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[ashtavula]

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Royalty AU

[ashtavula]

I love angst, so I often think about royalty au in a more dark sense, especially with reader and everything that comes with being royalty. Do they feel dehumanized because their entire existence is like a project carried out solely to continue the royal bloodline? Did they start thinking of themselves as a title first and foremost because that's how they were treated their entire life? Have they given up on love in the long run and are they only considering their candidates based on how well they would rule a kingdom? Are they having an identity crisis because what are they if not the expectations society put on them? Soooo much potential here. And of course it only gets messier when genuine connections with the suitors get involved

Ultimately, how you interpret things is up to you! You are, after all, the main character. Things can be as angsty or as sweet as you like. But I can certainly expand on a darker interpretation of the au.

Also, as a side note, though you are portrayed as gender neutral, you are into men. You’re also capable of having biological children with men. Whether that’s through natural means or magical ones is up to you.

You have been raised to rule for your entire life, regardless of your own feelings about it. You are the sole heir. It’s your royal duty to marry a suitable man, reproduce, and. Also, your parents want you to do it as soon as possible, hence why they’re telling you to marry within a year. Your parents want to ensure that their lineage is continued, and they want to have a hand in raising your heir. The king and queen want to ensure that your kids are “properly raised” to take over once you and your husband can no longer rule. You have a duty to your family and your kingdom, and you’ve been defined by that duty.

Also, reader insert stuff aside, people genuinely don’t tend to address you by name, other than your parents. Everyone calls you, “Your Highness.” You hear it far more often than your actual name. Even your suitors are bound by societal rules to call you that, at least until you actually marry them. People can tell you to disregard their titles, and you can do so since you’re royal. For example, Idia telling you to just call him by his first name is fine, but he can’t do the same with you, even if you ask him to. Malleus and Leona are the only ones who can and do ignore your title, but that’s only because they hold the same or higher status than you. It can feel very lonely.

You do genuinely have to consider if your suitors are actually going to be good rulers as well. They are, after all, going to become your Prince Consort after they marry you, and then they’ll be King Consort once you ascend to the throne. The title comes with political power and social influence. If you choose the wrong person, then they’ll take advantage of it or use it for all the wrong reasons. You also have to consider what your suitors can bring into the marriage. It’s why you’re being pushed towards certain people, even though you’re free to choose anyone regardless of their status. Malleus and Leona can grant you political power in other countries, which expands your kingdom’s influence. Idia and Azul both bring their intelligence and problem-solving skills. Vil and Riddle are influential nobles raised to lord over their lands, so it’d be easy for them to step into a royal title. Kalim can easily make you and your country richer. You’re expected to choose a man based on how good they’d be for your country instead of marrying for love.

All in all, the au can definitely veer into angst, and I’m happy to talk about it! Being royal is difficult. Especially when your taste in men might lead your country to either prosperity or ruin.

[ashtavula]

I know the royalty au is mostly about romance, but I can't stop thinking about how reader is probably heading towards a mental breakdown. Being raised as royalty(already big yikes) and as a result the constant feeling of isolation, parents who most likely weren't very present or emotionally available, the huge responsibility of ruling over a whole kingdom and now also picking out a spouse who at least won't try to usurp the throne because how can you trust people if the only thing they see and want about you is your royal status. Yeah that's not a very cash money situation

No, it’s not great. Poor Reader/you is definitely stressing out. It’s part of why you need a nap when you meet with Leona.

I’d like to expand a bit on the isolation you faced growing up. Basically, the king and queen were afraid of you being influenced by outside sources, as well as being taken advantage of. So, they limited your interactions with the aristocracy when you were young. And when you got older, they stated that you shouldn’t leave the castle unless it was necessary. But by that point, you had no friends, so you didn’t feel the need to go out. Plus, you didn’t want to bother your parents by asking for permission to leave. Searching for a husband has given you lots of freedom to come and go, and you’re taking advantage of it while you can.

Also, your parents didn’t really neglect you, but they weren’t really there for you either. You were mostly raised by Trein and a governess. The king and queen spend most of their time either ruling, or socializing with the aristocracy. You only see them consistently at mealtimes, and even then, they tend to speak to each other more than you. The sad thing is that they’re talking to you more often now because they want updates on your hunt for a suitor. It’s often hard to believe that they genuinely love you when you mostly feel like they had you out of obligation.

You’re not ruling the country yet, but you’ve spent your whole life preparing for it, and there are plans to make you the reigning monarch in a decade or two. Before you started searching for a husband, you spent most of your time learning how to rule a country and socialize. Once you make your choice and get engaged, your fiancée will join you for these lessons. Leona and Malleus already know how to rule, but they’ll be learning about how your country works and who the nobles are.

I think that sometimes, you might have nightmares about being overthrown by the man you married. It’s not because you don’t trust them, but growing up the way you did would make anyone a bit paranoid. You’ve been taught that most people want to take advantage of you and your power. Not even your suitors are exempt from that fear. And sadly, some of them prove that you’re kind of right. Leona brings up that marrying you would be good for his country because he could use the status he gains to influence matters over there. You know that Azul is an opportunist. You figure that Vil and Riddle would certainly appreciate the boost to their social influence. The only person who doesn’t really stand to benefit significantly from your status is Malleus, and that’s part of why you trust him.

[ashtavula]

Royalty AU Pt 7: A Meeting With Malleus

Housewardens x Gender Neutral Reader

Word Count: 3716

Start Here

AN: Another double feature!

You groan as you toss and turn in your bed. It’s far too late for you to still be awake, but you can’t sleep. “Yep. Napping with Prince Leona was a bad idea,” you grumble. After a few more restless minutes, you finally decide to just get up. You think that a walk might be enough to tire you out. So, you pull on your robe, and slide your slippers on.

You don’t want the guards to follow you around, so you decide to leave your bedroom through the secret escape route. You slip into the dimly lit passage, and you decide to head to the gardens.

As you step out into the cool night air, you take a deep breath. You can smell the Taif rosebush, and it reminds you of the day you spent with Kalim. A small, fond smile crosses your face, and you mentally remind yourself to invite him over again in the future.

As your thoughts wander, you slowly stroll through the garden. There are little green fireflies flitting between the flowers, and you giggle when one of the bright spots of light briefly dances in front of your face. But you freeze when you turn your head, and you see a figure standing in the garden.

The figure is tall, and a wicked pair of horns sprouts from his head. A thick, scaly tail brushes the ground as he turns, and your breath catches in your throat. In the silver light of the moon, you can see the vivid green of his eyes, and his pointed ears. The man possesses an otherworldly and intimidating beauty.

You swallow, and your words come out barely louder than a whisper. “Who are you?”

The man tilts his head, surprise flashing across his face. But then his lips curl into a smile. “I am obviously a fae.”

You take a hesitant step forward. “I knew that. Are you here because of King Malleus?”

“You could say that.” The fae continues to watch your every move with sharp eyes. His smile only grows a bit wider as you slowly close the distance between the two of you. “I am not here to harm you, if that is what you’re concerned about.”

You almost want to laugh. This strange man has broken into your castle in the middle of the night, and he thinks that that is enough to reassure you. “Then why are you here?”

“I simply wished to see what sort of human you are.” He suddenly moves closer, easily closing the gap between your bodies. He towers over you, looking down at you with curious eyes. “Tell me, are you afraid of the man you see before you?”

You tilt your head back, considering him. “...No. I’m not scared of you.” It’s the truth. This man is strange, and he looks intimidating, but he doesn’t frighten you. You look into his eyes. “What should I call you?”

“Whatever you wish.”

You scoff. “I’m just going to give you a silly nickname,” you warn.

“If that pleases you.” The fae is smiling, like the thought of you calling him something ridiculous amuses him.

“Fine. I’m just going to call you…Hornton.”

Hornton tosses his head back, and he laughs. “Truly? You are going to call me Hornton?”

“I warned you that it’d be silly!” You grin, giggles slipping out of your mouth.

He continues to smile at you. “Very well, my child of man. I accept the name you have granted me.” He holds out his arm. “Would you like to accompany me on a stroll?”

You accept his offer, wrapping your hand around the crook of his elbow. “Sure. It’ll be fun to explain to the guards why I’m walking around with a fae in the middle of the night while I’m wearing my pajamas.”

Another chuckle slips out of Hornton’s mouth. “Oh, I don’t think you’ll have to explain anything to your guards.”

You look at him, hoping that he’ll elaborate, but he doesn’t. Instead, he steers the conversation towards a rather unexpected subject. “I noticed that your castle boasts several gargoyles. Do you know anything about them?”

You blink, trying to think about the history lessons that have been taught to you. “Uh…they were a gift from the former fae queen, Maleficia. She gave them to us when we signed a peace agreement with her…about 400 years ago? I don’t remember the exact date.” You shrug. “People here think they’re good luck.”

“Ah, I thought so. They bear the distinctive architectural hallmarks of Briar Valley stonework. As for luck, I did see a few protective sigils carved into their bases.” Hornton guides you to one of the gargoyles perched on a roof, and he begins to ramble about its distinguishing features and how it proves that it was carved by a certain artist.

You gape at him. “Huh. I didn’t know gargoyles could be so interesting.” It’s not that you’re particularly enamored with the gargoyles, but you are drawn to the passion that he seems to bear towards the statuary.

“Indeed. Would you allow me to take you in for a closer look?”

You glance up at the gargoyle. It’s at least fifty feet off the ground. “Sure. But how are we going to-”

You gasp as he suddenly scoops you up in his arms, and he starts to fly. You cling to his neck, and you feel the fae stiffen slightly. But he quickly relaxes as he takes you up to the gargoyle. “I won’t drop you,” he murmurs. His arms tighten around you, like he’s trying to reassure you with his strength.”You can trust me. A fae never lies.”

As he floats closer to the gargoyle, you take a mental leap of faith. “I do trust you.”

His eyes grow wide, and his lips part, showing you a glimpse of his fangs. The expression is gone in the blink of an eye, replaced by an enigmatic smile. “I see.” Hornton’s gaze shifts to the gargoyle, and he launches into another lecture about the statue’s unique features and history. You find yourself leaning into his embrace, letting the rich tones of his voice wash over you.

As he starts taking you to see the other gargoyles, you stifle a yawn. Your fae companion chuckles, and settles back down on the ground. “Forgive me. In my enthusiasm, I forgot that humans sleep at night.”

“Mm, it’s fine,” you mumble. You expect Hornton to put you down, but he continues to carry you as he walks towards the main hall of the castle. “What are you doing, Hornton?”

“I am carrying you to bed. It’d be rude to make you walk to your chambers when you’re exhausted. Now, which way do we go?”

Pink blossoms across your cheeks, but you give Hornton directions to your room. As he walks, you notice that your guards and servants are oddly absent. It makes the dark halls of the castle feel eerie. The only reassurance you have is the solid warmth of the fae that’s cradling you close.

When he reaches your room, he sets you down on your bed, and draws the blankets up around you. “Thanks, Hornton.”

He smiles. “It’s my pleasure. Now, sleep, and know that you will see me again tomorrow.” As he draws away from your bed, you see more of the green fireflies appear. They float aimlessly around your room as Hornton begins to hum a tune under his breath.

Your eyes grow heavy, and it’s impossible to keep them open. You fall asleep to the sounds of the lullaby, already looking forward to seeing the strange fae again.

xxx

As the sun rises into the sky, you make the decision to go into the city. You won’t be meeting with King Malleus until this evening, which gives you plenty of time to spare. You think about the strawberry tart that you ate with Riddle, and your feet start to carry you to the Clover Bakery.

As you turn a corner, you’re startled by a loud voice booming down the street. It’s easy to see that the commotion is being caused by a tall, broad man with pale green hair. “Silver! You’re slacking off!”

His companion, a man with silver hair, sighs. You can barely hear his much softer voice. “Sebek, you’re the one who grabbed everything…”

Sebek puffs out his chest. He’s got a precarious stack of wrapped parcels in his hands, as well as several shopping bags hanging from his muscular forearms. Silver, meanwhile, only has two bags in his hand. They’re wearing simple clothing, but they both have swords dangling from their belts. They’re clearly not from your kingdom, and that intrigues you.

Sebek is so absorbed in scolding Silver for his apparent shortcomings that he doesn’t see you. He bumps into you, sending the parcels falling to the ground. You stumble, and Silver quickly catches you by the arm. “Are you alright,” he asks.

“Don’t worry about me. I’m fine,” you say.

As you look at the pair, you can see them both grow pale. Sebek immediately drops to his knees while Silver pulls his hand away like you burned him. “Y-Your Highness! Please forgive this lowly knight,” he yells. “I will accept any punishment you deem fit!”

Silver clears his throat, and bows to you. “Indeed. Please allow us to state our names. I am Sir Silver, and this is Sir Sebek. We are knights of Briar Valley, here in service to His Majesty, King Malleus Draconia.”

You introduce yourself, though it seems like they both already know who you are. Sebek is still kneeling before you, looking like a kicked puppy. You decide to take pity on him. It was an accident, after all. “I forgive you.” You bend down, and you start to gather what he dropped. “Here, let me help you pick these up.”

Sebek scrambles to pick up the rest, and Silver takes the ones you have in your arms. “Thank you, Your Highness. We appreciate it.”

You nod. “So, what have you two been buying?”

Sebek answers. “Lord Lilia has asked us to purchase various things that can’t be obtained back home.”

“Lord Lilia?”

“He’s King Malleus’ advisor,” Silver explains. “And our mentor.”

“I see. Is he here too?” You fall into step with the two knights as they walk down the street, presumably to drop off the things they’d purchased.

“Indeed! His Majesty never travels without Lord Lilia!” You flinch as Sebek’s loud voice suddenly fills your ears. Silver sighs, and quietly tells Sebek not to shout. “I am not shouting!”

Silver shakes his head, and continues. “We’re actually going to meet up with him now if you’d like to come with us, Your Highness. Of course, you’re supposed to be seeing him this evening…”

“I’d like to meet with him without all the formalities, if he’s alright with that.”

Silver nods, and the three of you continue on your way. Soon, you spot a fae lounging on a bench. He perks up when he sees Silver and Sebek, and he stands to greet them. “Oh? I asked you to buy a few things, and you bring me a member of the royal family,” he teases.

The fae bows, strands of pink and black hair falling into his face. “Lord Lilia Vanrouge of Briar Valley, at your service.” Lilia straightens up, flashing you a cheeky grin. “So, what are you doing hanging out with my boys?”

You bow your head for a moment. This Lord Lilia is dressed in the finery of an aristocrat, but his way of speaking is casual. You decide to be honest. “Sir Sebek bumped into me earlier. After they introduced themselves, I decided to accompany them while they met up with you.”

Lilia’s eyes narrow slightly, and his smile shifts into something almost sinister. The tips of his fangs poke out over his bottom lip. “Really? And tell me, did Sebek apologize to you, Your Highness?”

The tone of his voice puts your hair on end. Out of the corner of your eye, you see Sebek and Silver stiffen. Sebek is looking anywhere other than you and Lilia. “He apologized, and I forgave him. It was just an accident.”

“Accident or not, Sebek should have been more aware of his surroundings.” Lilia’s crimson eyes shift to the knight. “What have I always told you?”

Sebek’s eyes snap to Lilia. “An inattentive knight is a dead knight,” he states.

“Indeed. Do pay more attention in the future, hm?” Lilia pinches Sebek’s cheek. It looks painful, but Sebek doesn’t flinch.

“Yes, sir!”

Lilia releases Sebek, and he shifts his attention back to you. “Now, we have some time before our official meeting. Perhaps you’d like to show us around? This city is rather different from what I remember.”

You agree. You’re curious about them, and this presents the perfect opportunity to get to know them. It also gives you a chance to ask some questions about King Malleus. Silver and Sebek deposit their purchases into a waiting carriage, and the four of you set out on a brief tour.

“You said that the city is different from how you remember. How long has it been since your last visit. Lord Lilia?”

He considers your question for a moment. “Oh…I think the last time was about 300 years ago.”

“I see.” Fae live for centuries, so it shouldn’t be surprising to you. But you’re still taken aback. For a brief moment, you wonder what it would be like to live that long, to see so much history. You shake your head, and you continue. Silver tells you that he and Sebek have never been outside of Briar Valley, so everything about your kingdom is new to them. Hearing that makes you pause. “Wait, then how did you know what I looked like?”

“His Majesty was sent a portrait of you when your search for a suitor was announced,” Silver says. “We’ve seen that portrait.”

Lilia cackles. “Oh, we’ve seen your face plenty of times already! Malleus has it hanging in the throne room back in our castle!”

You blush. Usually only portraits of the royal family are hung in a throne room. If Malleus has it there, then he’s practically saying that you’re already married to him. You try to reassure yourself that things might be different in Briar Valley. But Lilia’s mischievous smile kills any hope of that.

You clear your throat, and divert to a different subject. “Are any of you hungry? I know a wonderful bakery.”

xxx

You smooth your clothing down, and you take a deep breath. It’s time for you to meet with King Malleus. You remember the things your people have whispered about him, saying that he’s a powerful and cruel dragon. And then the things that a visiting fae told your parents, that his king was a lonely man who yearned for a companion. You approach the door, and you take a deep breath. The truth would be revealed by this meeting. You reach out, and you turn the handle. When you see the fae standing in the room, the breath is stolen from your lungs.

It’s Hornton. Your feet carry you into the room, until you’re standing before him. Emotions swirl in your chest. Anger, embarrassment, and relief all blend together. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

Hornton, no, Malleus’ eyes soften. “Many people are afraid of me. I didn’t wish to frighten you. When you didn’t recognize me, I saw an opportunity for you to know me outside of the fear my very name inspires.” Malleus takes your hand, and lifts it to his lips. You can feel his warm breath ghost over your skin. “Allow me to repeat the question I asked you last night. Are you afraid of the man you see before you?”

You pull your hand out of his grasp, and Malleus looks crestfallen. He tries to look away from you, but you stop him by placing your hand on his cheek. “Why would I be afraid of my friend Hornton?” You offer him a small smile. You’re still upset that he let you embarrass yourself, but you suppose that you can understand why he did it.

Malleus sucks in a breath, and he leans into your touch as he gazes at you. “I…” His words trail off, unsure of what to say in the face of your acceptance.

Your smile widens. You’ve flustered him, and it’s fun to see the blush spread across his pale cheeks. “You know, you never got to tell me about all the gargoyles in my garden. Care to rectify that?”

He blinks, and a chuckle slips out. He takes your hand, gently intertwining your fingers together. “It’d be my pleasure.”

You expect him to lead you out of the door, but he surprises you by taking you to the balcony. He once again scoops you up into his arms, and he flies off into the garden. As you approach one of the gargoyles, you lean your head against his chest to listen to his heartbeat as he launches into another lecture.

After that, you direct Malleus back inside for tea. Now, it’s your turn to talk. You ramble about your hobbies and your life while he listens attentively. Then, Malleus tells you about his kingdom. He makes it sound beautiful. He describes dense forests and sweeping valleys and jagged mountains. He tells you about the thriving capitol city, and his own castle.

You sigh dreamily. “It sounds wonderful in your kingdom.”

Malleus’ lips quirk into a smile. “Indeed. I’m very proud of my home and its people. Even though I have scant few companions to share its delights with.”

“You have Lord Lilia, and your knights Sir Silver and Sir Sebek. They seem to be your friends.”

“Yes, but not quite. Lord Lilia has served my family for most of his life. Silver and Sebek are sworn to my service. None of them truly chose to be with me out of the desire to befriend me.”

“That’s not true.” You frown at Malleus. “I spent some time with them today, before our meeting. They all care about you. If given the choice, they’d all choose to stay with you.” You’d heard the way they all talked about Malleus. Lilia spoke of him with all the fondness of a father. Silver and Sebek had told you about how Malleus had been there for them since they were both children, and it was clear that he’d earned their loyalty. “Sure, they have a duty to you, but you’re doing them a disservice if you think that’s the only reason they’re in your life.”

His lips part in surprise, and his brows lift. He considers your words for a few moments. “...Perhaps you are right.” You can tell he isn’t entirely convinced, but you at least made him think about it. “And what about you? You have surely managed to amass many friends with your charm and wit.”

Your smile tightens. “No, I don’t really have any friends.” You remember what you said earlier, and you add, “Besides you.” As a member of the royal family, plenty of people would want to take advantage of you, so you’d avoided befriending any of the aristocracy. Combined with the fact that your parents insisted that you not leave the castle unless it was absolutely necessary, you hadn’t really found the chance to seek out companionship. Your suitors are the closest thing you have, but you’re loath to admit that.

“I find that surprising.” Malleus pauses. “Though, I am pleased that you think of me as such.” The end of his tail wags back and forth across the floor. It reminds you of the way a dog wags its tail. Your attention is drawn back to his face when Malleus moves from his chair. He sits beside you on the sofa, close enough for his knee to bump into yours. He stares down at you.

You realize that Malleus is probably touch-starved, but he doesn’t know how to ask for attention. You slowly lean against him, and you feel the way his muscles briefly tense before relaxing. He nearly melts, and he leans into you as well. You feel his cheek coming to rest against the top of your head, and he hums in contentment. Malleus sighs when you take his hand in yours, slotting your fingers between his.

It feels nice. Sure, you took a nap curled up next to Leona, but that had been on his terms. Malleus is letting you take the lead, and is merely enjoying whatever affection you deign to give. You find the pressure of his body against yours soothing, and you close your eyes as you quietly enjoy sitting next to him. Malleus begins to hum again. It’s the same lullaby that you’d heard the first night he’d visited you. You want to tell him that you enjoy it, but you fear that he’ll stop if you interrupt him.

This is how Lilia finds you. He chuckles when you pull away from Malleus, who seems rather peeved that his time with you was interrupted. “It’s getting late, Malleus. And humans need to sleep.”

Malleus heaves a sigh, and he looks at you. He gently squeezes your hand. “May I escort you to your room, then?”

You nod, and you both stand up. Lilia allows you both to leave, and you pass by Silver and Sebek, who are flanking the door. They try to follow after you, but Malleus waves them off. He remembers the path, though he walks more slowly than he did last night. When you finally reach your door, Malleus sighs. He lifts your hand to his face, and he presses a kiss to your knuckles. “Goodnight,” he murmurs. “May you be blessed with sweet dreams.”

“Goodnight,” you say in return. Your hand slips out of his grasp, and you walk into your bedroom. You quickly get ready for bed, and you lay down. As you set your head down on the pillow, you see a spark of green light. You smile as little green fireflies fill your room. And as you close your eyes, you swear that you can hear the soft strains of Malleus’ lullaby.

[ashtavula]

Royalty AU Pt 6: A Meeting With Leona

Housewardens x Gender Neutral Reader

Word Count: 3046

Start Here

“Well, this day is already turning out great,” you mutter sardonically.

You stare at the guarded doors of the embassy, and you chew on your bottom lip. Second Prince Leona is inside, but you’re being barred from entering to see him. As a visiting prince, Leona has the right to turn you away, but according to the guards, he isn’t even expecting you. And so, you’ve been left outside to wrack your brain for a solution.

“Maybe there’s a back door…”

You walk away from the front entrance, and you pretend that you’re going back to your carriage. But once you’re out of sight, you slip around to the back. You quietly grumble as you sneak through the bushes. Once you reach the back garden, you freeze, and silently curse. There’s a servant gathering laundry from the line. As you try to figure out what to do, one of the servant’s hyena ears flicks towards you.

“I know you’re hiding out there. I’d suggest you come out and explain yourself before I call for the guards,” the servant calls out. You sigh, and step out of the shrubbery. You smooth your clothes out as you approach the hyena beastfolk, making sure there aren’t any leaves stuck to you. As you open your mouth to introduce yourself, the servant’s ears flatten. “Ah…I know who you are…”

The servant dips into a bow. “Sorry. Ruggie Bucchi. I’m Prince Leona’s personal servant.” He straightens up, and his eyes fix on you. “So, care to tell me what you were doing, sneaking around in the bushes like a thief?”

You huff, and cross your arms. “I wouldn’t have done it if your precious prince had bothered to let the guards know that I was coming. They turned me away at the door.”

Ruggie barks out a laugh, but quickly stops himself. “Ah, sorry. I shouldn’t laugh. Are you really that eager to meet His Highness?”

“Well, of course. He’s meant to be one of my candidates. I fully intend to meet each one of them before I make my choice.” ‘Also, I’m really curious about what sort of man he is,’ you think to yourself. You’d heard conflicting information about Leona. His brother, King Falena, had told your kingdom that he was intelligent and handsome, but your spies had told you that Leona had a reputation for being lazy and power-hungry. Azul had warned you that Leona was exceptionally cunning. You wondered what the truth was, and you were hoping that this meeting would reveal it.

Ruggie nods, and his ears swivel again. “Sounds like we have company.”

A few moments later, a large wolf beastfolk steps outside. He’s dressed in armor, and you can see a spear in his hand. When he spots you standing next to Ruggie, he looks confused. “Your Highness?” He turns to Ruggie. “What’s going on?”

When Ruggie relays what happened, the guard bristles. “That’s not right,” he grumbles. “They knew you were eventually going to come. They should have let you in.”

You shake your head. “Prince Leona does have the right to turn me away. Not that I’m going to let that stop me.”

Ruggie chuckles again. “Oh, the prince is going to like you,” he teases. “By the way, this is Jack Howl. He’s Prince Leona's personal guard.”

“Sorry for not introducing myself earlier, Your Highness,” Jack mumbles. “I’ll escort you directly to Prince Leona. The other guards can’t say anything if you’re with me.”

“Yeah, good idea, Jack,” Ruggie says. He then turns to you. “I’ll swing by in a bit with some snacks for you and Prince Leona, okay?” He picks up the basket of laundry, and he heads back inside.

Jack straightens up, clutching his spear. “Please follow me, Your Highness.” You follow Jack into the embassy. True to his word, the other guards say nothing about your presence as you walk down the halls. Jack pauses in front of a door, and he opens it. “This way.”

Jack leads you into a solarium. The warm sun casts its light on the multitudes of plants that grow inside, and there’s a fountain quietly burbling in the center of the room. You spot a man lounging on a chaise. His arm is thrown over his eyes, and he appears to be asleep. As you and Jack step closer, you’re startled to hear him suddenly speak.

“Why are you bothering me?” His voice is deep, and he sounds almost irritated. His lion tail swishes slowly.

Jack bows, even though the man isn’t looking at him. “Forgive the interruption. Please allow me to introduce-”

“I know who they are.” The man moves his arm, and your breath catches. King Falena was right. This man, Prince Leona, really is attractive, even with the scar running across his face. Though, he’d be even more handsome if he wasn’t glaring at you. “I don’t recall inviting you here, Your Highness.” He drawls out your title like he doesn’t want to say it.

He’s being rude, and that just makes you angry. Your jaw clenches. “No, you didn’t invite me. But you are one of my suitors, and you are taking advantage of my kingdom’s embassy. Therefore, I have every right to visit you.” You pause. “Your Highness.” You say it with the same tone that Leona used for your title.

His brows lift, and you can see his lips twitch into a smirk. “Is that right? And here I thought that it was rude to barge in unannounced.”

“It’s no more rude than turning me away at the door,” you shoot back.

This earns you a chuckle. Leona lazily waves his hand. “Jack, you’re dismissed. Go find somewhere else to stand around.”

Jack bows again, and he turns to leave. Before he goes, he whispers to you. “Call for me if you need anything.” The door swings shut behind him.

You decide to take a seat in the chair across from Leona. He settles back against his chaise with a yawn, acting like a lazy lion. Despite that, you can tell that he’s watching you with a keen eye. “You wanted to talk, so talk. Just don’t get mad if I get bored.”

You consider your words for a moment. Most of your suitors have tried to impress you. But now, it looks like you’re going to have to be the one to impress Leona. “Fine. To start off, I want to know the truth about you.”

Leona raises a brow. “What are you talking about?”

“Every bit of information I’ve been told about you either paints you as being perfectly fine, or totally awful. Your own brother is trying to get rid of you. So, I want to know what’s true, or not.” You fix him with a steely look.

Leona stays quiet for a few long moments, silently appraising you. “It doesn’t matter. You can form your own opinions of me. You’re probably doing that right now.”

“It does matter,” you insist. “You’re one of my suitors. I want to get to know you.”

“Why? You’ve got plenty of men already throwing themselves at your feet. Choose one of them, instead of wasting time with me.” His tone is biting.

“I’m only wasting time right now because you won’t actually talk to me!”

Leona sighs, and his eyes slide closed. His ears are flat against his skull, and you can see the way his tail sways with irritation. “You want the truth? Fine. I’ve spent my entire life as a spare, in case something happened to Falena. And because I had the misfortune of being born second, nothing I did ever mattered. People only cared about Falena.”

“And then, Cheka was born, and I mattered even less. Now, my own brother is seeing the opportunity to get rid of me by marrying me off to you. He’s doing his best to send me away from my people, from my home, because I’m now politically inconvenient to have around.” Leona crosses his arms. “Happy?”

You do your best to maintain a neutral expression. You’re an only child, and the heir to your kingdom’s throne. You’ve never experienced what Leona has had to go through. But, a part of you sympathizes with him. “That can’t be easy. But I don’t understand why King Falena is trying to send you away. He claimed that you were smart, so shouldn’t he respect the advice you can give?”

Leona snorts derisively. “Oh, I’m sure he’d be happy to listen to me if I agreed with him. Except I think that people deserve actual rights, while Falena thinks that some of our countrymen deserve to starve.”

Leona gives you a brief rundown of his country’s issues. There’s always been some level of discrimination against hyena beastfolk, but it’s gotten worse in recent decades. Now, they live in a slum, and are denied basic rights. “They can’t find work, they have no food, they barely even have water. It needs to change, but Falena just sits on his ass and does nothing to help. And if I leave, then nobody is going to do anything about it.”

You think about Ruggie, Leona’s servant. As your thoughts turn to him, the man himself enters the solarium. He’s holding a tray with sandwiches and fresh fruit on it, along with a pot of tea. He sets the tray down on the low table between you, and he pours you a cup.

“It’s rooibos tea from our country,” he explains. He flashes you a grin. “Try it! It’s great with some honey.”

Leona takes your cup, adding honey and milk for you. When he gives it back, you take a sip. The tea is nutty, and has a certain smooth richness to it. It’s unlike any other tea you’ve had before, but it’s good. “Oh, that’s nice.”

Ruggie seems pleased. Before he leaves, you notice him slyly taking a piece of fruit. Your brow quirks. “He just stole some fruit.”

“Leave him be.” Leona’s voice brooks no argument. You think back to what he said about hyena beastfolk starving in his country, and you decide to let it slide.

“Prince Leona…I can’t say that I understand what you’re going through. But I can tell you that I’ll help.”

“Tch. What makes you think that there’s anything you can do about a situation in a country that isn’t yours?” Leona’s eyes narrow.

“Well, I can’t promise anything, but I can at least try to help. King Falena wants to maintain a good diplomatic relationship with my kingdom, so he might listen to my parents. They won’t say anything direct, but they can subtly let him know that they find the situation with the hyena beastfolk distasteful. And we can do what we can to make it easier for them to come here to work and study, which gets them out of your country.”

“None of that actually solves the problem,” Leona retorts.

You shake your head. “No, it doesn’t. But it helps, and that’s better than nothing.”

Leona considers your words. “You could do a lot more if you married me.” The admission is quiet, almost hesitant.

“I could. If that happens, then I can send money and supplies to those beastfolk, and openly condemn the oppression they face.” Being married to Leona would allow you to have some political influence over his country, and Falena would be forced to at least acknowledge your opinions. It would strain relations if you pushed too hard, but you also find the idea of discriminating against people simply because they weren’t the “right” species of beastfolk abhorrent.

Leona knows just how hard it would be. You think that you can see a glimmer of admiration in his eyes. “Hmph. You’re better than I gave you credit for.” For the first time, his tone has softened slightly.

His approval fills you with pride. You smile at him, and finally allow yourself to start to enjoy the food Ruggie brought for you. “Thanks.”

Leona gives you a lazy grin as he swipes a sandwich. “Don’t get cocky,” he teases. After you eat, Leona calls for Ruggie to take the tray away and set up a chess board.

“You play chess?” You watch as Ruggie places the pieces on the board.

“Yeah. If you don’t know how to play, I’ll teach you.”

“I know how to play.”

Leona smirks. “Then I won’t hold back.” He turns the board so that he’s in control of the black pieces. “I’ll even let you go first.”

Going first is an advantage, and you refuse to squander it. You move your first piece. Leona is quick to make his move. The two of you go back and forth, the silence only broken by the quiet sounds of the chess pieces being set down on the board.

Your eyes widen when Leona suddenly knocks over your king. “Checkmate,” he declares.

You sigh, and look at him. You start to rearrange the pieces. “I want a rematch.”

“Fine.”

You play another round with Leona. It’s his turn to scowl when you beat him. You continue to go back and forth, tallying up both victories and losses. The last round ends in a draw, and you laugh. “You’re pretty good at this.”

Leona chuckles. “Not half bad yourself. You did better than anyone I played against back home.” As you look at Leona, you stifle a yawn. “Hey, follow me.”

You get up, and trail after Leona as he leads you deeper into the large solarium. In a quiet corner, you can see a large round couch covered in plush pillows. It almost looks like a bed. Leona plops down on it, and he pats the space next to him. “C’mere. You could use a break.”

When you sit, Leona has you crawl up fully onto the couch. Then, he gently pushes you down. A blush colors your face. Prince Leona is hovering above you, his handsome face framed by the gentle sunlight. “W-What are you doing?”

“Relax. You look like you need a nap.” Leona settles down next to you. Your blush grows darker, and you try to sit up. Leona’s arm snakes around you, and he forces you back down.

“It’s not proper!” You hate how squeaky your voice sounds.

Leona laughs. You nearly whimper at the feeling of his warm breath against your ear. “We’re just taking a nap together. Nothing improper about it. Now be quiet, and sleep for a bit.”

It’s hard to calm down with the feeling of his muscled arm still loosely draped over your waist. “At least move your arm,” you grumble.

“Nope. If I move, you’ll just try to run again.” Leona sighs. “Seriously, just relax. I’m not going to do anything to you. You’re tired, and you’ll feel better after you get a bit of sleep.” Leona is trying, in his own way, to take care of you. The realization makes you sigh, and your tension eases. Leona can feel it. “That’s it,” he breathes.

You swallow, and you try to ignore the way his low voice makes your heart pound. You close your eyes. Sleep comes easier than you expected, and it doesn’t take you long to doze off beside Leona.

xxx

When you wake up, you can see the sky streaked with the colors of the setting sun. Leona was right. You do feel better after your nap. And speaking of…

You turn your head, and you look at Leona. His eyes are closed, and you can hear his soft, steady breathing. You’re tempted to reach out and touch his face, but you refrain from doing so. Instead, you lightly touch the tattoo on the arm that’s still wrapped around you. Leona stirs, and his green eyes flutter open. “Hmm…trying to cop a feel?” His voice is rough, but there’s no mistaking the teasing edge to it.

You frown, and lightly smack his arm. “In your dreams,” you retort.

Leona chuckles, and slowly sits up. He stretches and yawns. “C’mon. It’s getting late. I don’t want someone to send in the cavalry because their precious heir isn’t home for dinner.”

You roll your eyes, but you get up. Leona saunters out of the solarium, and you fall into step beside him. Jack, who was standing guard outside the door, quietly trails behind you. Leona leads you all the way to the front door before he stops. “Good luck. You’ll need it to deal with the other mutts drooling over you.”

You decide not to tell him that he’s actually one of the last candidates that you’ve met. “Thank you.”

Leona pauses, like he wants to say something to you. But he turns, and leaves without another word. Jack steps forward. “Please allow me to take you to your carriage.”

You and Jack step outside. You want to tell him that you don’t really need an escort to walk a few yards, but you get the feeling that Jack would still insist on accompanying you. When you get to your carriage, Jack keeps an eye on your surroundings as you step inside. “Get home safely, Your Highness.” He bows, and he waits for the carriage to pull away before he returns to the embassy.

On the ride home, you think about Leona. He’s not what you expected, but you can’t say that you hate him. On the contrary, meeting him was refreshing. He was intelligent, and seemed to genuinely dislike the inequality some of his kingdom’s citizens endured. He’d even gone so far as to hire Ruggie. But you could tell that there was a level of apathy to Leona. He wanted things to be better, but he didn’t know how to handle the roadblocks that had come up. And Leona deeply loved his country. You understood that it’d be difficult for him to leave it, even if being with you could provide Leona with the political power he needed to make a difference back home.

You sigh. The decision only gets harder and harder with every new candidate you get introduced to. ‘Speaking of, isn’t there one more I need to meet,’ you think to yourself.

As your carriage passes through the gates of your castle, a set of green eyes watches you with interest.

[ashtavula]

I imagine in royalty AU Ortho is more resembling of a porcelain doll. Something like Alita: Battle Angel?

It just has a fittingly elegant vibe for an AU like this

You're absolutely right! In the AU, Ortho is meant to be reminiscent of a Victorian-era automaton. Instead of the sleek wires and robotic parts of canon Ortho, automaton Ortho has metal gears and pistons inside of him. He's really just a large, mechanical ball-jointed doll brought to life.

Also, Ortho and Idia both believe that automaton Ortho is the same as the real Ortho. Automaton Ortho shares the same memories and feelings as the real one, so clearly, they're the exact same person, even though the body is different.

[ashtavula]

Royalty AU Pt 5: A Meeting With Idia

Housewardens x Gender Neutral Reader

Word Count: 2910

Start Here

“Your Highness, you have a visitor…”

Your brow furrows, and you get up to follow Trein. “Who is it? It’s a bit late for a social call.”

“You’ll see in a few moments.”

Trein pushes open the door leading to a parlor room, and he steps aside to let you enter. “Your Highness, please allow me to present the automaton Ortho. He’s here to deliver a message to you on behalf of the Royal Artificer, Idia Shroud.”

Your breath hitches as you lay eyes on Ortho. The bright blue flames of his hair flicker as he turns to look at you, and you can see the delicate ball joints along his limbs shift. He almost looks like a doll made of metal and fire. Ortho is both fascinating and strange to you.

His yellow eyes fix themselves on you, and he bows. Despite the metal mouthguard that obscures the lower half of his face, you can clearly hear his voice. “Greetings, Your Highness! I am Ortho Shroud. I am pleased to make your acquaintance.”

You nod, returning his greeting. Ortho shifts, and he floats closer to you. “I was told you had a message from the Royal Artificer?”

“Correct. Initiating playback.” 

You hear another voice leave Ortho’s mouth. The voice is masculine, but soft and uncertain. “Hi, uh, I’m Idia. No, wait,” you hear him clear his throat, and sigh. “Hello, I’m Idia Shroud, Royal Artificer. I was recently told that I’m apparently supposed to be one of your suitors. Well, I can tell you right now, you don’t want to pick me. Go play with the other normies that actually want to marry you. Because I don’t!”

You hear Ortho’s voice again. “Big Brother, it’s rude to turn them down when you haven’t even met them!”

“But…I don’t want to meet them,” Idia’s voice whines. “They’re probably going to think I’m just some weirdo! And then they’ll laugh at me, and…it’s just going to suck! Wait, are you still recording? Ortho, wait! Don’t play this part to them! Ortho!”

The voices cut off, and Ortho tilts his head. His cheeks lift, and you realize he’s smiling. “Please disregard the contents of the message. Big Brother is just shy. But I’m sure he’ll change his mind once he meets you! So, please come to Ignihyde Academy tomorrow afternoon.”

You stare at Ortho, perplexed. Idia doesn’t seem to want you at all, but Ortho is insisting that you meet him anyway. “I don’t want to strain the royal family’s relationship with the Shrouds.” If you push Idia too far, then he might leave your kingdom. He and his family are part of the reason your kingdom is so prosperous. Their inventions have greatly increased the average citizen’s quality of life. It’s important for Idia to stay.

Ortho shakes his head. “He won’t get mad just because you come to visit. Like I said, Big Brother is just shy! Just give him a chance, please. He’s the smartest person I know, and he’s funny! He’s an amazing big brother, and meeting you face to face would be good for him.”

You sigh. It seems like Ortho won’t be dissuaded. “Is Idia reluctant to meet me because of his ‘curse’?” You’ve heard several people claim that the Shroud family is cursed. Both your parents and Azul had warned you that Idia’s appearance isn’t normal.

Ortho heaves a sigh. “Well, yeah, that’s part of it. I told him not to worry about that though, because your family already knows about it, and they clearly don’t care because he’s still a candidate.” Ortho shakes his head. “Just come see him tomorrow. Please? I promise that Big Brother is worth it!”

Well, it couldn’t hurt to at least see the man. Besides, you’re curious about this curse that everyone keeps telling you about. “Alright. I’ll go see Idia tomorrow. But-”

Ortho’s face lights up, and he cheers. “Yes! I’ll go tell him right now!”

Before you can say anything else, Ortho heads over to the other side of the room. He flings the window open, and he zooms out. You gasp, and rush over just in time to see Ortho fly over the castle walls, and disappear into the distance. 

You sigh, and you lean against the windowsill, silently thinking about what’s in store for you tomorrow.

xxx

Your shoes click against the paving stones as you enter the wrought iron gates of Ignihyde Academy. Students bustle back and forth, though they steer clear of you. You pay them no mind as you head towards the massive tower that makes up part of the academy. As you turn to head down the path, you see Ortho head towards you. The automaton gives you a friendly wave.

“Hello again, Your Highness! I’m happy to see you!”

“It’s a pleasure to see you too, Ortho. Is Idia ready for me?”

“He says he’s not. He’s lying.”

Ortho stays by your side as you walk down the smooth path to the tower. Along the way, Ortho points out a few of the different buildings. “That’s the alchemy lab, and the potion lab is right next door. And then there’s the greenhouse over there.”

You hum in acknowledgement. “Ignihyde Academy teaches both magic and science, right?”

“That’s right. It’s a shame you never studied here. Then you could have met Big Brother sooner.” Ortho goes ahead of you to open the door. You steel yourself, and you walk inside.

The interior of the tower is sleek, and you’re surprised to see that the walls and floor appear to be made of some kind of metal. Sconces emit blue light, making the place look rather eerie. Ortho guides you to an elevator, but he doesn’t join you inside. Instead, he waves at you. “Have fun with Big Brother today!”

“Wait, Ortho-” 

The doors to the elevator slide shut, leaving you alone. The control panel lights up, and it automatically selects a floor. You watch the numbers change as you ascend, and you bite your lip. 

When the elevator doors open, you hesitantly step out. “Hello? Idia Shroud?” You hear a strange, shrill noise, and a clatter. You advance down the hall. “Where are you?”

You spot an open door, and you peer inside. You let out a silent gasp at what you see inside. There’s a man with long blue flames trailing out of his head standing inside. He’s muttering to himself as he tries to clean up a spilled vase of flowers. His long fingers pick up the fallen blooms, and he haphazardly sets them back in the vase.

When he sees you standing there, he squeaks, and pulls his arms to his chest. The motion knocks the vase over again. The man gasps, and his gaze flits nervously between you and the flowers, clearly torn as to whether he should greet you or pick up the flowers again. You make the decision for him.

You bow your head for a brief moment. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Royal Artificer Idia Shroud.” You move over to the table, and you gently set the vase upright again.

Idia gulps, and his shaky hands join yours in picking up the flowers. “Y-Yeah…Um, I’m glad to see you too, I guess. And just Idia is fine,” he mutters.

You both reach for the same stem, and your hand brushes against his. Idia audibly gasps, and he wrenches his hand away. The tips of his hair shift from blue to pink, and he turns his face away from you. “Sorry,” you murmur.

“No, no, it’s fine! It’s my fault anyway…” Idia nervously tugs on his sleeves, and he tries to compose himself before he turns to face you again. “I, uh, I have some games set up, if you’d like to play.”

You give him what you hope is a reassuring smile. “That sounds like fun. What sort of games do you have planned?”

Idia moves to several other tables in the room. Each table has a different board game set up on its surface. “Well, these ones are all set up and ready to go. But I have more, if you don’t like these.” His eyes widen slightly. “Or, do you even like to play games at all? Because I could, um…we could-”

“Idia.” Your voice is firm, cutting through his anxious prattling. “I would enjoy playing games with you.”

Idia nods, and gestures to the tables. “Right. Okay. Take your pick.”

You peruse the games that he’s laid out. There’s quite a variety for you to choose from. Games of luck and skill, and even a table laid out for playing assorted card games. You sit down at a table, and Idia joins you on the opposite side. 

You start to play. You move one of your game pieces across the board. “You must really enjoy playing games, Idia.”

Idia draws a card, and moves his piece. “Yeah. Ortho and I really like playing together. We’ve been playing ever since he was old enough to understand the rules.” His lips curve into a tiny, fond smile.

“What do you mean ‘old enough’? Ortho is an automaton. He doesn’t age like a person.” You move your piece.

Idia jumps slightly, and he clears his throat. He realizes that he might have said too much. “Ah, um, what I mean is…” Idia heaves a sigh. “Ortho…it’s complicated. Let’s just leave it at that.” He makes his move, and he undoes some of your progress. “Sorry,” he murmurs.

“Hm. Rather, I think I should be the one apologizing.” You knock one of Idia’s pieces back several spaces. “Sorry, Idia,” you say, cheekily grinning at him.

Idia chuckles, and the two of you keep playing. Time flies by, and you find yourself actually enjoying the time you’re spending with this strange man. His appearance isn’t as horrendous as you’d feared. Beyond the fiery hair and his sharp teeth, he didn’t look too terribly different from anybody else. And as he keeps playing with you, his anxiety lessens, letting more of his personality shine through. Idia is surprisingly snarky, and he’s very casual with you.

You’re both interrupted by Ortho. The automaton looks a bit upset. “Big Brother, Father is here.”

“Father will have to wait. I’m busy right now.”

Ortho shakes his head. “No, Father insists that it’s important. You need to come immediately.”

Idia groans, and he looks at you. “Sorry, but we’ll have to take a break. Be right back.” With that said, Idia stands up, and strides out of the room. You expect Ortho to follow him, but he stays with you.

Ortho floats over to the table, analyzing the half finished game. You see an opportunity to ask him the question that’s been stuck in the back of your mind since you started playing with Idia. “Ortho, Idia says that the two of you have been playing games since you were ‘old enough to understand the rules.’ What did he mean by that?”

Ortho turns his gaze towards you, and he tilts his head. “Are you not aware of the circumstances that led to my creation?” When you shake your head, Ortho looks surprised. 

“Please tell me.”

Ortho thinks about it for a few moments, and he nods. “If you’re going to marry Big Brother, then you should know.”

Ortho begins to tell you a story. He was originally a human being, just like Idia. The two of them were several years apart in age, but they both adored each other. They spent all of their time inside of a tower. It was different from the one they live in now, and it was far from the capitol. They had so many things to play with, but they weren’t allowed to go outside. As Ortho grew older, he started wanting to see the world outside of their tower. He and Idia had always read about the wonderful world outside, and Ortho wanted to experience it for himself.

“I told Big Brother that I wanted to explore the whole world with him. I wanted us to go on adventures together, like the ones we’d read about in our books.”

Idia had been reluctant, but he eventually agreed to sneak out with Ortho late one evening. For the first time, they slipped away from the impenetrable walls of their home. 

“And it was wonderful. I could feel the grass beneath my feet, and the breeze on my face. There were crickets chirping, and I saw fireflies for the first time.”

It had also been Idia’s first time outside the tower. The two of them wandered away from their home, and they followed a path in the forest. Soon, they came across a village. 

“I was so excited to meet other people for the first time, but…they weren’t happy to see us.”

The villagers had been afraid of the two boys. They didn’t care that Ortho and Idia were just kids. All they saw was a pair of monsters. The two of them were attacked, and chased away.

“I don’t know how, but Big Brother and I got separated. The villagers were still chasing me. They were throwing rocks, and yelling. It was scary. I kept crying for Big Brother, but I couldn’t find him…”

Ortho doesn’t really remember much of what happened after that. He got hit with a rock, and he fell.

“It’s hard to remember. But it hurt. And then the villagers were standing over me. And then everything hurt.”

Ortho shakes his head. “That’s all I remember. Then, Big Brother built this body for me. I’m not the same as I was before, but I am still Ortho.” He smiles at you. “Big Brother really is the best. I’m still around because of him. And now, I can go outside whenever I want!”

You’re left reeling, and you take a shaky breath. Ortho died that night, and then, somehow, his consciousness was transferred over into the body of an automaton. Despite the tragedy of it all, Ortho didn’t seem worse for wear. But maybe that’s because his memories are a bit fuzzy. 

It also explains why Idia is so reclusive. You think that you’d do the same thing if that had happened to you.

Idia returns, and you try to think about other things. “What’s going on, Idia?”

He frowns slightly, and he shakes his head. “Ah, it’s nothing. We should finish our game.” Idia sits down again, and Ortho leaves.

It’s a bit difficult to focus on the game when your mind keeps wandering back to what you just learned. Ortho’s words keep echoing in your head. “...it hurt…And then everything hurt.” The idea of anyone harming a sweet, innocent child like Ortho made you want to cry. You can’t imagine what that must have been like for Idia. He, too, must have been chased and hurt. The only difference was that Idia had survived, and Ortho had not.

You move your last piece. “I win,” you murmur. 

Idia stares at the board for a moment, a bit surprised. “Oh, congrats. Want to play something else now?”

You nod. As you move to a different table, you pause. “Actually, can Ortho join us too?” 

“Uh…yeah, he can. Hang on.”

Idia calls for Ortho. The automaton is more than willing to play games with the two of you, and he happily joins in. Idia relaxes even more with his little brother around. He even laughs a few times. Seeing the two of them be happy, despite everything, banishes the sadness that still lingers in your heart.

As the afternoon starts to fade into evening, you take your leave. Idia and Ortho both escort you back to the front door. You bid your goodbyes, and you walk out of the door. You’re several paces away when Idia calls out to you.

“W-Wait!” Idia steps outside. He’s wearing a cloak, and he’s tugged the hood up. His shoulders are hunched, and his eyes dart around like he’s expecting someone to attack him for being outside. “Let me take you to the front gate.”

“You don’t have to.”

“...I want to.”

Idia falls into step with you. He sticks close to your side, a silent companion as you walk down the stone path. When you reach the front gates, you turn to face him.

“Today was-”

“Thank you for-”

You and Idia pause, and you giggle. “You first.”

“Nope, you first,” Idia challenges.

“Fine. Today was great, and I’d like to do it again sometime.”

Idia nods. “Thank you for coming to see me. I admit, I didn’t really want to see you at first. I…I was scared, for a lot of reasons. But I had fun today. Ortho definitely had fun. I can already hear him asking me when you’re coming back.” He pauses for a few moments. “Good luck with your search.”

“Thank you, Idia. Tell Ortho that he’s always welcome at the castle.” You smile at him, and you get into your carriage. “You’re always welcome to come see me, too.”

The tips of Idia’s hair turn pink again, and he tries to stammer out a reply. You chuckle, and you shut the door. You can see him standing there dumbfounded as the carriage pulls away from the academy, and you can’t stop yourself from laughing as you see Ortho pop out of the bushes, and give Idia two thumbs up.

[ashtavula]

Royalty AU Pt 4: A Meeting With Kalim

Gender Neutral Housewardens x Reader

Word Count: 2424

Start Here

You pace up and down the parlor room as you wait for your guests to arrive. Today, you’ll be meeting with the esteemed Kalim Al-Asim and his vizier, Jamil Viper. You roll the word around on your tongue. Vizier. You’d never heard it until recently, but to your understanding, it simply meant that Jamil was an advisor to Kalim. 

You’re pulled out of your thoughts by your steward, Trein. He warns you that Kalim and Jamil are at the gates, and to be prepared for them. His stern features are pinched. “And they’ve brought a veritable mountain of what seems to be gifts for you.” Trein gives a disapproving sniff. “Don’t let mere baubles sway your judgment of his character.”

With that said, the older gentleman leaves. You suck in a breath, and you force yourself to sit down on a couch and wait. Just as you’re starting to get antsy again, Trein reappears and announces their arrival to you. 

The first thing that you notice is the bright smile plastered on the face of the white haired man that bounces into the room. The next thing is that his body is covered in gold. Stacked bracelets and anklets clink together as he moves, and you can see a jeweled necklace. A heavy set of earrings sways, and his fingers are adorned with gold rings. Even his clothing is adorned with gold thread. In the back of your mind, you think that this man wears more jewelry than you do. 

Even his vizier wears jewelry, though he wears less of it, and his is more plain, for lack of a better term. The man is attractive, with his narrow eyes and silky hair. But what stands out to you is the thick ring of gold that encircles his throat. It’s a gold choker, but it reminds you of a collar. You also notice the way his eyes appraise you and your surroundings. In a strange way, it reminds you of how Azul sized you up when you first met him.

Before you can open your mouth to greet them properly, Kalim’s smiling visage bounds up to you. “Hello, Your Highness! I’m Kalim AL-Asim, heir apparent to the Al-Asim Trading Company. And this is my trusted vizier, Jamil Viper.” His hands clasp yours, which surprises you. You weren’t expecting him to touch you so casually. “I’m really happy to be able to finally meet you!”

“Uh…I’m happy to meet you too,” you murmur. You turn your gaze towards Jamil, and you incline your head. “It’s a pleasure to meet you as well, vizier.”

Jamil’s eyes widen slightly, like he wasn’t expecting you to speak to him. He quickly dips into a low bow. “The pleasure is mine, Your Highness. But there’s no need to address a mere servant like myself. I am simply here to assist Master Kalim.”

Kalim shakes his head, still smiling. “It’s fine, Jamil! We’re not in the Scalding Sands, so it’s fine if you talk.”

You can see Jamil’s eye twitch. It looks like he’s about to scold Kalim, but he doesn’t do so. Instead, he lowers his head with a quiet murmur of, “As you wish…”

Kalim’s words stick out to you, and your eyes return to him. “Are servants not supposed to be addressed in your country?”

“Well, most people just don’t pay attention to them. Jamil’s from a low caste, and people from a higher caste usually won’t bother to talk to them unless it’s necessary. But I think that that’s wrong! Jamil and I might be from different castes, but he’s still my friend!” Kalim’s grip on your hands tightens slightly, and he fixes you with a hopeful look. “So, please treat us the same way, okay?”

“Kalim!” Jamil’s face twists into an expression that you can only label as irritation. “Please don’t make such bold requests of Their Highness!” Jamil bows to you yet again. “Please disregard that, Your Highness. Just treat me like any other servant.”

You don’t miss the way that Kalim pouts, nor the way that Jamil grits his teeth. You decide to change the subject. “I was told that you’d brought things for me?”

Kalim takes the bait. He brightens up again, and he lets go of your hands. “Oh yeah! Jamil, help me bring them in!”

Jamil is already heading out the door before Kalim finishes his sentence. Turns out that Trein is correct. Kalim has brought you more gifts than you can count. There are bolts of colorful silk, boxes of jewelry, and spices that you’ve never even heard of before. It’s overwhelming, and Kalim tells you about everything with great enthusiasm. Jamil silently presents each item to you as Kalim points them out.

By the end of it, you’re adorned in almost as much jewelry as Kalim, and you have a length of silk wrapped around your shoulders like a shawl. They’ve all been placed on your frame before you could even express your opinions on the gifts. You can’t help but wonder just how much money all of this costs. 

Kalim carefully slides yet another gold bangle onto your wrist, and he smiles. “I really wanted to bring you a tiger, or a parrot, but Jamil said that would’ve been too much.”

You look at Jamil, hoping that the look in your eyes is enough to convey your gratitude towards him for stopping that particular piece of insanity. With the way the corner of his lip twitches, you think he understands. You turn your attention back to Kalim, and you smile. “Kalim, how would you like to eat lunch out in the gardens? The flowers are all in bloom right now.”

Kalim answers your question with the same unwavering enthusiasm he’s shown for everything. “That sounds great! What do you think, Jamil?”

Jamil nods. “Your suggestion is most excellent, Your Highness. I trust that your gardens are well guarded?”

Well, that’s a strange question to ask. But you nod. “Yes, there are regular guard patrols. And a pair of guards will be stationed close by as we eat.”

This seems to put Jamil at ease, and he quietly bids you to lead the way. Kalim takes hold of your hand, and Jamil trails after you two as you walk. You take a moment to inform Trein of your intentions, and the steward assures you that lunch will be served shortly. With that done, you guide the two men out to your castle’s sprawling gardens.

Kalim seems impressed by the variety of flowers being grown. He asks questions, and openly asks Jamil if it’d be possible to grow some of the plants in the Scalding Sands. Soon, the three of you are sitting down under the shade of a gazebo while your servants carry in trays of food and drink. As Kalim is served, you notice that Jamil is quick to take small bites or sips of anything that the merchant is given. Kalim doesn’t seem to notice, continuing to happily chatter away. 

“What’s Jamil doing,” you ask.

“Oh, he’s just testing things for poison,” Kalim replies cheerfully, like it’s the most casual thing in the world. Jamil takes a sip from a glass of lemonade, and places it in front of Kalim after a few moments. Kalim only drinks from it after that's been done.

Jamil notices your frown, and elaborates for you. “Please don’t be offended, Your Highness. It’s not that we don’t trust your servants. I just need to verify everything that Master Kalim eats and drinks, to be on the safe side. In our home country, poison is the weapon of choice. And everyone there knows that Master Kalim is currently visiting your castle.”

Your frown deepens, but you suppose you can understand Jamil’s caution. The things you consume here at the castle have already been tested for such things, but you can see why Jamil and Kalim would want to take extra steps to insure their own safety. “It’s alright. Please do whatever you think is necessary.”

They both thank you. You wait patiently for Jamil to test everything before you tuck into your own plate. The kitchen chefs have made one of your favorites today, and you smile as you take a bite.

“Is this one of your favorites?”

The question takes you by surprise, and you look at Kalim. “...It is. How did you know?”

Kalim laughs. “It was pretty obvious! You looked so happy when you saw it being brought out, and you smiled when you took your first bite.” Kalim takes a bite of the food, and he lets out a pleased hum. “I can see why you like it so much. It’s delicious.”

A faint blush colors your cheeks at his words. You hadn’t expected him to notice your joy. “What sort of things do you like to eat? I’ll see if I can get the chefs to prepare it for you next time.”

“Hm, I really like coconut juice, but I don’t know if your servants can get it here. Don’t worry about it! I’d rather try the sorts of things you like while I’m here.”

As Kalim turns his attention back to his plate, Jamil leans over to whisper to you. “I can send a kitchen servant over with some recipes and supplies if you wish.”

You nod, and whisper a thank you. Jamil seems to be more than capable. It’s easy to see why Kalim trusts the man with his life. Once again, you can tell that he’s not quite used to people expressing gratitude towards him. He turns his face away from you, and he lets out a quiet cough. 

As you continue to eat your lunch, Kalim proves to be wonderful company. He’s attentive, sweet, and endlessly happy about everything. You find yourself being swayed by his infectious energy. In the time it takes you to have a meal, you find yourself laughing more than you have in the past week. Kalim just has a way of making you forget about your stress. So far, he seems like an excellent candidate for your hand in marriage.

However, the sight of the bracelets on your arm gives you pause. He had given you a lot of very expensive gifts without batting an eye at the price. If Kalim was used to spending money like it grew on trees, then he might be a drain on the royal coffers. You sneak a peek at Jamil. The man appears to be trustworthy, but it seems like Kalim heavily relies on him. Jamil might be an excellent advisor, but would that continue to hold true in your kingdom? Or would the two of them falter when faced with the stresses of moving to a foreign country?

As you ponder this, your brow furrows. Jamil notices, and he turns to Kalim. All it takes is a few well-placed words to distract the man, and Kalim looks away from the two of you. Jamil shifts in his seat, and he makes eye contact with you. 

“Kalim would be a wonderful husband.”

Your head feels fuzzy, and you forget what you were thinking about earlier. Yes, Kalim would be a wonderful husband, wouldn’t he?

“You should choose to marry Kalim.”

It’s hard to think about anything other than the words that Jamil is hissing to you. Marrying Kalim does sound nice. After all, it’d be so easy to choose him. He’s right there. All you’d have to do is tell him, and he’d be yours.

Jamil looks away, and your head clears. Yes, Kalim is an excellent choice. But you shake your head slightly. You still have to meet your other candidates. You can’t make a choice before then.

Kalim’s voice brings you out of your thoughts. “I’m sorry, what did you say Kalim?”

“I asked if we could take a walk around the garden after we eat. Jamil said that your castle was given a Taif rosebush for your birthday last year. I’d like to see them.”

You nod. “Yes, they were a gift from your Sultan. I’d be happy to show you.”

You get up, and the two men follow you down the path. The Taif roses were planted in a place that you’d frequently pass through, as they were a gift for you. Kalim gasps when he sees the thriving bush. Their sweet scent fills the air, and Kalim leaves your side to rush up to the blooms. “Wow! You’ve taken really good care of them!”

“Thank the gardener,” you say. “He’s the one who takes care of them.”

“Okay. Where is he?”

“Kalim…” Jamil sighs.

You reassure him. “I’ll make sure he knows, Kalim. Don’t worry.”

Kalim nods, and he turns to the flowers again. His warm hand finds yours. “Your Highness, can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

His grip tightens. Kalim keeps his eyes on the roses. “Can we be friends if you don’t pick me? I don’t really have any friends besides Jamil. And I really liked spending time with you today.”

Those soft, earnest words make your heart hurt. You know what it’s like to not have any friends because of your status. You also remember what you were told about Kalim’s family. His own siblings frequently try to poison him. It can’t be easy to trust people after such experiences. You squeeze his hand. “Of course we can be friends, Kalim. I’d like that.”

Kalim’s hand slips out of yours, and he throws his arms around you. He gives you a tight hug. “Thank you,” he whispers. When he pulls away, the smile on his face is nearly blinding.

Out of the corner of your eye, you think you can see Jamil’s face soften slightly. But when you turn your head to look properly, his expression has evened out again.

Later, when the two of them leave, you retire to your bedroom to rest before dinner. As you lean back in your chair, your thoughts turn back to the pair. Particularly Kalim. It’s strange, but there’s a little thought in the back of your mind that’s telling you that Kalim should be the one you marry. 

You frown, and shake your head, trying to rid yourself of the thought. You’re not sure where it came from, or why the thought is so persistent. Maybe it’s just because you enjoyed his company so much.

There’s a knock on your door, and Trein enters your room.

“Pardon the intrusion, Your Highness, but you have a visitor…”

[ashtavula]

i just binged on your royalty au AND IM SQUEALING??? im not too sure if the candidates are strictly to housewardens but i cant help but imagine what if the reader falls for a commoner instead? like they know that its their duty to choose someone advantageous for their kingdom's sake but they just cant help be drawn to the silly little mailboy down in the street, maybe their first meeting was when they snuck out for a quick breather but ended up with his sandwich that he gave them as he had to run off for his next delivery. theres a sense of normalcy and lightness in their chest that they have with him, titles and manners be damned when hes bringing out the snarkier side of them so easily. and suddenly it hits them like a ton of bricks that oh shit why do i lowkey like him more than the others im a sucker for the underdog characters BVBGVBVKDS (i wrote this with ace in mind im so sorry) but this is just me rambling i love this au so much its so cutee

The housewardens may be the official candidates, but you're allowed to choose anyone you want! So if you want snarky delivery boy Ace, then nobody's going to stop you.

Ace would be shocked to be the one that earns your hand in marriage. He acts all cocky and brags about it to Deuce, and he likes to rub it in Riddle's face that you chose him when you could've had anyone. But internally, Ace would be freaking out. He doesn't know how to be your Prince Consort. All he knows is that it sounds difficult. He has to meet all kinds of nobles, and manage your castle and staff. Ace also has to follow proper etiquette, except that the aristocracy follow different rules than the commoners. Not to mention that he's expected to help you actually run the country once you ascend to the throne. It makes his head hurt just thinking about it.

Surprisingly, Riddle would be the one who helps him out the most. Riddle is an excellent tutor, and he takes it upon himself to make sure that Ace learns everything he can. Ace complains about it, but he's secretly grateful for the lessons. Riddle's lessons are far easier than the ones that Crowley and Trein try to give him.

But at the end of the day, despite having his entire world turned upside down, Ace is happy. He loves you, and he wants to make you happy too. It's all worth it when he can make you laugh after a long day, or when he can see you relax and just be yourself around him. And in the quieter moments, Ace wonders if that's why you fell for him. Because he can can make you forget about the weight of the crown on your head, even if it's just for a moment.

[ashtavula]

Royalty AU Pt 3: A Meeting With Vil

Housewardens x Gender Neutral Reader

Word Count: 4069

Start Here

You peer out of your carriage window, taking in the scenery as you travel down the road. You can see vast swathes of lush forest around you, and beautiful mountains. You’ve barely entered the dukedom of Pomefiore, and this place already looks beautiful. As you admire your surroundings, you suddenly find yourself being thrown out of your seat as your carriage tilts. Your coachman shouts, and he quickly flings open the carriage door to check on you. He helps you out, and you see what happened. The front wheel of your carriage is now detached, and the axle is cracked. Your coachman grumbles as he ascertains the damage. As you look around, you realize that you’re practically alone, on a stretch of road surrounded by nothing but trees. The thought makes you feel a little anxious. And it doesn’t help that you catch a glimpse of movement in the dense forest. It almost looks like a man.

You try to convince yourself that you’re just seeing things. There’s no way that a man would just be conveniently lurking in the woods right as you need help. You turn away, looking at your frazzled coachman for just a few moments. And when you turn your eyes back to the trees, all you see is a man grinning at you. You shriek, and stumble backwards. The man raises his hands in alarm.

“Oh, dear! Please forgive this humble hunter, I did not mean to frighten you!” The man quickly kneels, and removes his hat, revealing a sleek blond bob. “I am Rook Hunt, a servant of Duke Vil Schoenheit. I noticed that your carriage had broken down, and I came to offer my assistance.” The man lifts his head, putting his hat back into place as he stands. “You were going to His Grace’s estate, yes? Please allow me to help you get there.”

Your eyes narrow slightly. “How do you know where I’m going?” 

Rook doesn’t seem fazed by your suspicion. He merely smiles at you. “Because I am aware of why you’ve come here, Your Highness. His Grace sent you an invitation, so that you two could formally meet. Oh, it is most exciting!”

You gesture to your broken carriage. “Well, it looks like you’ll have to tell Duke Vil that our meeting will have to be postponed. I can’t get there without a carriage.”

“Nonsense, Your Highness! Where there is a will, there is a way!” Rook whistles, and a horse steps out of the forest. You can see that it’s saddled, and a bow and quiver of arrows is attached to that saddle. It sidles up to Rook, and the man reaches out to pat its neck. “We can take my horse.”

A frown crosses your face, and you put your hands on your hips. “Riding up to the duke’s estate on horseback? Are you insane?” You’re well-aware of the fact that, while horseback riding is considered a fine hobby, it’s considered improper for the upper crust to not travel in a carriage. Even if it were considered acceptable, you’re not wearing suitable clothing.

Rook laughs, and shakes his head. “I was not suggesting that you ride to the estate, Your Highness. Rather, I was going to take you to someone who will be able to help you get your carriage going again. And I do not like the idea of simply leaving you here and making you wait.”

“...Fine. Since there’s no other choice…”

As you try to think about the best way to climb into the saddle, Rook surprises you once again. He wraps his hands around your waist, and he effortlessly lifts you up. You gasp as he carefully sets you down on the horse, and his hands slide down to your hips, making sure that you’re steady. “Are you comfortable?” 

You shift slightly. Riding a horse side saddle without the proper equipment is a bit difficult, but it’s doable. You nod your head as you place your hands on the pommel and cantle for balance. “I’ll be alright, I think. As long as you don’t expect me to ride like this for long.”

“No, not for long, Your Highness. We’ll be there shortly.”

Rook grips the reins, and he walks alongside the horse back into the forest. You know that you should be scared of the idea of this mysterious hunter taking you away into the dense forest, but there’s something about the way he looks at you that makes you think you can trust him. Rook looks at you like you’re something precious and beautiful that should be put on a pedestal and admired. And the way he touched you was gentle, almost reverent. You get the feeling that Rook won’t hurt you. 

You’re so lost in your thoughts that you almost don’t notice when the scenery changes. Dense trees give way to a lush apple orchard. The sweet scent of the apples fills your lungs as Rook guides his horse through the orchard, and you can see the tantalizing red fruit hanging from the branches. You’re tempted to reach out and pluck one, but you keep your hands on the saddle. Soon, you’re in front of a homestead. As Rook helps you down from the horse, you hear someone call out. 

“Rook, why are you here? I swear, if this is about-” The sentence abruptly cuts off when the speaker sees you. You turn your head, and you lay eyes on…a boy? At least, this person is dressed like a boy. But his features are ridiculously cute, especially when he’s looking at you in surprise. After a few moments, he shakes his head. “What, did you finally manage to convince some poor soul to marry you? What did you blackmail them with?”

Rook looks aghast, and he dramatically places his hand over his heart. “Epel, you wound me! I would never blackmail someone into marrying me, for I want my future spouse to truly love me!”

Epel doesn’t look impressed, and he turns to you. “Epel Felmier. Pleasure to meet you.” He holds out his hand for you to shake. Before you can do so, Rook interrupts.

“Epel! That is no way to greet a member of the royal family!”

Epel’s eyes nearly bulge out of his head as he whips his head to stare at Rook. You have to stop yourself from laughing when Rook formally introduces you, much to Epel’s consternation. “Why didn’t you say something sooner,” he hisses. Epel then takes a deep breath, and he dips into a slightly awkward bow. “Uh, sorry about that, Your Highness. I’m Epel Felmier. My family owns this orchard.”

Rook nods approvingly before speaking. “Epel, we’re here for your assistance. Their Highness is only here because their carriage has broken down. The front left wheel has fallen off, and the front axle is broken. The shaft is also cracked.”

You’re surprised that Rook was able to assess the damage to your carriage without actually looking at it. Epel frowns at the news. “What kind of pothole did your driver hit to do all that?” He shakes his head. “Ah, nevermind. I should be able to patch it up enough to get you back on the road, but it’ll take a few hours.”

“A few hours? But I need to be at Duke Vil’s estate soon,” you say.

Rook agrees. Epel thinks about it, and he snaps his fingers. “Wait, you could take one of our wagons. It ain’t as fancy as a royal carriage, but it’ll get you there.”

Epel leads you and Rook over to a barn. He tugs the doors open, revealing a simple wagon. As Epel gets a horse harnessed, you lean over to mutter to Rook, who politely bends down for you. “You know, arriving on your horse might be better…”

Rook chuckles. “I’m sure it’ll be fine, Your Highness. Duke Vil will understand the circumstances. He’ll just be happy that you arrived safe and sound.”

“Alright, we’re ready to go!” Epel climbs up into the driver’s box. As you step up to the wagon, Epel dusts off the seat beside him before offering you his hand. You accept his help, and he hauls you up with a surprising amount of strength.

“Woah,” you murmur. “You’re stronger than I thought.”

Epel flashes you a boyish grin, and you see his ears go pink. “Yeah, I’m a strong man! Working here makes you build up muscle.” He flexes for you, clearly hoping to impress. It only shows you that, despite the strength he just demonstrated, he doesn’t have the muscles to back it up. You still smile at him as you sit next to him. Epel then turns his attention to Rook. “Rook! Are you coming with us?”

Rook mounts his horse, and states that he’ll ride alongside the wagon. Epel cracks the reins, and the three of you set off towards Vil’s estate. The three of you chatter aimlessly as you travel down the road, and the two seem pleased when they’re able to impress you or make you laugh. Soon, Epel is guiding the wagon to the front of the grand manor that Vil calls home.

As Epel helps you down from the seat of the wagon, the front doors slam open, and a blond man struts out. Your lips part in surprise as you take in his features. This man is utterly beautiful, even though he looks displeased. His long legs carry him towards you, and you see his features soften as he gazes at you. He dips into an elegant bow.

“Your Highness, it is a pleasure to receive you. Duke Vil Schoenheit, at your service.” Vil straightens up, and his violet eyes shift to Epel’s wagon. His delicate brows furrow, and his jaw clenches. “Though, I must ask, did something happen to you on your way here? You shouldn’t have had to arrive in a wagon belonging to a simple apple farmer.”

You can see Epel get irritated, and he opens his mouth to say something to Vil. Rook interrupts before Epel can speak, and he explains your unfortunate circumstances. As Rook finishes, Epel interjects and states that he’s going to fix your carriage during your meeting with Vil. Vil sighs, and dismissively waves his hand.

“Very well. Epel, go do that. And those repairs better be done well. Rook, I thank you for bringing them to me safely.”

Rook bows with a smile on his face. “Of course, Your Grace.”

Vil offers you his arm, and his lips curve into a delicate smile. “Come, Your Highness. Lunch has already been prepared for us.”

You take his arm, and he guides you inside. You’re impressed by how well decorated his home is, and you see Vil beam as you say so. He’s more than happy to tell you that he selected all of the decor himself, and he points out some of his favorite pieces as he takes you into the dining hall.

As lunch is served, you realize that every dish you’re given is healthy. There’s nothing sugary, or fatty, or overly seasoned. Vil smiles at you as you eat. “I select what is served every day. After all, one must be aware of their diet in order to stay beautiful.”

You smile, and agree, but you internally wince. You simply eat whatever is placed in front of you without thinking about its health benefits. But the duke clearly cares about what he puts into his body. “And what’s on it,” you think to yourself. Everything about this man is impeccable, from his looks to his clothing to his manners. It’s a little intimidating, to be honest.

After lunch, Vil shows you around his private gardens. The grounds are filled with beautiful, but fairly standard flowers and plants. As he places his hand on the door of a greenhouse, he pauses. “Your Highness, please refrain from touching anything in here. All of the plants here are poisonous.”

You nod, and the door swings open. Vil guides you inside, and you see a vast array of strange, but lovely plants. As you walk with Vil down the row, a sweet scent catches your attention. You lean in to look at a small plant with tiny white flowers. Vil’s grip on your hand tightens slightly.

“Ah, that would be lily of the valley. People usually give it to their loved ones, and it symbolizes pure love. Despite its meaning and beauty, it’s highly poisonous. Just a small piece of the root can easily cause a person’s heart to stop.”

You freeze. “Is it safe to smell?”

Vil nods, and carefully plucks a strand of flowers off of the plant. He holds it up to your nose. “It’s perfectly safe.”

Your eyes flutter shut as you breathe in the scent of the lily. When you open them again, Vil is looking down at you with an inscrutable expression on his face. He presses the flowers into your hand, and your fingers wrap around his. “Does it please you to be able to enjoy something so beautiful, yet deadly,” he murmurs. “To have such power wrapped around your fingers?”

You get the feeling that Vil isn’t just talking about the lily of the valley. His gaze is too intense, his words a little too heated. Your lips part. “It’ll only be deadly if I’m not careful.”

Vil’s lips twitch into a nearly imperceptible smile, and he tucks the strand of lilies behind your ear. “Indeed.” He takes your hand again, and he continues to lead you through the greenhouse. When you’re done, you both return to the manor. 

Rook is waiting for the two of you. He bows. “Please excuse my intrusion. Your Grace, I urgently need to speak with you.”

Vil nods, and looks at you. He takes a few moments to escort you to his library, and he encourages you to rest for a bit while he speaks with the hunter. As the door shuts, you take the chance to poke around. Most of the books are about science and history, but there are several bookcases that have glass doors protecting the books within. They all have locks, but the door to one of them is slightly ajar. You open the door fully, and your brow furrows.

All of the books in this bookcase are fake. It’s a telltale sign that this is actually a hidden door. It’s not suspicious. Quite a few of the aristocracy have hidden passageways installed in their homes, or hidden rooms tucked away. Even your own castle has its fair share of secret halls and rooms. But you’re curious about what’s behind this door. Your fingers trail over the false books, until you find the correct one. You pull on it, and you hear a lever click. The false bookcase swings open, revealing a stone staircase spiraling down into the dark. You swallow, and step into the passage.

Lanterns flare to life, and you let out a relieved sigh as you quickly descend the stairs. At least it’s not as dark now. At the end of the stairs, you see a wooden door. You push it open, revealing a strange room. You can see a cauldron, and countless bottles and jars of things you don’t recognize. But the most odd thing is a massive mirror. The glass is completely black, and you don’t see any reflections on that dark surface as you approach it. 

A gasp leaves you as a face suddenly materializes in the glass. It’s completely white, like a mask. A deep, foreboding voice resounds around you.

“What would you ask of me?”

You eye the mirror cautiously, but your curiosity gets the better of you. “What are you,” you ask.

“I am the soul trapped within. I am the Magic Mirror, meant to serve your every whim.”

You steel your nerves, and step closer. If this thing was supposed to serve whoever stood in front of it, then it wouldn’t hurt you. Probably. “What do you do for Duke Vil Schoenheit?”

“The answer is a simple one. I make all that surrounds him fit his standards of beauty. I make his lands and people appear perfect, when all is done.” The mirror continues to gaze at you passively as it speaks. “I tell him the truth, and never lie. I share my knowledge, to satisfy his desire.”

You realize that you’ve been down here for a few minutes now. “Where is Duke Vil now?”

“Returning to the place you were left. Rook Hunt follows at his behest.”

You turn to leave, quickly telling the Magic Mirror to not say anything about your encounter to Vil. You hurry back up the steps, and you shut the false door. You lock the case, and you quickly move over to the opposite end of the library. When the library door swings open, you act like you were perusing the shelves. You give Vil and Rook a smile, hoping that neither of them will notice the anxiety brewing in your stomach. “Is everything alright, Your Grace?”

Vil doesn’t seem to notice anything amiss. “It seems like Epel was able to repair your carriage, but he’s concerned that it won’t be able to carry you all the way back to the capital. Therefore, Rook and I have agreed that it’d be best for you to take my carriage back.”

Rook inclines his head towards you. “You need not worry, Your Highness. I am also a proficient coachman. I will get you back to the capital safely.”

You nod. “Thank you, Rook. Your Grace, please forgive me, but it will take some time for us to travel back, and I do not wish for Rook to have to travel in the dark.”

“Of course, Your Highness. Please allow me to escort you out,” Vil says. Rook goes ahead of you two to make sure that the carriage is ready, and you take Vil’s arm as you walk out of the manor. He helps you get into his carriage, and he kisses your knuckles as he does so. “Please feel free to visit me at any time. I enjoyed our time together.”

You smile, and you squeeze his hand. “Of course. Nothing would please me more than seeing you again, Your Grace.”

Vil smiles at you, and he kisses your hand a second time before stepping back and shutting the carriage door. Rook gets into the driver’s box, and you hear him urge the horses forward. As Vil’s estate fades out of view, you put your head in your hands. 

Your thoughts are consumed by your brief encounter with the Magic Mirror. The Mirror stated that it changed the things around Vil, to make them beautiful. The thought of Vil using a magical artifact to change people against their will makes your stomach churn, and you shiver.

When you finally see your castle again, you can’t help but feel relieved. You politely give your goodbyes to Rook before he sets off again, and you act like you’re heading inside. But as soon as Rook is gone, you make a beeline for the stables. It doesn’t take long for another carriage to be readied, and you tell the coachman where you want to go.

xxx

A short while later, you’re knocking on Azul’s door. He seems surprised, but he lets you in. He guides you to his office, and he pushes his glasses up his nose. “What brings you here, Your Highness? Have you come to accept my hand in marriage?”

You glare at him. “You said that you would tell me about my suitors. So why didn’t you tell me about the creepy Magic Mirror that Duke Vil is hiding?!”

“Ah…” Azul looks a bit pale, and his smile is strained. “So, you found out about that. Did His Grace show it to you?”

“So you did know about it!”

Azul realizes that you’ve just made him reveal that he does, in fact, know about the mirror. He sighs deeply. “Yes, I knew about the Magic Mirror. I’m the one who helped him find it. But please don’t blame me for not telling you.” Azul rifles through his desk, and he pulls out a piece of yellow paper. The word contract is written across the top, and you can see Azul’s and Vil’s signatures on the bottom. “This contract forbids me from talking about the Mirror unless the person I’m speaking to already knows about its existence. I literally couldn’t tell you about it before now.”

You sigh, and cross your arms. “So tell me about it now. And I want to know everything.”

Azul tells you that, when the Octavinelle Agency first opened, he was approached by Vil. The duke showed Azul an ancient scroll that revealed where the Magic Mirror was. Vil had needed Azul’s resources to help retrieve it, as it wasn’t located in your kingdom. At the time, Azul thought that Vil was crazy for wanting to chase down a myth, but he’d happily taken Vil’s money, and promised his aid. 

When the Magic Mirror turned out to be real, Vil had Azul sworn to secrecy. In exchange, Vil would use the Mirror to help Azul when it was necessary. “It’s part of how my agency gathers information. And all it costs me is my continued silence, and occasionally helping Vil spread his influence outside of his dukedom.”

The door opens, and you see Jade and Floyd slip into the room. Jade chuckles, and Floyd dangles a photo in front of your face. It’s of a young man that looks like Azul, except that the man in the photo is overweight. 

“Vil also used the mirror to change Azul’s appearance for him,” Jade states. “He looked like that before they found it.”

Azul screams, and makes a grab for the photo. But Floyd is faster, and he easily darts away, cackling as he races out of the room. “Floyd, get back here this instant! I thought I told you two to destroy those photos!”

As Azul chases Floyd, Jade grins mischievously. “It’s worth knowing what sort of man is trying to court you, Your Highness.”

You sigh as you hear Azul continue to yell at Floyd as he chases the man through the halls. Azul sounds like he’s out of breath. Distantly, you hear something break. “I thought Azul couldn’t tell anyone about the Magic Mirror unless they already knew about it?”

“We assisted in the search, so Floyd and I have known from the beginning.” Jade sits next to you on the couch. His smile fades, and he looks serious. “It might seem bad, but Duke Vil is not evil. He’s not hurting anyone with the Mirror. In fact, I dare say that he’s actually helping them with it.”

You frown. “How can he be helping people when he uses that Mirror to change the way they look? He’s manipulating them against their will.”

Jade shakes his head. “You misunderstand. The Magic Mirror is powerful, but it can only do so much. It’s not actually changing the way things look. Rather, it changes your perception of them. You might not think of an apple as beautiful, but the Mirror makes you realize the simple beauty of its vibrant color. Nothing about the apple itself has changed.”

You think about Jade’s words for a few moments. If all the Magic Mirror did was change the way you saw things, and answer questions, then…maybe it wasn’t as bad as you’d feared. “What will Duke Vil do with the Magic Mirror if I marry him?”

“I don’t know. But he’d likely use it to help you run the kingdom. The knowledge the Mirror provides can be extraordinarily helpful, if you can parse through its rhymes.”

Azul wanders back into the office. His hair is disheveled, and he’s panting. “Jade…go get your twin. And burn that photo when you find it.”

Jade smiles, and he pats your hand as he stands up. But something makes you pause, and you grab the hem of his jacket. “Wait. You said the Magic Mirror didn’t actually change things. So why does Azul look different?”

Jade laughs, and slips out of your grasp. Before he leaves the office, he answers your question. 

“All it did was give him the motivation to lose weight!”

Azul starts yelling again, and all you can do is laugh.  

[ashtavula]

I have a question, what kind of clothes would the boys wear in the Au de Realeza? From what century what clothes would they wear, I want to draw of them.

In my head, the housewardens have all been wearing outfits with the same colors as their dorm attire, but the styles are more similar to isekai manhua. But you're totally free to put the boys in whatever you want! This is just my own vague thoughts.

Examples under the cut because this got long.

So, most of the housewardens are wearing stuff similar to this. You'll see embroidery, jewels, and other bits that aren't strictly necessary, but show off how wealthy they are.

Though Vil would happily blend silhouettes and styles to include things are more traditionally feminine/gender neutral. This includes details like lace and long coats that resemble dresses, much like his housewarden robe.

Malleus wears clothes similar to what you'd see elves wear in Lord of the Rings. And yes, he totally wears cool crowns.

Kalim and Jamil both wear attire similar to what we see in book 7, but feel free to pull in other Middle Eastern influences.

Leona is wearing clothes similar to what he wears in the cloud caller event.

And Jack...It'd be cool for him to be in armor similar to this.

As for the others, most of the boys are wearing more simple clothing, with variation in how basic it looks. Epel and Ruggie dress very simply, usually just in a shirt and pants. Trey wears an apron, and keeps his sleeves rolled up. The others tend to wear vests with button up shirts, or basic suits without a lot of flair.

Ortho looks mostly the same, but go nuts with some more fantasy styled elements!

And if you make art, please make sure to tag me or submit it! I'd love to see it!

[ashtavula]

Royalty AU Pt 2: A Meeting With Riddle

Housewardens x Gender Neutral Reader

Word Count: 2466

Start Here

The warm spring air caresses your face as you walk down the bustling main street. It’s been two days since your impromptu date with Azul, and your mind is filled with the information he told you. You’d started with Riddle Rosehearts. Between the forms his mother had filled out about his hobbies and academic successes, and the rumors your staff had told you, Azul wasn’t able to provide a lot of new information. But Azul had pointed you towards the Four Leaf Bakery. Supposedly, it’s one of the best bakeries in the city, though you wonder how well it’ll stack up to the sweets you eat at the castle.

A breeze blows, and it carries the faint scent of freshly baked bread towards you. Your mouth waters, and the heels of your shoes click against the cobblestones as you speed up. You can see the sign for the bakery in the distance. Unfortunately, your eagerness leads to you stepping out into the street.

“Look out!”

A man with a cart suddenly runs into you, knocking you both down. You groan as you slowly sit up. A man with messy ginger hair rubs the back of his head, and he scowls at you. “Hey! Why don’t you pay attention to where you’re walking, huh?! You knocked me over!”

You return his scowl. Seriously, this is the second man you’ve met with zero regard for your royal status. As you open your mouth to retort, a second young man rushes up. This one has sleek blue hair, and a worried expression on his face. “Ace! Are you okay?” He turns to you. “I’m so sorry about that, m-” 

His eyes grow impossibly wide, and he immediately kneels down in front of you. “Your Highness! Are you hurt?” He turns back to Ace. “Seriously? You hit Their Highness!”

Ace shrugs. “So what? They ran out in front of me. It’s their fault, Juice.”

The blue haired man glowers at Ace, and scrambles to his feet. He knocks Ace upside the head. “It’s Deuce! And you should apologize!”

Deuce drags Ace to his feet, only to force him into a bow. His voice gets a rough edge to it. “Say you’re sorry!”

Ace winces, and bats at Deuce. “Okay, okay! Geez, lighten up!” Ace sighs, and dips into a lazy bow. “Sorry, Your Highness. But you totally ran in front of-” Another smack from Deuce makes Ace grumble. “Sorry! It won’t happen again.”

Deuce sighs, and looks back to you. His angry expression fades, replaced with worry as he offers you a hand. “Here, Your Highness. Can I help you up?”

You accept his offer, and allow Deuce to pull you to your feet. He’s lean, but you’re surprised by how strong he is. “Thank you…Deuce?”

He rubs the back of his neck. “Yeah, my name’s Deuce Spade. This is my partner, Ace Trappola. We’re delivery boys for White Rabbit Postal Service.”

As you look back to Ace, you can see him making sure the deliveries piled into his hand drawn cart are fine. The cart bears a logo of a harried white rabbit holding a stack of boxes. You’ve seen the logo before. The company occasionally makes deliveries to the castle. When you say as much, you see Deuce puff up with pride. 

“Yeah! We deliver all over the capital! My mom is actually the one in charge of the main office.”

Ace groans. “Dude, stop talking about your mom. We’ve got deliveries to make, and I don’t want to get yelled at.”

Deuce jumps a bit, and blushes. “Sorry! Got to go deliver all this to the bakery!”

As Deuce moves to pick up the handles of the cart, you tilt your head. “Wait, are you going to the Four Leaf Bakery? Because that’s where I was going.”

Deuce grins, and he says that you can follow them, if you want. Ace rolls his eyes, but he doesn’t say anything as the three of you resume your journey. You almost immediately regret it, because it’s difficult to keep up with Deuce’s near breakneck pace. You’re panting by the time you reach the bakery. 

Ace and Deuce drag the cart to the back door, and they knock. A tall man with dark green hair and glasses answers, and he sighs at both of them. “Not to fuss, but you’re late.”

“Hey, don’t blame us. Blame the royal who decided to slow us down,” Ace gripes. 

The man turns his attention to you. His eyes widen slightly before he gives you an affable smile, and he bows his head. “Apologies, Your Highness. I didn’t see you there.” He steps aside, and waves his hand. “Why don’t you come inside? I’ve got a few things that I think you’ll enjoy. As for you two, you know what to do.”

You nod, and follow the man inside. Immediately, the scent of freshly baked pastries and tea fills your nose. As you take a deep breath, the man wipes his hands on his apron. “My name is Trey Clover, by the way. I’m the head patissier here.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. Though, I came here to ask you about Lord Riddle-”

You’re interrupted by a flash of orange approaching you at the speed of light. As his face swings into view, you recognize the man. 

“Hello, Your Highness! Fancy meeting you here! Cater Diamond, with the Ramshackle Gazette. Care to answer a few questions for me?” He grins at you, only to get pulled back by Trey. 

Trey shakes his head disapprovingly. “Cater, no. No pictures, no interviews, no nothing. They’re a guest here. Let them be, yeah?”

Cater slips out of Trey’s grip, and holds up his hands in a placating gesture. “Okay, okay! It’s cool, we’re all friends here! Right, Your Highness?”

As Trey and Cater both look at you, you hear yet another voice behind you. “Trey? Cater? What’s going on back here?”

You turn, and your eyes meet his. His gray eyes widen, and he stiffens. He quickly bows to you, sending strands of his crimson hair flying forward. “Your Highness! Lord Riddle Rosehearts, son of Marquess and Marchioness Rosehearts, at your service.” Riddle straightens up, though he’s still stiff. His ears are red, and it makes you think that you might have flustered the young lord. His gaze turns to Cater, and his brows furrow. “Cater, are you pestering them?”

There’s a steely edge to his voice. You’re not the only one who hears it. Cater immediately holds his hands up again. “Not at all, Riddle! I was just introducing myself! Right, Your Highness? I wasn’t bothering you?”

Cater's green eyes are wide, and you can practically hear him silently begging you to back him up. You nod slowly. “That’s right. He was just introducing himself. I’ve actually been wanting to meet him. I love his articles in the paper.”

You can see Cater’s shoulders sag with relief, even as he chuckles and shoots you a lighthearted grin. “Aw, thanks a bunch! It’s good to know that even the royal family reads my work.”

Riddle sighs. “Very well. Trey, could you please set things up, like we discussed?” Trey nods, and quickly vanishes through a door. As it swings shut, you see a brief glimpse of the bakery’s kitchen. Riddle then addresses you. “Your Highness, I’d be delighted if you would join me for tea. I can assure you that everything Trey makes is phenomenal.” He holds out his hand for you.

You accept it, and Riddle leads you back outside. He guides you to a small courtyard outside of the bakery. The courtyard is filled with rose bushes, and you can see that a table has been set up in the middle of it all. You catch a brief glimpse of Trey heading back inside as Riddle pulls your chair out for you. The table is laid out with a strawberry tart and tea. Riddle neatly cuts a piece, and serves it to you. You quietly thank him as he also pours you a cup of tea. He even makes sure that the sugar and cream are closer to you than him. He’s being a perfect gentleman. Though, you can see how hard he’s concentrating on being a good host.

You take a bite of the tart, and you nearly moan. It’s absolutely perfect. Riddle smiles as he sees your reaction. “I told you that everything Trey makes is wonderful. This just happens to be one of my favorites.”

“I can see why. Wonder how much I’d have to pay him to come work at my castle.”

That earns a chuckle from Riddle. He then clears his throat. “Your Highness…please allow me to be frank.” He gently takes hold of your hand again. “I am aware that my mother has put my name forward as a suitor. However, I would prefer for us to get to know each other naturally. So please, disregard everything for just a little while, and think of me not as a suitor, but as a gentleman who simply wishes to get to know you better.”

You consider his words for just a moment. In just a few words, Riddle has managed to actually put you at ease. Your lips curve into a smile. “I can do that, Lord Riddle.”

His smile mirrors your own, and you can see some of the tension leave his body. The two of you sit in the bakery’s courtyard for some time, embroiled in your discussion. You learn that Riddle is academically talented, and has a fine pedigree. He’s also well-spoken, and very polite. Everything that you learn makes him sound pretty much perfect. You even find him cute. But as you talk, your mind keeps straying back to the rumors that your butler told you about how strict he was. But so far, you’ve seen very little of that supposed strictness. Well, unless you count what happened with Cater earlier, but that wasn’t too bad.

You're pulled out of your thoughts by the sound of two men yelling. Ace and Deuce are on top of the stone wall that surrounds the courtyard, and they tumble right into a rose bush. They yelp as they’re pricked by the thorns, and they struggle to free themselves from the flower bed. You stand, and you look towards Riddle. But your words die on your tongue when you see his face.

His expression is twisted with anger. He lurches to his feet, and he storms over to Ace and Deuce. “What are you fools doing,” he yells. “You’re disrupting our tea party, trespassing, and ruining private property! Explain yourselves immediately!”

Ace and Deuce flinch as they finally manage to free themselves from the thorny rose bush, only to come face to face with Riddle’s fury. You hear Ace attempting to explain that he and Deuce were trying to chase down an injured hedgehog, but that it slipped into the courtyard. Clearly, it’s not a good enough excuse for Riddle. 

“A hedgehog…You interrupted us…FOR A HEDGEHOG?!”

You’re startled by the way Riddle shrieks at Ace and Deuce. His face is now an unbecoming shade of scarlet, and he stomps his foot like a petulant child. Seeing his apparent anger issues is suddenly making all of his good points seem trivial. You don’t want to draw Riddle’s ire, but you also can’t stand to see him continue to berate them. You raise your voice so that you can be heard over him. “Lord Riddle! Thank you for your time, but I’m afraid that we’re not compatible. I don’t appreciate men who get so worked up over such trivial nonsense!”

You turn to leave the courtyard, nearly missing the way that Riddle’s face goes from red to white. He quickly moves to follow you, his voice now edged in desperation instead of rage. “Your Highness, wait! Please, forgive me for being so unbecoming! It’s just…there are rules that must be followed, and etiquette that must be observed! Those two were in clear violation of such standards!” 

You wheel around to face him. “Does it really matter? Sure, they messed up, but it’s not a big deal!”

The muscles in Riddle’s jaw tense. “My mother raised me to follow the rules of noble society. From the moment I was born, she set out to raise me to be a perfect heir. And then you were born. Then, it wasn’t just about me becoming the next marquess.” Riddle steps closer to you. “At that moment, she began to raise me with the expectation of being a perfect husband for you. I have spent countless hours locked away in my home learning everything I could so that I could be your consort. I was not allowed anything that she didn’t approve of. Not even friends, for the fear that they would ruin what values my mother instilled in me.” Another step. “I was raised to be yours, so why? Why am I not good enough?”

As he speaks, you can see tears starting to form. His voice cracks, and it tugs on your heartstrings. You now feel conflicted. On paper, Riddle is just about everything you could want in a prince consort. But this afternoon has also shown you that he’s far from perfect. Yet, you can’t shake the urge to reassure him.

In the end, you slowly reach out, and you grasp his hand. It takes you a few moments to find the words you want to say, and they come out with some slight hesitation. “Lord Riddle…Despite what I’ve just seen, you…are still a candidate.” You squeeze his hand. “I want to learn more about you. I want you to prove to me that I don’t have to worry about your temper. Thus, I’ll give you one more chance to prove yourself worthy of my consideration. But this is goodbye for now.”

You let go of his hand, and you leave the courtyard. Ace and Deuce quickly slip out with you, as they’re eager to get away from Riddle. As soon as you’re all far enough away from the garden, Ace sighs. “Man, I didn’t think he’d get all fired up like that. We didn’t even do anything!”

Deuce grimaces. “Well, we did mess up Trey’s garden. We’ll have to come by tomorrow to see if we can help fix the roses.”

You pause, and look at them. “That sounds like a great idea, but…why are you two following me?”

Both boys startle, and neither of them is able to give you a proper answer. Ace grabs Deuce, and they both take off down the street with a hurried goodbye. You shake your head at them, and continue your journey back to your castle. 

[ashtavula]

You actually have no idea what your royalty AU is doing to me. It ate away at my brain like a worm and now I have no brain, just royalty AU

Then allow me to feed the brainstorm with a teaser from the next chapter, where you meet a certain troublesome duo.

"Look out!”

A man with a cart suddenly runs into you, knocking you both down. You groan as you slowly sit up. A man with messy orange hair rubs the back of his head, and he scowls at you. “Hey! Why don’t you pay attention to where you’re walking, huh?! You knocked me over!”

[ashtavula]

It's incredible! I loved this chapter, but I have a question. Will the boys' character be more like damsels in love? and will His Highness MC be more dominant? Because if so, I adore it, and I will love your work until the end.

Thank you so much! I did plan on the reader being more assertive/dominant in this series. In this story, you are a prince/princess that's been raised to rule a country. You know what you want, and you're not afraid to go after it.

How the boys respond to that is something you'll have to discover in later chapters. Though I will say that they're all very into it!

[ashtavula]

Royalty AU Pt 1: A Meeting With Azul

Housewardens x Gender Neutral Reader

Word Count: 2431

Start Here

You sigh as your carriage bears you down the streets of the capital city. There’s a letter clutched in your hands, and you reread it over and over as your mind swirls with thoughts.

“...come by my agency. I can tell you anything you wish to know about your suitors…I’ll even waive my usual fees…in exchange for your company.”

A small pit forms in your stomach. Azul Ashengrotto is not the sort of man one trifles with on a whim. He puts on a front, acting like a perfect gentleman who only wants what’s best for you, but your loyal advisors have already told you to be cautious. There’s a reason why there are so many rumors about him being a shady businessman who’ll rob you of anything you value. Still, you don’t have much of a choice. You need to learn more about your suitors than just vague rumors and whispered tales. You need facts, and Azul is willing to provide them. 

“Not to mention that he himself is one of my potential suitors…not that he knows that,” you think to yourself. Azul is offering himself up like this to try and circumnavigate the process of selecting candidates, but truthfully, your parents have already told you to consider him. His information is always accurate. Even your own royal advisors have gone to him before when they desperately needed what he could provide. You sigh. “Still, to think that my parents are actually telling me to consider marrying him. He’s just a slimy octopus, in more ways than one.”

The carriage comes to a stop, and you tuck the letter back into your pocket. However, when the door opens, you don’t see your coachman. Instead, you see the same man who handed you the letter in your parlor room. His grin is unsettlingly sharp as he bows. “A pleasure to meet you again, Your Highness. Though, it occurs to me that I didn’t give you my name back then. I apologize for such rudeness.” He straightens up, his hand still on his chest. “My name is Jade Leech. I assist Azul in the daily management of the agency.” The gloved hand on his chest extends itself out to you. “Please allow me to be of assistance to you as well, Your Highness.”

He’s being a gentleman, but you feel a bit unnerved. There’s something in his smile that reminds you of a shark in the water, and you don’t think it’s because of the sharp teeth you caught a glimpse of. You’d like to refuse his hand, but you’re bound by social norms. It’d be rude of you to turn down his help. 

Jade’s smile spreads a little wider, into something nearly predatory as your warm hand clasps his. His long fingers wrap around yours as he helps you step down from the carriage, and you can’t help but feel like you’ve played into some game of his. Especially when he lifts your hand, and he places a kiss on your knuckles. He continues to hold your hand as you enter the Octavinelle Agency. As the oak door swings open, you feel like you’re entering the maw of a beast eager to swallow you whole.

Once the door shuts behind you, you’re a bit surprised to see a man who looks identical to the one standing beside you leaning against a wall. The man’s lips stretch into a wide grin, and he suddenly lunges towards you. You don’t have time to step back before the man is mere inches away. Now that he’s close, you see the differences, even as you pull away. This man’s eyes droop while Jade’s are sharp, and they have different hair. You can see his needle sharp teeth behind his lips as he starts to speak.

“Huh. You’re shorter than I thought you’d be. I thought royalty were supposed to be all tall and imposing.” 

Jade chuckles, and he turns to you. “Your Highness, this is my twin brother, Floyd. Do forgive him; he can be rather blunt.”

Floyd shrugs his shoulders. “Just being honest. Your Highness is all small and cute, like a shrimp. Makes me want to give you a little squeeze…”

You’re left stunned. You’ve never been approached so brazenly, and being told that you remind this man of a shrimp isn’t exactly flattering. As you open your mouth to say something, a third voice interrupts.

“Floyd, I do hope you’re not making a poor first impression.” The voice is smooth, and surprisingly delicate. As Floyd straightens up and moves aside, you lay eyes on the owner of that charming voice.

Azul Ashengrotto. You’d heard a lot about his shady personality, but no one had told you that he was surprisingly attractive. He’s not the most beautiful man you’ve ever seen, but there’s a certain charm to his pale features. He gives you a bow, and pushes the silver frames of his glasses back up his nose as he regards you with a smile. “Your Highness, I’m delighted that you accepted my invitation. Please, follow me to my office.”

As you move to follow Azul deeper into the halls of the Octavinelle Agency, you barely notice Jade and Floyd slip away, and go a different direction. You’re left alone with Azul as he guides you into his office.

Once inside, Azul insists that you take a seat on one of the plush leather couches in front of his desk. Azul sits on the same couch, but he keeps a comfortable distance between the two of you, which you’re grateful for. There’s tea and snacks laid out on the table before you, and you give Azul a polite smile as he pours you a cup of tea. As you take a sip, you note that it’s your favorite blend. As a matter of fact, the table is filled with nothing but your favorite snacks. It’s unnerving. Just how much does Azul already know about you? And how did he find out?

If Azul notices how tense you are, he doesn’t say anything. He merely smiles at you as he pours his own cup of steaming tea. “You already know the terms that I outlined in my letter. I’ll share what I know about your suitors, and in exchange, you’ll indulge me with a date. I think it’s more than fair, no?”

You nearly choke on your tea. As you cough, you look at him with wide eyes. “Hold on,” you sputter. “The letter stated that you wanted my company. You said nothing about a date!” 

Azul isn’t fazed, and he continues to smile. “Come now, Your Highness, I thought you’d understood my intentions. Every eligible man in the kingdom, and even some from outside of it, are all eagerly vying for your affection. Truly, can you blame me for also wishing for your hand in marriage?”

He lifts his hand, and he places it on his chest. “You have nothing to be afraid of, Your Highness. I won’t do anything untoward. I am merely asking for a single evening with you, to prove that I too am worthy of your consideration.”

His lips are curved into a smile, and for the first time, you can see the cunning intellect in his gray eyes. You need this information, and Azul is the only one who can provide it. You’ve been ensnared in his tentacles, and the only way out is the promise of a date. After a few long moments, you sigh, and acquiesce to his terms. Azul’s smile widens.

“Excellent. Now, who would you like to learn about first?”

×××

You suppress the urge to sigh as you sneak a glance at Azul. The man has the audacity to look smug as the two of you walk down the street. You're walking arm in arm, as per his insistence, and you can feel the curious gazes as Azul escorts you to the restaurant he selected for your date. As you turn a corner, your brows lift. He's taking you to his mother's restaurant. 

“Hm. Why am I not surprised,” you grumble.

Azul chuckles. “I promised to take you to the best restaurant in the capital, and my mother's is undoubtedly the best. In fact, the king and queen come here once a month. So, I know for certain that it'll suit your royal palate.”

This time, you really do sigh as you approach the restaurant. Even from down the street, you can see the long line of people hoping they can get a table. But instead of heading for the front door, Azul guides you down to a small side entrance. He pushes the door open, and you find yourself in the kitchen. 

Multiple chefs rush around, and you can see a curvy woman bossing them around. When she turns her gaze towards you, you immediately recognize her, despite having never seen her before. The family resemblance is too strong for you to ignore. This is Azul’s mother. Her gaze softens when she sees Azul, and she rushes over. She gives you a polite curtsy as she greets you, but she scolds Azul.

“Zuzu, you should have gone through the front. Royalty shouldn't have to be dragged through the kitchen.”

Azul’s smile tightens a bit at the nickname. “Sorry, mama.” He moves his arm, and lays his hand on your lower back. “But I wanted them to see you. Besides, the side door is far closer to the private table.”

Mrs. Ashengrotto sighs, but there's a fondness to it. She then leads you to a small, private room off the side of the kitchen. Azul pulls your chair out for you, and you take your seat. As Azul sinks down into the chair beside you, he gives you an apologetic smile.

“Allow me to apologize for making you come through the side entrance. However, I spotted Mr. Cater Diamond lurking around the front. I didn’t think you wanted news of our little outing to be tomorrow's headline.”

Your eyes widen slightly. Azul…had actually taken your feelings into account. A dusting of pink graces your cheeks, and you avert your gaze as you quietly thank him for the consideration. He merely smiles, but you can see a similar blush color his own face at your gratitude. He clears his throat, and he pushes his glasses up as he changes the subject. He taps your menu with a finger.

“My mother chooses what to serve every night, but I believe that you’ll find tonight’s selection rather exquisite…”

By the time you’re both having dessert, you’ve grown relaxed. Azul isn’t bad company. In fact, you’re starting to see the cracks in that professional facade. As much as Azul likes to act like he’s a suave, charismatic gentleman, you can tell that he gets easily flustered. Every time you laugh at one of his jokes, or act impressed by his knowledge, his cheeks turn pink. He’s trying to maintain his cool, but you no longer see the conniving boss of the Octavinelle Agency. Instead, you simply see a young man who’s trying his best to impress you. 

It almost makes you wonder how far you can push him. As a waiter clears away the dessert plates, you place your hand on his. “I admit, I had my doubts. But I enjoyed our little date, Azul.” You squeeze his hand. “I’d say you’ve definitely caught my attention.”

Azul’s response is immediate. He gapes at you like a fish out of water, and his cheeks flush a deeper scarlet. It takes him a few moments too long to regain his bearings.

“T-Thank you, Your Highness. Hearing you say that you enjoy my company makes me rather happy.”

He’s trying to be smooth, but it fails. His voice is slightly strained, and it’s painfully obvious that he has no idea how to respond to your flirting. It sends a thrill down your spine to know that you can send this powerful man into a tizzy with a mere touch and a few sweet words. Your hand lingers on his, and you ever so slowly run your middle finger over the gap between his glove and the edge of his sleeve. Azul stiffens, and you hear the faint gasp that leaves his lips. You want to smile, but you force your expression to remain neutral, even as you see Azul’s blush intensify.

“Shall we, Azul?” You stand, and Azul scrambles to join you. You once again take his arm as you leave the private dining room, and head out of the side entrance. Azul keeps stealing little glances at you as you both wander back towards his agency. Conversation continues to flow, all the way up to the front door. 

Azul sighs, and he squeezes your hand. He lifts your hand to kiss your knuckles, but he hesitates before he lightly brushes his lips against your skin. “Have a safe journey home, Your Highness,” he murmurs. He opens the door to your carriage, and he waves to you as the coachman drives away.

As your carriage disappears down the street, Azul lowers his hand. He pushes his glasses up, and he reenters the agency. He needs to write things down, and needs to make careful notes about the things you liked and disliked. As Azul’s brain swirls with thoughts of you, Jade and Floyd step out of the shadows. Their faces are stretched into sinister smiles as they corner him. 

“So,” Floyd drawls. “Tell us everything that happened between you and our little shrimpy.”

Looks like his notes are going to have to wait.

×××

As your carriage makes its way back to the royal castle, it passes by a bakery. Two men sit inside, and their conversation comes to a halt as they catch a glimpse of the royal crest emblazoned onto the carriage door.

“Huh. Speak of the devil,” the taller man murmurs.

The shorter man purses his lips, and he sets his fork down. “Hmph. It’s far too late for them to be out.”

His companion chuckles. He leans back in his chair, and he adjusts his hat. 

“So, what do you think they’re up to, Riddle?”

Riddle stares out the window. The carriage is long gone, but he can still see it clearly in his mind’s eye. “...It doesn’t matter.”

But even as he picks his fork back up, and takes another bite of strawberry tart, Riddle’s mind turns to the carriage, and its royal occupant. Just wait, Your Highness. I’ll prove that I’m the only one who deserves you… 

[ashtavula]

Royalty AU: Scarabia, Pomefiore, Ignihyde, and Diasomnia

Start Here

Scarabia:

Kalim:

-Kalim is certainly one of the wealthiest of your suitors, due to his family's large network of merchants. The Al-Asim's have ships in every harbor, and merchants plying their goods in every city. You'd think that some people would complain about how deeply Kalim's family has sunk their claws into just about every country's economy, but they're able to provide items that no one else can, so discontent is minimal. At least, in other countries. In their home country of the Scalding Sands, other merchant families resent how successful they are. The family is the frequent target of kidnappings and assassination attempts. And for Kalim, his biggest enemies are his own family members, who won't hesitate to do what it takes to seize his place as the heir apparent.

-Kalim himself is surprisingly optimistic, and nothing seems to dampen his mood. You can hear him before you see him, his jewelry ringing as he walks and gestures. It only serves to make him seem even more bright. Despite all of the backstabbing behavior from his many siblings, he is fairly trusting, and eager to lend a hand to people in need. As for how he feels about you, he's more than excited to meet you. Kalim is always eager to meet new people, but the idea of possibly meeting his soulmate? He's over the moon.

Jamil:

-Life is one headache after the other, serving as a vizier to Kalim. His job includes directing Kalim's servants, managing his lord's finances, and keeping the man alive through all of the attempts on his life. He's a bit resentful of the fact that his country's caste system means that he can never do better than this. Though, the possibility of Kalim marrying you makes his thoughts swirl through his brain. If he plays his cards right, then he might be able to rise above his station in your country. He grins to himself, already imagining the way he could lord over your royal court and seize more power. Kalim trusts him, so you will too, right?

Pomefiore:

Vil:

-The dukedom of Pomefiore has always been beautiful, but it's reached a new peak since it came into Vil's hands. There never seems to be a single thing wrong. Even the grass seems to grow perfectly. Outwardly, the citizens of Vil's dukedom sing his praises, and seem to be utterly loyal to him. Some people say that something is a bit odd about the place, but that's preposterous. Everything is perfect, just like it should be.

-Vil is rather keen to sweep you off your feet. In his eyes, he far outclasses any one of your potential partners. He certainly believes that he is the most attractive of your potential partners. And just look at how well he manages his lands! He'd do the same for the entire kingdom if you made him your king consort. Just put a crown on his pretty head, and he'll take such good care of you, and your kingdom, all while looking utterly flawless. He promises.

Rook:

-He serves Vil as a hunter, catching game for his duke's table. At least, that's his official job description. Unofficially, Rook also patrols around the dense forests and idyllic towns, keeping an eye on things for Vil. He's well known, and fairly well respected, despite his more eccentric views. He's probably the most excited to see who you pick when all's said and done. It's all so romantic! You're searching far and wide for the perfect partner! He hopes you'll pick Vil. After all, what could be better than the two most beautiful people in the kingdom getting together so he can bask in your shared radiance?

Epel:

-He might live in Vil's dukedom, but he's one of the few people who doesn't seem to practically worship the man. He'd rather quietly tend to his apple orchards, and help his family make money. But someone has to actually deliver those apples to the duke, and Epel is unfortunately the one who tends to get saddled with that job. He hates it. Vil always seems to scrutinize him too closely, and will complain if there's a single bruise on any of the apples he brings. He kind of hopes you'll marry Vil, if only to get him out of the dukedom.

Ignihyde:

Idia:

-Idia bears the prestigious title of being your kingdom's Royal Artificer. He's also the Acting Director of the Ignihyde Academy, which serves as a hub for those eager to immerse themselves in the sciences. Usually, someone with such power would be rather popular amongst the aristocracy. But Idia is an exception. He hates mingling with others, and has made it very clear that he shouldn't be bothered unless it's an emergency. But there is a reason for his reclusive lifestyle.

-Idia doesn't look human, despite being one. His hair is made of blue flames, and his skin has an unnatural grey pallor. Idia is the unfortunate victim of a curse, and he knows exactly how the average person reacts to such things. He's more than aware of the rumors that swirl around him, and it drives him deeper into the abyss of his own self-loathing. Idia knows that he's supposed to be one of your suitors, but he doesn't entertain the thought of being your husband. If he wasn't scared of your parents, he'd flat out refuse to meet with you at all.

Ortho:

-Ortho is a robotic automaton, and the only automaton that's actually sentient. He only started being seen around the capital in the past few years, but your people quickly got used to him. His main job is to run errands for Idia, and it's a duty that Ortho completes with gusto. He loves seeing what lies outside of Idia's private tower at Ignihyde Academy, and he's always curious about people. He also wants you to marry his beloved "big brother" so that you can bring Idia out of his shell.

Diasomnia:

Malleus:

-Malleus is the enigmatic king of Briar Valley. The country itself is shrouded in mystery, since it's supposedly impossible to reach it unless a fae guides you there. Therefore, it doesn't show up on any maps, and very little is known about it's inhabitants. One of the only things that's common knowledge is that King Malleus is a fearsome dragon, and that his people revere him like he's a god.

-Being treated like you're a living deity might sound nice, but Malleus doesn't receive warm adoration from the fae. He has only seen their fear, and their reluctance to get too close. He longs for companionship more than anything else, and it is the one thing that he can't use his immense power to obtain. Sure, he has Lilia, and his guards, but in his mind, they're obligated to stay with him. What he yearns for is someone to truly choose him solely because they love him. As he looks over the capital city of Ramshackle from a cliff, his eyes turn to your castle. You might be looking for a husband, but Malleus knows that he'd be content with just your friendship.

Lilia:

-He might be an old fae, but he's constantly learning new tricks. He primarily serves as an advisor and guardian for Malleus, but he's not above using his wiles to spy on others for the sake of his draconic king. It's how he learned of your search. Lilia is also the most excited about you out of the group. He's hoping that you'll not only grow close to Malleus, but also to Silver and Sebek. Lilia sighs dreamily as he thinks about the five of you being a happy, loving found family.

Silver:

-People believe that only fae reside in Briar Valley, but that's not true. Some humans also reside there due to accidentally stumbling upon the country, or being taken there by the fae. Deep in the forests and mountains, there are portals to Briar Valley. And sometimes, an innocent human activates that portal. Silver himself was found in one of these portals when he was just a baby, and Lilia took him in. Later, when he was grown, Malleus allowed him to serve as a knight. Silver's grateful to both of them, and has vowed to do anything for them.

Sebek:

-Sebek's father is one of the humans who's been taken to Briar Valley. He was taken by Sebek's mother, and is now a loving father of three. Sebek knows the story well, and sees it as the ultimate tale of love. Therefore, he's not unhappy about the idea of his precious king marrying a human. In fact, he's sort of hoping it happens, so that his liege will turn to him for advice on half-fae children. The only thing that bothers him is that Malleus has to abide by your country's standards and court you properly instead of simply whisking you away.

[ashtavula]

Regarding your Housewardens with idol s/o fic

It's a pretty well known fact that Kalim is good with playing the drums, so I can only imagine him begging his s/o to play in their next concert so they'd be together on stage

...now I'm thinking about all of pop music club begging to play with you! So I hope you don't mind me adding them too!

Kalim, Cater, and Lilia performing with an idol s/o

Kalim:

-It started when your drummer called out sick, and couldn't show up for practice. Kalim was quick to offer his assistance, and he did a great job. One practice session turned into two, then three while you all waited for your usual drummer to recover. But once he does, Kalim begs you to keep him on the band. He loves the feeling of helping you perform, and he really wants to actually go up on stage with you. Kalim clings to you, pouting and whining and showing you his best puppy eyes. You eventually relent, stating that he can be your drummer for one show.

-Well, that's what you said, anyway. But Kalim ends up drumming at quite a few of your concerts. He always thought that cheering with the rest of the crowd was fun, but he likes performing with you even more. Your fans always spot him mouthing along with the lyrics and bobbing his head up and down as he skillfully bangs away at his drums, thoroughly immersed in your energy. And when you glance back at him after a song, Kalim always flashes you a bright grin as he mouths out the words, "I love you."

Cater:

-He initially wasn't interested in actually playing with you, but he likes talking shop with your guitarist. The two of them sometimes goof around, going back and forth about the instrumentals for your songs. The rest of the band likes Cater, too. They all like Cater enough to ask him to temporarily replace your guitarist when the poor guy breaks his wrist. It takes a bit of cajoling from you, but Cater comes around to the idea. It's just for a few shows, right?

-Wrong. Cater didn't anticipate just how much he'd love getting to watch you from his spot on the stage. He gives you the softest smiles while he strums on his guitar, his foot tapping along to the beat. He really wants to take a few pictures of you like this, just so he can look back at how cute you are from his point of view. Fortunately for him, he can just station some of his clones in various spots to get some snapshots. And once the show is over, he hopes you'll agree to take a few more pictures with your favorite guitarist.

Lilia:

-Lilia's been begging for a chance to get on stage with you ever since he realized that you were an idol. He thinks it'd be ridiculously fun to perform with you. Especially if you let him sing with you! You've had to gently turn him down more times than you can count, since you're pretty sure that your manager would kill you if Lilia disrupted one of your performances. Despite your consistent refusals, Lilia still likes to hang around during practices, plucking on the strings of his bass guitar. And when your bassist suddenly gets held up in traffic right before a performance, you have no choice but to hope that your batty boyfriend can fill his shoes for the night.

-Turns out that Lilia gets serious when he's performing with you. Sure, he's grinning like a maniac and mouthing along to the lyrics, but he plays the bass perfectly for you. And he hypes up your fans too, silently encouraging them to cheer even louder...and encouraging their cries for an encore. Now that Lilia has gotten what he wanted, he just gets worse about wanting to perform with you. He openly laments that you don't love him when he doesn't get invited to practices, and then he shows up anyway, moping as he holds his bass. At this point, you're better off letting Lilia play, if only to stop his melodramatics.