One of your favorite artists just announced a world tour for next year. You missed their last tour, having had no one to go with, and you really didn’t want to miss it again. Luckily, this time you had a boyfriend to drag along.
You: Sy, tickets go on sale soon for this concert I want to go to next year. Will you come with me?
Sylus: Of course, sweetie. When and where is it?
You excitedly give him the details, grateful to have him when you knew no one else who’d go with you.
Sylus: Leave it to me, sweetie, I’ll make sure you get what you want.
Cue Sylus footing the bill for the best seats in the house and any VIP package he thinks you’d enjoy. He also starts listening to the artist’s work on his own time, wanting to be prepared to sing right alongside you.
Hope you are doing fine. I miss you ☺️ and i miss King SylusxPrincess reader ♥️ Even more so after the primordial chaos card.. Sovereign Sylus and Empress MC 😏😏 tell me infold wasn’t inspired by your fic?! I’ll wait patiently for the next part and I do hope you continue this 🥹
evilldentists are you my number one commenter on ao3 👀 i see you 👀
your support continues to inspire me to get my ass moving and type these silly little words 🥹 i promise im gonna finish it, im hoping to crank out the last two parts and then post them back to back once im done. thank you (and everyone else) for your patience with me, i do this all for you and it means the world to me 🥹🥰
(parts one, two, three, four, five, six, and seven)
synopsis: You and Sylus announce your engagement.
content: king!sylus x princess!reader; use of Y/N; brief nsfw (beginning and end, nothing too explicit); brief mentions of war; typical romance lead sylus; kissing and whatnot; mostly proofread
word count: ~3.3k
a/n: heeyy.... *ominous music* hey..... how y'all doin..... okay okay i won't bore you with my excuses but i'd like to give a huge shoutout to @evilldentists for tagging me in this post, you gave me the inspiration i needed to kick my ass into gear and get this chapter out. there are two parts left that i hope to post in a more timely fashion, but until then, as always, please enjoy <3
Read on Ao3
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Marry me.
The haze of your lingering climax clouded your thoughts. You were sure you’d hallucinated what Sylus said.
Sylus shifted, breath heavy, still buried inside you.
“What…?” you breathed, breaking through the haze. “Did you just ask me to marry you?”
Sylus huffed a laughed. “Yeah, I did.”
You cupped his face. “You mean it?”
He grinned. “Of course I mean it. I had a whole plan but I got…caught up in the moment.”
“If I say yes do I still get to know what the plan was?” you teased.
Sylus rolled his hips and you tossed your head back with a moan. “If you say yes, sweetie, I’ll give you everything you’ve ever wanted.”
“Yes,” you gasped as his hips picked up their rhythm, your nails biting his shoulders. “Yes, yes, yes!”
His lips crashed into yours, whispering against them, “I love you. I promise I’ll make you so happy.”
Sylus would make you more than just happy. He’d make you his wife. His Queen.
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
You paced in front of the large double doors, twisting the ring on your left hand, still unfamiliar with its weight.
Sylus wanted to whisk you away from the palace to fulfill his promise of a proper proposal but duty called. He was King first and foremost, and the war demanded his attention.
Still, he wasted no time getting on one knee, taking your left hand in his and asking you, once again, to marry him.
“Sylus,” you said, “we don’t have to do this. I already said yes.”
You stood amidst a large patch of roses in the palace gardens, the moon and stars bright in a cloudless sky overhead.
“Sweetie, I am a gentleman,” Sylus said. “I will not simply slip a ring on your finger because I got carried away in the heat of the moment.”
You blushed at the memory. “Okay, King of Romance.”
He scoffed, but could not hide the twitch of his lips.
Then, with a sharp inhale, Sylus began his oath.
“Y/N, fourteen years ago I would never have believed this day to be possible. I cherished what little time we had together and was glad to have experienced just a ray of your sunshine. Whether it was fate or the gods that brought you back into my life, I can’t say but I’m forever grateful to have gotten a second chance. Falling in love with you has been my single greatest triumph. Earning your love in return, my highest held honor.” He dropped gracefully to his knee and pulled a red velvet ring box from his pocket. “Will you give me the privilege of calling myself your husband?”
Sylus flipped open the lid to reveal a beautiful ring.
Intricate leaves with diamond accents weaved around the kite cut, speckled black diamond in the six-prong setting.
“Oh, Sylus, it’s perfect,” you breathed, tears flowing down your cheeks. “Yes. No matter how many times you ask me, my answer is always yes.”
Grin adorning his face, Sylus slipped the ring onto your finger. A perfect fit.
He swept you into his arms as he straightened and captured your lips in an impassioned kiss under the moonlight.
“When did you have time to get this made?” you asked later that night after Sylus insisted you wear only the ring for him.
Sylus curled his hand around yours, twisting it this way and that so the stones caught the light. “It was my mother’s.”
You shot upright in bed. “Sylus are you kidding? I can’t accept this.”
He stopped you from taking the ring off. “You already did.”
You groaned.
“She died not long after I was crowned King. She hadn’t been herself for years before then, but she was the only person in my life that showed me what love felt like.” He offered you a soft smile. “Until you of course.
“I promised myself that I would only ever give this ring to someone I truly loved. And here you are, my beloved.”
“Sy, that’s—“ You shook your head in disbelief. “Thank you, this means so much more now.”
The muffled sound of conversation beyond those doors was what incited your anxiety. Sylus was informing his War Council of your intention to marry.
A formal announcement of the engagement had yet to be made, and the moment this opportunity presented itself, Sylus wanted to capitalize on it.
It was Sylus’s idea to invite you and, as a show of loyalty to Onychinus, you would provide as much information as you could about your father’s armies. The problem was, you had little to provide. Women had no seat at the War Councils in Linkon. Not even the heir. What you knew came from loose tongues and whispered conversations. Details you’d carefully pieced together over the years to make a fractured picture that had only started to make sense when you learned the truth of the war. Would it be enough to garner Onychinus’s favor?
The doors opened, startling you from the storm of your thoughts.
“Princess Y/N, if you would be so kind as to join us.”
Your spine snapped straight as you took in the scene before you.
Everyone in the room—Sylus included—stood for you, the former Princess of Linkon, now soon to be crowned their Queen.
Sylus gave you a slight nod and with a deep breath, you crossed the threshold into the coveted Onychinus War Council.
“Don’t look away from them,” Sylus had said. “You have nothing to fear from them.”
You heeded his words as you made your way to his side at the head of the massive table. Chin high, you met each skeptical gaze, pleasantly surprised that some belonged to women—
Wait.
Your steps almost faltered at a familiar pair of light blue eyes.
Jenna. The same woman who taught you how to fight all those years ago. Here, in Onychinus of all places.
She winked at you. You had to swallow a disbelieving laugh.
Sylus’s arm wound around your waist when you reached his side, pulling you tight against him. It was both possessive and protective, a warning and a promise to anyone who dared question your importance to their King.
“As a show of good faith and to prove her loyalty, your future Queen would like to offer information about the King of Linkon and his armies,” Sylus declared. “Be seated so we can begin.”
The sound of shuffling as everyone took their seats soon gave way to shocked murmurs.
You sat in Sylus’s chair while he perched on the arm, hand twined with yours.
Sylus squeezed your hand and whispered, “Whenever you’re ready, sweetie.”
“First let me reiterate, my loyalties lie with Onychinus and its King,” you said, voice steady. “This country and its sovereign offered me—perhaps one of their greatest enemies—a home when I was left with nothing. I’d like to repay the favor in kind by aiding you in bringing my former kingdom to its knees.
“I was not allowed inside the War Council meetings in Linkon, despite being heir to the throne. As a woman, I was meant to be seen, not heard. To follow my father’s orders with no regard for my own free will. But I’ve never been happy with a sedentary lifestyle.” You grinned. “So I listened, just maybe not the way my father expected. I cannot offer you much, but I can tell you my father is smarter than he lets on. He plays the role of a simple-minded ruler well. Forgive me if I sound rude, but has anyone figured out the pattern of attack on your villages?”
Jenna lifted a curious brow as the other occupants of the table exchanged tense glances.
Sylus’s lips twitched in satisfaction. “It seems we haven’t, Princess, please continue.”
“They’re marked beforehand. Villagers should be cautious of travelers, especially ones who are overly curious. The scouts are trying to establish patterns of life and thus the best time to strike. But make no mistake, these are not random targets. My father’s armies have used pillaging as a tactic to advance a particular strategy. For example, luring Onychinus’s armies into carefully laid traps.
“Please understand that I gleaned this information from men who talk too much when given a sip of alcohol and conversations meant to be had in private. It may not be perfect, but it can help nonetheless.”
“My fiancée and I have also devised a strategy of our own,” Sylus said, a smug smirk pulling at his lips.
It was incredible to see how his War Council’s attention transformed when Sylus spoke. Yes, they had given me their undivided attention, but the air shifted with a steadfast respect for their King. I wondered if I might command the same from them one day.
“Upon the formal announcement of our engagement,” Sylus continued, “we will extend an olive branch of sorts to the King of Linkon. To give him an opportunity to end this war using our marriage to unite our countries. Now”—he held up a hand—“before you raise your objections, we do not anticipate the King of Linkon to accept this proposal. His inevitable rejection will allow us to move on with the second phase of our plan.
“Our spies have infiltrated Linkon and, at this Council’s direction, stoked unrest amongst the civilians. Turned them against the nobility who have demanded the lives of their loved ones, taken their harvests and forced them to ration all while they continue to live in luxury. What better time than now for their scorned princess to resurface as an ally and future Queen to Onychinus. Y/N will speak to Linkon’s people, tell them the truth of the war, of their suffering, and turn them against their King.”
Jenna’s face split with a grin. “Your Majesty.” She looked to you and dipped her chin. “Your Highness, may I say this plan is nothing short of genius.”
You exhaled the breath you didn’t know you were holding as the War Council offered their assents.
“The credit belongs to Her Highness,” Sylus said. “She’s the one who came up with it.”
Your gaze dropped to your lap to hide the shy smile at Sylus’s public praise. You had no idea how this meeting would go, but this was far better than you could’ve imagined.
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
The next few hours were spent answering questions and fleshing out the details of your plan.
Your anxiety had eased as the meeting went on and you could hardly remember why you’d been so nervous in the first place by the time it concluded.
With a quick kiss to your temple, Sylus stepped away for a brief discussion.
Jenna took the chance to plop down in the now empty chair beside you.
“I have to say, this is the last place I thought we'd reunite,” she said.
“I could say the same about you,” you countered.
“That’s fair.” She assessed you, her eyes holding nothing but warmth. “You’ve come a long way, Princess. I mean, engaged to the King of Onychinus! Who would’ve guessed?”
You chuckled. “Certainly not me, that’s for sure, but gods Jenna, my life has changed so much since then.”
“In a good way or bad way?”
“The best way,” you said with a wide smile. You covered her hands with your own. “Enough about me. How did you end up here?”
Jenna opened her mouth but before she said anything, her gaze flicked past you just as a pair of large hands found your shoulders.
“Your Highness, Captain, I wasn’t aware you were acquainted.”
You twisted to look at your future husband. “Sy, this is Jenna, the one I told you about.”
His brow lifted. “Ah, you don’t say? What an interesting twist of fate.”
“Captain?” you questioned, turning back to Jenna, the title settling in your mind.
“Captain of the Special Forces in the Royal Guard,” she boasted. “It’s the most elite squad in Onychinus’s army, no big deal.”
“She’s the best in terms of combat,” said Sylus. “It’s only fitting.”
You were overjoyed that the woman who’d once taught you the basics of combat had climbed the ranks amongst Onychinus’s finest. It was a shame that your father deemed her talent unqualified purely for the fact that she wasn’t born a man.
“You’ll forgive me Captain for cutting your reunion short,” Sylus said. “My fiancée and I have some pressing matters we need to attend to.”
Jenna rose and sketched a bow. “Of course, Your Majesty. It was a pleasure seeing you again, Your Highness.”
“You too, Captain,” you replied.
Hand anchored on your lower back, Sylus led you from the meeting room and to his study. You didn’t miss the click of the lock engaging as he closed the door.
“What pressing matters do we have to attend to, Your Majesty?” you asked, feigning innocence.
Sylus chuckled something dark. “Don’t play dumb with me, sweetie. I would’ve bent you over that table and had my way with you if not for our audience.”
You strolled over to his desk, making the dangerous decision to give him your back. There, you leaned over the surface, mischievous grin on your face.
“Such filthy thoughts in your head,” you purred. “During such an important meeting no less. What would your War Council think if they knew?”
He stalked toward you, pupils blown so wide his eyes were but a halo of red. He undid the buttons of his shirt at an unhurried pace.
“I’m far more concerned with your opinion, sweetie,” he drawled. His hands grasped your hips as he settled behind you, a promise of what was to come. “Will you let me show you?”
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
You examined yourself in the mirror, fidgeting with the bejeweled bracelets around your wrist.
The sweetheart neckline of the dark red bodice of your ballgown accentuated your breasts and cinched your waist. The straps hung off your shoulders, and where the chiffon skirt flared, the color bled from red to white.
“We don’t have to do this.”
Your gaze flicked over your shoulder to where Sylus leaned against the doorway draped in his finest. Crisp white pants with silver details stitched into the fabric. White, red-tipped shoes with silver and gold accents. The cape attached to the shoulders of his suit jacket would’ve dragged along the ground were he not so tall. He was the picture of refined elegance, perfect for the banquet awaiting you downstairs.
“We do,” you sighed. “We can’t skip our own engagement banquet.”
Sylus pushed off the doorway and strolled up behind you. “Mmm,” he hummed as he swept your hair back. “You think I have a problem sending everyone home if that’s what you wished?”
You chuckled. “No, I have no doubt you’d do exactly that.”
“Good, as long as you’re aware.”
He produced a necklace seemingly out of nowhere, unfastened the clasp, and placed it around your neck.
It was pair to the one he wore; a square cut ruby inlaid in a halo of diamonds.
“Beautiful,” he murmured.
Your gaze met his in the mirror, his eyes full of mischief.
“You don’t need to be skeptical,” he drawled. “I was talking about you.”
You elbowed him in the stomach.
Sylus pressed a kiss to the top of your head. “Let’s go. You’re tonight’s star.”
The throne room had been decorated for the occasion. Had you not been familiar with the layout, you could’ve sworn you were in some other kingdom.
A hush fell over the crowd as you and Sylus stood before them at the two thrones on the dais.
“I’ll keep it brief,” Sylus said, his voice clear and confident as it carried through the space. “Tonight is for celebrating, so indulge in your desires to your hearts’ content.”
Cheers erupted as the guests raised their glasses in a toast. Music swelled as the banquet started in earnest.
You and Sylus sat on your thrones, accepting congratulations from the various nobility in attendance. For once, you didn’t feel as though you were playing a part. You weren’t faking a smile or forcing a cheerful tone. Queen—even Queen Consort—a position you once dreaded, was now something you welcomed with open arms.
Having had enough of pleasantries, Sylus took your hand raised it to his lips. “May I have this dance, Your Highness?”
You grinned something brilliant. “I told you, Your Majesty, my answer is always yes.”
The crowd parted around you as Sylus brought you to the center of the room. His hand settled on your waist, the other intertwined with yours. You braced your own on the back of his neck and seamlessly fell into step with him.
“Have I mentioned how beautiful you look tonight?” Sylus murmured in your ear.
“Only once,” you teased.
“Then allow me to repeat myself, you look absolutely radiant.” His fingers dug into your hip. “Though I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to rip this dress off you, kitten.”
You dropped your brow to his chest. “Sy, we’re in public.”
“I think we’ve made enough of an appearance, don’t you?”
“Fuck,” you breathed. “Get us out of here.”
Sylus slipped out of the throne room so easily you were positive he’d done more than once before.
He tugged you into the first shadowy alcove you passed and hoisted you up against the wall. Your legs wrapped around his waist on instinct as his lips crashed into yours. The kiss was all teeth and tongue and you had the vague worry you weren’t going to make it to the bedroom before he buried his cock inside your throbbing cunt.
You yanked Sylus back by his hair. “Bedroom.”
“Kitten,” he groaned. He swung you around, off the wall and into the corridor. You assaulted his neck with open-mouthed kisses the entire hurried walk to his bedroom, leaving bright red marks in your wake.
Sylus kicked the door shut, fumbling with the lock, his focus solely on your lips.
You let out a startled gasp when your back hit the mattress. Sylus dragged you to the edge and flipped you onto your stomach.
“I can’t wait,” he rasped as he hiked up your skirt. “Can you take me like this?”
You arched into his touch. “Yes, yes! I’m fucking soaked Sy, please.”
“Fuck, kitten,” he growled.
You shimmied out of your underwear while he pulled down his pants just enough to free his aching cock. He rubbed his tip through your slick entrance before he sank into your sweet heat. Your answering moan was downright erotic, bouncing off the walls of his bedroom.
Sylus pulled you flush against his chest and set a delicious pace.
Getting fucked by your fiancé as his kingdom celebrated your union just floors below. It was poetic really.
Each thrust brought you closer and closer to an intense climax. Sylus’s breath ragged in your ear as he too neared his release.
“Sylus,” you cried. “Sylus, oh gods, I’m going to—“
A loud, harsh knock at the door stopped your impending release short.
Sylus stilled, buried deep inside you. “What?!”
“Boss-man, boss-lady,” came Kieran’s voice from the other side, “we’re sorry to interrupt but—“
“Get to the point, Kieran!” Sylus commanded.
“We just received a response from the King of Linkon.”
“Shit,” Sylus swore.
You bit your tongue when he pulled out of you. He then quickly helped you put on your underwear and tucked himself back into his pants. You followed a half step behind him as he strode to, and jerked open the door.
“What did he say?” you asked over Sylus’s shoulder.
Luke and Kieran turned their masked faces to you. “He’s requested an audience with the King and future Queen.”
One of your favorite artists just announced a world tour for next year. You missed their last tour, having had no one to go with, and you really didn’t want to miss it again. Luckily, this time you had a boyfriend to drag along.
You: Sy, tickets go on sale soon for this concert I want to go to next year. Will you come with me?
Sylus: Of course, sweetie. When and where is it?
You excitedly give him the details, grateful to have him when you knew no one else who’d go with you.
Sylus: Leave it to me, sweetie, I’ll make sure you get what you want.
Cue Sylus footing the bill for the best seats in the house and any VIP package he thinks you’d enjoy. He also starts listening to the artist’s work on his own time, wanting to be prepared to sing right alongside you.
Hai~hellooo~ how are you?? I have come bearing question 🙋🏻♀️ it’s okay to skip this if it’s gonna spoil anything.
I have been rereading King Sylus and Princess MC. So good BTW 🥹 In part one, you wrote that the King of Linkon loved his daughter fiercely and he sequestered her away, with the reason of protecting his only heir. But then he went up and called her a whore after she went missing w/out even listening to her explanation. So is his love actually like Mother Gothel loving Rapunzel? Manipulative? Transactional? Will this father-daughter relationship be explored more down the line?
This is my Roman empire for this week 🤔 I can’t stop thinking about this fic.
hiii!!! first let me say thank you so much for being so invested in this series, it means the world that you care about this silly thing i came up with 🥹
as for the answer to your question…….👀 i can’t give anything away without spoiling but i will very purposely commend your attention to the finer details that will in fact be expanded upon in the next three(?probably?) parts
i hope to give you, and everyone else who enjoys this series, a satisfying finale so please stayed tuned ☺️
(parts one, two, three, four, five, six, and eight)
synopsis: After confessing your love, you and Sylus explore the physical intimacy of your relationship.
content: king!sylus x princess!reader; use of Y/N; porn with teeny tiny plot; absurd amount of kissing; probably excessive use of pet names; boobies; fingering; oral (m and f receiving); p in v; virginity loss; sylus as the sweetest consent King; pretty fluffy tbh; mostly proofread
word count: ~3.7k
a/n: this is by far the smuttiest smut i’ve ever written. i hope my little horny babies are ready bc i’m about to feed you so good >:) for anyone interested, this can be read as a standalone if you don’t want to delve into the rest of the story. either way, as always, please enjoy
Read on Ao3
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The floodgates opened with that first kiss.
Every chance you got, your lips found Sylus’s just as his found yours. In his bed. In his study. Tucked in the shadows of the palace. In the sand pit when you were meant to be training. Anywhere. Everywhere.
But ever the gentleman, Sylus stayed true to his word in wanting to take things slow. No matter how heated a kiss became—and oh, did they get heated—he never went beyond that.
You were growing frustrated in more ways than one.
You wanted to be bolder with him, to be greedier, but your inexperience scared you from pushing your own boundaries. Surely he couldn’t hold out forever, right?
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
Sylus had you right where he wanted you, straddling his lap with your hands in his hair and your tongue in his mouth.
He was proud of himself for how much self control he’d exhibited these past several weeks. Settling for just your lips and tongue had been a monumental task when his body ached for more. To press his lips against your skin and memorize every inch of you. To have you writhe beneath him, begging for more, begging him not to stop as he buried himself in your wicked heat. He was hard just thinking about it. Well that, and for other, obvious, reasons.
Sylus knew you noticed. Your hips twitched but his hard grip on them prevented you from grinding properly. He did this on purpose because the one time he didn’t, he almost snapped.
Unfortunately for Sylus, your impatience was at a tipping point and he only had two hands.
You yanked his head back by his hair and his hips responded on instinct, bucking up into yours. You gasped at the lightning that jolted down your spine, straight into your core.
“Oh fuck,” Sylus breathed. His squeezed his eyes shut, that self control fraying. “My kitten has claws tonight.”
Your chest heaved into his as adrenaline and nerves flowed through your veins.
“Use your words, kitten,” Sylus encouraged, voice deceptively soft despite his smoldering gaze. “I won’t know what you want unless you tell me.”
“More,” you whispered.
Your fingers slipped through his hair as he lifted his head. “More what?” he questioned. “Do you want me to touch you?”
You nodded, cheeks aflame.
“Words, kitten.”
“Yes.”
Sylus hummed. “Okay, but if it’s too much, you tell me and I stop. Deal?”
You nodded again, more eager this time. “Deal.”
He sealed the agreement with a gentle kiss.
His hands shifted, one slid up your spine to cup the back of your neck while the other wound around your waist. He guided you onto the mattress and settled above you, between your legs.
Sylus tore away from your lips to trail open-mouthed kisses along your jaw, down your neck, and across your collarbone. His fingertips grazed the scoop of your simple, satin nightgown, your nipples visibly hardening beneath the fabric.
You arched into his touch, a whimper sounding from your throat.
“So eager,” he murmured.
His fingers traced a path to your shoulders where he pushed the thin nightgown straps down.
“Is this okay?” he asked, eyes flicking from yours to your breasts, his intention clear.
“Yes, yes,” you replied, hurried.
Sylus chuckled. “Patience, sweetie,” he chided, slowly, slowly pulling your nightgown to expose your breasts. His breath caught at the sight of them, and with a rasp, said, “Don’t you know good things come…to those who wait.”
He surged forward and latched onto one of your hard nipples, laving his tongue over the sensitive bud. You cried out as your hands tangled in his hair, holding him there. He gave each breast an equal amount of attention, satisfied only when your skin glistened with his spit.
He found his way back to your lips, capturing them in an impassioned kiss. He slipped a hand between your bodies and underneath your skirt, splayed along your inner thigh.
“Still okay?” he asked between kisses.
You moaned. “Yes, Sylus, please, more.”
“As you wish.”
Sylus dove back in, claiming your moans with his tongue. The hand on your thigh inched closer and closer to the aching heat between your legs until he finally pulled the fabric of your underwear aside.
Your breath stuttered as he swiped through your slit.
“Y/N,” Sylus groaned. “You’re soaked for me.”
He gathered your slick and brought it to your clit where he rubbed slow, measured circles.
“Sy-hah-Sylus!” you gasped. “Oh gods.”
Sylus watched your expressions with rapt attention, filled with a sense of pride knowing it was him bringing you this pleasure and no one else. You were well and truly his, and he planned to bring you to heights you never could’ve dreamed of.
Eager to give you what you wanted, Sylus forwent his ministrations in favor of slipping a finger into your tight heat. You were so wet he met little resistance and was rewarded with your high pitched whine.
Your hips moved of their own accord, grinding against his hand as he thrust his finger in and out at a maddeningly unhurried pace. His one finger reached deeper than your own ever could and when he curled it—
“Oh fuck!” you moaned, back bowing off the bed.
“That’s it,” Sylus growled. “I’m adding another, you’re doing so good for me, sweetie. Such a good girl.”
A second finger joined the first, both curling against the spot that had pleasure coiling fast and tight. It was so good and too much yet not enough all at once.
Your nails dug into Sylus’s bicep, sheets clutched in your other hand. “Sylus, please, oh gods please,” you begged. “I’msoclose, oh gods, pleasepleaseplease.”
He would never deny your pleas.
Sylus pressed his thumb onto your clit, applying just enough pressure for you to—
The coil snapped and your walls clenched around Sylus’s fingers as you came, a silent scream leaving your mouth agape.
He worked you through your climax until your body slumped, spent.
“Still with me, kitten?” he asked, lips brushing against your temple.
“Mmm,” you hummed.
He slid his fingers out of you, and you watched, heavy-lidded, as he sucked those fingers into his mouth.
“You taste so good, Princess,” he breathed. He cocked his head, noticing the curiosity in your eyes. “I’m sorry, did you want try too?”
Your cheeks blazed with embarrassment.
“It’s okay,” he soothed, stroking your bottom lip with his thumb. “Open for me.”
Your lips parted, and he slipped his fingers inside.
There was something wildly erotic about tasting the faint tang of your own slick. And the way Sylus looked at you—pupils blown so wide his red irises were barely visible—made your core spasm with need. Surely he wanted to feel release too, no?
You reached down and cupped his cock through the fabric of his pants. It was so unexpected, Sylus’s hips bucked, a strangled groan tearing from his throat.
He snatched your hand away and removed his fingers from your mouth. “That was dangerous, kitten.”
“Don’t you want to feel good too?” you questioned. “I can help.”
Of course he did, his cock throbbed so badly it hurt, but this wasn’t about him.
Sylus shook his head. “Not tonight.”
“But—”
“Not tonight,” he repeated.
“Okay,” you conceded as his tone left no room for argument.
He offered you a gentle smile. “I appreciate your concern.”
You sighed. “Now what?”
“Now?” Sylus huffed. His hand found the inside of your thigh again, teasing the waistband of your underwear. “Can I take these off?”
“I thought we were done?!” you exclaimed.
He laughed outright. “We are, but I need to clean you up.”
“Oh.” You averted your gaze. “Yes, you can.”
“I’ll need to look too, is that okay?”
You nodded. “Yes.”
Your heart fluttered when he removed your underwear, not out of renewed desire, but because of how gentle his touch was. How reverent.
He disappeared into the en suite, and stopped at the armoire before returning to you with a cloth and new pair of underwear. He was no less gentle, no less reverent, as he cleaned your most intimate area and helped you into the underwear.
Soon, you were wrapped securely in his arms beneath the covers, sated in a way you’d never been before.
But despite how sleep tugged at you, your curious nature reared its persistent head.
“You’ve done this before,” you murmured into Sylus’s chest.
He froze for half a second. “Yes,” he admitted. “But that was a long time ago. None of it matters now.”
It did matter, everything about him mattered to you. “Were there many others? Any…like me?”
Sylus inhaled a deep breath through his nose. “I was more reckless in my youth, especially as a young King. There were others yes, but not very many, and not one was as important to me as you are.”
That settled the anxiety in your chest. You didn’t care that he’d slept with other women, but you certainly would’ve felt some type of way had he felt for any of them as he did for you.
“Can I ask, Princess, who taught you how to fight?”
“What does that have to do with anything?” you asked, taken aback.
He shrugged a shoulder. “I thought you had a secret affair with a solider or a guard.”
You smacked him. “What an absurd assumption!”
“You’d be surprised, Princess,” Sylus teased.
You scoffed. “Please. I was taught by a woman.”
His arm tightened. “Women can sleep with women, I’m not one to judge.”
“Sylus!” you groaned.
He chuckled and started peppering your face with kisses. “I’m— sorry. Tell me— about— her.”
“Her name was… Jenna… Sylus…I can’t talk…when you’re—mmph.”
He cut you off, mouth capturing yours. “I’m sorry,” he repeated against your lips. “I can’t help myself.”
Neither could you it seemed, the conversation long forgotten in the heat of each other’s mouths.
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
Sylus was holed up in his study while you lay in his bed, bored and needy.
You hadn’t gone all the way with him yet, but you’d progressed steadily, going further and further each time. He’d barely let you out of his sight since he first tasted you, but his Kingly duties demanded his attention tonight.
You still hadn’t tasted him on your tongue despite begging to use more than your hands. So, frustrated, and feeling a little mischievous, you left Sylus’s bedchambers and hurried toward his study.
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
It was far from unusual for you to visit Sylus in his study, so he wasn’t surprised when you slipped inside. What did catch his attention, however, was the distinct click of the lock engaging.
“Kitten,” he warned, not even looking up from the papers scattered across his desk, “I have a War Council meeting tomorrow.”
“I’m not here to distract you,” you replied. A half truth of course, but he’d soon learn that. “I just missed His Majesty, is that a crime?”
Sylus shook his head with a huff. “Of course not, Your Highness.”
“Good, then please continue your work as if I’m not here.”
Much easier said than done when the comfort of your weight settled in his lap.
Definitely easier said than done when you started misbehaving by sucking his neck. Not that Sylus didn’t angle his neck to give you better access. Not that Sylus stopped you at all really, despite the importance of the work in front of him. He could multitask, and he was doing a very fine job of that, thank you very much.
It wasn’t until you slid onto the floor at his feet that his attention fully focused on you.
“Y/N, what are you doing?” he asked, tone half exasperated, half teasing.
“Just relax,” you insisted. “I’m not here to distract you, remember?”
“You’re accomplishing the exact opposite.”
“I am?” You tilted your head, looking up at him with doe-eyes.
Sylus wasn’t fooled, he knew you were up to something the second you locked the door. But still, he didn’t stop you.
The outline of his already half hard cock was visible where it rested against his thigh. Sylus sucked in a sharp breath when you traced the shape of him over his pants. He said nothing as you untucked his shirt and pushed it up to reveal his chiseled abdominals where you placed hot, opened-mouth kisses. In fact, he spread his legs wider and lifted his hips to help you take his pants and undershorts off, his cock bobbing free.
Your mouth salivated at the sight but you didn’t want to rush yourself, you wanted to do this right.
You gripped his base and slowly pumped his cock, spreading the pre-cum leaking from his slit down his shaft. Sylus’s fist clenched atop the desk, eyes screwed shut, as his breath became increasingly more ragged.
Spurred on by how well he responded, you leaned forward and sealed your lips around his tip.
Sylus pushed his chair back in shock, causing your mouth to release him with a quiet pop!
“Y/N, what are you doing?” he demanded, running a shaky hand through his hair.
You pouted. “I want to taste you too, Sy,” you whined. “It’s not fair.”
“And you thought now was an appropriate time for it?”
“You left me, and I was bored.”
He pinched the bridge of his nose.
You averted your gaze and stared at the floor. “I won’t do it if you don’t want to.”
“No, sweetie, of course I want you to,” Sylus was quick to reassure. “Can you blame me for being caught a bit off guard?”
His tone had your lips curling. “You know…you’ve been working really hard for your meeting tomorrow.” You lifted your gaze to his. Held it as you placed your hands on the floor and crawled to him. “I think His Majesty needs a break.”
Gods help him because Sylus almost came, untouched, right then. His Princess, on her hands and knees, crawling to him. How could he deny you? What could he possibly have done to deserve such a beautiful creature?
You stopped between his legs, eyes still trained on his. “May I?”
His throat bobbed but he nodded.
“Words, Your Majesty.”
Oh, fuck him. “Yes,” he rasped.
You were tentative at first, testing the waters by peppering his cock with chaste kisses before sucking only his tip into your mouth. Sylus’s hand wove into your hair, not to push but to ground himself, to keep his hips still.
“Go slow, kitten,” Sylus instructed, breathless, “you don’t have to take it all at once.”
The thought of taking his whole long, thick cock in your mouth, so deep he hits the back of your throat, both terrified you and made your core clench.
But you listened, slowly taking more and more until half his cock sat heavy on your tongue while your hand covered the rest.
You started working him in earnest. Cheeks hollowed, you bobbed your head up and down, tongue running along the underside of his cock as you went.
Sylus threw his head back with a groan. He never realized just how good your mouth would feel. He’d fantasized about it, sure, but his imagination could not compare to the real thing. He wasn’t going to last very long.
The study filled with the sounds of your obscene slurping and Sylus’s low grunts and moans.
His fingers dug into your scalp, hips twitching as release tingled down his spine. “Kitten, I’m close.”
You hummed and he bucked up, cock hitting the back of your throat, making you gag. But you were undeterred.
“Y/N, wait, you don’t have to—hah—you don’t—shit.”
You squeezed his base at the same moment you swirled your tongue around his tip and through his weeping slit.
That threw him over the edge fast and hard, thick streams of cum shooting down your throat. You swallowed everything he gave you, mouth slipping free of his cock once he was spent.
Sylus stared down at you, breath ragged, in disbelief. All he wanted was to do was to bend you over his desk and fuck you until the only thing you remembered was his name. You deserved better than that though, and there was plenty of time to fulfill yet another one of his fantasies after you were properly taken care of. For now, he’d have to settle for the next best thing.
“Was that okay?” you asked him.
He found your nervousness adorable.
Sylus cradled your face and you leaned into his touch. “It was perfect, sweetie.”
Without warning, he lifted you by your waist and placed you atop the desk.
“Sy, what are you— oh gods!”
He wasted no time ripping off your underwear and throwing your legs over his shoulder. He was met with the beautiful sight of your glistening cunt, already soaked and ready for him.
“I won’t be able the concentrate without this, sweetie,” he drawled, peeking up at your flushed face. “You understand, don’t you?”
He did not give you the chance to answer as he dove in, groaning when the taste of you spread across his tongue. He teased your entrance before easily slipping two fingers inside, his tongue now focused on your clit.
You crumpled papers in your fists, head thrown back in ecstasy as Sylus climbed you higher and higher with each stroke of his tongue, each pump of his fingers. Your heels dug into his back, body tensed as you neared a swift release.
“Sylus,” you gasped. “I can’t—ah—Sy I’m gonna—”
He curled his fingers just right and your vision went white, body bowed as your climax tore through you.
Blissed out of your mind, you barely noticed Sylus drag you onto his lap. Reacted on instinct when his mouth met yours in a kiss that was all tongue and teeth, the taste of both of you melding together.
“We’re going back to my bedchambers, I’m going to clean us both up, and you’re going to behave so I can finish my work,” Sylus commanded when he came up for air. “Is that understood, Your Highness?”
“Is that an order, Your Majesty?” you purred.
Sylus nipped your bottom lip with a growl. “Yes.”
“Then I’ll be a good girl, just for you.”
Gods help him, he was never getting his work done.
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
You lay on your sides, your leg hooked over Sylus’s hip. His cock ground lazily against your core, your respective undergarments the only thing separating you.
“Sy,” you whispered between kisses, “I’m ready.”
Sylus drew back, hips stilling. “Are you sure? There’s no rush.”
By no means did you feel rushed.
“I’m positive,” you said. “I want to feel you, all of you. Please.”
His cock twitched at the thought of finally sinking into your warmth.
“Okay, but I need to make sure you’re ready first,” he said.
He rolled you onto your back. You helped him rid you of your underwear, leaving you naked beneath him.
It wasn’t the first time Sylus had seen you bare, but his hungry gaze drank you in like it was. Your beauty captured him, mesmerized him, and he wondered how a man as unlucky as him had been chosen by you. You trusted him so implicitly that you willingly offered yourself to him, gave him the honor of becoming the only man who’d ever know you so intimately.
He would not squander this blessing.
Sylus buried two fingers deep in your waiting cunt. He needed you to loosen up a bit before you could take his cock.
You moved your hips to the rhythm of his fingers, moaning and whining as he sucked the sensitive skin of your neck.
When you were practically gushing on his hand, Sylus slipped in a third finger, the burn from the unfamiliar stretch quickly transforming into pleasure.
“Be a good girl and come for me, sweetie,” Sylus murmured.
“Sylus,” you cried, nails biting into his shoulders.
“I know, you’re so close, I can feel it.”
His mouth found a nipple and sucked hard. Your hips stuttered, the pressure in your core building until you fell over the edge, coming around his fingers.
Sylus was quick to remove his undershorts and capture your lips in a searing kiss. You weren’t nearly satisfied yet, desperate to feel his cock fill you.
He slid his cock through your folds, coating it in both your slick, then notched his tip at your entrance.
“Ready, kitten?” he asked.
You nodded, emphatic. “Yesyesyes.”
His chuckle morphed into a low groan as he pushed into your welcoming heat. Even stretching you out, it was a tight fit and the last thing he wanted to do was hurt you despite the instinct to take you in one brutal thrust.
“So tight,” he rasped. "I need you to relax a little more for me.”
You could only whine, already too far gone to form a coherent response. Sylus’s thumb found your clit and gently circled it as he sunk deeper, inch by agonizingly perfect inch.
Your chests heaved into each other by the time he bottomed out.
“Doing okay, kitten?” Sylus asked, peering down at your blissed out expression. What a beautiful sight.
“Mmm s’good,” you slurred. “Feels so good, Sy.”
And gods was the feeing mutual. Sylus had never felt this good in his whole life. He couldn’t wait to take you on every surface in the palace.
He laced his fingers with yours, hands held above your head, and he moved.
Your hands squeezed his as he set his pace. Cried out his name with each delicious drag of his cock against your walls, his tip reaching the spot deep within you that had your thighs shaking around his hips.
Sylus made love to you in every sense of the phrase. From the intimate roll of his hips to the gentleness in his red gaze and the reverence with which he kissed. This was far more than just joining bodies, it was the intertwining of your very souls.
He chanted your name like a prayer as your walls fluttered around him. Sylus focused on hitting that sweet spot to push you over the edge. And when you clamped down so hard on his cock he thought he might see the gods, he followed right behind you, filling your cunt to the brim.
Sylus rested his brow on yours, basking in the afterglow, and breathed against your lips, “Marry me.”
(parts one, two, three, four, five, seven, and eight)
synopsis: Title is self-explanatory.
content: king!sylus x princess!reader; use of Y/N; slow burn; brief mention of abuse (slap across the cheek, not by sylus); suggestive flirting; real flirting; real suggestive flirting!!!!!; real kissing!!!!!; tooth rooting fluff, as promised; mostly proofread
word count: ~2.8k
a/n: surprise bitches, bet you thought you saw the last of me (imsosorry the writer’s block has been insane and real plus i’ve been focused on other projects. i promise i haven’t forgotten about this <3 and thank you to everyone who’s stuck around with me through this journey, iloveyouallsomuch) the next part will be NSFW but will not further the plot so if you want to sit that one out, please feel free, you won’t miss anything :)
Read on Ao3
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“Okay, I think it’s time we addressed the crow in the room.”
As though of one mind, both man and crow turned their heads toward you.
You stared, slightly unnerved.
“I don’t think that’s how the saying goes, sweetie,” Sylus drawled, the corners of his lips kicking up.
“Unless you’re hiding an elephant that also does your bidding, then we’ll have to settle on crow,” you retorted.
Sylus laughed. “No, no elephants.”
“Oh, what a relief,” you muttered under your breath.
“What was that?”
You cleared your throat and held your chin high. “Your Majesty, why is one of your henchmen a crow?”
He sighed, tugging at your wrist to pull you into his lap. “I found him on my balcony one night with a broken wing. Took him inside, nursed him back to health, and he decided to stick around.”
Such a simple explanation for such a surprising act of kindness.
“Your enemies would be shocked if they knew this about you,” you said.
“They’ll probably wish to be reborn as animals in their next life. They wouldn’t have to fight me then.”
You lifted a curious brow. “Do you like animals?”
His lips dropped in a barely there frown. “I don’t like or dislike them. To me, they’re harmless.”
“But you were kinder to something so weak compared to most, I’m sure.”
“Just because you’re stronger doesn’t mean you stand above the weak.”
You gently traced his cheek, below his right eye. “Is that why His Majesty brought this princess back to his palace?”
Sylus’s gaze sharpened and his hand snapped up to catch your wrist. “Weak is not a word I’d use to describe Her Highness.”
You searched for any hint of teasing but came up with none. He was being serious. “Then why?”
Despite mending your relationship, the question had still been lingering in the back of your mind. Taking in a wounded animal didn’t hold a candle to welcoming an enemy into your territory.
But you weren’t really his enemy anymore…
“In the mood for stories today, are you?” Sylus questioned, voice softening.
“I always want to hear your stories,” you replied.
He chuckled, slipping his hand into yours, entwining your fingers. “Years ago, the day before I was meant to be crowned King, I ran away from this very palace and found myself on top of a hill. I needed time to think, to reckon with the major shift about to happen in my life. To mourn the sudden loss of my father just a week prior.
“It was peaceful, at first, a much needed respite from the chaos awaiting me, that is, until a young girl almost knocked me down the hill.
“She was this cute little thing, missing her two front teeth as she grinned like a maniac, not even apologizing for running into me. She offered me the flowers she’d picked, saying ‘You look sad, these flowers will help.’ I found I couldn’t say no to her, so she adorned me with them, in my hair, behind my ears, tucked into my shirt.”
“Did you feel better?”
Sylus chuckled. “Yeah actually, I did. She sat with me, asked why I was so down. I told her I was sad that I’d lost my father and that I’d be crowned King the following day. I told her I wasn’t ready, that I was scared.”
“What did she say?” you asked.
He smiled softly. “She told me she’d be Queen too one day, and we could rule together, that way it wouldn’t be as scary anymore. Besides, she’d said, she’d be there at my coronation, so I wouldn’t alone.
“Except she didn’t show the next day. I searched the crowd for her but never found that smiling face again.” He tilted his head, regarding you with a look you couldn’t quite place. “Imagine my surprise when, fourteen years later, she stumbled into my war tent, a grown woman.”
Air whooshed from your lungs.
He was…talking about you? But why didn’t you remember him? How could you forget meeting him? Was he just making this up?
Sylus tucked a strand of hair behind your ear, fingers brushing lightly along your cheek. “I guess you really don’t remember anything, huh?”
“The girl…was me?” you breathed, staring at him with wide eyes.
He nodded.
“But I don’t remember.” You shook your head. “Why don’t I remember?”
Coronation. King of Onychinus. Flowers. A hill.
You repeated this in your mind, hoping to jog your memory.
Coronation. King of Onychinus. Flowers. A hill.
Coronation. King of Onychinus. Flowers. A hill.
Coronation. King of—
It hit you like a wave, sudden and all consuming.
A boy, not much older than you, with sad red eyes and silver-white hair. His smile. His laugh.
But you’d blocked this day out of your memory, because when you returned to where you were staying as a coronation guest within Onychinus, your father was irate. It was the first time and only time he laid a hand on you. He'd slapped you so hard across the cheek it left a bruise. You missed the coronation because of it. The memory was buried deep , the hurt and betrayal from your father too much for your younger self to manage, but that meant you’d buried Sylus too.
Tears slid down your cheeks.
“Sweetie?” Sylus questioned. “What’s wrong, did I upset you?”
“N-no.” You sucked in a shaky breath. “I remember,” you whispered. “I remember meeting you, and why I wasn’t there the next day.”
He remained quiet, giving you the space to speak at your own pace.
You squeezed your eyes shut. “He hit me.”
Sylus went rigid.
“It left a bruise on my cheek,” you continued, your voice wavering. “I couldn’t go to your coronation because of it. It was the only time he ever hit me.” More tears slipped free as you looked up at him. “I buried it, the memory. I didn’t want to remember my father that way but it meant I forgot you. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry I didn’t come back for you.”
Sylus’s brow buckled. “Oh, Y/N, you have nothing to apologize for.” He tucked you into his chest and pressed a kiss atop your head. “It’s not your fault.”
“I can’t believe you recognized me fourteen years later,” you murmured.
“How could I ever forget the only light that’s shone through my darkness?” He ran his fingers through your hair. “You never strayed far from my mind in all the years we spent apart, and I’m grateful to the gods for giving us a second chance.”
Despite everything, you were grateful too, and you felt it prudent to say so.
“I am too,” you whispered.
His breath caught, like he wasn’t expecting you to return the sentiment. His arms tightened around you. “I won’t waste it this time, I promise you.”
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
Promises made were promises kept.
You and Sylus lounged on a blanket, a spread of food laid out before you, looking out at the distant palace.
He’d brought you to the very place you’d met, the hill.
You realized some time ago, with frightening clarity, just how hard you’d fallen for the King of Onychinus. At first you tried to rationalize it, explain the feelings away. Sylus was the first man who’d been so kind to you in a long time, and of course his unfairly good looks didn’t help. But the more you tried, the more he showed you just how wrong you were. Until it was clear to you that to be loved was to be seen, and gods did this man see you.
He saw you in the little things. How you liked your tea. How you had a strange habit of preferring his right side to his left when you walked together, slept in the same bed together. How he always found a way to hold your hands or keep them occupied whenever you got upset, making sure you didn’t hurt yourself.
He saw you in the big things too. How he openly complimented you at any given opportunity, reminding you how beautiful you were. How he showered you with gifts and things that reminded him of you. How he challenged you in a way that wasn’t combative but encouraging, wanting you to be the best version of yourself.
And with these feelings came the overwhelming need for physical intimacy. You wanted nothing more than to know the feel of Sylus’s lips on yours. To feel them on your skin. To explore pleasure with him in ways you’d never known before.
Today was supposed to be perfect. It was supposed to be the two of you, a romantic afternoon where maybe, just maybe, you’d get the kiss you’d been dying for. But when the twins spied you and Sylus walking toward the palace exit, picnic basket and blanket in hand, they begged to be taken along.
While Sylus had no problem denying them, you couldn’t. Their childhood was stolen from them, and they were still so young, when was the last time they’d had the opportunity to run around and be kids?
Their excited shrieks, along with Mephisto’s cries, echoed behind where you lay sprawled in Sylus’s lap.
He rolled his eyes.
You slapped his arm. “Leave them be,” you scolded. “They’re having fun.”
“They could’ve had fun at the palace,” he grumbled.
“Come on, this isn’t so bad. We’re still together, right?”
“Yeah,” he said, expression softening, “we are.”
You stretched across his lap, reaching past the edges of the blanket toward the flowers peeking out from beneath. You picked a few and returned to your previous position. With care, you tucked the stem of one behind his ear.
“How do you feel, being back here with me after all these years?” you asked, nestling another in his hair.
He took the last two from your hand and slid one behind your ear and the other into your hair.
To match, you thought fondly.
“I feel…” Sylus sucked in a deep breath. “Complete.”
He didn’t elaborate, but he didn’t need to.
“And you? How do you feel, sweetie?” he asked, fingers brushing softly through your hair, careful to not disturb the flower.
“I feel like the missing piece I left here with you has finally been made whole again.” Your fingers drifted across his chest as you echoed, “Complete.”
His lips curled into a gentle smile.
“The view is beautiful up here,” you mused. “Did you visit often?”
“At first, yes,” he sighed. “I held onto the foolish hope that maybe I’d see you again but when it became obvious that that wouldn’t happen… Well, let’s just say the visits were few and far between.”
A pang of guilt shot through your heart. While you’d gone out of your way to forget him thanks to your father, Sylus had held onto your memory. Cherished it so much as to dare to hope you’d be reunited.
“Hey.”
He tapped your brow, interrupting your spiraling thoughts.
“Whatever it is you’re thinking, stop,” he chided. “I didn’t say that for you to feel guilty over my actions. You should know well by now, Princess, that I don’t do anything I don’t want to.”
“I still feel bad,” you grumbled.
“And I’m telling you to stop,” he said. “The past is in the past, what truly matters now is what’s right in front of me.” He grinned. “Which.” Tap. “Is.” Tap. “You.” Tap.
You scrambled to catch his wrist. “You’re teasing me!”
Sylus chuckled. “You make it so easy sometimes.”
Yeah well, two could play at that game.
You sat up, swinging a leg around to straddle him, and lifted your chin expectantly.
Sylus raised a brow. “Yes, Your Highness? Do you want something?”
A smile teased your lips. “I’m hungry. Feed me, Your Majesty.”
He huffed a laugh and picked off a handful of grapes from the cluster beside you. “Open.”
You obeyed, sticking your tongue out flat. He carefully placed a grape onto it and watched, enraptured, as you curled it back into your mouth. While you chewed, you plucked one out of his hand and tapped it against his lips. Sylus opened his mouth just enough for you to pop it in before sealing his lips shut.
This silent teasing and feeding continued until Sylus pinched the last grape between two fingers. Except this time, when he pressed it against your tongue, you snatched his wrist, keeping his hand in place as you closed your lips around his fingers.
His breath caught, pupils dilating.
Your tongue ran along the underside of his fingers and you oh so slowly slid them out of your mouth, releasing them with a quiet pop!
“Kitten,” Sylus rasped, voice dropping as his self control frayed at the edges. Your stomach twisted at the sudden new nickname and you quickly swallowed the grape. “You’re playing a very dangerous game.”
You held his smoldering gaze. “What if I want to play?”
Sylus’s eyes bounced between your own and your mouth, like he couldn’t settle on where to look. “Don’t start something you can't finish.”
Your hand curled behind his neck, burying into the hair at his nape. “I won’t,” you promised.
His arm slid around your waist to anchor you in place. For a beat, he didn’t move, then finally, he said, “Fuck it, we’ve both waited long enough.”
He surged forward, grasping the base of your skull to angle you just right. Your heart lurched, eyes fluttering closed. His breath fanned across your lips, so close it tingled, as they parted in anticipation.
“Boss-man, boss-lady look what we— Oh.”
Sylus halted and you held back a whine, nails digging into his skin. He had never hated the twins more than in this moment.
“Luke, come on, we can show them later.”
“Wait but what are they—”
“Luke, come on.”
You both stayed still, listening to the twins’ retreating footsteps.
You couldn’t take it anymore. You needed this.
“Sylus,” you breathed. Begged.
Then he kissed you.
A whimpered sounded from the back of your throat as his lips melded against yours. They were soft. Insistent, but reverent, like he too could no longer stand to wait.
When his tongue brushed your bottom lip, you opened for him, granting him the permission he sought. Sylus groaned, low and deep from his chest, as your tongues caressed, his grip on your waist tightening.
You lost yourself in his kiss. Let it consume you, devour you.
Sylus struggled to keep his hands still, to not feel every inch of you.
He tore his lips from yours if only to give himself a moment to regain his composure. But you chased after him, pressing against him as both hands tangled in his hair, knocking both flowers loose.
And who was he to deny you?
Slowly, he guided you onto your back, positioning himself between your legs. You were in a dress, it was so indecent, but Sylus was too far gone, he’d take you right here and now if you asked.
His hand slid over your hip, down your skirt, before his fingertips teased the skin beneath.
You froze.
Sylus immediately stopped and pulled away. “Y/N, I’m sorry. Are you okay?”
You stared up at him, chest heaving as you parsed through your thoughts. “I’m fine,” you panted. Warmth spread across your cheeks. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to freeze like that. I just…wasn’t expecting it. I got scared.”
He cocked his head. “Forgive me for asking, Princess, but have you never…?”
You bit your lip and shook your head. “No.”
Curious, Sylus thought. He was sure you’d had some sort of elicit affair with a guard or knight, who else could’ve taught you to fight? He tucked the thought away to ask at a more appropriate time.
He rocked back on his heels, pulling you upright with him. “I’m sorry,” he said again. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable, I got carried away.”
“No! I wasn’t uncomfortable, just surprised,” you insisted. “I— um.” You averted your gaze, pink dusting your cheeks. “It felt nice.”
Sylus huffed a chuckle. So cute. “That’s good to hear then, but maybe we should slow down a little, yeah?”
You nodded.
He hooked a finger under your chin and forced your gaze to his. “I want to do this right.”
“I do too,” you whispered.
“Good.” He pressed a featherlight kiss to your lips. “I fear you’ve burrowed too deep into my heart for me to lose you now.”
Your own heart responded in kind, fluttering at his quiet confession. The words blurted before you could stop them.
“Iloveyou.”
Sylus blinked. Then he laughed, loud and free. “Finally caught up, have you?”
Just thinking about Soft!Sylus and how he expresses his love…
Hear me out…he’s at his most vulnerable after moments of intimacy. And I don’t mean just after sex, I mean any kind of intimacy.
Walk with me here:
…You’re laying on the couch and Sylus is on top of you, his full body weight resting on yours. One hand rests between his shoulder blades while the other cards through his hair.
He hums in contentment and says, “I’m safe in your arms. You’ll protect me, right kitten?”
…You’re nestled together in bed, the sun peeking through the slit in Sylus’s blackout curtains. You’d convinced him once again to ruin his sleep schedule for you, wanting to spend the night warm in his embrace.
His lips trace over your brow as he whispers, “Having you here makes the sunrise more bearable. I could get used to this.”
…Your heavy breaths mix as you both come down from your highs, Sylus still buried deep inside you.
You share a slow, passionate kiss.
Against your lips, he murmurs, “There’s nothing I enjoy more than worshipping every inch of you, my beloved.”
…It’s your honeymoon and you’re on the beach, finally having gotten a moment to yourselves after what felt like days of chaos. But not once did Sylus complain, no he took everything in stride as long as it meant being by your side.
And he says to you, the weight of his devotion clear in his red eyes, “I love what you love.”
(part one, part two, part three, part four, part six, part seven, and part eight)
synopsis: Sylus returns from the front lines and your life by the King of Onychinus's side can begin in earnest.
content: king!sylus x princess!reader; use of Y/N; slow burn; suggestive flirting; brief but vague mention of violence and death; lots of fluff, as promised; mostly proofread
word count: ~3.4k
a/n: maybe one day they'll kiss >:)
Read on Ao3
- - ┈┈∘┈˃̶༒˂̶┈∘┈┈ - - ┈┈∘┈˃̶༒˂̶┈∘┈┈ - -
Ten weeks of waiting didn’t seem that terrible knowing time with Sylus was on the other side. But that didn’t stop the constant worrying, and the nightmares only made it worse. Almost every night you were plagued by them, your unconscious mind crafting endless possibilities of Sylus’s death on the battlefield. They were gruesome, heart wrenching, but none felt as real as the one where you held the sword impaling his chest.
That particular nightmare, naturally, was your least favorite. You’d wake up panicked, tears staining your cheeks, still able to feel the weight of the claymore in your hands. Feel Sylus’s touch as his hand wrapped around yours, almost encouraging you to plunge the blade further.
You wished he was here, to comfort you yes, but his mere presence would reassure you that he was safe. Alive.
Occupying yourself during the day was a rather difficult task you often roped Tara into. As always, she was more than willing to help, often reminding you that as your handmaid, this was well within her job description. Still, it didn’t stop you from feeling bad, surely she had better things to do than sitting around while you perched on your bedchamber windowsill, window open, hoping another letter would come.
During the past weeks, Sylus had been sending you sporadic letters delivered by none other than your arch nemesis, the crow.
The first time it happened, you and Tara were meandering through one of the many gardens on the palace grounds. A caw sounded overhead, drawing both your attentions skyward. As suddenly as you caught sight of the crow, it swooped down, alighting on a nearby birdbath.
The letter clasped in its beak was stark compared to its black feathers.
“Oh!” Tara exclaimed. “That letter must be from His Majesty if he sent Mephisto to deliver it.”
Your head whipped toward Tara, eyes wide. “That’s Mephisto?” The mysterious third member of Sylus’s inner circle was a bird?
Tara raised a brow. “Yes, I thought you knew that?”
You felt a rush of vindication. You were right. The whole time you thought you were going insane but you were right. That crow—no, Mephisto—had been stalking you, and Sylus had been the one to order it.
Vindication morphed into confusion, because how exactly was a crow taking orders from a king?
Confusion quickly gave way to nervousness, remembering the letter clutched in Mephisto’s beak. But that letter, though brief, had given you the assurance Sylus was alive.
Several followed in the coming weeks, all of which you replied to and sent off with Mephisto, wanting to reassure Sylus as well.
You’d come to rely on these letters as they became somewhat of a lifeline to the man whose return you anxiously awaited.
That anxiety had grown exponentially as of late, you hadn’t seen Mephisto for a week and a half. It wasn’t unusual, sometimes you waited longer, but that didn’t stop the worrying. The more time that passed meant the more time Sylus spent on the battlefield, putting his life at risk.
“You might feel better if you kept your hands busy,” Tara called from where she sat on your bed with a cross-stitch.
“I can’t focus enough to be trusted with a needle,” you said from the window.
“It isn’t even sharp,” Tara was quick to reply.
You snorted. “Sharp enough to poke me.”
“Oh my gods,” Tara groaned. “We need to get you a hobby.”
“I’ll get one when he comes back.”
Tara’s gaze softened. “His Majesty will be back soon. He always comes back.”
“Is he usually gone this long?” you asked.
Tara shrugged. “His Majesty has been gone far longer than this but I suspect it’s because he had no reason to make a quick return.”
You couldn’t help but smile. “I’m not sure I know what you’re implying, Tara.”
She giggled. “No, nothing.” She bowed her head. “I would never do such a thing, Your Highness.”
You grabbed the pillow from behind your back and threw it at her. The two of you erupted into a fit of laughter, a welcome reprieve.
A reprieve interrupted by a distant, but familiar, caw.
Your head whipped toward the window, heart pounding as Mephisto flew toward you…
…With nothing in his beak.
“No,” you whispered, fearing the worst. “Please, tell me he isn’t—”
“Your Highness, look!”
Tara, who had rushed up behind you, pointed out the window. In the distance, trotting on horseback through the streets of the city proper was Sylus, the twins, and his Royal Guard.
A broken sob escaped past your lips at the sight. He was alive. He was home.
Your feet were moving before your mind could catch up, sprinting out of your room and through the corridors toward the palace entrance. You couldn’t wait for his arrival, you would meet him in the middle of Tarus City because you couldn’t stand another second apart.
So you ran.
The last thing Sylus expected was to see you barrel around a corner, cheeks flushed and chest heaving. Had you run all the way here, to him, from the palace? He didn’t have time to ponder this, not when your face lit up as your eyes found his.
Sylus slipped off his horse, uncaring of the rest of his traveling company. Gaze never leaving yours, he opened his arms wide, ensnaring your waist as you launched yourself at him in a bone-crushing embrace.
Everyone in the street stopped to stare as the King of Onychinus made a public claim on the Princess of Linkon.
“Sylus,” you breathed in his ear, clinging onto his neck. “Thank the gods you’re back.”
“I told you, sweetie,” he whispered, arms tightening, “I don’t fight battles I can’t win.”
You pulled back just enough to look into those mesmerizing red eyes. “Are you hurt?”
Sylus flashed a wicked smirk. “Why don’t we go to my bedchambers and you can do a proper examination?”
Heat flooded your cheeks. It hadn’t been more than two minutes and he was already making you nervous.
But still, you said, “Okay.”
He raised a disbelieving brow. “Okay,” he echoed. He moved to place you on the ground but you only clung to him harder.
“What are you doing?” you demanded.
“You don’t honestly believe we’re walking to the palace like this?” he countered.
“I mean I ran here,” you grumbled.
“Yes and I’m ever appreciative of it, sweetie, but my horse is right there.”
“Your Majesty!”
You shifted in Sylus’s arms as Tara rounded the corner, bending down, hands braced on her knees as she tried to catch her breath.
“I’m…sorry…Your Majesty,” she panted. “Her Highness is…faster…than she looks.”
You didn’t even realize she’d been running after you, your singular focus on getting to Sylus as fast as possible.
Sylus chuckled. “Our Princess is always full of surprises, isn’t she?” he teased. “It’s all right, Tara, you can ride with one of the twins.”
Luke quickly slipped off his horse to help her, the poor thing still struggling to catch her breath.
“Your turn, sweetie,” Sylus murmured. He carried you to his own horse, hoisting you up onto the saddle before settling behind you, one arm wrapping securely around your waist. “Let’s go home.”
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
“You’re acting like I’m asking you to strip naked.”
“Isn’t that exactly what you’re asking?”
“No. I just want to check you for injuries but I can’t do that while you’re wearing”—you gestured vaguely—“that.”
Sylus looked down at himself, then back up at you. “You mean my armor?”
“Oh my gods,” you groaned, throwing yourself dramatically onto his bed. “Forgive me, Your Majesty, for caring about your wellbeing.”
“Such a generous princess to do so,” he quipped.
You smiled despite yourself. You missed this.
“Fine then,” you said, sitting up and finding him standing between your legs. “Don’t come crying to me if your wounds get infected.”
He gently tucked a strand of hair behind your ear, smirking. “Who am I supposed to cry to then, if not you?”
You laughed, pushing lightly against his chest. “I’m serious, go change.”
Sylus hummed, his thumb tracing the curve of your cheekbone. “Bold of you to order a king around.”
“Is His Majesty going to listen?”
His eyes flicked to your mouth. “Only because Her Highness asked so nicely.”
He pinched your chin before somewhat reluctantly turning away from you, stopping to grab a robe from his armoire before disappearing into the en suite.
You flopped onto your back, staring up at the ceiling while you waited. The tightness that had taken root in your chest the ten weeks Sylus was away had eased, now replaced by an excited flutter. Time lay ahead of you, nothing but time to spend together, to dedicate to one another, to explore the undeniable connection between you.
Warm hands wrapped around your ankles and pulled you to the edge of the bed. You yelped, jolting upright.
The sight of Sylus’s wicked grin greeted you, along with the bare expanse of his chest. Though not the first time you’d seen it, this up close you were able to make out the faint scars littering his skin.
You traced a finger over them.
Sylus’s breath hitched.
“Are you even hurt?” you whispered, peering up into his eyes.
“You haven’t checked everywhere yet,” he purred.
You slid off the bed, Sylus tracking you as you circled him, inspecting every inch of his torso, his back, looking for wounds. There were none save the pink line stretching over his ribs and onto his back, the healed wound from his first return.
You glanced down at his bare legs.
And sank to your knees.
“Sweetie—”
“I need to check everywhere, don’t I?” you drawled, interrupting his protest.
His only response was an audible swallow.
You started low, at his ankles, fingers skimming as you trailed up his calves, then his knees just below the hem of his robe.
Sylus caught your wrists before you could travel any higher and pulled you to your feet. “Satisfied that I’m uninjured yet?”
You smirked. “You’re the one who insisted I look.”
“And you took that suggestion very seriously.”
“How could I not when it was His Majesty who made it?”
He scoffed and tugged your wrists so you fell into his chest, not wanting you to spot the way his ears tinged pink.
You snuggled against his bare skin as his arms looped around your waist. “I’m glad you came back unscathed,” you murmured. “I was really worried about you.”
“Were you? That wasn’t very clear in your letters,” he teased.
You pinched his side. “Yes it was!”
Sylus laughed and you relished being graced with such a beautiful sound again.
In truth, Sylus had relied on your letters much in the same way you’d done with his. They had given him the strength he needed to get through those long weeks and return to your side. There was so much he wanted to explore with you, so much he wanted to learn, and he had been loathe to be away from you for such a long time.
“Sy?”
His brow furrowed at your sudden somber tone. “Hmm?”
“What’s so special about Linkon’s land that you continue to fight for it?”
Sylus pushed you back by your shoulders, eyes bouncing between yours. “I’m afraid I don’t follow.”
You bit your lip. “It’s just…you don’t have to keep fighting. You can end this war and stay here with me. Stay safe here with me.”
“Sweetie, I did not start this war,” Sylus said bluntly.
You blinked once. Twice. “What?”
He sighed. “More lies your father told, I assume.”
“He said you’re the one who invaded Linkon in the pursuit of expanding your territory,” you explained.
“I’ve never had any interest in Linkon’s land. Your father’s army invaded my territory, killed my people, and I had no choice but to respond in kind.”
You barked a bitter laugh. “That’s just like him, painting someone else as the villain when it’s been him all along.”
His thumb rubbed the base of your neck. “I may not be the villain in this particular story, but make no mistake, Princess, I’m no saint. I’m a dangerous person, being here with me, being by my side will be nothing like your life in Linkon. Is that something you can handle?”
The moment you’d met him you knew Sylus was dangerous. While yet to witness it, you were well aware of what the man before you was capable of.
You did not balk from his steadfast gaze. “I’m not going anywhere,” you replied firmly.
Sylus’s lips quirked into a smile. In a rare moment of vulnerability, he whispered, “You have no idea how happy that makes me.”
Your face lit up. “Really?”
He nodded, no longer trusting his voice.
You stared at each other, faces inching closer and closer, pulled by some irresistible, gravitational force. His nose brushed against yours and your lips parted in anticipation—
“Hey Boss?”
You started, shoving Sylus away as your gaze snapped to the doorway where Luke and Kieran poked their heads in.
Sylus sighed something long suffering. “Speak.”
“The War Council’s ready,” Kieran said.
“Tell them I’ll be there shortly.”
Bowing quickly, the twins saw themselves out.
“They have great timing,” you teased.
“That they do,” Sylus chuckled. “I unfortunately have to attend this meeting, I’ll come find you after okay?”
“Yeah, okay,” you said with a smile.
He pressed a soft kiss to your brow. “Don’t miss me too much, Your Highness.”
You scoffed. “In your dreams, Your Majesty.”
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
Desolation surrounded you, the remnants of a forgotten requiem echoing through your mind. The air smelled of ash and death, your chest heaving with each breath.
There’s…so much blood.
You frantically met a familiar pair of red eyes.
Sylus.
“You must press on”, he rasped. “Because if you don’t…there’s no…going back.”
His clawed hand gripped your own, pushing the sword further into his chest.
No. No!
You tried to free your hand but Sylus’s grip was unyielding. Not that it mattered, he’d never survive a sword straight through his chest.
He was going to die.
And it was by your own hand.
You woke with a start, drenched in sweat, hair clinging to your brow and neck. You lifted your trembling hands in front of your face, blinking against the darkness, making sure they weren’t covered in blood.
It was that nightmare again, the most visceral, the one you’d thought would stop now that Sylus was back.
Anxiety bloomed in your chest at the thought of him.
It was just a nightmare, but it had felt so real. What if…?
A bit disoriented, you stumbled out of bed to seek out Sylus, convinced you were still dreaming when you spied a faint, golden thread right there in your bedchamber. Something deep in your soul told you that if you followed it, it’d lead you to him.
You followed the strange thread through the quiet corridors, paying little mind to where you were going, Sylus being your singular focus. The few servants you passed shot you confused—even concerned—looks, the sight of you wandering around at such an hour highly unusual. But you didn’t stop to reassure them, and they knew better than to interrupt you.
You soon found yourself before a door where the golden thread disappeared into the room beyond. You didn’t hesitate.
In his study, Sylus sat hunched over his desk, his tired eyes pouring over a litany of reports. Since his return he’d sacrificed many nights of sleep in order to keep up with his paperwork, and more importantly, spend time with you during the day.
He lifted his head ever so slightly when he heard the door open, expecting Luke or Kieran come to scold him for staying up again. His spine snapped straight when it was you in the doorway, surrounded by a faint golden aura. A few stunned blinks and the aura was gone, leaving Sylus convinced he’d hallucinated it.
“Y/N,” he said finally, “are you all right? Shouldn’t you be sleeping?”
You stared at him, the tension in your body easing slowly as his chest rose and fell with each breath. His chest free of a protruding sword. Your hands free of his blood.
“I had a nightmare,” you confessed, voice small.
Sylus’s brow buckled. “Oh, sweetie.” He opened his arms. “Come here.”
You crossed the room in quick strides and collapsed into his lap. Your arms wrapped around his neck as his own encircled your waist.
“Tell me what happened,” he encouraged, rubbing your back.
You buried your face in his shoulder. “I’ve had it before, while you were gone.”
“Is it about me?”
You nodded against his skin.
“Do I do something bad?”
“No, I do.”
“Well, whatever you do, it isn’t real.”
You whined.
Sylus hummed, shifting in the chair so he could hold you closer. “It isn’t, sweetie. I’m real, here with you.”
“I’m sorry,” you whispered, not for bothering him in the middle of the night. Not for burdening him. But for the nightmare you were sure was real, and what you’d done to him in it.
“You have nothing to apologize for,” Sylus assured, though it did little to assuage you.
You tightened your hold around his neck and you stayed like that for a while, comforted by his arms, until Sylus broke the quiet.
“Would you feel better if you slept in bed with me?” he asked.
You sat up. “Just for tonight?”
“For as long as you want and need,” he said, his gaze nothing but tender. Though he couldn’t help but tease, “It’s not like we’ve never shared a bed before.”
Your lips twitched upward. “I think that would make me feel better.”
“Okay, Princess. Can you hold out here a little longer for me? I have some more paperwork I need to finish before we can go to my bedchamber.”
You nodded, settling back into his embrace.
Such a good girl, Sylus thought.
Not longer after, Sylus gave up without accomplishing what he’d set out to do for the night, far too worried about you to concentrate on the papers before him. You—who had melted into his warmth—were half asleep so, as to not to disturb you, Sylus lifted you gently as he stood from the desk.
You didn’t stir as he made the trek to his bedchamber, nor when he slipped you under the covers of his bed. He left you there very briefly to go into the en suite so he could ready himself to join you only to find you awake and alert upon his return.
“What’s the matter, sweetie?” he asked as he padded barefoot across the room.
“I didn’t know where you were,” you responded softly.
“I’m right here,” he said, sliding into bed beside you, “there’s nothing to worry about.”
Not needing an invitation, you nestled against Sylus’s chest, his arms wrapping securely around you.
He kissed to your brow. “Wake me if you have any more nightmares.”
“Thank you,” you whispered, pressing your own kiss to his sternum, right where the claymore had struck.
Sylus lay there as you drifted off to sleep, thinking about his own reoccurring nightmare. The one where he was a fiend cursed to claim the life of his true love, you. It always felt so visceral, as though he were remembering past events rather than dreaming them. But now, with you tucked safely in his arms, the nightmare could no longer scare him, and he hoped his presence could do the same for you.
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
Three swift knocks sounded at the door.
“Enter.”
In walked a trusted foot solider carrying a letter. His footsteps were sharp and precise as he approached the King and wordlessly handed off the envelope.
The King sat back in his chair and opened the letter with an air of nonchalance. His eyes skimmed over the contents, lips curling with satisfaction.
Several witnesses claim to have seen the Princess of Linkon and the King of Onychinus embracing in the streets of Tarus City. No such public display has ever been made previously by the King. Rumors have also begun swirling that Princess and King are sharing a bed.
“Good,” he murmured. “Our Princess is playing her part perfectly.”
The King of Linkon moved his Queen on the chessboard, one move closer to checkmating the King.
thank you Kai @/kaientai for the tag!!! it took me a while because I wasn't sure if I had up to 10 fics but it looks fun so I'll give it a try 🤣
Rules: Share the first lines of ten of your latest fics (or up to if you have less!) & tag 10 people!
A sunny spring afternoon. Grassy fields. Gentle winds and swimming clouds in the sky. A soft hand holding your own. - Until Spring Day Comes Again (Bachira Meguru/Reader)
It must’ve been three or four weeks since Shokudaikiri left the citadel for his training excursion. An exhausting process, but one that was worth it all. He felt stronger, wiser, and most importantly, more reliable to his dear saniwa. - Retrouvaille (Shokudaikiri Mitsutada/Reader)
Pride and honour stood above all else. - One Love, One Lifetime (Yone/Reader)
You don’t think Cole realises just how affectionate he is. - Five More Minutes (Cole Cassidy/Reader)
You were on the verge of a breakthrough. You just knew it. - Homecoming (Caleb/Reader)
You never think twice. - bad idea (Quanxi/Reader)
You love getting on Yoru’s nerves. - My One in a Million Multiverses (Valorant Characters/Reader)
Where you are can only be described as the void. - My One in a Million Multiverses (Valorant Characters/Reader)
The stench of tobacco and overwhelming fragrances mixed together to form an unpleasant, suffocating odor in the room. - The Last of the Real Ones (Erron Black/Reader)
Fujin watches you with a fond smile as you trace the sides of his face with your fingertips, eyes twinkling in love and adoration. - To Love and To Hold (Fujin/Reader)
I tend to start with one-liners which is kind of embarrassing because I do it for pretty much everything I write... I've been trying to start a story with more than one sentence but I'm just so used to doing this format that it feels weird if I do it in any other way LOL
tags (no pressure!!) @sincerelyhunnybee @viboraneno @syhli @hikentomori @pomegranatepip @uzuwumaki @rafayelsheart @luvzayne @strawberrystepmom @xavierbunny @hiperacid2 + anyone else who'd like to do this!!
1. For a moment, you interpret the heavy silence as discontent. Anger. | Drabble 01, Mydei/Reader
2. “Phainon—baby, ah.” | Drabble 02, Phainon/Reader [nsfw]
3. Come with me, Rafayel had said. | Drabble 02, Rafayel/Reader
4. Nothing perplexes Sylus anymore. At first, the closest contender to it were your slow, small gestures of affection that became more comfortable. Physical intimacy, sweet words that warmed his heart more than he could ever describe just right. | Drabble 01, Sylus/Reader
5. The waft of brewed pomegranate drifts through the air. It’s a tasteful cloud that dances at the tip of your tongue even without opening your mouth. Thankfully, unlike that of mint leaves or mugwort, the emperor’s preference to the fruit allows a welcome fragrance that invites something warm. It’s a perfect facade to lure in faulty individuals under the guise of a blanket draped over your shoulders on a chilly night. | Part 01 of Emperor!Sylus x Apothecary!Reader
6. “Get up.” | Drabble 03, Sylus/Reader - College AU
7. A few things had led to this point. | Angelkiss Part 01, Devil!Sylus x Cannibal!Reader
8. “Poor old man.” | Original Concept for Devil!Sylus x Cannibal!Reader, set in the 1600s
9. “Are those—?” | Drabble 01, Zayne/Reader [nsfw]
10. “Worried about me, sparrow?” | "battered knuckles", Ais/Reader (AO3)
Believe it or not I am not a big fan of when I start my stories with dialogue. I don't know why but I just consider it a very bad habit and I'm trying really hard to break free from it OUGHHHH. How easy it is for me to slip into the kind of writer I aim to be when it comes to writing Sylus... that's kind of insane, really. LMFAO.
no pressure tags! @peascribbles @blessdunrest @xxsyluslittlecrowxx @hellinistical @pomegranatepip @deepspacenova
Rules: Share the first lines of ten of your latest fics (or up to if you have less!) & tag 10 people!
Pap. "Papa." This is an intervention. Pap. "Papa, wisten!" The most adorable kind of intervention. "Wub you." | Oceans , Sylus x Zayne
Zayne doesn't know when he started seeing Sylus as family, but what he does know is this: He never knew home could extend beyond his parents until he met him. | Won't You Give Our Hearts Some Weight, Sylus x Zayne
“I can’t believe they stopped selling the double chocolate muffins at Costco.” | With You, Zayne x mc
Safety isn't a word he's familiar with. | Garden, Sylus x mc
“It’s not going to explode, you know.” | Sourdough, Xavier x reader, Feeding the Neighbors AU
You were Zayne's summer. A glint in the side mirror, oozing from heated concrete, constantly watching as Linkon’s humid winds blew through your hair as you sat in the passenger seat. | Summer, Zayne x mc
The plastic fork in your hand snaps in two. Fine. A month was nothing. You had time. You could formulate a plan. Afterall, you, too, like playing with fire. | Play With Fire , Sylus x mc
“Go for it!" You stare at the dunk tank in front of you—Xavier yawning on a hinged plank, ball poised in your hand. This should be illegal, you grimace. | Apt 2/Xavier/Prelude, Xavier x reader, Feeding the Neighbors AU
Caleb loves experimenting with new flavors and techniques. He first learned the joy of someone reciprocating when you aggressively knocked on his door, nearly breaking the damned thing of its hinges at the smell of smoke. | Apt 1/Caleb/Prelude, Caleb x reader, Feeding the Neighbors AU
Rafayel’s apartment is an unofficially declared war-zone. Brushes, palettes, tubes of paint, tarps strewn astray, it’s a wonder no one has damaged his art supplies yet. | Apt 3/Rafayel, Rafayel x reader, Feeding the Neighbors AU
I am now hyper-aware of how often I start my stories with dialogue or some other action haha......
thank you for the tag emmy this is so fun!!! I love your opening lines, #3 made me giggle and #6 is so beautiful that imagery ahh!!
Rules: Share the first lines of ten of your latest fics (or up to if you have less!) & tag 10 people!
You were barely past twenty two summers when your elder sister died, thus declaring you the next queen of your kingdom. - wonderstruck, knight!xavier x queen!reader
You were lurking. - love letter practice, caleb x reader (old days)
Today was the day. - a light that never goes out ch 4, xavier x f!reader small town au
In the early morning light of a lazy Sunday morning, there's nowhere better to be than tucked in your own bed, wrapped in your warm and cozy blankets, sleeping in to your heart's content. Unfortunately for you, you're not in your bed. - a light that never goes out ch 3
Xavier glows the first time you have sex. - smut drabble
Silence isn't a foreign reaction when it comes to Xavier. - paper rings (and all my dreams), xavier x reader fluff
You try not to think about it. - a light that never goes out ch 2
“Oh fuck,” you hiss, doubling over in pain as it shoots through your abdomen. - whatever you need, xavier x f!reader smut
By the grace of the gods, or some twist of fate that had finally worked in his favor, your life and Xavier's had become parallel lines again. - reverent recollections, xavier (x reader) character study
It started with the movies. And it was so many movies. - my handsome, handsome cowboy, caleb x f!reader fluff crackfic
rules: share the first lines of ten of your latest fics (or up to you if you have less!) and tag 10 people!!
Nobody said a word in the first ten minutes of your get-together. - BLEAK (03) ft. zayne - series
“... are you listening to me, kitten?” Sylus looks at you through his lashes, but you've long since stopped listening to his words. - CRANKY BUT LOVED ft. all LIs
“C'mon, get in sweetie,” Sylus motions for you, keeping the door open, as you step inside of his mansion, legs wobbly and tired from all the fun you'd had on today's date. - SKINCARE AND MAKE-UP ft. sylus, rafayel, zayne
It happened then. - BLEAK (02) ft. zayne - series
Something about the way you swayed in the bakery, gracefully, with no care in the world, made Xavier's heart stutter. - CINNAMON ROLLS ft. xavier
Your period was awfully late, which was a rather peculiar occurrence. - MINE. OURS. ft. sylus
The faint light spilled inside the room, the cold and stillness reminding you that you'd have to be alone for quite a while. - FEVER, TEARS... AND A SPRINKLE OF LOVE ft. zayne
Everyone around you genuinely thought you were getting better. - BLEAK (01) ft. zayne - series
It had started slowly. - MARKED ft. rafayel
Not even in Xavier's most hidden dreams did you look so... ethereal. - ETERNAL VOWS ft. all LIs
Rules: share the first lines of ten of your latest fics (or up to you if you have less!) and tag 10 people!!
1. A party was the last thing you needed right now. Loud music, loud people, and you…
✦ A prince, a knight & a poet - Chapter 7 - Xavier x Caleb x Reader AU
2. Once again you threaten to leave. Not in words, no, you'd never tell me. You lie and hide, before you come crawling back begging me to forgive you.
✦ A letter to Xavier - Angst, drabble
3. “It’s fucking cold, pips! And my skin is dry and cracked because of it. I didn’t punch anyone.”
✦ A prince, a knight & a poet - Chapter 6 - Xavier x Caleb x Reader AU
4. “Under the wings of a dragon you’ll find…” Your little voice eagerly begins before taking a moment to think. “Anchovies!”
✦ Under the wings of a dragon - Sylus x Reader, fantasy AU
5. "Pip-squeak! Come here for a sec!" Caleb shouted from the bottom of the stairs.
✦ Those stupid red panties! - Caleb x Reader, pre main story timeline
6. Sunday goes by without either you or Caleb mentioning the accidental cuddles from the night before.
✦ A prince, a knight & a poet - Chapter 5 - Xavier x Caleb x Reader AU
7. Caleb can’t help himself, he simply has to stare at the flowers you got him each and every time he walks past the dining table. He also can’t help but stare at you everytime you walk past him.
✦ A prince, a knight & a poet - Chapter 4 - Xavier x Caleb x Reader AU
8. You hated this so much… Caleb went out, without you. He actually told you no, without a second though!
✦ You're turbulence, pip-squeak - Caleb x Reader, pre main story timeline
9. Xavier puzzles you. Not because of anything he says or does, but because it feels like you’ve known each other for years, when in reality it’s been about six hours.
✦ A prince, a knight & a poet - Chapter 3 - Xavier x Caleb x Reader AU
10. Morning rolls around sooner than you expected it to and you’re harshly awoken by the sun sifting through Caleb’s too sheer curtains.
✦ A prince, a knight & a poet - Chapter 2 - Xavier x Caleb x Reader AU
No pressure tags for some writers I adrmire (sorry if you're already tagged): @mwphisto @cityselcouth @mandalhoerian @downbad4sylus @dawnbreakerswife
thank you @colonelkaboom for the tag! low key crying bc i love your work <3
Rules: share the first lines of ten of your latest fics (or up to you if you have less!) and tag 10 people!!
1. A crow was stalking you.
Bloody Fists - King!Sylus x Princess!Reader AU Part 4
2. Your ears were ringing.
Self-Defense - King!Sylus x Princess!Reader AU Part 3
3. Fear was not something you were intimately familiar with.
Proof of Life - King!Sylus x Princess!Reader AU Part 2
4. Nothing spoke to your restless soul more than the sound of birds chirping on a cloudless day.
Stargazing - King!Sylus x Princess!Reader AU Part 1
5. Sylus knew something was up the second Luke and Kieran waltzed into his bedroom insisting he come with them to handle a problem.
What the Birthday Boy Says Goes - Sylus x Reader Oneshot
6. It started with a headache, nothing too painful at first, a dull throbbing at the top of your head.
Sprouting Horns - Sylus x Reader Oneshot
7. If he had to reveal his true identity to any of your friends, Sylus was glad it was Zayne.
"I told you already...you are home." - Sylus vs. Caleb Series Part 4
8. You’d been plagued by the same dream since you were a child.
Today's Special: Sweet Evil Trap - Sylus x Reader Oneshot
9. Sylus was buried deep within you and all he wanted to do was lose himself in the feel of you squeezing him oh so perfectly, but that was proving quite difficult when your phone kept buzzing on the nightstand.
"Caleb... You're scaring me." - Sylus vs. Caleb Series Part 3
10. After Caleb left to attend the Aerospace Academy, you were forced to weather thunderstorms on your own.
"Did you...mean to do that?" - Caleb x Reader Oneshot
no pressure tags for a few writers i love that haven't been tagged yet: @comatosebunny09 @dizzydaisychains @tojicide @whenstarsundress @tbaluver
thought i might give you a little snippet from part V to prove i’m working on it lol, bc i swear i am
your only content warning is it’s a little suggestive, otherwise please enjoy (sorry)
(part one, two, three, and four; series masterlist/taglist)
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“You’re acting like I’m asking you to strip naked.”
“Isn’t that exactly what you’re asking?”
“No. I just want to check you for injuries but I can’t do that while you’re wearing”—you gestured vaguely—“that.”
Sylus looked down at himself, then back up at you. “You mean my armor?”
“Oh my gods,” you groaned, throwing yourself dramatically onto his bed. “Forgive me, Your Majesty, for caring about your wellbeing.”
“Such a generous princess to do so,” he quipped.
You smiled despite yourself. You missed this.
“Fine then,” you said, sitting up and finding him standing between your legs. “Don’t come crying to me if your wounds get infected.”
He gently tucked a strand of hair behind your ear, smirking. “Who am I supposed to cry to then, if not you?”
You laughed, pushing lightly against his chest. “I’m serious, go change.”
Sylus hummed, his thumb tracing the curve of your cheekbone. “Bold of you to order a king around.”
“Is His Majesty going to listen?”
His eyes flicked to your mouth. “Only because Her Highness asked so nicely.”
He pinched your chin before somewhat reluctantly turning away from you, stopping to grab a robe from his armoire before disappearing into the en suite.
You flopped onto your back, staring up at the ceiling while you waited. The tightness that had taken root in your chest the ten weeks Sylus was away had eased, now replaced by an excited flutter. Time lay ahead of you, nothing but time to spend together, to dedicate to one another, to explore the undeniable connection between you.
Warm hands wrapped around your ankles and pulled you to the edge of the bed. You yelped, jolting upright.
The sight of Sylus’s wicked grin greeted you, along with the bare expanse of his chest. Though not the first time you’d seen it, this up close you were able to make out the faint scars littering his skin.
You traced a finger lightly over them.
Sylus’s breath hitched.
“Are you even hurt?” you whispered, peering up into his eyes.
(part one, part two, part three, part five, part six, part seven, and part eight)
synopsis: Life at the palace is tense since Sylus started avoiding you, but it all comes to a head when you find out he’ll be leaving for the front lines.
content: king!sylus x princess!reader; use of Y/N; slow burn; attempted assault; mention of accidental self injury; so much angst; mostly proofread
word count: ~3.5k
a/n: guys, it’s get better after this, i swear <3
Read on Ao3
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A crow was stalking you.
You hadn’t told anyone for fear of sounding deranged, but you were sure of it. Everywhere you went, a crow followed. It perched on rooftops, branches, whatever it could find when you were outside the palace walls. And inside? It somehow found its way onto every window sill you passed.
It was driving you mad, and you knew Sylus had something to do with it.
Sylus, who’d barely spoken to you since that fateful day on the sand pit.
At first, you held out hope that something had come up requiring all of his attention, he was a ruler after all. But then days turned into weeks, and you knew that wasn’t the case.
His absence hurt. Sylus had carved his way into your heart only to leave a gaping hole in his wake.
And this crow was driving you insane.
Sat on a bench in one of the many courtyards, you scowled at the crow perched on a nearby statue.
It cocked its head.
You pointed an accusatory finger. “I’m onto you.”
The crow squawked in response.
But behind the bird, unbeknownst to you, were twins hiding in a bush.
They exchanged a terrified glance, thinking you were pointing at them, and knew they’d been following you around the palace.
You stared down the crow for a bit too long before burying your face in your hands. “I’m going crazy,” you groaned. You peeked at the bird between fingers. “Does he even miss me?”
It tilted its head from side to side.
You groaned. “Oh my gods, I’m talking to a bird.”
(From the bush, the twins exhaled relieved breaths, finally realizing that you were, in fact, not talking to them.)
Tears pricked behind your eyes, which only made you more frustrated.
You stood abruptly from the bench, dashing away the traitorous tears from your cheeks.
If this was how it was going to be, then you’d do what you did best. Escape.
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
You were free to leave whenever you wanted, and you weren’t actually escaping the palace, but the guise of doing so gave you the first hint of excitement since Sylus stopped talking to you.
Though you usually went with an escort into the city proper, this time you wanted to be alone. You dug out the maid dress—the one you stole and hid away during your first week at the palace, just in case—from the wardrobe to change into before slipping out of your room undetected, then the palace grounds altogether.
In Sylus’s absence, Luke and Kieran had taken over training you how to fight which was why you weren’t worried about venturing into the city proper alone, confident you could handle yourself should trouble arise. You didn’t expect trouble, of course, you just needed some space.
“Not that Sylus cares,” you muttered under your breath as you crossed into the city proper.
It was instant chaos.
People were shouting, running through the streets, all walks of life converging as one. The chaos that once overwhelmed you was now a welcome reprieve from the silence of the palace.
You breathed in deep through your nose, inhaling the scent of food, alcohol, leather, and steel. A look to your left was met with several food vendors, waving about, trying to convince passersby to try their food. To the right echoed the clanging of blacksmiths, molding weapons for anyone with enough coin.
You had no particular goal in mind, so you turned to the left toward the promise of filling your belly.
An hour and a handful of coins later, your hunger sated, you were ready to pop into some shops. There was a bakery you and Tara frequented that you wanted to visit, maybe get Luke and Kieran a sweet treat.
Your knuckles rapped lightly on the study door, announcing your presence as you poked your head in.
“Are you busy?” you asked, locking eyes with Sylus where he sat at his desk.
The corners of his lips kicked up. “For you, sweetie? Never.” He lifted a hand. “Come.”
You practically skipped over to him, too excited for the surprise hidden behind your back.
Sylus lifted an eyebrow and tried to peer behind you. “What are you hiding?”
“Tara and I went into the city earlier.” You presented the small pastry box, your cheeks aching from how much you were smiling. “I got you something.”
Sylus’s expression softened as he reached for the box, his fingers brushing yours. “You didn’t have to get me anything, sweetie.”
“I know,” you said with a shrug, “but I saw it and thought of you.”
He lifted the lid, revealing the pomegranate fruit tart inside.
“You don’t have to eat it now, obviously,” you said.
Sylus chuckled, finding your nervousness cute. “If I did, would you share it with me?”
“I—” You closed your mouth, blinking at him before your lips curled into a soft smile. “Okay.”
A pang went through your heart as you stared at very bakery you’d gotten that pomegranate fruit tart. You tried to move toward the entrance but found that your feet were made of lead, too heavy to step through the threshold. It was too much, the memory too painful.
Fighting back tears, you jerked away from the bakery, stumbling blindly down the nearest alleyway. You weren’t paying attention to where you were going, just needing to get some distance to relieve the ache in your chest.
A crow’s caw sounded overhead.
You really should’ve been paying attention—
Arms wrapped around you suddenly, yanking you flush against a hard chest.
“Aren’t you a pretty thing,” a gravelly voice whispered in your ear. “Wandering all alone will get you into trouble.”
A disgusted shiver tore up your spine as the scent of rancid breath wafted around your face.
“Let me go,” you demanded as firmly as you could, struggling to free your arms.
A low chuckle. “No, I don’t think I’ll be doing that.”
Shit.
You were starting to think your little escaping habits caused more harm than good.
One of the man’s hands fisted into your skirt, slowly dragging it upward.
Instinct kicked in as panic sluiced through your veins.
You dropped your head forward then slammed it back, aiming for the man’s nose. He was about a head taller than you, so you ended up hitting the knot in his throat instead.
The man wheezed, his grip around you loosening, and you seized on the chance to break free of his grasp. You frantically scanned the deserted alley for any sort of weapon, catching on the sight of a wooden barrel lid. You snatched it and swung around, putting all your weight into the strike that landed against the side of the man’s head.
He went down with a heavy thud.
Breathing heavily with adrenaline surging, you looked beside you, expecting to find comfort, maybe even pride behind a striking red gaze. Only to meet the stone facade of a building.
A wave of disappointment crashed over you so hard you fell to your knees, tears streaming down your cheeks.
Why did everyone always leave you? Your mother. Your father. And now him? Was there something wrong with you? There had to be, you were certain of it, why else would Sylus ice you out?
“Princess?”
You lifted your gaze just enough to see Luke and Kieran standing in front of you, concern radiating off of them as they stared down at you through their masks.
“Are you hurt?” Kieran asked, crouching.
You bit your lip and shook your head.
He nodded. “Okay, let’s get you back to the palace.”
Luke shrugged off his cloak, handing it over to his twin who draped it around your shoulders, pulling the hood up over your head.
Kieran turned. “Hop on, Your Highness.”
You managed the slightest of smiles as you climbed onto his back. The twins shared a glance before taking off on foot, headed toward the palace.
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
The twins were fidgeting again.
“Speak,” Sylus snapped.
“Um…Boss…” Kieran began, clearly nervous. “Do you really think this is for the best?”
Sylus’s hard gaze snapped up from the report he was reading. “Do I really think what is for the best?”
The twins audibly swallowed. Sylus had been on edge for weeks, almost two months now. Ever since he started actively avoiding you, his attitude had grown progressively worse by the day. He was typically one of great patience, but lately seemed to have none to spare.
“Ignoring the princess,” Luke jumped in.
“I’m not ignoring her,” Sylus growled.
The twins flinched.
“Well…whatever it is you’re doing, she doesn’t seem as happy as before,” Kieran muttered, turning his masked face away. “We followed her into the city today, found her in an alley next to some unconscious guy.”
Sylus knew this. He’d watched you leave, dressed in a maid’s outfit, the twins keeping a respectable distance, from his window earlier. He’d also been there when the three of you returned, unsure how to name the emotion that stirred in his chest seeing you draped across Kieran’s back.
“What’s the problem? She was able to defend herself, no?”
“We found her crying, Boss,” Luke clarified.
Sylus shot up from his chair. “Was she hurt?”
Kieran shook his head. “She’s fine, we don’t think she was crying about being attacked…”
Sylus ran a hand through his hair. “Is this what you wanted to talk about? Or do either of you have a point to make?”
“Do you plan on telling her we’re leaving?” Luke asked.
“I don’t see how that’s important for her to know,” Sylus retorted.
“Boss—”
Sylus pointed a finger at Kieran, cutting him off. “Do not use that tone with me. I am still your King.”
They both bowed.
“Our apologies,” they said in unison.
Sylus sighed, plopping down into the chair. “Get out.”
With another bow, the twins saw themselves out, leaving Sylus in silence to stew with the myriad of emotions swirling in his heart.
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
Your fork scraped along the plate, nudging the food you never planned on eating. You didn’t have much of an appetite, hadn’t had much of one at all lately.
Luke tapped your elbow. “Come on, Your Highness, at least pretend you’re having a good time,” he teased. “This is our last family meal for a while.”
Your fork froze, your body stiffening as you cut a glance at Tara. She shrugged, seemingly just as clueless as you.
Slowly, you looked at Luke. “What are you talking about?”
“We leave for the front tomorrow,” he explained.
“Who is we?” you hissed, your grip knuckle white around your fork.
“Us,” Kieran answered, “Boss, and the Royal Guard. We’re meeting the rest of the army at the front.”
You stood so fast the chair clattered to the ground. “I have to go,” you declared before storming out of the dining room.
Tara rubbed her temples. “You two just can’t help but make trouble.”
“You know as well as we do that they need to talk,” Kieran said, more than satisfied with how well you’d taken their bait.
“Yes, but I’m worried they’ll do more yelling than talking,” Tara argued.
“We’ll just have to wait and see,” said Luke, lifting his mask enough to reveal a lopsided grin.
Meanwhile you made your way across the palace, straight for Sylus’s bedchamber.
You didn’t bother knocking, or announcing your presence, just barged through the doors, one of your slippers already in hand.
“Sylus Qin you fucking”—you cocked your arm back and threw the shoe at Sylus, who was sat up in bed, with all your strength—“bastard.”
He batted the slipper away with ease then stood from the bed. “I could have you killed for that, sweetie.”
His teasing remark only served to spur on your anger.
You wrenched off your other slipper, poised to launch it at him. “You don’t even have the decency to tell me you’re leaving?” you shouted. “I have to hear it from the twins? The day before?”
“Why don’t you put the shoe down and we can have a proper conversation about this.”
“Oh, fuck you, Sylus!” You threw it right at his head.
The bastard caught it in one hand.
He tossed aside and slowly advanced toward you.
You held out your arm in warning. “Stop, don’t.”
He ignored you, closing the distance.
You shoved his chest when he was within reach, but he didn’t budge. So you did it again.
And again.
Until Sylus grabbed your wrists. “Okay, sweetie,” he said so softly your stomach clenched, “that’s enough.”
You sagged, shoulders slumping in defeat. “I don’t understand,” you murmured, looking up at him with tear-filled eyes. “Did I do something wrong?”
“No, Y/N,” Sylus sighed.
“Then why? Do you have any idea how awful I’ve felt?”
Sylus knew, gods did he know.
“You didn’t do anything wrong,” he repeated. His fingers tightened around your wrists. “I’m just doing what’s best for you.”
Your brows bunched. “What’s best for me? What does that even mean?”
Sylus exhaled, clearly frustrated, but you weren’t certain at whom. “There were rumors starting, about us, about how much time we spent together. My control only goes so far, it would’ve been a matter of time before those rumors reached Linkon.” He averted his gaze, unable to look you in the eye as he said, “I don’t want your father to think those vile words he spoke to you are true.”
A fresh wave of anger washed over you. No, not anger. Rage.
You tore free of Sylus’s grasp, startling him with your sudden shift in demeanor.
Your hands clenched into fists, nails biting into your palms hard enough to pinch. The pain grounded you, kept you from losing it completely.
“Ironic, don’t you think?” you asked, voice low and eerily calm. You tilted your head, eyes narrowing to slits.
Sylus went rigid, his mind blaring warning bells at him. This was a side of you he’d never seen and his instincts were screaming danger. But another part of him was intrigued, curious to know all of you.
You continued, “How the decision you made to protect me from my father makes you more like him than anything.”
Sylus reared back as if you’d slapped him. How dare you insinuate he was anything like the King of Linkon.
“I’ve been free of choice my entire life. Every one already made for me, by him. Then I meet you. I come here with you, and I thought things were different. I thought I’d finally gotten the freedom I’d been seeking, only to be met with the same fate.” Your nails dug so deep into your skin, you felt the warmth of blood seeping between your fingers. “A princess isn’t meant to choose for herself, right? She needs a man, a king, to do it for her.”
“I didn’t—” Sylus cut himself off. But wasn’t that exactly what he’d done? Hadn’t he made the decision to sever your connection without so much as asking if that was what you wanted? How was he any better than your father?
“Did you ever stop to think,” you said through clenched teeth, “if this was what I wanted? That this—” You took a deep breath, focusing on the pain in your palms in the hopes it’d steady your voice. “This infuriating connection between us comes second to my father’s opinion of me? You matter more to me, Sylus. At the very least you were starting to.”
How could he have been so stupid to think avoiding you was the best course of action? How could he have put not only himself, but more importantly you, through so much all for the sake of a king hundreds of miles away? This whole time, you too had felt that undeniable connection, and he’d thrown it away, for what?
“I’m sorry,” Sylus breathed. “Y/N, I’m so sorry.”
He didn’t think an apology was good enough, but would anything he offered be good enough with how much damaged he’d already caused?
You released a fist to dash away a tear, accidentally smearing blood on your face in the process.
Sylus startled. “You’re bleeding?” he all but growled. “Why are you bleeding?”
He strode right up to you, argument completely forgotten and replaced with the need to protect. He zeroed in on the blood leaking from your other hand, snatching the one you’d used to wipe away your tears and examining it closely. He spied the half moon wounds on your palm, the blood under your nails.
He reached for your other hand, prying your fingers open with all the gentleness in the world, his touch almost reverent. You’d hurt yourself because of him, even if indirectly.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered. “Let me take care of you, please.”
There was far more meaning to his words than simply cleaning your wounds. You knew this, and maybe you were naive to agree, but having him here, touching you, looking at you, talking to you, you couldn’t say no.
“Okay,” you murmured.
Sylus swept you into his arms, carrying you bridal style into his en suite. He placed you gently atop the sink and set about cleaning the blood from your hands.
“Is this a habit of yours?” he asked softly.
You nodded. “I don’t get that angry very often, but when I do, the pain keeps me grounded. I haven’t bled in quite some time, though.”
Sylus paused and you looked up into remorseful red eyes. “Y/N, I really am sorry.”
“You don’t need to keep apologizing.”
“I won’t stop until I earn your forgiveness, what I did was unacceptable. I never meant to hurt you, I never wanted to hurt you.”
You gnawed at your lip. “Were you really not going to tell me you were leaving? What if you didn’t come back?”
He couldn’t help but flash a smug smirk. “I don’t fight battles I can’t win, sweetie.”
“Sylus, I’m being serious.”
“I am too,” he insisted. “I wouldn’t truly leave you without saying goodbye, even I’m not that cruel.”
“I don’t want you to truly leave me,” you blurted.
“Oh? Does that mean you’ve forgiven me already?” he couldn’t help but tease.
You turned your head away. “I’m still mad at you, but…”
“But…?” Sylus encouraged.
“Maybe I could come around,” you muttered, sneaking a glance at him.
Sylus huffed a chuckle, resuming his task. “I like the sound of that.”
A comfortable quiet settled over you both as Sylus cleaned and bandaged your hands. He led you back into the bedchamber, collecting your slippers for you as you perched on the edge of his bed.
You stopped him as he crouched to put them on your feet.
“What is it?” he questioned with a raised brow.
Heat bloomed across your cheeks. “Would it be okay if I…stayed with you tonight?”
“Jealous you won’t be sharing my tent with me again?” he quipped.
You swatted his shoulder. “No,” you snapped, though there was no real bite in your tone. “You’re leaving tomorrow, and I don’t want to waste the one night we have together by being apart.”
“I’m coming back, Princess,” Sylus said, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear.
“But how long will you be gone?”
He frowned. “It’s hard to say, anywhere from a few weeks to several months.”
“All the more reason to not leave your side.”
“Okay, sweetie, if this is what you want.” He smiled, tracing a finger along your cheekbone. “I’ll give you a new shirt to sleep in too, how does that sound?”
You barked a laugh, the sound sending Sylus’s heart soaring. “That’s the least you could do.”
Once you’d dug through Sylus’s armoire to find the nicest shirt he owned and changed into it, the two of you slipped into his bed.
He wasted no time snaking an arm around you, cradling you against his chest. Your bandaged hands curled into his robe as you nuzzled into his neck. He tucked his chin atop your head, his fingers tracing lazy patterns along your spine.
“Don’t grip too hard,” he admonished gently, “you’ll bleed through the bandages.”
You loosened your hold.
“I heard you went into the city by yourself today. You weren’t hurt, were you?”
“No, a man definitely tried to hurt me, but I managed to knock him out before he could.”
Pride swelled through Sylus’s chest. “I’ll need you to provide a detailed description of this man for me.”
“Why?”
“So I can track him down and show him what happens when he dares to touch someone that doesn’t belong to him.”
You shivered at his tone but his words stirred something in your heart. “Yours, huh?”
“Do you object?”
“No, as long as you’re mine to claim.”
He chuckled. “I submit to you, Princess, happily and willingly.”
You hummed, finally feeling the weight of today’s events, your eyelids growing heavy. “Sy?”
He sucked in a sharp breath at the nickname. “Yes?”
“When you come back,” you said, words slightly slurred as you started to drift off, “can we pick up where we left off?”
Sylus pressed a tender kiss to the crown of your head. “I’d like nothing more.”
