How long has this new theme been here? I've been slacking off as your moot if I just now noticed it ๐๐
It's very pretty! ๐๐๐
aww itโs okay I donโt expect anyone to keep up w my theme changes!! I think itโs been a week or smth since I changed it that tall knight has consumed my thoughts ๐ซ
i think that when fucking (especially first times) valko would instinctively go for doggy style bc... you know.... it's comfy for his tail, it's just natural to do it that way and it's what he has seen in the woods..... plus that is like a great position to make sure he breeds you
โwhat he has seen in the woodsโ made me think of innocent virgin valko who doesnโt know anything about human sexual relationships so heโs stressed out bc he thinks he has to fight the other 5 LIs to mate w you
We know that Zayne is 27, Valko is 26, and Caleb is 25. Considering Zayne prolly stayed away from Linkon from Primary to,,, maybe Uni? Caleb also moved away to study, and Valko... Well, we don't know but indulge me on this.
WHAT IF THEY ATTENDED THE SAME UNIVERSITY?
Like it was on accident, since the 3 of them are rlly smart n talented, they were able to attend the top university of the world or something.
They're all in different fields but it's still in STEM, and they probably share the same location, if not the same building (probably not tho).
Zayne first arrived and he's amazing, top student in Science, etc. In his 2nd year, he made friends (maybe thru competition or whatever) with a Technology student, Valko. Two years after that, he finds a familiar name on top of the Engineering leaderboard, specifically in Aerospace and Aviation: Caleb, who was on his 2nd year by then.
Zayne is on his 4th year but since he's medical field,,, 8 years to graduate, I think? Valko's on his 3rd year.
Before Caleb, Zayne and Valko would just pass by each other, say hi, maybe nod at each other, but never really hang out. Until Caleb.
Apparently Valko has been chatting up both upper and lowerclassmens, making friends everywhere, and Caleb fits his vibe so they quickly became friends. After Zayne and Caleb rekindled, Caleb invites both seniors out to drink. One night, Zayne ended up super drunk and the three stumble their way to Zayne's dorm room. Making sure he doesn't die, the other two slept over, and that bonding experience has changed the status of their friendship ever since.
I imagine midterms and finals week are the most fun, because it's 3 super smart geniuses trying to not die from over-studying, and it actually helps because being with each other helps with their nerves. They go to Zayne's room, bc it's clean.
It's also cute because there's no competition. No one's beating anyone. They can be the top students of their respective fields, so there's no friendship-breaking pressure to win against one another.
I can't really remember how my mc looked like but I don't want to download this game again until they bring valko back (cuz he's the only reason I want to return to lads)
Summary: the reader runs off with Daeron and Egg. But when she loses them, she's forced to try to steal coin for food. She ends up stealing from the wrong hedge knight-- or perhaps, just the right one.
You'd been walking for far too long in the dark, and you were growing exhausted.
Daeron had somehow taken a different turn than you, and you were utterly lost.ย
It was dark now. He was probably too deep in his cups to want to look for you, or even too drunk to remember you existed. You just hoped Egg had stayed close by.
"Where are you going?" You'd asked from the doorway of your chambers, seeing his silhouette down the hall.ย
He paused, tension rising in his shoulders. He turned his head just enough to acknowledge you. "Out."
"I know you," you sighed. "Out to taverns, or out for good?"
"Does it matter?"
You shrug. "Matters to me. I thought you had a tourney to go to in the morning."
He finally turned to fully see you. It was dark, but you could make out the circles under his eyes. "Father can't make me go."
Ah. He was running away.
"And where will you go? He has eyes everywhere. If the guards don't find you, then someone else will. I'd hate to see you get hurt."
"I'll get hurt if I stay," he says, voice raising. "I'm taking Egg. We're leaving."
You scoff. "You'll not take the boy anywhere. You'll let him sleep."
He stormed up to you, voice low. "I won't leave him with Aerion. You know how he is."
"Oh, but you'd leave me?"
He hesitates. "You're Father's favorite. He wouldn't let anything come of you."
"He wouldn't love me as much if he knew I watched two of his sons run away."
"Oh?" He questioned, a smirk coming to his face. "So you're coming with us?"
And now, having empathy for your older brother feels like a punishment.
It was cold out, and you weren't used to fending for yourself like this. You hadn't eaten in a while. And worst of all, Daeron had the coin purse, leaving you with absolutely nothing but the clothes on your back.ย
It had been hours now, and you were becoming desperate. For food, water, shelter, anything you could get.ย
That's when you noticed Dunk.
You'd seen him go through the small village with his three horses. The clothes on his back weren't the nicest. But having three horses is surely a sign of wealth. You had a lot back home in Summerhall.ย
You followed behind him for a while at a steady pace. He seemed to not notice.
You'd never stolen before. Not like this. You'd swiped things from Daeron or Aerion, as all siblings do, but you'd never outright stolen from someone. How pathetic for a Princess of the Realm to do so.
But the rumbling in your stomach won out over your honor.
He'd stopped when he saw the saddle on the brown horse slipping. He dismounted immediately and moved to the animal to fix it.ย
You jumped into action.ย
You walked around the three horses, trying to avoid his eye. And blocked by the large things, you began to dig through the saddle bag on the white horse.ย
You felt around for things. Just clothes in this one. You moved to the small bag and grinned when you felt the leather of a coin purse.
"Oi!" Came his voice loudly.ย
You gasped, seeing the large man's blue eyes wide and set on you.
You didn't get a good grip on the coin purse unfortunately (the curse of being an amateur thief, you supposed) and you had to abandon your mission.ย
And though you'd meant to run off, you were no match for the longer legs of the hedge knight. He caught you with ease, not many meters from where you'd begun. His hand had grabbed your bicep. "You know what they do to thieves where I come from?" His accent rang in your ear. "They take their hands, boy."
You fought against him, though you knew it was no use. You squirmed and pushed, just trying to get your arm free. He spun you around and pulled down the hood of your cloak.ย
His face fell when he saw you were a girl instead. You were thankful to your past self for hiding your hair back in a hat, for this interaction would have went differently. You couldn't let him know you were a Targaryen. He might have been a knight, but that didn't make him a noble one.
You could see the gears turning in his head as he looked over your face. His grip softened just a little, as if trying not to harm you now. His angry voice had become lower. "Why are you stealing from me?"
You'd never been threatened before. Never been handled so roughly. Seeing him so close, anger evident in his eyesโ for once in your life, you were terrified.
You couldn't help the way your eyes began to water and you hoped he wouldn't hate you more for it.
He noticed. He saw the way you tried to avoid his eye. You even bit down on your lip to keep a sob from coming up through your throat.ย
"Mโฆ My brother," you hiccup. "Iโฆ I got lost. Forgive me, my lord. Please. I didn't mean anythingโ"
"Are you hungry?"
The question stuns you a bit, making you finally look up at him. His jaw is clenched but his eyes have softened.ย
You nod.
He sighs. "C'mon. I'll getcha fed, girl."
You let him pull you about, not that you have much choice in it. His grip is light but firm. And his hand wraps around your bicep with ease.ย
He gets you into the closest pub and forces you down at a table. He politely waves two fingers to one of the tavern girls, who nods and takes off to presumably get him a drink.ย
You'd never been in a pub before. But you didn't get to even look around before he's interrogating you.
"Where's your brother, then? Did he leave you?"
You blink, unsure how to respond to that. And even then, telling the truth to a huge man who you can't fight against would be dangerous. "My brotherโฆ he's big and tall," you lie through your teeth. "He's a knight, you see. He wasโฆ" your hesitation doesn't go unnoticed by Dunk, but he doesn't rush you either. "He was heading to the tourney."
He nods. "What's the truth then?"
"My brother and I are running from home and we were separated."
You watch him blink, surprise coming over his face at your sudden rush of truth that spews without the slightest pressure. "You're a nobleman's daughter," he says. Not a question. A statement.ย
"Iโฆ I suppose so, ser."
He hums. "I thought so. You don't speak like the small folk do."
Your head tilts.
A grin pulls at his lips. "You're polite," he says, as if that's the entire explanation. "And a damn poor thief."
A bowl is set in front of you by the bar maid. A warm bowl of stew that immediately makes your mouth water.
Duncan looks down at his own and gives a polite thanks to the woman before paying her with the coins you had tried to steal.
You stay still, eyes now on him as if waiting for him to punish you or take the food away.ย
But he doesn't do anything like that. Instead, he starts eating his own. It takes a while, but he feels your staring and looks up. "It'll get cold," is all he says. "Won't warm you like that."
That's the invitation you need.
That first spoonful is like drinking satisfaction. You're sure in any other circumstance, this stew is less than average. It's probably not something that would even be served in the castle.ย
"Suppose you won't tell me what house you're from," he asks.ย
You shake your head.
"I'm Dunk," he offers first, waiting to see if you'd take the bait. But you don't. "What's your brother look like then? I can at least help you look for him."
That eases you somewhat into talking again. "He's a piss drunk. No need to even tell you what his face looks like. He's probably five cups deep or passed out in some stable."
He takes a sip of his ale. "What was so bad at home that the two of you had to run away? Surely living in a fine castle with servants can't be that bad."
Your gaze hardens. "One of our other brothers. He's quite evil. And our father? Heโฆ he expects a lot of my drunken brother."
"Quite evil?" He repeats, now intrigued. "Other brothers? Pardon my asking, milady, but how many siblings do you have?"
You blink. "Six."
"Fuckinโ" he stops himself. "Pardon. But how many heirs does your house need?"
"Exactly," you huff. "Father wouldn't miss if a few of us just disappeared."
Dunk watches as you contemplate your own words. They stew in the back of your mind.
"You don't believe that, though. Do you?" You bite at your lip, angry that he can assess you that easily. "I'm sure your father is worried sick about you. If he were a higher noble, I'm sure he would've sent people searching for you. But even still. I'm sure he wants you home."
You just nod.ย
You both finish up your meal, and a guilt begins to stir in your gut. You have no coin to repay the man. And you don't know what he's expecting in return for his kindness.
"You get enough?" He asks. There's nothing but genuine concern in his eyes.ย
"You're very kind, ser. Forgive me again for stealing from you."
"Attempt," he corrects with a grin. "You didn't make it very far."
"Forgive me that my first time thieving did not go to plan," you huff. "I shall try harder the next time."
"There won't be a next time," he explains. "I'm helping you find your brother." The two of you stand and he begins to lead you out from the pub.
"That's not necessary," you try to cover. "Really. I can find him on my own."
"And starve again until you steal from some other man who'll beat you senseless? I'll not have that."
The night air is cool, making you pull your cloak a bit tighter. "What house do you serve?"
The question catches him off guard. He closes the pub door and tilts his head at you. "Why would that matter?"
I want to reward the house with such valiant knights, you want to say. But you don't. "In case I need help again. So I know where to find you."
He shakes his head. "Sorry to say, but I'm only a hedge knight."
"A hedge knight?" You'd never actually met one of those. Not until today. "Were you going to the tourney, then?"
He smiles. "I was. I meanโฆ I am. Did youโฆ Did you want to accompany me? If we don't find your brother?"
You'd never been more grateful to someone in your life. If you couldn't find Daeron, you could find your way back to the tourney with Ser Dunk and find your father. "I'd like that."
His smile grows, bright and eager. "Good. Great. Let'sโฆ" he takes a breath to collect himself. "Let's get some rooms for the night. No use in looking in the dark."
He guides you over to his horses. "I'm assuming you've ridden a horse before, milady?"
You had. But you weren't very good. You nod to him, and he accepts that.ย
"I'll put you sidesaddle on Thunder then. I'll guide 'em. You just gotta hang on."ย
You turn to say something to him, but notice his lips part in something akin to awe or disbelief. A strand of your hair had fallen from your hat, bright silver blonde.ย
"Youโฆ I know that hair," he accuses. "You aren't just some nobleman's daughter, are you?" At your silence, he takes a step back, trying to gather himself. You're not sure what he's thinking. Perhaps, he'll strike you for deceiving him. Instead, he scoffs to himself. "And to think, I threatened you."
"That's what you are worried about?"ย
"Iโฆ well, yes!" He holds his hands up to his head. "I threatened a Targaryenโ a princess! Gods, why would I do such a thing?"
You look around, a bit confused. "I stole from youโ"
"I grabbed you! I probably bruised you, at that. I shouldn't do that to anyone, let alone a princess." The gears in his head turned. "Your brother. The prince. He's notโฆ Daeron the Drunken. Is he?"
He didn't even need to see your answer.
He runs a hand over his face before letting his hands drop. "Of course, I'll help you to your brother. How could I not? The crown must be worried sick over you."
"You won'tโฆ keep me?" You ask hesitantly.
"W-what?" He gapes. "Keep you? For what?"
"Ransom."
"I would never, Princess. Never. You're a good woman. A kind one. A bit misguided, but I'll help you back where you're needed. I'll not see you starved or held against your will. I meant what I said before."
You see the truthful gaze in his eyes. You reach up and pull off your hat. Long, silver locks fall around your face, messy and tangled. "Thank you, ser."
"Of course, Princess. Any knight would do the same."
Before you can correct him, he's already lifting you onto Thunder. His hands are firm around your waist, picking you up as if you weigh nothing to him. He's careful to place you down well and ensure you're safe. Then, he moves to Sweetfoot.ย
Once he mounts her, he looks back to you. "Ready, Princess?"
You nod, and the two of you begin your journey across the village. "You know," you finally say. "Knights aren't as kind as you."
"Hm? Course they are," he says, as if obvious.ย
"They aren't," you push. "Some of them are pigs, really."
He gawks, looking back at you. "High lords? Pigs? Either I'm wrong or you're a very spoiled girl. There are plenty of good men out there."
"Perhaps I am spoiled. But I'm not an idiot."
"Your uncle, for example. The Prince Baelor. He's honorable, isn't he?" He asks the question, but you can tell he's not waiting for an answer. "My old master told me how gracious of a man he is."
"He's the only one," you say. "Him and Valarr. Even my own family is quite monstrous."
"The princes can't be that monstrous."
"If you're going to the tourney, ser, then you'll see for yourself."
He stops the small caravan outside an old building. He gets off, and helps you get down with ease. His hands linger on your waist for just a moment longer than proper. "Go inside, then. I'll see to the horses." And he pulls away quickly.
You obey him for once, stepping into the place.
There's an older woman with a kind face who greets you. "Sit where you'd like."
You smile back at her, and look around. The place is empty, except for a man who is so deep in his cups, he's passed out with his head on the table.
"Daeron?" You hiss, stomping over to him. You shove at his shoulder angrily. "Get up! Daeron, get up!"
He rouses just enough to shove you back. "Fuck off."
"Did you even notice I was gone?" You huff.
"I'll look for you in the morning," he slurs. "Besides, I dreamt of this. You meet someโฆ man, you get married to him or whatever," he shrugs. "You'll be fine."
"Married? What the hell are you talking about?" He slumps down against and you groan. "Why are you always so difficult? Where is Egg?"
He doesn't answer his time, and you give up.ย
You sit across the room from him, but it doesn't stop you from glaring daggers.
Dunk enters not long after, making his way over to you. He barely even notices Daeron. And if he does, he doesn't recognize him as a prince. He sits down next to you. Not across. Like he needs his eyes on the entire room, door and all.ย
The two of you sit there. And he's entirely unaware of the war you're fighting with yourself.
Daeron is there. Just there. You could tell Dunk and be rid of him like this day never happened. But you don't.ย
But not saying anything at all would be lying. And you can't see him forgiving you if you don't start telling him the truth.ย
And above all of that, you're worried for Egg.ย
So when he begins to talk to you, you aren't quite present. You give nods and chip in when you can, but you're not really hearing him.
The woman brings you both some water, which you accept graciously.ย
"How much further to Ashford?" Dunk's hushed voice comes.
"Days ride," she shrugs. "Bound for the tourney?"
"I dreamed of you," came Daeron's voice. He'd sat up, just enough to retrieve the dagger from its sheath. He eyes Dunk with a dazed look. "Take my sister. But stay the fuck away from me, you hear?"
Dunk's brows raise. "M-Milord?"
When Daeron stands, Dunk immediately stretches his arm across the table in front of you, naturally protective.ย
Daeron blows his hair from his face and sheaths his dagger. He looks and Dunk, then at you. "Goodnight, sister." He slams down a coin. A gold dragon. With that, he stomps up the stairs to his accommodations, leaving the two of you once again.
Neither of you say anything for a while.
The woman moves to the table and takes the coin, tucking it safely into her pocket. "Never you mind that one, ser." She leaves as well.
Dunk looks up at the staircase once again before you feel his head turn to look down at you.
"Prince Daeron," you breathe, refusing to meet his eye.
In that moment, Dunk realizes that he can't just leave you here. His mission had been to get you to your brother. But in his mind, your brother was still a proper prince who wanted the best for you. The man he just saw was far from that.
"What did he mean by that?" He asks softly. "If he thought I was a threat, he wouldn't have abandoned you like that, would he?"
You think back to what your brother had said earlier. 'You meet some manโฆ you get married to him, or whatever.' You look back to Dunk. Surely notโฆ
But Daeron's dreams were never wrong. He said he would get injured at the tourney, and that's where Dunk is heading. Those two things won't cross, right?
You watch Dunk's arm come back to his side, giving you space again. Your eyes are still locked on his hand, large and powerful. How it had held your waist so delicately when he'd helped you off his horse earlier.
"I'dโฆ appreciate it, princess, if you accompany me instead to the tourney," he says softly, bending down to whisper it like a secret in your ear. "I'll not see you getโฆ overlooked by your brother."
Your head tilts up to meet his eye. He's close, far too close for what's proper. But his eyes are on yours, so hypnotically blue that you can't make yourself move. "I'd like that, Ser."
A small smile pulls at his lips, and he pulls away from you like he's remembering his place in this world. His face and neck turn a bright red. "Right. Right. Good. It's settled then."
You watch his fingers twitch, almost brushing the fabric of your skirt. But it doesn't. He keeps to himself, like he knows he should.ย
Married, you think to yourself, that wouldn't be so bad. He's a handsome man, kind and truthful. Even if he's a bit clumsy. You'd take a heart of gold from a hedge knight than the fake smiles from some fat high lord that dreams of climbing the social ladder.ย
No, the more you think about it, Dunk is quite perfect. His size is something else entirely, one that you'd have to get used to. Those arms, his hands, they could pick you up with such ease.ย
"Are you alright?" He suddenly asks.ย
You blink out of your stupor, "hm?"
He gives a boyish grin. "You've been staring at me for a while. Not having second thoughts, are you?"
"No," you smile, hiding your blush behind your cup of water. "No second thoughts at all."
apologies to anyone who ever thought i was cool and reached out to me only to discover i am just a weird little hermit who can't carry on a conversation to save my life
