Athelesia

[athelesia]

Treasure in chains - Part Two

Hiii ! Here’s the second part of my commission from @miss-tc-nova , I hope you will enjoy it once again ! I do plan on making art on this chapter later on but I don’t really have the time for it rn so please bear with me.

Part - One

There are far too many bodies in this room for my liking. Pointless chatter idles among attendants who don’t seem to understand how economics actually work, even though this entire event is meant to brainstorm ideas to boost the Sunset Savanna’s standings. In fact, most of them seem more concerned with their networking opportunities than better the lives of the citizens.

As part of a prominent trade family and now the royal family as well, I’ve been extended an invitation to this paltry assembly. My father was more than happy to accept on my behalf and is schmoozing his heart out dragging my brother from one group to the next. Normally, he wouldn’t even bother bringing me along, but as the official holder of the invitation, he encouraged me to come. But I’m not having a great time.

Before me stands a man more in favor of talking at me than hearing whatever ideas I may have. I wouldn’t mind so much if he wasn’t such a prat, however, he’s not the first even just today. Honestly, if I lost my head at every self-righteous businessman, then my father would’ve had me admitted a long time ago.

“From what I understand, the Scalding Sands are also quite susceptible to drought.” Oh look, he knows the most basic thing about my country.

“That’s right,” I answer bluntly. “The deserts are vast and our sovereign family does what they can to regulate the water to support the citizens.”

A gnarled hand scratches at his chin thoughtfully. “I suppose as a merchant’s daughter you wouldn’t have much knowledge on the matter then.”

My insides seethe.

“Which is a shame. The Sunset Savanna is expected to endure a strong drought this year.”

“Why not consider trade for the crops you’re unable to grow this year? I know the Sunset Savanna has a significant pool of resources.”

He seems almost insulted. “Because that would scar the land irreparably.”

My brows furrow. “Surely there are parts of the country that could be spared to support its people.”

“No no no,” he chides. I could just sock him. “This land was enough for our ancestors to thrive as it is. We should not mar it with our presence any more than we already have.” Then he beams as if he’s actually got something to be proud of. “Our traditions have always seen us through trying times and kept our nation united. I’m sure it will be no different this time.”

Biting my tongue is proving difficult today. “Tradition is all well and good, but when your citizens are suffering, it’s certainly worth reconsidering your priorities.”

The geezer scowls. “Our traditions make us who we are and our citizens have pride in our culture.”

“And that’s great, but what good is pride if you’re dead?”

The man flinches as if I’ve struck him. “I beg your pardon?!”

This level of stupidity is almost criminal. “I’m not saying discard everything you value, but these people are depending on you to take care of them. How will your ‘beautiful land’ keep your people from succumbing to the poverty plaguing them now? What power will you have if they’re all gone? If your people are weak and suffering, how will they serve you? How will their struggling keep you from succumbing from the same fate?”

“Our people are not— ”

“There are literal ‘poor provinces’ of the city. There are people boiling weeds and working three to four jobs to make ends meet. Look me in the eye and tell me I’m wrong.”

The way his nose scrunches is as if he’s smelling his own bull crap.

“Your ideas sound as ludicrous and unorthodox as Prince Leona’s.”

My ears burn to think Leona might share similar views, but this man somehow infuriates me even more.

“If putting the welfare of the people first seems ‘ludicrous and unorthodox’ then perhaps this country could do with more people like Prince Leona.” Knowing that my tolerance is wearing thin, I decide this is the best time to bow out. “Now unless you have an argument actually worth sharing, I must excuse myself from this conversation.”

The man remains speechless as I turn and stride away. At first, my gaze draws me towards the beverage table, perhaps seeking a drink that could soothe my frustrations. I know better, however. There are others like that man at this assembly and I cannot stand another conversation with a single one of them.

My detour takes me to the back of the drinks table, eyes glancing around. As expected, my escape through the nearest door goes purely unnoticed. Deliberate strides carry me away from the hall towards my bedroom, in which I take refuge.

Without hesitation, once the door clicks shut behind me, I tear off the restrictive dress and stuffy heels in favor of something more breathable—more suited to sneaking out.

Shawl in hand, I scurry towards the balcony. Below lies the entirety of Sunrise City, bustling about without any care for the nobility discussing business rather than the very people that support their lifestyles. Well, if I’m to be excluded and looked down upon, then I might as well do the same.

Tying the shawl around my shoulders, I slip onto the railing and swing my feet over the edge. Just before those magic words can be uttered, the door opens and my heart skips. For a moment, I stare at the lion who stares back. It seems we both had the same idea of ditching the assembly.

Leona is first to break the silence. “What are you doing?”

There’s no use lying to him of all people. “What does it look like I’m doing? I’m not going back into that hall.”

Harlequin eyes scrutinize me for a moment before he pulls off the necktie. Confused, I simply stare while trying to understand what his plan is. Then, with his own shawl secured, Leona approaches.

“Let’s go.”

The sound falls from my mouth. “What?!”

“I’m coming with you,” he says obviously.

“Uh, no. Absolutely not.”

“If you leave without me, I’ll send the guards after you.”

My nose scrunches in outrage. “You wouldn’t.”

A predator’s grin slips his face. “Try me.”

“Leona, I don’t think I can carry both of us.”

“What do you mean ‘carry us’?”

A hand waves over the balcony. “I was just going to fly off and wander the city until the assembly was over. I can’t carry you too. I can barely handle you laying on top of me.”

“We really need to get you into the guard and get some muscle on you.” He’s unfazed by my scowl. “And how the hell are you flyin’ out of here?”

“That’s my Unique Magic. I get temporary wings and can fly.”

Lips twist in thought. “Look, if you can just glide us down into the yard, I can get us the rest of the way out.”

“Really?”

“Or are you too wimpy to do even that?”

That’s a challenge I should not take. I should just accept that I’ve been caught and head back to the assembly. My consolation then would at least that Leona too would suffer. But then I’d be suffering and those people are just insufferable.

“Fine,” I huff, planting my feet back on the balcony. “But if we get caught, it was your idea.”

“I wouldn’t have thought about it if you weren’t already attempting it.”

“Shut it.” Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes. Magic swells and swirls in my chest, a warmth growing between my shoulders. “I sing the master’s words, yet my heart whispers its own—grant me wings of my own making. Crimson Plume.”

A cloak of shimmer red dances around me, swimming and glittering until it falls behind me in the shape of massive wings.

“Alright, come here.”

“How are you gonna—”

There’s no time for nitpicking as whatever plan I come up with. Instead, I barrel into the man, arms around his chest, and launch us into the air. Admittedly, the gasp of surprise is a nice bit of retribution for his teasing. Even amidst my concentration, a smile slips my lips at the feel of his hands desperately clinging to my back.

With Leona hold on for dear life, all I really have to focus on is getting us as far from the palace as I can. Eyes set on the wall, a determination sets in. if I can get us over the gate, that’ll be most of the job done—we’ll just have to make our way into the city.

“What are you doing?!” he hisses.

“Shhh!” Though I have no muscles in these wings, I can feel my energy and magic rapidly draining from the strain to support them.

“We’re gonna hit the wall!”

“Quiet!” At this point, even I’m not certain we’ll clear it, but it’s too late now.

“ISIS!”

One last burst of magic flaps the wings, giving us the precious height needed to sail over the structure. As soon as we clear it, my magic disintegrates, instantly dropping us to the ground. Leona lets go, landing on his back while I hit the ground stumbling until I too meet the dirt. Even so, I let out a laugh of adrenaline.

Leona is less amused. “Why the hell did I think you would do what I told you?”

“What’s wrong, Leo?” I giggle as I sit up. “I thought you enjoyed flying.”

“That was not flying,” he snaps. “That was a crash.”To my surprise, Leona offers a helping hand to pull me back to my feet.

“Quit complaining. You’re out, aren’t you?” Brushing down my clothes, I smile. “And with less effort on your part. You should be thrilled. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go wander and enjoy the rest of my day.”

I make it a whole two steps before Leona snags the back of my shawl. “Hold it. We’re not splitting up.”

Tugging out of his grip, I glare. “What? You suddenly want to spend time with me?”

“Not even a little. But if you get caught runnin’ around on your own, then they’re gonna come lookin’ for me too. So you’re comin’ with me.”

“I very much think not. I did not fly us both out of the palace just to do what you want.”

His lip curls in disdain. “Look I’m not thrilled about it either, but I’d be less thrilled to be hauled back inside.” There’s no shame on that face. “And if I’m caught, I’m definitely ratting you out.”

Eyes narrow at him. “You’re evil.”

“Yeah yeah. Whatever. Now c’mon. There’s a couple things I wanna check out and then we can do whatever you want for a bit.”

In protest, my arms fold. “No. We’ll do one thing you want and then one thing I want.” Round ears flicker with annoyance, so I tack on, “If you don’t, I’ll walk back to the palace myself—” It’s my turn to wear his devious grin. “—and I’ll send the guards after you.”

Leona sighs. “I guess it’s not all feathers in that skull of yours. Fine. Whatever. Now let’s go before a patrol sees us.”

True to his word, the lion allows every other activity to be one of my choosing. Surprisingly, the outing is rather mundane as far as couples go. If I didn’t know what kind of man he was, I’d almost say this was a palatable date. He’s actually kind of polite and tolerable—far preferable to the stuffy assembly we were supposed to be at.

“How much longer before the assembly ends?” I ask as we amble the sidewalk.

He finds the answer in his phone screen. “Two hours.”

“Why are they so long?” I grumble.

“So they can schmooze and drink for as long as they can.”

The lion freezes in his tracks. I look back just in time for the hood of my shawl to be jerked over my eyes.

“What are you--!” That question dies on my tongue when, without warning, I’m jerked into the nearest alley by my arm. My back meets the wall, gaze lifting to his face where thoughts flicker rapidly behind his eyes.

“Sh sh shh!” he hushes, hand over my mouth. “There are guards—Sanaa probably sent them.”

He peeks just around the corner.

“What do we do?” I whisper. If those guards even glance down here, we’ll be spotted and dragged back on the Queen’s orders for sure.

The next thing I know, soft, warm lips are pressed against my own. Hands immediately press to his chest in an attempt to shove the cat off, however, when his greater strength proves too much for me, all I can do is curl my fists around his shirt and endure.

A low, rumbling growl escapes him, snaring my attention. I suppose it’s less convincing when one party acts as if they’d rather be anywhere else. Playing along is my best course of action to prevent being escorted back to the palace. I’d rather not.

So I play the game.

Forcing the tension in me to release, I lean into him. His demands aren’t that dear considering the circumstance and I comply. Yet that pleased purr puts me on the offense, driving me to make my own demands. That baritone laugh floods my ears with molten lava.

The kiss breaks as swiftly as it began and my insides writhe at the sadistic gleam in those harlequin eyes. Knowing there’s a wave of embarrassment painting my face, I shove him back.

“What are you laughing at?!” I snap, shoving him away.

“What? Can’t I kiss my own wife?” That stupid, handsome smirk stokes the fire in my ears. “Besides, you seemed to be feeling it at the end there.”

He’s not wrong and I hate it.

“You’re actually not a bad kisser, even if you are a little bratty.” I really need that simper to go away. “Too bad you use that mouth to squawk instead.”

“Excuse you,” I growl.

“Thanks.” He’s getting smugger by the second. “Now c’mon. There’s a movie that seems kinda interesting and they won’t look for us there.”

Rolling my eyes, I follow the man, only to let a remark slip. “Only kinda interesting? You’ll be snoring before the preview are over.”

That laugh rattles my heart. “Then wake me up when it’s over.”

I heave a sigh. “Then you have to get the snacks.”

“Whatever you say, feathers"

[glassofwineee]

credits to @athelesia for drawing this FIRE art of my scarabia spider beastman oc / yumesona Safil Ankabari with Jamil + a little monologue from Safil that I wrote ♡♡♡

[athelesia]

It was such a pleasure to draw your oc with Jamil ! They’re so lovely together 🫶🏻💕

[athelesia]

Treasure in chains - Part One

I commissioned @miss-tc-nova for this fanfiction, so all the credits for the story go to them ! I am so in love with this story and I am truly happy to be able to finally share it with you now that I’m done with the cover. Anyways, I hope you will enjoy it !

That monotonous voice drones through the air like white noise. For all I know, an eternity has passed while I stand here, dressed up and on display for the countless gazes watching this farce. Fighting the urge to yawn is starting to become a real challenge.

Then those cursed words tear me back into the moment.

“—until death do you part?”

Peering up into those harlequin eyes, I spy the faintest smirk tug the corner of his lips. Disgust crawls beneath my skin.

Hell no.

A smile falls on my face and I hope he finds the poison laced deep within my tone.

“I do.”

The old bird croons on and I continue fighting the urge to bang my head against the wall. “Then by the powers vested in me by the council of Sunrise City, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Repulsion grips the muscles in my back as the petty cat sneaks a hand into my hair. Soft, warm lips press to mine to seal the charade of the evening. However, rather than the chaste kiss I’ve been loathing, the man drags out the show, an arm at my waist dragging me into his chest. It takes every ounce of self-control not to shove him off. Only that scent of citrus spice gives me an anchor on which to focus instead of this smarmy cat’s mouth.

Finally deeming the moment sufficient, he leans back, his lips still plastered with that smug simper. Not about to feed his ego, I give my attention to the cheering audience. At least my father seems satisfied with the performance.

Through cake cutting, the signing of the marriage certificate, and the dreaded photos, I keep my mask and play the part of a happy newly-wed. However, in the intimate privacy of the first dance, finally the malice begins to seep through.

As a gentleman—despite being anything but—my new husband bends at the waist. In return, I curtsy, fists subtly clenched down on the ivory fabric of my dress. I want anything but for him to touch me right now, but I have to hand it to him, he’s a good dance lead.

“You could try to look less disgusted.” The way his low baritone rumbles sends goosebumps across my skin, made worse by that stupid grin.

Batting my eyelashes, I sway with his step. “It’s hard not to when I have to put up with this farce.”

He’s enjoying this. “Please. This is an upgrade for you, feathers. If anyone should gripe, it should be me.”

“That’s rich considering nothing has changed for you.”

“You think this is where the farce ends? This is the rest of our lives, and somehow, I doubt you’re gonna be easy to manage.”

“I don’t need managing,” I retort. “Besides, if the rumors hold true, I’m now wed to the laziest man in all of Twisted Wonderland.”

“Believe whatever you want.”

This might be where I finally have the upper hand. “Oh, I believe the video of you staring dumbfounded at burning microwave. At least you look kind of cute with that stupid face.”

Finally, that simper falters, eyes darting to the side where I assume the culprit behind the video stands. That is one nasty glare for such a silly reason.

“So I think if anyone needs managing here, it’s probably you.”

The speed at which he recovers is alarming. “You’re not the only one who can dig up faults. I’m sure your father knows all about the underground carpet races you were in.”

I don’t know how I manage to maintain my smile, but my grip on his arm tightens, giving him all the ammunition he needs.

“Ooo, maybe not.” The twirl in which he forces me into puts me off balance and I’m forced to cling to his chest to keep balanced. Glaring up, my gaze finds those glittering emeralds. “Then I recommend minding that sharp tongue of yours.”

He’s got me—for now—and I hate every bit of it.

The rest of the evening we endure before a member of the royal retinue informs us of the car here to whisk us away to our honeymoon destination. Though I sit cradled into Leona’s side for show, my eyes roam anywhere but to the man. As I should have expected, the Kingscholar family has a vacation home on the grounds of the Elephant Legacy hot springs. Apparently, Leona couldn’t be bothered to pick some place more extravagant and I honestly wasn’t invested in the planning at all—it was an easy out when the Queen Consort suggested the hot springs.

Eager to put on something I can actually sit in, the first thing I do is take to the bathroom. Hanging the bridal garment on the door, I let one last glance of disdain trail the fabric before zipping up the bag. Of course this is how my life turned out.

With more care and fondness, the jewelry is placed into velvet boxes for storage. On the other hand, far faster than it took to put on, bridal makeup comes off in just minutes. Possibly the most freeing moment of all is pulling the pins and twists from my hair, loosening the constant pull and letting the crimson waves fall freely around me.

This is me. Underneath the fancy clothes and makeup and overly-styled hair, it’s just me—still stuck in a cage that I’ll spend my whole life in. But I’ve long since come to terms with that.

Way more comfortable than I arrived, I wander my way back into the bedroom where some of my apprehensions return. Draped across the bed, still fully clothed in his suit, is the lion whose last name I now share. Thoroughly unamused, I stare down at him, only for a single eyelid to lift enough to peek at me.

“What?” he huffs.

Seeing as we’re married now, it’s no surprise there’s only one bed. That, however, does not excuse his bed-hogging.

“You shouldn’t sleep in those clothes. And you need to pick a side.”

The lazy cat’s lip draws with mild disdain. “Huh?”

“Of the bed,” I say sharply. “Which side of the bed do you want? And go get changed or those clothes are going to get wrinkled.”

“The hell’re you talkin’ about?” He sits up, glaring at me. “I don’t care about wrinkled clothes. And the bed is mine. You can sleep on the couch.” A finger jams towards the definitely-too-small couch meant strictly for cuddling.

“Absolutely not.” Not about to let this snarky cat bully me out of a good night’s sleep, my feet carry me around the bed where I start separating the pile of pillows. “I’m not losing sleep because you’re being a selfish bed-hog. You can stay on that side, and if you don’t like it, then you can sleep on the couch.”

Hands to my hips, I scowl at the feline, waiting for an argument. Instead, emerald eyes roll as if he’s the most hard-done-by person in existence. Then he flops back onto the bed, immediately curling around his pillow. Just as I sit on the bed to situate myself, the blanket slips from my grasp. My jaw drops at the sheer audacity of the man now wrapped snuggling in the only blanket we have.

Stooping to his level is childish. I know this. He probably knows this. However, if I let him win now, he’s setting the precedent for our entire marriage and in that scenario, I will always bend to his whim. I already have enough people to take crap from and I refuse to let Leona Kingscholar be one of them.

Crawling across the bed, I kneel over him, annoyance and determination twisting my lips. It’s all made worse by the terrible fake-sleeping act.

“If you don’t share that blanket, I’m not sharing the bed.”

Turns out he’s not asleep. “What’re you gonna do? Push me o—aaah!”

Yes. Yes, I am.

Feet plant firmly against his back, shoving with almost all the power I have and sending the cat to the floor. The satisfaction of being met with that glare from this vantage point is wonderful.

“You were saying?” I chime, adding insult to injury by plopping a pillow on his head.

“Screw you.”

“I’ll pass.”

To my surprise, Leona grumbles but settles in with his blanket and pillow on the floor. Well, that’s not exactly what I wanted, but there’s not much I can do now without conceding my new victory. Plan partially backfired, I snuggle up with the remaining pillows.

The stress and chaos of the day weigh heavier than expected, as it doesn’t take long for me to slip into dreamland—even without a blanket.

The world shifts, easing my dozing thoughts towards consciousness. A welcome warmth falls across my body, luring me to snooze a little longer. The weight, however, eventually becomes too much, pinning me to the mattress.

A familiar citrus scent wafts past my nose.

Eyes snap open. There greets the room of the royal family vacation home. Though as bleary vision becomes clear, I see my arm wrapped around one of the spare pillows I fell asleep with. Overtop my arm lies that of the man who should be sleeping on the floor.

I know not when or for what reason, but at some point last night, Leona got off the floor and climbed into bed. Whether or not he was aware of his actions at the time of the decision mean very little to me. I do care that he’s squishing me into the mattress though.

My first attempt at escape proves futile and eye opening. With his entire dead weight on top of me, Leona is an immovable object. Attempt number two goes much the same; I just don’t have the leverage or strength from this angle to escape. It takes at least twenty minutes to wiggle and worm my way from beneath the weight of the sleeping lion. Even when I manage my escape, I stare down at the man, briefly considering that he must be dead for, despite all my strenuous effort, he remains fast asleep. A drowsy hum and rollover dashes concern quickly. It doesn’t help that he continues sleeping after I throw a pillow at his head for my troubles.

~~~~~

Soaking in the sun from the balcony, I poke at my lunch between polishing the jewelry from yesterday—at least I got a beautiful new set out of this sham.

A grumbling noise draws my gaze through the doorway where the lion finally drags his face out of the pillow. The corner of my lips draws in annoyance, remembering the struggle.

“About time you woke up,” I huff.

Staggering his way from the bed, he wanders close. “It’s too early for you to be squawkin.’”

I will not acknowledge the goosebumps that drowsy baritone infests my skin with. “It’s noon, you lazy cat. Not everyone can snooze through the entire morning like a kitten.”

“As long as my shit gets done, whatsit matter to you how I sleep?” He plops down in the other chair, reaching for one of my finger sandwiches.

A quick hand swipes the bread back while I ignore his scowl. “It matters because I prefer not to wake up to attempted murder.” When a dark brow quirks confused, I point out, “You fell asleep on the floor. So tell me, at what point did you decide you wanted to cuddle your new wife?”

Rounded ears fold back, eyes widening.

“I thought I was going to die suffocating beneath your weight,” I add.

“Alright, now yer bein’ dramatic.”

“And it’s almost concerning just how deeply you sleep. I thought for sure you would wake up from all the struggling it took to escape you.” My hand barely masks the devious grin. “My, if an intruder were to come, you’d sleep right through it. And I would be powerless to do anything trapped beneath you.”

“If you don’t like it, stay off my bed.” Though he growls, there’s the slightest tint of embarrassment across his nose. But Leona has decided he’s had enough, standing to stalk away, but not before snatching my last sandwich. In light of my little victory, I let the theft slide, smirking into my drink.

At least he’s fun to tease

Part Two

[princes-uprising]

more stories, with new people! here's volume II :)

meet the cutest boys (and one [1] singular uncle-man) once again in volume 2, featuring a lot more (technically less) shenanigans, a lot more musing, and more leona content for those spiritually depraved like most of the contributors and mods. find the zine here and find the first volume over here, the journey that started it all!

get us to 150 reblogs to see the final volume 👀

image/cover credits: @bunnwich!

[rooksamoris]

i'm about to go visit my cousin's house in a little bit, but before then, i wanted to talk a bit about one of my favorite swahili terms of endearment in relation to leona. chaguo langu means "my choice" and usually is used to express commitment and devotion to someone. leona would rarely use it because of just how raw and intimate it is, but expect to hear it when all is calm and sweet. he did not choose his unique magic or his status as the second born prince, nor did he choose the blot which corrupted him through feelings that invaded his mind when he was too little to truly understand them, but he did choose you.

he mutters it under his breath when he finally takes you to visit his homeland as he brushes his lips against your forehead. he says it when you're rambling about something and you pause to mumble something about how he was staring at you. most of all, he would say it as a reminder whenever he finally gets his hands on you after some dangerous situation. chaguo langu, his choice which he intends to defend with his very life if it comes to it.

now, getting him to translate it for you would be very difficult.

[athelesia]

Hello everyone! For this very first post I'm sharing with you a drawing that's pretty special to me because it was inspired by @miss-tc-nova 's fanfiction, which is the one that got me set up on Tumblr! Please feel free to use the base I made and show me what you have created with it!