Chaos in a glass cage

Hello there. My name is Lilé. Half fae, half mortal. Niece of the Dark King Deorsa and beloved of the Dark Court. (she/her) | about | | rules |

[chaosfaery]

Lilé melted into Cenred’s kiss, leaning into him and savouring the embrace. His large hand over her stomach seemed to soothe the little one, for which she was grateful. Part of her had been afraid that he would shy away from fatherhood, but the opposite was blessedly proving true.

And so she leant into her King as they walked, perfectly content to stay as close to him as possible. The scent of the roses flooded her nose moments later, and she inhaled contentedly.

“Ha! No,” she reassured; as adventurous as she felt, the lake was too far away at this stage of pregnancy. Cenred would have been in bits trying to dissuade her. “No lake today. The roses are enough, mo ghrá.”

Delicately, Lilé stroked petals with her fingers, caressed rich green leaves. The thorns did not seem inclined to seek tribute, for which she was happily relieved. With a single click of her fingers, her shoes disappeared, leaving her feet bare on the grass. Pleased, Lilé flexed her toes, a blissful smile emerging.

“This is better,” she whispered. “The soil, the flowers, the sun… I needed this. Thank you.”

[kingcenred]

"Thank the Gods for that, my heart wouldn't be able to take it," he teased. As they walked, his powers seeped through the ground involuntarily, cushioning the earth so that it felt like they were walking upon a bed of thick moss. In the impossible event that Lilé were to fall and Cenred was unable to catch her, Essetir's earth itself would keep her safe.

He smiled, staying near-glued to his mate's side, as he watched her brush her fingertips against the petals and the leaves. "Of course. We can come out here whenever you wish, but you must promise me you won't try without me," he insisted, although it seemed the bond itself would not allow her to leave the safety of their rooms, unaccompanied.

"We must soon make a decision on the child's name, my love," he absentmindedly reminded her, as one of his hands reached out - again - to tenderly trace the swell of her stomach.

[chaosfaery]

Lilé’s nose scrunched in mild displeasure at the sight of a promise, but she knew Cenred was right. Yes, it seemed patently absurd that she could not venture here alone, with all her power and abilities. Yet for all that… she also could not see her own feet. No magic could rectify that. Sighing, she nodded.

“Fine. I will not go without you.”

She half turned to caress the petals of a wondrous white and bruise-purple bloom, only to feel his protective hand on the swell of her stomach. His words made her sigh again, although this time with affection.

“Any ideas? I like Fíadh for a girl. It means ‘little deer’. But I suppose it would depend on whether either of us wanted to honour loved ones with naming.” Tenderly, she rested her hand over his, thumb stroking the warm, war-worn skin. “Do you? I know you did not have the best relationship with your father, but I also know that you loved your mother very much.”

[chaosfaery]

[continued from x.] | @kingcenred

Grumbling, Lilé allowed her ladies to gently guide her to a seat.

Yes. I want to see the gardens. I need to touch nature. I miss it.

She yearned to tend to her plants, but her belly made it impossible. The gardeners had promised her they would nurture the plots, and she believed them. But she still craved the sensation of soil between her fingers.

The baby within her kicked idly, and she rubbed the skin, trying to soothe the little one. Dismissing her attendants from the chamber, Lilé leant back in the chair, sighing. Yes, she loved being pregnant, especially with Cenred’s child. Yet it still kept her from the outside.

I want to build something like an upstairs courtyard so I can still garden while pregnant, she mused to her beloved. Because we both know this will not be our only child. Not with the way you can’t keep your hands off me. A tired, amused smile tilted her lips. I’m sure your court will be delighted with multiple heirs.

[kingcenred]

A concerned crease appeared between his brows, which only deepened at her hiss and sudden stop. Worriedly, his gaze examined her face before dropping down to her swollen stomach, and he reached out to press a soothing palm against where their child had kicked.

"Be gentle with your mother," he gently admonished their unborn baby, and then leaned across to press a soft kiss to Lilé's lips. Gods, he wasn't sure how his nerves would survive the actual birth - at least Mab would be there, who his mates had complete faith in.

He pressed his lips together to hide his smile at Lilé's determination, and he didn't try to persuade her to return to the safety of their rooms. Instead, he wrapped one arm around her waist as they slowly walked out into the gardens, letting her lean as much of her weight against him as she wished.

"Please don't tell me you want to go all the way down to the lake," he playfully pleaded, as they stepped into the rose garden. It was a good half an hour walk, and Cenred would draw the line there. So would the bond, it would seem.

[chaosfaery]

Lilé melted into Cenred’s kiss, leaning into him and savouring the embrace. His large hand over her stomach seemed to soothe the little one, for which she was grateful. Part of her had been afraid that he would shy away from fatherhood, but the opposite was blessedly proving true.

And so she leant into her King as they walked, perfectly content to stay as close to him as possible. The scent of the roses flooded her nose moments later, and she inhaled contentedly.

“Ha! No,” she reassured; as adventurous as she felt, the lake was too far away at this stage of pregnancy. Cenred would have been in bits trying to dissuade her. “No lake today. The roses are enough, mo ghrá.”

Delicately, Lilé stroked petals with her fingers, caressed rich green leaves. The thorns did not seem inclined to seek tribute, for which she was happily relieved. With a single click of her fingers, her shoes disappeared, leaving her feet bare on the grass. Pleased, Lilé flexed her toes, a blissful smile emerging.

“This is better,” she whispered. “The soil, the flowers, the sun… I needed this. Thank you.”

[chaosfaery]

I’m not interested in any of them.

The intensity could not be missed, nor his meaning. Lilé had been about to retort with her own teasing as to their outfits, but the look in his eyes caught her off guard.

She knew then that he had never really stopped loving her.

Her heart was torn. Old wounds still scarred its surface. But she could not deny that her own feelings for him lingered even years later. Perhaps that was why he had pulled her closer than propriety demanded.

“Cenred,” she whispered, the music and crowds falling away. She could not look away from him. Too late she realised she had left her expression open to him, and closed it off behind a courtly smile. The sounds rushed back into her awareness, the music surrounding them once more, and Lilé did not falter once in the rhythm or steps.

“You dance just as well as I remember,” she remarked, and did not notice her thumb idly stroking Cenred’s own as they spun and twirled. “Either you’ve been practising, or you are just that talented and no refresher was needed.”

[kingcenred]

God, the way she whispered his name. His lips parted, and the words of regret and apology that had been building in his mind for years were about to, finally, tumble free. But just before he could admit how much he still thought of her since their relationship ended, Lilé had carefully schooled her expression and complimented his dancing.

For a moment, his own expression was stricken. Was that his only opportunity...gone? But no, surely she would not just abandon him after this dance. Perhaps they would have a chance to talk, honestly, away from the crowd of eagle-eyed onlookers. So he fought against his own instincts, and a believable easy smile returned to his lips.

"Oh, I don't need practice," he assured, with a playful wink. "Although I think you would benefit from another dance, don't you think?" he teased, but really he did not wish for Lilé to leave his arms.

[chaosfaery]

Lilé did not miss the split-second crack in Cenred’s expression; clearly they were both struggling with past memories. But then he winked, pulling her with him, and she let herself be lured alongside him.

“Another, kind sir?” she teased, making absolutely no move to leave his arms. She ignored the clicks of cameras; all that mattered, in this moment, was Cenred. “Well, why don’t you show me, hm?”

She had craved him, deep down. There had been an empty ache in her heart since their acrimonious breakup all those years ago. And now, here, it felt… right. As they danced, things were… easy. And Lilé had recognised that flicker of anguish in his face. He had not wanted her to leave. He was desperate for her to stay, even with the press watching like hawks. But none would have noted it save those who truly knew the King.

As if to reassure him, Lilé lightly squeezed the hand that held hers while they spun around the floor. Had telepathy been a thing, they could have had entire conversations while they moved. Alas, they only had words that could be overheard and facial expressions the press would no doubt dissect aplenty.

“I’ll stay,” she murmured, low enough that only Cenred might hear. “If… if you have time, after this. I do not want to intrude. I know you are busy.”

[kingcenred]

It was entirely natural to have Lilé in his arms, and as he span her enthusiastically around the dancefloor, it felt as though he had returned to the previous decade. Still, even after all these years, there was nobody who knew him better. They moved as one across the dancefloor, Lilé matching and anticipating each of the steps flawlessly.

His playful grin faded at her murmured words, and an intensity returned to his dark eyes. "Yes, please stay. You could never intrude," he assured, in an equally quiet murmur.

All too soon, the song came to an end and Cenred tore his eyes away from Lilé's face, popping the blissful bubble he had entered from the moment she had stepped into his arms, and glanced around the dancefloor. Already, half a dozen eager women were stepping closer, each of them hoping for the next dance, and he caught sight of Morgause scowling from the back of the room.

No. No. He was not going to face any of that. Instead, he reluctantly stepped back from Lilé, but did not relinquish the hold on her hands.

"Will you join me in the gardens?" he asked, just the faintest hint of urgency in his tone.

[chaosfaery]

The music ended and she could see the women out of the corner of her eye. Hopeful, wanting. But Lilé knew Cenred, and she stifled a laugh at the brief look on his face. No, that was the last thing he wanted. Dancing with veritable strangers when his first love was right here?

It did not escape her that even as he stepped back, his hands still held hers. As though he could not bear to let her go. Her heart twinged.

His question, however, had her eyebrow cock ever so slightly. It would not be appropriate, surely? Was the King not meant to dance with others? It was a celebration for him, after all. But in the end, Lilé did not voice her concerns. The urgency in Cenred’s voice dismissed all else. He needed an exit from the scene. So she simply nodded.

“I will join you.”

[tatturmemes]

On Anon or not, send “Plot:” + describe something you really want to RP with my muse or something you want to see my muse do (if it’s to/with another RPer, list their username) and I’ll rate it:

fuck no || not really interested || huh?? || give me more details… || sure why not || OMFG YES

[chaosfaery]

[continued from x.] | @kingcenred

Grumbling, Lilé allowed her ladies to gently guide her to a seat.

Yes. I want to see the gardens. I need to touch nature. I miss it.

She yearned to tend to her plants, but her belly made it impossible. The gardeners had promised her they would nurture the plots, and she believed them. But she still craved the sensation of soil between her fingers.

The baby within her kicked idly, and she rubbed the skin, trying to soothe the little one. Dismissing her attendants from the chamber, Lilé leant back in the chair, sighing. Yes, she loved being pregnant, especially with Cenred’s child. Yet it still kept her from the outside.

I want to build something like an upstairs courtyard so I can still garden while pregnant, she mused to her beloved. Because we both know this will not be our only child. Not with the way you can’t keep your hands off me. A tired, amused smile tilted her lips. I’m sure your court will be delighted with multiple heirs.

[kingcenred]

Truly, he could understand Lilé's complaint: if he was kept inside for more than a couple of hours, he began to grow restless. Still, he was pleased indeed that the bond was insistent on keeping his mate safe - it would not be long until their first child was born, after all.

Very well. We can go out for a time, but you must tell me if you start to tire. I'm almost back.

He'd paced it back to their rooms, only just resisting the urge to run back to his mate - he didn't want to terrify his people into thinking the palace was under attack, which would surely be their first assumption.

"Planning ahead already, are we?" he drawled, with amusement, as he stepped into their rooms. He went to his mate's side at once, kneeling beside her chair and pressing a large hand against her growing bump. "I've only just calmed enough to deal with this one," he protested, playfully.

In truth, he had been far more relaxed - and pleased - about Lilé's pregnancy than he had ever thought possible. Instead of the usual panic even the thought of children instilled, seeing his mate grow with his child gave him a deep, possessive satisfaction. The bond, no doubt, was to be thanked for that.

"Shall we go to the gardens?"

[chaosfaery]

Lilé’s face immediately bloomed with love as Cenred walked in. A hand reached for him; she did not attempt to get up, knowing he would chide her. Instead she smiled as his palm rested over the swell of her belly, feeling their child lazily roll within. Her shadows slid forth, embracing him as they gambolled around his lower body. No longer did they guard Lilé around Cenred; they knew he would rather die than hurt her. He was her mate, after all.

“‘Calmed’, he says,” she laughed, shaking her head in fondness. “You’ve been more and more satisfied each time you see my bump. I’ve seen the way you oh so casually touch it whenever there are other men nearby. I know what that bond is doing. As if I can’t also feel it.”

She leant in to kiss him, sighing happily.

“Gardens, then,” came her tender agreement. “I hope your advisors weren’t too unhappy that I pulled you away. Perhaps I should apologise. Then again, this is your heir.”

With a smirk, she made to rise from the chair, holding his hand in support. Her shadows gently pushed against her back, bolstering her. She was still getting used to the shift in balance now that the baby was growing larger. How to plant her feet, how to shift her weight. All new things to learn.

[kingcenred]

He smiled at the shadows welcoming him and his mate's words, making no attempt to deny her allegations. The bond certainly did make him swell with pride and satisfaction each time he caught sight of his mate's belly, and even though he knew it was an innate reaction, it didn't make the feeling any less real.

"Of course, that's true. But it's also because you've never looked more beautiful," he assured, humming happily into the kiss. He held onto her hand tightly as she got to her feet, and he pressed another affectionate kiss to her temple.

"No, no. They are most understanding. I think they prefer the fact I have a genuine excuse for leaving now," he chuckled, looping Lilé's arm through his own to offer her a little more support as they walked slowly through the palace and towards the gardens.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, glancing across to examine her as best he could. "Not too tired?"

[chaosfaery]

“Flatterer,” she grinned, glad to be finally on the move. With Cenred by her side, the bond seemed to have no qualms with leaving their quarters now. Freedom was so close she could taste it, could smell the leaves and dirt in the breeze.

“I am always tired,” she admitted, grin turning wry, “this little one demands much. But I am never too tired to visit our gardens.”

It was rare that Lilé would ever admit to any fatigue, but she had been sharply reprimanded by her midwife - and mentor in healing - Mab. Mab was ancient, older than most fae alive, and she had no issue with being blunt. Scolding Lilé for trying to hide her exhaustion had done enough to shame her former student into being more honest with her health. (Mab had also turned her crabby nature towards Cenred; he was not spared an inch of it. “You are her mate. You must treasure her, always. I do not care if your crown gets in the way.”)

As they walked, she waved her ladies away; she craved alone time with her beloved, especially in their favourite places. He would protect her.

Suddenly, their child decided to kick out, and Lilé hissed as that tiny foot slammed a rib. She halted, rubbing fingers over her swollen stomach, before shaking her head.

“No. I am fine. Our child simply wanted to make their presence known against my ribs,” she said, steeling herself. “We are going to the gardens.”

[chaosfaery]

I’m not interested in any of them.

The intensity could not be missed, nor his meaning. Lilé had been about to retort with her own teasing as to their outfits, but the look in his eyes caught her off guard.

She knew then that he had never really stopped loving her.

Her heart was torn. Old wounds still scarred its surface. But she could not deny that her own feelings for him lingered even years later. Perhaps that was why he had pulled her closer than propriety demanded.

“Cenred,” she whispered, the music and crowds falling away. She could not look away from him. Too late she realised she had left her expression open to him, and closed it off behind a courtly smile. The sounds rushed back into her awareness, the music surrounding them once more, and Lilé did not falter once in the rhythm or steps.

“You dance just as well as I remember,” she remarked, and did not notice her thumb idly stroking Cenred’s own as they spun and twirled. “Either you’ve been practising, or you are just that talented and no refresher was needed.”

[kingcenred]

God, the way she whispered his name. His lips parted, and the words of regret and apology that had been building in his mind for years were about to, finally, tumble free. But just before he could admit how much he still thought of her since their relationship ended, Lilé had carefully schooled her expression and complimented his dancing.

For a moment, his own expression was stricken. Was that his only opportunity...gone? But no, surely she would not just abandon him after this dance. Perhaps they would have a chance to talk, honestly, away from the crowd of eagle-eyed onlookers. So he fought against his own instincts, and a believable easy smile returned to his lips.

"Oh, I don't need practice," he assured, with a playful wink. "Although I think you would benefit from another dance, don't you think?" he teased, but really he did not wish for Lilé to leave his arms.

[chaosfaery]

Lilé did not miss the split-second crack in Cenred’s expression; clearly they were both struggling with past memories. But then he winked, pulling her with him, and she let herself be lured alongside him.

“Another, kind sir?” she teased, making absolutely no move to leave his arms. She ignored the clicks of cameras; all that mattered, in this moment, was Cenred. “Well, why don’t you show me, hm?”

She had craved him, deep down. There had been an empty ache in her heart since their acrimonious breakup all those years ago. And now, here, it felt… right. As they danced, things were… easy. And Lilé had recognised that flicker of anguish in his face. He had not wanted her to leave. He was desperate for her to stay, even with the press watching like hawks. But none would have noted it save those who truly knew the King.

As if to reassure him, Lilé lightly squeezed the hand that held hers while they spun around the floor. Had telepathy been a thing, they could have had entire conversations while they moved. Alas, they only had words that could be overheard and facial expressions the press would no doubt dissect aplenty.

“I’ll stay,” she murmured, low enough that only Cenred might hear. “If… if you have time, after this. I do not want to intrude. I know you are busy.”

[chaosfaery]

[continued from x.] | @kingcenred

Grumbling, Lilé allowed her ladies to gently guide her to a seat.

Yes. I want to see the gardens. I need to touch nature. I miss it.

She yearned to tend to her plants, but her belly made it impossible. The gardeners had promised her they would nurture the plots, and she believed them. But she still craved the sensation of soil between her fingers.

The baby within her kicked idly, and she rubbed the skin, trying to soothe the little one. Dismissing her attendants from the chamber, Lilé leant back in the chair, sighing. Yes, she loved being pregnant, especially with Cenred’s child. Yet it still kept her from the outside.

I want to build something like an upstairs courtyard so I can still garden while pregnant, she mused to her beloved. Because we both know this will not be our only child. Not with the way you can’t keep your hands off me. A tired, amused smile tilted her lips. I’m sure your court will be delighted with multiple heirs.

[kingcenred]

Truly, he could understand Lilé's complaint: if he was kept inside for more than a couple of hours, he began to grow restless. Still, he was pleased indeed that the bond was insistent on keeping his mate safe - it would not be long until their first child was born, after all.

Very well. We can go out for a time, but you must tell me if you start to tire. I'm almost back.

He'd paced it back to their rooms, only just resisting the urge to run back to his mate - he didn't want to terrify his people into thinking the palace was under attack, which would surely be their first assumption.

"Planning ahead already, are we?" he drawled, with amusement, as he stepped into their rooms. He went to his mate's side at once, kneeling beside her chair and pressing a large hand against her growing bump. "I've only just calmed enough to deal with this one," he protested, playfully.

In truth, he had been far more relaxed - and pleased - about Lilé's pregnancy than he had ever thought possible. Instead of the usual panic even the thought of children instilled, seeing his mate grow with his child gave him a deep, possessive satisfaction. The bond, no doubt, was to be thanked for that.

"Shall we go to the gardens?"

[chaosfaery]

Lilé’s face immediately bloomed with love as Cenred walked in. A hand reached for him; she did not attempt to get up, knowing he would chide her. Instead she smiled as his palm rested over the swell of her belly, feeling their child lazily roll within. Her shadows slid forth, embracing him as they gambolled around his lower body. No longer did they guard Lilé around Cenred; they knew he would rather die than hurt her. He was her mate, after all.

“‘Calmed’, he says,” she laughed, shaking her head in fondness. “You’ve been more and more satisfied each time you see my bump. I’ve seen the way you oh so casually touch it whenever there are other men nearby. I know what that bond is doing. As if I can’t also feel it.”

She leant in to kiss him, sighing happily.

“Gardens, then,” came her tender agreement. “I hope your advisors weren’t too unhappy that I pulled you away. Perhaps I should apologise. Then again, this is your heir.”

With a smirk, she made to rise from the chair, holding his hand in support. Her shadows gently pushed against her back, bolstering her. She was still getting used to the shift in balance now that the baby was growing larger. How to plant her feet, how to shift her weight. All new things to learn.

[mcflymemes]

"STOP PUTTING YOURSELF INTO DANGER!" PROMPTS *  assorted dialogue for expressing your fear that the person you care about might get themselves hurt if they keep acting like this, adjust as necessary

i thought i told you to stay back.

i love you too much to let you get hurt like this.

this affects me, too, you know.

every time you leave, i sit up all night waiting, praying you'll come back alive.

you keep pulling stunts like this and something bad will happen.

do you have a death wish or something?

this isn't fair to me.

i deserve better than this.

i didn't get any sleep last night because i was so worried about you.

you promised me you'd stop going out at night.

i don't like hearing this.

you've been risking your life, and for what? so you can feel like a goddamn hero?

i said i would handle it.

what the fuck are you doing here?

you told me you'd stay put.

so much for laying low.

you remember how bad it was last time.

seems like you haven't learned anything.

i believe you promised me you'd lay low.

i can't keep doing this.

don't give me that look.

we'll discuss this later.

this stops now.

i'm tired of picking up the pieces once you've left.

you keep throwing yourself into danger.

you don't give a shit about yourself, do you?

i'm sitting here, worried out of my mind, while you're out doing god knows what.

that was really stupid of you, and you know it.

i thought you knew better than this.

what's your excuse this time?

you do realize what this does to me, right? seeing you get hurt like this? you know it hurts me, too?

you really don't give a shit how this affects me, huh.

that was the dumbest possible thing you could have done.

i need you to stop throwing yourself into harm's way.

that was completely unnecessary.

they had it handled.

you didn't need to step in like that.

why do you think you're invincible?

the last time you pulled a stunt like this, it nearly got you killed.

i can't just sit here and watch you get hurt.

what are you trying to prove?

you just like fucking with my heart, don't you.

this shit hurts me, too, you know.

you're not the only one affected by this shit.

you've got a lot of people counting on you to come home every night.

what happens if you don't come back?

you think we can just carry on without you?

you think i can handle things if you end up dead?

i'm not sticking around to watch you get hurt.

you're not even slick.

you think you're invincible, don't you.

quit pretending you've got everything under control.

let someone else do it for a change.

you can't keep putting yourself through shit like this and expect me to just sit back and watch.

i'm done with this.

next time you do this, i'm not coming back.

promise me this is the end.

look me in the eyes and tell me you'll stop doing this.

let the authorities deal with it.

you're making a big mistake.

is it worth dying for?

i've dealt with enough pain over the years.

[blightbitten-deactivated2026031]

USFW Prompts for SEDUCTION & FORBIDDEN ATTRACTION.

DIALOGUE:

“I've been watching you.” “You stir something in me...” “Do I make you blush?” “Your body remembers mine.” “We could get caught.” “I want us to be caught.” “You were made to be tasted.” “I think of you at night.” “Don’t you miss my touch?” “I could ruin you.” “I want you to ruin me.” “Can you guess the colour of my underwear?” “I saw the way you look at me. What’s stopping you?” “We shouldn’t, you know I’m taken.” “He/She doesn’t have to know.” “Please, you have to leave...” “Our souls will always be entangled, you can't escape me.” “I want to taste you skin, smell your neck, and touch the deepest parts of your soul.” “Is there any chance that action will follow your teasing.” “You need to stop calling.”

ACTIONS (feel free to add + reverse):

➛ [ table ] sender's hand creeps up receiver's thigh and finds them bare underneath their skirt. ➛ [ guess ] receiver catches a glimpse of sender's underwear. ➛ [ tongue ] receiver licks their fingers clean while keeping eye contact with sender. ➛ [ silk ] sender feels up the receivers through their clothes under the guise of complimenting the material. ➛ [ collar ] sender grabs receiver by the collar to kiss them after a heated fight. ➛ [ closet ] sender walks in on receiver changing. ➛ [ hidden ] sender pulls receiver in an alcove. ➛ [ yearn ] sender receives a longing letter from receiver. ➛ [ accidental ] receiver receives a nude from sender. ➛ [ on purpose ] sender lightly touches the receiver as they pass.

[chaosfaery]

Lilé felt the bond’s anguish faintly diminish via the curl of shadow around her mate’s finger. She marvelled at the contentment as the shadow sat there, and duly summoned another at his request. It wove around the little finger, purring just like its sibling.

“Your Council will not take kindly to this,” she warned lightly. “If they knew what this was, they might assume I have bewitched you, chained you. Even though I have done nothing of the sort.”

Other shadows stole between her legs, cleaning Cenred’s seed away before vanishing. Quite what they’d do with it, Lilé had no idea. Yet it seemed to please them. The bond grumbled at the lack of contact, but at least it was no longer roaring. Tendrils had plucked Cenred’s clothing from the floor, and they held the pile out to the King with a friendly gesture.

[kingcenred]

The second twirl of shadow around his finger further dulled the demanding thrum of the bond, the insistence that he tugged Lilé back into his arms, and the king felt as though he could think a fraction clearer.

"We shall not tell them. Only that it is a consequence of the bond," he assured, and he let out a huff of laughter as he turned to see his clothing being held up for him by tendrils of shadow. Reluctantly, he stood from the bed and dressed, murmuring a quiet thanks to the shadows, as one brushed affectionately against his cheek.

"I am quite impressed by your shadows," he easily admitted, as he tugged his breeches up his muscular thighs. "I take it they can be less friendly...if you require it?"

Was he putting off the inevitable, and stalling the moment he had to open the door? Perhaps, but his curiosity was genuie.

[chaosfaery]

She too began to dress, smiling at his curiosity.

“They can, should the occasion call for it. They are extremely protective of those they consider kin. If somebody attacked you, for example, they would defend you, since we are now bound.”

Fingers fastened buttons, laces, boots. Even with the bond quelled somewhat, it still grumbled. It still craved skin-to-skin contact. In an effort to soothe it before they opened the door to their fate, Lilé leant up to kiss Cenred. One more embrace to bolster them both.

“Even kings need a little flush of courage,” she purred against his mouth, smiling. Fingers adjusted his hair. “But the question remains: are you staying here tonight? Or will you journey back to Essetir? We still need to make some sort of treaty, even with the bond.”

The idea of separating from Cenred was physically painful, but if she went with him to Essetir, how many would view it as a hostile king abducting a political prize? And yet he could hardly go with her back to her kin; he had responsibilities towards his own people. He was a king; she was only an heir. The balance was obvious.

[mournfulroses]

Albert Camus, from a letter to María Casares featured in Correspondance, 1944-1959

[aurorarpresources]

reblog this if you're fine with your mutuals sending you asks unprompted

[rpmemes-galore]

i wanna make it unequivocally clear that there are no time limits when it comes to rping with me. idc if you're scrolling through your drafts and you find a thread of ours from two years ago+ and you wanna continue it... but you're afraid i'll be upset with you bc it's been so long...

babes, i am holding your face so gently when i say this: do the thing. i promise, the only thing i'mma be when i see that notif is excited

[chaosfaery]

[continued from x.] | @kingcenred

Grumbling, Lilé allowed her ladies to gently guide her to a seat.

Yes. I want to see the gardens. I need to touch nature. I miss it.

She yearned to tend to her plants, but her belly made it impossible. The gardeners had promised her they would nurture the plots, and she believed them. But she still craved the sensation of soil between her fingers.

The baby within her kicked idly, and she rubbed the skin, trying to soothe the little one. Dismissing her attendants from the chamber, Lilé leant back in the chair, sighing. Yes, she loved being pregnant, especially with Cenred’s child. Yet it still kept her from the outside.

I want to build something like an upstairs courtyard so I can still garden while pregnant, she mused to her beloved. Because we both know this will not be our only child. Not with the way you can’t keep your hands off me. A tired, amused smile tilted her lips. I’m sure your court will be delighted with multiple heirs.

[kingcenred]

@chaosfaery sent: “Kiss me before you succumb to the horrors of the day,” Lilé teased, knowing full well Cenred would be clawing up the walls to escape his Council. “If you’re good I’ll return the favour in bed tonight.”

Oh, he needed no encouragement to do that. Grinning, he cupped Lilé face in his hands for a moment, admiring his wife's beautiful features, before he joined their lips together in a heated kiss. Only pulling back once his chest was heaving for breath, he pretended to consider her words for a moment.

"Or...I could stay here with you, and we could spend all day in bed?" he suggested, lips curling into a smirk. "The king's most important duty is to produce an heir, after all..."

It was the first time Cenred had mentioned the possibility of children since their brief discussion in the greenhouse just before their wedding, many months ago now. Somehow, the thought of having a child with his wife no longer instilled within him so much fear. Of course, he didn't know how long it would take them to conceive; the Fae were often plagued with fertility difficulties, and he was unsure whether his own humanity would cause further problems. Was it worth starting to try, now?

"What do you think?" he asked, playfully nuzzling their noses together. "Are we ready?"

[chaosfaery]

Surprise lingered at his suggestion. Truthfully, Lilé had not expected Cenred to bring up the idea of children so soon. She knew he had reservations, and she was in no mind to push him. She used preventatives for a reason. But for him to tease in such a way…

Lilé leant up to nuzzle him in return, a sly smile shaping her mouth.

“Well, in that case, my lord…” Her hand slid down his chest. “I’ll stop taking my potions, then.”

That hand slid lower, a little enticement.

“I suppose you’ll have to tell your advisors you’re busy making an heir,” she grinned. “They can’t object to that, surely?”

Had she not been taking contraceptives, Lilé did wonder if she would have been pregnant already. They certainly fucked enough, and his stamina was very impressive for a human. She knew their compatibility was intense enough that the palace staff gossiped daily, and wasn’t that just part of the job? Providing entertainment for their people?

(Including, of course, the time they’d nearly been caught entangling in the stables, and had had to hide behind a pile of straw.)

“Where do you want to start trying?” she asked, brow cocking, glancing at their bed, their balcony, their bathroom, their pile of furs on the floor. “We have so many options…”

[kingcenred]

@chaosfaery sent: ❛ glad to see you haven’t become food for the vultures. ❜ 

Weariness settled deep within his bones as the king trudged back up the now quiet battlefield, but his face lit up as soon as he set eyes upon his still-new wife. Although Cenred knew she had battled just as hard as he, she looked decidedly more at ease than he did - she wasn't splattered head to toe with blood and mud, for a start.

"Likewise," he grinned at her, and he couldn't resist pulling her in for a deep kiss, bloodstains be damned. "My apologies. This is not exactly how I anticipated spending our honeymoon." He knew Uther's hatred for magic was deep-seated, and he would be horrified with Cenred's marriage allying himself to the Fae, but he had not expected him to so quickly launch an almost suicidal attack. "You're not injured?" he asked, taking half a step backwards to examine her.

[chaosfaery]

It had been a long, hard battle.

She had known of the animosity between the realms, but to see it firsthand so soon after marrying Cenred…

Lilé let Cenred pull her in, smiling as he kissed her. She gave in to the embrace, sighing longingly, and touched his arm as he pulled back to examine her.

“No, I am not,” she soothed. “Relatively unscathed.”

He might be coated in blood and mud, but he had never looked more beautiful to her. Alive, powerful, and entirely capable. Her shadows wove around him, checking for injury in turn. She had spent time healing what she could for the soldiers on the spent battlefield; though it was not obvious, her magic was exhausted.

“And you, mo ghrá?” she asked, cupping his cheek, thumb stroking the blood-streaked skin. “Are you hurt, or just tired?”

They were alive, and that was enough when so many were not. She had not been content to play the dutiful wife remaining at home while her husband fought wars. Lilé had fought her own; she would not leave Cenred unprotected. He was hers now, as she was his.

[calirph]

𝐑𝐎𝐘𝐀𝐋 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐓 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐔𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐐𝐔𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐒. all these sentences come from a search on goodread's keywords for royal court, intrigue, arranged marriages and politics. please change names, locations and pronouns as you see fit.some of these might be suggestive.

“Ten years of shadows, but no longer. Light up the darkness, Majesty.”

“You don't know a woman until you've met her in court.”

“A queen keeps a court that is spoken about. A goddess keeps a court that is never forgotten.”

"And you, lady? Are you a woman of conscience or of ambition?"

"That's a question rarely asked here at court."

“Some people will hate you for not loving them.”

“Court games aren't fair. They don't judge men by their worth, and they aren't about what's just. Guilty men can hold power their whole lives and be wept for when they pass. Innocent men can be spent like coins because it's convenient.”

“I hated him but I ached for him. I hated him in the way that you could only hate someone you had loved.”

“I think there’s a part of me that calls to you. And a part of you that calls back.”

“Now the Court's heart is yours and yours alone. Let's break it.”

“People can't be changed by writ or transformed by court decree.”

“There is no playacting in this court. If you stay your hand, they will cut it off.”

“He was a man with a vision- and an extraordinary vision it was..”

“I'll never miss a chance to remind you of what a brat you were. A gloriously beautiful and very spoiled brat. I was utterly charmed by your complete self-absorption. It was rather like courting a cat.”

“Power does not pardon, power punishes.”

“Listen! The court jester's cap and bells. The King is coming!”

“They all come innocent in court.”

“Is that how you get propositioned at the court? 'Mylady, would you be so kind as to allow me to put my manhood in your vagina'?”

"When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground."

"A lion does not concern himself with the opinion of sheep."

"The crown must always outweigh the heart."

"Heavy is the head that wears the crown."

"Even the smallest person can change the course of the future."

"A wise king never seeks out war, but he must always be ready for it."

"The council exists to serve the realm, not the other way around."

"True power lies not in who wields the sword, but in who commands it to be drawn."

"A king is not his crown, nor his throne, but the strength of his people."

"A court full of whispers is more dangerous than a battlefield of swords."

"Loyalty in politics is a fleeting mirage, shimmering brightest when least sincere."

"A ruler's greatest enemy is not the assassin’s blade, but the silence of their allies."

"Do not mistake a bowed head for submission; it often conceals sharpened fangs."

"To rule is to lie as artfully as one builds castles."

"A crown’s weight is not measured in gold, but in the decisions that haunt the wearer."

"The wolf who thrives in the court learns to hunt without claws."

"Victory in politics is not in silencing enemies, but in convincing them to cheer your name."

"A kingdom divided by ambition is a kingdom that bleeds."

"Every courtier is an actor; every throne room, a stage. Trust no applause."

"The dragon chooses the ruler, not the other way around."

"Only a fool thinks the crown is the prize; the crown is merely the burden."

"The gods grant kings their thrones, but it is their people who keep them seated."

"Beware the court jester; behind his laughter hides the sharpest dagger."

"The council meets not for the king’s wisdom, but to manipulate his ignorance."

"A queen with no enemies is either very cunning or already a pawn."

"The throne does not demand blood; it demands souls."

"A mage’s loyalty is never to the crown, only to the power it promises."

"The crown’s shadow stretches far, but it is often the brightest light that blinds the ruler."

"Kings die, queens fade, but the spider’s web of politics endures."

"A court without ambition is a garden without weeds—an illusion of peace."

"The strongest alliances are forged not in loyalty, but in shared hatred."

"A ruler’s greatest ally is their enemy, for it is they who sharpen the blade of ambition."

"Never trust the man who smiles too much; his tongue is as sharp as his knife."

"A kingdom ruled by fear is a kingdom waiting for rebellion."

"The moment a ruler ceases to listen is the moment they begin to fall."

"In the court, truth is a rare currency, spent only when lies will not suffice."

"The scepter may command armies, but it is the ink of treaties that conquers kingdoms."

"A wise ruler keeps their enemies closer not out of trust, but out of necessity."

"The court is a sea of masks; those who wear none are either the wisest or the most foolish."

Arranged Marriages and Political Unions

"Marriages are not made in hearts but in treaties."

"A wedding is but a battlefield draped in silk and flowers."

"To wed for love is folly; to wed for power is survival."

"The altar is the throne’s crueler cousin, binding hearts to duty, not desire."

"They said 'I do' with chains in their eyes and kingdoms on their lips."

"A marriage forged in politics is stronger than any love match, for ambition is eternal."

"She was a queen in name, but a pawn in her husband’s game."

"A crown weighs heavier when shared with someone you cannot love."

"A union of kingdoms is worth a thousand broken hearts."

"The dowry may buy the match, but it cannot buy loyalty."

Tournaments and Honor

"In the lists, honor gleams as brightly as gold, but only blood wins the crowd."

"A knight who rides for glory often finds himself galloping toward ruin."

"The tilt is not for love or honor, but for whispers in the court that outlive the day."

"His lance shattered in her name, but his heart broke for another."

"Tournaments are not won in the lists but in the favors of those who watch."

"Every lance broken in the tourney echoes as a promise in the court."

"The champion wears the laurel, but the king claims the victory."

"He fought for her token, but she gave her heart to another."

"Beneath the clash of swords lies the unspoken battle of alliances."

"The arena smells of sweat and steel, but the court reeks of treachery and roses."

Arranged Marriages and Political Unions

"Marriages are not made in hearts but in treaties."

"A wedding is but a battlefield draped in silk and flowers."

"To wed for love is folly; to wed for power is survival."

"The altar is the throne’s crueler cousin, binding hearts to duty, not desire."

"They said 'I do' with chains in their eyes and kingdoms on their lips."

"A marriage forged in politics is stronger than any love match, for ambition is eternal."

"She was a queen in name, but a pawn in her husband’s game."

"A crown weighs heavier when shared with someone you cannot love."

"A union of kingdoms is worth a thousand broken hearts."

"The dowry may buy the match, but it cannot buy loyalty."

Tournaments and Honor

"In the lists, honor gleams as brightly as gold, but only blood wins the crowd."

"A knight who rides for glory often finds himself galloping toward ruin."

"The tilt is not for love or honor, but for whispers in the court that outlive the day."

"His lance shattered in her name, but his heart broke for another."

"Tournaments are not won in the lists but in the favors of those who watch."

"Every lance broken in the tourney echoes as a promise in the court."

"The champion wears the laurel, but the king claims the victory."

"He fought for her token, but she gave her heart to another."

"Beneath the clash of swords lies the unspoken battle of alliances."

"The arena smells of sweat and steel, but the court reeks of treachery and roses."

Forbidden Matches and Love

"Their love was a spark that could burn kingdoms."

"He kissed her in shadows, where neither crowns nor duty could find them."

"Love born in defiance is the most fragile and the most dangerous."

"They spoke vows in secret, knowing their houses spoke oaths of blood."

"Their love was an act of war, their union a rebellion in itself."

"No gate is high enough, no lock strong enough, to keep out a desperate heart."

"She gave him her heart, though her father demanded her hand for another."

"They met under stars they could never share."

"In the court of lies, their love was the only truth."

"He was her greatest sin, and she his only redemption."

Enemies and Betrayals

"She married her enemy, and yet the battlefield never left her mind."

"He took her hand in marriage but held a dagger in the other."

"A kiss from an enemy is sweeter when it hides a blade."

"The wedding feast was a truce; the bridal chamber, a battlefield."

"Two houses united, two hearts divided."

"His bride wore a smile, but her vows spoke treachery."

"They danced at the feast, each step a calculated move in their game of thrones."

"To wed an enemy is to hold a viper to your breast."

"The crown decreed their union; the gods wept in protest."

"She called him ‘husband,’ but he called her ‘traitor.’"

Duty vs. Desire

"A prince must follow duty; a man must follow his heart. Rarely do the two paths meet."

"She wore the crown, but her heart wore chains."

"The court demanded heirs; the heart demanded freedom."

"A ruler has no time for love, only alliances."

"She longed for the knight, but the crown chose the king."

"His heart burned for her, but his hand burned for power."

"To love her was treason; to lose her was death."

"The heart’s rebellion is the crown’s greatest enemy."

"He gave his life for his kingdom, and his heart to the wrong woman."

"Love is the luxury of those who do not rule."

Mystery and Magic in Romance

"Her kiss was a spell that no mage could undo."

"The stars themselves envied their forbidden love."

"The prophecy foretold their love would unite the realm, or destroy it."

"He wore the amulet she gave him, a reminder of what he had lost."

"Their love was cursed by gods and envied by mortals."

"The magic of their love defied the will of kings."

"She dreamed of him every night, though her magic forbade her to touch him."

"Their hearts spoke a language even dragons could not silence."

"In her eyes, he saw the storm that would reshape the realm."

"He was a knight, she a sorceress; their love was as doomed as it was eternal."