#1 Secret keeper

At first, you had been absolutely sure this creature of the sea was your soul mate. With long black hair that mimics the waves of the sea, dark green eyes that show the empathy and kindness you've been searching for all your life, and beautiful sun kissed skin that reflects the late sunset.

You'd both first met on the beach while you were mourning the loss of your marriage - apparently your previous spouse believed you to be too bland for their passion and soon found your hands stuck in a divorce paper. So a walk along the beach seemed nice.

While enjoying the dawn with your puffy eyes, you couldn't help but notice a fur coat on the sand. Taking in the water with each pull from tide to land. Your hands quickly found it, brushing off the sand carefully before looking around for its owner.

“Who left this here..?" You wondered quietly before continuing your walk in the sand.

That's when you saw him entirely, your admiring eyes not noticing how convenient everything was. Your foggy mind not realizing this was the exact situation from all the folklore you'd read before your sleep.

Watching him walk towards you clumsily, you carefully stepped forward as well before finally seeing that the man was naked. Its not unusual but at this time? Its much too cold.

“You! Put down my coat!" The man’s brows furrowed angrily as he continued to walk towards you, making you quickly put your hands up in a show of peace.

“I mean no harm, I just found.."

“So you think that means you should touch what isn't yours?" He didn't waste a single second, grabbing the coat from your fingers. Grimacing when he finally glanced at you, the sneer of disgust making you cringe back.

“You'd better not have done anything with my coat, humans are so nasty." He only pulls the thing around him once he's comfortable with his inspection.

You didn't expect that a beautiful man like him could be so cruel upon first meeting. Although your mother did teach you to not judge a cover.

“Apologies." You quickly nodded before turning away with a flushed face, first a divorce - now you've been embarrassed by a beautiful man?

・・・

Unfortunately, that wasn't the first time you'd seen the man on the beach. First, there were accidental meetings at dawn. You somehow managed to ease him into at least giving you the opportunity to reintroduce yourself after that seemingly rude first impression you gave.

Then, it came to accidental meetings at midnight. You’d started walking along the rocks at night, something you've begun to do since you couldn't handle the lonely bed at night.

“Do you have nothing to do but to come here?" The mysterious man would always ask whenever you'd manage to spot him and offer a greeting. It was something that was purposefully rude, to drive you away, but you wanted something close to company.

“I've been plagued by nightmares.” You began, only to stop talking altogether when the man suddenly raised his hand as if to shush you.

“I don't have time to listen to a human’s sob story, hurry along. I'm trying to find my soulmate." He ignores your hurt expression, but you recover.

“Soul mate?” You tilt your head.

He sighs with his eyes rolling.

“So you're a romantic too?" You peeked at his face to offer a reassuring smile. “I'm sure you'll find the lucky person eventually."

But your charming attempts are ignored. Despite how terribly mean the man has been, you can't deny how much you want to know him. Maybe it's the fact he seems lonely too, or maybe it's the cloudy atmosphere that makes his harsh expressions less visible.

“You speak as if you understand what kind of fate I'm seeking." He finally acknowledges you, although it appears sour when he faces you. The moonlight reflecting on the outline of his face and hair makes him more beautiful than he already is.

You're unsure how you didn't notice it before, how he'd spoken to you and how he'd appear. Always near the ocean, always referred to you as ‘human’.

Perhaps the scent of the sea air and the warm sand under your feet made you a fool.

When three months passed of these daily but continuous meetings, you'd find yourself more and more curious whenever you'd learn more about the man.

So far, you've learned his name is Irving and he's searching for his true love. Meanwhile you're sure you've shared much more to him, but it's the fact that he's not listening to you most of the time, you have no reason to fear that he'd remember anything you say that might be sensitive.

After those three months, you managed to get the idea that he was a selkie. Making it easier to explain why he was searching for a lover, why he was always naked, and why he seemed so angry when you gave back his coat.

It must be because you're not his supposed soul mate - You can't really blame him. When he described his ideal type, it was all characteristics that you weren't. Confident, graceful, well-spoken, and gentle.

While you aren't exactly someone that lacks good qualities, you can say that you're more or less like the average dusty floormat.

So when you came to the conclusion that Irving was much too lonely and was searching for someone that would never come, you decided to do something that would've never crossed your mind before.

You stole his seal skin, effectively locking him into a relationship with you. Keeping him as an unofficial househusband of sorts after you expertly hid his seal skin under the boarding of your house.

・・・

You nervously glanced up at Irving while peeling potatoes, who seems to be glaring at you with a silence that could kill.

“.. Do you like the clothes I gave you?"

There's a few moments of silence between the both of you, the only sound coming from the outside noises near your house and the peeler going against the potato's skin.

‘Surely,’ you think to yourself. ‘He wants the peeler to slip from my hands so I can peel myself - just as I took his seal skin.’

“Release me back to the ocean." Is all he says before standing up and walking with heavy steps towards the room you've given him.

You bite your lip as you stop peeling the potato, now forced to focus on the reality you've chosen for yourself. Irving doesn't deserve a half baked idiot who doesn't even consider his consent.

But you couldn't stand to see his longing face watching his seal skin sitting on the shore, waiting for his destiny to take place. The nights where you sat besides him, wondering if he'd want any respite from his patient journey.

Once you finished peeling all the potatoes and carrots, you continued to make the beef stew until you could place a plate outside Irving’s door.

The next morning, it was empty. You felt glad to at least see him eating, even if this situation was less than convenient for him.

Moments like these continued on as you stopped visiting the beach, instead working more on your home to make it more comfortable to Irving’s tastes. Coming home from work, you'd always hear the sounds of thumping which was no doubt Irving in that tub you installed for him.

Every day felt more and more comfortable when you managed to convince yourself that you knew this was good for Irving. That you were good for Irving.

Taking care of him with each meal you'd make, making sure to get him any latest fashions he'd be interested in whenever you managed to get out, and even taking walks with him by the beach whenever he seemed to miss it.

Unfortunately after five months of these repeating days, you began to notice how dull Irving's became. His skin became paler and less soft, his eyes became nearly gray whenever you stood close enough to stare into them, and his hair seemed to suffer the most. The lengthy and beautiful hair became a mess even when you did manage to get him to sit while you brushed it.

Seeing how his mental state became more and more physical, you decided to hand him back his seal skin after a warm dinner and bath. Smiling as you make sure to not show your bitterness to the situation.

“I'm sorry, I have no excuses." You placed the seal skin on the edge of Irving’s bed after brushing his hair, watching him slowly look towards it before back towards you.

The expression on his face would be cute if not for the situation, it's like handing a prisoner a key after keeping them locked tight in a cell. You're no better than a corrupted jailer keeping an innocent man away.

And without missing a beat, he grabs the seal skin before running out of the house. You'd left every door unlocked for his ease, but once the front door opened, you couldn't help but to get up.

The stormy night outside made it impossible to see his figure running back into the moonlit waters, but you decided it was for the best.

Irving deserves to choose his own fate, and hopefully until you die, you will never be a face he ever sees again.

Closing the front door, you pressed your back against its flat surface before sitting on the floor. Oddly enough, this hurts more than your divorce, maybe it's because this was your conscious decision. Looking down, you rest your head against your knees as you hug them.

Tonight, and every other night that follows soon, will be your punishment and personal reminder as to how you should hold yourself.

・・・

It's been two, long months since that fateful night, but you've been doing well. You can only hope the same for Irving.

You haven't gone to the shore, docks, or even rocks since then and you believe that this decision is for the best. Lately, you've been doing more cleaning. You've sold back every item you got for Irving's affection, fixing the place back to how it originally looked. You felt more proud of the cleaned out guest room you used for Irving’s unwilling stay.

Not to mention that lately, you believe you've caught someone's attention. To add more to recent gossip about you, it's the mailman who always delivers your packages. He's only a few months younger than you and seems to share your interests, the cute mailman’s been leaving flowers at your doorstep whenever he can't say hi to you if you're at work extra early. Or even putting little trinkets in your windows whenever you tell him about the things you enjoy.

It's such a warm feeling whenever you see the man, but you're sure he's just being kind since you've been looking like death ever since that night of Irving’s escape.

Unbeknownst to you, the same eyes you saw go dull because of your presence, has begun to seek you out again.

・・・

Irving’s unsure when these confusing feelings began to come to him.

When you took his fate without him asking you to, his anger made him entirely mute except for when he'd demand to be let out. His eyes sharpened to the point that any stare he gave you made you flinch more than usual. His actions are much more blunt and aggressive whenever you'd come across him in the house.

But all these features of his mellowed out into the tired mess that was his dulling self, he hadn't even noticed how comfortable everything was when all he could focus on was his yearning for the sea. Despite gaining all the jewelry he'd favored, and having the warmth from well maintained meals and baths, all Irving felt was his life being drained day by day.

So why… Is he thinking about you?

Although you took him by force, you didn't take anything except his presence. In fact, most of the time it felt as though you were a prisoner whenever he was around. The constant flinching and nervous glances from you made you appear much more pitiful than the creature you tore from the sea.

When Irving went back to waiting for his soul mate, he would watch the seal skin he left in the sand half heartedly. At first it was because he suspected you'd be back to beg for his forgiveness, making him appear more high alert. Then his reasoning became confusion, knowing you for nearly seven months made him more aware of your tendencies. So seeing you avoid the ocean for so long made him subtly begin to seek out even a flash of your appearance around the corners of the docks or rocks to prove his assumptions of you correct.

But you didn't appear for quite a while. After three weeks of not seeing you despite his constant thoughts that anything walking the beach could be you, Irving felt curious enough to check on you. At least for a split second.

And what he saw made him feel uncomfortable, not with how you seemed to get worse from his disappearance but because there seems to be someone new who's trying to catch your attention.

An energetic and eager to please mailman constantly delivers your mail with a giant smile and gifts related to what you've hinted at liking.

It was uncomfortable, like an infection settingly into his skin. It didn't hurt but it felt like something was wrong. Wrong with his emotions, wrong with his reasoning.

Instead of staying by the beach where he would usually search for his long awaited soul mate, he found himself watching you from corners and windows. It felt stupid to think someone as terrible as you could make him feel anything except disgust.

It took him a while but Irving finally came to the conclusion when he saw you place a quick peck on the mailman’s cheek, this unsettling feeling.. Is jealousy?

He couldn't believe it himself either, but when he saw that small act of affection given to someone else entirely, his ideas of you finally fell to reveal what his dignity couldn't.

Despite you taking him captive, you truly took care of him just as an honorable mate should. You'd fed him well, kept his preferences for your home, and even got him treasures that he would've been able to appreciate if he hadn't been so focused on his anger.

A few days after watching that kiss happen, Irving did something he would've absolutely detested before everything.

He left his seal skin at your doorsteps.

・・・

You stared at the all too familiar seal skin coat on your doorsteps, there's absolutely no way that something like this is here. Especially since you haven't been to the beach in so long, that you'd forgotten how the beach smells.

Blinking at it, you wondered if the storm last night maybe blew the heavy thing towards your home. If that's the case then poor Irving must be hissing in protest at even stepping near your home.

You sigh and bend down, ignoring your gut feeling as you carefully lift the seal skin. Maybe leaving it at the beach is good enough? You can afford to be late to work today…

Heading to the beach, you stared at the seal skin with confusion and longing. You want to run your hands along the soft coat but you ignore the idea, making sure it's completely away from your person so that your scent doesn't upset the selkie.

Once you make it to the sandy place, you take a moment to enjoy the sound of the waves and the smell of the sea before quickly walking towards the shore and placing the seal skin down for Irving. Hopefully you haven't upset the natural balance of the world with this one action.

When you run away from the beach and back into the town to make it in time for your shift, you don't notice how Irving seems to pick up the seal skin as you leave. For once that gaze that used to stare at the sea now stares at your back the same way.

The next day, the same thing happens but this time with the seal skin presented with a few pearls and even a few flowers you remember mentioning to Irving in passing when you thought he wasn't listening. Pursing your lips, you feel conflicted before deciding to blame the wind. Yesterday was really windy from the recent storms that happened across the island, so you can understand why something like this could happen.

Surely the pearls were whatever Irving was using for his potential soul mate to be more attracted to his seal skin. Then the flowers you like just happen to be here too since they're so common, it's just a passing chance that they landed next to the seal skin.

Once again, you deliver the coat back, this time more securely in a plastic bag so it definitely wouldn't smell like you. The pearls clutched in the middle of the skin, you dump both of the parts onto the beach before rushing off. Not wanting any misunderstanding to come between you and Irving, truthfully you wish for his peaceful love life to finally come to him.

These occurrences continue to happen daily, and at some point you began to just believe it was all really just stupid coincidences. Your mind is much too focused on the recent interactions with your mailman, especially ever since that nervous peck you'd given him when he joked about his reward for delivering your mail with no issues for over a month.

Recently, the relationship between you both seems to at least make you think his actions are born from some sort of feelings.

While you continue your romantic situation with your mailman, Irving grows more and more impatient. At first, he reasoned that you were just clueless. But as more time continued, it just seems to be rejection. In his mind, you would never reject him after pining for him for so long. Yet you did so anyway.

When things finally made his irritation boil over into frustration, alongside how he saw you become closer to that stupid mailman, Irving decided to make his appearance himself at your doorstep.

“Why aren't you taking my seal skin?" He refuses to sound pitiful as he sees your fearful expression, you can barely stop him from coming inside your home. “Am I not attractive after you've had your fill?"

You could only stare with wide eyes before quickly shaking your head, only to stop whatever you plan on saying to ask what you consider a good question.

“But," you sputter, practically falling over yourself as you avoid his gaze. “Why would I do that?"

The silence feels heavy once you ask that, you flinch once you hear footsteps come closer to you. Instead of any of that previous accusatory voice that you'd grown used to, you feel soft hands grab your face. Tilting your head to make you gaze back at Irving’s - You expect a glaring expression and even a sarcastic huff.

But instead, he just stares at you quietly.

“Ir.. Irving?" You mutter, but he makes no move to respond. Instead, letting go of your face to begin removing his coat, just as you were about to back away, he suddenly began to wrap the coat around your shoulders.

You blink a few times, trying to form a proper thought about what just happened.

“Come back to me, be my soul mate." Is all he says before pressing the back of his knuckles against your cheek gently.

You blink again, unsure of whether or not you're dreaming. Maybe you've lost it. This doesn't feel real at all..?

“I'm sorry?"

“Be my soul mate." He repeats calmly, before adjusting the coat wrapped around you.

The same coat that once brought you Irving’s disgust and anger, now being the thing that shows his longing towards you?

“This is a joke right?" You ask nervously, backing away to slide the coat off your shoulders, only to suddenly feel his hands cupping your face tightly. Glancing up at him, you can finally see the longing you'd once wished for yourself. But now this type of romance feels empty, after seeing how you'd hurt and removed Irving’s life from him, this longing feels all too convenient for you.

“Please, be my soul mate. Take my seal skin, be selfish for me.” He leans in awfully close before you slip and fall backwards after taking his hands off your cheek.

“Irving, you.. I'm not your soul mate.” You ignore the sting that went up your back and pools at your bottom half, "what I did to you.. Shouldn't be anything your soul mate should do to you."

But looking back at him, he's clearly lost his patience as he leans down to settle himself between your legs, pulling you close to him by your hips.

You yelp at the feeling of his cold hands inching under your shirt. His touch is still gentle but it's clear that he's desperate to get you on the same page as him as he stares at your face for any small change to see if you have any of the same ideas as him.

“If I reciprocated earlier, would you even think that what you did was wrong? Just focus on the future - Ignore our rocky past, don't you still want me?" He speaks too fast for your liking, confusing you with both his touch and words until you eventually grab his wrists.

“I do still want you but…” Unfortunately, the rest of your sentence is cut off when he takes one of his hands off your hips to press a finger to your lips.

“That's all I need to hear. Now, no more seeing that stupid mailman. He could never amount to my image, could he?” The proud selkie preens at finally being able to get the slightest approval to becoming soul mates at last.

✩.･*:｡≻───── ⋆♡⋆ ─────.•*:｡✩

✩.･*:｡≻───── ⋆♡⋆ ─────.•*:｡✩

Bonus part for reading until the end!! + HCs

You stare at Irving happily cooking at the stove, you're unsure how a creature of the sea is about to handle a fire so well but you don't bother questioning it. Plus he looks really cute in that pink apron he asked you to buy after he went rummaging in the newspaper piles you get from the mail, something about seeing some housewife advertisements that caught his fancy.

Since it seemed you were the breadwinner, Irving was happy to fall into the stereotypical housewife example he'd been learning of ever since he began to integrate into human society.

Hell, he's even made some friends with the town's housewives since he seems to constantly know everyone's business and their names.

(Did you know, Sabrina’s husband has been caught cheating on her with her older, widowed sister?)

(No Irving… Wait, how did you even find that out???)

It's a real shock to the town that your new lover isn't a recluse like you, especially since your last divorce everyone thought you were a goner due to your hermit-like behavior. But, to everyone's expectations, not only do you get a lover, he's also a quick town favorite for his good looks and amazing charm. Making you a town favorite as well!

You'd been so lost in thought, you didn't even notice when Irving finished cooking dinner and plated your food.

“Is something wrong?" He pinched your nose lightly before chuckling at your surprised reaction.

“Ah.. Just thinking about how well you fit into society. You're doing really well pretending to be human, even more than me." You joke, ignoring your self deprecation.

“Oh that's it?” Irving rests his chin in his palm as he uses his free hand to eat. "Human society is shallow, it's easy to become so liked when you're as good looking at me. Plus the housewives are so easily entertained by someone like me entering their circle.”

You nod slowly at his words, unsure of what to say since everything he mentions is the simple truth. Despite how simple it is, it's still hard to think he's settled into this life so readily.

“Do you ever miss being with other sea folk?” You ask without any thought.

“I would say yes but after everything I did to weasel back into your home, I'm much happier here. Plus it's not like my seal skin is hard to find.” He gestures to the coat rack you got specifically for his seal skin. Just in case, you always reassure him.

After that, the dinner goes back into a comfortable silence with occasional gossip or comments about the town’s folk. When you finally finish up and watch Irving do the dishes, you wonder about one thing.

“I haven't seen you become a seal yet, have I?"

Irving pauses as he places the last plate into the drying rack, turning to face you with an amused expression.

“Is that something you've been wanting to see?” He smiles eagerly, always enjoying your attention on him.

“Well… “ You itch your cheek in thought before nodding. “I've always been curious of your selkie nature."

“Could've just asked." He pretends to scold you before grabbing his seal skin, wrapping it around his shoulders before a light surrounds him.

It blinds you and you when you open it after rubbing your eyes, there's a fat brown seal in front of you. Staring with expectant eyes and a.. Smile?

You almost fall to your knees immediately as you coo at your transformed sweetheart.

“You're so much more.. I mean, you're just as beautiful as ever. So soft.." You whisper as you wrap your arms around the silky seal, enjoying the sound of his blubbers and seal sounds. When you back away to stare at his face, Irving is quick to press his nose against your cheek.

Making you coo even louder, it's very clear you have a preferred animal now.

・・・

Since then, you have been eager to request that Irving become a seal whenever you want a pillow or just to cuddle him as a cute seal.

“You're the most perfect pillow, please?" You beg as Irving sighs and pushes your head away.

“Can't we just cuddle like normal, aren't I perfect enough?"

“You're perfect in every shape and form.. The seal one is just your most perfect one of all."

✩.･*:｡≻───── ⋆♡⋆ ─────.•*:｡✩

Irving General Hc’s

He's very particular about the time he spends with his loved ones, which is why he was so prissy when you first met

Really enjoys jewelry and fashionable items

Plans on carrying the kids for you even if you're fem presenting (if selkies can exist so can mpreg)

Really likes cuddling as a human since he can hold you tighter

Uses handmade skincare products such as seaweed face masks, coconut body oil, and even algae hair products (although after becoming human he found it much easier to request the items from merchants who make them)

Very easy to make jealous, any implication will drive him up a wall (“am I not perfect for you?" “Who else could be better than me?")

Found it very easy to learn how to cook since he used to stalk you around the house when you'd first taken him and often stayed in your own world

➴ Reader still believes that Eraz is entirely heartbroken by Lady Bella’s disappearance and his recent actions are only fuelled by his need to feel something, so they refuse to make any moves to take advantage of his heartbreak

➴ Eraz somehow managed to get Reader to hold his hand whenever they sleep together, he also often has wet dreams of Reader because of the hand holding HE asked for btw

➴ Reader likes to walk in the garden but still feels bitter about it knowing that the gardeners had only made it better out of their respect for the Duke despite Reader working hard to make sure the manor’s affairs ran smoothly (it feels more like a 'here damn' moment but whateva)

➴ Whenever Reader and Eraz are required to go to balls together, they match their outfits and stay together most of the night (much to reader’s personal enjoyment)

➴ Eraz really likes smelling Reader - he's insane about sharing cologne or perfumes, or even soaps that Reader uses, this also extends into smelling whatever Reader uses (pillows, blankets, clothing) He's not shameful about it despite always looking embarrassed, he's only ashamed that he can't directly smell the source

➴ Whenever Reader has an injury, they tend to be treated by Eraz instead of the physician since according to Eraz : “As your husband, I should make sure you're paid attention to. Not some silly doctor” (sorry physician)

➴ Reader’s letters used to be sent without being checked, but ever since Eraz became closer to them, he makes sure to ask about what they're writing or who they're writing to (if it's not your family, he'll grow jealous)

✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿ ... ✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿ ... ✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿

You were still getting settled in your new role within the manor while your recovering husband is finally able to get back to work (despite you telling him that you could handle his official business for another month until his head injury healed into an easier scar). You still had a few things you were considerably confused about.

For one, ever since you agreed to sign off those contracts that dissolved those limitations of contact, he's been awfully restless. Now that you both share a bed every other day (thanks to you requesting for your privacy you'd grown used to), you began to notice how he stares and just barely touches the only skin you have revealed during nighttime, which is your face.

Then there's dinners, where he began to watch you more closely for your every reaction. As if a single emotion or move in your jaw is a performance he cannot take his eyes off.

And two, he found out you disliked the garden from your beloved maid, Eve, after he'd interrogated her to find out more about you. Making it so that during your daily routine checks of the manor, the garden was suddenly changed to your preferences of a fixed garden. But it just made you more confused when you realized he's watching you closer than you’d initially thought.

All of this, to you at least, must be for something he's planning. After all, things can't just change so much in just one year.

✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿

Duke Lilac has been busy all day, mainly with making sure his personal affairs are being wrapped up after his recovery and ensuring the manor continues (although your work had done a lot while he rested).

You are so frustrating to be around! Eraz can't feel confident enough in himself to make more advances than he already has these past months. Especially since you both agreed to share more time together yet it seems to change nothing in your relationship.

He thought that someone as diligent and straightforward as you would come to realize when someone's trying to court you. But when he heard some servants gossiping about you, he found out that he was your only suitor in your entire life since you were a debutant who never bothered to make an appearance during society gatherings.

Which only caused him to feel worse knowing that your first supposed suitor was him - Who had gotten married to you without even trying to court you.

Now stuck at his desk, his hands clasped together and against his forehead as he tried to think of anything to make you feel more content about your life with him. But every time he thinks of you, he can only think of the amount of times you've stopped him from going further by misunderstanding his intentions.

One time, he wanted to lean in to kiss your cheek good night, but when you glanced up, you instead fixed the blanket to slide over to his side of the bed more. Only saying, “sorry, I must be hogging the sheets. Please just ask next time." With that small polite smile you always use when dealing with formal situations.

Then another, he tried to feed you some food like you'd done when he was recovering, only for you to inspect it and nod accordingly.

“It doesn't look tampered with, don't worry." And you guided it back to his mouth without missing a beat.

It only gets worse, when he one time tried to ask if you'd like to finally consummate your marriage like he was supposed to do when you both first got married - You responded with, “No need, the doctors have been creating new methods for heir bearing. You can enjoy your rest."

He feels more irritated than ever as he leans back into his chair. Sometimes he feels like you're more of a nanny than a spouse - but he's not mad at you, he's mad at himself. For not being more loyal when you first came to the manor, and for not appreciating you faster.

It was truly changing when he first overheard you discussing your dreams to Eve, saying that at least you can live out your dream of being in management and accounting by being the Manor’s second in command.

He knows you loved him once, especially after he interrogated your trusted maid multiple times. But knowing this just made him more confused. Maybe this means your heart grew cold towards him as a sign of your adaptability.

Before Eraz could ponder further over this dilemma, he suddenly heard a pair of voices outside his office window. Peering at the garden, he can see you and your maid, talking casually as you both admire the garden.

He can't help but feel his heart melt at the sight of you smiling without it being strained or polite, or when you get mad at the thorns for making your maid’s fingers bleed. You've become more and more attractive over time, or maybe it's just because his eyes have opened.

It's there that his resolve strengthens. He will figure out how to charm you again, and once he does, he won't let your heart grow cold again.

✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿ ... ✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿ ... ✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿

➴ Alternate story Duke is similar enough to his original, just with a few differences since in this story he's much more straightforward than the other

➴ He often appears in any room you frequently sit or do work in, just to bother you or watch you

➴ There are no days spent apart, unlike the other timeline, this Duke tends to be his proud romantic self both in public and private with you (much to your enjoyment)

➴ He's much more confident and touchy when it comes to sleeping in the same bed together, as he indulges in his favorite thing about you - your smell

➴ You'll find yourself being hugged or collapsed on by your over-affectionate husband just because he complains he almost forgot your scent

➴ Whenever you try to go out by himself, he acts incredibly wounded and guilts you with glittering puppy eyes

➴ Oh and your perfumes, colognes, soaps, and shampoos? All used by your useless husband who claims he only uses your items to feel closer to you... although you can look through his acting and see he's really just a pervert

✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿ ... ✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿ ... ✿°•∘ɷ∘•°✿

You can barely see the meaning of it all as you continue to read what you've written, only for it to become less and less legible with every passing moment of Eraz’s constant need to hold onto you. Which has led to the current bed situation you have with him.

“You barely pay attention to me at dinners anymore, have I become unattractive?” His voice is muffled against your chest as he rests between your legs, your journal propped up on the crown of his head. You just wished to read some older memories of your childhood before bed until the man decided to bother you, it's just unfortunate that he's learned your preferences rather too fast.

You enjoy the pressure on your stomach since it makes you more comfortable, plus his constant talking against your chest makes it so that you feel a lot more of his voice.

“Respond to me.." He complains before wrapping his arms around you tighter to make you pay any attention to him. You sigh out in annoyance before placing the book down.

“Duke-” However a finger pressed against your lips stops you from going further.

“Still too formal, are we not in bed together and cuddling?" Eraz pretends to scold you before chuckling at your annoyed expression as he quickly removes his finger.

“Right," you pretend to fix your tone with a calm expression. “Eraz, what more do you need? I figured that once I let you lay with me like this…" You gesture to the current position, pausing for a few moments to emphasize more on your words.

“I figured that all your needs would be satisfied." You practically spit out with all the built up irritation that's been growing since this morning. You never knew yourself to be so easy to anger until Eraz came back with this new personality of his.

Yet, even when you talk so venomously, he only stares at you from his resting place on your chest with a mixture of mischief and adoration in his eyes.

“I would never complain about my spot here." He hums in content before curling in closer to you, his arms moving from hugging your sides to sliding over to your legs to cross them over his back.

“Then why are you even speaking?" You stare at him curiously as he adjusts you to the point that it looks like you’re caging him between your legs.

“Because you only give me your attention when I'm either offering what you want or acting terrible.” Eraz brings his hands back up to your sides once your legs are in place, at first you had half the mind to kick him off you but your legs feel comfortable wrapped around something. His smile is too carefree for someone who claims to know too much.

Plus he's not wrong, even if he cried in front of you, you would just place previously cherished photos of Lady Bella right in front of his sobbing form. You're still stuck in that mindset where you believe everything that happens between you two is to spite you.

“Back to ignoring me already? I thought I'd worked pretty hard this time." He pouts against your chest before clicking his tongue. “I guess a busy person like you being my spouse means that even a second of your attention is a blessing."

You snap out of your thoughts and close your journal before placing it on the nightstand next to the bed.

“Goodnight." You huff at his audacity before reaching your hand out to turn off your lamp. Until a hand shot up and grabbed your wrist.

“A kiss to sleep?"

“No.”

“Then I won't let you turn off the lamp.”

“You irritate me.” You roll your eyes, although you lack venom. The act of kissing someone goodnight is formal enough, you remember doing the same for all your siblings when you wished them a good dream with a small forehead kiss.

Leaning down, you kiss his forehead. When his hand still doesn't let your wrist go, you kiss his temple. The grip eases slightly but clearly he wants another.

You sigh before placing your hands on each side of his head, kissing his forehead over and over with a little force until he finally chuckles.

“Now let me rest." You brush his hand off your wrist to turn off the lamp.

“Fine fine.” Eraz yawns. “Goodnight, my dear.”

“Goodnight, Eraz.”

When you first met Mollymauk, you were digging through the trash behind his wagon. With a moldy loaf of bread between your teeth and your hand holding a clean picked fish, you caught the attention of the troupe's well known playboy and tarot reader.

It didn't help that at the time you were also considering robbing some of the circus members for more fish and bread. The idea made much more sense since you just escaped a prison using fish bones that the guards gave to mock your growling stomach. Using those fish bones to create a key despite having one of the patrollers fall asleep right next to your cell, since your mind made the connections that fish tastes better than key.

Controlled by your stomach, that meeting with Mollymauk ended in you getting bound with rope after you tried to pounce on him because of the fresh bread he was eating.

It's really a mystery, even you who had watched the transition from wary strangers to affectionate proclaimed husband of Mollymauk confused you despite becoming very comfortable with his humor and style.

As you stared at a plate of bread and fish; an inspired meal from the amount of times the others would see you drool over fish and bread but reject anything else, you could feel those ever familiar rouge eyes on you.

“Need a hand?” He lifted the fork after stabbing the cut fish, pressing it against your lips as you remained in thought. His amusement was very clear as he thought about how deep in thought you seem.

“Too lazy to even open your mouth? I must stop myself from spoiling you." Mollymauk sighed dramatically until you opened your mouth and accepted the ‘help’ eagerly.

It’s true, he does spoil you a lot despite that initial meeting you keep thinking about. This personal relationship didn't just appear out of nowhere after all, you remember the times you weren't lazy and actually listened to him with unnerving silence that led to you falling asleep standing.

Then there were those times where you would laze against him whenever you went into his wagon for his food, letting him complain to you about his relationships and lack of memories while chewing on fish bones.

And you suppose, one of the best moments came from when you'd finally spoken to him for the first time in forever to confront him about his true feelings. Everyone thought you were unable to talk due to your unspoken past but in reality you were too lazy to open your mouth for anything besides food.

So over time, each listening ear, lazing moment, and even rare confrontation helped give way to what is your relationship with Mollymauk today.

Coming back to the current moment, you glanced at Mollymauk who had his cards out to examine them while you chewed on a loaf of bread.

“I love you." Is all you’d said to confess your feelings since Mollymauk wasn't making any moves despite his obvious actions, and somehow that good inch took off into a long mile.

You stared at his cards before he asked you to point to one, and once you did, the card lifted was the lover's upright.

“Seems like we were destined, even the cards say so." He seems giddy before calming himself with a chuckle, pressing a kiss to your temple.

Then, one day while you had been working at your minimum wage job as a cashier, you found yourself in the middle of conflict. A gun pointed to your face as the robber demanded for the money in the register, a few breaths held as you complied while pressing the emergency alert under the counter.

However right after you press it, the robber’s hand slips due to the sound of the shops door opening, the bullet hitting your head with a resounding sound that leave your ears ringing.

Slumped with the bullet wound in your between your brows, you heard the robber cussing at their actions before taking the money themselves. Fuck, I forgot to log in for my daily this morning, is the last thing you think as the blurry sounds of police cars surround the store.

Surely that's the end of that right?

Nope, as when you open your eyes again, instead of anything you'd imagine death would bring, you're instead in a dark void as a progress bar of some sort appears.

[Starting Up… ]

The dots move as if loading something, you wearily stand up to get closer. But it just seems like you'll walk forever in the darkness as the bar begins to fill.

[Welcome, you will begin your experience soon!]

Blinking at the words, you can barely understand what's going on before reasoning you must be in hell. Maybe not helping that old lady cross the street really did count as a sin. While you would be a little more worried, you just died.

Your fingers feel the spot between your brows, it seems you've really ‘lived’ on. So you watch the progression bar fill more and more until it's 100%.

[Beginning experience… Welcome, Y/N]

Well if it's not hell, then maybe it's a mockery of heaven. You never did pray with all your heart.

[Restarting experience! Open your eyes.]

You instinctively blink, and before you know it. You've left that box of darkness and instead, you're in a familiar environment. Or lack of environment.

Isn't this the same way that game of yours began?

▸ Reader basically reincarnated into their fav game as an immortal, but instead of being someone who ‘lives forever’, reader is stuck in the constant cycle of returning

▸ so, even if you die, you'll be back. Think of it as the checkpoint system!

After what happened at the pond and the forest, you felt your fondness for Celeno disappearing quickly. Your scowl stuck on your face as you glared at the bird that got you both stuck in this mess.

Now captured by the group of demons that were proud to announce themselves as Horn, Scar, and Tooth. All named quite literally. Horn is a guy with big purple horns, Scar is a lady with a bunch of scars, and Tooth has big teeth.

It was only a stroke of luck that you managed to get your clothing back on before they tied you up.

Both you and Celeno had been tied up while your belongings were being searched by the demons who were looking more and more disappointed by the next passing second, you felt your irritation with the cawing raven next to you.

You interrupted Celeno mid-screech.

“Celeno."

“Oh? Yes Maiden?"

“Please, for our sake, shut up and stop calling me Maiden."

He only stared at you dumbfounded until you glared at him as the final touch.

Now with silence, you watch as the demons drop your travel bag that had been full of food and the packed away sleeping tent from earlier.

“Seriously? For someone who calls themselves the Maiden," the demon who proclaimed himself as Horn – his horns curling around the sides of his head similar to an old goat’s – laughed at you.”You sure don't show any power.” He doesn't hesitate to wave a stolen apple in front of your face.

You stayed stubbornly still even when Celeno seemed to look at you to see if you'd do anything. Truthfully, you're a loser, but you've been in enough fights to tell when you shouldn't speak or even fight back.

“Maid..” Celeno quickly fixes himself. "Y/N.. Are you really going to let them do this?” He gestures to the thieves taking your pack of food.

You only nodded quietly before thinking. Thinking of what Celeno said earlier, the snake that had told you to be suspicious of your raven friend continues to linger even in this situation.

Maybe Celeno was lying about your powers being naturally sensed? In that case, it would make sense for this situation to happen – these demons can't tell you're a Maiden.

And maybe you should use that to your advantage.

“So you three really don't think I'm the Maiden?" You finally speak up, the raven next to you perking up eagerly.

The demon named Scar turns to you as she tilts her head mockingly. The scars running from her brows to her cheeks making her dusted white skin pop out more from the crinkled bandages around her neck and head.

“Yes, because if you were the Maiden the capital would've taken you to their little church and kept you under watch.”

“... And what if I escaped the church?"

Now the demon named Tooth turns to you, his teeth barring themselves naturally as the vine-like hair wrapping around his forehead and eyes move slightly.

“Then you have a death wish coming to a forest so close to the demon King's borders.” He kneels down in front of you, you can smell fish and onion from his breath. Making you cringe as he kneels there.

“And why is that?" You decide to keep going, wanting as much information while you hide your hands creating a small pocket knife to cut your vine bindings.

The kneeling demon only laughs at you.

“Are you a foreigner? I thought the kingdom’s borders were shut once the war started.” He turns around to ask his friends who remain busy packing the food they found.

Scar replies with a simple shrug while Horn stops chewing the apple to answer.

“Maybe this fake Maiden is a runaway, this kingdom had terrible security anyway. Just one bribe and they'll let you in." He laughs before finishing the apple, throwing the core at Celeno who’s been silently growling this whole time.

Can birds even growl?

You're about to finish cutting yourself out of the bindings until suddenly Scar speaks up.

“Maybe we should take them with us? Not the dumb bird of course, but maybe this fake Maiden can prove useful.”

Your eyes widen as you shake your head.

“You're right, it wouldn't be the first time we smuggled a human into our kingdom anyway.” Horn replied with an eager smile.

Turning your gaze to Tooth who seemed to have been watching you since you began asking questions.

“You're interesting, human,” Tooth’s smile grows, showing his shark-like teeth. "I'm sure our King would enjoy another servant." That sentence alone seals your fate.

Dropping the pocket knife, it's covered by dirt as you're lifted by Tooth. Thrown over his shoulder like a sack of rice, you can only wriggle uselessly while Celeno’s screeches somehow get louder as you're taken away by the group.

Oh whatever God that exists here. Please give an explanation of why you were put into this world…

・・・

Celeno’s voice eventually dies out once you get taken far enough, meanwhile the group's conversation remains loud as they discuss what to do with you. With Scar leading in the front, Tooth carried you in the middle, and Horn stayed in the back.

“Are we really giving up another human to the king? This one doesn't even seem that interesting." Horn, who remained behind Tooth, smirked at your deep frown as he took your chin between his index and thumb.

Scar replied casually, “well it sounds like you want to keep the human."

“And if I do?” Horn tilted your face side to side as if inspecting you. Your eyes grow wider, making Horn laugh as he begins squeezing your cheeks.

“Leave the human alone." Tooth brushes Horn’s suggestion off, meanwhile you're left to think about what exactly is happening.

“Why does having a human mean having fun?” You question, tilting your head to try looking at Tooth.

“Well it's not about having fun, Horn is just lonely. But I'm shocked you came to this kingdom as a foreigner.” Horn protests against Tooth’s answer but you ignore him.

“Why? I thought this country was supposed to be… Well, a good one.” You're starting to doubt that from the way this country has every danger possible.

“Well, it is a very successful empire.” Scar cuts in as she moves from the front, now in the back with Horn as she answers your question.

“But, the kingdom is only prosperous because it gives up its people for power. So far they've had no problem with getting rid of the outer village’s villagers, but ever since our King demanded some important nobles, the king began to start spouting that the demons were the breakers of humanity.” Scar crosses her arms as she looks at you closer, as if talking about human trafficking was just a casual topic.

“You really don't know a single thing do you?" She teases before tapping your nose. “You must've traveled light to end up in this side forest and still be clueless.”

You stare at Scar with a jaw dropped expression.

“You mean they.. Just let the demons take from the villages?”

Scar and Horn nod.

“That's just.. Wrong."

Horn only scoffs at your empathy.

“We know it's wrong but if everything wrong were to be stopped in this world, then this empire wouldn't even be alive.” He flicks your head, so far these demons seem fine with being touchy with someone they barely know.

Scar glances at Horn before rubbing your head.

“They're foreign, of course they don't know anything." Scar reminds Horn as she rubs her thumb against the place he just flicked.

Horn only rolls his eyes before moving to the front, leaving only you and Scar.

“Sorry, Horn’s just really mean because he secretly likes you.” Scar chuckles while whispering before you ignore her comment.

“Thanks.. I guess.” You can't seem to form a proper opinion on this group, especially after all this information you're learning. But it's kind of hard to guess if they're being truthful when they've literally kidnapped you.

“But, what is so wrong with this kingdom?” You tilt your head at Scar.

“Ok so, you remember how your little bird friend was talking about the Maiden thing?” She begins playing with her bandages. "The Maiden was actually meant to be summoned for the Demon King, to fulfill the prophecy of fixing the kingdom’s artifacts with her power and bring back life into our soil.”

You blink at her words, unsure why this makes a lot more sense than being summoned to solve a war. Because fixing a country’s homeland sounds a lot more concrete – Less like something that became a quick found solution.. Like having a Maiden to solve a war.

“Wait then why do you guys take humans and steal from their villages?” You feel like something's becoming a little clearer.

“Oh that? Don't worry. The humans were actually taken to the kingdom to be given jobs. Basically we take the humans, then we give them homes and jobs.” Scar explains before cupping your cheeks, squeezing you gently.

"Don't worry your little face, the stealing thing is just us describing how we trade. In fact we're about to head to the village we were planning on ‘stealing’ from.” Small chuckles leave her as she skips ahead, leaving you to quietly wonder if the demons are telling you the truth or lying.

“You probably don't believe us since we've taken you like this.” Tooth finally speaks up after remaining silent, pulling you off his shoulder carefully, using his claws to slice the vines off of your wrists and ankles.

You're left with immense confusion as to what just happened, but instead of any answers, Tooth only flashes a smile layered with teeth before urging you towards the village.

Without much to argue with, you turn around to follow the other two who went ahead only to realize they've brought you back to the village you were planning to come back to.

So they must've been the demons Celeno was talking about, but…

The villagers welcome Scar and Horn eagerly, offering their own animals and crops.

And just as Scar said, the two give the villages bags of coins for their trade. That stupid bird…

Celeno is either a liar, or he's just painfully stupid and dangerous. But this makes it even worse, if he's lying to you about everything, how did he know you were the Maiden? These demons can't even sense your power… And the villagers had no mind to see you differently when you were dropped here.

You're utterly normal and civilian!

Stepping further into the village you were planning on ‘saving’ earlier, you sigh before seeing the village chief walk up to you.

The older woman eagerly welcomed you back into the village, hugging you shortly before commenting on your short adventure.

“Poor thing, you look like a mess! I should've known better than to let you go out alone.”

“Yeah we found the poor thing just wandering the forest like a child." Horn comes by and wraps his arm around your shoulders casually, pressing you closer to his chest. "Totally scared.”

You'd given half the mind to brush him off you before the old lady chuckles.

“Such a kind soul, I'm sure you're terrified after being lost from home.” The old lady gives you a sympathetic look before looking at Horn.”Speaking of which, are you taking up a few rooms in the Inn today? Unfortunately we only have two left.”

“Two? That's just fine.” Horn gives a mischievous grin before lightly pinching your ear once the Village Chief went to check on Scar who was playing with a table of old men with cards. “Did you hear that? I'm your savior after the poor, little you got lost in the woods."

He makes fun of you before you push him away with narrowed eyes and pressed lips.

“Thanks, but if anything you're just taking credit for Tooth’s work. He's the one who carried me here."

Horn huffs, almost ready to grab you again before Tooth grabs his shoulder and whispers against his ear.

“We have to go.” Horn suddenly seems serious as he lifts you over his shoulder, while Tooth looks at you both curiousl only to shrug once he notices how proud Horn looks to be carrying you. 'Must really like this human...' He seems to mumble while you yelp in surprise.

“Huh? Why? Didn't you just say you guys are taking a room at the inn?" You press your hands against his back as you lift your upper half, his arm wrapped around the back of your knees while you dangle off his shoulder.

“Yeah but plans changed.” He passes by Scar and pushes her head, she's about to complain about him messed with her before Tooth leans over and whispers. Scar's irritated expression instantly changes as she stands up and curses under her whispers.

“Im sorry, what's going on?” You huff as you're left in the dark.

“Guards, not the ones we can easily bribe." Horn’s short answer makes you sigh in irritation. After hearing you sigh so loudly he finally gives more.

“It's the church’s knights, meaning they're on a mission to do something specific. But usually their missions don't include a poor and far out village like this…”

When Scar and Tooth catch up, Horn begins to move faster into the shaded parts of the buildings. You can only let yourself be held over his shoulder with an exasperated expression, already having given up with asking any questions.

“Shh," Scar quietly holds a finger to her lips before grabbing something from her pockets. “Gather together, I'm going to create a distraction."

It looks like a small pile of dust in her hand before she blows it across the courtyard of the village with ease. The dust collects together in the wind before she whispers under her breath, the dust slowly forming a large chicken that blocks the entire view of the knights.

“Woah.." You let out a small sound of awe before Scar smiles with pride.

“There's so much more where that came from." She grins before tapping your nose like before, you can't help but chuckle at her words. Before more can happen, the knights are clearly caught off guard by the giant chicken, giving clear signal to the group that their distraction worked.

“Alright, let's get out of here!" Horn whisper-yells before Scar and Tooth both nod. You can't see it from where you're being held, but Horn had bitten his finger to smear blood against a wall while chanting something under his breath.

For many, being rebellious meant going out, testing the freedom between impulsive nights and seething when they reach that boundary of curfew they have as a dependent.

But for you, it meant doing anything except nothing. It meant not holding your breath to let others treat your existence as a simple wallflower to watch everything.

You didn't want to make anyone cry, you didn't even want to make anyone mad. You just didn't want to watch someone you cared for get hurt.

And yet, when you spoke up. Even a single word from the ever obedient you broke everyone’s image they made you reflect.

You sniffle as you rub your puffy eyes, tissues already gone and used after the long night of shouts and insults that should've never been uttered to you. It's true, it's not evil to simply make an attempt to stop the breaking of glass, the shrieks of pain, or even the sobs that keep you up in dusk and dawn.

You had finally discovered what being rebellious meant – and it meant this? Honestly your tears stopped being of sorrow and instead of fury at some point when you realized how stupid it all was.

Thankfully you had the rare mercy of having your necessities thrown out with you, but right now you feel lifeless. Speechless even. Like a spider web took form in your throat and you can't cough it out.

Yet you continue on as you trudge through mud and rocks in your stupid bunny slipper, reminding you that you had been asleep moments ago. If you had the energy to look, you'd feel sad at the wet grass and dirt getting stuck to them.

But you can only stare forward as you continue walking.

To think just moments before you had been shouting hysterically, blubbering over yourself with tears as you tried to fix the usual fights. Hoping everything would end with just a few begging words.

But your eyes are too puffy for you to even think about crying again. Beside that, when you finally look up you finally notice that your walking took you to a forest.

You're used to forests, having been living in a village for the longest of times and often helping your mother with collecting wood or hunts. But you can't spot any landmarks that you'd usually find, in fact the soil here feels different. The temperature, the sky – even the animals here.

Where are you?

There's no sign of life nearby. No light poles or even lanterns. You're painfully lost.

Your misguided sense of direction is a consequence of being young, stupid, and emotional. Maybe your siblings were right, you should've been born mute if you can't even handle the consequences of what you say sometimes.

You shake off your embarrassment when heat flushes your cheeks as you recount each event.

You let out a long sigh at the memories before you begin to feel a little chilly, thankfully your stupidly bunny printed pajama set was meant to keep you warm even when your blankets couldn't. Even when there wasn't a warm pair of arms to keep you safe during your nightmares.

You're an overgrown kid. That's all you can afford to be.

The forest gets colder and colder with each step, as if you're stepping into an entirely new forest as your breath fogs in the cold, still air.

Maybe if you're lucky, you'll just die here. Maybe no one will ever remember you as the firecracker who had bursted from its home. Maybe.. No, you can't think such things.

You're just emotional after the long night, surely at least your siblings will look for you.. Right?

The chill of the air makes you shiver violently each time it brushes against your neck and ears.

Your tears have completely dried by now, even your sniffling seems more related to the cold surrounding you instead of the emotions you feel.

You mentally question what's going on before continuing further, wanting to find at least someone or somewhere.

You're being watched. Stalked. And being unaware as you try to gather your pajamas to warm yourself, you don't notice.

Any passerby would feel pity if they saw you. But if anyone took advantage of someone like you, they wouldn't struggle would they?

The thought prickles you faster than any shiver as paranoia shrivels into your skin.

Each step makes a soft noise that you listen to carefully, ensuring that these steps are yours and yours alone.

Until you hear a branch snap behind you.

Then you begin running like a deer being hunted.

With your luggage being hazardously dragged and your clothes getting worse for wear thanks to each bush and branch you run into tearing it up. Your mind runs off of nothing but the biggest warning signs.

All you can think is to run instead of looking around to do anything, and before you can run out of stamina from all the running and tripping, you're caught off guard when you feel a few drops hit your head. And looking up, you can see clouds begin to shroud the only source of light you'd been using.

The moon is covered by heavy rain clouds.

You feel like a dripping cat, as you begin to panic. Each hit of water makes you grow colder until you remember to keep walking to find some type of shelter.

Each step feels like the next gravestone into hypothermia. Your breathing begins to feel like it isn't filling your lungs enough. You're lost – So lost that you can't even begin to think which way you came.

Then you trip over a rock, falling into the mud as rain covers your back. You nearly begin crying again just from being stuck in the cold mud that does nothing to help you retain any grace.

Slowly getting up, you wipe the mud off your chin and arms before hearing a vehicle – No, three vehicles pass by!

You feel hope warm you up, you quickly get up and run after the lights of the cars that had just passed, finding a path in the forest. ‘Finally!’ You thank whatever God is watching you.

Walking down the dirt road, you're unsure how you didn't notice before but somehow the mud and grass from earlier is now covered with snow? You reason your adrenaline and the rain made you forget to watch your surroundings.

It almost feels like an entirely new world as you continue walking on the snowy path, the rain still hitting you hard as your skin burns from the coldness of the snow surrounding you.

Following the vehicles, it doesn't take long until you suddenly find an actual house.

Although weirdly enough, it's in the middle of nowhere. It looks like those mansions you'd used to see in the magazines you'd sneak glances at.

You can barely believe it as you hide behind the dark vehicles, peeking your head out as you watch multiple men dressed in clothing that resemble the descriptions of soldiers with their weapons and armor. You question, ‘why are they here?’ Before seeing them beginning to break into the home, shooting at the doors and windows.

You silently gasp at the sight before looking around for anywhere to hide, not wanting to get treated the same way they seem to be treating the mansion. Looking at the handle of the trunk, you decide to climb inside after opening it.

Now, is it really safe to break into a soldier's truck and stay in it?

No, not at all. In fact, you've always been the most worried and obedient child growing up whenever it came to stranger danger.

But then again it's cold, you have nowhere to go, and the truck is big enough to hide in. And with luck, there's a human sized chest that's slightly open for you to slip into after you hide your luggage under some sacks.

So you do exactly that.

You're unsure how long the shooting and shouting went on, but it seems to have calmed down when some people come into the truck. You peep through a small slit in the chest opening to see what's happening.

They're dragging an unconscious man into the truck!

Now you're more worried, what if these people are secretly a gang? Or even a secret organization that abducts people for scientific testing.

…Ok you may have snuck into the theatres too much. But still!

When the truck’s back opening is closed, and the sound of the engine starting makes the entire truck shake. You realize they're all driving off. It seems they didn't notice you thanks to their business.

Hopefully you can just hitch a quick ride and find somewhere warm to go to. Or you can check on the unconscious man that's laid on the truck's floor.

You're about to gain some confidence to leave your chest when suddenly you hear something heavy hit the truck. Then everything goes sideways.

You almost yell in pain as you land on your shoulder, but cover your mouth as fear covers the pain of nearly dislocating your arm.

Keeping your breathing soft, you're almost about to check outside only for the soldiers who had been driving to start screaming for help until it sounds like they're either choked to death or torn apart by the sounds of the scary snarls.

You blink as you hold your hands together over your mouth. Eyes burning as you try to stare through the chest’s crack. You just wanted to get somewhere safe after being thrown out… Now you're stuck in this dangerous situation with nowhere to go or return to.

You hold your breath as you hear the truck’s backdoors being clawed open. The entire thing shaking from whatever creature is attacking it.

Thankfully, when the trunk was opened, the creature left the unconscious man alone and didn't bother to check the rest of the storage.

After the heavy, retreating steps fading further into the snow, you find your heart slowing down to a regular beat as you carefully open the chest. But your adrenaline made you forget that the truck had fallen over. So after you unlock yourself, you fall out and hit your head with a hiss.

Somehow, this seems to awaken the unconscious man?

He didn't wake up from the screaming and the vicious attack done on the trunk’s opening but instead woke up to you saying ‘oww’ in a whiny voice?

Staring at the recently awakened man, you blink in shock before standing up. You're about to grab your stuff and run off again but the man speaks up.

“Wait! Don't be scared.” He begins with concern, standing up slowly as he offers his hand. “Are you ok?"

This strange man only makes you more confused, he was just attacked but instead of worrying about himself… He's worried about you?

・・・

After getting properly introduced to the weird man, he introduced himself as Ethan Winters. Apparently all the trucks that you had been following earlier were a part of an organization that Ethan had been familiar with previously.

While telling you everything about his wife and kid, Mia and Rose, he'd been making sure to hold your hand while carrying your backpack that was heavy with clothing.

You occasionally nodded whenever he told you something that felt heavy, like his wife getting infected with a virus you have never heard of and a cult that had kidnapped his wife before he came to this place for domestic peace.

Unable to ignore the previous freezing temperatures paired with the rain that seemed to have disappeared a while ago, you began to shiver once again.

Ethan’s talking stopped the moment he realized how cold you were.

“You're freezing,” he states the obvious while you nod. He looks around before deciding to place your backpack on the front of him while he offers his back for you.

“A.. Are you s.." You can barely finish your sentence before he suddenly places his coat on you in the midst of your shivering.

“It's ok kid, you're going to shiver with these wet clothes. Don't worry, I'll carry you until we can find somewhere to get you dry and warm." He assures with a reassuring smile while helping you zipper up the coat.

You're unsure until you glance at your feet, and your feet do burn from the constant stepping in wet snow and running over jagged rocks.

So with nothing left to consider, you took your place on his back as he eagerly lifted you and continued on.

“I'll get you somewhere warm and safe, don't worry…” You nod in response as you rest your head against the back of his shoulder. “Hey, a kid like you really shouldn't be out here alone. Where are your parents, do you live nearby?"

You don't respond as you suddenly remember why you ended up in this predicament. Suddenly the tears come back and soak through Ethan’s shirt.

He seems to freak out at this, wanting to both comfort you but also keep walking to find you shelter.

“I'm sorry, I didn't think… Really, you don't need to answer me. I'll be fine not knowing.” His voice turns softer as he comforts you, he's really panicking about you crying? "I promise I won't ask anymore about your family.”

But Ethan’s kindness doesn't help you, in fact it just makes you lose more composure. You don't remember the last time someone didn't just tell you to shut up and deal with it. You can't hold in your choked sobs as you sniffle harshly.

“Ah…" Ethan seems to give up even bringing up a subject as he awkwardly continues forward while listening to your crying.

After a few more moments of hearing you hiccuping out your sobs, he speaks up again.

“How about I tell you a story?” He offers, while you can only weakly tilt your head to curiously look up. Sniffling as you stop your hiccups for one moment.

That seems to be enough for him as he begins.

“This is just a story Mia recently read for our daughter, but I think Rose really enjoyed it.” He explains before clearing his throat.

“Long ago, a girl went with her mother to pick berries for her father, who was hard at work.” He begins, you only blink as you wonder why this all sounds familiar.

“But the forest greeted them with a dark, cold silence, the bushes empty.” With each word, and each step he takes that creates a rocking effect with you on his back. You feel yourself becoming more sleepy. Why does this feel so familiar?

As he continues telling this tale, you feel your drowsiness take over as he continues to talk about the gifts the young girl gets on her journey as she's lost in the forest. It sort of reminds you of yourself. Except you're without any gifts, or kind creatures.

Your eyes finally close to sleep when he continues onto the part where the girl takes a gear from a horse, only to be punished for taking more than she should.

Falling into a somewhat peaceful sleep, your body weakly holds onto Ethan.

He can't help but smile at the sight of you becoming calm. He can already feel you warming up from the coat. But he understands he needs to get you out of those wet clothes eventually, in all this snow those clothes will kill a kid like you.

Truthfully, you remind him of his Rose. Unprotected and lost, he has to find his wife and kid… But for now he has to care for you until you can get on your feet properly. At least until he can supply you with better shoes unlike those bunny slippers (although he does admit they're very cute if not for the mud).

Bonus :

The night didn't pass in peace, the arguments finally silenced after a long moment of reflection. The pair of siblings that had been arguing finally realized that they were wrong for taking out their shared anger on their youngest.

Just seeing your stuff thrown outside like a yard sale, your mother could only shake her head, assuming everything will go back to normal once you come back home. Once you come back from your silly escapade.

But for once, there was a deeply unsettling feeling. Your oldest sibling was the first to think it, but the second oldest was the first to say it.

“What if they don't come back?"

Knowing you, your sensitivity knows no bounds once you're burned. You don't forgive easily, you grieve the longest, and you certainly never let people forget what they've said to you.

“They have to,” your oldest assures. “Wouldn't survive without a bed and a bowl of cereal for a day."

But the humor feels dry even when he says it.

❥ Imagine that one day you suddenly had a dream about living in the modern world, reading books and movies all titled ‘Alice In Wonderland’

❥ (Reader in the modern world is THE Alice in Wonderland fanatic)

❥ And when you wake up you find one of those books just placed in your lap, reading it you find out about the many fictional events that reflect the reality of this world!

❥ Alice is a hero! But your husband is the villain?! I mean… Not like you didn't expect it

❥ But the part that stuck out to you the most was the way the king had died, he died because of adultery and betrayed his queen

Thankfully, you and Marius have separate chambers so your privacy during your discovery is a graceful thing. (It was more of a personal choice thing where you both mutually agreed to have separate rooms but always feel free to visit one another)

Muttering softly, you trace each word with wide eyes, wishing to find out what happens next. Whenever mentions of the king came up, words describing him as ‘unfaithful and whimpering’ made you pause with offense. Why, you're the most loyal and brave person you know!

Then came your gasps when you found out the king died of execution after the queen found out he was indeed cheating with the Queen's sister - The White Queen. In the story he definitely deserved that, but can you really relate to this king? You've never had such ideas… It makes you gag just thinking about it.

Although, the similarities are undeniable.

Marius being the ever enforcing and temperamental Queen of Hearts. Meanwhile his cousin, Wyn, the gentle and patient White Queen.

Then comes Alice’s perspective of this story, you’ve met Alice before. Although when you first met her, she was but a little kid with millions of questions who broke into the castle’s gardens and somehow managed to become one the rose painters.

You had barely been able to talk Marius into letting her stay for a night so you could at least offer a child a place to stay, just as the Queen of Hearts in the books seems to detest this wanderer.

And now, Marius, like the book’s Queen of hearts, is on an insane search for Alice now that she has returned as a young adult. You felt terrible, you really did, but this time no amount of kisses or tarts will be able to soften his resolve.

And it seems this resolve of his might land him in the same fate as this book’s Queen of Hearts.

Beheaded.

A shiver ran down your spine as you held your throat – how could you prevent everything? While you don't want someone you knew as a child to die, you also don't want Marius to die.

With a few minutes of thinking, you finally looked up from the book to notice how the morning sun had finally set in the sky. You felt unease dip into your stomach, even flinching once you heard a knock at your door — making you shove the book into your chest of journals under your bed.

・・・

That evening, while you had been seated next to Marius as he ordered the court servants, you felt a pressure on your heart. How do you make him stop his tyrannical ways? But just the idea of stopping him makes you feel nervous.

After all, you can't just barge into his chambers after dusk and politely ask him to stop or else his fate of dying will happen. You quietly bit your lip out of nerves, despite being a worrywart on the daily, Marius noticed and turned to you with concern.

“My king,” he called out as his gloves hand tilted your chin slightly up from its place against your dress’s puffy collar.

You blinked quickly, as if mentally resetting while you nodded wildly, crown slipping slightly before you gingerly readjusted.

“You look as if you're trying to suffocate yourself, is everything fine?" Marius asks as his rose painted lips turned down into a deep frown, the expression of your worried queen would usually warm your heart but right now isn't the time.

“I'm just fine my queen, but I have.. Something I wish to discuss with you later.” You find pause before whispering behind your gloved hand. “After dusk..?”

You nervously propose. Although you're far from any perversion, the ‘after dusk’ part seems to get him thinking differently of the situation.

Maybe he thinks you're trying to flirt with him but right now you're trying to count down the seconds before you reveal dangerous information.

His voice softens to a low purr as he focuses on you, the hand that had tilted your chin moved to cup your cheek delicately.

“Then seek me out after dusk, I'll be ready." His voice tightens teasingly as he leans in to press a warm and red kiss against your forehead. It almost looks like someone stamped your head.

You sputter an appreciative gasp, almost forgetting your goal. He only smiles slyly while fixing the strands of his hair that fell out of place when he kisses you.

Oh, just what have you gotten yourself into?

・・・

Coming by after dinner, you’d tried your best to practice how you would handle each outcome and each emotion Marius may experience. If he gets angry, you have a strong kiss and hug to fix it. If he becomes hysterical, then you have servants with strawberry tarts on standby.

Taking a deep breath in, you ignore the sense of melting nerves in your stomach and legs. Just when you get brave to knock at his chamber doors, they suddenly open by themselves and you’re dragged inside until the door closes behind you. Your breathing hitches as you realize you're being held.

Unable to even adjust to the dim room only lit by the setting sun, you can barely register the chest you're resting against.

“My king, don’t be so polite.” That familiar purr tickles the side of your face as you feel your hands held firmly until they're properly rested on his hips. Your eyes widen.

“My queen—“

“I said don’t be polite.” Now you can properly see your husband in his thin silk nightwear and barefaced. It’s always a relief to see his beauty mark under his left eye, but you cannot be seduced so easily!

But then again this is your husband, you nearly drool at the indulgent thoughts before remembering why you were scared to meet with him to begin with.

You snap out of it right before you continue trailing your hands along his thighs under that dainty nightwear he clearly chose for you.

You hopeless King…

You quickly back away before politely kissing Marius’ cheek.

“My Queen, I’m most joyous to be with you tonight but.. Truthfully, I called to ask if you could do this one small, ittsy bittsy thing for me, my love.” You can feel his confusion even when you avoid his gaze, only meeting it when he hums in partial agreement.

“Come clean, I'm unsure why a request had to wait for our chambers.” His voice remains soft despite the offense of you teasing him.

You gulp, wrapping your arms around his shoulders now as you begin.

“I was hoping you could, maybe,” you place one kiss on his nose.

“Just a polite maybe, you could.. spare mercy on Alice?” You continue your soft kisses against his face as he seems to melt eagerly, until you say Alice.

“Alice?” It’s almost as low as how a snake would hiss. Peeking up, you can see his brows furrow and eyes narrowing terribly before you pray that your luck hasn't run out today.

“My Queen.” You urge him to listen as you press your forehead against his temple. Something that makes him happy even when he’s clearly furious.

“Please, consider it. I had a… Premonition?” If that’s what you could call when you find out your entire life is a storybook and you read it. “Terrible nightmares plague me.”

He stays silent as you can faintly see his furious crease of brows turn into a concerned one. You decide to take advantage of that.

“I can barely sleep at night.” You give your best performance, voice dipping into a nearly tearful speech.

“I had this nightmare of you dying… I feel as if chasing Alice makes you forget your humanity. Please, let the child go.” You lean in again, this time kissing the beauty mark below his eye. Surely you did enough.. Right?

You feel him relax in your arms as you do so, seeming to at least consider doing as you ask. Only beginning to speak when you lean back and stare at his eyes.

“My King,” Marius seems terribly regretful for whatever he's about to say.

That's when you begin to panic, was it not enough?

“I wish I could agree with you, I truly do. But I've seen enough from the scroll of prophecy. That child.. Will slay my jabber-baby-wocky.” He grasps your shoulders with big tears in his eyes, you hold your breath. Your weakness..!

“My queen I truly didn't..”

He stops you as he begins to sob into your shoulder.

“She must not get anywhere near her goals. That little boy will never get away with killing my baby wocky.” You have to compose yourself as you rub Marius’s shaking back, wondering if you should tell him now.

“Marius, but I've seen more than a scroll. I've seen the entire thing! If you continue down this path you will–”

That's when Marius stops sobbing, moving back slightly to let you see the tears that had wet your shoulder still drooping along his cheeks, yet gone is the sadness and instead there's a seeming hope.

“What will happen, my king?" His voice is too calm for someone who was just bursting into tears a moment ago. “If you're holding information from me, I must know now before it's too late."

His nose brushes against your forehead delicately as his perfume sweetly surrounds you.

Oh God, you're weak. The tears, the touches, the perfume.. You thought you had everything planned out!

“My, my queen, I,” you stammer, trying to not give in. But the last push comes at the peek you do when you look down at the opening of his nightwear.

The beauty mark on the right side of his chest.

Your blood stopped rushing to your head the moment you saw that.

“Alice will get the kingdom to behead you after defeating the jabberwocky with the Vorpal Blade!" You yell out in defeat, eyes closed tightly.

You half expect Marius to be furious and instantly begin to yell for servants to come storming in to heed his commands to bury the sword and Alice. Yet when you open your eyes, all you see is his thoughtful expression.

You've never seen him this calm after grand revelations before, so what gives?

“I see." He scoffs before giving his attention back to you. “That little brat intends to use the sword I stole from Wyn? And then use my own kingdom against me?"

Yet, all that remains in his expression is a strange sense of humor tinged with sorrow.

“Marius, you mustn't be rash." You admit as he backs away from you, taking a seat on the velvet colored bed.

“I wasn't planning to be, I have much to worry about besides my own head. After all, what will happen to you?"

You blink at his words, while you cheeks warm up.

“Me?”

“My king, I don't wish to see you ever threatened. So I've been rethinking lately..” He pats the bed next to him, signalling for you to sit.

When you take a seat, his hand holds yours in his lap.

“Maybe it's better to be loved than feared.”

Your mouth drops open and your eyes nearly pop out of your head.

The idea of your Marius ever saying this – No, the Queen of Hearts, saying this is less believable than the idea of your life being a story.

Then again, just because a story resembles something doesn't mean it'll definitely happen. Especially with outside factors to affect it. It would be insane to think that you'd die from the punishment of adultery when you've proven your loyalty time and time again, so by extension… Marius may be able to change too?

“You look like I've told you the worst secret in the entire Wonderland." Marius chuckles at your astonishment before he presses a kiss to your cheek. “I haven't shown it enough lately, but you've made me rethink everything. If you feared me, then you would've never been someone I cared about to begin with.”

He pauses as he watches your expression closely, wanting to make sure you're digesting it all. You quickly nod and hold his hand tighter, making him smile warmly.

“I realized, I can't be a true Queen if I don't love my subjects or my subjects don't love me. So I've been thinking about changing my ways.” Marius looks away with a slightly blush present on his cheeks. You can help but lean closer and rest a hand on his thigh.

“So, you'll stop searching for Alice? And make amends with your citizens?” You feel too hopeful, your heart racing with a light anticipation.

“I suppose I will. And if my King would like to assist me, I hope they choose to on their own.” He looks away shyly before glancing back at you only to be tackled onto his bed as you straddle him.

“Of course I will!” You can't help but to be overeager with how well everything was going. You didn't even realize how you looked saying this out of how eager you were.

But you noticed when Marius’ breath hitched and you felt your hands on his warm chest.

“Just be gentle with me, my King." He blushes as his hands grip the bed sheets.

Walking through the dark, early morning forest, you watched as Celeno effortlessly flew above you to keep his guard up like you'd asked him to. It was amazing honestly, you even created a camera just to take photos of the curious sight. 

The sight of someone flying was still new to you despite Celeno having done multiple circles overhead the path you were following. 

“This way! I can see the village!" Celeno calls out as he flies further, you eventually lose sight of him as he disappears in the trees. You decide to make the best of it as you take more photos of the forest while letting your worries flow. 

Having a moment to yourself, you finally take a moment to let the last few days wash over you properly. When you came to this world… What were you wearing? Looking down at yourself now, you were wearing the products of the village you had been dropped in - which was a tunic and some trousers. 

But looking back on it, both you and Lilith had heavy, white robes on when you woke up then. Did the priestess take it because she didn't want you to be connected to Lilith? Or was it simply to assimilate you into the villages by making you seem like an everyday citizen? 

Either way, the moment clothes came into your mind, you felt like you had an itch to scratch. 

Maybe you should make your own clothes? There doesn't seem to be any limit on the power of creation besides making something that requires genuine life. 

But as you mindlessly continued walking down the dirt path, you suddenly heard a soft hissing getting closer. 

Moving your head around wildly, the sound took you by surprise. Trying to spot what was making that noise, you were suddenly grabbed by your backpack and lifted into the trees. Your newly crafted camera left to hit the ground with a soft crack as the lens shatters and it snaps one last photo. 

Looking down as the floor becomes farther and farther, you hold onto your backpack tightly while kicking your legs helplessly. 

“AHH, LET ME DOWN! CELEN..” You screamed until your mouth was suddenly covered by a claw, another creature? You glanced away from the great height you've been dangling from and looked at what seemed to be a face - shaded from the shadows of the tree.  

Long dark hair falls over their shoulders as their cold claws hold your tunic’s scruff, their eyes shining under the shadows. 

“Not too hasty, human." The voice is raspy yet undeniably gentle. “What are you doing in the forest? Mages and magicians alike aren't allowed to travel through these shrouds.”

You tilt your head before realizing you've been gawking at them ever since the figure had let their hand fall from your mouth. Noticing your silence, they only tilt their head curiously.

“Not a mage or magician huh? That would explain the.. Poorly tailored clothes.” You felt yourself sputter at the insult before snapping out of your awe struck trance. 

“Hey, these clothes are the products of a village's hard work. And just why would this forest not be safe for humans?” You shake your head with irritation, you felt oddly protective over the village that had taken care of you before you left. 

“I slept an entire night here safely.. In a way.” Thinking back, you were ambushed midway through your sleep by your newly acquired friend, Celeno. Speaking of which, did he forget you and hurry on by himself? 

“You must be a foreigner if you don't understand what exactly I mean,” the grip on the back of your tunic tightens before you're hoisted up further and seated on the branch. Only now do you get to properly see who grabbed you while you'd mindlessly strut the path. 

It's.. A snake? Person? Snake person?

His tail subtly shines against the wood, camouflage clearly in usage. The tail is longer than the tree as you can now see it's wrapped around the branch with some excess dangling off comfortably. 

“You seem unfamiliar with the world, and that raven you'd been with earlier is enough for me to understand.” He raises a hand to cover his sly smile as he slithers closer to wrap around the branch you've been seated on. 

“You are the Maiden of Creation, are you not?” He waits for your nod before continuing. "Your raven friend shouldn't be trusted. His loyalty is one thing, but his lies are another." 

Your brows furrow as you feel interested to listen further, heart beating faster not from fear but now anticipation. 

“I only warn you as every forest creature knows of the maiden’s prophecy, that raven isn't your friend, he's your–” 

But before the snake’s words can continue, two claws suddenly grab his shoulders before the swing of a dark head leans down within a blink of an eye, you're frozen in place as you hear him choke. 

The sound of flesh and muscle being torn fills the tense air, before you watch with wide and fearful eyes as blood seeps from the ripped throat of the snake. Some of the blood even sprays your face as you're frozen in place. Unable to do anything as he bleeds out and falls. 

Life is unable to leave peacefully as the scaled corpse's entire body goes slack, unraveling from the branch as it falls onto the forest path, dirt kicking up from his fall. 

You can only stare at the sight below you before you hear the perpetrators spitting the torn skin and muscles out. 

“So nasty! Snake!" He continues coughing while he wipes blood onto his feathers. “Did she hurt you a lot? I can make you better!” Celeno urges as he swipes gently at the blood on your cheek. The difference in his cruel and sudden murder to this friend of yours.. It's unnerving. 

His smile is too big for someone who just killed right in front of a friend. In fact he even tries to get closer to you with the exact wide, friendly smile he'd used to greet you. 

“Stay away, do you not realize what you just did?!” You order as you shuffle back, hazardously swiping at the blood that got on you.

“But.. I saved you.. I saved the maiden? I am a good protector, am I not?” His innocent tone of voice and the absolute violence you just witnessed makes you second guess your reaction. 

“I told you to protect me from the demons in the village, I wasn't even threatened by him..” You gesture to the lifeless snake on the forest ground, their neck torn brutally out. "Why did you do that?”

Now he looks even more sad and hurt, soft coos leave him as he pouts at your anger. As if anything about your anger was misguided. 

“Snakes.. Hurt humans all the time, what if they tried to hurt the maiden.” Then he explains further, wishing to calm you after seeing your disgusted expression. "Forest creatures don't like humans, so if you aren't recognized in time, they'll just tear you apart.” 

He nods, the righteous nod making sense to him. But you're still (rightfully) suspicious, after all the snake had only been conversing with you. 

Why did he decide to interrupt right before they would reveal something about him? 

Yet you're a weak opponent against Celeno’s overly-eager puppy look when he seems to gain back his resolve. 

“Please maiden, next time I protect you, I won't do it in front of you.” He clasped his clawed hands together with a hopeful caw. That idea makes you gag even further. He would do this behind your back? To think you called him cute just last night… 

“She was telling me something, something concerning you." You snorted before removing your hands from his and wiping the blood from his onto your tunic. 

‘Must've known something he didn't want me to know’ You mentally note. 

“Snakes are liars!” His feathers puff up in anger as he slams his hands onto the branch you both are on, suddenly the adrenaline of seeing someone murdered before your eyes disappears as you clutch the branch like a lifeline. 

“OH GOD! Ok!” You decide to placate him as you steady yourself on the shaking branch, “..Let's just get down and then we can continue going to the village. Remember that? Our plan to go to the village to save the villagers from the demons?”

You decide to play along, if Celeno isn't to be trusted. Maybe it's not a good idea to anger him while you're in a tree with him… 

He lights up at your words before he reaches over and lifts you from the branch slightly, causing you to gasp as you freak out until he hugs you tight against his chest. 

“I'm glad my maiden understands.” He chirps happily, until he falls off the branch calmly while leaving you to grab onto his neck tightly. Although, you feel a little weird about being called someone’s maiden. But that feeling quickly goes away once you see him begin to slide off the branch. 

“Celeno!” You screamed as he began to glide down with you helplessly holding onto him. By the time you get down, your entire body is stiff as it hits the floor after you had taken your arms off his neck. Celeno checks over you curiously with a confused caw as one of his clawed nails carefully pokes your cheek. 

At this rate you might never get used to this world… 

・・・

White silks paired with shining diamonds being draped against her figure, carefully tied veils holding her hair together – Lilith was in the midst of getting ready to meet the kingdom’s Emperor. Something about the Maiden’s duty being prophesied to assist royalty; Lilith was already familiar with being forced to be responsible and how to handle these ‘duties’ with diplomacy. 

She just didn't expect her previous responsibility to follow her into another world? 

In the midst of getting ready she got lost in her reflection whenever she stared into the mirror beside her lofty bed as she got ready, all she could do was stare blankly into her own half awoken eyes. 

‘I only got here a few days ago,’ she thought. ‘Yet I'm already expected to assimilate to this world’

Ever since she got here, she's been training to hone her so-called God given powers with etiquette classes that would kill anyone with less patience than her. Not only has she suffered the work that's been forced onto her, she's been having repeated dreams of her - no, your shared deaths. 

That desperate expression marked her nightmares as much as losing her life did. Sometimes she would touch the sleeves of the white robes you had worn before they stripped you of your presumed identity. 

It's even worse that she knows you're here in this world with her, yet she's not allowed to find you. All because of what Priestess Yuna says. 

“That… Peasant isn't worthy of being with the maiden, your place in this world is placed above all else. If we risked it by letting them back into your life, we would risk this kingdoms’ rightful life." Is exactly what she remembered her saying a few days ago. 

Of course, Lilith didn't agree with this but she doesn't have much going for herself even as the ‘all-important-maiden’. Sure, she is fed three times daily, dressed comfortably and beautifully, given her own room and bathroom, and allowed to explore the church’s grounds (under those annoying priestesses in training’s supervision). 

But is that really enough to replace the loneliness she felt in both this world as someone who is revered and in her original world as someone who was just as obsessed over? 

That's when she thought of you, what were you thinking when you saved her - she'd only seen you a few times before as you both attended the same college. And even then, these few meetings were hallway passes and polite exchanges over assignments. You didn't stick out from the crowd, and she never felt that you placed any importance on her. 

So what drove you? 

Basic empathy? If that's the case then she still wishes to meet you, wanting that same empathy you'd given previously to at least have at least one familiarity in this new place. She can't even wrap her head around the entire situation. 

Magic exists, and she's able to use it – plus she's apparently a key figure in the current solution to the kingdom’s conflicts? It's like having to forget all the rules she'd previously known just to become someone else. 

Finally pushing away from the mirror, she stands tall as she walks to her door. Remembering her lessons of how to use her powers. ‘I hope this works..’ She silently gulps as she closes her eyes. Having never used her powers yet for her own benefit since she's always being used to help others. 

‘Visualize.. Then feel as if you have the object within reach… ‘ The magician’s voice echoes in her mind as she uses the advice. 

With enough focus, she imagines something that would help her make the guards outside fall asleep. Perhaps a music box with a lullaby that creates sleep? 

Soon, a music box is slid out of her door, the tune of the small thing playing until the guards both fall to the floor. Peeking her head out the door, she feels accomplished when she sees them fall asleep to the finishing tune of the music box as she steps over them to move further down dim hallways of the church. 

Flat soles create soft patters against the stone floor of the Hall as she ventures, until she attempts to push open the doors to the ceremony Hall. Only to hear a familiar voice follow behind her as the door stays firmly in place, a stubborn thing. 

“Maiden Lilith, just what are you planning before your meeting with the king?” Unfortunately, the door has an amber eyeball that follows every move. A clear sign of Priestess Yuna’s own watchful ones, her magic in every door that she ‘blesses’. 

“I just wanted fresh air.." Lilith answers, biting her lip without turning around. ‘Please don't question it..’ She prays. 

“And that required the guards to fall asleep?” Yuna’s voice turns stern as she begins to lecture Lilith on her responsibilities, making Lilith sigh and turn to listen to the priestess begrudgingly. 

The lecture is a fading thing however once the ceremony hall door is suddenly opened by an unexpected appearance. 

“I can hear you from miles away, Priestess Yuna.” A voice calls out with a venomous tone. Lilith turns her head slightly only to see the ever familiar magician, although the composure usually found on him is dampened by something. 

Before Yuna can even greet him sarcastically, he waves the letter she had given him. The letter with your promised coordinates. 

“Where is the other maiden, they weren't present at the village you supposedly dropped them at?” His hands grip the letter, the letter Yuna’s assistants had written that held the promise of you being sent to that village at the borders. Unaware of your adventures as no one knows of your moves despite her promising you were well protected and watched over. 

For the first time, Yuna looks a little nervous while Lilith looks terrified. 

Her only potential friend in this world. 

And it seems you're already lost in this terrible world.

・・・

The blood on Celeno’s wings and face were still concerning to you, so you had forced him to drop down next to a lake to wash himself. In the process, you decided to wash as well. 

‘It's still near dawn, surprisingly, the sun has barely risen entirely into the sky.’ You note as you set your baggage down under a thick bush. 

“I can help the maiden wash!" Celeno announces happily as he inches closer before you splash water at him as your way of rejection. 

“No it's fine, trust me. I think you and I have different ways of showering.” You chuckle awkwardly as you watch him splash eagerly, fully submerging himself before coming back up with his long, wet strands of hair sticking against his face like seaweed. He caws happily before going back to splashing as you hide behind a few rocks to undress and wash the bloodied clothes. 

Honestly Celeno would make you flustered but at this point, watching him seemingly appear from thin air and then killing a snake-person.. You can't exactly say that you expect that he will ever notice you in the usual way. Plus he's technically always naked since he's just a raven with his feathers covering him entirely. 

You decide to relax against the edge of the pond, signing softly from the way the cold water calms you until you get to work. While you scrub the blood out of the tunic and pants, you can hear footsteps coming closer – nearing you! 

You almost burst out the water before looking down at your naked form below the surface. Looking down, you decide hiding might be better. After all, Celeno might get the pass of being bird-brained, who's to say that whoever is coming closer is in a similar state of mind? 

Carefully, you maneuver around the rocks to strain your ear as the owner(s) of these footsteps come closer. 

The voices are faint at first but the lively conversation between the three becomes something you can actually hear. 

“Can you believe it? The demons are taking more and more from that village and the church is doing nothing about it!" One voice gleefully exclaims. 

‘Don't tell me… ‘ You freeze against the rock. 

“It's a blessing the kingdom is blind to their lesser villages' needs, after they seem to be concerned with their precious maiden.” The other replies calmly, although the implications that the demons are stealing resources from the already poor village just makes you shake your head in disbelief. 

‘These must be…’ You feel even more terrible. Resources stolen from poverty-stricken communities and somehow none of this is reported to the church? 

“.. Wait, do you two smell that?" The third of the party pauses their conversation to an eerie pause as they all stop. 

‘Smell?’ Now it's your turn to turn around and attempt a quiet backing away… Wait, can they smell you..? 

After hearing this, you try to back up quietly from the rocks until Celeno appears out of nowhere and loudly greets you. 

“Maiden, are you done bathing yet?” He's so annoyingly adorable with his feathers and hair all drenched, but right now you're near to just choking him. “I'm ready to dry of–!”

You attempt to shush him but just pressing your hands against his lips while saying ‘shhh’ isn't enough as the rock you had just been hiding behind is suddenly punched into pieces. 

“A human and a harpy? How funny." Horns on each of their heads, the variety of tails, and even the stereotypical sharp teeth come into view from the broken rocks. 

Celeno is the first to react as compared to you who is too busy staring at each of their features with curious eyes, “Stay away from the maiden!" He courageously covers you with one arm as he walks in front of you. 

Of course the demons just had to find you during a time like this. And of course Celeno is proud to announce you as the maiden. You can only sigh as you watch the three demons turn to each other with confusion before laughing. 

Getting married to the Duke, Eraz Lilac, wasn't something you would've considered when you were trained to become a debutante.

In all your teachings related to your duties as a married partner, you considered marrying into a smaller, noble family. Preferably one that manages trading ships and ocean freight as you'd grown up with a family that did the majority of work near the sea.

But to marry a Duke? Never imagined, even when you had finally married Duke Lilac. Even when you stared at the office that would become your own space to review documents and manage your side of the manor.

The manor was a dreadful thing, upon arriving you'd thought ‘surely I can fix this’. But with the year you've spent here so far, the manor seems to naturally have vines climbing its brick walls, dark shrubs with thorns growing around its fences, and the Duke of the manor itself was…

Well, you had grown adjusted to the man who was as aloof as his manor. Duke Lilac was just one of the many obstacles you had to grow past, learning that his family was naturally cold towards everyone except those they could give their heart to.

And the Duke's heart was already with his mistress, or as the servants of the manor refer to her as - ‘Duke Lilac’s true love’.

Over time you found it easy to admit that you were nothing but an arrangement that worked only for house politics and even began to enjoy your separation from Duke Lilac.

However this realization ended the moment you'd heard of Eraz returning in a pool of his blood

・・・.

Writing your usual letter back to your family who always wishes to know how you are, your hand found itself still the moment heavy and quick steps came to your door. Taking a breath in, you'd only hope it wasn't anything out of the ordinary.

A servant wearing a terrified expression with heavy rain dragging his form bursts into your room.

“Duke Lilac returned injured in his carriage!”

The words struck you, Eraz returned injured? Him and his men had gone out earlier today to visit the kingdom’s south borders to keep check on the recent flood… Learning more you found out he had been ambushed by some assassins from an old enemy of Eraz.

You could only rub your temple in worry while assuring everyone you'll take care of the manor, it displeased you to hear everyone begin to worry about the worst. Especially since you'd rather not imagine a manor without the ever important Duke Lilac.

“Yes, I'll make sure everything runs smoothly from here on out.” You find yourself pausing when you remember a certain someone. “Duke Lilac’s caretaker can be Lady Bella."

Somehow all the servants turn to each other with weird looks before one shyly admits.

“The lady has.. Ran away with a few important paintings from the Duke’s inventory.”

Your mouth gaped with shock before you coughed and claimed back your composure.

“I will take care of the manor and the Duke.. And please, send the message to search for Lady Bella. Thievery will not be forgiven." You nod to the knights as they step out to do that.

Now you're stuck with the Duke who’s in a coma from blood loss and traumatic shock, and a manner that seems to bend away from your care. Unfortunately, you're someone who cannot look away from those in need.

The days pass by as you manage the manor while taking care of Eraz. Ensuring he gets his medicine that you feed through warm soup, clean his bandages and wipe him down, and even brushing his hair; knowing that the Duke would curse you if you let his vain appearance go uncared for.

Truthfully, you could only hope that when he finally wakes, you can finally give him the divorce settlement you've been planning for a few months. After all, if he does wake and everything goes normally he won't feel anything but slight gratitude for you and more worry for the runaway lady.

But when does your life ever go as you expect it?

・・・

In the midst of recovery, Eraz’s life had flashed behind his closed eyelids. In a more literal sense as the Duke found himself watching memories that were not his own, yet still remain his in the sense that it will inevitably happen to him.

The scenes play out with little to no difficulty, smoother than a dream. This was the prophetic remains of his future.

Lady Bella had been by his side after he found her on the run, initially taking pity on his mistress while believing that you had threatened her. So he had taken her back into his manor with all the forgiveness of a saint while blaming you despite your care of the manor and him during his coma.

Mistaking the lady’s lies for truth, he endlessly blamed you until you finally made the mistake of reprimanding her in front of him. Leading to your exile, then to your disappearance.

It was only once he'd grown weak once again from yet another attack that Lady Bella finally decided it was his time to learn. She had been secretly delivering information to his enemies while planning her run with his riches.

And so, even if he escaped an attack. A dagger still found its way into his heart when he returned home, one of the metal that sunk into his cold heart and the guilt of remembering you.

You, in all of your unappealing manners and appearance, made him feel hope.

‘If I could turn back time.. ‘

・・・

You'd been writing a letter while sitting at Eraz’s side, the soft lamp shade next to you keeping light on your pages while you ensured Eraz wouldn't experience any night terrors. He had been shifting in bed lately with gasps with white knuckles clutching the bedsheets. You figured to keep him company lately whenever the night seemed too restless for someone in the weak state of your husband.

Hearing the familiar sounds of his struggle, you quickly place your journal and quill down before sitting next to him as you press a cold rag to his feverish forehead.

Usually that does the trick to calm him, along with you easing his hands off the sheets, but tonight was different.

His eyes shot open the moment you pressed a cold rag to his head, you only stumbled back out of fear.

“... You scared me, Duke Lilac. Please, relax. I’m only here to care for you." You didn't miss how his breath hitched when you reached for his hand, and instead of moving his fingers away, they weakly gripped yours.

You nodded in understanding - he must be terribly ill after such a long time spent bedridden. Maybe his eyes had been closed for so long he began to mistake you for Lady Bella?

“You've been asleep for two weeks, the physician and I have been keeping track of your health. Do you remember anything before you went unconscious?” You ask carefully as you get him to sit up, he seems too weak but you adjust accordingly to make sure his back is against pillows you piled high.

Eraz nods before you rub his arm.

“Here, you can tell me and the physician all you can later.” You tip the glass of water carefully towards his lips, missing how his eyes stay on you and his hand seems to curl around yours with more strength.

Blind to the emotions pooling in his eyes, you continue to believe nothing is different.

・・・

Ever since Eraz woke, he's been.. Pestering you. If that's a word to use to describe a husband trying to talk to his wife.

You can't even bring up the divorce settlement with how insensitive it seems when you find Eraz after he learns about Lady Bella’s run to freedom, his eyes darting so often whenever anything moves and the hurt that radiates from him - felt from any part of the room he happens to be in.

Your only response as someone who still believes that your place is as his business partner but not wife, was offering your company while you write letters. It seems the offer of your company made him think you wanted to get closer to him.

With your breakfasts and dinners suddenly becoming a shared activity with Eraz, you tried your best to soften the blow when he shared his wish for a shared bedroom - to repent for his ‘previous negligence’. Does he really want to do everything with you?

“I'm just expressing my worry, I have never felt neglected by you Duke Lilac." But your words only seem to make him more eager.

“You still refer to me as the Duke, not husband.." His hand cups your face before you slide away.

“Apologies, formality was always my strong suit. Besides, our separate beds have always given me happiness. I enjoy my privacy.”

“And I cannot enjoy your privacy with you?” It would be comical if you could laugh right now, but he's pouting while he says that.

You could only sigh while hiding your face in your hands, most of these recent arguments just seem to make you the forfeiter as most of the time you cannot fight Duke Lilac with any good reasoning.

After all, what's wrong with a husband wishing to sleep with their spouse?

Plus… The servants of the manor seem to respect you now after all that you did to take care of the Duke and the Major's affairs. In fact the vines you so hated have recently disappeared thanks to the hardworking gardeners (who must've been half-assing their jobs before you became someone they could respect).

The whole situation makes you sick, mainly from the realization that the manor seems to be bending to your will… And probably over the fact that Eraz doesn't seem to be hesitant in his sudden decision to keep you close.

Returning to your room after a long day, you couldn't find the contract you hid away in your shelves as you searched. When you grow frustrated, that's when you finally notice Eraz somehow snuck into your room while you weren't watching.

Turning around, you almost gasped at the sight but covered it with a cough. He sits on the edge of your bed with the paper you'd been searching for, waving it teasingly.

“You don't actually want to leave me right? I thought I'd done everything right..” Eraz hummed before standing, his shoes softly clacking against the floor as he came closer, folding the paper into his back pocket.

“Done everything right? As the Duke you've done amazing, you keep everyone in the kingdom safe. But this marriage, it's just unnecessary.” You can barely manage a polite smile when you can smell the faint scent of your perfume on him. The moment your words reach him, he doesn't hesitate to grab you close.

Your head nestles against his chest as you're forced to listen to his gentle heartbeat.

“It's necessary for me, I already know your family’s endless support means that you being here is almost entirely useless. But I've just remembered how important you are to me.” The words feel more intimate than the pathetic excuse of a kiss you two had shared on your wedding day. His arms tighten around you, as his heartbeat begins to rush its own tempo.

You've been rendered silent, completely unable to process the situation.

“That night, when I woke up to your face, I had just woken up from a nightmare where I'd watched you leave without even trying to get you back.” He admits, burying his face into your hair without shame. Is he smelling you?

“You felt like a balm, and ever since then, I've wanted to see you more and more until you were the first face I'd see waking, to the last face I'd see as I fall asleep.” You can feel him smiling against your hair, before you finally move to look at him.

His expression finally completes your suspicions. Wearing the face of a lovestruck fool, hardly any of his expression holds any doubt or shame that he would have if he was truly just saving face. These past moments with each other haven't just been his appreciation, but instead your warning of what kind of buffoon your husband has become.

“You've changed.." Your words muffle against his shirt. His heart still beats calmly, the silk of his shirt paired with the soft chest under his clothing makes for a better trap than quicksand. You're melting. In the most unfortunate way possible.

“Is that so bad? Am I not allowed to change? To love you?" He doesn't let go, his grip becoming tighter around your back as you realize there's no way to avoid him. Or to avoid this situation.

Marriage.

A word that sends either the coldest of chills down the spines of debuting aristocrats or delivers the warmth of greed into the most money hungry of families. The world hadn't evolved enough to even conceptualize marriage of free will within lines of nobility, so you, like any girl coming of age, was sent off with a man of great riches but weakest backs.

Not to say he was old, in fact your sisters speak of your luckiness after coming to your wedding, saying that the Duke of the Lilied Manor, Eraz Lilac, was both youthful and handsome as he was just a year older than you. Yet in these pictures of marriage and living with this husband of yours, you can only lie in each letter you send to your family to assure them of your well-being.

Not a single soul is blind to the way you and your husband have no love for one another, rather, you've agreed to multiple contracts speaking of desired factors Eraz wishes for. Such as the separate bedrooms, only consummating once a year, and allowing Eraz to keep his mistress - Lady Bella. Truth be told, you were hurt at first when you had been shown your place in the marriage.

Your parents were nothing short of affectionate, you grew in a place of love and respect. Only to be thrust into a world where you had neither of those, yet you still write these letters of complacent happiness. Your hand stills as you hear thunder outside the manor, tilting your head at the window before closing it and instead pulling a match to some candles.

Right when you finish signing off your letter in reply to your mother, you stare at your signature that you had written rather roughly. Nothing escapes your families eyes yet you don't rewrite anything further thanks to your already stuffed wastebin of pages with far more mistakes than a roughly written signature. Stamping it as the ink dries, you hand the letter to your trusted maid, Eve, before you both flinch from the sound of your bedroom doors being flung open.

“Duke Lilac is back! He carries injuries in the carriage he has ridden in!" The servant tells in hurry while approaching you to urge you to stand and follow.

Despite the lack of love between you two, you still feel concerned about Eraz where it's due. You haven't told anyone, but you indeed had feelings for the man before you learned of his true self.

You sigh as you follow the servant leading you to the physicians office, the door opens to reveal the smell of blood and medicinal herbs, along with the sight of your husband stuck in a bed with multiple bandages around his head and stomach. You felt your own stomach churn at the sight before you stepped closer, your heart beating faster with worry as you watched the labor breaths of Eraz.

“No worries Duchess Lilac, the Duke didn't lose too much blood and the injuries hadn't hit any vital organs. Although fair warning for the Duchess, the Duke may have had a concussion to induce amnesia.” I nod at the physician's words before thanking him for his service softly.

“Is there anything I can do as of now?” You turn away from Eraz to face the physician.

“No, but I'm sure if you'd wish, you may feed him his medicine every morning and night to ensure his speedy recovery.”

“Very well." Is all you reply, finally feeling calm after seeing the sight of your bloody husband, only to notice there's no sight of Lady Bella. Whenever something happens, she is the first to know despite you being the Duchess.

After all, the manor respects her far more thanks to the endless affection poured into her from Eraz. You cannot blame any servant however, Lady Bella, with all her support, can get someone fired with one clouded look of difficulty.

Yet you don't dwell on it as you decide to take up managing the house and affairs until Eraz recovers.

・・・

Eraz Lilac was a man of belief, yet adventure. His beliefs are grounded in the simple ideology that fate is real, and just as fate is believed, so is true love. That is how he had felt when he met who he had considered his only choice of marriage candidate - Lady Bella. The Lady was more than extravagant, she was elegant and granted more than what was necessary from a polite woman of her standing.

Words spoken like poems between the two, Eraz and Bella had decided that they would elope after a proper run away from society. Especially when Eraz was promised to a woman like you.

You? On the exact opposite of Lady Bella…

Was someone of zero understanding to his character, a rigid figure devoid of elegance and only spoke of work.

You had ruined his chances at happiness - even if he knew deep down you couldn't control any circumstances.

So the marriage went on bitterly, the sour taste of having his Lady so close to him yet being subjected to the role of a mistress. It infuriated him into creating meaningless contracts such as the separation of bedrooms, the only-once-a-year-yet-mandatory consummation, and especially the inclusion of agreeing to his mistress being kept here. All for the sake of his carefully held love.

So when he had gone on a dangerous trip between borders and was ambushed by an old enemy of his family, he expected that his return to the manor would call Lady Bella to take care of him. Yet.. And yet when he had woken days after his coma, he found you sitting besides him and changing his bandages.

You?

Why is it you? Did you push Lady Bella away? The thought is quickly pushed away when he sees you politely nod and explain what had happened.

“You've been asleep for a week, please don't move too much." You stood straight like you always do, asking a servant to call for the physician.

His eyes studied your form, still the same unappealing rigidness. Where's his Lady Bella?

“You have many questions, that much I can tell." You offer a small smile devoid of any warmth. “Lady Bella has run off with a portion of this estate's assets after hearing of your injury, she had feared you wouldn't wake. I didn't stop her, but I did try to soothe her. I tried my best, I hope you accept my apologies.”

And finally, you left once the physician came into the room that now felt colder than ever to me. The woman he had promised himself to.. Just left him? During his weakness? His sleep?

Instead of questioning if he would be alright, his thoughts fell to what went through Lady Bella’s head to have left him without even checking if he'd live. ‘Did she even love me’ is one of the many thoughts that made his heart rush faster.

・・・

It has now been two quiet weeks since the incident and you were most busy with fingers that practically stayed glued to parchment with each day, reassuring and solving disputes in Eraz’s stead as you were sure the man was too depressed to do any work.

Besides that, the amount of letters sharing each House's delivered grievances made you nearly sick when you had to read the sugarcoated words of worry and had to respond to assure them that the Duke of Lilied Manor will recover in time.

Finally relaxing as the clock hand hits 12 pm, you settle back into your chair as Eve brings in your snacks. You offered her a kind smile like usual and offered to eat with her, this schedule of yours has been practically going on ever since the incident. Taking care of this Manor isn't easy but you're flexible, especially so you can take at least an hour out of your day to visit the recovering Duke once you finish the documents and sorted affairs.

So once the hand hit that familiar 7 pm, you finally took and sorted everything before heading to Eraz’s room with a tray of his medicines prepared by the physician and a dinner meal prepared for a patient. When you knocked you heard no response, opting to open it like you've done so far over these days.

The sight still isn't easy for you, Eraz in bed like a lifeless man struggling to breathe.

Settling next to his nearly lifeless form if not for his breathing and eyes that follow you, you fed him and told him of your day in every detail. Understanding that even if he left you lonely, you shall not leave him to dry during this moment of vulnerability. Like always he doesn't respond, only eating what you feed spoonfuls of.

Once done feeding, you'd replace his bandages and the medicine in them, thankfully his wounds are healing faster so you can always just dab medicine into the slightly scabbing wounds and replace the gauze instead of the entire bandage.

With everything now in place, you hold his hand like you've done every past day, not to comfort, but to remind.

“You are a strong man Eraz, do not let yourself be dragged down by the events that unfold lately. I'll be here as your supporter, even if we won't ever be on the same foot.” You nod, once again, no warmth comes from anything you say. Yet you try your best to be encouraging.

And finally leave him for his rest.

・・・

The next day, the servants were more than shocked to see Duke Eraz getting up from his bed and actually moving to do things. Although it was in slow progression, you made sure to not miss a beat in assisting him to the bath with your eyes shut politely, sitting with him at meals to offer company, and even helping him with his work in the office.

His mind was still foggy, he wasn't sure if it was a sense of obligation, but he felt more comfortable around you ever since his coma. He'd seek you out the more time went on and the less you'd assist him, whenever asked why you weren't around as often, you would simply say :

“You have felt suffocated by my hovering, no amount of time shared between us can change the fact we are estranged. Although, I still consider you someone I care about."

The reply brought no satisfaction that it would've brought to him before. Why was this cold and business-like response that he had always found most pleasant about you.. Becoming the one thing he felt bothered by? He was someone who didn't care for you because you made it easy to ignore you, yet he can't ignore you any further now that it's come to this?

Did losing Lady Bella lessen his standards to who he considers a true companion? Looking at your back whenever you walk away brings a strange ache to his chest, was it the injury he sustained to the chest, or was it genuine heartache?

Yet you remain oblivious to his reactions, concerning yourself only with your work and the letters from family you respond to. Believing nothing had changed from when you had gotten married to the present, your resolved, rigid figure of yours, won't understand how even the simplest of change can signify the storm to come.

So when days continued by that this behavior of Ezra’s continued and only served to build his slow realization he had fallen in love with you. At that time of vulnerability, the space was closed by someone as clueless as.. As…

You!? The Duchess who is more blind to advances than a bat is blind in an open field?

He could only hang his head in shame when he came to notice his own behavior becoming increasingly desperate for your attention and approval. As if you were his hinge to a successful life.

And then, the promised night of that per year contract came. The only night that you and him would share a bed to consummate. You expected nothing of it, only wearing a comfortable shawl with your usual nightgown that covers nearly every part of your arms and legs.

Despite being dressed like a sleeping nun, seeing you wait there on the bed you two would share made Eraz’s heart race as he slowly approached. For once he felt conscious around you as you tilted your head at him.

“Do not worry, I have no expectations for tonight. You are still recovering both mentally and physically. Come rest, we shall sleep as usual." Your words left a bullet wound in his metaphorical heart.

Leaving him to nod bashfully, gulping when he slides into bed. Barely feeling your warmth, his face deepened in the shade of red when he tried to scoot in closer - just to see you glance at him and fix the covers to reach his chin.

You were so caring yet cold. As if you were someone he hired to protect him instead of someone he married.

Fortunately (or unfortunately for Eraz), the night passed peacefully without any touches or warrants of unneeded affection.

But that night finally left an impression on Eraz - he needed to court you properly, and soon.

・・・

It's been only a few days since that night, and yet Eraz has been seeking you out more than you'd like to admit. Often appearing with his charming smile he'd only wear for his Lady Bella, offering his hand or arm whenever you happened to see each other in the halls, and the worst of all… He began to request your presence during all meals of the day. All of them!

Writing down your complaints, you realized midway through that you sound like a madman.

‘Oh my sugar is too sweet and my butter is too buttery!’ Is how you would describe this written tantrum of yours.

You can't deny it, Eraz is trying to turn a new page and you aren't willing to do the same. You cared for him out of kindness, the love you felt for him when you initially met him died the moment you understood who you were to him.

Yet humans can change, that's the most unfortunate thing of all. You can't even blame him for wanting your company after you so much as willingly gave it to him during his recovery.

And now, you stare at your meal - a rather well prepared one, more of your preferences than your food would usually be since, as said before, the servants don't respect you as the Lady of the manor. It had always been Lady Bella.

“Is the food to your liking? I noticed your enjoyment of these meals more than the ones I usually ask for, so please don't be scared to ask for more.” That stupidly happy grin, as if your husband could ever be happy with you.. You offered a strained smile back.

“Thank you for such consideration, you are most kind Duke Lilac." You replied with a polite nod, hoping to remind Eraz of your relationship.

Yet he only pouted when he heard you.

“Can you call me Eraz? It feels too stiff for a wife to call her husband his nobility.” He gently reminds you.

You can only give half a mind to rebuke before nodding while chewing - unexpectedly the food made you happier. It's been a while since you tasted something that reminds you of home.

“Yes, Eraz.” You finally conceded, leaving him to smile before speaking to you.

Oh yeah, not to mention Eraz has been so much more curious about you lately. Often asking questions you felt weren't needed in your type of relationship to him. Yet you answered either way.

Eraz’s behavior that you were complacent with out of your own politeness soon became the same behavior that turned into Eraz asking you to forget your legal contracts he made you sign.

“I mean it," he looks away flustered before grabbing the page that carries all the promises that made our marriage the success it initially was. “I want our contracts to be dissolved, I think we have grown close enough to forget them and move on."

Yet you only stared at him, your right eye barely twitching.

“I'm sorry, but why would us growing closer warrant that?"

“Because the things mentioned in the contract are too cruel to carry out on my own wife." He furrows his brows.

“We are arranged, there's no need for guilt." You remain unmoved.

“Yet I am guilty, I wish to appreciate my hardworking wife. Not limit our relationship to only being for business.” He explains yet it only makes it worse once he notices your troubled expression. “What's wrong? Do you not agree to such a thing?”

You only nod.

“I cannot agree to this, I feel as though you only think to close this gap because you are indebted to me. When I took care of you, it was a polite gesture.”

“And yet you went ahead and did this polite gesture in more than one way, because I came to realize that if it was you who was injured..” He looks pained to admit it, but he continues when he sees you tilt your head slightly. “I wouldn't have done the same for you.”

Yet this admission doesn't surprise or hurt you. In all honesty, these are the conversations you prefer to have with Eraz. Knowing his true intentions, being able to understand the one you had the impression of.. But his heart has changed.

You don't like it, not one bit.

“Then let's compromise, I don't wish to waste any time." You glance at the clock, 12 pm, it's your evening break between your workloads. Following your eyes, he only chuckles.

“As uniform as ever," he finally pushes the papers he's been insisting on you agreeing to. “Please, forgive me for my previous stances.”

Your hand twitches as you grab a pen from his stationary, reading the print carefully, you can't spot anything unusual besides the formal agreement to dissolve the previous contracts settled during your marriage. Signing it feels heavier than the first contracts you signed for Eraz, yet you don't pay any mind as he takes it happily and you are finally excused.

It's truly weird, your husband is different. He's more affectionate in every way and it's as if every fact or statement about you has been acknowledged by him.

The week had gone by without a hitch, or better yet, head rolling.

Everything was in place, each party, each event, and every shared moment with Marius all made the days more pleasant when you were able to ensure others safety and your queen’s happiness. Marius had been beaming whenever you would perfectly press his heart enough to keep him entertained and feeling important.

It's not as daunting as it had been when you were both younger, and the kingdom greatly appreciates how much easier it is to celebrate and tolerate the tyranny of the queen.

Until this very morning, you had woken up later than usual thanks to the late night session of baking strawberry tarts. So waking up to screaming echoing around the entire castle, you'd gotten up and brushed off your velvet and drowning sleepwear without much consideration that the yelling had been for you.

Fixing your crown, you smiled widely as you opened the doors of your chamber just to see Marius heaving with an entirely flushed face and frazzled strands of hair that made it seem like he ran through the entire castle.

“My Queen.." You softly coo with sympathy before you spot a few servants behind him, their distant yells being mostly warnings.

“Don't ‘my queen’ me.. Has the King committed adultery?!" Despite his shorter stature, his voice has always rivaled even the loudest opera singers you've listened to.

But right now isn't the time for you to be in awe at your Queen’s wonderful vocals.

After all, he just accused you of cheating… You? Cheating? On Marius?

“Now now, why would I ever do that? Please My Queen, you are all that I could even think of in an adoring light.” You keep your voice soft as you slowly reach out to hold his hand, but he only clenches his teeth further and narrows his eyes.

Were you already so guilty in his heart?

“Then why do I hear reports of you visiting another’s chambers as of lately? Tell me the truth or forever be guilty." Even now as he's absolutely fuming at you, he cannot bring himself to threaten you.

Reaching up to itch your chin in thought, you close your eyes as you think about where you've been lately. Chambers.. Visiting?

Ah! He's speaking about that?

“My lovely Queen, I was visiting the towers to take care of your dear Jabberwocky. See? The poor thing has been shedding lately.” You open your door further and gesture for him to follow, to which he does with a curious suspicion.

When you reach into your desk drawers, you show the collected bag of scales to him.

“Does my Queen believe me?" You tilt your head to look at him as he seems stunned into silence, holding the bag gingerly as if you just presented him a delicate badge of honor. It takes a few moments of heavy pause to finally get a reaction from him.

Soon, Marius nods with tears forming in his eyes as he looks at you.

“Yes, this is more than enough.” He places the bag of scales aside and throws himself into your arms, arms tight around your waist as if you'd disappear any second. “I'm sorry. I shouldn't have doubted you, my King."

His muffled, soft apology makes your lips quirk up into a smile as you realize he's still the delicate Marius despite all the growing up he did with his responsibilities as Queen.

You don't miss a single beat as you wrap your arms around his neck and rub your cheek against his forehead.

“It's fine, I'm glad to see I'm at least important enough to be confronted like this.” You hum with a big smile, ignoring how his tears bleed through your sleepwear. Instead gently swaying with him in your arms, cooing out comforting words as you close the door behind him.

The servants in the hallway are both amazed and slightly scared of how you could deescalate the most foul temper of the Everheart Queen. Trembling as they head back to work, relieved their King has been spared.

You continue swaying with him until you manage to get the both of you to sit on the edge of your bed. Moving his head away from your neck, you cup his cheek adoringly, thumb wiping away smudged eyeliner dripping from tears.

Watching him instinctively fall further into your hand on his face, you remember what makes your Queen happier in these times of peril.

“Can my Queen make this up to me by enjoying the strawberry tarts I made?" You tease as you rub his side, planting small kisses over the side of his forehead. “I'm so hurt.. Only my beloved’s smile could fix my heart."

It's quite a sight to see Marius so vulnerable like this, his face slightly flushed with a mixture of softened emotions and his lashes wet with tears. He glances at you as he finally wipes his tears, his makeup ruined and smudged against your nightgown. Yet he can't look happier.

“I'd like that," he leans closer to place a tender and smudging red kiss against your cheek. “But indulge me, I'd like to stay like this for a little longer.."

You feel your breath hitch when he begins placing his lipstick staining kisses in a trail down your neck, yet you relax further into him as he buries his head into the crook of your neck.

Ever since you joined an accounting company, you've been harboring a crush on your popular and especially pretty coworker - Calis Wiles. He's one of the two senior accountants and has helped you from the first day you got here. It's not crazy to say you've been pining after him for a while. 

You show it in the smallest of ways, offering him coffee every morning, sitting with him at any shared breaks you may have, and going to him for advice whenever you encounter something new in a project. 

But as much as you'd like to act further on your feelings, you also recognize that professionalism is important. Alongside the fact that Calis is popular enough to have more coworkers crushing on him as you are, you're an extremely self assured person when it comes to matters of whether you are important or not. But recently another coworker of yours has been getting closer to him whenever you sit with Calis at your shared breaks. 

Her name is Mia Cerf. She's a fresh face, she joined the company two months after your arrival with her clumsy attitude, and while you can't help but smile warmly at how nervous she is around Calis, you can sense her admiration for him beaming every time she does something with his help. In a way, you're sort of cheering for them to move on into a relationship. 

So being the person you are, you decide to stop seeking out Calis and focus on getting to know more of your coworkers. 

Unknowingly, your disappearance from his usual schedule had left a gap in his heart. 

You don't pay much attention to those around you to begin with, always eager to work and start new projects, so when you had given him attention in the smallest ways, he felt sort of special. Then you called him a friend, he was even more happier to have someone not trying to only oogle at him. 

So when his friend started to go back to that workaholic schedule of skipping breaks and avoiding morning coffee, Calis had thought he did something wrong. So he thought to try doing the small things you initially did for him, only to mess up further. 

When you rejected his offered coffees on account of your stomach aches, he could excuse it. Then during breaks he tried to invite you to sit together to talk, you said that you were busy with the upcoming deadlines and wanted to avoid overtime, he was able to excuse that as well. 

It was reaching an edge where he lost his concern and finally felt something between desperate and frustrated when he spotted you walking out of the building with another senior accountant while laughing about God knows what. 

Someone like Calis, who has always gathered other’s hearts with a small smile and helpful hand, for the first time felt replaced. The gap in his heart only deepened when he would watch you during work, wondering what you're thinking under your calm mask, while hoping he still held a part of your mind. 

Were you even considered a friend to him anymore? 

Probably, most likely not. 

The way he thought about closing the distance and having that mutually accepted time together back, it was like hoping for a wish to come true. 

And the day the elevator suddenly stopped working when you and him had been inside together, that wish finally had some way to come true. 

・・・

You can only groan as you place your work bag down on the elevator floor, tapping the call button while Calis stood behind you, silently buzzing with excitement to finally have some sort of time with his distant friend. 

“Hello? Hello?" You pause as you realize the elevator call buttons are also broken, how did no one notice the malfunctions before this incident? “Shit, both the alarm and call button aren't working." 

You scoff with irritation as you grab your phone out before hearing Calis’ voice. 

“Y/N, I'm sure you won't be held accountable for this. Don't worry too much.” His soft voice hums through the air, anyone would be calmed by this sound. 

“I know, but it's the fact we're stuck. I'm not a big fan of.. Closed spaces.” You explain halfheartedly, not wanting to get into it. Thankfully Calis only nods with a small smile.

This entire situation was going well, from him coming in at the same time as you and getting into the elevator just in time. Knowing how you always come to work earlier than others was always something he admired in a way, while also subtly disliking that fact because that meant he was less likely to run into you in the mornings. 

As you finally took the call to get the front desk aware of the situation at hand, you took a wobbly seat down as you felt a sense of dread settle disgustingly in your stomach. 

Of course, Calis noticed.

“Is everything alright? Do you need any water?" He offered readily while kneeling to get to your seated height. 

“Yes I'm fine.. Just lightheaded." When you mentioned you didn't like closed spaces, you meant it. Your own cubicle has a smaller desk purely to make the space seem bigger. 

Calis didn't miss this detail either, making the situation look even better. If he comforted you perfectly, you'd come back to him right? 

Calis took a seat next to you before guiding your head to settle onto his shoulder. 

“Just breathe, we'll be out soon." He murmurs comfortingly. 

Despite your usual attitude of professionalism, it broke slightly when your nausea was eased by his cool hand holding yours. 

“You don't need to do this, I'm sure I can..” But as soon as you were about to excuse him, he cut you off. 

“I've been missing you, and the first time I get to interact with you in a while is when you're feeling claustrophobic.” He points out with a dry laugh, as if more offended you'd even think about moving away from him than scared of the broken elevator. "Let me help you." 

You went silent for a few moments before speaking again. 

“I thought you'd be too busy to notice.”

“Then don't think that again, please.”

You clench your jaw as you feel a sense of discomfort, not from Calis exactly but from the fact you're being confronted in a way you've never seen before. This gentle tone and caring attitude is exactly what got you to like Calis, yet his argument with you is proving that you can't just walk off from someone you became close with. 

Should you say something now? You haven't seen Mia around lately and suspected she transferred to another department that was less busy. Is it selfish to put your feelings out at this moment? You can only wonder before you nod to yourself. 

“I.. I only began to avoid you to avoid my feelings." Although your initial reasoning was to lessen Calis’ burden of admirers and workload, clearly it became a way to excuse yourself from admitting what you felt. 

“I know, it's pretty obvious when you like someone.” He teases with a more genuine smile, a softened look on his face as his grip on your hand loosens to rub a thumb over your knuckles. 

That's when you stopped and felt your face grow hot, this time not from nausea but embarrassment. 

“It is? I mean.. “ You look away as if caught red handed. "Then what did you think I was doing when I was avoiding you?”

“Well,” He looks at your face before moving closer to rest his cheek on your head. “I thought you were planning something at first, then I started to think I did something wrong.” His words become softer, as if guilty for a crime he didn't do. 

“And then, I began to think you forgot me entirely.” 

Looking away, you feel like you just kicked a puppy. It's bad enough you felt guilty in the first place, now it's doubled by what he felt. 

“... I'm sorry." 

“I hope you are." He smiles again, before asking. “So, do you still like me?”

You feel your eyes carefully trail over to him before you nod. 

That's all he needed as he reached over and gave you a kiss on your cheek, only to surprise you as he lifted you into his lap. 

“Never leave me alone again,” His voice is muffled as he eagerly stuffs his face into the crook of your shoulder, his arms weighing themselves around your stomach to pull your back against his chest. “Today after work, we should do something as a new couple.”

“Couple?” You felt your face flush slightly before you felt his arms tighten around your waist. 

“Is it that surprising? Do you need more from me to trust my feelings?”

You go silent when you feel his face pressed against your neck suddenly begin to gently kiss the sensitive skin there. One hand on your stomach to rub circles into you, while the other hand teases your thighs that you closed quickly. 

You can barely suppress your gasp and soft noises before speaking up, “Ok! Ok! I get it, you're my boyfriend now."