─── you can call me kino ✦ 24 years old, brazilian. using tumblr for fun. currently, writing incorrect quotes from various fandons: naruto, boku no hero, jujutsu kaisen, kimetsu no yaiba, dc comics &&' marvel universe, tolkien books, a song of ice and fire, squid game, mortal kombat, the glory.
life was a tumult. noisy. violent, even — you didn't anticipate the possibility that your second nephew, your sister's son, could be a potential maniac.
a little monster, wearing the face of a child.
oh, to be the only mother figure for so many broken children.
and a foundation for the worst of them.
the father.
oh, to be the aunt of a dreamer doomed to failure.
oh, to be the aunt of a mischievous little boy.
oh, to be kidnapped—or, as aerion's sharp tongue would say—by a poor hedge knight.
Before the eagerly awaited Part Two of my Spinster Imagine I thought I would treat you all to the backstory of how said spinster became forcefully betrothed - at least that is what she thinks.
A/N: These are too long for one post (you’re welcome) so have been split into three.
Baelor
Lyonel Maekar Masterlist
Warnings: Male gaze yearning (he wants that cookie bad) attempted assault, poor self image (reader is delulu) poor family dynamics
Imagine: You were the eldest daughter of a great house. Your mother had sadly passed many years ago, bringing your sister into the world, and from that day forward, you were no longer simply a daughter. You were lady of the house in everything but title.
Your father, too grief-stricken to wed again, turned to you instead. The duty of running the household and raising your sister had fell to you, just a girl yourself at the time. You learned quick, avoiding your loneliness by through work and sharpening your keen mind.
There was a time you thought your father would secure a match for you. You remembered that conversation, a pit in your stomach “I cannot spare you. Who would care for us if you were gone?”
It had hurt then, but like always you buried it down, hoping it would hurt less overtime. Eventually, you believed the words true. You were useful, dependable, practical. But not loved, not desired. You believed it was somehow your fault.
Now years had passed and you felt well past your marriageable age. A spinster. The word had once stung. Now it simply fit.
Your sister, bright and beautiful and just spoiled enough to be charming, had blossomed into the perfect bride.
Your father had arranged an exceptional match, not for you, for her. And so the household prepared to travel
—————————————————————————————————————
The Red Keep was not a welcoming sight. It loomed over King’s Landing, Targaryen banners snapping in the wind. It was loud, hot and restless, nothing like home.
Your sister loved it immediately. She gasped as the gates opened “It is magnificent!” already imagining the balls and feasts.
You felt uneasy, feeling the weight of eyes on you. Court vipers, the lot of them. The word ‘spinster’ already being whispered behind giggles.
You lingered half a step behind your sister and father. As you always had.
—————————————————
Prince Baelor received you in a solar overlooking Blackwater Bay. Preferring a smaller audience to meet his future bride.
He was not what you expected, you had heard stories of the dark haired Targaryen prince, Breakspear, The Hammer, Hand of the King. All of his titles suggested someone hard and fearsome.
He was tall, broad shoulders, white hairs peppering his dark hair and beard, he gave the full picture of a warrior. And yet when he smiled, it was sincere.
He greeted your father first as the old man bowed to him, the prince inclining his head in acknowledgment. His gaze turned to your sister, as she brazenly stepped forward dropping into a deep curtesy with a giggle, the picture of youth. He greeted her kindly, if not a little restrained. Then his gaze turned to you, as you gave a simple curtesy remaining a step behind your sister.
His expression changed almost imperceptibly, surprise, as though he had not expected you. Your father clearly omitting his other daughter in his correspondence with the crown. ‘Not for the first time’, you think bitterly.
His gaze lingered on you a fraction too long before returning to your sister. You told yourself you imagined it.
Your sister gushes about the city, the markets, the heat and the promise of feasts
“King’s Landing overwhelms at first” Bealor says warmly.
“It is everything I hoped it would be!” she replied brightly “I should like to see the throne room tomorrow, if it pleases you” she added forgetting herself.
He nodded softly “It will be arranged” He turned then, to you. “And you, my lady? What would you wish to see?”
You blinked, surprised to be addressed “The library, your grace” you answered before you could soften it, your eyes dropping to the floor.
Your sister laughed lightly “She prefers books to all else!” It was not a cruel jest. But it struck all the same as you felt heat rise in your face.
Baelor did not laugh, “The Red Keep library is worth preferring” he said evenly “It contains original records of Aegon’s Landing and back to the kings of old”
Your gaze lifted despite yourself. Meeting his eyes for the first time, eyes which you noticed where beautifully mismatched “Truly?” You asked, your interest immediatel peeked.
His mouth curved faintly “Truly”
It was a small exchange. Brief, something one could easy forget. But yet it made your heart beat faster all the same.
Your sister resumed speaking of tourneys and feasts. Baelor offered her his arm and escorted her toward the gardens, your father following as chaperone.
You remained behind, as you always did. There were rooms to arrange, servants to direct and trunks to unpack. Practicalities fell to you. They always had.
As you turned down the corridor toward your chambers, you could not shake the faint, unsettling thought that when he had looked at you, he had looked curious.
You dismissed it at once, with a shake of your head. Curiosity was for beautiful and breathtaking things. Not for spinsters.
——————————-
The Iron Throne was smaller than you expected.
In the stories you had read you expected a towering throne as high as the ceiling of the Great Sept, a monstrous, jagged thing of legend and shadow.
In reality, it was a big chair of melted swords.
Your sister was breathless, or at least pretending to be “It is magnificent” she whispered, eyes shining as she stared a the throne, no doubt was imagining herself upon it.
Prince Baelor stood beside her, hands clasped loosely behind his back. “It is a reminder” he said evenly. “Of what was conquered”
You noticed he did not say “won” tilting your head in interest. Your sister of course did not.
She stepped closer, peering upward “One must feel powerful sitting there” she preened.
“One must feel responsible” Baelor corrected gently, a heaviness to his words.
She smiled as though he had made a jest. You did not smile, your eyes on his back, like he was a riddle you could not figure out.
Your sister studied the blades “Oh they are still quite sharp, one would think you would have them dulled. To be more comfortable of course” she says with a sigh.
“It is not meant to be comfortable” you say without thinking, your face flushing as you see him turning around.
Baelor turned eyes on you, that curious look in his eyes again “Exactly” he said simply, keeping his gaze on you. Something unreadable in is tone.
Your sister shrugged, already turned away, distracted by a tapestry along the wall.
You move to follow her, keeping your head down feeling foolish for interjecting. You did not notice Baelor’s gaze lingered on you longer than it should have.
⸻————————————
The Red Keep library smelled of parchment and dust and old ink. It was glorious.
Your sister lasted perhaps four minutes before she was bored. She ran a finger along a shelf and recoiled at the dust. “I cannot imagine spending an afternoon here”
“I can” you murmured, walking through the shelves eyes wide.
Baelor heard you but did not comment. He moved between shelves with familiarity, pulling down a large volume bound in cracked leather. “The original record of Aegon’s Landing” he said, offering it to you.
You took it carefully, reverent, your fingers brushing his “Thank you your grace” you say a bit breathless as your hands skimmed over the cover.
Your sister sighed softly “I believe I shall explore the gardens instead” clearly expecting the prince to follow her and she scurried off with her maids.
However, he held back, just for a moment “You read histories often?” he asked, that look in his eyes again
“When I can” you say softly.
“And when you cannot?” He asked amusement tinged in his voice
“I remember them” you say simply. You have always had a great memory for even small details.
That earned the smallest lift of his brow, challenging or impressed, you could not tell. However, your mind chimed in that he would not be impressed by a spinster like you.
You stepped closer to the window for better light, opening the text carefully, you did not notice that he had come to stand beside you, till you could almost feel the warmth of him.
‘Targaryens must run hot’ you think, maybe the blood of the dragon is not a far off description.
Focussing your eyes on the page you greedily read, before a line caught your attention “This contradicts the Sept’s later account” you mumble to yourself, not expecting to him to be answer or even interested in what you had to say.
Much to your surprise, he leaned in to see. Too close, your shoulders brushed, causing you to take in a silent breath.
He did not move away immediately, instead his eyes fixed on the line your finger hovered over “Few records survive unaltered, there is a later account that confirms it” he said softly, reaching over to turn to the mentioned page.
Your fingers met, you withdrew quickly, ignoring the tinging from the heat of his skin.
His hand stilled a fraction longer before turning the page.
You told yourself it meant nothing, and innocent accident, nothing more.
Especially since after he turned the page to the right section he quickly bid you a goodday and left. Fleeing like you had grey scale.
⸻———————-
The hour was late, you should have been in your chambers.
Instead, you found yourself back in the library after supper, sleeves rolled slightly, questioning the Maester on trade records from Dorne.
The old man blinked at you in mild astonishment, this strange spinster haunting him like spector in the night “You are certain those tariffs shifted after the rebellion?” He questioned
“I am certain” you insisted animatedly, feeling more like yourself then since you arrived “If you compare the port ledgers you will see things have been omitted like they wanted it hidden from the histories” you flipping through the pages.
“You are comparing port ledgers?” came a familiar voice from behind you, causing you to jump. Prince Baelor stood at the entrance
The Maester straightened hurriedly “Your Grace” you dropped into a quick curtsy, book still clutched in your arms.
His gaze flicked between you and the Maester “You may leave us” Baelor said calmly.
At first you think he means you, and make quick work to move till you see out the corner of your eye, the Master bow and disappear into the shelves.
You look back Bealor, still in his tunic from supper though the collar has been opened. You suddenly felt very aware of the hour “Apologise you grace, I did not expect”
He cuts you off with a raise of his hand “No apologies needed, you are my guest” He moved deeper into the room, gaze settling on the open scroll before you and the book your hands “It gladdens me to see you returned.”
You try not to flush “It seemed a waste not to” you admit.
He huffed softly in what you sensed was approval. Still unable to meet his gaze. “You were correct earlier” he said. “The Sept’s account is sanitized”
You looked up sharply, unable to help the triumphant grin from spreading across your features “You checked?” You asked somewhat astonished.
“I did” he said simply, smiling softly through his eyes had seemed to drop to your mouth. You suddenly became very self aware.
You swallowed dropping your gaze stepping back “The hour is late. I must return to my chambers. Good night your grace” you say with a curtsy unable to meet his gaze yet again as you all but run from the library.
Not feeling his gaze follow you, shifting from curiosity to something else entirely.
——————————————
Time at court passed surprisingly slowly. Well for a spinster it did. Whilst your sister was included in teas, garden walks and afternoons with the ladies of the court, you were a social outsider.
You did not mind too much, used to being alone. You found things to occupy your days, mainly the library. The measter grown used to your presence and questions.
Prince Baelor was another thing. He had a knack for seeking you out whist you where roaming the halls and in the library, not for anything in particular it seemed, just to talk. He would ask your options on books and your day, dropping in little fragments of his own work as hand of the king which fascinated you. You also found he seemed to include you more on your chaperoning trips.
Today was such a day.
The Dragonpit was not what your sister expected, despite all but begging the prince to go, she had done nothing but complain, from the moment you left the keep “It smells” she declared, pressing a scented cloth to her nose.
“It is ruin” Baelor replied mildly. “Ruins rarely perfumes itself”
You stood at the edge of the collapsed dome, staring down into the vast hollow where dragons had once been chained. Beautiful terrifying creatures, chained and unable to fight back “They died here” you mutter to yourself.
“Yes” Prince Bealor said from too close behind you.
“Not from weakness” you added quietly “From fear”
That caught his attention, you felt it. But he did not comment, instead your sister took his attention kicking up some old sand, bored by dust and history.
You wandered in a bit further, stepping forward slightly to peer over the broken edge. Stone shifted beneath your slipper, your hands shot out feeling yourself begin to slip.
You feel a firm hand close around your elbow, pulling you back.
You inhaled sharply as you regain steady footing, his warm hand still on you “Thank you, your grace’ you say flushed and feeling foolish
His grip lingered “Careful” he said evenly, eyes sweeping over you, before pulling away. You missed the way his hand flexed at his side as if burned.
You nodded, pretending your pulse had not jumped.
⸻——————————-
You had not meant to wander. You told yourself that twice as you turned down the corridor that led toward the council chamber.
You peeked around corner, the door to the chamber stood closed, guarded by two Kingsguard.
Voices filtered through the heavy wood, too low to make out. You paused a few paces away.
It was not eavesdropping, you told yourself. It was simple observation.
You had spent your life observing.
The meeting ended sooner than you expected, the door opened abruptly and lords filed out, still speaking in tight, irritated murmuring.
You stepped back at once, gathering your skirts, intending to disappear, however too late. One councillor’s brows lifted sharply “My lady?” His voice carrying through the hall.
You froze. Another lord laughed “Were we entertaining guests?” His eyes roaming over you.
Heat rushed to your face “I was merely passing” you began meekly.
However, the implication hung heavy anyway. Eavesdropping. A unknown lady, attempting to overhear the governance of the realm, the kings business. Not only was it improper, it was suspicious, bordering on treasonous.
The kingsguard begin to approach you, when Baelor’s voice cut through the corridor “She was not disturbing anything” he said evenly, his gaze sweeping over you.
“She stood at the door listening” one councillor replied, disapproving.
Baelor’s expression did not change “She is my guest” he replied simply. However as heir and hand, that was all he needed.
One by one, the councillors inclined their heads and moved, passing you with lingering looks mixing between disapproval and suspicion.
You wished the floor would open and swallow you whole.
Your gaze lifted to see Baelor in the doorway still watching you “I apologise” you say quietly.
“For what?” he asks, eyebrow quirking
“For appearing……improper” you say meekly, eyes dropping again.
He studied you, a small smile on his features “You were curious” he states.
“Yes” you nod softly
“And you believe curiosity a crime?” He asks in that irrefutable soft tone of his.
“When it is unwelcome or causes issue” you say, thinking of betrothals and whispers and ruined prospects.
He regarded you for a moment. Then he stepped aside “Come” he said.
You blinked “Your Grace?”
“If you are to stand at the door, you may as well see what is behind it” he spoke softly, a hint of teasing in his tone.
You hesitated, but crossed the hall to him and stepped inside.
The chamber was smaller than you thought. Maps lined the walls. Wax seals marked positions along carved wooden tables.
“This is where decisions are made” Baelor said quietly, a weight behind his words, eyes still on your form.
You walked slowly around the table “Not on the throne” you say already knowing the answer.
“No” he says from behind you, closer than before.
You stopped beside a map of the Narrow Sea, eyes sweeping over it “Storms will disrupt these routes by autumn” you said softly.
He did not ask how you knew. He only nodded once.
“And what would you do?” he asked genuinely curious.
“Diversify shipments, stagger arrivals, store more before summer ends” you say your fingers tracing the ports on the map
“You speak as though you have governed a port” you could hear the smile in his voice
“I have governed a household” you replied quietly “Supplies run thin there as well”
He stepped closer, you are sure you felt the brush of his chest upon your back “And when supplies did run thin?” He asked voice lower
“People grow resentful long before they grow hungry” you say softly.
That earned a small pause. He shifted slightly and you believed he had stopped back, however when you turned, you nearly collided into him.
You caught his arm, as he caught yours “You think ahead” he said as you pulled back
“I was raised to” you answered, willing your heart from pounding.
His hand lingered a fraction longer than necessary.
“You should not stand outside council doors” he said at last, a small chide in his tone.
Heat rushed your face “I did not mean to” you begin
“I know” he cut in gently “Curiosity is not a flaw, it is an asset”
You looked up at him then. You were not accustomed to being described that way. An asset. You where silent for a moment, before saying softly “Thank you, for allowing me inside”
He simply nodded, but you noticed that odd look back in his eyes.
When you left the chamber moments later, your heart was pounding. You told yourself it meant nothing.
——————————————-
The heat in King’s Landing was relentless. Your sister declared that northern dresses were suffocating and insisted that the ladies of your household adopt “Something more appropriate to the climate” you felt your stomach drop at that “And to the Prince’s Dornish heritage” she added brightly.
The seamstresses were delighted, you were less so.
The gown laid out for you was lighter than you preferred. The sleeves exposing your arms and the neckline far lower than anything you have worn before. The fabric soft and flowing.
You told yourself you were being foolish, you had simply grown accustomed to hiding.
The gardens shimmered in late afternoon light when you joined them. Your sister looked radiant in pale gold, fabric draped elegantly across her shoulders, laughing already as Baelor approached.
He greeted her warmly. Then almost by habit his gaze shifted to you.
He stilled, his eyes traced you once. Taking in the bare curve of your collarbone, the lighter fabric at your waist, the way the sun caught against your skin.
His jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. Then he inclined his head politely “My lady”
You dipped into an awkward curtsy, suddenly very aware of the breeze moving your light skirts.
You told yourself it was disapproval. That must look foolish. Unsuited for such gowns.
You were not the kind of woman princes noticed that way.
——————————————
It was late again, the sun long set and you were back in the library.
The Maester had been digging through the shelves when Baelor joined you at the great oak table, scrolls scattered between you.
His fingers tapped absently against the wood as you spoke animatedly about Rhaenys and her role in the conquest, as the Measter’s often downplay her role “So without Rhaenys—”
Tap. Tap. Tap.
The tapping of his fingers causing you to lose your train of thought. It was maddening. Without thinking, you reached across the table and placed your hand over his
“They wouldn’t have even claimed the Stormland’s, as Argilac had broken through Oryl’s centre. It was Rheanys and Maraxes that felled the personal guards, leaving Argilic vulnerable” you finish smiling not noticing the warm hand beneath yours had stilled completely, his eyes fixed on you.
You scrunch your eyebrows at his silence then realise your mistake. Quickly you pull your hand away “My apologies” you say unable to look directly at him, feeling foolish
You had not notice his gaze had darkened “You need not apologize” he said rougher than usual.
The Maester chose that moment to re-emerge from the shelves, mercifully oblivious, saving you from your embrassment.
————————-
You had mentioned Balerion only once, in passing, when truth he should have been talking with your sister.
You had not expected him to remember.
“Come” Baelor said one afternoon, appearing beside you in the corridor.
You look at him confused, but follow without question as he takes your arm.
The passageways beneath the Red Keep were cool and dim. Torches burned low against ancient stone, the air colder he deeper you go.
When the chamber opened before you, you stopped. Balerion’s skull dominated the space, illuminated by candles. A vast white skull with teeth longer than spears.
You stepped forward without thinking “He was larger in the stories” you murmured eyes fixed on the magnificent beast before you.
“He was larger in life” Baelor replied. “Time makes everything seem smaller”
You circled slowly, reverent, your hand reaching out, fingertips brushing the cool bone “You remembered that I wished to see this” you said quietly
“I remember most things you say” he says simply.
“A great pity for you” you teased lightly, continuing around the skull, unaware of his gaze following you.
Silence settled between you.
You turned toward him “Thank you” you say softly.
“For what?” He asks voice deeper than normal.
“For showing me this. I will not have many more chances to see such things” you smile at him before turning back to the skull.
His expression shifted “Why would you not?”
“My sister will be wed” you said lightly, as though it were obvious. “And I shall return home. I imagine the Red Keep will not miss me haunting its corridors” You smiled faintly to soften it.
You did not see the way he stilled “I had not considered that” he said slowly.
You laughed, embarrassed. “It was never my visit, you did not even know I existed”
It was your sister’s courtship. Your sister’s future. Your sister’s place.
“You speak as though you are already gone” he said voice tight with an emotion you could not name.
“I was never meant to stay” you say simply. You had told yourself the same since the day you arrived, this was not your future.
His jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. The torchlight caught in his eyes, darkening them “It is time for us to leave” he said sharply. He turned without waiting, walking away. You did not see the way his hands had curled into fists.
You blinked, unsure what you did to offend him. Casting one last look back at the skull, you followed him out of the chamber.
——————————-
The carriage ride to the Great Sept had been meant to be brief.
Your sister was in high spirits, chattering about embroidered veils and how beautiful the ceremony would look beneath the marble dome. The visit to the Great Sept had been arranged to discuss wedding details.
Baelor rode horseback rather than in the carriage. You told yourself he would not care that you were leaving soon. You must have offended him beneath the Red Keep somehow, perhaps your touching of Balerion.
Baelor did not look at you once when the carriage stopped before the Sept. He dismounted smoothly, offering your sister his hand first. You stepped down without assistance.
You did not notice his hand flex at his side as though restraining reaching out to you.
The meeting within the Sept was long, endless discussion of procession order, seating even candle placement . Your mind drifted, but you kept your gaze from drifting toward him.
When it finally concluded, your sister was flushed with excitement “The market is just beyond the square” she breathed “Only a moment”
“We do not have the escort for wandering” you warned quietly. Refusing to ask Baelor who had returned to his horse.
“It is daylight” she answered naively, as though daylight itself were armor. Before you could stop her, she slipped toward the side street, laughing and beckoning you to follow.
You hesitated, your eyes quickly scanning for Baelor, but your sister was already disappearing into the crowd.
You went after her. Of course you did, it was your duty.
⸻
The market swallowed sound and sense alike. Color and fabric and shouting vendors. Bodies pressing too close.
Your sister moved too fast, laughing, pointing, delighted by everything.
You tried to stay close, but when a group of ship workers pushed between you, you were jostled hard against a stone wall.
You looked for your sister and could no longer see her colourful dress. You called her name but had no answer when suddenly, a voice slurred too near your ear “Oh what a pretty one”
A hand caught your wrist, strong and forceful. You twisted immediately. “Release me!” you demanded as he tightened his grip enough to leave a bruise.
Another man stepped closer, wine on his breath, “Lost are you?” He grinned, teeth missing.
“I am not alone” you say evenly despite the panic rising within you.
They laughed pushing you back against the wall as you cried out. One man leaned closer “Pretty thing to be wandering about” his hand stroking your face, then dragged down the front of your bodice as you writhed to break free.
“Let me go!” you demanded furious and terrified at once, letting out a cry as larger man ripped open the front of your dress. You closed your eyes unable to watch what came next.
The man’s grip tightened. And then it was gone. The man stumbled backward with a strangled cry.
Baelor stood between you and them. He must have followed, or sensed it, you did not know, you could only let out a relieved sob as you covered yourself, holding your dress together.
“You will not touch her” he said dangerously quiet, twisting the mans wrist sharply enough that the bone threaten to break.
The second man lunged for the dagger at his belt. He never drew it.
Baelor moved first, sword drawn. A single, brutal strike to the man’s throat.
The dagger clattered uselessly to the stones as the man staggered back, blood pouring as he collapsed.
The first man dropped to his knees, wheezing. Bealor cuts off his hand with one clean swipe, the man screams dropping down onto the floor.
“You laid hands upon a lady under my protection” Baelor said, voice quiet and carrying “You will count yourself fortunate to leave breathing”
You had not realized you were shaking until his hands came to your arms, still holding your dress. His gaze drops down, something in him shifting as he pulls off his cloak wrapping it around you.
“Are you hurt?” he asks softly, but his jaw was tight enough to splinter.
“No,” you managed voice shaking slightly “my sister” say in sudden panic
“My kingsguard have her, she is safe” he assures “Come” he prompts softly, arm coming around your shoulders, directing you to the carriage.
He guides you inside, hands never leaving you. You half expect him to remount his horse, but he steps in after you, the small space feeling smaller as the door closes
You hold his cloak tighter around you, the dark material smells like him, you take a deep breathe without meaning to,o his scent calming you.
You are very aware of the man opposite you, knees touching, eyes roaming over you checking for injury like you might bleed out infront of him.
“Are you hurt?” He repeated, his voice still carrying that rough edge.
“No” you say softly, unable to hide your wince as you pull his cloak tighter.
He notices, of course he notices. He holds his hand, you take your hand out from the cloak, careful not to expose the torn dress beneath.
He takes your wrist gently, examining where the man had gripped you, bruises already forming. His thumb brushed the inside of your pulse point as you take in a shaky breath.
“They touched you” he said, quieter now voice carefully controlled.
“It was my fault” you insisted “I should not have followed—” you start to explain
“You followed because your sister is careless child” he says sharply, his hand not letting you go. The sharpness of his words surprising you. “You will not wander without escort again” he said in a tone you did not recognise, akin to fear.
You looked up at him “I was trying to protect her. I did not think”
“That is precisely the problem” he cuts you off.
Silence fell heavy between you.
His gaze lingers on your wrist, fingers still stoking over the bruised skin. Then slowly rose to your face “You are not to place yourself in danger” his voice stern.
Your breath caught “I did not mean to” you say looking down “but she is my sister, my responsibility, if something happens to her it will be my fault” you take in a breath “I am of no consequence”
The words fall softly between you, you think little of them, as though they have lived in you for years.
His hand stops moving. The carriage continues to rattle over stone, but inside it becomes very, very quiet. Slowly, deliberately, he lifts his eyes to yours.
“What did you say?” His voice tighter than before.
You swallow, suddenly uncertain. “I meant, my sister is the one who matters. This is her future. Her marriage. If she were harmed” you trail off
“And you?” he asks eyes furious.
You hesitate “I would manage”
His jaw tightens “You would manage” he repeats, as though testing the phrase and finding it unacceptable “You place yourself between danger and your sister” he says quietly “Without hesitation”
“That is my duty” you say having no other answer
“And who stands between danger and you?”
The question lands harder than any rebuke, you look down unable to keep his gaze. He releases your wrist only to move closer, not enough to trap you, but enough that your knees press firmly together.
“You are not inconsequential” he says as through it is a fact. “You have been responsible your entire life” he continues. “That does not require you to be expendable”
The word hits you harder than the attack did. Expendable.
You draw in a careful breath, unsure what you are about to confess when the carriage slows.
Voices outside swell faintly, guards, attendants. The world returning.
———————————————
Your father sent for you before supper. You knew before you entered that something had shifted. Servants would not meet your eye, ladies no longer whispering behind their hands now fell silent as you passed.
You stood before his desk, hands folded taking in a shaky breath “You called for me, Father”
He did not ask if you were well “The court has been speaking” he began his voice stern and measured
You lowered your gaze “I see” you say softly.
“The incident in the market has…..complicated matters” his voice unchanged.
You swallowed “The prince and I did nothing improper” you said quietly. A part of you wanted to take whatever shame there was, if it spared him.
“I believe you” he replied “That is not the point”
Of course it wasn’t. You braced yourself thinking of the options. Perhaps you were merely to be sent home, or worse he was shipping you off to the silent sisters.
He continued evenly “Your sister’s position has become precarious. There are whispers. Speculation regarding the Prince’s attentions and your involvement”
Heat crept up your throat “I never sought”
“This is not about what you sought” he cut sharply, banging his hand on the table.
Silence pressed in for a moment as he regained his composure “The Prince has offered a solution”
You prepared yourself to be dismissed. To be sent away before more damage could be done.
“You will be betrothed to Prince Baelor ”The words landed so softly you were almost sure you misheard him.
You simply stood there numb. Feeling the shape of your life rearrange itself.
“For the sake of your sister” he said firmly “And to preserve honor” added as an afterthought.
Of course, you summised. This was never about you.
Now you had trapped a prince, one you where sure did not want you.
just saw your post about bi-han cheating on Y/N and act like nothing is wrong with that and honestly, only a man could do this type of behaviour like Bi-han
the other's watchin him fumble the bad bitch that Y/N is must be the most unbelievable thing ever scratch fighting with their multiverse counterparts
Sometimes I feel like he didn't see the immense trouble he brought upon himself when he decided to ruin his own MARRIAGE, for nothing.
Maybe, if it were possible, I believe he would try to bend the clan rules to have Sareena as a second spouse or something along those lines. And she, frankly, wouldn't mind. Being free from her own prison, having her freedom, and her sisters, guaranteed was enough for her. Bi-Han, though a valuable combat companion, would eventually succumb to time.
And you would have to accept it. Accepting an intruder into your marriage. His word was law. At least, that's what he liked to believe.
The divorce, in his view, was a low blow. He didn't play with the possibility that you might leave. Nor did he consider the possibility that you would find someone so quickly — As if he had not done infinitely worse.
Either way, seeing you thriving was a trigger to awaken his fury.
Meanwhile, every variant of him that ventured into Liu Kang's timeline had an immense degree of admiration and passion for you. One of them was kind, had a calm speech and his eyes showed a wisdom that your Bi-Han never had. He was a Titan, like your father. (Union of Light!Bi-Han)
Even the biggest sons of bitches (Order of Darkness and MK11!Noob Saibot) seemed to have you positioned on a pedestal of psychotic adoration.
This was unacceptable to him. The only Subzero who should remain in your life was him, obviously!
Israel will take the rest of Gaza and we don't know where to go next. Also hunger is surrounding me and my family from everywhere. We are so hungry. One bag of flour reach 600$. So please do your best to save my family and help us 🙏🙏‼️‼️💔💔
✅️Vetted by @gazavetters , my number verified on the list is ( #515) ✅️
My full story 🙏💔
I'm Areej I was an English teacher and a creative writer at we are not numbers before war and everything change after October 7. Also I'm a creative writer at we are not numbers.
Dear my kind donors!
I am a mother of three children. We have lived through the war for a year and a half, and we have lost everything we own. My husband is a man who did not work. Before the war, I did not have a breadwinner or any source of income. During the war I didn't give up to teach so I volunteered and had good chance to help some students to get engaged again with English in a very creative way.
Please Save those innocent kids from war 🥺‼️🙏🙏
We are in tents for almost two years because our home was destroyed and my kids are starving now with no enough food 😭‼️🥺After our several evacuation from place to another.Now we don't have a house after it was destroyed by missiles. I now ask you to help me rebuild my house. And buy basics for the daily essentials for my children and I need money so that we can stand up again and start again.
This war wasn't easy at all it has taken many friends at work, students and some of my colleagues at the university. They are almost ten souls I won't never forget . Their laughter, their presence, their love… all of it is gone, leaving behind memories that are both precious and painful. Every day, I carry the weight of their loss, but I also carry their spirit, which gives me the strength to keep going.
My lovely students before war 🥺
My lovely home 💔💔‼️
Here’s what life in Gaza looks like for my family right now:
🏠 Safety: The uncertainty of tomorrow weighs heavily on us.
😢 Loss: The absence of my students and my friends is really hurts.
💔 Dreams on Hold: The future feels so far away when survival takes all our strength.
Note to mention the other very expensive essential goods. I hope you will stand by me to get food
The crossings boarders are closed again these days and war return in Gaza. The crossing through which food enters has been closed for more than 30 days. We have nothing to eat, and even if we do, the prices are exorbitant. Some of the prices listed are:
1 kg of meat = $100 now there is no meat
1 chicken = 70$ there is no chicken
1 kg of fish = 100$ now it costs 200$
1 bag of flour = $200 now it costs 600$
1 kg of cooking gas = $150 now it costs 1000$
1 kg of sugar = $50
1 kg of eggplant = $20
1 kg of onions = $50
1 kg of tomatoes = $20
How You Can Help Us Cross the Finish Line
Even the smallest act of kindness can make a difference:
. $5 might not seem like much, but it could mean a meal, clean water, or a tiny bit of hope for my family.
. Can’t donate? Reblog this post to help us reach someone who can. Every share matters more than you know.
To help me and my family you can donate here or at least you can share this post to people who can support us in gaz
You can support my family here
Here
Hello, my name is Areej. I was an English teacher before the war, but everything changed after October 7th.
Or directly here
Help support Tariq Shatat by donating or sharing with your friends.
I am Maram Al-Nabulsi, I currently live in the completely destroyed 🏚🚀city of Gaza, specifically Khan Younis. Since the war on Gaza began on 10/7/2023, my family - my father Muhammad, my mother Hiba and my siblings Nour, Maram, Mahmoud - have been living in constant fear, crying and suffering because of shrapnel, shells and bullets. We have no food🥘🌯, no electricity, no cooking gas, no schools🏢📚, no homes🏚, no cleaning supplies, no clothes🧣🧥🧤. Our house was completely destroyed. My school was bombed, and my sister Nour's university was turned into rubble, which deprived us all of education. The war forced us to live in displacement centers, which are just tents that are not suitable for living, especially in winter. Every day we live death, terror and panic a thousand times because of the continuous bombing of my city. The war has killed more than 50 of my relatives and neighbors. At the beginning of the war, we took refuge in my aunt's house, but it was also turned into rubble. Imagine: We have escaped imminent death more than 20 times, and have been displaced between shelters more than 13 times. My brothers and I have suffered from many diseases due to malnutrition, and we need medicine constantly. If we stay in Gaza, we may lose our lives. Recently, we have been seriously considering leaving Gaza to a safe place. However, the travel costs are very high. We need more than 70 thousand dollars to leave Gaza. Due to the exorbitant prices, rampant unemployment, insecurity, the ongoing blockade, and the continuous bombing, we have lost all our money. How can we live in such insecurity💔🙏, with the constant bombing and shrapnel flying above us? My dear compassionate friends around the world, with your generous donations, even if small, you can save 5 people from imminent death, allowing us to start a life outside Gaza full of love, peace, and hope. Best regards from Gaza City....🍉🇵🇸
Hello..
I am Maram_al_Nabulsi, I currently live in the completely des… MARAM NABULSI needs your support for Save my family and save my
I am genuinely sorry for this, but my sister is dying. If I could only ask for your permission one by one, I would, but I am afraid of the possibility that Tumblr may consider our plea as spam. Also, if any of you want an even more elaborate explanation about her medical condition, kindly look into this account's pinned post or you can message me directly because Tumblr flagged the pinned post as "sensitive content" after attaching proof of how extremely disfigured her right arm is. At times, it is also being kept hidden so not everyone can received notification even after being repeatedly tagged.
(And here is the direct link to the fundraiser.)
That is why despite the almost 14k notes, I decided to make another post/an update if you may because we are beyond desperate and we have not received any help as of lately.
My older sister's health has declined drastically since last week of December that is why I took over this account as per her request. We don't want to resort to asking for monetary assistance online but we still don't have the funds to get her through. As I have mentioned above, you can look into this account's pinned post to see how deformed her right hand was (if you needed the not blurred one, please let me know because I cannot possibly upload the actual picture because her account might end up getting taken down).
The entirety of her right arm is not only swollen, but blood kept seeping out of her knuckles, her palm, and her elbow. Protruding tumors/swelling have reached both of her breast, too, and is affecting her shoulder/shoulder blades and even her spine. Please reach out to me if you want to see more proof/health updates because I cannot post the photos here for they are somewhat too graphic. There's a lot of blood loss.
And although her arm was recently amputated, she is still under critical care and is currently battling numerous health complications.
If you could, please take some time to read her pinned post—please do. If you cannot donate, a reblog will be highly appreciated still. We need all the help we could get. I, recently just turned 18, and am only working part-time jobs trying to keep our family afloat, and what I am earning is not enough. The hospital could stop providing treatment at any time if we cannot put together the amount we owe them and the amount needed to outsource some of the meds that their in-house pharmacy cannot supply. It is a matter of life and death so I am begging all of you to please consider helping us. Help us get through this, please.
If you want to be removed from being tagged, please message me directly, and I will immediately do as you like. I know that this may seem invasive but it is not our intention. We are just desperate, and have been running out of ways to keep my sister alive. I cannot offer something in return other than express my immense gratitude. I am sorry, and please consider helping us. Thank you very much.
We still need to complete $1,300 by tonight. I have been asking around for help for a month now but there's not much significant change. And I am just finding out that apparently the main account (hell-bent-in-a-fever-dream) is currently being shadowbanned. So, I am sorry if I somehow offended you because I randomly tagged you, we are beyond desperate to spread this post and get help.
I swear to you that is truly a matter of life and death. I am begging you to please understand. Kindly donate, please. And see pinned post if you want to know how awful her health is but be careful because the photos could be too graphic. I am really sorry. Please don't reprimand me.
If you want to be removed from being tagged, please message me directly, and I will immediately do as you like. I know that this may seem invasive but it is not our intention. I just don't know what to do anymore and I have been running out of ways to keep my sister alive. I cannot offer something in return other than express my immense gratitude. I am sorry, and please consider helping us. Thank you very much.
✅️Vetted by @gazavetters , my number verified on the list is ( #538)
Hi everyone,
I’m Inge Kassab 22, dental student in Alazhar university Gaza, I have finished three years of my studies at the university and unfortunately my university has completely destroyed due to the war in Gaza and I can’t go abroad the city to continue my studies because all boarders around us were closed and I forced to live her under bombing.
For almost a whole year and half I have been living in Gaza, where wardestruction and chaos spread everywhere in Gaza.
My home and my university were completely destroyed .
I am currently in Deir El Balah after I have displaced from my city Gaza , trying to save money to rebuild home to live in a safe place with my family. My father is an old man who lost his work and my mom also lost her work. I need you to support me and my family to build our life again.
Because of the war, it has become impossible to provide money to live, buy food, clean and drinkable water, and education here. This money will be used to provide what the war has destroyed for us, and also to provide a place to stay, especially since we are now approaching the winter season, where we need winter clothes, repair the damage to the house, and provide what protects us from the cold and hunger of winter.
Gaza has become a place full of destruction and is no longer suitable for any opportunity here. Diseases have spread in the Gaza Strip, especially those skin diseases for which there is no treatment due to the war. The water here has also become polluted water and has spread, and there is not enough food for everyone here.
I created this campaign to ask for help and support from you. As a human being who lived an entire year and half under the flames of war, destruction, and tragedies, I am addressing you and asking you for help, to help me get a chance to survive war, death, and hunger with my family, and to start from scratch. A new journey of living and recovering from those traumas and painful memories that we experienced in the war. So we stayed in the Gaza Strip under the genocide to live in difficult conditions and complete our studies with the least available means. Before the war began, I was at the beginning of the clinical stage and the beginning of my work on patients, but the war came and destroyed all my dreams, as I lost my university and my dental tools, which cost my father more than $1,000, and I lost my future. But now I am trying to return again in order to complete the number of study hours and graduate. Therefore, I need your help to complete what remains, as there is only very little left to graduate and go out to work and help patients.
This money will also help me to cover our living expenses and buy food in Gaza. Buying food and groceries in Gaza is something we cannot afford every day because of the high prices, and there is no opportunity to work here. The money will also be used to buy available cooking gas, wood and firewood which will also be used to provide fires for cooking and also to keep warm from the cold at night in the coming days. Also I want to build my own clinic after graduation.
I hope you will hear my voice and help me get a chance to evacuate from here, and a chance to evacuate from Gaza if we can . 🥺❤️
I am a person whose dreams, life, and ambitions were stolen during the war. All I have left is the hope of escaping from here. Help me revive this hope ❤️🙏🙏
Hi, I'm Tristan from the Netherlands, running this campaign on behalf of Inge, who tells her story below:
Or here directly
Help support Inge Kassab by donating or sharing with your friends.
So Please Help Me to Put (Dr.) before my name please make this post viral 🥺❤️‼️
