long may she reign.

The King is dead; long live The Queen. "I have heard many tales of Her Royal Majesty, the Queen of Omnium. They say she is beautiful, and they say she is gracious, and they say she is radical, and they say she is fierce—but I have met her, and despite the sharp-toothed smile, she seems awfully sad." Ever righteous, ever victorious. ♔ ♔

[dr-sophia-london]

[fayemalaise-blog]

                         —- I want … something permanent.

                                                     Something that can’t be  {{ taken }} away ;;

                                  [ Is that too much to ask? ]

[lordcommanderfarwell-blog]

bad blood ♔ faye & damien

[lordcommanderfarwell-blog]

Damien’s lips curled into a slightly bigger grin at her words, hyperaware of her thumb tracing his jaw. “I know that is not something you request of me but it is something I demand of myself, your majesty,” He murmured quietly, leaning into her hand comfortably as he explained himself. How could he ever explain to her that his life, revolved around the safety of the one woman he loved above all else, was more than enough for him? He couldn’t stop the chuckle that fell from his lips as she continued, shaking his head at him. “You are far too kind in your flattery,” He started, his hand reaching for the one that was on his face and holding it gently.

Giving her hand a small squeeze, his eyes lingered on hers as his face slowly relaxed from the laugh. “It would be nothing short of cruel to deprive my queen of the safety she deserves,” He told her, using her own words to remind her that her safety was and forever will be his number one priority. “The safety I have devoted my life to ensuring,” He grinned, giving her hand another squeeze. It was then he realized that here he was, holding her majesty’s hand in her chambers— just the two of them. He tried not to think too deeply into what this may mean.

[fayemalaise-blog]

"Mmhmm." What an exasperating man. Faye was certain that Damien would be able to read it in the quirk of her smile, the fondness in her eyes-- she thought he was being ridiculous, and was making absolutely no attempt to hide it. Though the wine was heady; perhaps she'd let a touch too much affection seep into her smile, and wouldn't that be embarrassing? An soft huff of breath, almost a laugh, fell from her lips as he continued speaking, taking her hand in his own. 

His grip was not warm, though nothing at all ever truly felt warm against her skin. But his touch was solid, fingers strong and calloused but still cradling her hand with a finesse most military men did not possess. She liked it more than she should have, probably, twisting her hand in his grip and letting the pad of her thumb trace over the rough callouses of his palm. "Well," she finally said, shaking her head, "far be it from me to suggest you step back from your life's work." An incredulous chuckle-- because really, why would anyone ever want to devote so much of themselves to taking care of her, of all people-- and the queen set her wine down, pulling Damien's hand in to rest gently over her knee.

Her own fingers, long and delicate, opened his hand to trace over his palm and along his fingers, touch light and thoughtful. "And hard work it's been," she observed quietly, rubbing gently at a particularly rough patch of skin right at the base of his fingers. She could remember, distantly, half a lifetime ago when her own hands had been no softer than his. "I feel as though I do not tell you nearly often enough, but-- I am blessed to have you by my side. Truly."

[colettelavigne-deactivated20150]

Oh, are you asking m––

Well, if I may be so brutally honest your Majesty, I daresay that white is a rather… bland colour, perhaps? You know what the Corstorphinian people are like, with all their rather outlandish fashion sense. The last thing you want is for them to think that you’re a boring monarch, after all.

[fayemalaise-blog]

Oh, I thought you were-- well then. You're hardly my daughter's handmaiden, are you? Hello, Lady Lavigne. 

You may have a point, my dear; very kind of you to offer me your honest opinion. However, we must not forget that what we intend to convey to our western neighbors is a level of class and dignity that they could never succeed in matching. The outlandishness of the wardrobe in Corstorphine should in no way influence how we carry ourselves in Omnium. 

Still. Demetri and I did agree earlier that a darker color may better suit me. 

[demetribonnaire-deactivated2018]

Don’t mistake my skepticism for insult. You look beautiful, as always.

It just lacks your usual… vivacity.

Though if you intend to placate the Corstorphinians with your demure sensibilities, by all means, wear the pretty white dress.

[fayemalaise-blog]

Hmm... You think so?

I'm not quite sure what I would most like to convey to them. On one hand, perhaps coming off as kind and delicate would be wise-- show them that I'm not half the power-mad amazon they claim me to be. Play the doting older sister and mother, more proper a lady than they have ever seen... 

But perhaps those sun-bronzed layabouts could do with a healthy dose of respect. You do know how I love to intimidate those who doubt me. What say you, Lord Bonnaire?

[sirbastiencoupe]

A Morning Stroll || Faye & Bastien

Bastien smothered a yawn as he glanced out the window above his bed and squinted as the sun peeked over the edge of the windowsill. Despite the heaviness of his eyes, the thought of returning to bed and sleeping for another hour or two did not seem as appealing as it once had when he had begun his training - nearly a decade of experience had taught him that he would be fit for duty if only he got up and kept moving. 

Perched on the end of his bed, he began his usual morning routine: one boot went on after the other, his shirt was tucked into his trousers, he tightened his bauldric and spaulder over his jacket, and checked his various weapons. The final step was unnecessary after all these years - he felt a certain lightness if even a knife was missing - but, as the saying went, old habits died hard. 

Hearing laughter pass under his window, he turned to the door and left his humble room (‘humble’ as such simply because he found that he spent more time sleeping in the stables, Castle, tavern or some noblewoman’s bedroom, thus there was no apparent reason to make it grand or unhumble in any way), well aware of the fact that if recruits did not sound as though they were not entirely miserable, it meant they they would soon be eating. Rather than join them at the mess hall, Bastien left the barracks and made a quick detour to the Castle’s kitchens, where a sly grin and a few words to a servant earned him an apple and bread fresh from the oven - a modest breakfast, perhaps, but one that would last him until he had the chance for lunch. 

Bastien was just finishing the last of the roll as he came to the closed doors of the dining hall. Nodding to the guards standing on either side in turn, he glanced out of the window to see the sun had fully risen - he had once again timed his arrival impeccably  - before he opened the doors to a familiar sight: Queen Faye was seated at the table, finishing her breakfast as Miya stood a few feet away. “Good morning, your Majesty,” Bastien greeted with a bow, hand resting on his sword. Miya gave him a small nod and left the room as he approached, no doubt eager to catch up on sleep. “May I ask what business you are to conduct today?”

[fayemalaise-blog]

"Good morning, Sir Coupe." The Queen was very nearly beaming as she addressed her new guard, nodding to Miyako as she made her way out of the room. The sun has risen with little cloud cover to impede its progress in lighting up the sky, shining a proud gold in the crisp morning. It simply felt as though it would be a good day; Faye had woken up with a sort of bone-deep, warm contentment that she hadn't known in the longest time.

Of course, it did help that Demetri would very likely be arriving in the morrow, and the anticipation of seeing him again had been cheering her increasingly for the past couple of days. Not only did she miss her closest friend-- that much was more than clear, enough so that it hardly warranted mentioning-- but his return would end Damien's punishment as well. And though she had always enjoyed spending time with Miyako and Bastien, she knew that all three of them would be more comfortable when the Lord Commander returned to his rightful place by her side. They were efficient and devoted, and Miyako, especially, was a close friend, but-- well. She had grown used to having Damien by her side, and he had hardly attempted to conceal his clear irritation at not being there.

Still, she was happy to have Sir Coupe for the time being. He complained less than the Lord Commander, for one. "I was hoping to step out of the castle walls, make a visit to the city. I have, miraculously, managed to get most all of my affairs in order these past couple of days-- we really have nowhere of import to be." Faye set her fork down and met Bastien's eyes, still smiling easily. "Do you wager you'd be able to handle guarding me in public?" 

[demetribonnaire-deactivated2018]

It’s, um, very striking, your majesty.

Very memorable.

[fayemalaise-blog]

Oh, stop. 

If you mean to insult my pretty white dress, you may as well do it plainly. 

[divergente-en-llamas]

[fayemalaise-blog]

Well, it's not quite the dress I had planned on wearing to the ball, but... My seamstress got rather ahead of herself. 

You don't think it's a bit much? There's enough time yet to ask for something else... 

[angstysameen-deactivated2017021]

[fayemalaise-blog]

Your Majesty,

I have arrived safely in Corstorphine, and have spent my days charming the nobles, as requested. I expect their opinions of Omnium have been radically improved by my cheery disposition. I expect a flood of enthusiasm to greet your recently received invitations. The weather is dreadful. Must I return in the company of the Corstorphinian king, or may I depart ahead of the mass exodus?

Things are very dull without you here. I suppose firewhiskey has proven to be a poor substitute for a woman who controls actual fire. I hope any unpleasantness between us may have passed by the time of my return. I ask to come home, your majesty, if you will it.

I pray you are in good health and in good spirits.

-Lord Demetri Bonnaire

Faye traced the edges of the letter thoughtfully, letting her gaze linger on the elegant black script. 

By the gods, she missed Demetri. 

The entire point of sending him to Corstorphine was to punish him for being an utter idiot, but she had misjudged the effects of her actions. While she did have friendly acquaintances at court-- more or less-- and it wasn't as though she was spending all of her time missing her closest companion, there were still vast empty spaces in her free time that he was meant to occupy. Damien's nearly-nightly visits over the past fortnight eased the occasional gnaw of loneliness, but their friendship was of a different sort. Demetri was... family.

And she did not particularly care to admit it to herself, but for a woman who could turn a blind eye to an entire war... She was rather weak when it came to those closest to her. Faye's dark eyes raised from the letter to regard the cup of wine sitting innocently on the gleaming surface of her desk. It looks awfully lonely.

She should deny him early return, she knew that she should. 

Demetri,

The late spring here is temperate; crisp in the mornings with sunny afternoons that make the mind wander. The apples taste sweeter than ever while the morning chill lingers in the air. I find my walks rather empty without your complaints about the sun, pollen, grass, occasional flying insect, and flower arrangements.

Worry not, there is no unpleasantness between us. You have learned your lesson, clearly, and in punishing you I have learned how incredibly dull court is without you whispering quips in my ear. Come home at your earliest convenience. 

I have missed you. 

Yours,  Faye

[bandit-regina]

[sassymajesty]

“I am not violent. I am not malicious. I am a  r e s u l t.”

[miss-rebekah-mikaelson-blog]

"Yes, your grace. I was blessed by water and the priests of the North tend to center around both waters and ice. They taught me their way before I left them. I would be more than happy to show you some of my power, if it pleases you."

Aurora gently took the queen’s hand in a graceful manner. “I cannot predict how long I shall stay. I suppose until I am no longer wanted, your grace.”

[fayemalaise-blog]

Faye smiled at the blonde's impeccable manners, drawing her closer and resting her other hand over Aurora's as well. Faye's hands were warm and dry as they always were; most people had told her that her touch was comforting. Then again, coming from the Northern Empire, Faye figured that everything must have seemed warm to the woman. With a nod of her head, she began leading the other woman out of the throne room, mentally cataloguing the available rooms in the castle.

"Somehow I doubt that will happen anytime soon. You've been making a wonderful impression so far, my dear-- and just between you and me, water craft-users and I do not usually mix very well at all. Tell me, does your preference lie in potions and spellwork, or offensive magic?"

[lordcommanderfarwell-blog]

bad blood ♔ faye & damien

[lordcommanderfarwell-blog]

Damien couldn’t help but be entranced by Her Majesty’s beautiful dark eyes. It wasn’t like he was a stranger to their beauty but having been apart from her out of punishment for what happened in the tavern with Demetri but for some reason, it was that much more intense tonight. Maybe it was the wine in him that was taking over or the fact that her hand was running through his hair, or a mixture of both, but he let out a small sigh, his lips curling into a small grin. His eyebrows raised as she brought up her curiosity, peaking his own curiosity.

His stomach dropped and he froze at her question, surprised and shock that she would ask such a thing. Why had she never heard of him courting a lady? The answer was simple: the single lady he was interested in courting was busy running a kingdom and would never be interested in a man like him. Now, he couldn’t very well tell her that now. Damien’s tongue darted out to lick his lips, buying himself time as he attempted to think of a honest answer without telling her the truth. “You are not mistaken,” He started, shaking his head lightly. “But I do have a stable life. Here with the Queensguard,” He reminded her, his lips curling into a small grin. “Your safety is not something I am prepared to sacrifice for my own selfish needs,” He promised, leaning into her hand more so, his wide green eyes full of honesty. He wasn’t lying, per say. Her safety would be at risk were he ever to even attempt to court her. She is much too nice to ever outright reject him and so the two of them would be walking on eggshells around each other to avoid the unavoidable— that is no way to protect a queen.

[fayemalaise-blog]

Faye pointedly did not let her eyes flick to Damien's tongue as he licked his lips, though the sight was distracting. The Lord Commander had a generous mouth and stunning eyes, beautiful features that were hardly suited for a military man. It had struck her years ago, when they had first met in passing, just how lovely he was. But the years had hardened him, added lines to his face that gave him a sharper edge. He had grown into himself gracefully, she thought. Perhaps they both had. 

The words he spoke stirred Faye from her momentary lapse in attention, and her face immediately fell. That was why? It wasn't particularly surprising-- Damien was more devoted than any knight she'd ever known-- but it still made her gut twist in guilt. It wasn't her fault, what he had chosen, but still. The man only had one life to live. "That hardly seems fair," she responded with a small frown, letting her thumb stretch out to trace the edge of Damien's jaw. Such a graceful curve... "I have asked you for many things, but I would never request that you put your life on hold for the sake of my protection. That... would be too much to ask. In any case, it is nothing short of cruel to keep a man like you from the many women who would surely sell their souls to have your love." 

[nerissamalaise-blog]

[Nerissa listened in silence, watching Faye speak, and then reached for her sister’s hand. Her fingers curled around the queen’s palm, so much warmer than her own. The sensation broke her heart with longing for a life she could barely remember.]

Alright. [She did not have to like it, but if it was important to her sister, she would agree to it.] But Faye, I— I am. I was just going for a run when I— [the words caught in her throat, guilt lodging them there.] I snapped, and I was unaware of doing so. I had no idea what I’d done until I shifted back, Faye. I could be a danger to anyone at any time. My love for you may not keep you safe. He could have been right about me all along.

[fayemalaise-blog]

[Faye's gaze flicked between Nerissa's eyes, the very same color and shape of her own, as the younger woman spoke. That sadness, the misery, the self-loathing-- she had never known anything quite like it, and seeing that pain in her little sister's gaze made her heart clench.] I doubt it. The threat of you accidentally hurting me is no worse than my accidentally burning you. Please, just--

You stretched yourself too thin, love, restrained yourself too long, that's all. I have faith in you. You can control this, contain it, and I would be willing to prove it to you if you would ever let me. 

[miss-rebekah-mikaelson-blog]

A smile crossed Aurora’s features as the Queen granted her request. “Thank you. You are most gracious, your grace.” She nodded her blonde hair once more before raising her head. “I will do what you ask of me. I am quite skilled in magic, and since my travels I have learned the magic of many cultures over the lands. I look forward to serving you, your grace.”

[fayemalaise-blog]

"And I look forward to having you as part of my court, Aurora. It has been a long time since the capital city has been graced by the presence of a sorceress with power over-- water, I believe? I can sense it on you, but it has been so many years since I encountered a water craft-user, you'll have to excuse me." 

She smiled and stepped down from her throne, heels clicking on the steps, before extending a hand to the younger woman. "Do you predict that you will be staying with us for a while?"