a quick sketch based on a fic by @chairteeth i had the pleasure of betaing a while ago (over two years ago????????? what the fuck actually). read it if you want to cry. im sleepy

A slow, knowing smile curved the girl’s lips, a smile that sent a shiver down G’s spine, both of apprehension and a strange delight. She swept her gloved hand out in a dramatic, theatrical gesture and gave a slight bow, her golden eyes never leaving G’s. “And a warm welcome to you, mein liebes Fräulein,” she purred, her voice a low, melodic alto that resonated through the empty theater. “As they say, the show simply couldn’t begin without you.” With a flourish of her scepter, she turned, her gaze still fixed on G, and after another exaggerated, graceful movement, announced, “And now, for our first act…” G blinked just as the lights went out. Everything fell silent. “This is the story of a woman who stepped in for another. One who took it upon herself to maintain the innocence of a sweet, pure little lamb.”

Auriel’s narration resumed. “Slumber was the girl’s only solace. At least, at first.” The lights dimmed enough to show the silhouette of Harpae looming over Lisette. “Until the dragon’s shadow grew too large. Her very existence was drenched in blood, so of course her scent would attract a monster. The dragon coveted and craved.” The silhouette on the back wall was joined by Lisette’s own shadow, engaged in combat. “So she fought it, so that it wouldn’t harm that which she swore to protect. She promised, after all. It was her duty, and her reason to be.” G’s gaze was drawn to Lisette again, now kneeling center stage in a full suit of plate armor, both hands wrapped around the hilt of a sword for support. “The girl never had a choice.”

The spotlights went out again for a moment, then returned to show the younger G tucked into bed and peacefully asleep with Fleta in her arms. “Dutifully, the Queen kept watch.” A second spotlight shone on Egliette once more, this time facing a door, slightly ajar. Something flashed behind it and she pressed her hand against the wood to close the door. Blood began to pool under the frame. Egliette turned and let her royal mantle fall over it, the crimson seeping into the ermine fur and becoming a part of it. “She did her best to keep the two little girls in line and distract them, for if she didn’t… who knows what could happen.”

hell yeah. literally all of them try to manipulate, degrade, and/or kill you at length and with vigor so it's not like she's uniquely bad- also she's like 8. So. it's a bit insane how many grown men i have seen giving her death threats and shit. sir you're experiencing beef with a toddler.