#cardude

Jude immediately tries to slam the door, but Nicasia manages to wedge her foot in the way

Jude’s so filled with shock, she doesn’t even initially register what Nicasia’s timing and attire would mean. When she does, she is beyond pissed, and also a small part of her is a little scared.

Jude really doesn’t want to prematurely announce her return.

“What are you doing here?” Nicasia sneers, apparently not taken aback as Jude was.

Jude wants to spit at her feet and say that as High Queen, this is also her bed chamber, so she has more than enough right to sleep here. Instead, though, her ire decides to say, “One could ask the same of you.”

“You’re supposed to be in exile”

“Did you think Cardan is obligated to make my return public knowledge?”

“If he doesn't want to go to war with my mother, I believe so. Though I don’t quite understand how human filth such as yourself interests him.”

As Jude opens her mouth to retort, a hand slips around her waist. “Good evening, Nicasia,” Cardan drawls. “A pleasure as always.”

“Cardan. Stop playing these stupid games. She’s just a mortal,” Nicasia says in exasperation.

“I would prefer you not degrade my wife like that.”

Nicasia rears to retort, and then her features are painted in shock. “Did you just say wife?”

Cardan smirks. “We would really like to go back to sleep, Nicasia. Thank you for this visit. Have a good night.”

He closes the door in her face and now Jude is the one in shock

“Everyone will know by tomorrow morning” she says, mostly to herself.

She looks at Cardan, and he doesn’t seem concerned at all.

“Let the think what they may. Nicasia will mull over my words all night to see where I could’ve lied.”

“But you didn’t.”

He gives her a serpentine smile. “No I did not. Once she figures that out, then I imagine all of Elfhame will know.”

Jude looks at how relaxed he seemed in this whole encounter. “You planned this, didn’t you?” She asks, realization dawning on her. “You invited her here and insinuated your bed was open”

He guides her back towards the bed. “I know you thought it’d be more fun at a revel, but I think gossip may be a dear friend in our situation.”

“You wanted to make Nicasia jealous.”

“No, Jude. I wanted to make her jealous and foolish.”

“That’s literally the same thing.”

“I wanted her to feel jealous about how my wife’s toe is a thousand times more beautiful and impressive than her entire being. I wanted her to feel foolish for ever thinking that it was ever any different.”

“Don’t try to woo me with your words.”

“Well thank god that’s not the only way I can woo you,” he says as he leans down to kiss her.

She barely lets their lips touch before pulling back. “You’re insufferable.”

“So I’ve heard,” he hums.

“And a terrible influence,” she says into the small space between them.

Cardan’s eyes drop to examine her, and Jude curses herself on her earlier haste. “That shirt looks lovely on you, Jude Dear.”

“Fuck you.”

He starts to walk her backwards towards the bed. “I more than hope you do”

Jude rolls her eyes as they fall back on the bed.