Hello, Would You Ever Write A Female Lucerys Story

hello, would you ever write a female Lucerys story 💕

uhhh do you mean like make like female?? because if so no, i’m sorry but i don’t like genderswapping characters since i would have no clue how to write that.

if u mean like femreader x lucerys then yes sure!

nawww glad you liked it!! stop this fic got so much love thank you guys!!!

The crows are highly overprotective of child reader?

Little Crow

platonic crows x child!reader, kaz brekker x child!reader

mentions of y/n, seen as a girl - i made this in the middle of the night man it might not make sense at times - zemeni reader so dark skin, brown eyes and hair etc

It was hard living on the streets of Ketterdam.

No one bothered to look twice at you. Those who did would toss a coin your way and continue on, proud of themselves for helping a child.

Your parents were long gone, having dumped you on the step of an orphanage, two months shy of your first birthday. You were ten now, kicked out of your orphanage for starting fights which usually were just self defence.

There was an underground fighting ring that Ms Andero, the mistress of the Orphanage was more than willing to put you in, for a good price as well as punishment for the ‘trouble’ you caused. You ran away before she had the chance.

Two years on the streets had toughened you up for sure but you would do anything for a hot meal.

That’s why when the Crow Club opened up for a job specialising in information you did everything you could to get it. They were looking for someone female preferably, small and under thirty.

A very odd set of requirements but then again you wouldn’t want someone blowing their hip out after getting caught eavesdropping.

So you did your best to clean up, and you were on your way.

A sweet guy was waiting at the club, with a Zemeni man that looked bored beyond doubt. “Why are we stuck with hiring new recruits? Any of the dregs could’ve done it.”

The smaller boy looked up and smiled, “Because you kept hassling Kaz about getting a cat Jes.” The darker skinned man chuckled, “It was a cute cat, it looked exactly like Kaz. Just more smiley.” The two laughed as you slowly approached, “Who are you?” ‘Jes’ asked. “Uh I heard that there was a job open here?”

“Aren’t you a bit young?” You frowned, feeling rejection coming your way. “I uhm, I just really want a job. I’m fast! I’m super smart, I can jump roofs like realllly far. I can do anything and I’m so small people forget I’m around.”

“What do you think Wylan?”

“I think she’s pretty good for the job, no one would suspect someone so cute and innocent. Men are stupid and never suspect anything besides other men.” A woman spoke up from behind you.

You quickly stepped back, a bit frightened.

“Oh no, I didn’t mean to startle you. I’m Nina. What’s your name?” You meekly smiled, “Uhm Y/n.” “Well Y/n, you are hired.”

The first few days were daunting. You’d never imagined yourself stable nor with your own room. It was small, but you were grateful for anything. What you were yet to do was meet “The Boss” as Jesper liked to say.

But when you did you were met with a harsh, scary contorted version of a smile which made you want to run all the way back up to your room.

“I told you he’d scare her.” Inej whispered to no one in particular. You looked back at Nina but she only egged you on.

You slid into the booth and smiled, placing the parchment in your hands on the table.

“It’s nice to meet you Mr Brekker.”

“You have good information, you never get caught. You’re small and easy to conceal. As long as you don’t cause me or any one else trouble you can stay. Continue to clean up after yourself you are not my responsibility.” He spoke quickly whilst receiving a harsh glare from Inej, Jes and Nina.

“I always clean up after myself, I cook for myself and dress myself I’m completely independent you’ll have no problems from me Mr-”

“Kaz.”

“What?” He looked up from the floor, “You can call me Kaz. Not Mr Brekker, you make me feel twenty years older.”

“Okay. I uhm I found out about a heist and it’s fully planned out. I also may or may not have broken into someone’s office and stolen all of the plans for the heist and its right there.” You said sliding it over to Kaz, “They said it was for someone called Pekky? Pekka?”

Kaz looked at you straight away, “Are you sure? Where was the office?”

“Uhm across the street from that place everyone here hates. Golden Lions.”

Nina leaned in and whispered, “Dime Lions.”

“Dime Lions!”

For a second you swore you saw a smile or a smirk which was more fitting to the ‘Bastard of the Barrel’.

“You might just be a good addition to us, Inej can teach you more. Everyone be here by night, we’ll go over the plan. Be ready. Always be ready.”

Over the next few months you felt content. You were forever grateful you had the bravery (or so you called it) to take the initiative to go for the job in the first place and you ended up with an amazing family. You even managed to break ice with Kaz and he no longer labeled you “child.”

You’d become as great with your skills as Inej from constant training. You’d learnt to pick locks from Kaz, you loved sitting in on Wylan’s terrorism lessons, Jes even let you touch his revolvers after weeks of bugging, Nina taught you about her Grisha powers and different languages and Matthias taught you about Fjerda.

You finally felt confident enough with yourself to go out on a heist with everyone after begging Kaz to let you come. You’d originally wanted to break in and scout the place with Inej but Kaz shot the idea down quickly. It irked you. Did he think you were a liability? Not good enough?

Soon you’d learn it was the opposite.

You had been appointed to the role of lookout. Perched upon a nearby roof with Wylan, Jes would prove as a distraction, Inej would break in at the time and Kaz was inside, scouring the ballroom for a certain George Pell. The second his men approach with the problem of the breach he was to alert Jes, Jes would protect Inej, the two of them would make their escape as Wylan and you would let the bombs go off, giving Kaz his escape with all the other Lords and Ladies.

It was perfect, until it wasn’t.

For starters the security was 3x what had first been reported. Second of all a certain Pekka Rollins was in attendance. Kaz had made the mistake of not looking over the attendance list, mostly because it was an open invitation to the wealthy and no black list was in existence. Third of all, Inej had fallen sick, an infection of a wound.

Which meant you would be taking her place. Kaz had scoured the Dregs for anyone who could take her place but no one could compare to your skills as well as Inej’s.

“When you hear the bombs go off I’ll be at the door, you’ll know who I am because?”

“Secret code.”

“Good. Once you hear it, let me in, and we’ll go out the way we came in. We run back to the rendezvous spot and wait for the place to die down before making our way back. It’s important no one sees your face, this plan relies on anonymity. Pekkas men see us? We’re done for. Understand?”

“Got it Jes.”

“Atta girl.” He laughed as he ruffled your hair.

The two of you were perched on the roof, waiting for Wylans signal that Kaz had made it in. The flashing light had the two of you moving in.

As you lowered yourselves in you heard an explosion which had the two of you drop to the floor. Jes had knocked over a display. Which caused a guard to bang on the door, “Who’s in there?” She asked.

Jesper grabbed your arm as the two of you hid behind the door, as she entered Jesper shot her point blank. As you looked towards the necklace you were meant to grab.

Jesper dragged her body to the side and looked out the door before closing it. “We need to hurry this up, I don’t like this night. This mission seems off.” You nodded as you picked the lock to the cabinet. The glass seemed to be Durast made, trying to shatter the glass and attract more attention seemed stupid and you were sure the glass would be hard to break.

You heard a pop and you carefully opened the cabinet to extract the necklace. The best way to steal something in your mind was to act as if you already owned it. Before putting it on you hastily grabbed a nearby gown and put it on, to play the part of course. Not because it was absolutely breathtaking. You quickly clipped the necklace on and asked Jesper if he could change it somehow in size or colour.

“I- what? I can’t I’m not-”

“Jesper don’t act dumb. I’m ten not stupid.”

He laughed, not as big and sweet as usual but still. “Why do you hide it?” “I, I don’t know. I just feel people would treat me differently.” You hugged him as he stumbled back. “I love you no matter what Jes. If anyone says anything I’ll stab them.”

He smiled as he wrapped his arms around you, “That’s good to know, no one will come after me if I have a big scary protector.” You withdrew, with a faked look of shock, “I’m not scary!”

“I detest. You scare me every day. With your little knives and intelligent self you put us all to shame.” As you were about to respond you heard shouts and screams, indicating it was your time to go. As the two of you returned to the skylight you came down from you saw three men inspecting the rope you used to repel downwards. “There! Bloody criminals!”

The two of you ran towards the open doors, to be met with guards rushing at you from both ways. “Shit, what now?” You spied a door in-front and grabbed his hand as you rushed towards it.

You were met with a stampede of people trying to exit the buildings. You both ran into the crowds, hoping to blend in, which you did successfully. As you rushed out your dress got caught on something. By the time you freed yourself the ballroom was empty and Jesper was nowhere in sight.

You were captured within seconds, and you decided to not fight until you were locked up or alone. It would give you time to put your thoughts together, but you didn’t get the chance since you were promptly knocked out with a punch to the face.

You woke up in a bedroom, shackled to the bed. Your dress and hair was the same and thankfully the necklace was still on. The distorted shape hid its real size and original self. You looked around and realised it was still nighttime. But you couldn’t tell if it was the same day or not. As you inspected the shackle you realised the lock was simple. One of the many locks Kaz had you practice with.

You took the lock pick you kept in your boot out and began. Under a minute the lock was off, Kaz would be proud, or happy or whatever emotions he can feel. You thought.

You looked around the room and notice a small window, higher up, letting the moonlight bleed into the room. There was a bucket on the side, next to the door and you shuddered to think of what it was used or intended for. You were hot, the room was small and cramped, much more so than your room at the Slat. You quickly undressed, much more comfortable in your normal shirt, vest and pants. You tied your hair up and slipped the necklace into a hidden pocket. Before making your way to the bucket, placing it on the bed and hoisting your self up to the window.

You weren’t high up, one storey it seemed and you could make the jump most likely but you didn’t want to leave anything up to chance. You used the sewer pipe and uneven bricks to climb down into the alley. You ducked behind a bunch of crates as you noticed a guard walking past. Once he was gone you ran.

As fast as possible, you made your way down the surprisingly empty streets. Richer homes, light lamps still on, cafés with an abundance of flowers out front.

You were in a nicer area obviously.

After running for what felt like forever before you entered familiar waters. As the Crow Club came into view you ran faster than before, your legs ached but you were so close. You weren’t going to stop until you knew you were safe.

You barrelled through the doors and ended up on the floor as you heard people make their way over to you.

“Saints Y/n you scared us to death. We thought they got you.” Inej said as she hugged you tightly. You scoffed, “Please I’m the fastest person in the Barrel, you honestly thought their fat asses would get me?” She smiled as someone spoke up.

“Well they obviously did. Look at you.”

Kaz spoke as he rose from the booth, leaning heavily on his cane. “All the Dregs are looking for you. I’m so sorry Y/n/n I should’ve kept you in front of me. Look what they did to you.” Jesper frowned as he took your hands, getting you up from the floor.

“It’s okay I’m okay.”

“Both of you, go grab Nina from the Slat.”

“But-”

“Now.” The two looked at each other, Jesper shrugged as Inej sighed, she knew better than to press Kaz, especially when he was in a bad mood.

“I knew you weren’t ready.” He said as he approached you. “Hey, I am ready. Everyone makes mistakes Kaz. Nothing goes exactly to plan, otherwise there wouldn’t have been a plan B, or C or-”

“You could’ve been seriously hurt, or injured. I don’t need a liability on the team, someone I have to constantly worry about.”

“Aw, you worry about me?”

“That’s not what I mean.”

“Sure sure Kazzle. As much as you hate to admit you have a soft spot for me. I’m not a liability and you know it. I can handle my own, I just need more training. Plus the plan was already awry before I got nabbed. Wylan already had bombs going off the second Jes and I were inside.”

“He was ambushed. The light wasn’t mean to go off, you were meant to wait until all the guards were drawn away, busy directing the guests inside. Then you were supposed to go in, come out the same way. If George was alerted I’d let Wylan know and Wylan would draw their attention with the bombs. He was fighting someone off and turned the lantern on accidentally. The bomb as well.”

“See? We’re only human.”

“It was a stupid plan, not only did we all blow our covers but Pekka saw me. Now the Stadwatch will come around with accusations but nothing solid. You were taken for hours, beaten and on top of it all we didn’t get what we wanted.” Kaz spoke as he turned and made his way up the stairs as you followed.

“Oh didn’t we?” He was about to open his room when he turned sharply. “Y/n.” You giggled before taking the necklace out, “I know it looks a little funny but it’ll be back to normal once Jes gets his hands on it.” A slight smile tugged at his lips, “Impressive.”

“Ah! That was a compliment. I think I may die of shock Kazzle.”

He shook his head and you knew he was smiling. You sat on his bed as you admired the room, you’d never been in here before and it was pretty standard but what shocked you was his taste in books, poetry?

Kaz Brekker reciting poetry seemed like a funny dream.

He slowly made his way back to you, with a damp cloth and bowl of water. His breath wavered, “Sit on the chair, stay still.” You complied and sat idly, a book in your lap. He slowly brang the cloth to your lip, wiping the blood away.

After a few minutes he withdrew quickly. You looked in the mirror and smiled again, Kaz Brekker had a soft spot for a street kid, who would’ve thought?

Whilst he sat going through his own work you sat going through his books. By the time you finished your books the day had seeped through the window as you felt your eyes grow tired and before you knew it you were asleep.

You woke up to the nice smell of waffles and syrup. As you got up you realised you weren’t in your own bed, no you were still in Kaz’s room. To your right on the table was a tray of food.

“Eat.” And you didn’t need to be told twice, after eating your own food and returning it to the kitchen you sat at one of the chairs in front of him. “Have you eaten?” Kaz didn’t respond, “Did you sleep?”

“You were in my bed how could I have slept?” You tilted your head, “I was on a very comfortable chair. Not the bed.” He looked up slightly, “Your neck was in an odd position so I moved you.” You smiled, “Thank you.” His eyebrows contorted, “For?”

“Everything. You could’ve kicked me out on the street when I showed for the job. When I messed up in cooking you didn’t shout, when I was training you didn’t get fed up when I failed. You had patience when it came to me. Most people would’ve thrown me out by then. You took a chance on me. On my first job I messed up and you still kept me. Thank you Kaz.” Kaz stood from his chair and so did you.

He looked down at you, “I was a child, on the streets like you. I did not meet the right people. No one took me in. I was alone. You showed potential the moment I talked to you first, I wasn’t going to let the same thing happen to someone I’ve come to, value.”

“I’m assuming that’s your way of saying I love you and I love you too Kazzle.” Before you knew it you hugged him. You immediately tried to pull back but an uncertain gloved hair rested on your head, shaky and ghosting but there.

“I love you too.” He wanted to say, but he couldn’t.

And if he couldn’t say it? He’d show it. He protect you from the horrors the barrel had to offer. The crooked people and places.

He’d keep you safe.

Because of Jordie.

No, because he loved you.

ACROSS THE SPIDERVERSE

42!MILES MORALES

— all mine

summary: whilst on the run, your boyfriend miles and yourself were taken home. although your hometown is not as it seems. with a shadow clinging to your every move, will you make it out of this universe?

— not yours (PT 2)

summary: miles seemingly can’t let you go, but you know your miles needs to get home. maybe if you play along you’ll be able to get back home.

↳ whatever it takes PT 3)

summary: you and miles make it back to your own universe and dodge the other members of the spider society as you make your way to miles’s home. little did you know someone managed to slip through the cracks, and was here to try to take you back, whatever it takes. does he?

MILES MORALES

— all mine

summary: whilst on the run, your boyfriend miles and yourself were taken home. although your hometown is not as it seems. with a shadow clinging to your every move, will you make it out of this universe?

— not yours (PT 2)

summary: whilst on the run, your boyfriend miles and yourself were taken home. although your hometown is not as it seems. with a shadow clinging to your every move, will you make it out of this universe?

— whatever it takes PT 3)

summary: whilst on the run, your boyfriend miles and yourself were taken home. although your hometown is not as it seems. with a shadow clinging to your every move, will you make it out of this universe?

(entire series is 6.5k)

PETER B PARKER

— coming soon

HOBIE BROWN

— two for one

summary: you were totally falling for hobie, and hobie was for you. but there was a third in this relationship, miguel. not that you noticed anyways, hobie did though.

PAVITR PRABHAKAR

— coming soon

SPIDER NOIR

— coming soon

PETER PARKER

— coming soon

dead, i’ve actually died.

the amount of tears that have flowed.

haven’t read anything so good in so long ❤️

The Accidental Princess (Epilogue)

Prince Kit x Reader

Synopsis: A contract has been found after twenty years, bearing your name and the Prince Kit's... bound in matrimony.

Chapter Synopsis: And they lived happily ever after.

Word Count: 7.4k words

Warning: mentions of trauma and killings, FLUFF, the gif is from Medici (I know, but it seemed appropriate ;) It's so hard to find the best gif since Cosimo is always so grumpy lmao )

A/N: Here it is! The end of an era! I am so proud of this story, it's become my baby. Thank you so much for staying and reading through all of the parts. Thank you for your comments and likes and reblogs. I love you, guys! I hope you enjoyed The Accidental Princess!

Main Masterlist | Series Masterlist

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Epilogue

In the days followed that awful night, you became withdrawn from everybody else’s presence. You refused anyone’s help, knowing full well they would not console you in the way you wished to be consoled. You became a recluse inside Kit’s chambers as you kept vigil beside his sleeping, healing form, keeping only to yourself—and to Kit—with your thoughts and memories your only companions. No one understood the weight you suddenly carried on your shoulders, of how a single event skewed your humanity even when it was done from a place of good intentions.

You had indeed killed the Grand Duke and whilst putting a stop to his rampage had the desired effect of removing your anxiety about him, his resulting death haunted your every waking moment. You still felt the heft of the candelabra in your hands or the way you swung it to the base of his skull to deliver your killing blow. Seldom, you dreamt of being a helpless spectator as he slaughtered Kit before your eyes, moving only when your beloved had laid limply on the floor. Often, you dreamt of yourself brandishing the sword and slaying the man without remorse. With those dreams, you saw sightless eyes and brilliant scarlet blood around you, of faceless figures on familiar silhouettes; every single one condemning you for your actions that may have saved the lives of many but at the expense of one.

No one knew the great fear that ran through you, how every sound of footsteps from the hall made you jump in your own skin out of fear that there would be someone wanting to enact revenge on behalf of the Grand Duke. You became afraid of everything and still you refused their help. It was simple, really. It was just because they were not Kit.

And when he awoke, you decided to put on a brave face for him. Kit was still in pain, still in the process of healing, that you did not want to depend on him for your own. So you kept it, kept all your fears and your hurts, kept the inexplicable confusion of your tilted values, to yourself… until it broke one day.

That had been the night where your scream filled the halls and walls of the palace. You had dreamt you slayed everyone just because you could, with no rhyme nor reason at all, and the resulting confusion from your actions broke you. You screamed within your dream and without, the sound echoing all over the palace grounds and it woke all its inhabitants, fearing for the worse at the terror-filled sound. It took them—Kit, the royal physician, Captain Thibault, amongst others—quite some time to placate you, murmuring to you that the man was gone and dead, that his reign of terror has ended because of you. While those words had assuaged the great anxiety you had with regards to the awful man, it was Kit’s arms that calmed you and told you that you were safe.

“He is gone,” Kit had whispered against your hair, cradling you in his arms despite his healing shoulder wound, rocking you gently until you were at peace. “He will not come for us anymore.”

It was these nightmares that Kit would envelop you in his arms, murmuring to you that you saved him as much as he saved you, telling you that the man was gone and that he would never hunt your family again. You both were alive because of each other; those were the aftermath of your actions, actions that might have just been as offensive as the Grand Duke’s sins but they were necessary.

“You need not face them alone,” Kit had often told you when you suffered another of those horrible nightmares. “You have me. We will face them together.”

There were scars borne from that night: Kit’s once-fatal shoulder wound had become hardly indistinguishable among the many battle scars he had incurred in the previous years; the slice on his palm was indiscernible to the casual viewer and yet you still saw the harsh ridges of the puckered skin with just one look; and, of course, the mental scars that you received from the torment the godawful man had inflicted upon your family. These were the only reminders of the man’s brief tyranny against everyone. These, you often told yourself to convince yourself that what you had done was correct, were much more favorable than what the man had intended to happen.

And slowly, ever so slowly, you came into terms with all that had passed. The nightmares became infrequent until they stopped. You ceased jumping at every footstep in the hallway. You gradually started to tell Kit of the fears that held you back and submitted yourself to the help that was offered. You accepted that you killed the man, accepted that you were changed—as did everyone else—from then on, and you just lived.

.

.

.

.

“There is nothing like the tea you have blended, pet.” Louis said as he took a sip of his specially brewed tea.

You smiled graciously and raised the cup to your lips, sipping at it contentedly. Louis had just returned from Zaragoza after an extended stay and had immediately asked for your nightly routine of tea after dinner despite having arrived earlier that day. You had traveled quite a lot in your lifetime and knew how harrowing trips were and insisted that you would do a morning routine of tea instead, worried that he would be too tired to partake your tradition. He declined with a scoff, adamant to have it with you in spite of being tired as he said it would revive his spirits. You could not find it in you to say no to him—you doubted anyone had ever had the gall to say no to the charming Duke of Granville—and thus promised that you would have it as soon as supper was finished.

“You have not grown accustomed to coffee yet?” you asked.

Louis had written to you countless letters of this certain drink the Zaragozans seemed to love. In every one of them, he mentioned his disdain for it, often comparing it against your tea blend with your blends emerging as victors. You knew he only meant it as flattery but you were flattered, nonetheless.

“I will never grow accustomed to coffee, pet,” he said with feeling. “It is too bitter for my liking and their blend is far too weak.” He pulled a face at how much he disliked the other beverage, earning a laugh from you.

“But I have given you the recipe for your favorite blend. Surely, you have attempted at least once to make it?”

“And poison myself if I do it wrong?” he said.

You rolled your eyes at his dramatics. Even when he had spent quite some time away and around new culture, he was still the same Louis Toussaint. “I had also given you detailed instructions on how to correctly identify which tea leaves are harmful and which are not.”

You were briefly reminded of your investigation of the late Queen Amalie’s poisoned tea and of the dangerous flowers that were planted about the garden. You since had the beautiful but pernicious plants removed from the palace grounds and had them donated to a university to be studied upon, where they were far from people’s immediate reach. The empty spaces had been filled with more lavender bushes, as per Kit’s request, and every summer whenever they bloomed, you always thought they signalled a brand new day of hope.

“Forgive me, pet, but do you see me perusing every tea leaf and bud to see if they are safe for consumption?” he asked. “I would no sooner steep them than inspect them.”

You hummed in agreement, knowing he would do as such. “A bellyache would have signalled you that something is amiss with the tea. Surely, you would stop drinking if that happened.”

“Ah, do you truly not know me? I would suffer the bellyache if it meant I would drink tea than coffee.” He grinned as he took another sip of his tea.

“Their coffee must be abominable for you to dislike it so. You must be relieved that you are back home now.”

You sipped at your tea, savoring the lemon and peppermint taste. Louis took a biscuit and halved it, offering the other to you.

“I suppose it would be amiss of me to say I would much rather stay in Zaragoza—in spite of the matter with the coffee, of course.”

You took the proffered biscuit, quirking a brow as you looked at your dear friend. “Oh?”

“I’ve no work to do whilst I was there. It was refreshing to have a bit of intermission from all the kingdom’s issues.” He grinned devilishly at you before he bit on his pastry.

You chuckled at that, knowing very well what he meant. Louis had been very efficient as Kit’s adviser and the brief respite he had at Zaragoza was well-deserved. If there had been someone, other than Kit, who worked equally hard, it was he.

“How did my cousin fare while I was away?” Louis asked, curiosity on his face.

You nibbled on your half of the biscuit, smiling at him. “It seems you have forgotten that I now help with matters of the kingdom.” you scolded lightly. “And while I know how much he likes having me near him, I do not think I should be replacing you in your position anytime soon. You are far more efficient than I in some matters.”

“Admitting that he lost his way without me is easy, pet,” he teased. “And it uses fewer words than what you had said.”

You chuckled. You finished your biscuit and downed the remnants of your tea. Louis offered to refill your cup, to which you politely declined.

“No, thank you. The physician has said for me to drink only three cups of tea a day. I’ve already had my share of it.”

All laughter from Louis’s face vanished, instantly being replaced by concern. “What do you require the physician for? Is something the matter? Are you ill?”

“Oh, no. Quite the opposite, in fact. I am well and brimming with life.” You grinned ecstatically, finally having your dearest friend to share your news with. “Literally too, I’m afraid.”

At Louis’s confused look, you slid your hand to your abdomen and cradled the gentle swell. It had only started to show beneath your gowns, just a tiny bump beneath the many fabrics that were draped upon you daily. You had asked your lady’s maid to loosen the binds to your stays to give way to the life that was growing between your hips. Kit had not noticed it yet. You were soon to tell him of it.

“Y/N!” Louis erupted suddenly, clearly astounded. When he had left, you were not yet with child. “That’s wonderful news! Does Kit know?”

You shook your head. “No one knows, apart from me and the physician. You now, I suppose.” You speared him a serious glance. “I’ve told the man not to tell Kit about it. If he knows before I tell him, I shall have you to blame.”

His face turned solemn as he nodded. “I promise I will not tell.”

Knowing Louis, he would keep true of his word.

“Good.” You smiled. “Now, I have been meaning to ask you—”

You both paused as commotion ensued in the kitchen. There were surprised shouts and scattered murmurs of “Your Royal Highness” from the staff before you heard the rushing pitter-patter of little feet.

“Do you suppose that is one of yours or one of mine?” Louis asked when he looked at you.

The answer came a few seconds after.

“Mama!” cried your daughter, jumping at you with alacrity.

Behind her, Abigail stopped to curtsy at you and Louis.

Your sweet little girl, a miniature of you in all ways except for her hair and eyes, which she had gotten from Kit, scrambled on your lap as she grinned at her nanny. Her ebony waves shook with her laughter.

“Why are you awake, my little dove?” you asked her as you arranged her on your lap. You wrapped your arms around her tiny waist, securing her into position. “I thought Papa and I had put you to sleep?”

She looked up at you with her arresting blue eyes, eyes that often commanded the attention of its receiver. They were still mirthful but they had a gravity about them that only a four-year-old could possess.

“You and Papa did not tell me a good night story.” she accused. Her tone was very grave, as though what you had done—or had failed to do—was a sin against mankind.

“Oh! I’m sorry, my dove. Mama seemed to have forgotten.” You kissed her downy cheek, eliciting a giggle from her. “Shall we go back to your room?”

The impish look on her face—very similar to yours—did not vanish as she shook her head. “No.”

“No?” You looked at your dearest friend, who was chuckling silently in his corner of the alcove. You would have shushed him if it weren’t for the little girl on your lap. You chose to ignore him instead. “Do you not want Mama to read to you? How about your parrain? Would you like him to read you a good night story?” (Godfather)

She contemplated upon your question, eyes big and lower lip jutting as she pondered her reply.

“I would be happy to read you a bedtime story, moppet.” Louis said with a soft smile at her direction.

But your daughter frowned at him, shaking her head gravely. You anticipated as much. “It is a good night story, not a bedtime story, parrain!” she told him.

He turned to you suddenly, a look of question on his face, to which you nodded with all the seriousness you could muster upon it. Louis had left before the good night story-bedtime story dilemma. It was a little matter to the adults but not to your daughter.

“She insists it is called that. She will correct anyone who calls it otherwise,” you told him as you bounced her on your knee.

“Ah,” he said as he nodded, playing along. Louis knew better than to defy the little princess. He smiled contritely at her. “Forgive your parrain, moppet. Your cousins call it a bedtime story.”

But she did not look convinced. “They are wrong,” she pronounced with conviction, sounding like her father.

You let out a surprised chuckle, as did Louis, and hugged her close to you. “Oh, my darling, you mustn’t say that. Just because you call it differently than they do does not make them wrong.” You scolded her gently, tapping her nose to soften your words.

“But they are wrong, Mama.” She looked at you with her innocent and wide eyes, knowing full well the power it held over the adults. Now, she used it to ask for your support. “It is called a good night story. It is what you and Papa call it too.”

You smiled gently. “For you, my love, it is called that. But for your Parrain Louis’s children, it is called a bedtime story.” you told her. “There can be many different names for one thing.”

Your daughter pouted but she nodded, accepting your explanation. She had always been clever and intelligent, much like how Kit had envisioned her, but none had accounted for her stubbornness. Clearly, she had gotten it from both you and her father.

Louis stood from his chair, hand held out to your daughter. “Shall we go? What is your favorite good night story?”

She shook her head and snuggled closer to you. “No.”

You cast Louis an apologetic glance before addressing your daughter. “No?” You pushed the hair away from her eyes. “But surely, you must be exhausted from entertaining your cousins?”

She shook her head again, looking at you with a pout on her lips. She knows how adorable she is and uses it to her advantage, you thought to yourself amusedly.

“Oh, very well, then.” You chuckled, relenting. It was a struggle to decline her pleas, especially when most of them were trivial and harmless. She was a curious child, much like you were when you had been younger, and whilst she was yet to start her formal studies with a governess, you had taken it upon yourself to teach her of the things that were not taught within the confines of the classroom.

You turned to Abigail, who had been standing and awaiting your orders, and smiled gratefully at her. “Can you fetch me a cup of warmed milk, please, Abigail? After that, you may retire for the night. Her Papa and I will bring her to her room later on.”

Abigail, who had miraculously survived the Grand Duke’s assault that fateful night many years past, was unwaveringly loyal to you. Her attack did not deter her in wanting to remain in your employ; in fact, it only strengthened it. She had been a witness of the horrific display of your great anxieties and did not leave your side during the months of your recuperation, despite she herself was healing as well. You had promoted her to be your lady’s maid upon your marriage to Kit, had been your confidante when you could not depend on Kit or Louis on keeping some of your secrets, and upon the birth of your children, had appointed her to become their nanny. While she may not be educated in the accepted lessons of child-rearing, you knew you could not leave your children without someone you cannot trust. Abigail proved to be capable in her new role, despite coming into it unknowledgeable. She, along with her husband Captain Thibault, were the few people you entrusted with your family’s lives.

She bobbed another curtsy and left for her errand.

“There is something different about you, moppet.” Louis said. You turned in time to see him scratch his chin in mock contemplation. “Did you grow taller?”

Your daughter giggled as she nodded eagerly. She held out her hands horizontally, widening them to show how much she had grown while he was away. “I grew very tall, parrain!”

You smiled as you adjusted her hands accordingly, turning them vertically, showing to her godfather the inches she grew in his absence. “Like this, my dove.”

She beamed at him, thrusting her hands towards Louis. “Like this, parrain!”

He gave an exaggerated gasp as he looked at the distance between her hands. “That is tall! Soon, you shall be as tall as your cousin. Isabella was once as small as you were and then she grew very tall too.”

Her smile was beautiful and her eyes sparkled at the new information as she turned to you. “Mama! I want to be as tall as Isabella!”

You tapped her nose again, smiling gently. “And you shall be, my princess. You just have to be patient.”

“And you have to sleep more.” Louis nodded seriously at your daughter, giving you a sly look at his attempts to have your daughter return to her bed to sleep.

You chuckled, nodding along. “Yes. You have to sleep as well. Shall we go now? Abigail can bring your milk to your room.”

“But I am not tired,” she told you matter-of-factly, tone so similar with her father’s. “Papa says I mustn’t lie and I will be lying if I say I am tired.”

“She has quite a lot to say,” Louis commented mildly, sipping at his tea. “When Philippe and Isabella were younger, they did not have much to say. Is Henry like her?”

“No,” your daughter said before you could reply to his question. “Henry is taller than me! He is this tall!” She held out her hands to show him again, adjusting them as wide as her little hands could take her. “I am only little and small.”

You smiled amusedly at how she had interpreted the question. Louis was absolutely correct; she had a lot to say of anything and everything. She always made sure her voice was heard. Henry, on the other hand, while precocious like his younger sister, was politely assertive. He was all the positive traits of his father—as well as resembling very much like him—and you combined. While he may not be as loquacious as his sister, whenever he would speak or address anyone, the quiet authority in his voice rang loud and clear. He was Kit’s miniature in every way possible.

“No, not at all. Henry’s quiet, much like his father,” you told Louis. “She overtakes him with her questions and thoughts almost always.”

Abigail returned and set down the cup of warmed milk before you. Your daughter turned to her with a wide smile on her face.

“Thank you, Abigail!” she said cheerfully.

The nanny smiled and curtsied. “You are much welcome, Your Royal Highness.”

“We shall see you in the morning, Abigail. Thank you,” you told her with a smile.

She bobbed another curtsy. “Madam,” and left.

You gave your daughter the cup, supporting it with your hand as she brought it to her lips. “Finish your milk, my dove, so we may go to sleep.”

She took small sips before turning to you. “I am not yet sleepy, Mama.”

“Then how will you grow tall like Isabella?” you asked her seriously. “Ask Parrain Louis what made her tall and he will tell you it is because she sleeps when it is her bedtime.”

Louis nodded when her attention shifted to him. “Yes, moppet. Isabella and Philippe always sleep when we tell them to sleep. Now they are tall.”

“But—” There was an adorable frown on her face.

“And Henry is asleep, isn’t he? Don’t you think it the reason why he is taller than you?” he asked.

She shook her head at him. “Henry is tall because he is older. Isabella and Philippe are older than me too.”

Louis stuttered, blinking at your daughter’s logic before turning to you. “I see she has taken more than just your looks, pet. She has taken your stubbornness from you too.”

“I beg your pardon?” Your brow rose sharply.

Louis only grinned his charming grin. “Where else would she get such persistence if not from you?”

“Kit is stubborn as well,” you said, looking put off. “Perhaps he does not show it to you but he can be very adamant when he wishes to be.”

“Are you talking about Papa?” your daughter asked as she took a chocolate biscuit from the tray.

You looked down at her with a nod. “Yes, my darling. We are talking about Papa.”

“Papa is very busy,” she said with gravity as she bit down on her pastry.

You chuckled at the unexpected statement from her. “Yes, he is.”

“I want to help Papa.” she declared.

“Oh? With what, my dove?” You tipped the cup again when she asked for her milk.

“With his work.” she said simply, as though the answer was very obvious to everyone.

“You can be like Parrain Louis, my dove. He is Papa’s adviser. He helps Papa with his work.” you said. You took a napkin and dabbed at the sides of her lips to catch the droplet of milk.

She looked at Louis now, face set and serious. You chuckled to yourself at how much she resembled you, especially when she looked thus. “Parrain, you mustn’t leave anymore. Papa has been very busy since you went away.”

“Oh!” Louis exclaimed at the admonishment he received from her. “Begging your pardon, Your Royal Highness, but your marraine wished to see her home even for a while. I could not deny her simple request.” (Godmother)

She turned to you as if seeking for advice on what to say next.

“While you are correct, my darling, about your Papa being very busy, your parrain also has his family to think of. He is free to do as he wishes, like leaving your Papa to visit your marraine’s home kingdom.” you said.

“Marraine does not like our kingdom?” she asked innocently.

“She does but she misses her family and the people from her own kingdom.”

She turned to her godfather, who was watching her in great amusement as he sipped his tea.

“Will you forgive parrain if he gives you a gift from Zaragoza?” Louis asked when he set his cup down.

Her eyes shone brightly, clearly having forgiven him at the mention of a gift. “A present!” She clapped her hands excitedly.

He chuckled. “Yes. It is a beautiful little thing they call a marioneta.”

“A marionette, my dove. It is a puppet.” you said when she looked at you at the mention of the word.

“I chose this specific marioneta because she looks like you. She has your beautiful black hair and your blue eyes and your happy smile. Her name is Mariana.” He grinned at her eager look. “But we must come to an agreement. I shall only give her to you when I learn you have slept tonight. If not, you will not see Mariana until I hear you have properly rested.”

Your daughter contemplated on it for a while before nodding enthusiastically. “Yes, parrain!”

You turned to your dearest friend, smiling in thanks at the gift he bought for your daughter. “Aren’t you in the least bit tired, Louis? You need sleep as much as she does.”

“I shall be—”

“Mi corazon?” called a voice from the kitchen door. (My heart)

You all turned to the doorway, to the Princess Chelina entering your little alcove. She looked much more radiant and livelier since you had last seen her—and very much with child. She smiled as Louis stood to help her take a seat at the table.

Louis’s impromptu trip to Zaragoza years ago had been troubling. He not only left his estate quite so suddenly, but had been gone for nearly a year in his attempts to court the King and Queen of Zaragoza for Chelina’s hand in marriage. Initially, they did not accept him, adamant as they were that their daughter will only marry a prince. Louis’s letters to you had chronicled his hardships when he had been courting them; of how he nearly gave up when he heard rumors of her parents having found another prince to marry her to or how he very nearly wanted to steal Chelina from a celebration to marry her secretly.

But his perseverance and insistence—coupled with his bountiful charms and riches—finally convinced the Zaragozan monarchs into choosing him. They were impressed with his tenacity and his fierce love for their daughter, that, in apology for their harsh reception of him, they immediately had them married as soon as they were able. Not long after their union, Louis and Chelina were blessed with their beautiful daughter Isabella, and their son Philippe followed soon after.

“Why are you not asleep, mi vida?” Louis asked as he poured her a cup of tea. (My Life)

“I cannot sleep without you, mi corazon.” she replied as she took her cup. She turned to you, smiling. “Louis had been very excited to return home just for tea. Had it been any other reason, I would have understood his giddiness.”

You chuckled. “He is rather fastidious with his tea. I’ve already given him the recipe for his favorite cocktail but I do not think he made one for himself.”

“Pet, you must know it is only a blend by your hand that I will drink.” he said with a wink at your direction. “I had had someone make it to your instructions but it did not taste nearly the same as yours. There is something special about it when you make it.”

You shook your head at him, looking at his wife for support. Chelina only laughed. “Flattery will not make me grant you another few months’ respite in Zaragoza.” you teased Louis.

“Y/N!” he exclaimed, scandalized. “I would never!”

“And I shall tell Kit to say no to you if you ask him.” You helped your daughter with her milk again, drinking it to the last drop. You wiped the crumbs and milk off of her mouth.

“Mi vida, she is accusing me of using my charms on her.” Louis told his wife.

Chelina gave an amused shake of her head at her husband. “You’ve made an error of using it on her, mi corazon. I did not think she will fall for it like I had.” she said as she sipped at her tea. She looked at your daughter, a sudden playful gleam in her eyes. “Why are you still awake, princesita? I thought you had gone to bed?” (Little princess)

“Papa and Mama did not tell me a good night story.” she replied with a pout. She then turned to look at you, eyes innocently wide. “I think I want to sleep now, Mama, because Parrain Louis will not give me my marionette if I do not.”

You smiled, kissing the tip of her nose softly. “Okay. Let us see Papa about our good night story problem, my dove.” You wiped her hands for any remnants of the chocolate biscuits. She had a proclivity for them, much like her father.

You looked at your friends and guests once more, smiling apologetically. “I fear I have to leave the two of you alone,” you told them regretfully. You had been looking forward to hearing of their adventure in Zaragoza but your daughter and her sleep had to come first.

Chelina waved a hand, shaking her head. “We shall tell our stories tomorrow. La Princesita must sleep so she could get her present.” (The little princess)

You chuckled. “I hope Isabella and Philippe found their rooms to their liking. If not, I can always ask the staff to arrange it to however they wish,” you said as you helped your daughter down from your lap.

“You mustn’t trouble yourself with us, pet. We are perfectly able to adjust to our accommodations.” Louis said.

Chelina nodded in agreement. “They do like it but thank you for offering.” she replied graciously.

You turned to your daughter, straightening her nightgown. “Shall we say good night to parrain and marraine, my darling?” you asked.

She held the sides of her nightgown, executing a wobbly curtsy to her godparents. “Good night, parrain. Good night, marraine.”

The Duchess of Granville smiled, bowing her head regally. “Good night, princesita.”

Louis got to his feet and bowed with all pomp and grandiosity. “Good night, Your Royal Highness. I thank you for gracing us with your presence.”

You daughter giggled as she took your hand and waved them goodbye with her other. You said your goodbyes to your friends before making your way to your husband’s office. She talked throughout the short trip, telling you of her plans for the marionette her godfather had bought for her and how she would make a show for you and her Papa. You chuckled amusedly, reminiscing of a certain time when you had regaled the crew of your father’s ship with the stories you have read. You had also used puppets but yours were ones you had crafted yourself from scraps aboard the ship. You told your daughter of such and saw the sparkle in her eyes at your story.

You arrived at his office and, before opening the door, turned to your daughter with a devilish gleam in your eyes.

“Shall we surprise Papa?” you asked her. At her enthusiastic nod, you grinned. “You must be very quiet. He does not know you are not asleep.”

She giddily clapped her hand against her mouth.

You entered the office, one hand behind your back, clasping your daughter’s small one. She kept close behind you, walking with small steps in time with yours. You heard her muffled giggles.

“My King,” you called softly, hoping not to startle Kit.

Sat behind a grand oaken desk, Kit looked impossibly kingly. Stacks of missives and correspondences, each bearing differently colored wax seals, each from different people and different parts of the kingdom, nearly drowned the monarch as he pored over another in his hands. He had been the King for nearly six years, upon the death of his father, but even before that, had been helping with matters of the kingdom. He was an exceptional ruler since the start of his regency, always listening to the people’s pleas and keeping them in the forefront of all laws he authored and passed. The people loved and adored him, were never afraid of him, and in every celebration of his coronation as King, everyone gathered and exalted his reign.

His new role had aged him, however. His hair was now cropped shorter and he sported a full beard, forgoing shaving it off, saying that he would rather use his time looking over the people’s problems than to use it for his vanity. His new look made him appear more kingly, which you admitted to him with a laugh. A full beard or a clean-shaven face, to you, Kit was still as handsome as he had been on the day you met twenty years after you both had erroneously signed that marriage contract.

Kit looked up and smiled when he saw you. “My queen.”

You smiled warmly at your title. He always loved to call you by your title but to the both of you, you were only Kit and Y/N.

You heard your daughter’s soft chuckles behind you and swallowed a laugh of your own. You cleared your throat, taking on a serious mien, before addressing your husband. “I hope you are not too busy. There is someone quite adamant to see you.”

A kingly brow rose at that. “If it is Louis, tell him I am otherwise occupied—”

“Papa!” cried your daughter as she jumped from behind you to run to her father.

You chuckled as Kit’s face morphed from that of an exhausted monarch to that of a loving—and surprised—father.

“Amelia!” he exclaimed. “Aren’t you supposed to be asleep? Earlier, you bid me good night!”

He caught her before she could jump on his lap and hugged her gently to his chest. Kit was careful around her, always taking care of his actions whenever he was with her. Named in honor of her late grandmother, Amelia had been a squirmy little thing when she was born a month early. She had sent her father in a frenzy at the moment of her birth but you heard no objections from Kit. He catered to her every cry, cradled her when your own arms were tired from doing so, and even had her sleep in your bed so he would not be away from her. He had done the same with your firstborn Henry when he was younger.

Kit was no traditional king when it came to his family. He refused the idea of you sleeping in a separate room; always wanting to keep you close to him whenever possible. He also shunned the other nobles’ practices of raising their children: of leaving them to the nursemaid or of not seeing them unless it was absolutely necessary. Kit wanted to be present for every breath, sigh, and cry. When Henry was born eight years ago, the midwife had proclaimed to him that he had an heir. Kit had only shaken his head in disagreement with the woman.

“No,” Kit had whispered when he had taken his son in his arms and had cradled him against his chest. “I have a son.”

He never thought of them as his heirs. They were always his children.

Peals of laughter rang throughout the office as Amelia’s little hands found their way to her father’s beard. You smiled at the picture they presented, even though it was one you saw every day, and made your way to them. Kit deposited his daughter on one arm while his other pulled you to him. You laughed as you stood beside your husband, his arm around your waist, looking at you lovingly.

“My love,” he said and turned his head up to receive your kiss.

You bent down and kissed him softly, lingering for a second longer before pulling away. A decade of being married to each other and Kit still had the same lovestruck expression on his face. “My Kit.”

“You did not tell me a story,” Amelia said petulantly, immediately taking her father’s attentions away from you.

You broke free from him, hands moving to the many papers that were scattered atop his desk. He had been called away immediately after dinner, missed having tea with his cousin and you to see matters regarding the eastern border of the kingdom. Despite being his queen for as long as he had been king, you had only recently started helping him with kingdom matters. In the first years of your marriage, you had asked to be taught all there was to know of your territory. You were tutored by the very same teachers Kit had in his childhood and were diligent in your studies, devouring law books and history books to learn more of the kingdom you were now queen of. You found you excelled in international relations, using your prior knowledge to help expand the trade routes and garner more alliances with other territories.

You sat on the arm of Kit’s seat, taking the latest missive he had been looking at and read over it. It was a business proposal to export the gemstones from your kingdom. As the new queen, you were now it’s owner.

“You and Mama always tell me a good night story,” Amelia continued and you looked over at her with a smile.

“I’m sorry, my darling dove. Papa had urgent matters to attend to and Mama was having tea with your parrain.” he told her. “Does Henry require a good night story as well?”

She shook her head, waves moving here and there. “He does not need a story because he is big.”

“And you are small?”

She nodded, jutting her lip as she implored at him. Like you—and any other people who beheld her—Kit could not resist her deep, wide-eyed sapphire gaze.

“Very well. Let us tell you a story then.”

“Was this the urgent matter with Lord Blois?” you asked, holding the missive in your hands.

Kit looked over and shook his head. “No. That is for you. I opened it by mistake.” he said. “I’ve sent a missive to Lord Blois and had Captain Thibault gather troops to oversee the issue with the eastern border.”

“Is it something we should be worried of?”

“No, no. We’re in no immediate danger, my love.” he assured you with a smile. “He thinks it a matter I should be aware of but it is nothing. We are safe.”

You nodded.

“There is also a letter from Prince Frederick. He wishes to thank us for our gift to his new son. He also means to invite us next month for a celebration.”

You beamed at the prospect of a ball. “Shall we go? It would be wonderful to see old friends again.”

The king’s smile was tender when he looked at you. “Anything you wish, my love.”

You flushed and replaced the missive with the other papers. “Now, on to the matter at hand. Little Princess Amelia wishes we tell her a good night story so she may sleep and then she may get her puppet from her parrain.”

“Puppet?”

“His gift from Zaragoza.”

“Of course,” Kit said and stood from his desk, carrying Amelia with him. “Did Mama receive a scolding as well, or was it only I?”

“She had to make it known even to Louis and Chelina that I did not tell her a story.” You snuffed the candles on his desk and followed after them as they exited the office.

“Were you polite about it, Amelia?”

Amelia looked innocently at her father. Kit gave her a stern look before kissing her temple. He could not go on getting angry with his children, not even for a while.

“You must be polite all the time, little princess, even when it is not your fault.”

She bobbed her head. “But, Papa—”

“What have I told you before?”

“A prince or princess must always be polite.” Amelia dutifully said.

“Very good.” He kissed her temple once more before he turned to you. “And how was tea with Louis, my love? I apologize I wasn’t able to come.”

“Nothing out of the ordinary,” you replied, slipping your arm around Kit’s and walked beside him silently.

“What’s on your mind, my Queen?” you husband asked as you all ascended the stairs. “You are rarely quiet and when you are, I fear I have to think of what it is I’ve done.” he teased.

You chuckled. “I was thinking of names, my love.” you told him coyly.

“Names? What for?”

Once you arrived on the second-floor landing did you bring his hand to your abdomen. “I believe this little one will require a name in a few months’ time.”

Kit paused in the hallway, a stunned look about his face. “My love? Are you—?” His eyes dropped to the indiscernible bump on your abdomen.

You nodded, smiling softly. “Yes, my love. I’ve known for a week now.”

“Is Mama what, Papa?” Amelia demanded.

Kit turned to his daughter, a brilliant smile about his face. “You, my darling Amelia, will become a big sister.”

She only frowned. “But there is only Henry and I and I am younger and smaller.”

He chuckled, having used to her logic. “You shall be a big sister soon, my darling. Not now. We must wait because your Mama will still grow your younger sibling.”

“Grow?”

You resumed walking now, with Kit’s hand holding yours firmly. “Yes, my dove. The baby needs to grow before we can meet him or her.”

“I want a baby sister.” she declared. Both you and Kit chuckled.

“We can’t choose the baby we will have, Amelia, but let us hope that whatever we will have will be born healthy.” You told her, smiling gently.

You pushed the door to her chambers open. Amelia’s room had been decorated with motifs of the sea and traveling, with paintings of different landscapes from different parts of the kingdom adorning her blue walls. You saw in her the eagerness to travel when she was younger and you and Kit had no doubt she would wish to traverse the kingdom as well like you had.

The fire was low and dying and you made your way to it, adding enough kindling to illuminate the room until she fell asleep. Kit took Amelia to her bed and tucked her beneath the covers, smiling softly as he laid a kiss on her forehead. You neared her shelf of books, heading towards a tome of children’s stories by the Brothers Grimm before her sweet voice called out.

“I want my favorite story, Mama. The one about the traveler and the prince!” she said excitedly.

You cast a look at Kit, smiling when he smiled back at you. You knew the story by heart, no book would ever account for the wonders of that tale.

You sat on the other side of her bed, softly caressing your daughter’s face, mesmerized that this was now your life. It was amazing, to have survived all the challenges and be blessed with the life you never thought of having. Before, you traversed the seas, belonging nowhere and everywhere at once. You had no reason to remain long in one place, had nothing to care for and live for. But fate intervened and brought you back to your kingdom, brought you to the place where you never once thought of settling down. Fate brought you home.

You looked at Kit, at the love that shone in his eyes, wanting nothing more in your life. You were blessed to be married to him, a man who had been willing to renounce his title and power just so he could love you. You were gifted children whom you adored and adored you in return. Once, you had wanted to be an emissary of the kingdom but fate gave you more and made you Queen of it. No, there was nothing more you could ask for. You had everything you ever hoped for—and more—right here, right now.

“Are you ready, my dove?” you asked Amelia as you pushed the soft hair away from her face.

“Yes, Mama.”

You linked your hand with Kit’s, holding and never wanting to let go, as you started the story.

“Once upon a time, there was a girl who accidentally married the prince…”

i haven’t posted in so long but happy 800!!! 🤍

Hii! I saw that you like au's so i ask if you can make a time travel au?

Where the modern reader goes to their time and meets simon, he falls in love and asks her to marry him but she gets weirded out bcs she is still so young and doesnt plan on having children.

Dark-ish plsss? 🥺

Totaly get it if you dont want to write it, up to you 🌹

Thank you

(this was pretty short but here!)

warnings: darkish simon? young reader (16ish since she’s young but nothing happens!! pushy and possessive simon, implied fem!reader and poc!reader MADE UP ROYAL NAMES IDK HOW IT WORKS

notes: (my writing usually tends to lean towards an indian reader i’m sorry i don’t even realise when i do it 😭) i’m going to make a part two and post it tomorrow since i actual love this idea!!! you’ll meet simon!

Infatuation

summary: the one where you somehow travelled into your favourite tv show along with your family. and as you debut in society, you catch the eye of a certain duke.

part ii

shonda rimes was nothing short of a goddess in your eyes for her casting abilities.

you’d been obsessed with the books ever since they came out and the second you’d heard of it being picked up by netflix you screamed so loud your family thought you’d died.

it was the release day of the first season and you had to meditate before watching since your heart was absolutely running hundreds of miles inside.

you’d settled into bed, had your favourite snacks to your side and your emotional support water bottle clutched in your arms as you pressed play.

you’d overestimated the power of meditation to calm you down, and underestimated the power of warm cocoa.

you’d dosed off after the second episode, and you were aware of it as it happened. the sounds of your favourite show lulled you to sleep and you’d never felt happier.

but after a while, you’d realised the sounds never really faded away, they became, stronger?

the sounds of the bickering bridgertons echoed through your head, preventing further sleep.

what the fuck?

as you opened your eyes, you felt, energised.

and as you rolled over you couldn’t believe your eyes.

daphne bridgerton by your side?

“y/n, are you alright?” she questioned as she closed her book, giving her undivided attention towards you.

you reeled your shock back in as you cleared your throat, “uhm, yes, i’m alright. where are we?” daphne smiled at the question, “we’re at my home.”

you nodded as you took it in, you fell asleep last night in your own bed and woke up in your favourite book, great!

this was quite literally the epitome of all of your daydreams and you couldn’t believe it was happening. you took into account that if you were with daphne you were most likely good friends with the bridgertons, you looked down and saw your nightgown, definitely not the same pjs you wore to bed, your hair was in a braid, and-

“since you’re finally awake, let’s get ready. i’ll send the maids in! i’m so excited and nervous for today y/n/n. this is our day!” she gushed as she allowed the maids in.

our day? this most likely meant that this was starting of like the first episode. oh god, you were going to meet everyone. anthony, benedict, violet- oh god you loved violet.

the next hour was a blur, maids everywhere, millions of dresses, hair pieces, jewellery sets and so on. you’d settled on a (obviously) white dress, with a diamond like waist details, puffy sleeves, gold details/flecks around the sleeves, a tiara, bracelets and a sweet yet simple necklace. daphne had on a similar dress, but the details were different and she wore a feather in her hair.

gods, she looked amazing. the two of you stood in the middle of the mirror, clutching eachothers arms as maids touched up your hair. “you look phenomenal sister.” daphne spoke to you admirably. over the hour you realised many things, the two of you had been friends since kids despite your age gap, your mothers being the best of friends and the same for your fathers, and since hers passed the two of your families had only grown closer.

your own family were very well-known amongst the ton. your father, being marquess of anderton, lord y/f/n l/n and your mother, lady y/m/n l/n, and your brothers, eldest son, earl of anderton lord b/n, and lord b/n. then you, the youngest, lady y/n l/n.

your brothers were also best friends with the bridgerton brothers, your eldest and daphnes, your second with benedict and colin due to their shared/similar responsibilities as second/third sons. but they all got along, nothing happened in the bridgerton family without you knowing and nothing happened on yours vice versa.

you all usually visited eachother whenever, living not too far from eachother. your town home being larger than theirs, and anderton being an three hour ride from london, your country estate being much larger. you were wealthy as hell and you loved it. not that you weren’t back home, but obviously nothing like this.

you still couldn’t tell if this was a dream. usually in your dreams nothing seemed as realistic as this, and you had free reign of your body, you controlled your body, nothing odd had happened, no floating unicorns, no random nightmares, nothing. all realistic. and despite your age gap of of roughly four years, yourself and daphne got along well, she at first saw you as a younger sister and soon enough, her best friend.

even if it was a dream you’d take as long as you could here.

as the doors opened yourself and daphne stood proud and happy. the nerves dying down after you reassured one another.

your mother and lady bridgerton stood infront, teary eyed. “our girls! you look-” “breathtaking.” anthony cut his mother off as your families stood, shocked.

daphne squeezed your arm as you walked forwards, you were so relieved to see your family looking all the same, just a change in clothes, and it was odd. everyone looked so- regal! somehow your brothers had cleaned up.

“enough fussing! let’s get going now.” daphne spoke as you all made your way down. “are you going to marry a princes sisters?” hyacinth squealed as you and daphne laughed, “i wish! we do not know who we are marrying yet sweet hyacinth, that’s what the social season is for, to meet people, make friends and to meet the person you’ll marry. soon enough you’ll be in our position and you will have a line of suitors waiting for you.” you answered sweetly as she grinned from ear to ear before it was struck down by george.

“don’t lie to her! the men won’t be lining up to get to her they’ll be running to get away!” he joked as hyacinth gasped, “how dare you?!” she shouted as she chased him down the steps. for some reason this all felt, right. you felt like you belonged here. once you’d gotten past the initial shock everything just came to you so easily. the manner of speech, how to act, what to say etc.

maybe it was due to your constant daydreaming of being here but it was so easy.

“kids slow down please! you will hurt yourselves!” your mothers shouted at the same time. you were all one big family and you loved it. it was like double the love, and whilst the bridgertons may not have had their own father with them any longer, your father did his best. he spent time with the brothers and sisters, giving the support they needed, doing what he can for the children of his best friend, his family.

you had really underestimated the chaos of the bridgerton family.

you were surprised your own mother wasn’t greying in the hair at the constant bickering and fighting. but at the end of the day you knew everyone loved eachother. but right now you wanted to lunge across the carriage to strangle your eldest brother.

“it’s no big deal.”

“you’ll be fine stop fussing.”

“what’re you worrying for.”

as if this wasn’t one of the biggest days of your entire life. you had to make a good impression upon the queen, god knows the gossip in this town else wise would drive you into a hole.

“i am sorry sister, i should do well to remember the seriousness of today, i apologise.” he responded, reaching across to grab your glove-clad hand, squeezing in support.

“we should all remember the seriousness of today. but do not worry, our dear y/n will do well, i believe it wholeheartedly. you are sweet, confident, intelligent, understanding and so much more my daughter. you will find a good husband, someone whom you love preferably. but otherwise a good man, someone deserving of such an amazing woman as you and it doesn’t matter if you do not marry this season either. there is always the next. if you are not ready you should say so now.”

you’d never seen your father so absolutely understanding. you would’ve thought. especially in this day and age that he’d press you to marry but no.

“eloise has postponed her debut has she not? would it be alright for me to do the same? at ten and eight she will debut and so will i. i fear i am still to young, a lot of the others are older and know more than i.”

“no one knows more than you dear sister.” your other brother spoke up with a smile, “besides eloise of course.” he said as you all laughed, “very well then. we do not have to explain ourselves to anyone and i will send forth someone to relay the message to the queens servants and withdraw your announcement card. and i am not against the idea of keeping you caged up with us for another year. the dread!” your father joked as you all laughed.

the debut had gone better than you could’ve wished for. besides a fainting or two, and you having to endure prudences whining and complaining. the queen seemed to favour daphne and you could not have been more thrilled for her. the two of you chatted everyone’s ears of at dinner to the point where you were separated from sitting together, which did nothing as you both spoke from across the table!

at home you were restless.

your room was much larger than your own.

but you loved it nonetheless.

you couldn’t help but continue to think, you hadn’t woken up yet, you’d literally spent an entire day here, and you hadn’t awoken. you’d pinched and slapped yourself which earned you a few strange looks from the maid that you’d forgotten was in the room and nothing. you hadn’t woken up, annoyed at leaving the bridgerton world.

what you were most excited for was to meet more people if you woke up tomorrow. penelope slipped through your fingers due to lady featherington fussing over her, lady danbury hadn’t been seen, you hadn’t been able to visit madame delocroix nor anthony’s opera singer and perhaps the most disappointing of all,

simon.

you had the fattest crush on him, especially after seeing him in the show. if you woke up tomorrow, you were going to make sure to see everyone you’d missed.

and at the top of your list.

a certain duke.

and if you’d known what would happen once you met him you would’ve steered clear of him.