the darkness spoke and I listened

Maddox Declan Keyes Keyes Industries (Closed rp blog)

[keyes-tothecrown]

konigarenofgermany​:

maddox.

-

The footsteps became familiar once Aaron recognized who it was, and even though Maddox passed by him, he sensed the urgency quickening the former pirate’s stride. He waited, leaning forward to peer around the sculptures in the middle of the gallery to watch Maddox’s progress through the gallery and then circling back.

Aaron inhaled, then exhaled slowly. Panic kept gripping him and letting go in moments of fear and relief. The relief felt more palpable this time–as much as he trusted that Maddox was too sharp and too ruthless to fall at the hands of these pirate thugs, he was as mortal as anyone else. He knew that from the last night on the island, the image of his bloodied wound (though nonfatal) still gave him chills to think about.

He was so pleased to hear Maddox’s voice that he nearly missed what was said. “It was very hot,” he murmured, his voice hoarse from how dry his mouth was. The taste of blood hadn’t left him. “I’m–”

This was no time to linger, but he took Maddox’s face in his hands and tried to keep from saying or doing anything stupid. Just stared, his eyes burning and a mixture of fear and longing overcoming some of the relief of finding him alive. How quickly things could change if they turned the wrong corner. What if he had to watch Maddox die? 

Why does it always have to be like this?

“I was captured with another prince. We fought back. I took an elbow to–” He pointed to his face where the swelling had started to take hold between his eye and lower jaw. “We got out, but we were separated. Theo took the gun. So I’ve just been… alone.”

He swallowed and tried to smile, but that hurt, so it only reached the unharmed half of his face. “Let’s go.” Aaron pushed himself to his feet and looked around the room once more before waiting for Maddox to lead him into the next room. “They have gunmen on the roof, but I think our only chance is to try and get out of here. Unless you have a better plan?”

--

Maddox had extra lives left. He had escaped without so much as a scratch. Physically, Aaron dealt with more. The hint of a developing bruise over swollen skin had begun to show on the king’s face. Brows knitted tighter as Maddox listened to what had transpired over the last several hours. Pride swelled to think Aaron had fought back. 

Followed by a warm and clarifying wash of relief, even as Aaron’s comment about being aone struck deep. They were alive and very close to freedom then. Maddox did not have to be told twice to go. 

He led with the gun raised again, eyes open and scanning for anyone who might still be around. “The gunmen on the roof have been captured. I don’t know who has come in but-- most of the pirates have been rounded up. The rest of the palace is still being cleared.” A pause to check around a corner. It was a short path to a rooftop staircase. Once Maddox had made it, with Aaron safely in tow, the king was given a directional push into the stairwell. The door closed behind them. Maddox motioned to the stairs headed up. 

“Do you know who captured you?” Tersely disseminated information had been given out by the team retaking the palace. But Maddox had already been face to face with Deacon. The players and their reasons behind the staged attack all too familiar. Maddox wanted specifics. “Who elbowed you, did they give a name?” Tierney and Delon hadn’t contracted with the brightest pirates, after all. “More importantly, did you fight back? I hope they look a lot worse than you. If not, I didn’t teach you so well. If the prince got the gun, it must’ve been a decent scrap, hm?” 

[keyes-tothecrown]

konigarenofgermany​:

Shortly before the Big Rescue Lockdown at Versailles @keyes-tothecrown​

Aaron split with Theo after a miscommunication in their plan of direction–Aaron definitely said they should go left to avoid being spotted, but Theo went right. Maybe it worked out, as they were pursued by only one pirate. Theo got away, Aaron lost them in a series of gallery rooms. Even being familiar with Versailles, Aaron was losing his focus. Where was he supposed to go? He could try to leave, but he caught a glimpse of gunmen on the roof, so his chances of making it depended on where he found an exit.

Until then he was stuck in a nonstop, life or death game of hide and seek. Staying in one place for too long was out of the question, but the sprint to escape had left him out of breath. He took a pause inside a doorway leading into one of the galleries, where he could see the other entrances and keep watch. A marble statue obscured the center of the room and one directly beside him offered a little bit of cover.

Theo had the gun still. Aaron wasn’t sure if he would feel better with one. What if he had to use it? Trying to get control of his breathing, Aaron slumped down into a crouch and dropped his head. Then he heard something.

Someone entered the room just past him. He blinked, froze. Stared. Knowing not to startle the man, Aaron did the first thing he could think of: he whistled like he was cat-calling his fiancé.

-

Things had gone all sorts of wrong-- but he’d managed to escape. 

Escape into what though? The dread of empty halls. The tap of pacing boots belonging to captors guarding doors. And Maddox had no way of knowing who sat behind those locked rooms. His father, a former pirate compatriot, a royal....

Aaron. Above all and at the forefront of his mind. Lessons on how to disarm, attack, defend himself. Those might all be lost to Aaron outside the safety of a garden behind a little yellow house. Was Aaron being threatened, held at gun point, fracturing and fearful once again? Was this how it would’ve felt to a gunner if things had gone differently for a prince on an island a few years ago? 

Maddox moved silently through the corridors. Kept the worry at bay and eyes open.

In what he thought would be crossing a gallery to another long hallway, he heard a whistle. He didn’t break stride until he reached the end of the gallery. After taking a look around the corner, he finally turned back. The gun in his hand lowered and his steps grew quicker returning to the source of the whistle. Maddox crouched down to look at Aaron with a wash of pure relief softening his features. Aaron was alive. Looked unharmed-- tense, but with his senses about him. He whispered. “Like what you see, Herzog? Shall I parade by again for another whistle?” A pause. “The next hallway is clear, but we need to move. You are okay, yeah?” 

[keyes-tothecrown]

infantacardoza​:

keyes-tothecrown​:

@infantacardoza​

The room was on the second floor. Small, out of the way. A room meant for the 21st century staff to store personal items as they worked the grounds. A row of lockers was on the opposite wall. A table sat nearby with Maddox’s suit coat and contents spilled on top.

Keyes had been shoved into a large walk-in chain link cage, another storage space in the room which had been hastily emptied by Outlaws. There was a last bit of cheesy, Hollywood-style villainy hissed at him: Sit tight, Keyes. We have special plans for you. Then he was left alone.

It wasn’t Tierney-level amateurs coordinating the night’s events, despite the failure of how they chose to secure him. He would be gone from the room in five minutes time. The worry was what unknown events might be playing out on the other side of the door. 

He was interrupted. A common type of interruption for Maddox, but this time there was no scowl or roll of eyes to follow. “Lecia?”

-

Leaving the ceiling panel askew behind her, Lecia slipped down as quietly as she could. First onto the top of the lockers. Then hanging off the side of that to lower herself all the way to the ground. It required a bit of jump at the end, but she made it. No harm, no foul. She thought to go through the staffs’ cupboards to trade off her dress for something more suitable, but it was the pile on the table that enticed her over first. She scurried over. A discarded pocket square, a knife, a designer coat -

“Maddox!” she yelped, her hand still inside the coat pocket. Despite the urgency of what was going on around them, Lecia still found the time to greet him with her usual flash of irritation. Eyes narrowed. Nose scrunched up. But this was good news. Finding Maddox was one step closer to finding everyone else.

“Why you are hiding in here?! Aaron is here also? Do you know things are happening? I do not look at Simon for five seconds, and he is gone. Like this.” She snapped her fingers. “They have the big guns. There is prisoners everywhere, all over the palace.”

--

How did she get into the... nevermind, Maddox did not have the time or patience to hear about the ceiling. Lecia had avoided capture at least. However, if she kept looking at him that way any idea of unity would fade. 

“Why the fuck would I hide in a cage? And don’t look at me like that. Listen. I think I saw some bolt cutters in that locker over there.” He pointed. “That little box on the table has a small pistol in it. Don’t fire it, it’s not safe. Take it anyway.” She could at least threaten people a little more successfully than her tiny crinkled nose would. 

An antique he nicked from a red roped display. Maddox wanted to show Aaron. Aaron. The name sent another wave of worry rushing through him. “Aaron was supposed to go back to our room. We have to find him, now.” Get the bloody bolt cutters, my knife, let’s fucking move Lecia.

Guns, prisoners. It was a nightmare. He didn’t care about Simon, but. “Where is our--” Papai. Maddox didn’t know the exact aim of Deacon’s. The Outlaw had said little, too busy patting himself on the back for the bizarre and unexpected raid. “Where did they take Afonso?”

She could be answering these questions and helping him at the same time. “Lecia, please. Quickly. Get me the bolt cutters.” For fuck’s sake time was ticking. Maddox certainly wasn’t going to rely on Lecia as their only hope.

[keyes-tothecrown]

🍸 for my muse to find your muse behind the bar. (Aaron)

@konigarenofgermany

A red cocktail napkin was placed neatly on the bar in anticipation. He finished his drink and hid the empty glass under the counter. His palms rested on either side of the napkin, drumming his fingers once. Maddox waited until Aaron had taken a spot on the other side of the bar. “What would you like to drink tonight, sir?”

[keyes-tothecrown]

konigarenofgermany​:

keyes-tothecrown​:

konigarenofgermany​:

Aaron watched the empty glass leave Maddox’s lips before being stowed under the bar, his eyes glancing down at the drumming fingers on either side of a fresh napkin. The king leaned onto the counter with a grin and a tilt of his head. “Well, well, well, if it isn’t Maddox Keyes.” An overly sympathetic pout up at the “bartender.” “From international hero to bar service? How the mighty have fallen. I was looking forward to seeing your handsome face all over the news for ages to come. Fame is so fickle.” 

A dramatic sigh and hopeless shake of his head at the fake misfortune. “I will have a scotch on the rocks, bitte.” Aaron propped up his head on his elbow, resting his chin in his hand. His posture relaxed, weight shifting to one side, and while his suit tie had been abandoned a couple of hours go, he finally felt like he could let down his guard and let the rest of the night fade into the background. “And perhaps a kiss for your number one fan? It would make my night.”

–

“Fame is fickle indeed. It’s like the Frank Sinatra song. That’s Life.” A sigh left his lips followed by a shake of his head to match the drama Aaron gave him. “On a positive note: I have other skills I can apply to move beyond the enormous disappointment. The fast rise and fall of tonight. I can mix a drink. Unfortunately you haven’t even given me that much.”

Aaron asked for the easiest turn of a bottle. The requested drink was placed cautiously, carefully, like a house of cards ready to be blown over by the next quip of a king. Maddox couldn’t remember the last time the man had been so playful. Duly noted at Maddox’s expense, but the night didn’t mean much personally. If anything, in an opinion he hadn’t shared with his boyfriend, it was a detriment to himself, Jacob, and others in the long run. 

He wouldn’t ruin it for Aaron or sabotage a lighthearted conversation. “You’re always asking, or demanding, a kiss. And now that I’m standing here thinking about it. Why did you decide to make that announcement. That night.” On the island. 

“I know all about these other skills of yours.” Maddox’s skill list probably had a few more challenging things on it before drink mixing, in Aaron’s opinion, although Maddox played the part of a stoic bartender well.

The grin on Aaron’s face flickered and went out, and his eyes dropped, falling somewhere on Maddox’s chest before leaping up to meet his eyes.

“No one else wanted me.” At the time there wasn’t a prince on the island that wanted to be around Aaron Herzog, much less make out with him. “Everyone was sleeping around. I felt left out.” Aaron made an exaggerated pout to try and take the sting out of his own honesty. “Then you came along. I must have been an easy target. But it was nice to feel wanted.”

Only the slightest tinge of pink rose to the surface of the king’s cheeks. “Anything else you would like to know about how I fell head over heels for you? I do like to stroke your ego, Maddox.”

--

An almost instantaneous regret tapped at the center of his chest. He shouldn’t have asked this. Time had passed but the melancholy answer felt more raw than it should. No one else wanted me. The loneliest words he’d ever heard and distorted further by the ugly circumstances. As small as Maddox’s role was on the island, he played it with a sadistic glee. 

Because he wasn’t meant to be there. He wasn’t the one held captive. Until Aaron’s tenderness gave him no place to run from himself. One of the few bright spots. Along with sharing cigarettes and gin with Malle. Jacob’s shared annoyance and Noah’s delicious spritzers. Chasing a feral Portuguese princess around a charred villa who actually wanted to put up a fight. 

He silently returned to his own drink for a long moment. “Just think. Alex could’ve come along instead of me.” Maddox was certain the thought brought some relief to the king. “I’ve never regretted it was me on that path instead.”

He caught sight of a clock. “I told Jacob I would meet him to share a cigar. So... why don’t you go back to our room? I’ll be there shortly to stroke your ego. And then I'll tell you all about my favorite prince.”

[keyes-tothecrown]

captaingraves​:

maddox.

On the one hand, it felt completely strange and utterly foreign to be on the royal’s side, after everything that happened, and everything they’d lost to power thirsty royal navies. The former pirates both knew in their own ways what it was like to lose everything, and everyone. To have no one to trust. Or to trust someone who would ultimately betray them. 

To have someone in his life he trusted completely and implicitly was much easier than he thought it would be. And it wasn’t just Malle. Since leaving the island, Jacob felt more like a true leader of a crew whose trust he earned on his own merit, not just being Riann’s puppet.

Jacob’s choice of a side in a conflict between Queen Margaret and the Outlaws was plainly obvious. But at times the thought of cooperating with other countries still left an odd taste in his mouth. Having Maddox across the channel in Germany was a comfort, in a way. The world was changing. They weren’t living in the same zero tolerance seascape of their former pirate years.

“Every time I come up with a plan, it ends some version of a suicide mission. I’m not too keen on winning no matter the cost, not anymore. A prolonged fight on the sea until every last Outlaw is rounded up seems to be the only way. Guess we should let the royals handle it, give them whatever we know about who’s involved. And then we’ll go fishing instead.”

Strategizing about fixing the problem of radicalized pirates could be saved for another day. They were on vacation. “I want to hear all about this tiny house Herzog keeps you in. Or is it the other way around? And I heard something about you getting a new boat?”

--

Maddox was far enough away from years in a poorly run fleet of pirate ships to feel a shadow of fondness, at least for certain things involved. Wild nights that burned into the day in a colorful Asian port. The deafening sound and subsequent ring in his ears of firing the ‘big gun’, as his half-sister insisted on calling it. The different constellations on the rare trips in which he dipped into the southern hemisphere. The constant, rhythmic splash of waves on a quiet night as a fast ship cut through the water. 

He was younger back then with nothing to lose. Now Maddox had a boyfriend who required constant security and endured more threats than he could count. A daughter he was actually beginning to enjoy visits with. The life long mystery of his paternity had been solved and there were new battles to be had with suspicious siblings and a too-patient father. 

Maybe he missed the excitement. But Jacob was right. Retired pirates had a limited role to play in the grand scheme of things. If there was a broader reach and invitation to help, he... he could not say for certain. Depends on how good the money was, how substantial the risk to a life he’d spent a few years attempting build. “There are other things to fight. Like the fish,” he gestured to the water. “We don’t run countries. So, yeah-- we’ll leave it up the crowns to deal with a rogue fraction of pirates. Fuck that shit.” 

“That ‘tiny’ house is the biggest house I’ve ever lived in. Sorry it’s not a fucking Welsh castle.” Another drink from his beer and a quick grin. “Aaron wanted to get out from under the palace, find some normalcy. Or as much as possible. And yeah, I’ve bought a couple of boats with Early. Expanding our business interests, seeing where it goes. I know it wouldn’t be the same as your ship, but if you ever get the itch to captain for a weekend, let me know.” 

[keyes-tothecrown]

@infantacardoza​

The room was on the second floor. Small, out of the way. A room meant for the 21st century staff to store personal items as they worked the grounds. A row of lockers was on the opposite wall. A table sat nearby with Maddox’s suit coat and contents spilled on top.

Keyes had been shoved into a large walk-in chain link cage, another storage space in the room which had been hastily emptied by Outlaws. There was a last bit of cheesy, Hollywood-style villainy hissed at him: Sit tight, Keyes. We have special plans for you. Then he was left alone.

It wasn’t Tierney-level amateurs coordinating the night’s events, despite the failure of how they chose to secure him. He would be gone from the room in five minutes time. The worry was what unknown events might be playing out on the other side of the door. 

He was interrupted. A common type of interruption for Maddox, but this time there was no scowl or roll of eyes to follow. “Lecia?”

[keyes-tothecrown]

konigarenofgermany​:

maddox.

–

“Cheryl and–” A low laugh interrupted. The only ones with guns. How adorable. Certainly Aaron had already spun down the rabbit hole of the potential ways it could have ended in the matter of seconds. Without the need for the showdown with his mother today, unless it was to discuss casket options for his brothers’ funerals. 

His controlled temper was rewarded with a kiss too precious for either, and gossip (old news, Herzog) about Cheryl. “It does complicate things.” He looked up to read decisions played out on a king’s infinitely pretty face. Maddox sipped from the glass handed to him. Each side note on the twins would be filed away for future use. “So no more titles means… what exactly? Other than what you’ve already said.” Royal residences rescinded? Lengthy year end summaries of the fraternal twins removed from the official Christmas card? “Does it truly prevent them from making a play for the throne?” Did Aaron even care? Because a few sideways comments had led Maddox to believer that maybe he didn’t.

In Maddox’s position he probably should’ve known how harsh the inevitable consequences were. He also shouldn’t push Aaron too hard in the aftermath of what he’d just witnessed. The escalating desperation of two princes seemed to be more than making a claim to the throne. 

He had never been the best at comforting. A German king might not have realized a clenched fist rested on his thigh as he drank. Maddox placed a hand over it. “I’m sorry your family is full of pricks. There are other people on your side. I think you’ve been more than generous, but today was very impressive as well.” A pause. “You made the right decision.” 

Through all the pomp and circumstance sometimes Maddox forgot Herzog was king. Emotional, very silly, so gentle, too sweet at times. Those and more attributes were enough to cause Maddox to forget. Until Aaron flexed decisive muscles like he did a few minutes ago. 

“What type of fighting then?” A brow raised, and the suggestion could be a way to placate Maddox. The request seemed primed to catch his attention, which wasn’t entirely necessary at the moment. He stood and dropped a hand on Aaron’s shoulder. It wasn’t the work of Greta that set the muscle to stone, but tension. “Is the old suite still black? I remember Herzog, the original emo prince.” A gesture told Aaron to lead the way.

“In the event I’m no longer king,” when I die, “then the throne will pass to my sister. I’m explicitly stating that the twins cannot inherit–they will become German citizens. I probably cannot stop my mother from helping them, but…” Aaron trailed off and he zoned out for a moment as the reality of what he was doing set in. He was sure Maddox would love to hear about all of the details almost as much as he’ll love watching the drama play out for the twins. “They will no longer have access to their royal accounts, and I am barring them from royal property, which includes their current residence… I suppose I could provide them with a severance, if only to make myself look good… Although the idea of sending them packing with no more than the clothes on their backs is very entertaining. Unfortunately, there are too many supporters in Germany who see the twins as a vestige of my father’s reign. Their supporters won’t like this at all.”

Aaron looked over at the documents on the table. Imprisonment still had a nice ring to it. Not forever, but long enough to wear on the twins’ resolve. Six months, perhaps. Hmmm. Aaron looked up at Maddox and smiled as if he was not having sinister thoughts about additional punishment for the twins. While he knew Maddox would approve of bad things happening to the princes, hearing from him that he’d made the right decision helped assure him that he was not overreacting. He relaxed, a little.

Taking Maddox by the hand that had landed on his shoulder, Aaron led him from the sitting room through the double doors leading to the bedroom, like he had done many times before when Maddox came to visit. The high ceilings Aaron had grown up with felt dizzying, the furniture too spread out and cold–nothing like the coziness of Sonnehaus that the king had grown to love. 

“Still black, of course. Unfortunately my love of My Chemical Romance has faded.” A new idea popped into Aaron’s head, and he let go of Maddox and went into the black marble bathroom. He spoke over the sound of rushing water pouring into the bathtub. “I was thinking of practicing more hand-to-hand combat with you, unless you think I need more practice with a knife or gun… To be honest, my palms started sweating like crazy and I thought I was going to drop the gun back there… But that all can wait until tomorrow. Let’s celebrate tonight.” 

Aaron reappeared in the doorway, minus a shirt, and with a renewed grin on his face. “Why don’t you settle in here while I grab us a bottle of champagne, schätzen?”

end.

[keyes-tothecrown]

🔑 for your muse to tell my muse that they overheard a guest has gone missing. (With Jacob and smokes??)

@captaingraves

As planned, Maddox met Jacob on a balcony ten minutes or so before midnight. The cigar offered was taken with a ‘thank you’. Before lighting it up, he thought he might as well ask. 

“There’s some talk about missing guests.” If names had been passed along in whispers, Maddox hadn’t heard them. He had noticed a few countries shifting around, coming and going or craning necks to watch entrances. “Lecia’s brother is worried he can’t find her.” But. “Did Malle turn in for the night? If not, I thought maybe they could be having a chat somewhere?” 

[keyes-tothecrown]

captaingraves​:

Jacob had just inhaled a long toke off the cigar when Maddox immediately brought up something about missing guests. Jacob spluttered and coughed in surprise with a hard shake of his head. “What?”

Lecia going missing wasn’t really anything out of the ordinary for the princess taken as a fact on its own, but Jacob hadn’t heard anything about guests disappearing. “Malle’s turned in for the night. Last I checked. But I guess it’s not out of the question she had Lecia over for a chat.” Jacob looked down from the balcony, lost in thought. A little rude that the Portuguese prince decided to outright ask Maddox if he knew where Lecia was, like the ex-pirate was supposed to have any idea.

“What’s Herzog doing? They probably got bored and snuck off somewhere,” Jacob said, only half-believing his own suggestion. “Or she’s with Simon and I don’t want to know what they’re up to.”

Reactions from Jacob mostly swung non-emotional, not unlike his own. A cloud of smoke came from the captain broken by a few raspy coughs. No, it wasn’t unheard of for Lecia to be unaccounted for. For a moment Maddox had forgotten he was the last person to care what the reason was. 

As for Aaron, they tended to split up at royal gatherings. The king went about his very boring business. They caught sight of each other throughout the evening and met up occasionally, a vestige from the early days when a king and a pirate hid from the public eye. 

“I don’t know what he’s doing.” He stood frozen with a cigar in hand and then quickly typed with his other hand a text where r u

He waited to receive the teasing such a text should get. Maddox never resorted to short hand, like an old man he always used punctuation. 

“I know Lecia is prone to disappearing.” It didn’t seem right, but there wasn’t a reason he could say it was wrong either. The natural defense of a gunner going up. Suspicious, a stab in the gut. 

A look was cast behind them. Another off the balcony, a scan for anything significant. Outside seemed relatively calmer than inside. “You’re... probably right about her being with Simon.” Maddox focused on rolling the cigar between his fingers for a second or two. “Perhaps with pirates in the room, the others have become paranoid. I don’t know about you, but when I was collecting that meaningless reward, I just saw a sea of angry faces staring back at me.” 

[keyes-tothecrown]

🍸 for my muse to find your muse behind the bar. (Aaron)

@konigarenofgermany

A red cocktail napkin was placed neatly on the bar in anticipation. He finished his drink and hid the empty glass under the counter. His palms rested on either side of the napkin, drumming his fingers once. Maddox waited until Aaron had taken a spot on the other side of the bar. “What would you like to drink tonight, sir?”

[keyes-tothecrown]

konigarenofgermany​:

Aaron watched the empty glass leave Maddox’s lips before being stowed under the bar, his eyes glancing down at the drumming fingers on either side of a fresh napkin. The king leaned onto the counter with a grin and a tilt of his head. “Well, well, well, if it isn’t Maddox Keyes.” An overly sympathetic pout up at the “bartender.” “From international hero to bar service? How the mighty have fallen. I was looking forward to seeing your handsome face all over the news for ages to come. Fame is so fickle.” 

A dramatic sigh and hopeless shake of his head at the fake misfortune. “I will have a scotch on the rocks, bitte.” Aaron propped up his head on his elbow, resting his chin in his hand. His posture relaxed, weight shifting to one side, and while his suit tie had been abandoned a couple of hours go, he finally felt like he could let down his guard and let the rest of the night fade into the background. “And perhaps a kiss for your number one fan? It would make my night.”

--

“Fame is fickle indeed. It’s like the Frank Sinatra song. That’s Life.” A sigh left his lips followed by a shake of his head to match the drama Aaron gave him. “On a positive note: I have other skills I can apply to move beyond the enormous disappointment. The fast rise and fall of tonight. I can mix a drink. Unfortunately you haven’t even given me that much.”

Aaron asked for the easiest turn of a bottle. The requested drink was placed cautiously, carefully, like a house of cards ready to be blown over by the next quip of a king. Maddox couldn’t remember the last time the man had been so playful. Duly noted at Maddox’s expense, but the night didn’t mean much personally. If anything, in an opinion he hadn’t shared with his boyfriend, it was a detriment to himself, Jacob, and others in the long run. 

He wouldn’t ruin it for Aaron or sabotage a lighthearted conversation. “You’re always asking, or demanding, a kiss. And now that I’m standing here thinking about it. Why did you decide to make that announcement. That night.” On the island. 

[keyes-tothecrown]

konigarenofgermany​:

maddox.

The mounting to-do list needing to be accomplished in the next few hours was at least triple the size of the documents splayed out on the table. The next hour or two would be shared with the man he adored who was deserving of some specific attention. 

Aaron’s tired, pacing feet brought him to the minibar on the far side of the room where a bottle of scotch and two glasses were retrieved and brought over to Maddox. His smile was small but fixed on his face–Maddox showing restraint under those circumstances was more than Aaron expected of him. His temper so rarely flared and when it did it was usually warranted. “Luckily Cheryl and I were the only ones with guns.” If either the twins or Maddox got their hands on any lethal weapons, there would be more than broken glass and a nosebleed to clean up.

Maddox seemed to retreat into an interesting internal thought that Aaron could only imagine had to do with a more violent scenario with the twins. He poured the scotch with a smirk, brought the glasses over to where Maddox sat, and perched on the armrest of the chair. The comment about Lecia made Aaron tilt his head as he held out a glass for Maddox. A comment more positive than negative, but still hovering close to neutral. Aaron would take it.

“Thank you.” Aaron leaned down and kissed Maddox on the temple. “I trust your judgment. The new team is one hard decision I do not have to make. I might have to let Petra go. But I will defer to Cheryl, because she and Petra are–fucking.” He wondered if Maddox already knew about that, being more observant and apt at obtaining information than Aaron. “As for the twins… My mother won’t allow them to go to prison. If I can remove their titles, it will make them spitting mad, but they won’t have the right to steal the throne out from under me. If that is even what they want. After tonight, I think they’d destroy themselves as long as I went down with them.” He reflexively took a sip from his glass, forgetting to toast to the twins’ demise, since suddenly he didn’t feel so victorious.

“That reminds me, I need more fighting lessons with you. Not just because it is fun.” Learning about how to gut a person with a knife was still a little nauseating, but overall Aaron enjoyed learning from Maddox. Aaron rested a hand on Maddox’s shoulder and rubbed a long, slow circle over the muscle. He let out a soft sigh and smiled, his eyes flickering to the door leading back to his bedroom. “But we’ve had enough fighting for one night. I’m going to have to stay up waiting for a call from legal. Think you can keep me occupied for a bit?”

--

“Cheryl and--” A low laugh interrupted. The only ones with guns. How adorable. Certainly Aaron had already spun down the rabbit hole of the potential ways it could have ended in the matter of seconds. Without the need for the showdown with his mother today, unless it was to discuss casket options for his brothers’ funerals. 

His controlled temper was rewarded with a kiss too precious for either, and gossip (old news, Herzog) about Cheryl. “It does complicate things.” He looked up to read decisions played out on a king’s infinitely pretty face. Maddox sipped from the glass handed to him. Each side note on the twins would be filed away for future use. “So no more titles means... what exactly? Other than what you’ve already said.” Royal residences rescinded? Lengthy year end summaries of the fraternal twins removed from the official Christmas card? “Does it truly prevent them from making a play for the throne?” Did Aaron even care? Because a few sideways comments had led Maddox to believer that maybe he didn’t.

In Maddox’s position he probably should’ve known how harsh the inevitable consequences were. He also shouldn’t push Aaron too hard in the aftermath of what he’d just witnessed. The escalating desperation of two princes seemed to be more than making a claim to the throne. 

He had never been the best at comforting. A German king might not have realized a clenched fist rested on his thigh as he drank. Maddox placed a hand over it. “I’m sorry your family is full of pricks. There are other people on your side. I think you’ve been more than generous, but today was very impressive as well.” A pause. “You made the right decision.” 

Through all the pomp and circumstance sometimes Maddox forgot Herzog was king. Emotional, very silly, so gentle, too sweet at times. Those and more attributes were enough to cause Maddox to forget. Until Aaron flexed decisive muscles like he did a few minutes ago. 

“What type of fighting then?” A brow raised, and the suggestion could be a way to placate Maddox. The request seemed primed to catch his attention, which wasn’t entirely necessary at the moment. He stood and dropped a hand on Aaron’s shoulder. It wasn’t the work of Greta that set the muscle to stone, but tension. “Is the old suite still black? I remember Herzog, the original emo prince.” A gesture told Aaron to lead the way.

[keyes-tothecrown]

captaingraves​:

maddox.

Maddox’s off-handed comment about Riann’s bat-shit plans on the island was a bit sobering for Jacob. He looked out to the horizon with a crease in his brow. That speculative plan wasn’t… completely insane, but Jacob didn’t think Riann intentionally wanted a Tierney heir to a throne. An island tryst wasn’t a basis for rightful heirs to the throne, so it didn’t make sense–then again, at the end, Riann didn’t make much sense at all. Still. Jacob dreaded the idea that Riann would have approved of Jacob’s marriage and child with Malle.

It didn’t matter. For all the talk, Riann had no plan–he never did. And he was dead, so.

“You are pessimistic, Keyes,” Jacob replied, half-jokingly, but a serious furrow creased his brow. He shook his head and finished off the beer, immediately reaching for another, and peering over at Maddox’s drink to see if he needed one, too. “If we’re to get dragged in, whose side would we be on? I’ve no love for Outlaws.” A grin cracked the stern expression on his face and the sound of the bottle opener preempted his next words. “This is the first time I’ve ever cared about people on the royal side. I can’t imagine any royal navies would recruit the likes of us.”

He needed a few more drinks in his system before he could even begin to entertain some sort of royal naval service. Jacob checked his almost forgotten fishing line before dropping it back down into the water, his focus way beyond whether or not he’d catch anything. “Unless we were to take matters into our own hands.”

Before the Lisbon attack, the people in his past that Jacob could have exacted vengeance on were all dead. He wasn’t one to crusade for a vendetta, that was Riann’s thing. Still. “They owe me a ship. And a friend.”

Judging by the look on the captain’s face, Jacob might have been picking apart a flippant comment Maddox had made. An idea too far out in left field for even Riann. 

Before Maddox could say he had only been joking, Jacob returned from whatever far away place he went to. If we’re to get dragged in, whose side would we be on? The silent offer of a refill was waved off. The gunner left his post monitoring a fishing pole to take a seat and sip of his beer. “Our current arrangements clearly state what side we’re now on. I’m thinking more along the lines of... we could potentially provide useful information.” The thought of being recruited by royal navies triggered a soft scoff. “I have no desire to know what being on a naval ship as crew is like either.” 

“The Outlaws may be a different breed. But we were once pirates.” Past tense. Once, long ago to him but maybe not in the eyes of other royals. Pirates. Maddox couldn’t put a finger on what bothered him about the way he had worded it. 

The bottle slid into a holder beside his seat. He stretched his legs to rest on the cooler, crossed at the ankles. Memory of his mother’s ship being reduced to splinters and casualties had been submerged in the recesses of his mind for so long. Flashes returned then. The scent of seawater among burning wreckage, sounds of struggle and screams amid the waves. The sprawl of loss too great to digest all at once, twisting around his neck and shaking him out of sleep for years to come. It had to be even worse for a captured captain. 

He sat in silence for several long seconds. “How would you take matters in your own hands? Hypothetically speaking, of course.” 

[olivia-herzog]

🍺 for my muse to help your drunk muse walk back to their room (Zaida)

“He’s so pretty. He’s so pretty. His hair and his eyes. I just… I cannot… he’s soooooooo beautiful.” Each slurred word somehow managed to form a coherent sentence. Olivia stumbled down the hall, clinging for dear life onto the arm of another princess. She jerked to a halt. Squinted at the woman. Or maybe a lesser duchess? Her companion’s features were quite striking, but Olivia couldn’t put a name to a face. It surely wasn’t Heddy.

“I cannot stop staring every time I see him. Did you know there aren’t very many like him in the world? Akhal-Tekes are quite rare. I would love to have him for my very own,” said Olivia, her eyes filling with tears, “But of course I can’t ask my brother for anything.”

@zaida-khatabi

[keyes-tothecrown]

olivia-herzog​:

zaida-khatabi​:

Zaida did not expect to enjoy being an imposter among the royals. Her gown wasn’t as expensive as the princess steadying herself on wobbly feet against the pirate. Not custom made and hand tailored like the German’s, but a careful trade made in Casablanca’s new medina. Black lace, fitted bodice, and a long skirt Zaida constantly hiked up the side of to move quickly when needed. 

She would be disposing of it as soon as she did the same with the red haired princess. She was pretty, her lips pouted sweetly over a horse. Zaida would have thought Olivia had an entire stable, whatever she desired. Like the little girl who lived in the estate her mother temporarily worked for, when Zaida was a child. The pirate remembered vividly snooping through the girl’s closet and seeing the riding gear– blazer, white shirt, funny pants. The magnificent boots a few sizes too big for Zaida. The velvet hat fit perfectly and lived under Zaida’s bed for a week before her mother discovered it. 

Zaida hadn’t been embarrassed to return it, but she did hold a grudge against her mother for months. The little girl had dozens of the ridiculous hats. 

She brushed the hair away from Olivia’s cheek. Crimson curls, irresistibly soft. Zaida gave a reassuring pat to Olivia’s hand hanging on Zaida’s arm. “He is beautiful. A golden horse. I’ve never seen anything like him… and he liked you.” The drunken princess wanted to feed the horse, and Zaida had weaved her fingers between those of Olivia to lead her to the catering tent. Even half-lidded and more than tipsy, the princess had carefully selected what to feed the animal. “I can see why he is a rare one.” 

“Your brother doesn’t provide an allowance? My family does. Maybe this is their way of keeping me occupied. Otherwise, I get into trouble.”  A laugh bubbled over. Mischievous, full of lies, but how fun was it to image being the distant relative of the Alaouite dynasty? For a moment, it was quite fun. 

Olivia had stopped and tears threatened to spill. She was delicate, like the lace of Zaida’s dress. She wiped away a smudge of mascara under Olivia’s lash line. Zaida soothed with a shhhh and soft smile. “All is not lost, love. You will have one of your own one day.” After too many drinks, Zaida could be this way too. Too passionate and attached in circling around one thought until it was willed into existence. Only to be forgotten the next day when sobriety made the world less serious. “What will you name him?” 

-

Whether a princess or duchess, the woman was nice. She was so nice. That was the one thing that overshadowed the twinge of envy in Olivia’s heart when the subject of an allowance came up. No, she didn’t have one in the traditional sense. Olivia didn’t have her own credit cards or carry around cash. She simply told someone what she needed, and it appeared. Or it didn’t. Depending on the whims of whoever reported back to the king about that sort of thing.

Maybe she could ask Mother. She was an adult. She could handle her own money.

“Aleksey,” she answered immediately, leaning into the woman’s hand. The perfect namesake for the world’s most beautiful horse. For a moment, Olivia was quite satisfied. Her imagination ran wild with the thought of a golden horse prancing around the grounds of the main palace alongside her brother’s Winnie. Or perhaps she’d bring her prize to Austria. The crown prince there would appreciate a rare equine beauty one thousand times more than her brother ever could.  

Then her lips pressed into a slight frown. She raised her chin, and blinked several times. Olivia tried to sit up straight, but instead she sort of rocked. A bit too far first to one side and then the other until she found her balance. She placed her hand delicately on the woman’s arm, and spoke in a loud whisper.

“Do you think… oh, is that a terrible idea? You know… you know, if you get a tattoo, if it’s someone’s name, and then you break up… oh noooooo.” Olivia’s gaze raised to the top of the woman’s head. She reached out to touch the other princess’ dark locks.

“Can I braid your hair?”

–

“Aleksey! I like it.” Zaida nodded resolutely. “It’s Russian, right? A-l-e-x-s-e-i?” Her mother danced a ballet with a member of the Bolshoi. A snapped photo in a frame had the date on the back in a glossy cursive, followed by avec Alexsei and the flourish of a heart. 

Alexsei from the Bolshoi Ballet was SO handsome. Zaida often daydreamed he was her father and she had been born in Saint Petersburg. Maybe Vladivostok. She had convinced an ex, as sweet and wide-eyed as Olivia, she was part Russian and had been very close to getting her toe shoes…

There was a Russian prince named Aleksey.

While Zaida wrapped herself in fantasy, Olivia changed. The champagne fizz took the princess into darker waters. The pirate guided Olivia carefully then. She needed water. 

Zaida gently squeezed Olivia’s hand. “No, never tattoo someone’s name on your body. No matter what. It’s like a curse. Sometimes things we are so sure of are gone the next day. It’s so sad, but true. And then you’re left getting a cover up.” Less romantic and impulsive. “Even though, you will always know the name is in there somewhere. Maybe… get a tattoo of your beautiful horse instead.” 

Ew. Zaida couldn’t imagine. 

A finger softly coiled a thick, silk red curl. “Yes. We can braid each other’s hair. You would be even prettier with French braids. I will give you one on each side.” They walked slow by a vase with flowers and Zaida grabbed a few on the way. Blues and purples, to stand out in the ginger. 

“I’m not ready to go to sleep yet, are you?” 

[keyes-tothecrown]

🍸 for my muse to find your muse behind the bar. (Aaron)

@konigarenofgermany

A red cocktail napkin was placed neatly on the bar in anticipation. He finished his drink and hid the empty glass under the counter. His palms rested on either side of the napkin, drumming his fingers once. Maddox waited until Aaron had taken a spot on the other side of the bar. “What would you like to drink tonight, sir?”

[keyes-tothecrown]

🔑 for your muse to tell my muse that they overheard a guest has gone missing. (With Jacob and smokes??)

@captaingraves

As planned, Maddox met Jacob on a balcony ten minutes or so before midnight. The cigar offered was taken with a ‘thank you’. Before lighting it up, he thought he might as well ask. 

“There’s some talk about missing guests.” If names had been passed along in whispers, Maddox hadn’t heard them. He had noticed a few countries shifting around, coming and going or craning necks to watch entrances. “Lecia’s brother is worried he can’t find her.” But. “Did Malle turn in for the night? If not, I thought maybe they could be having a chat somewhere?” 

[keyes-tothecrown]

👀 for catching your muse in/leaving/entering someone else’s room. (angus)

@angustheintern

Funny how none of the doting Cardoza children were around when their precious avó needed help back to her room just before midnight. And only once was he called Marcos. The nicest any Cardoza had been to him in weeks. Maddox closed the door quietly on his way out. The corridor running between guest rooms was dark, darker than a few minutes ago. Footsteps could be heard coming his way. The figure of Angus could barely be made out etched in the shadows. 

“Oh. Thanks for help with the shoes earlier.” 

[infantacardoza]

👀 Watching a heated confrontation between two Heads of State.

Inside the Gallery of Battles, her father’s sharp tone could be heard rebuking the pitfalls of the English prison system. A well-decorated gentleman of similar age and stature responded accordingly, and the tangle of impassioned opinions echoed down the length of the airy gallery. Outside the room, Lecia had been looking for the next intriguing guest to entertain her. Naturally she found Maddox instead - a tall, imposing figure lurking in the doorway between her father and herself. Lecia crept up next to him, and peered around his arm.

“You are eavesdropping,” she hissed. I’m telling, implied.

[keyes-tothecrown]

infantacardoza​:

keyes-tothecrown​:

infantacardoza

​:

keyes-tothecrown

​:

Maddox had learned much from his conversations with Afonso, but even more about the man from overhearing interactions of the king with others. He hung back just outside the door in the dark hallway, not making himself completely obvious on walking within earshot of the conversation. Maddox could tell both of the men what the inside of a British prison was really like, but preferred to keep the book closed on the experience. 

Lecia tracked him down, as she did during these events, hovering near his arm. He whispered back to her. “You are spying on me and eavesdropping on your father at the same time.” How tempting it would be to shove her forward and clear his throat at the same time. Childish, but tempting. But Lecia hadn’t stepped on his toes at the gala. Yet. After finding her scared and shaken months ago, there had been a slow slide towards tolerance between the two. 

Maddox took a few steps back to see her. “I’ve never seen Afonso so angry before. Wouldn’t think he cared either way about the British prison system.” 

@infantacardoza​

“I do not spy on you!” she hissed, loud enough that the argument inside the Gallery paused. She shuffled back after he did, trying to maneuver so it was Maddox nearest the door and the first to be caught when someone came out. If anyone had been spying on anyone, it was the other way around. Which was the only explanation she had for Maddox always turning up so coincidentally. Except obviously there were other reasons for him to be here today. But all the other times.

The topic was strange. It wasn’t based in their country at all. She contemplated this for a moment, and then shrugged. Sometimes things that happened in other countries reverberated out toward their neighbors which made them items of international importance. Lecia didn’t see any reason this was one of those things. Maybe someone hadn’t put enough sugar in Papai’s morning smoothie.

“I see him angry lots of times. When I get in trouble at school, he is so much angry,” said Lecia, “What does this matter to you? Why you are sneaking and listening?”

“You do spy on me. Which would be flattering if it wasn’t so creepy.” He stepped back further after Lecia did. It wouldn’t be a royal event if Maddox didn’t at least nudge a small amount of annoyance out of her. Heads snapped back in their direction and he lowered his voice. 

“What did you do, haze someone in school? I haven’t seen that side of him yet. Except after the attack on Lisbon.” The man seemed too smooth and steady to simmer with anger over anything for long. Then again Maddox didn’t grow up with his father. Certainly if anyone could turn the king of Portugal’s face red, it would’ve been Maddox. 

“The conversation sounded interesting, that’s all. But I’m really waiting here to grab Afonso for a chat.” A pause. “I met your grandmother.” A woman who was also Maddox’s grandmother. 

“Yes, my avó.” Their grandmother, technically, but Lecia could not pass up an opportunity to stake claim over things that should have been hers alone. Maddox was growing on her. Steadily. She could concede that he might be alright for Aaron, and he was certainly an asset in a life or death situation. But sharing her family was still difficult.

“She is liking you? What she is giving you?” she asked immediately, realizing how the situation must have played out. “If it is jewelry, we always put this back in her case at the night. She forgets this.”

Lecia narrowed her eyes. She gave him a once over, looking for any wayward bracelets. Fully aware of what had happened the last time she’d accused him of theft. This was different though. This was grandmother. After having a few drinks, the dowager queen liked to spoil her grandchildren, and called them all by Marcos’ name. Her favorite. Even the girls. Because giving out trinkets was not the only thing she forgot by the end of the night.

“And what is a haze?”

More importantly, if he thought it was something that would irritate Papai, how could she make it seem like he’d done one, she wondered.

--

“Yes, I think she liked me. She’s a lovely woman.” Maybe someone should keep a more watchful eye on their avó. Lecia would not be going through his pockets on this night. It was probably rhinestones anyway. He would verify later. Maddox said nothing more to her squint. 

“Hazing is when sadistic children torture other children for some stupid tradition that is usually outdated anyway.” Rich people did weird shit. “Seeking revenge on the deserving is completely different.” A pause. “I was only kidding about the hazing. What did you do anyway?” Stole. Tattled. Spied. 

She would not tell him. Maddox could call Sofia to find out. 

[keyes-tothecrown]

infantacardoza​:

Summer, 2021 England

“It’s a… nice… boat,” said Nicolau, haltingly. All the appearance of attempting to be pleasant when he knew perfectly well that ship was generally the preferred term once a vessel reached a certain size. He had been raised on a coastline after all. The slight was given on purpose. Mainly because he was of the personal opinion that if his sister needed more then the usual retinue to go somewhere, perhaps it was a place she should not be. They could build rapport with their pirate sibling just as easily in Lisbon.

“Yes! Very nice!” Lecia agreed, missing the barb entirely. “Where is Early?” The man of the hour. Captain of the ship. It felt rather strange to her to be on a ship as a guest rather than someone in charge (or, worst case scenario, a prisoner), but that did not stop her from marching across the outdoor deck with all the confidence of someone who expected to be deferred to. Her youngest brother trailed behind her.

“Oh! Maddox! You will show us how to shoot the big guns today?!” she asked. Both Cardozas looked at the former pirate, one with clear anticipation in her eyes and the other merely curious, maybe a little disbelieving. Last time she had spoken to Maddox, he had been quite clear that he had final say on the coveted gunner position. Lecia knew how ridiculously stubborn he could be for no reason other than to irritate her, but if she could get him talking about it, maybe she could make some headway.

It might give her an opening for compliments, at least. Aaron always said being nice was the key to working with Maddox. She had never found that advice particularly helpful, but she and her half-brother were on better terms now. Maybe the one thousandth time would be the charm.

@keyes-tothecrown​

What a little bitch, thought Maddox. He’d like to shove the silver spoon in Nicolau’s mouth right down his throat while onboard that stupid yacht of his. 

The satisfyingly violent images playing out in his mind were filed away for later. Maddox sent Early a text to let them know they had arrived. Lecia swept across the deck of the ship as easily as he’d seen her glide across a gala ballroom floor. The realization crept in: Maddox hadn’t actually seen Lecia on a ship. Except that one time in Hamburg when she pulled a gun on him. 

Would they shoot the big guns? He cast a glance at the head of a different Cardoza. “Not today, we’d have to leave port. But we can have a look at them.” 

Early did not have the same reservations (to put it politely) about Maddox’s new family. Cleary’s many concerns were different yet still a cause of worry for the stroppy son of Madeline Keyes. 

But he was fond of Lecia. Maddox had not offered any solid reasons for Lecia joining the route to France or if it would be permanent. Hopefully answers would arrived on this visit. The captain emerged on deck with a mug of nursed coffee gone cold in a hand and instructions to not say too much in the company of the other Cardoza.

“Good mornin’.” Early lifted his mug with an eye squinted in the sun. A nod to the prince-- the captain wasn’t being rude but did not know the formalities. Maybe Maddox could’ve bothered to tell him that much. Then, a smile for Lecia. “It’s been too long. Welcome aboard the Stagger Lee. It may not be fancy but it’s not meant to be, is it?” 

Function over form. He began to walk towards the back of the ship, gesturing for Lecia to follow. Maddox could entertain his brother for a moment. “Did Maddox mention today is the 19 year anniversary with my beautiful significant other? We’re common law, so we count our first date as our anniversary. Although it wasn’t exactly a date. Iveliss had actually been coupled up with my best mate. And she had a strong dislike for me. Have I told you the story?”