THE SIEGE OF NOVYI ZEM - available on AO3
(rated M for violence and dark themes)
Jesper and Leoni only know how to live their lives deliciously, being the beloved prince and princess of Noyvi Zem, a prospering and illustrious kingdom. That is until their Queen Mother thinks it’s time for them to reign it in after one of Jesper’s parties goes sour. Queen Aditi enlists the help of Adrik Zhabin to help quell Leoni’s sneaking out tendencies, and Kuwei Yul-Bo to set Jesper on the right path.
Adrik is a Ravkan refugee turned Zemeni guard, who’s lived through hell escaping Morozova’s tyrannical reign. He didn’t expect much from Noyvi Zem, let alone being assigned as the bubbly Princess’ personal guard, who he finds himself blurring the lines with between professionalism and his own feelings.
Kuwei hasn’t lived a particularly hard life, but growing up in the harsh Shu Han Royal court has made his tongue sharp and disposition wary. Being assigned as Jesper’s handler was just another job, a way to extend Shu Han’s reach into other kingdoms. But the more time he spends with Jesper the more he finds himself inexplicably attracted to him.
When Morozova’s greed threatens Noyvi Zem and forces them into a siege, the beloved royals are forced to run from everything they’ve ever known.
For the @grishaversebigbang 2020. Updates daily!
Incredible artwork has been created by @jessaminelovelaces [x] [x], @saintprivateer [x], @angelawongart [x], @mitdemadlerimherzen [x], @namelessscribe [x] [bonus], @bdhead [x].
Beta’d by my ride or die, @darklesmychuckles
Special thanks to @wafflesandkruge for being a sounding board for Shu Han and a sensitivity reader!
Sneak Peek of Chapter 1 below the cut!
Prince Jesper Hilli-Fahey’s parties were legendary.
Anyone who was looking for a good time with Novyi Zem’s youth was there. This time it was being hosted in an abandoned wartime bunker. The last time it had been used was 250 years ago and now it was repurposed - electric lights cast a brassy glow over everything, and the acoustics that had been formerly geared to carry announcements from corner to faraway corner, now carried the sound of music. Zemenis were cheering and laughing, and moving to the percussive beats.
Like King of his castle, Jesper was standing on top of a table, holding his drink in the air and smiling broadly. He didn’t look like a prince - instead he looked like every other young adult in there. He wore fitted green and yellow ankara-pattern pants with a plain cowl-neck tank top. The only signet of his status was the gold armlets that adorned his biceps, and gold clips on his ears. He danced with anyone who crossed his path, his cheeks flushed.
Jesper was considered attractive to most people. Maybe it was the fact he was tall and lean, or that he had a ready smile and full lips, with high cheekbones and arresting storm gray eyes. There was also the fact he was the Crown Prince. His choice in partners transcended gender and people would go to parties in the hopes of landing in his bed for the night, or at the very least, a night of partying in the arms of a nice person.
He found his way to the gambling table, passing by his cousin Leoni on the way. The bright-eyed Princess was enthusiastically talking to people, taking shots, and hugging everyone that moved. He vaguely saw her throw something in her mouth before waving at him. He smiled back, blowing a kiss. They were thick as thieves. Jesper swung the roulette wheel around and people cheered, letting out a groan when he lost.
“Should have bet on black!” he shouted, and everyone cheered again. Jesper loved this. This was what it was like to be universally adored
