royal!5sos au where prince calum marries the princess from a neighboring kingdom bc it was arranged when the two were younger but neither of them actually like each other in that way and only married to appease their parents but uh oh calum got a little too drunk at a castle party and accidentally spilled the secret that he’s been seeing commoner!yn and the princess has been seeing someone else too and now their parents know about it and they are not happy
In which you’re the lady in waiting for the princess, and the mysterious, quiet prince has taken a certain interest in you.
Warnings: none
Pairing: Royal!Calum Hood x Reader
A/N: its been a hot minute but....its back bitches!! ahh i’m very happy i got off my ass and started writing this again. i missed prince!cal. but anyway, here’s part three, let me know what you guys think!!! feedback is always appreciated!! do you guys have any predictions as to what will happen in the future? anything you WANT to see happen in the future (i can try to work in some suggestions?) let me know!
Series Masterlist
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Ever since Mali decided to play matchmaker, she had been scheming ways to get Y/N and Calum alone together. It had to be subtle, make it seem like it was a coincidence, because it was true that Y/N could get in trouble for talking to him on the job.
She also wanted the conversation to be natural. She didn’t want to tell either of them about it and have them sit and plan what they were going to say. It would be painfully awkward. She would prefer that they just struck up a conversation on whatever came to mind; nothing forced.
Mali eventually came up with a plan. Calum always went to the library on Thursday evenings after dinner to unwind and read. Her idea was to call for Y/N to find her a book from the library, and when she arrived, Calum would be there, and that would be the perfect opportunity for them to talk. It wouldn’t be long, Mali knew, but it would be something, and that’s all she wanted.
Mali liked Y/N. She was kind, thoughtful, caring. She thought she could be good for her brother; he was quiet, stuck in his head a lot, and Mali thought a girl like Y/N could be someone to help him out of the funks that he tended to get himself into.
The next Thursday that came around, the Hood family finished having their dinner, and Calum was off to the library, like always. The place was big, and the isles of books seemed to go on forever. As much as he loved to read, he knew he would never read every single one. The collection was years in the making, and as time went on, it would only grow.
Calum browsed the books for a few minutes, skimming his fingertips over the spines and reading titles until he found one that piqued his interest. He pulled it from the shelf and took it to one of the large cushioned chairs to read.
Y/N was just finishing up her own dinner when she was notified that the princess was looking for her. She quickly said goodnight to Michael, who she was dining with, like usual, and made her way upstairs to Mali’s room. She knocked, and the girl opened the door with a grin.
“You called?” Y/N inquired. Mali nodded, placing a hand on her hip.
“Yes, I was just wondering if you could run to the library for me? I’ve been dying to reread this book.”
“Oh, sure! What book would you like?”
Mali proceeded to tell her the name and author of the first book that came to mind, and made sure to let Y/N know that there was no rush. To take her time. Y/N thought it was odd, the specification for her to take her time, but decided not to give it much thought as she made her way to the library, repeating the title and author of the book in her mind so she wouldn’t forget it.
Y/N couldn’t help but smile a little when she stepped foot into the library. The smell of books always comforted her. It was soothing.
But, in this library, Y/N felt a little lost. She had only been there one time, and she only looked around. She didn’t actually seek out a book, and she had no idea where to even start looking. She sighed, starting to look around for some sort of pattern in the titles or authors when she heard a voice call her name.
“Lady Y/N?”
She turned around at the sound of her name, and her heart skipped a beat when she saw who it was. The prince stood up from the chair he was sitting in, closing the book in his hands and setting it down. Y/N dipped into a curtsy that she had perfected since arriving at the palace, sending a smile to him.
“Good evening, Your Highness,” she greeted, scolding her own heart for the way it was pounding in her chest.
“There’s no need for that, please,” he insisted, shaking his head softly. “Looking to do some reading?”
“The princess asked me to get a book for her.” Y/N took a glance around the library before returning her gaze to him. “I have no idea where to even start looking, though.”
“Oh, I can help you! I spend a lot of time here. What book is she looking for?”
As she rattled off the book and author that she had repeated in her head upward of a thousand times, she had to bite back the soft smile that was threatening to take over her features. She found it sweet that the prince enjoyed reading. It was something she liked about him.
Calum thought for a moment before cocking his head to the left, signalling for Y/N to follow him. She trailed behind him slowly, then stepped into the aisle that he went in.
“Should be in here somewhere,” he mumbled under his breath, eyes scanning titles to find the one that Mali mentioned. Y/N accompanied him in searching until her gaze landed on the correct book.
Calum found the book at the same time, and then reached for it at the same time she did. Their hands brushed against each other, and although the moment was brief, Y/N felt like there were fireworks exploding inside of her. It wasn’t the first time they had ever touched; Calum shook her hand upon their very first meeting. But she couldn’t ignore how it felt different.
She also couldn’t ignore that, while still not having spent much time around him, she felt different about him. She didn’t know how she felt, though, and it terrified her.
Calum felt his heart skip a beat at the contact of their hands, a feeling not too different from how Y/N felt. He hadn’t had the opportunity to get to know his sister’s lady in waiting, but he wanted to. He just didn’t know how to approach her. He was a man of few words, and despite the fact that he had made countless public appearances and spoke to myriad people, total strangers, ranging from commonfolk to other royalty, he always got sweaty palms and found himself having to force the words out of his mouth. Especially when it came to Y/N.
He didn’t know what it was about her that made him so nervous, but it was definitely something.
Snapping out of his mini moment of freak out, he quickly pulled the book from the shelf and held it out to Y/N, who took it from him with gentle fingers.
“Thank you,” she breathed out, clutching the book to her chest. Calum grinned and nodded his head swiftly.
“Of course,” he responded, running a hand through his dark curls.
Y/N sighed softly, glancing behind her and then back to him.
“I should probably get this to the princess,” she mumbled. “Thank you so much for your help. I’d probably be on the wrong side of the library right now.”
Calum laughed, a pretty sound that Y/N suddenly wanted to hear more of.
“Well, glad I could save you the trouble. Have a good evening.”
“You too, Your Highness.”
“Please, dear. Call me Calum.”
Y/N froze for a moment, glancing up at him to see he looked just as shocked as she probably did. A small smile graced her features, and she mumbled an, “Okay, Calum,” before scurrying out of the library.
Calum speed walked back to his seat where his book sat, cursing under his breath. He had no idea what compelled him to call her dear; it certainly didn’t seem like something the shy prince would do to a woman he hardly knew. It just came out, not realizing it until it was too late. Had their relationship been of a different nature than it was, he wouldn’t have cared at all. He always thought the nickname was endearing. But, since the two were hardly close enough to consider themselves friends, it didn’t seem appropriate. He silently prayed to whoever was listening that he didn’t make her uncomfortable.
Unbeknownst to the prince, Y/N was having trouble keeping the smile off her face as she walked back to Mali’s bedroom. She wasn’t blind, she could tell that Calum didn’t really mean to call her that, but her heart couldn’t help but flutter, nonetheless. She liked the way it sounded rolling off his tongue.
Aside from the nickname, there was also the fact that he had asked her to call him Calum. His sister had done the same thing for herself, and Y/N was feeling a similar way about it. He had to like or be comfortable with her to some extent if he wanted to drop the formalities.
She couldn’t help but feel special. She knew it was hardly justified and she seemed full of herself, but she liked the feeling of being accepted. Acceptance was a hard thing to come by, being from Georgetown.
Y/N rapped softly on Mali’s door. The princess opened it fairly quickly, an excited grin on her face.
“Hi!” She cheered, gaze landing on the book in Y/N’s hands.
“Hi! I got your book,” Y/N answered, holding out the book for her to take. She grabbed it, but she could care less about the book. Frankly, she probably wasn’t even going to read it. She wanted to see if Y/N and Calum talked to each other.
“Thanks so much, Y/N.” Mali reached over and set the book on her dresser. “Was anyone else in the library?”
“Oh, yes, your brother was there. He helped me find the book.”
Mali’s face lit up the slightest bit, causing confusion to wash over Y/N. Why would she be so happy about her and her brother having a conversation, a fairly brief one, at that? Suddenly, Y/N remembered the conversation they had over breakfast just the previous week. She remembered how Mali said Calum may like her a little, and how she said it was okay for her to talk to him. Maybe she had wanted them to talk to each other, and this was her little way of getting them to do it herself.
“That’s very sweet of him, isn’t it?” Mali inquired, still grinning mischievously.
“Yes…” Y/N trailed off, unsure of where the conversation was going.
Mali decided to let the topic be for the evening, but her and Y/N both knew this wasn’t going to be the last of her endeavors to get her lady in waiting and her brother to start talking. She knew it wasn’t guaranteed that they would fall in love, but she thought Y/N could at minimum be a good friend for Calum to have.
After the two bid their goodbyes, Y/N made her way back to her quarters, a room she had grown quite familiar with over time. It was almost comforting, when things around the palace got too overwhelming.
It wasn’t very late, and Y/N knew trying to sleep so early would be futile. She pondered what she could do to keep herself entertained until she got sleepy, a list of options that was fairly short, eyes scanning the room to look for inspiration. Her searching brought her gaze to the crisp white envelope that was sitting on top of her dresser; it hadn’t been there before. She picked it up with curiosity and turned it over the read the back. It was from Aunt Mary.
A smile spread across the girl’s face. It had been a while since she heard from her. She tore open the envelope as she moved to sit on her bed, pulling out the letter. Her smile didn’t fade as she carefully took in all the words, glad to see that Aunt Mary said she had been feeling a lot better.
Y/N grabbed the leather bound notebook that she was given and a writing utensil after she finished reading, and propped herself up against the headboard of her bed again. She flipped to the nearest empty page, and began to write.
Dear Aunt Mary,
It’s great to hear from you again! Mail was slow, I guess?
I’m so happy to hear you’re feeling better. I knew the doctors from the palace would do a much better job taking care of you than I ever could. But anyway, this is progress! And I’m sure it’ll only get better from here.
How are things in Georgetown? I can’t imagine it’s been eventful at all, considering it usually never is. But if you hear any gossip, make sure to let me know.
I never thought I’d miss the place, but I do. Remember how many times we’ve talked for hours about how much we’d like to get out of the little town and live in a big city? As much as I would still love to do that with you, I’d do anything for just a quick walk around the square. It’ll always be home for me.
I miss you. I miss talking with you about anything and everything, and having our meals together. I miss your hugs, too. Yours are always the best. Maybe I’ll be able to come visit you soon! I’ll have to talk to the princess, but I’ll definitely try to make it happen.
Speaking of the Hood’s, I’ve definitely taken an even bigger liking to them. I still don’t see much of the king and queen, but the princess and the prince are very sweet. The princess asked me to have breakfast together a little while ago, which was exciting! The prince is very nice, too. Quiet, but nice. I like him.
Y/N paused, staring at the paper for a moment. She debated on telling Aunt Mary about her strange feelings about Calum, but decided against it. One conversation wasn’t enough to justify telling her quite yet. She decided to wait and see if anything else happens. So, she wrapped up her letter.
That’s pretty much it from me. It’s been rather uneventful here in Alexander, or as uneventful as it can be in the Hood’s palace. I’ll let you know if anything important happens.
I love you so much, Aunt Mary. Write soon!
Love,
Y/N
She gently tore the page from her notebook, getting up to set everything on her dresser. She made a mental note to ask for it to be sent her aunt’s house the next day.
Deciding to call it an early night and try to fall asleep, she got herself ready for bed and got comfortable in her sheets. A sudden wave of tiredness washed over her, and she let her eyes flutter shut. It wasn’t a long time before she drifted off to sleep.
Calum, who had stayed in the library a lot later than he normally did, just arrived back to his bedroom around the time Y/N was readying herself for bed. He tried to continue reading his book, he really did, but the words seemed to slip right past him. He couldn’t remember a thing he read.
All he could think about was calling you dear.
He hated that he did it so out of the blue, at such an early point in your relationship. But, he almost wanted to give himself a second chance. A do over, of sorts.
He wanted to call you dear again. Under better circumstances, of course.
In order to have that opportunity, he knew he had to talk to you. A lot more often than what he was doing. While striking up conversations wasn’t exactly Calum’s forte, he was willing to try.
He was willing to try for you. The lady in waiting.
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A/N: Royal!SOS is here! This is just a basic intro into the boys and their lives
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Luke Michael Ashton
“Calum! Stand still!” The scolding voice of Joy echoed through the seamstresses’ room. Calum stood on the pedestal, waiting for the woman to finish measuring him so he could leave. “The ball is almost upon us and you still need an outfit.” Calum only rolled his eyes at his mother and continued to throw things at his sister, Mali-Koa. She was first in line for the throne after his parents, so he didn’t see a point in acting appropriately or like the perfect prince. He wanted to do what he wanted. His sister, on the other hand, was the perfect royal. She listened to everything their parents had to say, she attended meetings with their father and the royal committee, the public loved her, and she was the definition of a poised princess.
“Please Calum, you’re embarrassing.” Speaking of the princess, Calum fully turned his body to face the doorway. He ignored his mother’s protests and glared at his older sister. Their relationship wasn’t bad per se, but it wasn’t amazing. Calum was a little bitter that she was next in line since it meant he would probably never become king, but he did still love and respect his sister. He just wished she would mind her own business.
“Like my actions will affect you Mali.” He said with a roll of his eyes, something he had been doing a lot lately.
“Calum, when are you going to find a woman to settle down with?” At Joy’s question, Calum sighed and turned to face the tailor. That was the only question she had been asking him for years now. Calum was 23 now and he should have been married at 18, or that’s what his mother and father wanted. Calum did not want that. He didn’t want to get married to some nice princess that was as perfect as his sister was. He wanted to find a real girl that didn’t care if she offended people. He wanted someone that stood up for herself and didn’t back down from a fight. He wanted a girl that could beat his ass if she needed to.
“When I feel like it mother,” Calum said with a huff before he walked out of the room. He didn’t know if the woman was finished with him, but he didn’t really care. He made his way to the garden outside, hoping the calmness of the outside would relax him. He doubted it would since things never go his way, but he had to try. The truth was, Calum already found a woman he wanted to settle down with. Y/N. She was perfect to Calum, but the only problem was she was his sister’s lady-in-waiting. He didn’t mind at all that she wasn’t a princess, but others would. He knew that it was a tradition for a royal to marry a royal but Calum was never one for traditions. So, he stole secret moments with Y/N whenever he could. It was hard since she was supposed to be following his sister around but sometimes, she was given some freedom. In her free time, she would find Calum and the two would share some time together. Most times they hid in secluded rooms but under the cover of darkness, they would take walks in the garden or sit on the balconies. It wasn’t the way Calum had wanted his life to go but he wouldn’t change it. He assumed he was going to be married off to a princess of his parents choosing and he would grow to love her and she would grow to love him. They would have beautiful royal babies and their kids would grow up getting everything they wanted. That certainly wasn’t happening now and he was happy about it. He was happy that he wasn’t getting married to a girl he didn’t love. He couldn’t marry the girl he loved but at least he got to be with her in some way. They both agreed that having a secret relationship was better than none at all.
Alright, I know it took forever, but here’s part 2 of Royal!5sos with Calum himself. (And look at that. Two posts in a week. I haven’t done that in like a year)
“Another round, Prince Hood?” the bartender asked the sulking prince, head rested against the cool wood of the bar where he was perched, the inevitable headache creeping up on him quickly. He had been worried, making himself sick to his stomach over his missing best friend. It’d been three days since the Irwins had made their way to his family’s castle, and only a day since he’d heard that the castle burned to the ground with absolutely no trace of Ashton or Sarah, his stomach dropping at the thought that he could’ve been in the fire. He knew that he was probably overreacting, it was Ashton after all. He was the strongest and smartest in their group of friends, but he just had an awful feeling about all of this and he didn’t know what else to do besides drink, never having been the kind of person to share his feelings verbally.
“No...I think I’ve maxed out my quota today, Roy. Thank you, though,” he sighed softly pulling out his bag of coins and paying for the rounds he’d had, leaving a generous tip as well as he got up to leave stumbling slightly, head swirling as he tried to catch his footing before falling over. The last thing his family needed was his name slipping passed peoples lips as they gossiped about the drunken prince falling on his ass in the local tavern. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
He shouldn’t be in town, much less without a guard of some sort to make sure he was alright, especially intoxicated, but he wasn’t thinking straight when he had left the castle hours ago, let alone in the state he was in at the moment. In fact, he wasn’t thinking at all, especially when he decided to think with his stomach and not his head wandering off towards the smell of freshly baked pastries instead of back to the castle where there was a warm bed waiting for him, and a bucket for the sickness he could feel creeping up through his body.
He didn’t mind being alone, preferred it actually much to his mother’s dismay. He’d always been that way: quiet, reserved, more so introverted than anything. It worried her that when he was to become king, he’d have a hard time adjusting, being constantly surrounded by those he didn’t know and feel comfortable around. His sister always said he just needed that someone to push him through his bubble.
“O-oh my,” he heard a small voice say, eyes shooting up from the floor to realize he was now standing inside of a bakery, not really sure when he walked in, but here he was staring back at a women in front of him that made his knees buckle and took the breath out of his lungs. She was stunning, even with flour in her hair and along her cheeks, her bright eyes wide as she stared in disbelief that the prince was standing in her family’s bakery at such an odd hour, silently regretting not locking the doors like her parents had warned. “How can I help you at such an odd hour, your majesty?” she nearly whispered, her voice as quiet as a mouse as she tried to stay respectful, not wanting to say the wrong thing with the wrong connotation.
“I-I’m sorry. Just smelled really good...couldn’t help myself and follow the scent from outside,” he said timidly himself, mostly trying to avoid the embarrassment of the fact that he was indeed drunk and wandering through the streets later than he should be. Alone. During a war that, most likely, just killed his best friend on his own territory.
The woman blushed as she set the tray of pastries onto the counter, steam still flowing up from the fluffy pastry on the tray, his mouth watering as he absentmindedly licked his lips, eyes flicking back over to the girl as she started to speak up. “Can I get you anything? Water? Tea? A pastry?” she asked putting one of the freshly baked tarts onto a plate as he watched her every move, feet involuntarily making their way over to her driven more by his stomach than his foggy brain at the moment.
“Do you mind? They smell really fuckin good,” he said slurring slightly as he wobbles slightly, the girl laughing softly softly smiling as she shook her head, helping him to sit at the small table by the counter placing the pastry in front of him.
“Let me grab you a cup of tea. Tastes better with it” she said smiling walking back into the kitchen and coming out with a full set: the pot, cup of cream, cup of sugar, and two cups. She set the tray down on the table he was sitting at, his eyes still watching her every move as she poured him a cup leaving the sugar and milk out for his usage.
“Lovely set,” he said softly as she poured herself a cup. “Do you own the bakery?”
“My dad does. It’s been in the family for three generations now,” she said as she grabbed a pastry for herself sitting across from the dark haired man. She watched as he nodded taking a bite of the fluffy piece, a soft moan escaping him as he closed his eyes. She sucked her lips into her mouth trying to hold back her own moan at the sound he had just made.
“Okay, what is this because I need more of these,” he grumbled with his mouth full, something his father surely would have his head for if he could see him in that moment.
“Pecan danish pastry,” she said trying to stifle a laugh. “ I’m assuming you like it?”
“I fucking love it,” he said, second swear word of the day slipping through his mouth without a care in the world. “Did you make these? They’re fucking amazing.” Three.
“I did..stocking up for the morning rush,” she said blushing smiling softly. “Mum and dad run the bakery in the morning and afternoon and I come in later on to restock and start products for the next day. So I’ll be here until dawn.”
“Oh wow,” he said softly nodding. The two went back and forth as he sobered up, talking well through the night until most of that batch was eaten and the tea had run cold. “It’s getting late...my mother’s probably wondering where I am...and I’m sure you need to get back to baking,” he said sighing as he stood up from the table. “Thank you for the food and drinks. What do I owe you?”
“Don’t be silly,” she said shaking her head as she stood up smiling softly at him making his stomach churn with nerves. “I appreciate the company, your majesty,” she said softly with a small bow.
“Call me Calum, love,” he said softly, pet name slipping easily off his lips as she blushed looking back up at him.
“Y/n.”
It became a routine the next two nights, Calum sneaking out of the castle unaccompanied by anyone else, frequenting the bar the first night before making his way over to his new friend with some liquid courage, completely bypassing the bar the next night to be able to spend more time in the cozy bakery with the girl that fed him some of the best pastries that he’s ever had, always making a mental note to suggest getting a new baker for the castle, maybe even take in y/n’s family if his parents will let him.
He was sitting in the bakery with her earlier than usual, the sun just having set. He’d had a long day, a lot of conversation coming up about what was going to have to happen if Ashton didn’t make it. There had been strict orders in his letters to carry on with the war if he didn’t make it in a week and how to prepare Lauren as the next heir to the throne, the poor thing barely sixteen. It was taking a toll on him and he wasn’t handling it well.
“He’s my best friend, y’know?” He asked before chugging his glass of milk after finishing the warm chocolate chip cookies that had just come out of the oven. “Known him since we were kids. Been there through everything with me…he’s one of the few people I can really open up to about my life.”
“I’m sure he’s going to be just fine, Cal,” she said before taking a sip of her tea having opted out of the bakery items today considering the dress she was currently wearing was suddenly very tight for her, especially around her waist. “If he’s anything you say he’s like, he’s gonna be just fine.”
“I know, I know...I just...no one knows why this guy’s after the four kingdoms, or why he attacked Ashton first,” he sighed. “This whole thing’s just crazy. And then my mom wants to have a ball this weekend just out of nowhere that I really don’t want to go to, but not really given a choice, and then supposedly Luke’s supposed to get married next weekend even though I’m pretty sure he said he doesn’t even know the girl he’s marrying, so that’s cool too. And Michael’s just on hiatus and I’m worried that I’m not going to ever see him again. I’m scared. I don’t handle shit like this well, y/n,” he said swearing again for the first time since the day she had met him.
“Slow down there,” she said grabbing his hand softly, his face burning up slightly feeling her skin on his and suddenly, he wasn’t as worried. Just the touch of her skin against his calmed him down. “You’re going to go to that damn ball and you’re going to enjoy it. It’ll help you clear your mind.”
“You’ve never met my mom,” he said as she laughed softly.
“You’re right, and if you thought I was nervous when the prince walked into the bakery, well damn. I’d probably implode if the king and queen walked in,” she said making him laugh softly. “I’ve always wanted to go to a ball. I heard they’re lovely with all the decorations, and the outfits...and don’t get me started on the music and food. Straight out of a fairytale it seems...”
“You should come with me,” he said biting his lip softly knowing he crossed a very specific line that he was told to never cross. A rule that had been in place centuries before his time...but isn’t that why rules are made? To be broken? Especially ones that were stopping him from getting what he wanted, and that was the girl seated right in front of him. She knew who he was and, yet, still treated him as he’s sure she would any other commoner.
“Oh..Calum, I don’t know…,” she said softly biting her lip, now wishing she had a cookie to eat to occupy her hands and mouth. It wasn’t that she absolutely didn’t want to go, but her status wasn’t high enough to even be thought of as a guest, let alone a guest of the Prince himself...his date.
“C’mon...it’ll be fun. You’ll keep me sane, you can meet my friends, and go to a ball..it’s a win win situation,” he said giving her a small but genuine smile, eyes crinkling at the sides as he did making her heart jump.
She couldn’t believe it the first time he had stepped into her shop, not really sure how to react to the man since she had never met him before. He looked awful and quite frankly like he needed a hug, but she was sure she was stepping well over the line by offering him a hug, so she did the next best thing.
Pastries.
It was what she was good at, having being born into a family of bakers and taught at a young age, she could make a batch of cookies with her eyes closed.
But what had startled her more than the first time that he came in, was that he came back the next day...and the day after that, and here they were only four days later, but seeming as though they’d known each other for years at this point with the way he had so easily opened up to her, and her the same as him.
But now Calum was comfortable and ready to break any of the rules keeping her away from him.
“Calum...I do not even remotely have the means to get a dress for such a thing...and my parents will have to close the bakery early so I can go which means they’ll lose money...and I’m not...you’re a prince Calum and I am the furthest from being from royal blood. I don’t know if this is a good idea..”
“Oh, rubbish,” he said rolling his eyes even though he knew she was right. He knew she was right, but that wasn’t going to stop him. “I will help you get a dress, and they should close all day and make some pastries for the party. I’ll put a word in with my mum. Make sure they’re paid plenty...and quite frankly, y/n, I don’t care if you’re royalty or wealthy or not. I want to bring you with me, if you’ll let me…” he rambled on as she blushed looking at her lap.
“What about your parents?” she asked softly as he shrugged. “Can you just talk to them first and then let me know...give me time to think about it?”
“Fine...but I’ll be back tomorrow,” he said squeezing her hand before kissing it softly. “Tomorrow, y/n.”
“Yeah, yeah...get outta here before you get in trouble. And take some cookies for the road,” she said getting up to pack some away for him, a huge smile on his face as she did.
~
“Absolutely not,” Joy said as Calum groaned rolling his eyes at her. “She’s a baker, Calum. She has no place here, and I dare you to roll your eyes at me again, boy. You may be the prince, but I am still the queen and you are still my son.”
“She has no place here because of the dumb rules in place that were set ages ago, mum. Years have passed, times have changed. The kingdom isn’t poor! Shouldn’t I be able to choose who I want to run my kingdom with? We aren’t in need of financial stability. We aren’t trying to stop a war by eloping...why can’t I choose who I bring to a damn ball?”
“She doesn’t know how to act and I am sure she doesn’t own anything that’ll be suitable to wear. I will not have her make a fool of this family at our own ball,” she said glaring at him as he glared back. “I’m sure you can take Nia. You haven’t seen her in quite a bit of time.”
“I don’t want to fucking take Nia, mum,” he said snapping. “I’m so sick and tired of you and dad dictating how I’m going to live my life. I’m twenty-three years old. I think I know a suitable date when I see one. And, quite frankly mom, I have no problem getting her fitted for a dress and paying for it myself. We have plenty to do just that. The kingdom isn’t poor, which means we sure as hell aren’t poor as well” She glared back at her son but didn’t say anything not wanting to piss him off more knowing how he could get.
“Fine...but if I see one hair out of place Calum Hood, she’s banned from ever stepping foot in this place again, and you will be forbidden to see her. Do you understand me?” he looked at her shocked but nodded quickly not wanting to ruin what he had already accomplished.
“Y-yes ma’am,” he mumbled softly as she nodded slightly.
“You have a fitting in two hours, I suggest you go get her so she has a dress.” And with that, Joy walked up the stairs in the direction of the library as Calum bolted for the door leaving everyone confused as to where the prince was going in such a hurry without his men to make sure he kept out of trouble.
It was odd for the village to see the royal family out frequently and without guards as Calum was trying to make his way passed those that wanted to stop him and show him respect. It was great, he loved his people and the village more than anything, but all he wanted was to get to the damn bakery.
He politely pushed by everyone trying his best to make it to the bakery, sighing softly seeing that it was pretty full. So, he waited in line like everyone else, much to their dismay as they tried to push the prince up front and let him have his turn, which he politely declined. They had time to waste anyways, knowing that Mali was going to take her sweet time with the tailor as they fixed up her gown.
“Next!”
Calum made his way up to the counter, the man behind it blinking shocked when he saw exactly who was standing in front of him. “Uh..y-your majesty. How can I help you?”
“Is y/n here?” he asked as the man blinked at him before nodding to his wife to go find their only daughter.
“Is there something wrong? Did she do something?” he asked worried that this encounter wasn’t going to go well not knowing that Calum had already met the girl a number of times at the bakery itself.
“Oh, no. I just wanted to ask her something...actually, can I also buy like..ten of those pecan pastries you have? They’re amazing,” he said pulling out the pouch he had that carried his money, pulling out enough money to pay for all the food he had consumed of theirs the past few nights knowing they definitely had lost some revenue due to his huge appetite.
He didn’t pay attention as the man in front of her tried to give him change, too focused on the stairs watching as she came down a bit disheveled clearly having just been woken up from a nap.
“This better be good, Hood,” she grumbled, her mother gasping hitting her arm lightly as Calum chuckled not even the slightest bit offended. He enjoyed her banter quite a bit honestly, never really having anyone that dared to speak to him that way.
“Well considering you have a fitting very soon, it is good,” he snickered, the girl’s face going red as her parents looked between the two obviously very confused. “So, I guess you should go fix yourself up.”
“Do...you two know each other?” her father asked as Calum shook off the change just reaching for the large bag of pastries that were now coming his way, a stupid grin on his face as he just pictured himself in front of the fire in the library consuming every last one of these.
“We met a few days ago. I uh...would like to take your daughter to the upcoming ball at the castle, sir,” he said, smile wide on his face as the girl’s blush deepend.
“Calum I told you, ask permission first please,” she sighed softly as he smiled even wider than before.
“I did..that’s why you have a fitting like now,” he said as she sighed shaking her head.
“I hate you,” she grumbled as she fixed her hair trying to look just slightly presentable compared to him.
“No you don’t.”
~
“Your mother didn’t want to chop your head off?” Ashton asked as he stood by the stairs with Luke and Calum, party in full swing. He had gotten back with Sarah the day before, quickly freshening up in order to be ready for the day ahead of them. The three of them, Ashton Calum and Luke, had spent the day in meetings with Calum and Michael’s fathers, as well as generals from all four kingdoms Michael unable to attend due to his hiatus with the war.
“Nope...and she even agreed to pay for the dress,” Calum said smirking as he took a sip of the alcohol being nursed in his flute. He was nervous, and the bubbles of the champagne weren’t helping his stomach. He wasn’t allowed to see her during the fitting, and Mali made damn sure he couldn’t see her as she was getting ready, and all he could do was thank the lord that his sister was cool.
“Wish my mum was that cool,” Luke grumbled softly already having voiced his opinions about his own situation currently, eyes nearly bugging out of his head as he watched the girl walking down the stairs currently making both Ashton and Calum to see what was holding up their friend.
“Is that the fiancee?” Ashton mumbled softly as Luke shook his head biting his lip watching the girl walk by them.
“No...that’s the sister of said fiancee...if you’ll excuse me,” he mumbled before quickly following after her, Ashton snorting softly as Calum tried to stifle a laugh.
“Whipped,” Ashton mumbled, eyes watching Sarah as she came down the stairs in her dress, the pink tinting his cheeks slightly.
“Look who’s talking,” Calum chuckled as Ashton rolled his eyes looking at him.
“Oh fuck off. I wanna see your face when this baker girl finally makes an appearance,” he whispered to him before meeting Sarah at the bottom of the stairs kissing her hand softly.
“It’ll probably look like yours,” he teased before greeting Sarah smiling softly.
“She looks beautiful, y’know,” she said to him teasing him as he laughed softly.
“I’m nervous if you couldn’t tell,” he said sticking his hands in his pockets laughing.
“Oh, I’m sure everyone in the ballroom could tell that the prince was nervous. You don’t hide it well,” she said as they looked at the top of the stairs just as she appeared with Mali by her side. His heart beating rapidly out of his chest as he made eye-contact with her, her cheeks tinting as she looked down at her feet.
“Whipped,” Ashton teased as he rolled his eyes glaring at him.
“Fuck you mate,” he whispered as Sarah laughed smiling at them.
“C'mon, Ash, let's give the lover boy some privacy,” she giggled, Calum rolling his eyes again as they walked away before returning his attention to the girl that was now in front of him.
“Don’t say it,” she whispered as he chuckled taking her hand kissing it softly before thanking his sister.
“Say what? That you’re fucking stunning?” he whispered to her as he led her away from the stairs and out to the ballroom. “That dress looks perfect on you.”
“You’re still talking,” she teased looking up at him seeing his eyes crinkle with his smile, heart lurching.
“And you’re gonna want me to in a moment. Mom’s coming,” he said nodding his head forward as she looked up seeing Joy herself making her way towards them, David by her side. “Mum, dad.”
“You must be y/n,” Joy said politely giving her a small smile as the girl smiled back bowing slightly.
“I am, your majesty,” she said softly, the intimidation factor taking over not prepared to be up close and personal with the king and queen. “It’s lovely to meet you.”
“You as well. I hope you enjoy yourself tonight. It’s not often that an outsider gets to experience this,” she said sliding in her dig making both Calum and David frown.
“I will...thank you…,” she whispered, Calum squeezing her hand reassuringly as the two of them walked away. “So your mother hates me. Can I leave yet?” she asked.
“No,” he mumbled frowning looking at her. “You’re gonna enjoy this, and then we’re gonna sneak upstairs and eat the rest of the box of pastries that I bought.”
“I still can’t believe you bought ten,” she sighed softly teasing him as he rolled his eyes with a small smirk on his face.
“What can I say? Best pastries I’ve had,” he said laughing leading her out to the dance floor. “I hope you can waltz.”
“That, I can do,” she said winking at him as he laughed leading her over to the dance floor
~
The two of them giggled failing at their attempt to sneak away from the party quietly, somehow still making it out without being noticed. He pulled her into the library, locking the doors with the skeleton key usually kept on the inside, shoving it in his pocket.
“Okay, okay..help me get these god awful things off,” she giggled lifting her dress showing her heels, Calum laughing bending down to help her take them off. “Such a gentleman”
“I try to be” he said tossing them aside before standing up leading her over to the large couch over by the fire; a teapot with matching cups and saucers, as well as the pastries perched on the table just in front as he sat with her. “Pastry?”
“Yes please,” she hummed watching him as he grabbed one of the little plates getting her the pastry while getting a cup of tea ready for her to consume. “You prepared for this huh? Knew we were gonna escape?” she teased watching him.
“There was no way in hell we were surviving that entire ball,” he said in response focusing on the task at hand. She watched the way his body moved just imagining the muscles she knew were present under his shirt, the way her heart skipped a beat, the muscle speeding up as she was left alone to her thoughts of the man that was now facing her, a smirk on his face as he caught her staring
“See something you like love?” he asked smirking, a blush creeping up on her face as she took the pastry from him, a laugh escaping his lips as she munched on the pastry. “I see something I like”
“You’re drunk,” she gasped with her mouth full, a laugh escaping his lips as he stood up shedding the jacket draped over his shoulders tossing it to the side getting more comfortable.
“I may be, but what I’m saying are sober thoughts,” he hummed sitting back on the couch winking at her as she swallowed the piece she had in her mouth. “You wanna hear them?”
“Sure..,” she said softly biting her lip not sure if she even should. As much as she enjoyed hanging out with Calum, rightfully loved his presence and felt comfortable with him, he was still the price of the kingdom she lived in. He owned her and her family’s business...she had no right being with him, let alone even just thinking about being with him.
“I adore you,” he said softly, face softening with the words that left his mouth, hand coming out to hold hers in her lap. “You brighten my day and I never feel as at home as I do with you. You make me laugh, and I feel I can tell you my darkest secrets. You’re quite easily the most beautiful woman I’ve met, inside and out, and even though I’ve only known you for a proper week, it feels like I’ve known you for years,” he said taking her hand kissing it softly before pulling her close to him. “I...if you have me, i’ll have you,” he whispered.
“Calum…” she whispered softly holding his hand with both of hers. “I...there’s laws against it...we can’t,” she said softly shaking her head looking at him, but the way she was squeezing her hand completely contradicted everything that came out of her mouth, and he knew it.
“That’s not what I asked, love. Forget the laws...forget all the rules. Will you have me?” he asked squeezing her hand lightly as she bit her lip looking over his face for any sign of hesitation from him, any sign saying that he didn’t mean anything he said, and she couldn’t find a single bit of it.
“Yes,” she whispered softly, a smirk spreading across his lips as he leaned in kissing her softly, a small peck starting out first as they slowly but surely started to become more heated, his hands sliding to her hips pulling her close as she wrapped her arms around his neck. She shifted slightly, pulling back a bit uncomfortable as a frown forms on her face.
“What’s wrong love?” he asked softly looking at her distressed face as she stood up.
“This damn corset. Can’t effing breathe...dunno how you all do it but I’m suffocating,” she huffed. “Help please.”
“Take it off?” he asked surprised as he stood, untying her dress from the back helping her as it slid off her body leaving her in her undergarments, a blush creeping onto his face seeing her nearly bare in front of him. His hands shakily reached forward, untying the strings of her corset before loosening them up, a soft sigh leaving her lips as air filled her lungs more so than they had in the dress, the piece falling to the floor leaving her torso bare.
“So much better,” she sighed happily, ready to turn around until she felt his hands on her waist tugging her back into him, lips finding her neck as he kissed and nipped softly, her own hands grabbing at his arms as she let out a soft moan. “Calum..”
“Want all of you...now...can I please?’ he mumbled nearly begging. “Mine...all mine.”
“Just...careful, yeah? I’ve never…,” she whispered trailing off as he placed a soft kiss to her shoulder.
“Neither have I..” he mumbled rubbing her hips. She turned her head to look at him a bit surprised at how the prince, as lovely as he was, was also just as pure, in every single way. She pressed her lips to his again as she turned to face him, arms wrapped around her waist as she moved her lips slowly against his. He moaned softly sitting back on the couch as they kissed, the girl straddling his lap kissing him slowly as her fingers ran through his hair. His hands ran along her sides slowly, making their way to her hips tugging down her bloomers slowly giving her an opportunity to push him off and tell him no. Instead, she got up quickly tugging them off leaving her bare in front of him, a deep blush across her face as she watched him look her over.
“You’re still dressed,” she said softly watching him stand unbuttoning his shirt slowly, his eyes watching her, slowly trailing down her as they landed on her boobs, tongue coming out licking over his lips slowly. “Quicker you get undressed, quicker you can touch my boobs” she whispered smirking catching him, pulling back once she was finally finished unbuttoning the fabric, it slowly slipping down his shoulders before he pulled it off tossing it to the side. He stood up in front of her, eyes not leaving hers as he unbuttoned his pants, tugging them off quickly, but not too rushed. Her eyes trailed down his body slowly, eyes widening slightly as her eyes landed on his cock. “Oh..wow…” she whispered softly as he sat back down tugging her close once again, onto his lap.
“Think you can handle it baby?” he whispered softly, his hand snaking down between her legs running slow circles against her clit, her hands gripping onto his shoulders as she threw her head back, a soft moan leaving her lips as her eyes closed. Her body twitched slightly as he leaned forward kissing her neck softly, his fingers moving faster along her clit before slipping down to her hole, his middle finger sliding in slowly as she gripped him tighter, nails breaking his skin slightly as he moaned himself, pumping his finger in and out of her slowly, adding another finger.
“Just like that” she gasped, hips rolling against his hand fucking herself on his fingers, his free hand gripping her hip tightly as she did. “I wanna feel you now.”
“Baby are you opened up enough? Don’t wanna hurt you” he groaned softly as she pressed her head against his, the shallow breaths they took being the only noise made in the room aside from the sound of the crackling fire.
“I don’t care..need to feel you,” she whimpered, lifting her body slightly so his finger slipped out of her, her own hand reaching down stroking at him slowly. “Please?” she whispered.
“Okay, okay,” he mumbled moving her hand quickly, his own hand replacing where hers was. She lined herself up with him, steadying herself using his shoulders, before sinking down on him slowly, gripping his shoulders tight as he gripped her hips just as tight, the two of them getting used to the feeling of the other as she tried to adjust to his size. He bucked his hips up slightly on accident, a groan leaving her lips as she winced slightly tucking her face in his neck. “Fuck, I’m sorry..I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay, I’m okay,” she whimpered sinking down the rest of the way, a tight grip still held onto the other’s body. He held her close when he was fit snugly inside her completely, her own arms wrapped around him holding him close.
“Move when you’re ready love,” he whispered softly as she nodded, her hips rising and falling on him as she started bouncing on him slowly, hips moving in shallow circles against his fucking herself on him as he tried his hardest not to blow then and there. This felt ten times better than he thought it ever could, and was so much better because he was doing this for his first time with her. He was with someone he trusted, and someone he was sure he was in love with. She was everything to him. Just the mere thought of seeing her was what helped him get up in the morning. The way she listened and responded was what made him more vocal, and that much more ready to stand up for what he believed in. She was what he believed in.
“I-I’m getting close” she whimpered softly, his hands sliding down her body to her ass gripping it tightly as he helped her move, his own hips thrusting up into hers meeting her hips. Her moans got louder and louder as he did, her body shaking as she came around him, the broken moans and gasps for air filling the room with sound as he rode her through her high over and over, position after position, hour after hour as the two of them go to know each other’s body without a care in the world, neither of them returning to the ball that night.
They laid quietly with the large throw engulfing their bodies as the fire crackled in front of them keeping the room hot. She was laying on his chest, fingers tracing over the tattoos on his chest leaving little shapes as he watched her, his own fingers rubbing at her back slowly doing the same exact thing that she was going.
“What are we gonna do?” she asked softly. “I...how are we gonna make this work? It was like pulling teeth trying to get your mother to agree to have me come for the ball.”
“Don’t worry about that love...I’ll take care of it...gonna be making a lot of changes in the next few weeks…and it’ll be a hell of a lot easier to change the laws when Luke’s going through kind of the same shit,” He said softly, the girl nodding her head smiling softly at him.
Summary: This fanfic is based in the 21st century, but countries are controlled and ruled by royalty like it use to be, so yah! Ashton is soon to become King of Australia, and is still to marry. What Ashton does not know, he is already betrothed to a princess, and he nor she, have a say in the matter.
Ashton had only just come home from being out with his friends, and had no idea what was going to be approaching him once he had just settled onto his bed on top of the expensive quilts. His dyed red hair was a slight mess of curls on his head as he shrugged off his jacket, lying back on the bed with his legs hanging over the edge.
He groaned as he heard his mother call for him, her voice echoing throughout the halls of the large palace that he called home. He stood back up from the bed and trudged his way down the stairs to the large living area.
Now Ashton isn’t exactly a bad person, but he had gone his whole life thinking that he wouldn’t have to be king, or that it wouldn’t be happening any time soon, and he had taken advantage of that knowledge, and as soon as he was old enough to drink and go clubbing, he did, and since that day, he partied and drank nearly every couple of days, making the most of his time of freedom before having to find a wife.
He got downstairs and saw his mum, Queen Anne-Marie of Australia, was stood there in front of him, his tired hazel eyes training down to the coffee table where there was magazines spread out across, a lot of them with some sort of obscene picture or headline was plastered on them. He slumped down onto the sofa, picking up one of them, a smirk replacing his frown as he looked at the image, the image showing Ashton getting into his limo with his arms around two models as he was entering.
His mum grabbed the magazine from his hands and threw it down onto the coffee table, glaring at her son as she shook her head.
“Ashton, not the time. Now I have to talk to you about something of great importance.” She began as she sat on the sofa opposite him, folding her hands in her lap as she glared at her oldest son. Ashton rolled his eyes and lent back onto the sofa, his arms spread out across the back of the expensive fabric, and he looked at his mum, waiting for her to carry on. “Your step father is going to be abdicating the throne before the year is out....and you will be taking over his place.” She watched him with expectant eyes as she sighed. Ashton had never known who his father actually was, and he didn’t want to know him. His mother had then remarried within the year of his father leaving so she could keep the throne in her bloodline.
Ashton raised his eyebrow at her, waiting for her to then carry in with the news. “And as you may know, you cannot take the throne without having a wife to bare children for you. And as you are to take the throne so soon, you must marry before your step father steps down...and we must fix the image that the public has of you.” Ashton was completely speechless as he looked at his mum, his eyes nearly popping out of his head at the news.
“Wait but mum, I thought I wouldn’t have to be king until later in life. I’m too young to be king. And how am I supposed to find a wife and fall in love in that short of time...this is so fucking stupid.” His voice was slightly raised in annoyance and he threw his hands in the air on the word fucking, as his mum now raised her eyebrows.
“And fixing your image means no more parties, so more alcohol, no more girls, and no more swearing.” Ashton huffed as he looked down at the magazines on the table, his hands landing on one end of the oak wood with a loud bang and he sweeped his hands across the table, the magazines flying to the floor with numb thuds, making his poor mother slightly flinch at the noise. “Ashton this all starts now. You are permitted to no more than one alcoholic drink a day, and I swear if you are seen out with any other females apart from me, Lauren or your future wife, then there will be consequences.” She finished as she sighed, not wanting to tell him the last piece of news “And your wife must be of royal blood.”
“But the wife aspect of all of this...who? And how?” He asked as he was now pacing back and forth in anger and frustration.
“I’m sorry Ashton sweetie, I never told you when you were younger....but your already betrothed to a princess.” She spoke, not wanting to look up at him. “She is a well loved Princess, and she has been promised to you since her birth twenty years ago.” She told him and Ashton stopped, his hands now hanging by his side as he just looked at his mum, shrugging his shoulders.
“And who is this princess?” He asked, now crossing his arms. At least this would make his life a whole lot easier so he wouldn’t have to go around meeting a whole load of royal snotty princesses.
“Her name is Ruth. Princess Ruth of England.
Meanwhile in England
Ruth sighed as she put her phone down and looked across at Bri. Bri had been her lady-in-waiting and best friend since they were 16, so for four years now since Ruth had chosen Bri to come across to Britain. Ruth shook her head as she groaned gently after seeing another headline about Prince Ashton of Australia.
“Ugh Bri he is an arse whole. I wish that country luck when he becomes King in the future, because he won’t know the first thing about being responsible.” She spoke as she ran a hand through her ombre hair, looking up at the ceiling. She could hear Bri laugh at her as she was lying on the other side of the bed, just looking at the news article with Ruth.
“Yeh but Roo...you have to admit he is hot. Also have you seen his friends that he hangs around with. Their all as good looking as each other.” Ruth shook her head as she laughed.
“Yeh he’s a hot dick head. And his friends are just idiots. All they do is party, drink and take advantage of women who throw themselves at their feet because they are connected to royals. I feel so sorry for his future wife.” She shot up from her spot lying down when she heard a knock on the door. “Come in!” She called and both her mother and father entered, her mother looking hopeful and her father looking rather sad.
“Bri, darling would you mind giving us 5 minutes with Ruth?” Her mother asked as Bri nodded her head, giving a small curtsy and left the room after giving Ruth a smile and shut the door behind her.
Ruth looked at her mum who came and sat down beside her and her father stayed standing. Ruth couldn’t help but feel that something was off and that there was some important news being delivered to her.
“Now Ruth we have some news for you” Her mum began as she took her youngest daughters hands in hers. Her mother was a kind woman with a good heart and was an amazing Queen who ruled fairly along side her father, but her mum was blunt and to the point, and wasn’t great when it came to talking heart to heart.
Her father was a very fair and kind man with a huge heart and always out others in front of him, wanting to make others happy before him, but also understood that royal duties came before personal matters.
That was Ruth’s entire life. She knew that she would never be Queen as her brother would be King once her father either stepped down or passed away, and she also had her older sister of whom would become Queen and get a husband to be King if there wasn’t her brother to take the throne. An air and a spare as people called it. Ruth was just to be married off and used as a bargaining chip in royal duties. And that’s what this was all about.
“Now Ruth...” her mum began, smiling at her “As you know, you are one day to be married. But there is one thing we never told you...” Ruth looked at her mum, her mind running a thousand miles an hour as she looked at the older woman. She was hoping her mother wouldn’t tell what she was thinking she would tell her. “Your hand in marriage has already been promised to a prince since your birth. And the time has now come for you to meet your betrothed...and you must be married before the year is out.” Her mother finished.
Ruth just sat there, completely speechless. “But mother...I cannot marry somebody if I do not love them.” That was one thing Ruth had always wanted, was to marry somebody she loved, and hoped that even though she had spent her whole life to serve her parents and the kingdom, she was hoping she would at least love the one she would marry.
“Ruth you knew this. You have always known that you wouldn’t have a say who you marry. You have always been the face of the family, and now you must carry this on.” Her mother’s voice was steely as she spoke, not much emotion at all. The young female could feel tears springing to her eyes as she shook her head.
“Father, dad, please...tell her. I have always done what has been best for the kingdom, I have never stepped a food out of line. Please. I cannot marry somebody who I don’t love. No. I won’t do it.” She spoke as she was now standing, anger coursing through her veins
“Ruth you do not have a choice in the matter. You have been promised to somebody your entire life, and it is final. You have two days to prepare yourself, and you can take one friend. There is no saying no to this. It is your duty, and you will do this, even if you have to be dragged onto the plane.” Ruth was now pacing, biting on her acrylic nails as she could feel her heart in her throat.
“Do I at least get to know my future husband?” She asked and turned to her mother, now just feeling pure betrayal.
“His name is Prince Ashton of Australia, and he is to be crowned King of Australia before the year is to end, so you will be married before then. I know this is a lot my love, but I know you can do this. I know you will take this in your stride like you always do.” Her mother finished and stood from Ruth’s bed, giving Ruth a kiss on the head and left the room. The worst part was her father didn’t say anything to her, he just left the room without a word, letting Bri back in as Ruth collapsed on the floor, silent tears falling from her eyes as she let the news sink in.
“Ruth...I was listening through the door...” Spoke Bri, as Ruth just shook her head as she could feel her heart breaking.
“Bri will you come with me...I can’t go without you.” Ruth said and looked up at Bri through tears, seeing Bri nod her head.
“When do we leave?” Asked Bri as Ruth stood up and sat down on the bed.
“I leave in less than 48 hours....for Australia.” Ruth told her, seeing Bri seem to add the puzzle pieces together in her head.
“Wait Australia...King...your marrying Prince Ashton...” Ruth looked up at Bri and nodded her head.
“I’m going to kill my future husband before we can even get married.” Ruth said, a small smile forming on her lips as she stood up from her bed “Help me pack?”
OKAY SO!!!! i’m not tryna get ahead of myself, but i’ve been thinking about this for a few hours now so this is what i’ve decided:
from the list of AU’s i showed y’all/we talked about, and based off of the responses i got in the survey ((thank you to everyone who participated!!!)), what i’m gonna do is write mini fics ((or, in other words, mini series with 2-5 or so parts)) on whatever AU i think of, and maybe save one or two for a full length series. all mini fics are probably gonna consist of OC’s rather than using “Y/N”.
In which you’re the lady in waiting for the princess, and the mysterious, quiet prince has taken a certain interest to you.
Warnings: none?
Pairing: Royal!Calum Hood x Reader
A/N: yo i’m so excited for this!! please give me some feedback, are yall hyped too??? ugh i hope this is good
Series Masterlist
***
“I’ll be back soon, okay?”
The old woman nodded, sending a weak smile towards her niece.
“You know I’ll be right here.”
The younger girl laughed softly.
“Yeah, I know.”
With that, Y/N pressed a kiss to her aunt’s forehead, and headed out the door.
It was Saturday, and Saturday was when Y/N always did the shopping, although “shopping” was a more relative term. Sometimes it was stealing, sometimes it was begging, sometimes it was persuading merchants to sell her things at a cheaper price. She hated doing it. She would always pay everything in full if she could, but she simply didn’t have the money, and she needed to take care of her aunt, even if it meant doing some things she didn’t want to.
Aunt Mary was ill. Very ill. Y/N saved up enough money to have the doctor pay a visit, who delivered the news that while there wasn’t a medicine that could save her, there were some natural remedies that could possibly help. Y/N always kept up with his orders since that day, never failing to get Aunt Mary the things she needed. She would do anything for her aunt.
Aunt Mary was the kindest soul Y/N ever knew. When Y/N’s parents passed, Aunt Mary took her, only eight years old at the time, in with no hesitation. She raised her, worked tirelessly to provide for her niece. Now in her old age, not to mention sick, the roles had reserved, and it was Y/N’s turn to take care of her. She mostly took some odd jobs from anyone who was willing to pay her. It was never much, leaving her and Aunt Mary constantly tight on money, but they managed to get by, albeit uncomfortably.
Y/N pressed on into town with her burlap pack over her shoulder, weaving her way into the crowds of people at the square. She kept her head down for the most part, hand tightly clutching the coins in the pocket she had sewn into her dress. Pickpockets were sometimes a problem in her village; she had learned that the hard way after nearly an entire week’s earnings got taken right from her without her noticing.
She walked up to her first stop, an older gentleman who sold herbs. The herbs were for Aunt Mary, a specific concoction the doctor recommended.
“Hello, Y/N,” the man greeted, a soft smile on his wrinkled face. She smiled back, starting to browse his cart for the things she needed.
“Hello, Mr. Rowe,” she responded kindly. “How are you?”
“I’m well, thank you. How’s your aunt?”
Y/N shrugged as she placed her items in front of Mr. Rowe to pay, a sigh escaping her lips. Everyone knew everyone in her tiny village, and they were all always there for each other when they needed it.
“Not so good lately. I’m afraid she’s getting worse.”
Mr. Rowe sighed as well, glancing down at the items. He stared for a moment, as if thinking, then pushed them back towards Y/N.
“Take them.”
Y/N’s eyes widened in disbelief.
“Take them? N-No, I can’t.”
She pulled some coins out of her pocket, extending them towards him. He shook his head, closing her hand in a fist and gently pushing it towards her.
“I insist. For Mary.”
Y/N bit her lip. She knew she should take it, considering her money situation, but she couldn’t help but feel guilty. She wasn’t above stealing, or taking things for free, but Mr. Rowe was always so kind and helpful. Glancing up at him, she saw the sincere look on his face. He really wanted her to have it. With one final sigh, she nodded, putting the money back in her pocket and reaching for the pouches of herbs.
“Thank you so much, Mr. Rowe,” Y/N mumbled, sending him a thankful smile. “I promise I’ll pay you back.”
“Please, Y/N. Consider it a gift.”
“Alright, alright,” she chuckled, sticking the items in her pack. “Goodbye now, and thank you again.”
“You’re very welcome. Wish your aunt well, from me.”
“I will.”
Y/N turned on her heel and left, feeling in a better mood than before. Even living in a tough situation, it was uplifting to know there were people who cared.
She continued on throughout the square, acquiring various objects in various ways. She let out a shaky breath as she approached her final stop, a young man who sold vegetables. She didn’t always have a positive shopping experience with him.
He grinned smugly as she walked up, her eyes looking anywhere but him.
“Y/N, it’s lovely to see you.”
The girl gritted her teeth, still keeping her gaze focused on the vegetables.
“Owen,” she grumbled, a poor excuse for a greeting, but she didn’t care.
“How’s old Aunt Mary doing? Still sick?”
She hated his voice, how complacent he sounded, how he tried to sound kind and sweet, but Y/N he was anything but that.
“She’s alright,” she replied. Not entirely the truth, but she knew Owen didn’t actually care about Aunt Mary’s health.
“Oh, that’s good. Sweet lady, Mary is.”
Y/N nodded stiffly, that being the only response she offered. All she wanted to do was get her vegetables and get home, not spend any more time around Owen than she had to.
She pushed her items towards him, then sliding him some money. It wasn’t the correct amount, and she knew it, but she didn’t have any more to spend. She silently prayed he wouldn’t notice.
Owen counted the money she gave him, sighing and shaking his head.
“You know this isn’t enough, Y/N,” he began slowly. “And you still owe me from last time. And the time before.”
Y/N mentally cursed. Why couldn’t he have some compassion like Mr. Rowe, just one time, and let her go?
“I promise I’ll get you your money,” she replied flatly, hands balling into fists.
“I don’t want your money.”
She took in a sharp breath, a harsh glare on her face as she looked up at him. She knew what he wanted, and she wanted to avoid it as much as possible.
Before she could respond, a rough hand slapped some more money on the table, sliding it towards Owen. Her head snapped up, finding a man wearing a very nice suit, a little too nice for anyone in her village to be able to afford, standing next to her.
“This should cover it, yes? Now, if I could have a word with you, please, miss?” The man asked, grinning down at Y/N. She stared up at him with eyes wide in both confusion and fear. He cocked his head to the side, signalling he meant in private.
She was hesitant. She didn’t trust just anyone, but this man wasn’t giving off any malicious vibes. He did just pay for her, afterall. She glanced at Owen, who was staring at the two with furrowed eyebrows. She sighed, scooping the vegetables into her pack and shot him one last dirty look, just for good measure.
Then, despite her mind screaming at her that she was an idiot, she followed the mystery man off to the side, away from the crowds.
“Who are you?” She demanded immediately, hands holding on to her pack so tight, it almost hurt. He could be a robber. A murderer. She could be dead on the ground in a matter of seconds. Her heart pounded in her chest, preparing herself to fight back if need be.
“You don’t need to be afraid of me,” the man said, shaking his head. “My name is Carlisle Denning. I come from the palace of the royal family.”
Y/N’s eyes nearly popped out her head. The royal family? As in, the Hood family? King David, Queen Joy, Prince Calum, Princess Mali-Koa. They never paid any attention to her village specifically; what was he doing here? She waited for him to continue.
“We are in need of a lady in waiting for Her Royal Highness, the princess. I have been sent to find a candidate, and I believe you, young lady, would be perfect for the job.”
She furrowed her eyebrows. She had never considered affiliating herself with the Hood family in any way. It seemed far too out of reach for someone of her status. And now she was being offered a job, to serve the princess? It was baffling.
“Why me?” Y/N questioned, tilting her head to the side. How could he have even determined she was fit for the job, if he didn’t know anything about her?
“I can tell you’re short on money,” he stated, raising his eyebrows. “You couldn’t pay for those vegetables back there. You could use a job, couldn’t you?”
She stared at him, unsure how to feel. Truth was, he was right. She did need a job. A real, steady one, not the gigs she took at random for some pocket change. She opened her mouth to reply, but Carlisle spoke again first.
“You’ll be paid well, I can assure you. You’ll come live in the palace, be given a bedroom and three good meals a day.”
Y/N sighed. It sounded like a pretty good arrangement to her, getting paid and living in a palace, not having to worry about money or food, but there was one thing making her hesitate; Aunt Mary.
“But, my aunt…” she trailed off, shaking her head. “She’s very sick. I can’t leave her.”
Carlisle scratched the back of his head, blowing out a breath.
“We can arrange someone to take care of her. Twenty four hours a day, if need be. She would receive great care. It would be a part of your pay, likely.”
She still wasn’t sure. A part of her wanted to do it, because anything seemed better than scrubbing floors and having to deal with Owen, but how could she just leave Aunt Mary? She would be getting care, sure, but it was her aunt. She didn’t want to abandon her.
“If I could…If I could talk to my aunt first?” Y/N asked, pulling her pack closer to her. She trusted Aunt Mary’s judgement.
“Of course,” he answered, nodding. “But, I must warn you, they’re expecting me back with someone. Today. I’ll have to come with you.”
Today? Y/N didn’t realize it would be so soon. She would hardly have time to say goodbye, to pack, to prepare herself at all.
Taking a deep breath, Y/N nodded, and lead Carlisle back to the little, shabby house she lived in with Aunt Mary.
“I’ll be just out here.”
She nodded and headed inside, leaving the dark skinned man on the porch.
“Aunt Mary? I’m home,” she called out softly, setting her pack on the kitchen table. She walked into Aunt Mary’s room, and the old woman smiled from her bed.
“Hello, dear,” she greeted, voice soft. “Everything go well?”
“Yes, yes, all is fine,” Y/N responded, almost rushed. “There’s something I need to talk to you about.”
A look of concern washed over Aunt Mary’s face, and she nodded, gesturing for Y/N to sit. She grabbed the wooden chair from the corner of the room, pulling it up to the side of the bed.
“I met a man, when I was out. He’s from the palace of the royal family, and...he offered me a job.”
“A real job?” The old woman began, her look of worry being replaced with a smile. “Y/N, that’s great!”
“Yeah, but I’d have to go live at the palace. Today. I’d have to leave you,” Y/N sighed. “He said they’ll send someone to take care of you, and I’ll be getting paid, but I just don’t know of I can go.”
Aunt Mary reached for her hand, encasing it in her own frail one.
“Don’t you worry about me, young lady. You take that job. You go make a life for yourself.”
Y/N felt tears burning the back of her eyes, and she blinked them away.
“But-”
“No buts,” Aunt Mary cut her off, a warm smile still on her face. “Go.”
Y/N leaned down, wrapping her arms around her aunt. It was going to be hard, but she knew deep down she was right. She would do it for Aunt Mary. For the care, for the money.
“I love you, Aunt Mary.”
“I love you, too, Y/N.”
She leaned back up, sniffling.
“I’ll write to you, okay?”
“Thank you, dear.”
Y/N pressed a kiss to her forehead, like she had done that morning, still trying to keep her tears at bay.
She heard the door open, turning around to find Carlisle standing in the doorway. The impatient look on his face told her it was time to go. Sighing, she turned back towards her aunt. She didn’t seem upset; she seemed proud. Proud that her niece was going to have a better life.
“Goodbye, Aunt Mary. I love you.”
“Goodbye, dear. You enjoy that palace, now.”
Y/N laughed softly, wiping a single tear away. Even in her old age and sickness, she still had a sense of humor.
With that, she walked out of her house with Carlisle, possibly for the last time. He was talking about how she didn’t need to bring anything with her, how everything would be provided for her at the palace, but she was hardly listening. She was leaving her little village, living with the royal family.
She was starting a whole new life, and she wasn’t sure if she was excited or terrified.
In which you’re the lady in waiting for the princess, and the mysterious, quiet prince has taken a certain interest in you.
Warnings: none i don’t think
Pairing: Royal!Calum Hood x Reader
A/N: happy fucking birthday to the loml calum t hood! so in honor of his bday this is a shorter boring filler chapter that has no calum action in it at all lmao sorry, its kinda important though, so do still read it! i’m trying to prolong this bc if i gave in to my urges they would literally be in love already so i could get to the action i have planned lol. again, i always appreciate feedback! it lets me know that you guys actually read and care about what i write!
Series Masterlist
***
The princess, so Y/N had learned since becoming the lady in waiting about a month and a half prior, was a pretty easy royal to serve.
She was independent, never asked for much, and when she did, it was never anything too difficult. Mostly, it was helping her get ready in the mornings or fetching her things when she was too busy to get them herself. She asked for advice sometimes as well. Y/N actually enjoyed the job. The princess was right; the lady in waiting wasn’t like a servant. Assistant, would be a better term to describe it.
Y/N found herself getting closer to the princess over time. They always made small talk, whether it be about the weather or some upcoming event in Vavia, but eventually, the conversations started to get more personal. The princess started asking Y/N more questions about herself, and where she came from, and she eventually worked up the courage to ask questions back. She tended to dance around the topic of her family, never liking to bring up her parents, but she had no problem talking about Aunt Mary - who she had been consistently exchanging letters with, and was pleased to know that there was a designated doctor from the palace taking care of her. They could chat like they had known each other for years.
Y/N didn’t dare say it out loud, to anyone, but she felt like they were becoming friends.
The king and queen, Y/N never saw much of. They were understandably busy, and they had other people who attended them. She only ever saw them in passing, which including Y/N curtsying to them, and then they continued walking after giving a brief nod of recognition. She didn’t mind that she never spoke to them. They were intimidating, and she still felt awkward after the king’s snide comment at dinner.
Then, there was the prince.
She saw him more than she saw the king and queen, but not as much as she saw the princess. Him and his sister worked together a lot when there was business to be taken care of, so she mostly saw him then. He always offered her a small smile, but never said anything. One thing she did notice, was that he always kept his gaze on her for a little longer than necessary, looking like he was thinking. She wasn’t sure what it meant, if anything, and she wasn’t sure how he felt about her, considering what he had said to her on her first day. Was he just being friendly? Did he actually care? It made Y/N’s head hurt, thinking about it at night. She knew she wasn’t supposed to be socializing with the family when she was working, and felt she couldn’t start up the conversation. She also knew the prince was shy.
She wished he would just talk to her.
One morning, just as Y/N was on her way to have breakfast with the other staff, she heard her name being called. Looking around for the source of the voice, she found one of the guards approaching her. She had come to know him; he had asked her to call him Michael, even though nearly everyone else always called him Clifford, his last name. He had said he sometimes forgot he even had a first name.
Him and Y/N talked, when they had their meals together or when their breaks coincided with each other. He was nice, always made her laugh, and even though he was a guard at the royal palace that always kept a blank face on duty, he was a fun guy when she talked to him. He was a good friend, and kept her grounded amongst all the chaos of working for royalty.
“Hey, Michael,” she greeted, grinning. “Headed to breakfast?”
“No, Sargeant wanted me to start early today, so I ate already,” he explained. “Got an order that the princess wants to take breakfast in her room this morning. Said she asked for you to bring it to her.”
Y/N nodded in response.
“Alright, I’ll get on it. Is it in the kitchen?”
“Yep, should be done by now.” He looked around, his training preventing him from keeping his gaze in one place too long. He then turned back to her, shooting her a smile. “I should head back to my post. I’ll see you for dinner, Y/N.”
“See you then.”
The two parted ways, and Y/N changed directions to head towards the kitchen. She had only been there once before, when the princess requested dinner in her room because she wasn’t feeling well, and she hoped she could remember the way there. The palace was massive, and Y/N was still getting her bearings.
As she walked, she questioned to herself exactly why the princess wanted breakfast in her room. She always ate with her family, aside from the one time she was sick. Maybe she was sick again? She had been working very hard lately, so it would make sense that it was starting to take a toll on her.
Y/N got to the kitchen, pushing the doors open and stepping inside. It was warm in there, just like last time, and it smelled delightful.
“Good morning, Lady Y/N,” the chef, who’s name she had yet to learn, greeted.
“Good morning,” she responded politely. “I’ve come to fetch breakfast for the princess?”
He nodded, turning around and grabbing a tray, one with little legs so the princess could have it in bed, off the counter behind him. He handed it over, and Y/N’s eyebrows furrowed as she glanced down at it.
There were two plates prepared. Two sets of silverware, two of everything. Wasn’t it just for the princess?
“Two meals?” She asked curiously, looking up at the chef in confusion. He shrugged, throwing his hands up.
“Don’t ask me,” he sighed. “She requested for two to be made. Didn’t say why.”
The chef turned around again and got back to work, and Y/N slipped out of the kitchen, using her back to push open the door.
She considered the reasons as to why the princess ordered two breakfasts as she made her way to her room, carefully balancing the tray. She doubted she would be so hungry as to order two entire meals, and the only other thing she could think of was that there was someone else there with her. A lover, maybe? Of course, it was none of Y/N’s business, but she wasn’t prepared to handle the awkwardness of walking in on the princess and a stranger.
Once she got to the princess’ room, she managed to knock without dropping the tray. There was some shuffling from inside, then the door opened, revealing the princess still in her nightgown.
“Your Highness,” Y/N greeted, slowly curtsying as to not drop the food.
“Oh, enough with the formalities, Lady Y/N,” she said, stepping aside to let the lady in waiting in. “Please, just call me Mali.”
“Are you sure?” She asked, raising her eyebrows. She never considered calling her anything other than her title. She took a quick glance around the room as she stepped in, not finding anyone else.
Who was the other meal for?
“Yes,” the princess chuckled. “Mali is fine.”
“Alright...Mali,” Y/N responded, the name almost feeling strange on her lips. “You don’t have to call me Lady anymore, then. Just Y/N.”
“If you insist, Y/N,” she teased, sitting cross legged on her bed. She patted the space in front of her, smiling. “Sit. I want to have breakfast with you.”
Y/N stopped in her tracks, staring at Mali incredulously.
“With me?” She queried, voice raised an octave. Mali had never gone so far as to invite her to do something together, privately. It was probably unprofessional, for a princess and her lady in waiting to be casually eating together, but she didn’t seem to care.
“Of course,” she giggled. She patted the space again. “Please, sit.”
Slowly, Y/N balanced the tray on its legs on the bed, and sat down across from Mali. She was stiff, antsy about the situation. She assumed it was a good thing that the princess wanted to eat with her, alone, but it had to go well. Not like the dinner with the family.
“Thank you, Your H-...Mali,” Y/N corrected herself, folding her hands tightly in her lap.
The girl laughed, picking up her silverware and gesturing to the other set.
“Let’s eat,” she announced. She waited until Y/N picked up her fork and knife until she spoke again. “So, how have you been? You’ve adjusted well, yes?”
“I have. Still trying to find my way around,” she responded, both girls laughing.
“I get that. It doesn’t seem so big once you get used to it.”
Y/N took a bite of her eggs, almost humming in pleasure. The food the staff got served was very good, but it wasn’t quite made to the level that the food for the royal family was made at.
“How’s your aunt?”
Y/N shrugged, swallowing down her food before answering.
“Alright, I guess. The doctor said she’s not really getting any better, but at least she’s not getting worse.”
Mali sighed, reaching over to pat the girl on the shoulder.
“I’m sorry, Y/N. I promise our doctor is giving her the best care possible.”
“I know.”
It was silent for a moment, Y/N fearing she ruined it already by making the conversation sad, but Mali thankfully broke the awkward silence.
“Just out of curiosity...have you talked to my brother at all?”
Y/N froze for a moment. The thought of the prince was confusing, and the fact that Mali was wondering about them made it worse.
“Well, for a few moments after dinner the day I arrived, we spoke,” Y/N explained softly, omitting what the conversation was about.
“What is it about what my father said?” She asked, lowering her voice slightly. “Because he was pretty upset about that.”
Y/N nodded, movements slow. She wasn’t sure why the conversation was making her feel so odd; she only talked to him once. It wasn’t like they had anything going on.
“He, uh...he asked me to tell him if he said anything else like that to me,” Y/N stammered, subconsciously wiping her hands on her napkin.
Mali grinned slyly, tugging her bottom lip between her teeth for a moment before letting it slip back out.
“Really? My father has a tendency to say some...rude things to people, and Calum always gets mad about it, but I don’t think he’s ever been that concerned over it,” she replied, still grinning.
“So what does that mean?” Y/N questioned, her own voice lowering. Mali shrugged, taking a bite of her food and swallowing.
“Don’t know. But, I’ve noticed he stares at you a lot. And he asks me about you. He might like you a little.”
The princess’ words made her heart pound in her chest. The prince, like a girl like her? She always imagined she would only ever be with someone of her own class, as that’s what was customary in Vavia. The prince was miles above her.
“That’s impossible,” she breathed. “We hardly even know each other.”
“Get to know him, then,” Mali suggested, her words delicate.
“I can’t just strike up a conversation with him. I mean, isn’t that...improper? Wouldn’t I get in trouble?”
“You won’t get in trouble, I’ll make sure of it,” Mali said with a serious tone. “And forget what anyone might say about it being improper. You’re both people. You can talk to him.”
