Hey guys, and welcome to the first chapter of this brand-new series, featuring the manhwa The Princess' Jewelry Box! Please be aware that although I have read this royalty webtoon for entertainment purposes, I do not support the author's ideology or the toxic themes that are written in here.
If you have not read this manhwa, I strongly recommend that you do before proceeding as there will be references and spoilers here. It can be found on Webtoon.
If you are sensitive or prone to triggering with certain themes such as physical/mental abuse, objectification, or SA, please do not continue any further.
This mini-series will not be linear; instead, you will have the opportunity to select a scenario and yandere headcanons of the Jewels featured in the webtoon.
Special thanks to @deathmetalunicorn1 and @secretkoalapersona-blog for helping me outline and create this series as well as @sourlove for their feedback on this draft!
So, with that being said, sit back, relax, and enjoy the opening act of this story featuring court intrigue, politics, and romance.
divider by @cafekitsune
Princess Ariana de Secramise is beloved by all in the Arbezela Empire.
She is polite, physically stronger than the average royal knight, beautiful beyond imagination and intelligent. But behind this facade of a well-educated young lady is a cunning and ruthless individual who will use any means necessary to get what she wants, even if it means risking diplomatic relations with allied nations. Being the Emperor’s favorite and a skilled swordswoman isn’t enough for this greedy little goblin who has already surpassed her siblings in terms of achievements. No. What she desires above all these blessings from Astotelia is the throne.
By gaining that power, she will be legally allowed to take a second husband.
Ariana could never be satisfied with having one spouse when there are so many handsome men in the world. You would have admired her ambition if it didn’t include turning the political hierarchy of the Empire on its head to satisfy her lustful appetites.
This new lifestyle of hers, collecting men who were talented and beautiful was nothing short of a huge scandal; it is true that Emperor Jaider had sired three sons from two concubines despite having an Empress, but Ariana is unmarried and already engaged to Duke Crytear.
Being the oldest legitimate child of Emperor Jaider and Empress Roserice de Secramise, it was your duty to look after not only Ariana, but Bavilo, Kamal, and Haveron. To make sure that they felt safe and protected in this gilded cage of a royal palace. Ares would have gladly shared the responsibility had he not passed away at the age of seven. Without your twin, the world grew a little darker and lonelier.
Your mother never got over his death, believing with all her heart that he had been assassinated by Madam Verdi’s faction. The reason? To place either Bavilo or Kamal in first in the line of succession to the throne and become the Empress Dowager. Like Ariana, her greed is a bottomless pit. Being the Emperor’s favorite mistress is not enough for the high society’s Red Rose. Conspiracy theories and no evidence to support them would not make a formal conviction stick in the royal court.
All she could now was expand her information network and use it to help Ariana, encouraging her little star to challenge her brothers. You believed it was because she inherited your father’s brutality that your mother supported the idea of your younger sister becoming the first female ruler of the Empire.
Once Ariana began collecting her Jewels, the position as the Empire’s ambassador had been switched over from you to her. She used it to find Prince Efrit of Xek, Sir Raymond from Galdeon and Jade Meldea within a year. Duke Nell Phantom had become her first Jewel after he had been honored for his contributions in the war against the Oriana Islands. In exchange for being the Princess’ Hound and overseer of her other Jewels, Ariana had promised to provide financial aid to his family after so many failed business deals forced him to fight at a young age. She has yet to deliver it to him.
Huan Baek, her favorite and the Moon Fairy of Darhan, came to the country three months ago after he said good-bye to his loved ones. Either he would come willingly to Arbezela as a concubine in your sister’s harem, or there would be war between the Empire and Darhan.
Jade had been forced to be here too, as compensation for his father’s mistakes. If that wasn’t enough to give poor King Neptune a heart attack, Ariana ordered Lord Melda to be castrated for the crime of using his position and rank to force women into being his sex toys. Castrating a royal official based on Ariana’s testimony that Lord Meldea struck her when she had traveled to the southern kingdom of Marloe under the guise of a dancer? In Galdeon, she had coerced Sir Raymond to get on his knees at a banquet and kiss her feet in front of everyone, including King Goldblackrose.
By Astotelia’s mercy, when will she understand that actions have consequences? How could you even trust Ariana to look after the people with this kind of mindset?
Why couldn’t your mother trust you to do more than just handling the palace’s domestic affairs and entertaining guests?
You reclined back against your chair, glancing over your shoulder to blink owlishly at the sight of a setting sun from the oriel window in your office. The light blue skies were slowly transforming into an indigo tapestry of the night before you had realized that the day was already over; pink clouds still hovered the horizon, lingering for a little longer before they molded into one and birthed the constellations. You’ve been in here for too long. It was time for a walk.
You stood up. As you did so, you saw two furred bodies spread across the floor twitch. The first one possessed a lanky frame with a long silky black coat and tail, one ear pointed up at the ceiling while a dark brown orb squinted at you. The second was smaller with a white fluffy coat and bouncing on her stubby feet, yipping in excitement as her black nose twitched. You smiled softly, kneeling down to scoop up the little darling in your arms before pressing a kiss against the side of her head.
“I’m sorry, Penelope. I didn’t think the paperwork would take me this long. How about you, me, and Morpheus here go outside for a bit while the chef makes us something yummy to eat?” Penelope licked your cheek in response, making you laugh. “Yes, yes, you would like that, wouldn’t you? Well, lead the way, silly girl.” You placed her back on the carpeted floor, watching in amusement as she almost barreled through the half-open doorway while Morpheus languidly stretched himself before following suit, although at a more leisurely pace and on your right side.
An overprotective, energetic Pomeranian and a gentle Borzoi. They were last-minutes gifts from your parents, even when you had tried to persuade them that you did not desire anything for your fifteenth birthday. Now? They motivated you to step outside from your office and take time for yourself, though the habit of not eating lunch is still hard to break when these two ate twice a day, breakfast and dinner.
And these two knew the way to their little playground like the back of their paws; down the grand staircase, turn right at the last step and then walk through the double stained glass doors to a cobblestone path that sliced through a wide, evergreen courtyard. They never liked the stone path, preferring to blitz across the grass. You would need to apologize to the gardener and make sure he’s paid properly for patching up the grass in the courtyard for the nth time after Penelope and Morpheus’ running around.
In the center of this humble courtyard was a large two-tier fountain, commissioned by a famous craftsman in the Empire. Upon your request, the miniature statues of wolves that lined each tier were gulping down the water and illuminated at night by magic. You personally liked the crescent-shaped moon where the water sprang out and was gulped down by the wolves looking up for it, for either guidance or sustenance. Fitting for Winterfell, the northern palace that served as your home.
As much as you wished to appreciate the blossoming beauty of this chilly night on this little walk, your mind was plagued with anxiety and unease. The preparations for the Sun Ceremony would begin soon and the Emperor had not decided on which of his children would act as the Believer of Light. For Ariana or Bavilo, it was an opportunity to prove to the Emperor and everyone else that they had what it took to be his successor. All it meant for you was more paperwork and hours spent in the Empress’ office, organizing the event from the menus to the seating in the Holy Temple. You would never be considered to become part of such a sacred ceremony because the Emperor and Empress cannot bear the thought of another legitimate child being taken away from them by the gods.
You squeezed your eyes shut. You inhaled deeply through your nose and slowly exhaled, allowing the scent of the white floribunda roses scattered across the courtyard to engulf your senses for a brief moment. To make you forget about the responsibilities you would have to face tomorrow and relax with your precious companions. You were about to take another breath when the sound of Penelope’s barking reached your ears. Blinking, you turned around and backtracked towards the fountain.
Who or what did she see that was causing such a ruckus before dinnertime? Did Morpheus topple over her again? Did she see one of the new servants walking around and went into her watchdog mode until the danger passed? When you finally reached the center of the courtyard, she was snarling at someone you had not expected to see at this hour of the night.
[nell phantom]
[efrit karsia]
[jade meldea]
[huan baek]
[raymond amber]
Taglist: @dreamlessnight @detectivesparrow @splaterparty0-0 @lu-zo-san @lanxianschoenheit @whimsyblooms @saeran-g @queenofspades403 @the-cat-queen-peasants @colorfulgardenerduck @obsessedwithromance @lotsakitties @augustineyukimura @bloodytea @ixchelhernandez4 @uninhabitedsworld-18 @trecllllllll @mydearestbeloved @khuntora @shugar-mama @toast-on-dandelioms @smolnuggie911 @kawaii-kate-here @the-unknown-fandom @moongurl95 @misa-draws @jurijyuu @crxscnt @utaubara @mitzukichan18 @uniquecutie-puffs @lukabwrry @megantheefann @silverklaus @jk--47 @moonasissy and anyone else I might have forgotten or was not able to tag because this list got so long in less than a week 😭
If you do not feel comfortable reading any further, please hit the 'back' button on your phone or laptop and find something much more pleasant to read. Let it also be known that just because I have written for The Princess' Jewelry Box does not mean that I agree with the toxic messages depicted in this manhwa.
My name is Sunny, thank you for coming to my Ted Talk.
For those who are still here, welcome to Duke Nell Phantom's route, Ariana's first Jewel and trusted Hound! I am still on vacation when this piece goes up, but I will back put more content before you know it!
I would like to specially thank my collaborator @secretkoalapersona-blog, @sourlove, @silverklaus, and my dear friend @deathmetalunicorn1 for providing constant feedback on the initial draft of this piece! I would not have been able to complete this as quickly as I have without their help.
So, with that being said, sit back, relax, and let's see what shall transpire on the stage of the Azbezela Empire's royal court~.
divider by @cafekitsune
Dread chilled your veins at the sight of a despondent Duke Phantom sitting on the fountain’s edge. He was dressed from head to toe in black, the front of his shirt open for all the world to see the scars he had obtained in battle and the amethyst collar Ariana forced him to wear in her presence. To your knowledge, she had never fulfilled the promise she made to help his duchy financially recover after several failed business deals. All she cared about at the time, and still does, is the collection of more Jewels.
Not wanting him or his family to suffer because of your sister’s lack of empathy and inability to take care of a person, you secretly introduced him to the guild-masters of the most reliable commercial circuit in the Empire; organizing meetings between him and various nobles to negotiate his family's security services for supply vessels, keeping the crew and investments safe from either pirates or bad weather. A substantial fee was offered in exchange for this kind of protection, as well as an opportunity for the Duke to learn more about haggling prices, reading body language so he doesn’t get conned, etc.
Suffice to say, his family’s assets are on the mend and their reputation in high society has stabilized. But to see him here, in Winterfell at this hour of night in this state is a shock. Gods, Ariana what did she do?!?
He did not seem bothered by Penelope’s barking or Morpheus’ growling at his presence; in fact, it seemed like he was amused by their actions as your watchdogs, hands folded in front of him. You cautiously approached him as the words of your etiquette teacher rang in your ears.
Straighten your spine.
Keep your head held high as you speak to others.
Curtesy to the Emperor and Empress as they are the Sun and Moon of this glorious Empire.
No matter what situation you are in, you must maintain your composure.
You are a princess. You are a role model to all ladies in high society.
“Duke Phantom.”
Your voice must have shook him out of his reverie because the man immediately stood up from the fountain’s edge, his golden orbs widening in shock and embarrassment when he saw you. “Princess [First Name].” He bowed deeply. “My deepest apologies, I -”
“Please stay where you are, Your Grace. And do not move a single inch.” You said sharply. He immediately froze under your command. You hummed, inhaling a deep breath through your nose before you glided towards him. You carefully winded your arms around his neck as if you were about to lean in and kiss him. But you had no such intentions.
Your fingers moved deftly to unhook the silver clasp of the choker, taking notice at how he trembled from the slightest touch before you yanked it off. You held up with your index finger and thumb, nose scrunching in slight disgust at the tacky piece of jewelry. “Raise your head.” You said. Duke Phantom did as you asked, looking befuddled.
“Princess?”
You took his other hand and pressed his choker into the center of his palm. “As of this moment, you will not wear this in my presence or when you are in Winterfell, regardless of the time and how long you will be visiting me. Do I make myself clear, Your Grace?” You watched his eyes widen, no doubt from shock at your command. “Duke Phantom?”
“Y-Yes.” He stammered. He looked down at his harem badge for a moment, then his fingers closed around it. “Your wish is my command, Princess.” He replied, and pocketed it. Out of sight and out of mind. Good.
You exhaled softly, taking a step back from him and picked up Penelope off of the ground. She immediately calmed down in your arms, completely ignoring the presence of your uninvited guest. Morpheus whined, pressing his muzzle against your dress as he looked up at you with wide, dark eyes. You smiled down at him and used one hand to scratch the top of his head. “Good boy.” You whispered. You looked back up at the duke.
“Follow me.”
You pivoted on your foot, walking back in the direction of the palace with your companions. Behind you was the steady rhythm of crunch crunch crunch and clang clang clang. Shoes stomping on grass. A sheathed sword bouncing in tandem. You weren’t in any danger. For now, at least.
Although life in the palace may seem like a dream for those who wish for power, glory, and comfort, it is in actuality a vipers’ nest. You never know if today’s friend will be an enemy tomorrow.
Dinner was served in the smallest dining hall by the time you had re-entered the hall, including Penelope and Morpheus’ meals. Albeit unexpected, the staff had taken the liberty of preparing a seat for Duke Phantom after hearing that he had arrived. How or when they were informed, you couldn’t say. Your servants were observant, competent, and knew better than to gossip within earshot. You followed the maid Joanna to the hall, and took your seat at the head of the table once you set Penelope down on the carpeted floor, who bolted towards her silver dish with a tagging tail. Morpheus shared her enthusiasm and immediately began eating.
Duke Phantom did not follow, instead standing at attention and looking quite confused. You raised an eyebrow at him.
“Come, sit.” You said, raising your hand towards the table. “You must be exhausted from the day. If you do not have an appetite, I can ask the servants to take the food away and prepare a glass of wine for you. Is there a particular one that you like? Or do you not drink?”
“I don’t mind drinking Your Highness, but wine isn’t my first choice.” Duke Phantom paused for a moment, looking at the seat that was prepared for him, before finally gathering the courage to sit down at the table. Three chairs away from your seat.
A manservant appeared by his side and immediately took his request. Within moments, a silver trolly was wheeled in; on top was a porcelain set imported from Galdeon, reserved only for guests. Once the tea was poured and served on a saucer with tongs. Three sugar cubes were on the side. A preference? Perhaps.
While Penelope and Morpheus were happily indulging themselves with their meals, it was a little…awkward to be the only one eating when your guest was having tea.
While the Crytear family boasted of having the longest history in the Empire and played a significant role in keeping the aristocracy in check, the Phantom family were responsible for protecting the Empire from enemy forces. Blessed by Astotelia, they had the ability to shapeshift into shadowy wolves of tremendous power. However, their gifts gave rise to their arrogance, and in doing so created a conflict between them, the royal family, and the Holy Temple. Thanks to Duke Phantom’s contributions to the war and his reputation as a Jewel in Ariana’s palace, they were on good terms with the Emperor. The Holy Temple? Not so much.
A memory flashed through your eyes. A tall, willowy woman with long amethyst hair and golden orbs. A tail swishing from left to right. A scarred hand gently cradling a pipe as she took a small puff, then exhaled it away in the opposite direction before she cordially greeted you with a low bow from the waist. Although she was always formal in the presence of your father, your mother, or your siblings, she would smile at you. It was such a small gesture, but even after so many years you could vividly recall that gentle expression.
“Duke Phantom?”
“Yes, Your Highness?”
“May I inquire,” You began as you gently dabbed your lips with a napkin. “If Duchess Versia is doing well?” You asked. When he stared at you in absolute befuddlement, you continued. “Your mother had once been the captain of the Phantom Troops before you became the family head. She used to visit the palace quite a lot, and was very kind to me when our paths crossed. She often spoke highly of her children, and her husband. Especially you.” You smiled fondly. “I remember how she would praise you, and how she had high hopes that you would do well in running the duchy when you became of age.”
“….”
Oh dear, had you said too much? You had assumed that Duke Phantom knew that you had been acquainted with his mother, but perhaps she did not discuss such things at home with her family, let alone those conversations that took place in the hallway; discussing ways on how to fortify the capital's defenses, expanding the current budget to supply the soldiers with better armor and weapons, recruiting more soldiers to be stationed at the borders, etc.
You opened your mouth to apologize for your rudeness towards him when you saw his face soften, staring down at his tea cup.
"Mother is doing well, Your Highness.” He said quietly. “She hasn't been able to visit the palace as much since I've taken over, but that's mostly because she is keeping herself busy at the duchy. Although I am officially the head of the family, she has been managing everything since…I became Princess Ariana’s Jewel." He paused for a moment, then carefully placed the tea cup back down on the saucer and folded his hands. "She always spoke highly of you, Your Highness. She enjoyed her visits to the palace and her conversations with you."
Even though you had removed the collar from his neck, he still acted tense. Afraid that if he said or did something that was displeasing, you would retaliate in anger. Your smile twisted into a frown deepened with each moment you contemplated each scenario, one worse than the last. Ariana…what have you done to this man?
You stared at him for a long moment before you placed your utensils down. One hand placed flat on the table, and the other extended towards him. “Duke Phantom.” He immediately looked up at you, then saw your hand. He glanced at you, then at your hand before he hesitantly placed his palm in yours. When he did so, you gently squeezed it.
“I am glad to hear she is doing well. I am still…confused as to why you are here, but I have an idea. You do not need to say it. Just….know that behind closed doors, you may confide in me as you fit. You are welcomed in Winterfell. Just give a little more notice. As much as I’d like to keep Penelope and Morpheus on their toes, there is such a thing as too much excitement before dinner time.” You said, your somber voice becoming light and teasing. Trying to not make him any more uncomfortable than he probably already felt at this moment.
You saw his eyes widen in surprise before he released a soft chuckle. "Thank you, Your Highness. I will definitely keep that in mind." He said with a slight smile.
By Astotelia’s grace, the atmosphere became calmer and words flowed more easily between the two of you as the servants continued to switch out from one course to another or offered snacks that compliment the duke’s tea leaves. By the time your dessert plate had been taken back to the kitchens, the two of you moved to the reception room. Penelope and Morpheus were trying to coax him into playing or rubbing their bellies. It worked for a little while, and he seemed to be enjoying himself.
But then his relaxed face became tense. Pained. His trousers pocket was glowing purple. That was where he must have placed his collar. But to have him act like this when it wasn’t even around his neck could only mean one thing: Ariana had enchanted it with summoning magic, allowing her to call on him whenever it suited her. Continued defiance resulted in experiencing excruciating pain until the one who is supposed to be summoned answered his master’s call.
"Please..." he whimpered through gritted teeth, his large frame hunched over. "Please stop, Princess Ariana."
You quickly went over to his side and placed a hand on his back, rubbing it gently. Trying to provide some comfort as the pain continued to affect him. You glanced down at the glowing pocket again, frown deepening. He was not a tamed beast to be called upon whenever your younger sister needed him. He was a person. Human.
If only there was a way to cancel out the spell itself. You blinked. Oh. That’s right. You had those items. Commissioned by the Emperor as a means to protect you from enemies who try to take your life, that can make magic ineffective.
“Beatrice!”
Your lady-in-waiting who had been silently standing in the reception immediately appeared by your side, her grey robes billowing behind her as she did so. “My lady.”
“Bring me the artifacts, all of them, and hurry!”
Beatrice wordlessly left the room and came back moments later, cradling a small dark wooden box before she set it down on the coffee table. She bowed her head, and stepped back, her expression unreadable. You immediately opened the box, deft fingers shifting and plucking through several different jewelry pieces before you pulled out a set of alexandrite cufflinks layered with black Damascus steel.
You fastened them to the sleeves of the duke’s shirt, murmuring an apology to him that what might happen next….could hurt him.
“I'm ... .quite accustomed to pain, Your Highness,” He stammered through gritted teeth, dark furry ears pressed against either side of his head and a long tail thrashing from left to right. Penelope and Morpheus’ barking were not helping the situation, as if in agreement that he is not all right. None of this was right.
You anxiously watched onyx wisps ooze out from the cufflinks, one strand extending to encircle his wrists while the other slithered towards the purple glow emitting from his pocket. And then…nothing. Silence.
Duke Phantom exhaled deeply, his form sagging in relief.
You released the breath you had been holding as well, also relieved but pleased that the artifact worked as you had hoped.
For once, ever since this mess of Ariana’s had started, you were able to help a Jewel within your limitations as a royal.
“Those cufflinks are enchanted to block out magic on a person or an object that was created with malicious intent. They can also create barriers when fighting an enemy who uses magic.” You stood up from the floor. “Considering your…situation, it would be in your best interest to keep them on your person. They will act as a royal badge, allowing you to come to Winterfell without being questioned by the servants or guards. That includes if I’m not here.” You looked down at him. “I hope that’s acceptable, Duke Phantom.”
What he doesn’t realize is that the cufflinks were also embedded with magic, allowing you to hear everything he says or within his surroundings and save it as a recording on the magical stone hidden in your office. He might be Ariana’s Jewel, you might pity him for his predicament, but your younger sister is a clever little thing. If he was here on her orders and this is all an act to gain your trust and cripple the power you held over the Empire’s domestic affairs, you would know immediately.
You didn’t survive in the royal court for this long after Ares’ death by being kind.
The duke stared up at you in awe. “I couldn’t.” He stammered. “To receive such a gift from Your Highness, when I was welcomed into your palace without prior invitation and dined at your table -“
“You are not a beast who must wear a collar and answer his master’s beckoning when you are in the halls of Winterfell, Duke Phantom.” You answered icily. “Or was my earlier order not clear to you?” That reply immediately silenced any further defiance from your guest.
After giving another scratch behind Morpheus’ ear and receiving a wet nose nuzzle from Penelope, Ariana’s Hound was escorted out of Winterfell by a servant. Whether or not he would take up your generosity is another question entirely.
Well? What will be your next move, Ariana?
Nell had heard so much about you from the second princess of Arbezela after he had willingly become her Jewel. But would anyone call it a mutual agreement between two parties, when Ariana had dangled salvation for the Phantom family in front of him and she had not delivered on her promise? He could, but no one would dare defy the Emperor’s favored child.
Regardless, he knew his master loves you very much but at the same time worried that you would get in her way of becoming history’s first Empress.
She already saw Madam Verdi as an obstacle to claim the throne; not only did she give birth to Prince Bavilo and Kamal, but knew what words to say to provoke her fearsome temper, or cause the Emperor’s favor to waver.
Tonight…had been one of those nights.
When Ariana stormed back into the palace after a tea party held in the Empress’ private gardens, Nell instinctively wanted to flee from the princess’ palace. Something had gone wrong and he did not want to comfort her.
Not in the way she wished to be comforted or forget what had happened.
Like Jade, he had sworn to remain abstinent and refuses to engage in premarital sex. Ariana had promised to not pressure him into anything he did not want….but he didn’t feel safe that night. It’s the only reason he can think of as to why his magic transported him away from the princess’ reception room and brought him to Winterfell. He had never been to the northern palace before. Actually, no one has. By the Emperor’s decree, only court officials and servants were permitted to enter. You did not have a fiancé either.
Most of the nobility speculated it was an act of love towards his precious daughter; protecting the last Blessing of the Empire after what had happened to Ares, the crown prince who had died under mysterious circumstances. To him, it sounded more like….confinement. A gilded cage that has all of the trappings of luxury but no way out. A prison.
While he steadied himself on the edge of an….unusual fountain, he was flanked by two dogs. Then you arrived, summoned by their barking. He learned their names. The small, fluffy one was named Penelope and the other was Morpheus. Adorable companions, if he said so. But when you saw his collar, you were so furious that you removed it and demanded to keep it out of your sight when in Winterfell. Once he had obeyed your command, you invited him inside your palace. You allowed him to sit at your table and did not call him out for his insolence when he had no appetite to speak of and only asked for tea.
But above all else, you had gifted him with an artifact that can cancel out Ariana’s summoning spell and relieved him of such agony. Instead of demanding it back, it became his rightful badge to enter your home without going against the Emperor’s decree.
Ariana was especially pleased when he returned to her palace that same evening, a completely different person than what she had been earlier. Nell vaguely wondered who ended up comforting her before he felt her dainty hand stroke his cheek.
“You did so well, my Nell~!” She purred, her dewy amethyst eyes glowing with delight. “Now I can conduct an investigation of Winterfell without angering Father so long as there is probable cause to do so~!” She giggled. “I do love her, so much more so than Haveron and the witch’s sons. But if she does get in my way to become Empress, then I’ll ask Father to have her political power in the palace’s domestic affairs indefinitely revoked.” She said with a delicate shrug before she glanced down at his shirt sleeves. “Although I cannot fathom why she would give you some anti-magic artifacts as a gift of goodwill, the important thing is that you have successfully captured her interest.”
Her gentle smile became razor-sharp as she pulled him into his arms; he could feel the soft swell of her breasts being pressed against his chest and the light flowery fragrance tickled his nose. “So don’t fail me, okay? You are my most prized Jewel and Hound.” She said, “Now…how should my good boy be rewarded for pleasing his master?”
He felt an unwelcoming trill of ice stab through his body at her words. The bile rising in the back of his throat was not helping either. “That won’t be necessary, Your Highness.” He spoke, carefully pulling himself away from her and then he bowed his head, raising a clenched fist over his pounding chest. “I only live to serve you. Good-night, Princess Ariana.” Using the shadows billowing beneath the soles of his feet, he sank into the darkness before she could say anything else to him.
Although he found solace in the silence of his chambers, Duke Phantom could not understand why he left the cufflinks on as he slept. Was it because their weight steadied him even as the memory of Princess Ariana’s perfume and sweet words made his stomach churn? Or is it…knowing that if Her Highness ever lost her temper as she did the previous night, you have given him a sanctuary to weather out the storm?
He did not know, except that he was compelled to know you more as a person than rely on the words that float around the royal court. Gossip was never a reliable source of information, and there is only so much he can do as the captain of the Phantom Troops without using excessive force of his authority lest he incites the Emperor’s anger. Furthermore, you were the one who had provided the resources that helped him stabilize his family’s standing in high society.
It was because of you that he did not have to throw himself in the battlefields as a lone wolf under the Emperor’s command. He might be called away from time to time, but he would no longer need to worry about his siblings or parents being mocked by the nobility. They could hold their heads high in court and ensure their servants would be adequately paid for their hard work. No more cutbacks or penny-pitching.
If he had met you that fateful evening after the sacred ceremony instead of Princess Ariana, and given the chance to save his family…would he be treated with kindness and respect, then begging for scraps of his master’s time when she was locked in her quarters with another Jewel? He would like to think so because you are so kind and understanding.
This is the turning point in Nell’s slow but steady descent into madness, hungering for your love and devotion. But do not think that just because he is incredibly handsome and blessed with a gift from Astotelia, Duke Phantom is a weak-willed puppy. He is not. This is a beastman who had survived the frontlines of the Oriana War and will use any means at his disposal to ensure that no one will foolishly covet his beloved princess. Discreetly, of course.
When he isn't carrying out an important task for Princess Ariana or getting some much-needed rest at his family estate, Duke Phantom will check on you from the shadows. It is through this method he learned about your likes, dislikes, and your relationships with the rest of the royal family. He saw how you treated your servants; there was a clear drawn in the sand, but you never overworked them.
Penelope and Morpheus were almost always by your side. Their antics never ceased to amuse him. He is grateful knowing that you weren’t completely alone in Winterfell and cared for them like they were your own children. If he ever sees you interacting with his nephews, be careful. This scenario could cause the aloof duke into experiencing a severe case of baby fever, fantasizing what his children would look like with your eyes and if they would inherit your sharp wit or would they all resemble him.
His obsession would worsen upon discovering that another Jewel is infatuated with you. And he is not happy with who it is but he has to restrain himself from snapping the bastard’s neck. Princess Ariana doesn’t like it when the Jewels fight amongst themselves, even when she is simpering over a high priest from the Holy Temple who is idolized by the masses as a graceful white deer.
Hypocrite.
But what Princess Ariana doesn’t know will not hurt her or impede on her goal to become the Empress. Arbezela has had its share of enemies since the earliest days of its foundation despite being a peaceful country. And didn’t she say that she loved you more than her other siblings? Perhaps…if she is wise as others claim her to be, then it is only natural to ask for your hand in marriage as his reward after inheriting the throne.
Right?
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I would like to ask for a scenario for Nell from Princess Jewels. How would Nell react to going to Y/N's palace and overhears what he thinks is something naughty happening, as in Y/N crying out. He storms in, heartbroken, just to find something innocent, like her doctor massaging her back after she fell earlier and hurt herself or something else
You are an amazing writer ❤️
Hello, my dear~! I have worked my magic and here it is, the small spin-off of our collab, the thief who stole from the princess' jewelry box~!
Duke Nell Phantom prided himself to be an upright and ethical man, someone who did not allow emotion to sway his reasoning under the watchful eyes of the royal court. He surmised that was why you had sought him out to be your knight, not because you were madly in love with him as he is with you.
There are days he wished you would welcome him into Winterfell as your official lover, but the risks were too already high. It was already unheard of to have someone of his rank and social standing serve you when the northern palace was an impenetrable fortress in itself. Why do such a thing? People will wonder. Surely the Emperor and Empress cannot risk losing another child after what had happened to Ares, the crown prince who had died under mysterious circumstances.
But the truth is never simple; it’s complicated, and messy. Today was no different.
He had finished his duties at the family estate as well as the palace, so he had come to visit you. Imagine his surprise when he could not find you holed up in your office surrounded by staggering towers of unfinished documents nor walking around the royal gardens with Morpheus and Penelope. If you had been summoned to the main palace, you surely would have sent a messenger to inform of it.
Had you fallen sick? That was a possibility, considering your tendency to neglect your health for the sake of completing your duties and ensuring the cogs within the palace’s domestic affairs were running smoothly.
Oh, why did Astotelia bless and curse his existence to the point where he pines for a princess who always think about the country’s future and never herself?
Duke Phantom's heart thudded against his chest when he picked up the sound of someone groaning in pain, followed by a moan. It was coming from your chambers. Oh gods. You weren't - were you?! You had sworn to him that you would never commit pre-marital sex!
Frightened and heartbroken, he stormed through the halls until he reached the door leading to the master bedroom, not caring about the maids who were trying to stop him from entering. He swung it open, revealing to the staff that you were fully-clothed and lying on your stomach with the doctor hovering over you.
You lifted your head up from the pillows and stared at him, flustered. "Duke Phantom, what is the meaning of this?" You exclaimed. "You cannot just waltz into here without my permission!"
Morpheus and Penelope barked in agreement, having been awakened from their nap and were now barking at him, teeth bared and hair standing on end.
"Princess, please hold still and try to relax or you will only get worse." The doctor pleaded before he leveled his narrowed gaze to him. "Duke Phantom, I ask that you leave immediately. You are aggravating my patient."
Shocked and more than a little embarrassed, Duke Phantom quickly stepped out of the room, waiting outside until you allowed him to enter. You were not pleased with him.
As it turned out, you had taken a small tumble on the stairs earlier this morning and while the doctor could not detect any trauma to the head, the muscles in your lower back were not spared from the impact. Massages every two to three hours were supposed to help, including gentle stretches and rest.
"That's...what happened, Your Highness?"
"Of course! Goodness, what in the blazes do you think I was doing in my room at this time of the day with the doctor?"
"..."
Was it terrible of him to be relieved to know that your chastity was still protected under the shield of his shadows and eyes from those who were not worthy of your attention? If so, please don't be angry. He just wants the best for you, as your knight, and hopefully someday, your lover.
