re not available to dance with YOU this evening.”, you’re backed into a hard wall, a clothed wall? A familiar smelling wall. A speaking wall.
His sticky hands are gone from your body in an instant, he even backs away from you.
“You-your Majesty”, he stuttered.
“All of their dances are promised to me tonight. I’ll assume you weren’t aware and turn a blind eye just this once.”, the wall speaks again, replacing unpleasant hands with a gentle yet possessive grip. It's very obvious who this wall is.
“Now if you’ll excuse us, I’ll be stealing them away now”, he doesn’t wait for a response, pulling you further onto the dance floor. You’re still facing away from him as he guides your body to the tune that swirls the room.
“Welcome back Earis” he whispers and you can just hear the smirk he’s wearing.
“A bit of a lost cause on such title now, aren’t I?” you answer. “How did you know it was me?”, he moved your body effortlessly, like it was made specially to fit beneath his palms.
“How could I not? I could feel your eyes on me all night.” Following the music, he spins you around to finally face him. “Even if death took me, I’d still remember those eyes.”
You scoff, “How charming. But everyone’s eyes are on you tonight.”
“Hmm you think so? A shame, none are as captivating as yours.”
“I need to speak to you Zaros.”
“We’re speaking right now, are we not?”
Fuck, why does he always have to be so difficult?
“Not here. I need to speak to you in private.”
There was too much attention on him for you to speak freely, it’s a surprise guards haven’t escorted you out the room yet.
“Sounds alarming. And just when I thought you came back to see me.” he fakes a frown, and let’s go of your hand as he ends the dance. You curtsy, and he leans closer to whispers for you to follow him. He leaves first and you linger around the corners before disappearing yourself.
Eventually you’re back in the abandoned hallways of the palace, walking with Zaros.
“So why are you back?”
“I’ve made a recent discovery, and I was worried. I needed to talk to you about it.”
“Worried?”
“You’re aware of the notoriety of the Northern Nation, correct?”
“Who isn’t? Their name stains chapters of history text with the blood they’ve spilt.”
“Yes, that’s why it was a surprise when I found out your mother exchanges letters with their King and his court.”
He halts, “What? What are you talking about?”
You turn to him, removing the mask from your face. “While I stayed in the city of the Northern Nation, I recognised a familiar face. A Surullian informant. I’ve seen him work for my mother for years, naturally, I was confused by his presence there.”, you sigh. “I tried to get as much information as I could from him, but he knew nothing. He had simple instructions from your mother to deliver the letters to and from the Northern Kingdom. Unfortunately for me, he had already passed on the letters, so I did not get a look. He swore to never tell a soul of our encounter to avoid any further issues, but I also found out I'm blacklisted here.”
“What are you saying? Why would she even want to converse with the Northern Kingdom? An alliance with them is like an alliance with hyenas. They bring nothing but war and bloodshed. And what on Earth do you mean ‘blacklisted’?”, he shouts in frustration. “She’s my mother, I trust her. I find it all of this hard to believe.”
“Hah of course you don't believe me." you look around frantically. "Follow me.”
He stomped after you as you made your way for the nearest set of guards.
“Wait here, and watch.”
You walked up to them, as if to inquire something, only to be quickly apprehended.
“Let go of them immediately! What do you think you're doing?”, Zaros march in their direction.
“Apologies, your Majesty. We’re only following orders!”
“Whose orders?”, he yells.
“Lady Atha’lin, you Majesty!”, the fear is evident in their voices, and you give him a knowing look.
“Fuck”, he whispers under his breathe. “You’re dismissed and inform every guard in this palace that no one is to lay a finger on them. Do you hear me?”, he says, curt and unforgiving, as they shuffle away clumsily.
“As I said, blacklisted. Do you believe me now mama’s boy?”
If looks could kill, you’d be dead in milliseconds the way he glared at you. He's angry as can be, it’s not every day the tables are turned.
“A shame, had I been kicked out at the gates, you’d be oblivious to your mommy’s devious little plans.” You push.
“Oh what do you care? You left Serulla for 8 years. You’re back to warn me once and suddenly you’re high and might?”
“Hah, I was not just here to warn you. No Zaros, my initial plan was to meet your mother directly.”, you roll your eyes.
“Allow me to refresh your memory, 8 years ago, before I left, I made a promise to Nira Atha’lin that if she threatened Serulla in any way I’d be back to drag to her to hell with me. For your sake, I wanted to meet you first. But know this Zaros, if you’re incapable of handling your mother, I am not. I have no qualms in removing her by force, with or without your permission.”
You went overboard, but it was too late to take it back. The anger in his eyes boils over, as does the internal turmoil, but he keeps silent. He paces back and forth, and it might be better if you left him alone with his thoughts for a while.
“I’ll leave you be for now, when you are ready to find me again, I’ll be in the garden.”, a vast contrast to the tone you had previously.
-
You leave Zaros to decipher his feelings alone, it would be better if you weren’t there. You were annoyed at him for doubting you, yet that was no way for you to speak to him, especially considering the amount of information to process in such short time. How did it even progress that quickly? Sometimes old habits are hard to kill. You needed to apologise to him later.
The garden is still as beautiful as it always was, flourishing healthily despite your mother’s absence. You had heard of it, the news circulated Serulla and its neighbouring nations with the passing wind. The Queen was no more, and her child was absolutely vile for leaving her. People will always talk.
But it looks like Zaros kept his promise to take care of your home.
The garden was silence, as you stood before the two memorial tablets mounted there. One for your brother, another for your mother. You prayed that somewhere in her heart she’d forgiven you for leaving her alone. You wipe away the tears that warmed your cheek.
“She kept speaking highly of you, to the very end.”, his voice startles you, relaxed and calmer now.
“I don’t deserve it, I left her. But there was no point in returning then, if anything it made me not want to return at all.”, you replied, kissing the top of the stone with your mother’s name carved into it.
“I’m sorry.”, he sounded sincere, the most sincere you’ve ever heard him be.
“It’s not your fault, we all have to die one day, do we not?”
“No, for not stopping you from leaving.”
“What?”, confusion thickens your voice. “What are you talking about?”
“All these years you were gone, I couldn’t help but believe it was my fault. I felt guilty, like I pushed you out of your own home. Like this was never truly my place, but yours. I’d found you again after 8 years, only for you to slips through my fingers for another 8. I really am sorry.”
“Zaros.”, you stand directly in front of him. “That was not your fault. I chose to leave. I wanted to, I had to find myself. If anything, your stupid insults helped me, although they still hurt, don't get me wrong. Besides look at how well off Serulla is! You are more of a ruler than I ever would’ve been-”
“And I missed you.” He cuts you off and silence ensues, save for the soft howls of the wind. You didn’t expect him to confess that to you so openly and easily.
“I… I missed you too.” He takes a breath and smiles, not one of his devious smirks or teasing grins. A real genuine smile that once again showed a sincerity you were unfamiliar with. You sit with him in silence for a long time, admiring the stars and flowers. and you remembered a conversation you had a long time ago. He was right watching them in the moonlight was comforting. You could only hope he feels the same way right now.
“Remember how you told me to look at the flowers in the garden at night? It was so long ago; I almost don’t remember their name. What were they called again? Bitter bell something?”, you reminisced.
“Bitter bell dureni” (sorry ik I probably butchered that idk how to spell)
“Right, yes those. I got to see them tonight. They really are beautiful.”
“I’m sorry for how I reacted.", he confessed. "I promised you I’d keep Serulla safe, and I intend to keep that promise, even if it means revoking all authorities from my mother.”
“I’d much rather not use violence too. I apologise for provoking you.”
“I suppose it was a taste of my own medicine”, he laughs and you join him. “Does this mean you’re leaving again?”
“What? Do you want me to leave that badly?”
“Ha-ha, very funny.”
“No, I plan on staying a while, as long as your guards keep their hands to themselves of course.”, he laughs again and you can see yourself getting addicted to it. He sounds serene.
“Then, it’s my honour to have you.”, he reaches for your hand. “Come, your old room has been vacant for 8 years. It’s about time someone used it.”
“You kept my room vacant?”
“I may have had a little hope you’d return some day. To Serulla. To me.”
It’s hard not to smile when he says such things.
You take his hand, placing a gentle kiss on his cheek, and he averts his gaze, though not enough to hide the dusty pink shade of his skin.
“I have another question.”,
“Yes?”
“Did you really mean all those things you said in your letter?”
It’s silent again as you walk the familiar path to your room. You both knew the answer to that.
118 notes
·
View notes
Text
Black Daffodils
Zaros Atha'lin x Reader
You're poisoned. Thankfully, Zaros knows his way around plants.
“You cannot be serious,” you said, looking at Zaros as if he had just proposed burning down the library.
The two of you were taking a stroll by the garden, having just finished eating dinner together. Zaros had taken the opportunity of the meeting to fly into one of his rambles, explaining his grand visions and plans for the future if he were to succeed in the trials and ascend to the throne. It had been straining to keep your composure and smile politely at him to keep up appearances, especially since he had put it into his head to tease you relentlessly and with such vigor that you were sure ‘mocking’ would be a more appropriate term.
Zaros raised an eyebrow, shooting a sidelong glance at you. “Yes, sure. You think just because something has been a certain way for centuries that it should not be changed — it gave you a position of power, after all. It suited you to keep the common people groveling at your feet like the spoiled brat you are—”
Your laugh made him pause. It was not the usual incredulous amusement coming from you as he told a truth you did not want to believe, this was real, genuine amusement, laced with a pitying heaviness that made him feel as if you had found a chink in his armor.
“And here I thought you were smart beyond your botany,” you said, shaking your head, “you’re so naive.”
Zaros exhaled incredulously. “Me?” he asked, disbelieving, “really?”
“You are, with your values and ideas and utopias,” you said, holding his gaze to convey how serious you were, “they are all great, honestly. I’m happy for you if you know what to believe in and what to fight for, but it’s all theory. What do you think will happen if you take the throne and change the very foundation our nation is built on overnight, dismantling the societal classes, tearing apart the system and the political principles we govern by?”
“How rich. So we should just keep the status quo because it suits you? That’s not—!”
“Shut up for a moment, Zaros,” you snapped, taking hold of his arm to halt his steps, “Do you really think the throne gives you power? You need to play the system, in it rather than against it, and twist it out of shape enough to incorporate your ideas, but never break it. Do you honestly believe the entire nation would not revolt against you the moment you start dismantling our society according to your wishes? The nobility hates you already, you’re right about that. Do you think you can rule without them? Alone?”
“I rule for the people the nobility has forgotten about and never even looked at in the first place,” Zaros answered coldly, “I’m not alone.”
You chuckled. “Keep telling yourself that, but remember that people hate sudden changes. It will only be a matter of time until your policy of revolution starts annoying them and then, you need strong allies to appease the masses and back up your right to rule. If you discard the entire nobility as self-righteous snobs, you’ll be alone against the world.” You started walking again, leaving Zaros to follow with furrowed brows. “And you know how fast solitude kills in our lives.”
Zaros was deep in contemplation, looking through the stone arches of the courtyard to view the garden. He stared at the nobles strolling through it in the darkness of the evening as if they held the ultimate truth and shook his head, meeting your gaze briefly in the dim light coming from the palace wall.
“I think you’re wrong,” he said, smiling at you so disingenuously that it made your mouth twist in distaste. You had hit a nerve. It was evident from how he turned his gaze to look straight ahead, picking up the pace to walk briskly across the paved part of the courtyard adjoining the garden. “I would reform the system for the people it systematically oppresses. I— I don’t need the nobility to back me up if I have the favor of the many!”
The conviction in his tone was almost comical. It felt good finally being able to get under his skin. It was your time to tease him and, adjusting your pace to follow closely behind him, you smirked to yourself, wondering which buttons to push to get Zaros to snap. “Leader of the masses, oh popular one?” you baited.
Zaros growled, “Mocking me, are you? Well, not everyone had the privilege to be born into the spotlight. We common mortals need to earn favor and respect, and I intend to do just that as I topple the injustice in our world!”
You hummed in acknowledgement of his words as if they were a mildly interesting expression of an idea you had already discarded. “You would have a revolt on your hands as fast as—”
“As fast as what?” Zaros asked challengingly as you cut off, “Have you run out of similes?” There was no quick, angry reply as he expected, only silence. He could no longer hear your footsteps following behind him, so he turned, puzzled.
In the dim light, he could see you leaning against the stonewall separating the courtyard from the garden, your eyebrows furrowed and breaths labored. You were pale, one hand resting against your chest as if you had difficulty breathing, the other placed against the stone to hold yourself upright.
“What is it?” Zaros asked in confusion.
“I—” you began, but could only gasp as your knees buckled. Your hand roamed across the stone, trying to find purchase as you crumbled to the ground. Zaros rushed forward in an instant, catching you in his arms.
“Help!” he yelled, causing the nobles strolling through the garden to turn their head at his panicked cry. “Someone get the chief curer, hurry!” his eyes were wide with worry, searching your face hastily for any indication of what was happening to you.
Some of the nobles had gathered around the two of you, gasps and murmurs flying through the crowd at seeing you slumped against the wall with half-lidded, delirious eyes and a wheezing breath. Zaros paid them no mind, focused entirely on you.
“What’s wrong? What happened?” he asked, cupping your cheeks with unsteady hands, “Hey, look at me. I’m right here.”
You mumbled something unintelligible that sounded somewhat like his name.
Tilting your head to the side slightly, Zaros saw a faint discoloration on your cheek, spread across it in the form of a tree branch. “I—” he breathed, his brain taking a moment to connect what he saw to a poison he had been forced to study. “I know,” he whispered in a sudden epiphany, tearing his gaze away from you to look towards the garden. “A moment, I’ll be right back, my heart, only a moment,” he rushed out, dropping his hands from your face and darting into the garden, ignoring your muffled whimper of protest.
When he returned, the chief curer had just kneeled next to you, starting his examination. “Move!” Zaros said briskly to the nobles barring you from him and pushed through the crowd of onlookers. Ignoring the curer, he tilted your head towards him, placing a few green petals in your mouth. “Don’t swallow them,” he instructed gently, leaving a hand on your cheek as the other found yours, squeezing comfortingly, “These petals are a natural remedy for various types of poison. You should be better in a moment.”
“What is the reason for this commotion?” Queen Roena’s clear, sharp voice cut through the murmuring crowd, silencing them in an instant. The curer sprang up to bow and explained hastily that he could not yet tell.
Zaros did not leave your side, helping you sit up properly once the antidote allowed you to move again and holding out a handkerchief for you to dispose of the petals. “Help me up,” you whispered to him after regaining your breath, and Zaros obliged, keeping his arm firmly around your waist to hold you upright.
“It will take some time for you to recover completely,” he said quietly, putting more of your weight on him, “You’ll likely be weak for a day or two, but no longer than that.” You groaned in reply.
“What happened?” Queen Roena asked, looking at the two of you with confusion and worry. Her gaze lingered on you, silently checking you over.
You cleared your throat. “Well, your Eminence, that’s not easy to say. You see, one moment I was engaged in a most pleasant debate with my— my acquaintance here, and the next I found myself on the ground, out of breath and unable to move.”
“They were poisoned, your Eminence,” Zaros said, but before he could add anything, the chief curer interrupted him.
“And how would you know that?” he asked, distaste evident in his tone.
“I have studied the poison that evokes exactly these symptoms,” Zaros said to him before turning his gaze back to the Queen, who was looking at him intently. “That is why I knew which antidote to search for in the garden.”
“How very convenient,” the curer observed and a tide of new whispering erupted from the crowd. Zaros could feel his blood starting to boil at the suspicion turned on him.
“Zaros,” you said breathlessly, closing your eyes briefly to stop the world from spinning around you. “I need to lay down. Walk me to my room?”
“Of course.”
“Your Eminence, is that wise?” the chief curer’s voice was faintly audible to you, moving away from the crowd with Zaros by your side. “What if he's only waiting to be alone with them to finish what he started, to eliminate his contestant for—” Zaros huffed beside you, continuing to lead you away.
No matter how much he insisted that he did not care about what those around him thought of him, you could see beyond his carefully constructed mask and had always noticed how much it bothered him. Although he never acted on it, choosing instead to remain passive and seemingly nonchalant at their words, the epitome of calm collectedness. Deep down, you had seen it gnawing at his heart, and it did still, evident in the hurt shining in his eyes.
“This one,” you nodded toward a wooden door to your right, leading to your chambers. “Right, thank you. I’ve got it from here. I’ll just—” You twisted out of Zaros’ arms, bracing yourself against the wall to keep from falling. You underestimated your strength, however, and would have collapsed to the ground if Zaros had not caught you again.
He chuckled hollowly but without malice, as he adjusted his grip and led you into your room. “Yes, I can see how well you’ve got it,” he said, setting you down on the bed, “Stubborn like always. What is it with you and thinking you’re above such feeble things as being helped? A side effect of your upbringing, I’m sure.”
“Shut up,” you whispered, leaning back on the pillows with a groan and closing your eyes. The feeling of a hand on your forehead made them snap open again. Zaros was looking at you with an unreadable expression, perched on the side of your bed. “Like what you see?” you murmured, trying to crack his serious demeanor. He did not smile, mouth twisting into a tight line.
“Here,” he helped you sit up slowly, handing you a glass of water. “Drink, it helps.”
“Oh, does it?” you teased, taking small sips, “Did you poison that too to get rid of me and start your top-down revolution?”
His reaction was immediate. “Seriously?” he raised his voice in a near scream that made you jump, “What, you think I’d kill you for my own gain? You think I’d go over your dead body to implement my ideas?” Zaros leaped to his feet, looking down at you with rage and betrayal shining in his eyes. “You’re just as bad as everyone else!”
“Sit down, Zaros,” you said tiredly, taking hold of his arm and tugging him towards the bed. “I’m only teasing.” Your eyelids were starting to drop of their own accord, exhaustion finally overtaking you.
A part of you was afraid to rest, considering what had happened. You were poisoned, and although the realization had not entirely set in yet, the thought of laying asleep, defenseless against the poisoner, made you shudder.
“I know you’d never—” you said, holding onto Zaros’ hand as he sat on the bed again. He had a frown on his face and you could tell he was biting back a sarcastic remark or sharp jab of some kind. “I know you’d never hurt me,” you finished, eyes drifting shut with a content sigh at having him near you.
Despite your differences, you knew you could trust Zaros. He wore his ideals on his sleeve, and you had been acquainted long enough to get a feeling for the sort of person he was.
Looking at your entwined fingers, he swallowed thickly, the frown on his face replaced with a soft expression as his gaze drifted over your sleeping face. He reached up his free hand to brush tenderly through your hair, contemplating how improper it would be to lay down beside you and keep you safe.
#sakuverse#zsakuva zaros#zsakuva#zaros atha'lin#yes I looked up his surname#zaros x reader#zaros atha'lin x reader
69 notes
·
View notes
Text
Is It Over Now?
“You dream of my mouth before it called you a lying traitor.”
Zaros x Reader
You catch yourself in a whirlwind of emotions after seeing him again.
When you were young, your future was already predetermined. You accepted the responsibility of being a future heir of Serulla. And after you met Zaros, you admit that you had imagined a future that includes him. But life was as unpredictable, bringing you to places you never thought you’d find yourself in.
You remembered the fateful day and how things unfolded. A familiar ache swarmed your body as if you were there once again. The scene replayed, fresh from the memories.
“You are a disgusting leech who won my trust, only to break me after. Knowing you is my greatest regret, I never want to see your face again.”
The grip in your glass tightened as the words echoed once again. A tinge of guilt and anger surged you once more. Before those ugly emotions consume you swallow it down with the drink, burning your throat. You shook your head, preventing those thoughts from lingering again.
Instead, you turned your attention to your duties. Observing and relishing yourself at the lavish banquet filled with lords and ladies, and other nobles from across the land with a variety of delicacies you’ll gladly indulge. There's no time for sulking when you have subjects to attend to. You composed yourself, wearing the same smile you practised in the mirror.
Walking down with your head high, you were greeted with such honour and respect. Some are welcoming, some are visibly intimidated. You paid no mind, you understand how high the tension was especially in the upcoming ascension. It was exhilarating, drowning in power that people bestowed felt akin to wearing such a heavy crown.
Your heart skipped a beat as your eyes landed on him. A wave of irritation, longing, and nostalgia flowed through you. You had anticipated his arrival, but you never thought that it could feel this way. Zaros is as handsome and insufferable as ever. He walked towards you carrying himself with that familiar manner.
“Not enjoying the party? You look as bored as the dead.” You felt your teeth clench as you heard his smooth pesky voice. You took a deep breath before responding, “There’s no need to worry, I am enjoying myself thoroughly.” plastering a fake smile, you answered him as politely as you can.
“You look pitiful standing here on your own.” Zaros scoffed as he looked at you from head to toe.
You didn’t give him the satisfaction of revelling in your reaction, so you just gave him a half hearted smile, hoping he’ll go away. But he never did.
Minutes passed and Zaros continued to talk about the upcoming ascension and the dominion. So far you also heard snide remarks, jabs, and insults to get reaction out of you– sometimes, bringing out the past to poke deeper. You decided to practice the virtue of patience and understand his attitude; so you put up with it for tonight.
All of the sudden, you saw him reach his hand out. “Want to dance?’ Zaros offered and all you can do is look at him as if he’s a madman. You tolerated his remarks and mockery, but a dance? It was beyond your endurance.
“Pardon?” You tilted your head, hoping that this was just one of his teasing.
“What better way to show we’re getting along?” Zaros smirked.
“A conversation just like what we were having.” You immediately answered.
“You don’t think so? You have everything to gain.”
“What gain?”
“Like the love of your soon to be subjects. Knowing that you can dance with a leech and still keep calm.” He spoke with pride, using the same undertone. You almost groaned at that damned ‘nickname’, you used it against him and now he’s using it against you. Unbelievable. Nevertheless, you begrudgingly accepted.
Dancing with him was pleasurable– if he only knew when to close his mouth. You remembered what they taught you, and with Zaros, your bodies flowed smoothly to the rhythm. There’s a part of you that missed the closeness, one that found your longing satiated. The other part was still as bitter and dismissive, wanting nothing to do with him.
As you both swayed into the music, you can’t help but observe him and wonder. Eight years ago, you didn’t have to watch him from afar. There was no need for formality, nor acts of civility. No snarky remarks, hurtful banters, nor mockery thrown towards each other. However, time has passed; you can’t be the naive child like you were back then. While you understand that one day both of you would grow, you never anticipated that you’ll grow apart. You looked away, tightening the mask that you wear. Responsibility has no time for insignificant relations, and you’ll always remember that.
“Today we contest the seat of Ilves.”
Gasps and murmurs filled the room at Lady Nira Atha’lin’s declaration. Surprise filled your face as you witnessed it play out. You were prepared for any declaration of contesting, but you never expected that it would be from the family of Zaros. Looking at him, you watched him consent to the decision, it felt unreal. Who could’ve known that he’d be truly your rival?
You watched your mother accept the decision gracefully. “Then as per the law all contenders must reside in the palace until the trials are concluded. I shall retain my position in the meantime and will officially renounce my title when our future ruler is justly selected.” Reside in the palace. Your eyes widened, realizing that your interaction with him would be longer than anticipated.
“Thank you for your patience and your support. Though my rule will soon come to an end the night has only just begun. So please enjoy the rest of your time here.” The room was filled with applause and cheers as Queen Roena concluded, but you can’t help but stand in shock. Having to interact with Zaros almost everyday after what happened between you felt like the biggest challenge despite the trial not starting yet.
A small glance was exchanged between you and Zaros. Life with him at the palace was new and unpredictable. And somehow, you’re looking forward to it.
Pattern banner from Cafekitsune.
48 notes
·
View notes
Text
12 notes
·
View notes
Text
.•°★ || MASTER POST || ★°•.
.•°★ ORTHAEUS - NEPHILIM
Tea's Monthly Sacrifice #1 - sfw headcanons
Black! Plus-sized! Reader - sfw headcanons
.•°★ ASZIEN - VAMPIRE
.•°★ MYDAIEL - ANGEL
.•°★ ZAROS - DEMON
#.•°★ || orthaeus ||#.•°★ || aszien ||#.•°★ || mydaiel ||#.•°★ || zaros ||#.•°★ || inscriptions ||#oc#oc x reader#monster x reader#monster boyfriend x reader#monster boyfriend#monster oc#nephilim#vampire#angel#demon#nephilim x reader#vampire x reader#angel x reader#demon x reader
19 notes
·
View notes
Text
Masterlist🍂
Last Updated: 11/16/2023
Total Works: 53
Slowly updating this. I've written way more than what's on here
Fandom
🍵Five Nights At Freddy’s
Top Hat - Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
Glamrock Freddy x Reader - Part 1
Dreadbear - Monsters
Sun and Moon G/T Headcannons
In the Walls - Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6
Sundrop x Tiny! Female! Reader ⚠Vore⚠
Moondrop Vore Request
Glamrock Freddy Vore Request
DJMM Vore Request
Borrower x Mini! Music Man Headcannons
Michael Afton HCs (S/O with Tourettes)
Giant! Micheal Afton HCs
Flashbacks (Freddy x Reader whos afraid of animatronics) - Part 1 Part 2
Love is a Small Word (Freddy x Borrower mother & child) - Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5
Monty x Frightened Borrower
Monty x Borrower OC
Jack O Bonnie Comfort Vore
Sun Finds a Child Borrower, Request
Foxy Vore Headcannons
🍵Transformers
June Darby x Optimus Prime
Loss
Ratchet x Depressed! Insomniac! Reader
Knockout x Reader (Dealing with Breakdown's Death)
🍵Avatar the Last Airbender
Tiny! Toph x Zuko
🍵Fruits Basket
Borrower! Tohru x Yuki - Part 1 Part 2
🍵The Elder Scrolls
Alcina & the Knights of the Nine - Part 1
Ah'kari x Plus Sized! Reader
🍵Beastars
Gohin Vore Headcannons
🍵Imagines
Giant Link
G/T
🍵Short Stories
Dakota & Evangeline - Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
Raven & Naomi - The Vampire’s Curiosity
Ben & Jamie - Cat & Mouse
When Giants Rule (Mild Vore) - Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
When Giants Rule (Updated Version, Original Story) - Part 1
Rorock & Lilly (Soft Vore) - A Cold Night
Arranged Marriage - Part 1 Part 2
5 Feet
Ellie x Zaro - Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
Horned Shadows
🍵Imagines
Fear
Monsters
🍵Short Stories
Vampire Hunter x Vampire
🍵Imagines
New Guy
🍵Headcannons
Werewolf BF (Vore HC)
This is a work in progress. More to come soon! I’m open to requests!
#masterlist#g/t fluff#g/t community#G/t story#g/t stories#monster x reader#Monster#monster lovers#fanfiction#fandom
74 notes
·
View notes
Text
the listener: *breathes*
ZAROS: YOU UNGRATEFUL SPOILED PALACE BRAT HOW DARE YOU EVEN EXIST PEOPLE ARE DYING AND ITS UR FAULT
like damn pookie I’m just tryna live😩😩
#sakuverse#zsakuva#zsakuva zaros#zaros x reader#zaros#he’s such a drama queen#he’s a little bitch but I love him like that’s my husband
87 notes
·
View notes
Text
A DANGEROUS GAME
Zaros x reader!
It’s been weeks since the trials have begun, life has constantly been dragging me down, it just gets harder and harder, every trial is more difficult and draining than the last
Having the throne is MY birthright, no ruler in Serulla has had to fight for it since a millennia, so WHY me? Sometimes, I just want to get away from it all, to run away, and never look back, but I can’t do that, I’d never do that to my mother and I CERTAINLY won’t let Zaros win so easily
I can’t believe there was a time where I pined over him like a naïve, halfwit being, that sort of behaviour was certainly not appropriate for a dignified, future regnant like me, but I have since corrected myself
I won’t tolerate his constant brawling or his scorn insults anymore, I have let him throw cruel insults my way many times before , ignoring his contempt on purpose, letting it go, for I have to uphold my family’s name so I certainly should not be seen going around engaging in useless disputes
But if he strikes again, it might just get ugly, and the nobles might just have a new scandal to talk about for the rest of eternity
I am currently standing in the corner of the ballroom, it’s become my favourite spot these days, a corner, but I fear I simply don’t have it in me to fake smiles and engage in asinine chatter with these duplicitous people tonight
the party is in full swing, people are dancing and getting drunk on wine and mindless gossip, yes another day, another party, "a well deserved break” as my mother likes to call it
I take another sip of my drink, that’s when I notice Zaros joking and laughing with a group of nobles, he then proceeds to give them the most charming smile I have ever seen, he used to smile at me like that…all.the.time, he's been doing this all night, dancing, mingling with every single person at this party except for me…….not that I care, I'd rather stay far, far away from him
a sudden wave of unease washes through me, why is he smiling at random people when he hasn’t even approached me all night? Am I really THAT uninteresting and repulsive to him? I thought he hated all nobles with a surging passion? So why is he smiling and laughing with them and NOT me?
Oh god, I sound like an obsessed lovefool, but seeing him be so affectionate and content with other people, well to put it lightly stings…..a bit, there was once a time in our lives where we were completely, inseparable, that in itself feels like a lifetime ago but it still hurts to reminisce …..is it…possible…that I’m jealous….right now?
I shake my head vehemently, no no no no, no it can’t be, it’s just the champagne getting to my head, I quickly put my glass down on the table near me, not liking the way the intoxicant is making me think, perhaps I just need to distract myself
I roam around the ballroom till I find my mother talking to the judges of the trials, reluctantly, I join in the conversation, they are talking about all the progress so far, oh god, why are they talking about the trials at a party that is meant to be a break FROM the trials…
“How are you liking the party my dear” my mother asks
“It’s lovely, thank you for organising it” I reply with a faint smile
“And how’s Zaros? Is he having fun?” she asks
I wouldn’t know cause he hasn’t spoken a word to me all night, but from the looks of it, he’s having a fucking blast
“I’m sure he’s enjoying himself as well” I say
I stand near the group, pretending to listen earnestly, but I can’t stop stealing glances at Zaros, the way he dances, his constant laughter, his soft smile, he just looks so happy, at this point my eyes are practically locked on him, that is until he catches me peering at him
Horrified, I abruptly turn away, so much so I’m pretty sure I strained my neck in the process
“Are you okay earis? You look a bit rattled” one of the judges asks me
“Oh no, no, no I’m perfectly fine, just a bit overwhelmed, you know how draining these parties can be” I reply awkwardly
The song ends and so does the dance with it, the sound of clapping and laughter echoes through the ballroom
“If you’re feeling tired please don’t hesitate to go and rest, you’re probably already exhausted from the stress of the trials, I
want you to feel your best and healthiest my love” says my mother as she gives me a warm smile
“You’re right, I should probably retire for the night, thank you for understanding” I say quite tiredly
“Well then, it’s been an enjoyable day but I must go and rest, it was a pleasure spending time with you all and I hope you all had a wonderful evening, good night!” I bid goodbye to the group and start to make my way out
I am almost out of the room when I suddenly feel someone grab a hold of my arm
confused and quite shocked at the sudden gesture, I turn swiftly, and when I do I am met with those familiar, piercing green eyes staring right into mine, mischief gleaming in them
“And where do you think you’re going?” asks Zaros in a low, strict tone
“I just feel a bit tired, so I thought I’d end the night early, why? Do you have a problem with that too” I reply, an unexpected irritation plaguing my voice
“Tired already? You haven’t even danced, my, my, you of all people should know that it’s rude for a royal to not engage with the party thrown by their own family, it’s not a good look on your part” he says with a stupid, sly smirk on his face
“Shouldn’t my disgrace only add to your elation?” I ask with all the heartlessness my voice can muster
“Oh trust me it does” he says with a stupid laugh as if I’ve shared an intriguing jest
“How about you quit your baseless play and tell me what you want, I have better places to be” I sneer
“What like your room?" he says with that same stupid laughter
"Well I was originally coming over to ask you to dance with me, but I got distracted by your cold demeanour, so back to what I actually approached you for, would you be so kind as to join me for a dance?” he asks
“I’m not sure if you’ve always been this stupid or it’s the wine talking, why would I dance with you after your constant jabs? I don’t care, leave me alone” I hiss
“Alright then, let’s make this a little more interesting, take it as a challenge, I challenge you to dance with me, if you refuse, you lose, and I’ll win, like always” he says with a hint of mischief in his voice
“Oh fuck you, as if I’ll fall for your stupid trick” I scoff
“Alright then, off to bed with you, loser” he replies in a slow mocking manner….
I can feel my anger, hot and red, slowly flaming up inside of me, I know I shouldn’t fall for his trap, but I can’t let him have this, not after all his constant insults, I’ll take this opportunity to fuck with his brain a little, two can play this game
“Fine, I’ll dance with you, but only.one.song” I say in a strict manner
“That’s more like it” he replies with that same stupid smirk
He offers me his hand, I have no choice but to take it, we make our way to the middle of the floor and suddenly everyone starts to gape in our direction, how could they not? two rivals sharing a dance is certainly a sight to keenly watch….
The music is rather slow and soulful, the kind you'd play at a wedding for couples to dance to….I can't believe I have to dance with him to such a song
He slowly encircles my waist with his arm, and grabs one of my hands, intertwining our fingers, my free hand resting on one of his shoulders, this form is rather intimate and it makes me blush a bit…..this is so embarrassing, we slowly start moving, it's nothing fancy and I mostly follow his lead
"God your form is utterly terrible tonight, certainly the worst out of anyone I've danced with so far at this party" he mocks
"Do you ever stop running your fucking mouth? WHY did you even ask me to dance with you?" I ask in frustration
"Oh please lighten up, I'm just messing with you, learn to take a joke for once" he replies in a annoyed manner
I roll my eyes and swallow my anger, I want to get back at him but I'm scared to cause a scene, people expect a certain grace and courtesy from me than him, I think I'd rather live up to that
He twirls and dips me once, I am aware of all the times his hands brush against my skin, gentle and subtle, there's a certain unexpected sincerity in his touch, it's alive with vulnerability and tenderness, something I definitely don't expect from him
he dips me again, and as I come up, he traces his fingers down my back and pulls me in, my chest flutters in response, what the hell is he doing? I suddenly realise the swift shift in the atmosphere between us, I instantly notice exactly HOW close he is to me right now, oh this is dangerous, so very dangerous
"Zaros what the hell are you doing? You're way too close!" I whisper to him frantically
"I am as close as I need to be" he says in a low, soft and magnetic tone
He suddenly turns me so that my back faces him, my mind is reeling and whirling with a million thoughts "as close as I need to be" what does that even mean? Is this one of his tricks to torture me? I should've never accepted his proposal, I should've just gone to sleep
That’s when I suddenly feel his voice sneak into my ears, I can feel my heartbeat quickening by the second, I can feel his warmth creeping up on me, it’s all such a feverish daze…
"By the way, don't think I forgot your constant stares in my direction earlier, do I really look that ravishing tonight?" he says, his voice is laced with reckless yearning and temptation so deep….I think I might drown in it if I’m not careful
“Don’t flatter yourself” I say with restraint
“I thought we promised to never lie to each other, hmm?” he replies
I stay silent, not really knowing how to respond
“Well one of us needs to be honest here, I think, you’re the most alluring being to grace these palace walls….dare I say this world? Sometimes I lie awake at night, thinking of those torturous lips of yours, what they would feel like against my own, to feel your skin melt under my touch, it’s funny actually, I’ve had partners before, but none of them have left me as lovelorn as you”
I try to speak, but my mouth fails me, I try to think but it’s like I’m paralysed, I am completely and utterly under his mercy,
The song is nearing it’s end and so is my composure, the only thing my mind can register is his agonizingly tempting voice and the scandalous words it whispers that are both, making me want to die of shame and kiss him till I forget my own name
"wh-where is all this coming from, I thought you loathed me?" I ask in a shaky voice
"Contempt and desire can co-exist, they're similar emotions in a way, both will make you go insane for the person you feel them towards and who wouldn't go insane for you" he says as he lifts my chin, his thumb lightly traces my lower lip, my body shudders in response to his touch, I've completely forgotten that people might be staring at us, but I couldn't care less, I can only hope that people are drunk out of their minds to even notice us, his hand travels back to my waist but this time his grip is tighter, we stare into each other's eyes for the rest of the dance, both unable to act on our heart's true desire for there is way too much at stake
After one last turn, the song ends and so does the dance
"We still have a lot to figure out, you and I, I can't believe I'm saying this but…..I quite enjoyed the dance and I certainly look forward to-"
I suddenly feel his soft,warm lips on my cheek, my world stops, the kiss is soft and gentle, empty of vain or ill intent, just a pure kiss that one might share with their lover, the crowd around us gasps in shock and disbelief, but all I can focus on is the shameless yet charming smile on his lips, it's the same smile my eyes have been dying to see for the past eight years, and for the first time in a long time
my heart skips a beat
#sakuverse#zsakuva#zsakuva zaros#zaros#writers on tumblr#zaros x reader#I think this is kind of bad I’m sorry😭
71 notes
·
View notes
Text
the way we know that zaros has had partners before but he hasn’t fallen in love, my theory is that he was secretly in love with the earis for 8 years and couldn’t fathom loving anyone but them but got into relationships with other people to distract himself from the fact that he might probably not see the earis again (I am delusional as fuck)
#sakuverse#zsakuva#zsakuva zaros#zaros#zaros x reader#he’s my baby and I miss him#I miss him so much my husband#he’s my bbg
63 notes
·
View notes
Text
Page 142
Zaros x Reader
Zaros is temporarily unable to lie.
For the sake of this fic, let's pretend alchemy and potions, etc exist in Zaros' world😭 Also, this gets suggestive towards the end (just a teensy bit nsfw), if you're uncomfortable with that you might wanna stop reading at the marked point or not read this at all!
I may write a second part for this, but I'm not sure. Lemme know if you guys want a part 2! I hope you enjoy! <3
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
It was a quiet day, unusually so. That's only because ever since Zaros’ arrival to the palace, a peaceful day has not gone by. His mouth is never closed. He always has something to say and not a care for repercussions. It’s annoying, extremely annoying, and it flares both your anxiety and anger.
Yet, somehow the peace and quiet feels almost wrong. Do you perhaps miss him?
You shake the thoughts from your head. Nonsense. Why would you miss him? Though, it is strange you haven't seen him all day, maybe it would be best if you looked for him. Only for the credit of being an observant host of course, nothing else!
-
You make your way to his door, slightly nervous to knock, but you do so anyways.
...
No answer. So, you knock again.
...
And again, there was no answer which is very unlike him. He may hate your guts but at the very least he’s polite enough to answer his door.
You scan the area for a quick moment, making sure you're all alone in the hallway, then press your ear to the door. How strange, not a soun-
"Can I help you my Earis?", a voice chime behind you.
You shout and turn to face its owner. A palace maid.
"Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to scare you." She bows respectfully, "Are you okay?"
"Yes, yes I'm fine." You sigh and placed a hand to your chest, "You just spooked me. It's alright."
"Apologies your highness. Is there anything I could help with?"
"Uhh no, I was just about to leave."
You swiftly turn to leave, desperate to get away from her. Then you stop at a realisation, maybe she knows where Zaros is.
"Actually," you turn to her, "Have you seen Sarl Zaros today?"
"He was in the garden earlier, my Earis. Though, I have no idea where he is now."
"Right, thank you. That'll be all"
You scurry off, unable to shake the embarrassment you felt. You know she'll keep her mouth shut, after all, if rumours are traced back to her it would cost her quite a lot, but the icky feeling still haunts you mind. What were you even thinking?
-
You find yourself in the garden rather quickly, but there was no sign of his blonde hair or elegant garments. Just greenery and sunshine. That means there's one last place you may be able to find him, the library.
And sure enough, he's there.
You pick up a random book, not bothering to look at the colour or memorise the title, and take a seat across from him.
"Earis, how nice of you to join me." He mutters, barely, as if he didn't want to speak.
"Is it really? Or are you just saying that?"
"It is... nice." He grimaces but swiftly hides it with the books he's reading. Something about potions and remedies, since when is he interested in alchemy?
"Oh uh- I see" you reply awkwardly. One unusual occurrence after the other, he's never outright nice to you, especially when you're alone. He's always giving you an earful of how spoilt and sheltered you are. What suddenly changed?
The silence engulfs you both, he has his head stuck in his book and you, well you're still in shock staring at him.
"Are you going to keep staring?"
"What?" You snap out of your daze.
"You were staring."
"Oh, no I wasn’t! I just zoned out for a moment. Sorry."
A pathetic lie, he knows it too. He doesn't even honour it with a response, or even look up from his books.
God everything is so freaking weird today!
"Are you alright, Zaros?" You blurt out before you can think.
He finds your eyes finally.
"What do you mean?"
"Nothing! I just- You don't seem like yourself today, I was just wondering if you're unwell."
He sighs, exasperated and tired.
"If you really must know, I was accidentally served a glass of wine containing an elixir of truth. I'm fine otherwise, I just need to get rid of its effects."
"Ahhh, hence the book. I was curious why you were reading that." The wheels in your head turned. He consumed an elixir of truth, which means he cannot lie. It’s no wonder he admitted your company was welcome earlier.
"Hmmm I didn’t think you were so keen about reproduction either my dear Earis.” He eyes the book laid out in front of you.
Confusion laced your expression as you looked down. The title hits you in the face like a brick. It reads
“Reproductive Biology: Conception”
“Oh, dear god! No, I- I grabbed the wrong one!” Your face burnt of embarassment as you hurriedly returned the book to its shelf.
“Are you sure you didn’t just come here to find me then?” he chuckles at your dilemma.
You don’t answer, but no answer is still an answer. What an awful day! You turn to leave, having had enough of the awkwardness and embarrassment.
“Come sit with me.” He calls out to you, “It’d be rude of me to let you leave when you came all the way here to find me”
Reluctantly, you walked over to the table and sat with him.
“Did you miss me that much?” he pushed his book aside, casting his full attention onto you.
“Of course not, I just thought it was unusual that I haven’t seen you all day. That’s all.” You inform him, “Were you ignoring me on purpose?”
His expression shifts for a moment, but he catches it quickly.
“Why would I do that?” he dodged your question. “Did you miss me berating you?”
“I should’ve left when I had the chance.” You sigh and rest your forehead against you palm and he laughs.
“You’re the one who came all the way here to find me. It’s only fair that I have my assumptions.”
“Too bad they’re untrue.”
“Are they really?”
“You know what?” You retort, “If you want to ask so many questions, I propose a game.”
“A game? Go on, I’m listening.”
“We take turns asking each other questions and answer them truthfully. Not that you really have a choice anyways and I promise to be truthful as well.”
“You definitely have an unfair advantage, but I’m desperate for some entertainment, so I don’t see why not.” He leans forward, resting his face on his interlocked fingers. “Well then, I’ll go first. Did you come all the way here to find me?”
You sigh, “I did, but you already knew that, so why waste a question?”
“I wanted to hear you say it.” He smiled mischievously.
It started off tame, with harmless questions to tease each other. Pieces of memories from the past and truths to white lies once told, but as it progressed there was more than either of you bargained for.
(things get suggestive from here)
“Do you regret leaving all those years ago?”
“No, I don’t. Had I stayed, I wouldn’t know half the things I do now, and I wouldn’t experience the things I did. Besides, you made it clear you never wanted to see me again, I honoured your word for as long as I could.” His words only made your regret worse. “Do you regret being close to me back then?”
“No. Then, do you hate me for driving you away?”
His expression stiffens, and he just stares at you in shocked silence for a minute. “No, no I’ve never hated you. Do you hate me?”
“I could never bring myself to ever hate you. There’s too many memories attached to your face, fond ones that I cannot risk hating.”
“I see.” He murmured quietly.
“Did you think I hated you?”
“You did send me away and called me a leech. It felt kind of obvious. What about you? Did you think I hate you?
“Yes, and for some reason, it scared me. Did you… Did you ever forgive me for all the things I’ve said to you? They were awful, I know that now, and I'm... I'm sorry.”
“I did. As I said, I never hated you, and what good would it serve me to hate the person I lo- the person I grew up with.” He corrected himself. “Do you regret it? Sending me away.”
“Everyday for the past 8 years. I hoped you’d show up to every formal event we held, but you never did.”
“Wow are you sure you didn’t have some of my wine too?”
“Shut up. Did you think about me when you were gone?”
He tilts his head to the side slightly, “More than you’ll ever know.”
“How? What were you thinking?”
“Hold on now, you’re only allowed one question per turn. So I believe it’s my turn now. Did you think of me while I was gone?”
“Yes, I did.” You confessed quickly, “What were you thinking of when you thought of me?”
“So demanding. But I don’t think you want to know that, my sweet Earis.”
“It’s my turn, and that’s my question. If I did not wish to know, I wouldn’t have asked.”
“Fine, but you asked for this. When I thought of you, I often reminisced of our time together in school. Other times, my thoughts of you were quite… inappropriate.”
Your ear perked up like a kitten. “Tell me more.” You demand.
“Are you sure you want this?”
“Yes. Tell me everything.”
He leans back into his chair, “I thought of you when I was with others. That’s why I was never able to keep a partner.”
“Wha-“
“Every time I looked into their eyes I’d think of you, and I knew my adoration was never for them. Every time someone laid below me I’d close my eyes and imagine you instead. The thought of you and what we could’ve been followed me, haunted me, ate away at my very soul. I didn’t want anyone but you, despite my criticism, you are what I craved.” His eyes never left yours, every word, every truth he spoke made your bones feel soft and your stomach tie into an uncomfortable knot.
There should be another word that meant speechless beyond the word speechless, it would perfectly describe how you felt in that moment.
“Zaros I… uhm” Your face is undoubtably red, and you cannot bear to look him in the eyes anymore.
“My turn now, darling.” His body lifted from his seat, and he moved to sit next to you, so close you could smell the scent radiating off of him. “Did you think of me the same way I thought of you?”
You could lie, you could tell him you’ve never thought of him when you were with another and you can tell him you never thought of him when you touched yourself… but he was truthful and you should be too.
“I did” you whisper, barely enough for him to catch, being only a breath’s distance from you.
“Yeah, I thought as much.”
Your information processing is cut short when his lips landed on yours and a warm hand on your cheek. Your eyes widen only to flutter shut. His hand tangled in your hair while the other gripped your waist, desperately pulling you closer. You hold onto his arms for support, too engulfed in this feverish kiss to think of anything. He kissed you like a starving man, he kissed you with 8 years’ worth of longing and every second was deliciously eager-filled and greedy. When he finally pulls away you’re gasping for breath. Your fingers are still gripping into his biceps and his, your waist. He tugs you closer, a silent plea for more.
His breath was warm on your face, and your body felt hot. His body felt hot. There was a sense of urgency in the air, and the world around you faded away again when his lips met yours. Your chest is pressed up against him while he pushes your back into the wall behind, desperate attempts to be as close as you can, A thousand curses upon the layers of clothes that separate you.
Time was definitely slowing down, and every touch of his fingers lit fireworks across your skin. It was addicting, he was addicting. Neither of you could get enough, the longing was too much to ignore. His fingers were warm, so warm they melted into your skin. The buildup of passion was ought to come crashing down at some point but before his fingers could slip further past the fabrics on your skin a familiar voice ring out.
“Sarl Zaros? Are you in here?” The Queen gently called out.
Your bodies split apart in seconds. He scrambles to the far end on the bench, and you rush to wipe your lips. You look over at Zaros, and his chest is heaving, same as yours. God you wished you didn’t look. The way he desperately tried to calm himself down did things to your stomach that you’ve never felt before.
You promptly stand and turn to greet your mother who’s approaching.
“Mother, good afternoon.”
“Oh, you’re here too dear?” she smiles at you.
“Yes, I was just uhm chatting with Zaros.” You lie through your teeth. “But I’ll be leaving now, I have other things to attend to.”
You walk past your mother, hurrying for the giant doors of the library.
“My Earis,” a rasped voice calls behind you. “You forgot your book.”
You turn around and Zaros hands you the book he was reading. You didn’t question it. There was no time for questions.
“Ah thank you Zaros” You flush when his hands touch yours.
“I think you’ll find page 142 most interesting, do give it a read.” His eyes were filled with lust, green embers burning holes into you soul.
“Tha-Thank you.”
You ran. You ran all the way back to your room, locking the door and dropping into your bed face first. What the FUCK just happened???
You wish you could scream, instead you try to process everything that’s happened. It started off so innocently, tame questions and light teasing but evolved to so much more. HOW?
You remembered his words before you left the library.
“I think you’ll find page 142 most interesting, do give it a read.”
You pick up the book he handed you, flipping the deckled edge to page 142. Obviously, there was nothing interesting, just a piece of paper that flutters to the floor. You pick it up, unfolding it carefully, to find a message written inside.
“If you wish to continue, meet me in my room at midnight. I’ll be waiting, my sweet sweet Earis.”
83 notes
·
View notes
Text
imagine the moment when zaros and earis FINALLY kiss….I think I’ll need to be revived cause I will quite simply die, after all that angst, the hatred, the insults, the pining and they just KISS BYEEE I CANNOT
53 notes
·
View notes
Text
MY EVERYTHING ೄྀ࿐ ˊˎ-
Zaros x reader!
I am not a stranger to weary days, in fact I’ve been nothing but weary for the past couple of weeks…
I cannot for the life of me recall the last time I could peacefully allow myself to lay my head down and give in to sleep, it’s been so long since I’ve had a pleasant dream, cruel and unbearable ones plague me instead, making my nights excruciatingly miserable.
How am I supposed to study and give it my all in the trials if I’m not well rested? Everything in life worries me and I feel utterly powerless, it’s funny actually, how can an earis, someone who’s birthright is power itself, feel devoid of it? It’s all just a big joke
I can clearly hear the storm outside grow worse and worse, lightning cracks and rumbles relentlessly, I usually enjoy rain, but this, this is absolutely terrifying and it’s fuelling my unease by the second
I keep tossing and turning, trying to breathe and collect my thoughts, but it’s no use, it seems my own mind hates me just as much as everyone else.
After a few more torturous moments of pure agony I decide to go outside, I know the storm is raging and growing like wildfire but I can’t stand to be cooped up in my room like this…
I step outside of my room and as soon as I do I am met with a breeze that’s fervently cold, the walls of this palace echo the rage of the storm, it’s truly a ghastly night
I pull my shawl closer to me and wrap my hands inside of it, trying to grasp whatever warmth I can, I slowly pace the halls, passing various rooms, my feet can’t help but abruptly stop in their tracks…
I find myself standing just outside of Zaros’s room and a wave of nostalgia washes over me, I remember all the times we hid from the uproar of the sky, he HATED storms..
I don’t know what’s happening, but it feels like I’m not in control of my reflexes, I immediately go up to the door and knock, knowing full well someone might see or hear me, knowing I’d regret it later
“The earis invited themselves into Zaros’s room the other night, it seems his notorious ways are finally rubbing off on them, what a shame”
Heaven knows what other things these nobles would say, why don’t I ever learn?
The horror of what I’ve done suddenly seeps into me, and before I can even turn around to save face, I am much too late
He opens the door….his green eyes look tired and worn down, the usual charm and gleam is missing in them
“Uhm…..hello?” He asks, obvious confusion painted on his face
I clear my throat, and try to answer
“H-Hello, I- uhm” I reply, absolutely failing to come up with an excuse as to why I am here, in the dead of night, unannounced, barely decent
“You are the last person I would ever expect to show up at my door, in the thick of night” he says with a soft, unexpected laughter
“Trust me, I am just as confused as you are” I reply with a faint laugh
“It seems that I’m finally rubbing off on you huh?” he says slyly
“Oh please! it’s not like that, I-‘’ before I can finish my sentence a loud clap of thunder booms and reverberates through the halls, startling us both
“I JUST don’t want to be alone, during this outpour…….I’m sorry but I just didn’t know where else to go” I say, surprising myself
His eyes soften, and a warm, empathetic smile forms on his face, something I thought I’d never see from him, ever again…
All of a sudden, he reaches for my hand, gently and slowly pulls me in the room, and I just let him
He then shuts the door behind us
I cannot believe that I’m in Zaros Atha’llin’s room……..at night…… the nobles would have a field day if they ever caught wind of this, but the truth is, that I don’t care, when I know I should and that gravely concerns me
“Look, I’m so very sorry I interrupted your sleep, I didn’t-“ I say
“It’s okay, I was awake anyways” he cuts me off
“Couldn’t sleep?” I ask
“You of all people should know how much I loathe storms” he adds
“How can I ever forget” I reply softly
“I see you haven’t grown to like them either”
“Ha! Never” I reply
“I think we should sit down” he says as he moves towards the bed
“ah yes, of course” I reply as I follow him
I seat myself beside him, another frantic wave of nostalgia crashes against me, I always sat next to him back in school….
“I know there’s something troubling you, something other than the storm” he says in a calm yet stern voice
“I- I just” I try to reply, but I just can’t, it’s quite abnormal being vulnerable to him, the last time him and I had a heart to heart was quite simply a lifetime ago
“Please do not feel obligated to talk about it, take your time” he says
“I just have the worst, most obscene amount of anxiety these days, and it only gets worse and worse as the weeks pass” I reply, this took a lot of courage and valour, it took all the strength in me to even say these words to someone
“I-I understand you more than you might ever know, it seems that these trials have not been kind to either of us, the stakes are unachievable and the water’s rough, you are not alone, I feel it too” he says in a somber tone, his expression is filled with gloom
His words shoot right at my heart, making me feel understood and protected, I would have never imagined that anything he’d said would have this affect on me, but I don’t despise it, not even a little bit
“I wouldn’t wish this entire ordeal on my worst enemy…..which,would be you I suppose” he ends his sentence with a unexpected burst of laughter, which in turn makes me laugh too
“I suppose so” I reply, giggling like a child
Me and Zaros, actually laughing together, as if nothing’s ever changed, I never would’ve imagined
“From best mates who are absolutely inseparable to enemies who are fighting for the throne, how the tides change” he says, looking directly at my face, I am unsure of the intention behind his tone
“It’s all written in the stars, what can us mere mortals do about it?” I reply, fidgeting with my fingers
Silence creeps into the space between us for a few moments, it’s absurdly comforting, sitting next to him, I can feel his warmth, it’s familiar and safe, it feels like home….he feels like home
“I cannot believe that I’m actually about to say this, but I feel as if I have to, for my own sanity” he says
“What are you trying to say?” I reply, puzzled as ever
“I-I really wish I never left, I wish I stayed by your side, I wish I never lost the eight years I could have had with you” he says, desperation laced in his voice
I look at him with wide eyes and shock painted on my face, I have a very strange feeling that I know what he’s about to say
“Zaros, plea-“ I try to interrupt him
“No, just don’t!” he snaps
“I have felt this way for quite a while now, and sometimes, it’s all I can think about, I wish we never had that wretched fight in the first place!” He exclaims
I am left utterly speechless by his words, nothing could have ever prepared me for this
“I really wanted you to trust me more!” he adds
That sets me off, how can he ever expect me of all people to trust him? After his relentless insults and torments, he is so delusive
“Don’t start!” I snap
“What? Are you that scared of the truth?” he interrupts
“Well you have not made it easy for me, have you now?” I sneer as I jolt up, out of the bed
“What do you mean?” he replies as he gets up
“How in the name of Gods can you expect me to trust you after everything that’s happened? You agreed to contest against me, we are competing AGAINST each other or have you forgotten? How can I trust you any which ways? You are my rival!” I say with all the anger my voice can muster
“I had no.other.choice” he replies sternly
“And besides is that all I am to you? Just a rival, an enemy you want to overthrow? Or did you forget us and everything we were before our fallout, did all that mean nothing to you? You are deeply imbedded in all my memories, all my feelings, all my thoughts, there isn’t a corner in my soul where I can’t find you….you, you were everything to me, still are” he says
I want to absolutely scream at his words, he can’t just say that and the worst part is I can’t decide if I’m angry with him or yearning for him
“Please….don’t do this” I say, almost in a whisper, my voice shakes a bit
“How much longer are you going to pretend that you were never in love with me?” he snaps
I can feel my heart stop, my mind starts to fog up and I can barely breathe, a dull, crushing gust of pain swims across my chest…that is until I feel a violent rush of anger flow through me, red and fiery
“You…“ I rage
“I-I’m sorry, I went too far, I shouldn’t have-“ he says
“And you want me to “trust” you, I should’ve never come here in the first place” the hurt in my voice is evident and loud, and I might just burst into tears any second
I abruptly turn and sprint to the door, but before I can open it, he yanks my hand and pulls me to him
“I am so sorry, I know I’ve crossed way too many lines, I am a reckless fool, please forgive me, please stay” he says in the most desperate tone I have ever heard
“Give me one good reason why” I hiss
“I can’t” he replies
“I know I’ve caused you nothing but pain ever since I came back, I can see it on your face every single second, minute and hour I am near you, I have no excuse and no reason, I-I won’t force you to stay or do anything you don’t want to, but just know, how very sorry I am, for it all, we don’t even have to speak if that’s what you want, I care about you way more than I can ever express and I can’t handle seeing you so upset, I won’t hurt you, ever again, I promise, no matter what happens after the trials, it won’t change how I feel about you, nothing ever will” he says
I don’t reply, not because I don’t want to but because I just do not know how, my heart is heavy with a feeling I’d rather not feel, especially not for him, but I can not help it
“I don’t expect you to forgive me and-“
I don’t know what comes over me, but I wrap my arms around him in frantic desperation, as if he’s going to run away from me, as if I’m going to lose him all over again…
He slowly envelopes me in his arms, it’s very gentle, I can feel his heartbeat against my own, his warmth is infectiously addicting, I could practically fall asleep like this
“Don’t ever leave me, ever again, do you understand?” I assert
“I promise you with all my heart, I am never going away, my sweet earis” he replies in a soft, honeyed tone as he places a kiss on my cheek
“Zaros” I call to him as I pull away
“Yes?” He replies as he looks at me eagerly
“I have something very important to confess” I say
“What is it?” he replies as his expression grows more serious
“I am so very sorry I called you a leech” I say, not being able to hold back the mischievous smile forming on my face
At that we both erupt into laughter, and I embrace him once again, feeding off of his warmth
“And I’m sorry I called you a palace brat…though you still kind of are one” he says in a playful mocking manner
“Oh please , you love it” I reply in a calm, unbothered tone, my head resting his shoulder
“Yes, yes I do” he replies as he holds me tightly in his arms
#sakuverse#zsakuva#zsakuva zaros#zaros#zaros x reader#this was going to be a soft fic but I don’t know what happened 😭?#I’m sorry if this is bad😭#miss my bby girl zaros so bad
72 notes
·
View notes
Text
it’s so funny when zaros says that he feels nothing for the earis like you are literally seething crying RAGING at the mere presence of the earis and u wanna say u feel nothing? you are literally OBSESSED don’t piss me offf😭
53 notes
·
View notes
Text
Hear The Bluebells
Zaros Ahta'lin x Reader
The last of the trials makes you search for a flower on a mountain with Zaros. It does not go as planned.
“How does it feel being so close to the throne?” you asked teasingly, only slightly out of breath as Zaros stumbled over yet another rock. He was breathing heavily next to you, the steep path to the top of the mountain more challenging than he would have thought. “Savor it while it lasts. After today, the succession will be settled.”
You had been searching for your designated flowers for at least an hour now, not daring to stray too far from the path, lest you should get lost in the thick woods of the mountain.
“In my favor, I’m sure,” Zaros panted, glancing to the side to make sure the spots of color dancing in his vision were not the Fire Lily he so desperately yearned to find. You pushed aside some of the bushes yourself, wondering silently how hard it could be to find a Burnt Orchid.
Hopefully, the flower took less time to appear near the track than it took Zaros to find his.
He groaned, stopping in his tracks as he swayed on the spot. You reached out to steady him. Zaros was pale, his eyes shut tightly as if trying to block out the world spinning around him. “Are you alright?” you asked in concern.
“Fine,” he said, pushing your hands away to walk briskly past you. “Don’t try to distract me!” As if he was worried you were trying to hide the flower he needed, Zaros took a thorough look around.
You scoffed, rolling your eyes. “Alright,” you said, “I tried. If you collapse from overexertion, don’t you dare pout.”
“I never pout,” he said, not finding any lilies and walking up the path once more, catching up to you only because you waited up for him.
“Sure, Zaros.”
Silence stretched between you, causing your thoughts to wander as your eyes roamed the ground, occasionally meeting Zaros’ tired ones. What would become of the other once the successor was crowned? Of course, you wished that the honor would fall to you, but it made you wonder what the Kingdom would do to Zaros then, what his mother would say.
It was almost sad, knowing the trials would come to an end today. It made you melancholic, reflecting on the many years you had spent with Zaros before you two broke apart.
“Yes!” Zaros exclaimed, startling you out of your thoughts. The butterfly you were observing flapped its wings quickly and disappeared. He emerged behind a tree, a single orange flower gripped securely in his hand.
The frown of confusion dropped from your face immediately, all peaceful musings of the past forgotten as your eyes and heart hardened. Zaros held the Fire Lily in his hand. You were losing the throne.
Zaros smiled slily at you, despite his best efforts his lips trembled a little and he was still dangerously pale. “I told you,” he said, voice considerably less strong than before, “I’m ahead of you.”
The panic rising within you was palpable. “Right,” you spat with a forced smile, “Let’s see who delivers it to her Majesty first, shall we? After all, that’s when the trials are over.” Without waiting for a reply, you continue marching upward along the trail.
Zaros laughed, calling after you as he started making his descent, “You’re just sour that you lost.”
“Haven’t lost anything yet,” you mumbled under your breath, shoving aside bushes with more force than necessary.
Stupid flower! How dare it grow further up the mountain than the damned lily! A Burnt Orchid. Why did the scholars pick this flower in particular for you? You had seen countless others near the path. Snowbells, edelweiss, butterwort, bluebells. Why didn’t they choose one of those?
“Come on!” you said exasperated, pushing aside a branch forcefully. At the foot of a nearby tree, you saw the dark reddish-brown and white of the flower you were looking for. “At last.”
You plucked it quickly, admiring its beauty for only a brief moment before darting towards the track again. There was no time to lose. Who knew how far ahead Zaros was already? If he got to the foot of the mountain before you, the throne would be officially lost to you.
The path was uncomfortably steep. You slipped a few times, sliding down entire parts in your haste, only catching your footing again with effort. You nearly stumbled over Zaros’ leg, not seeing him slumped against the tree to the side of the trail.
“What are you doing?” you asked, taking a moment to catch your breath.
Zaros was panting heavily, eyes half-lidded as he looked up at you unfocused. The Fire Lily was softly resting in his open hand. “I—” he breathed, “Just need— moment.”
You frowned, kneeling next to him. Sweat was coating his forehead and you could feel the exhaustion radiating off of him. You doubted he would be able to make it down the mountain on his own, doubted he could take a single step without collapsing again. Zaros needed to drink some water, eat a bite, and rest. The mountain had taken everything out of him, evidently.
“Alright,” you said, thinking about what to do. It should not be far from the foot of the mountain now. You glanced down the path. It was still steep, but you would make it work somehow. “Alright,” you repeated, shifting the Burned Orchid to your other hand and sneaking your arm around Zaros’ waist, helping him up and holding him steady with a tight grip on his hips. You slung his arm around your shoulder, shifting a little to take more of his weight.
Zaros gave a noise of surprise but did not protest. You took a few steps before stopping, turning your head to look at where he had sat a moment ago. The Fire Lily was still lying on the ground.
“Can you stand on your own?” you asked, receiving a groan from Zaros. “Only for a moment, alright. Here, lean on the tree, just for a moment.” You disentangled yourself from his arm, leaving his side for a second to collect his flower. “Here, I’ve got you. It’s alright. Lean on me again, I’ve got you.”
Together, you made your way down the mountain, both flowers clutched tightly in your right hand.
“You should probably let go of me now,” Zaros said, looking ahead at the small crowd of people waiting in the distance to pronounce the successor. The Regent sat in their center, the golden chair brought out here for the occasion shimmering in the sunlight.
“Sure,” you said, “If you can assure me you won't fold and crumble to the ground the moment I let go of you. Can you do that?” Zaros remained silent. “Thought so.”
“But you—” he began confused. For the life of him, he could not understand why you did not seize the opportunity and leave him behind to claim the throne for yourself. “It’s gonna be—”
You shushed him gently as you neared the crowd.
“I’d like some water,” you called out, stepping closer to her Majesty. Your mother tilted her head when she saw you with Zaros, narrowing her eyes in confusion. His mother gasped when she saw the two of you, her mouth falling open indignantly.
“Impossible,” you heard her murmur.
“Your Majesty,” you said, inclining your head and tightening your hold on Zaros when you felt him shift in your arms. “We have returned.” You stepped closer to her, whispering to Zaros, “Put your hand on mine, on the one holding the flowers.” After all, you did not wish for a technicality stated in the fine print to ruin your plan.
He looked at you for a long moment, gaze indiscernible, before complying with your request.
You offered the flowers to her Majesty, Zaros’ hand resting over yours. “Both of the Flowers, your Majesty. Combined. The Fire Lily and the Burned Orchid, as you requested. Since they were delivered at the same time, I can only assume we—”
Your mother looked at you, a small smile gracing her lips as pride shone in her eyes when she exclaimed loudly and for all to hear, “We have a tie.”
61 notes
·
View notes
Text
Zaros x Reader
dreaming of Zaros (nsfw)
[gonna save my yapping for the end of the fic today🦦]
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
As the days grew closer to the grand trials of your generation, the wearier your body became. There was preparation after preparation, not only for the trials itself but also for a grand ball to commence such. If there was one thing the royal family was recognized for, it had to be their ability to accommodate and entertain. You weren’t worried. Being part of such a family, you were well experienced with the toll a heap of events took on your body and knew exactly how to handle it.
What you didn’t expect, however, was the toll wine would have on your weakened state.
The ballroom brimmed with life, music, and laughter. A celebration before a war, well not exactly, but something of the sort. It was a good opportunity for both you and Zaros to make good impressions on nobles and dignitaries in attendance. And for a while, it went smoothly as you did just that. You laughed and danced, entertaining guests and accepting drinks. Before you knew it, the wine had gone straight to your head, and you could feel the blood rushing under your skin.
You were beyond grateful you had already greeted and chatted with enough guests for the night before the feeling crept up on you. To everyone's delight, the Queen always serves the best of wines at her gatherings but right now that was definitely no delight for you. You stow away to a corner where you could be alone for a moment, bold purple outfit perfectly blending into the bold purple curtains. You just needed a breather, a moment to calm your racing mind.
“Having a good time, aren’t we?”
Condescending words paired with a cocky grin and gorgeous green eyes. Zaros.
“Am I not allowed to?”
You retort, a weak rebuttal compared to your usual wit. You stand a little straighter, attempting to appear prim and proper.
He laughs, and you know he can see right through you. It has to be the thing you hate most about him. It’s like he’s always one step ahead of you in your own actions. He might just know you more than you know yourself.
“Absolutely not where I was taking this, I was just asking.”
You scoff, swirling the dark maroon coloured liquid around your glass.
"You don’t plan on finishing that, do you?” he eyes the crystal glass in your hand. No, you didn’t but solely to defy him, you down the entire thing in one sip.
“Yes, I did” Immediately, you regret it, the smugness wipes from your face and you reach for the table for support.
“Not one of your best ideas huh?” He shook his head and reached forward to hold you.
You roll your eyes, brush his hands away and try to regain your composure, but to no avail.
Though Zaros wasn’t the best at showing it, he was genuinely concerned. He was especially alarmed when he looked over your shoulder to find guests discreetly whispering to each other. Briskly, he stood up and deliberately splashed the contents of his own glass onto your corset. Taken by surprise, you barely had time to react.
“Why would you do-"
"Oh dear, how clumsy of me. We should get that cleaned up." He shushed you.
"Allow me to escort you to your chambers." He extends his hand.
In the state you're in, you'd be a fool to refuse him. You took his offer and allowed him to guide you out the ballroom and into the shadowy pathways of the palace, the same secret passages that you roamed as children. The journey to your room was dead silent, there was simply nothing to be said. The effects of the alcohol only became worst and you were practically being carried by Zaros. His arms felt comfortable enough to hold onto and secure enough to depend on, a place one could easily become lost in.
In your room, you sit on your bed while Zaros pours you a glass of water. It was dark, but neither of you bothered to switch on the lights. The moonlight illuminating it was enough.
“I don't think it would be wise to go back down there. You should get some rest." He hands you the glass.
You barely process the words coming out his mouth as the bubbly feeling swarms your brain and apparently loosens your tongue.
“You know, despite being so mean, you're very pretty... But sometimes your actions confuse me” You tilt your head at him, studying him as if he was an ancient painting.
His eyebrows shot up, and he laughed in amusement.
"You think so? I can say the same thing about you. I must say I didn't expect that, I thought you only had thoughts of disgust for me in that mind of yours."
"Hmmmm, I s'pose so." You look away. “And no, I don’t. Sure, you get on my nerves very often, but I don’t think… I don’t think I hate you.”
"I could get used to this side of you.” He smiles. “You know, I never did get a chance to dance with you tonight. How about a dance?"
"Right now? I can barely walk Zaros. " You giggle, a genuine laugh, not one to impress some high-status personnel. The kind that makes the warmth in your chest bloom like orchids in the spring.
"I believe I am more than capable of holding you."
Once again, he's reaching out to you, and once again, you take it. Slowly, your bodies move across the carpeted floor to the dim music of the ballroom. Your twirls were anything but graceful, but it was the most enjoyable dance you've had all night.
It was funny at first, the clumsy movements of a drunk and half-drunk duo, but somewhere in the middle, the laughter melted into silence, and you were painfully aware of his presence. Each brush of his hand over your waist, back, or shoulder was enough to ignite a fire on your skin. He must have felt it too, the warmth, the way your heart speeds up, the way your breaths become shallow and uneven. It was the only explanation for why he pulled away from the dance.
"I... I should get going now, good night", he turns for the door, but you reach for his hand.
"Wait no! Stay... please?"
Wordlessly, he takes your hand again, bodies finding the tune that was previously broken off. Your hand rested on his chest, and you felt it. His heart. It was beating just as fast as yours. You hear it. His breaths. They were just as laboured as yours.
Perhaps it was stupidy. Maybe it was pure drunken confidence, but you inched closer, and before you knew it, you were kissing him. You didn't know why you did it, but what you failed to comprehend even more was why he entertained and even returned the gesture. Well, it's not like there was any time for comprehension or deduction anyways, not when his lips dominated yours with a sense of urgency. An ecstasy and desire that could burn the world. Only him. Only this man who you swore to hate can make you feel this way, elicit sincere emotions from you that you wanted to bury so deep and never let the light touch. At least for once, you were honest. You don’t hate him; you can’t bring yourself to hate him.
In the darkness of your chambers, and somewhere in-between kisses, you landed atop your bed. Temporarily separated as he throws his heavy robe to the floor.
"My clothes, they’re still damp. Help me get them off?"
You didn’t need to ask twice. Still kissing you, his hands work on the back of your corset. He was impatient, tugging harshly at the ribbons and pulling them off as fast as he could, with it removing the top half of your attire. He stopped for a moment, and his eyes dont move a single millimetre from your exposed body. It made you feel warmer and maybe just a little bit of insecurity. A hand immediately covers your chest. His eyebrows knitted, and he finally looked up from your chest.
"Don't. Where's all your confidence gone now?", his voice is rugged and demanding, and his eyes do not falter. "I want to see you."
The insecurity disappears and is instead replaced with annoyance and arousal. You 6 remove your hands.
"Not fair, I can't be the only one undressed."
He moved away from you, and the fabric of his shirt was easily removed and discarded over his head. You stare shamelessly. That’s all it took for you to understand why he didn't like it when you covered yourself. The way he looked was magnificent and all you wanted to do was look at him.
It doesn't take him long to return to you, passion growing by the seconds with every needy touch of your wandering hands. You're settled perfectly below him with a perfect view of his expression and body. He really did look beautiful, but you’ve exhausted your ability to call him pretty for today. With each caress and each kiss, you can feel his impatience.
“I want to taste you.” He whispers, eyes aflame with desire and lust.
“Then kiss me more.”
“Not your lips.”
Confusion laced your mind. But the dots connected when he reached for the waist of your bottoms, slipping them down your hips. His body shifted backwards until his face was on the same level as your hips. He moved slowly to give you adequate time to decline him if you wanted to. You didn’t.
“Have you ever done this before?” Once again, he saw right through you.
You swallow, “No.’”
“Don’t think too hard on it, just relax and feel it.”
He holds your thighs in place and kisses the inner side of one. You braced yourself for the feeling, but no amount of preparation could ever prepare you for how amazing the warmth of his mouth felt against your core. You wanted to squeeze your legs shut, but his iron-like grip kept you firmly in place. He knew exactly what he’s doing and he’s very good at doing it. Your fingers find themselves in his hair, gripping onto the soft, blond locks. He doesn’t budge. His tongue moves against you with purpose and determination that drew loud moans and screams of his name from your throat. Your grip on his hair only added to the feeling and he seemed to enjoy it too because each time your fingers tightened in his hair, his moans vibrated into your body and made your stomach feel light and flowery.
The feeling only intensifies as he continues, threatening to consume you whole and that it does. Your body erupts, and you grip onto his hair and the sheets until your knuckles turn white. You’ve experienced it before, but never this intensely, you couldn’t tell if the alcohol or Zaros was to blame, but you were silently thanking both in your mind as the stars faded away from you vision. When he releases you, your body falls limp onto the bed.
“Still want to act like a brat?” He laughs at your state and slides off the bed.
You were too zoned out to reply or notice, but when he returned, the rest of his clothes were gone.
“You did well” he kissed the side of your neck, “So good, I can’t wait any longer.”
He slots himself between your legs, his body lined up with yours.
“I've been thinking about this for a while, a little too long if I'm being honest. You constantly pester my mind, do you know that?" He continues, "Are you ready?”
You nod, and that's all he needs.
And then-
Your body jolts awake, covered in a thin layer of sweat. The boundaries of reality and subconscious unblurring. Your breathing remains unsteady as your mind wraps around what you just experienced. That kind of dream? Of HIM? If your face could flush anymore, you might just bleed out your pores. It was extremely embarrassing but unlike anything you’ve ever felt. You'd never admit it but you wished you hadn’t woken up.
Maybe this was all because you were tired, right? When the mind is tired, it does crazy things. You despise him, so this would never be an option. Besides it’s not like you actually want that, right?... right?
You lay awake and your mind takes the opportunity to drift. Would he really behave like that? Is he actually experienced? That would mean he’s been with someone or a few someones. Suddenly, you feel disgustingly envious of people you neither know nor met. But no, you silence the thought. You shouldn't care who he's been with.
You attempt to delude yourself, convince your mind that this was a simple slip up, and everything will go back to being normal when you wake up in the morning. Except, despite the hazy feeling of being hungover and bone deep tiredness, you couldn’t sleep. You were determined to forgetbut it engulfed your mind all night, right up until the gentle morning sunlight seeped into your room, urging you to start the day. You sigh, pulling the plush covers off your body and walk over to the window. Maybe some fresh air would help.
They sky is beautiful, as it always is, but you struggle to appreciate it as much as you’d like to. Your eyes roam the view from your window, desperate for another distraction, the buildings beyond the palace, the palace gates and watch towers, the courtyard and trees, the garden and familiar blond hair. Blond hair. The same blond hair you’d dreamt were tangled between your fingers as he-
You stopped breathing for a moment. DON’T THINK. DON’T LOOK. DON’T THINK. DON’T LOOK. DON’T. LO-
Unsuccessful. Both your mind and eyes betray you, and you wish you would disintegrate into a cloud of dust from guilt. You can’t help but watch as he graciously moves past each plant, admiring each leaf, each petal much like he did to your body, leaning down to touch them ever so lightly. Your heart hammer against your chest, and you wished so badly you could control it. You wished so badly you could look away. But here you stood, captivated by your sworn rival with very inappropriate thoughts fogging your brain.
He must’ve felt your eyes following his movements. He straightened his posture and looked behind him, long locks of blond hair smoothly shift to accommodate the action, then he looks up. Hurriedly, you step aside with your back presses tightly against the wall, hopefully fast enough for him to have not seen you. You stay against the wall cursing yourself, cursing your dream, cursing the heavens, and did I mention cursing yourself? You waited a while before peeking again, but he was gone. You sigh and drop onto the floor, a strange feeling brewing in your chest. It should have been relief, but no, you felt disappointed and entirely conflicted.
It was one hell of a week ahead.
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
So how was it?👹
I hope you enjoyed it! I've been procrastinating writing this fic for a WHILEEEEE
Originally, I was going to separate the reality from where the actual dream begins, but I realised that readers can decide that for themselves if I made it continuous instead.
For me I'd say Zaros left after the dance and the rest is the dream but it could be anything! Maybe the entire thing is a dream, maybe he just chucked you into the room and left, maybe you fell asleep while he was dragging you to your room! Who knows, you get to decide!
37 notes
·
View notes
Last Seen Blogs
kagarpatar
Untitled
spiritstoenforce
Speak the Speech
e-cigstoreuk
E-Cigstore UK
fayling-guardian-angel
Find Solace
patrykm-blog-blog
My long way...