#cleobellos

Summary: Cleo has a panic attack due to the rain, caused by an event from her past. Magnus wonders the inn, only to come across Cleo in her state of panic, guilt overcomes him and he tries to help her overcome her fears. Rated K+

She had once liked the rain. But now, things are different. She now hated the rain. Every time she heard it pounding against the roof, every time she saw it splatter on the windows, a sense of fear crept into her stomach. And that hadn’t changed when she heard the beating of it against the roof of the inn. She knew it hardly rained in Paelsia, why did it have to start when she, Magnus, King Gaius, and Selia Damora had arrived? She sighed. She knew the true fear was just beginning.

Cleo pulled her arms around her knees, her back against the wall beside her bed. She felt the grip of terror’s cold hands around her chest, her breath coming out in short rasps, her heart pounding like mad. Her vision began to spin as the rain’s insatiable thirst for her panic continued to hammer around her. Cleo’s head whipped around the room, her vision chaotic, she could hardly breathe. 

She was strong; she had to stop this nonsense. She tried to get up, but ended up tightening her arms around her legs. Stop, stop, stop, the words echoed through her mind. This has happened every time it rains since that day months ago, the day that now causes her horror. Something wet fell down her cheek. She didn’t even bother to wipe the tears running down her face. Goddess, how she wanted her sister. 

Since childhood, her sister had been the one to comfort her when she was scared. Emilia would hold her until she calmed down, sometimes falling asleep in her arms. Oh how she longed to be held like that again, but now she had no one. No one to comfort her, no one to hold her. Nic, her only remaining friend who was also almost family, was who knows where. It wasn’t even a question if Magnus would comfort her; she already knew the answer was no. The reality that she had no one bit into her painfully. The room continued to spin around her, chest heaving, breath ragged, tears running down her face like the rain outside. 

Magnus 

He climbed up the stairs to the bedchambers of the inn. Several wooden doors lined the top of the hallway. He knew distinctly which door was his and which one was Cleo’s. Rain poured down outside, hammering the walls and roof pleasantly. He enjoyed the rain; it never rained in Limeros, or any of the kingdoms for that matter. He enjoyed the way it rushed down the windows, how it sounded when he was falling asleep. And that’s what he was about to do: go to sleep.

He walked towards his door, the one three down from the stairs. Instead of rushing into his room the minute he saw it, he stopped at Cleo’s door. A soft whimpering sounded from behind the door. Immediately, concern began to overcome Magnus. Was she hurt? What happened? He wondered. He twisted the round doorknob, relieved when he heard the click indicate it was open. Tentatively, he pulled the door open, careful not to cause any loud scraping against the door’s hinges. Magnus pulled the door open completely. His gaze immediately landed on the wall opposite Cleo's bed.

A petite figure hugged her legs to her chest, her arms so tight around her legs that he could see the whites of her knuckles. She lifted her head to look at him, her white-golden hair falling lightly over the sides of her face. He noticed her chest heaving, as if she was gasping for breath. But the most shocking part was the tears that rained down her cheeks. He had never seen her cry before, not once. Whatever had happened had pushed her far, farther than ever before.

He didn’t waste a second longer, rushing to her huddled figure in an instant. His legs hit the wooden floor harder than he had anticipated when he went to sit beside her. He placed his hands against her knees. "Cleo, what’s wrong?" He asked quickly, aware of the disquietude in his voice. She stared at him, not offering an answer. He shook his head, it didn’t matter what happened. She was upset, he had to help her. 

He moved to sit beside her, his hands leaving her knees and extending out in front of him. He watched her gasp for air. She hadn’t bothered to hide her tears from him. Cleo looked at his extended arms cautiously. "Let me help you, Cleo," he said, noticing her eyebrows had knitted together in confusion. 

"Please, I don’t know what happened, but let me help you. I’m not very good at comfor-" he was interrupted when Cleo wrapped her arms around his waist. He was shocked for a few seconds, his arms were still extended out in front of him. "Cleo," he whispered, the surprise wearing off as quickly as it had come. Her grip on him was tighter than he had expected from her. His arms were wrapped around her own waist, pulling her closer. 

"Tell me when you’re ready, Cleo." He whispered.

He felt her grip loosening around him a few minutes later. She unwrapped her arms from his waist, instead bringing her head down to rest on his lap. Her legs were still curled up behind her, but by then her breathing had calmed down to a slow aftermath. His arm continued to rest around her waist, his other hand stroking her hair gently. "You’re safe here, my love," he whispered delicately, continuing to stroke her hair.

She breathed in deeply, "The day before the attack on Auranos, it rained the worst I have ever seen. That night—her voice broke, emotion pouring out through every word—I stayed with Emilia the whole night. She died not long later. Since that day, the rain has triggered something in me, something I have tried to hide within myself. I think," she choked on her words, "I think it reminds me that everyone I loved has left me; it reminds me that I have no one left to comfort me the way she used to." Her voice was barely a whisper.

Cleo’s confession left him feeling guilty; guilty that he and his family had taken everything from her. He was heartbroken that she had to go through everything alone. He had been so selfish and conceited that he hadn’t noticed she was a beautifully broken turmoil. No, he wouldn’t think like that anymore. He had to move on from the past, to build a better future. And whatever the cost, that future would have Cleo in it.

"I’m sorry," he said softly. Cleo shook her head in his lap, "It isn’t your fault, Magnus." He exhaled.

"You have me now, Cleo. I will do anything to ensure your safety. You know that, don’t you? I won’t let you suffer alone anymore. You pulled me out of the darkness, and  I will be damned to the darklands before I allow you to drown in your own. "

Her head turned to look up at him, a grateful look on her face, along with a different look he had hardly seen before in his life, love.

"I scare myself with how much I need you, Magnus." She said delicately, he felt her heartbeat against his leg. It seemed to have calmed down to a slow, normal, tempo.

He leaned over slightly, gently so as not to disturb her. As he had suspected, she had fallen asleep right there in his arms. 

Summary: Magnus hasn't seen his sister in weeks, when she finally returns she brings unpleasantness along with her, nearly causing Magnus to lose the most important person in his life. Rated T.

Magnus sat at the Council Table, looking over maps of Mytica. After receiving word that his father was off "visiting" in Kraeshia, he knew this could mean one of two things: his father was either alleging with Emperor Cortas or gathering information to conquer the lands. Either option was bad news for Magnus and his spot on the Limerian throne. As he was analyzing the route of the Imperial Road, a knock at the throne room door caught his attention. He got up and made his way to the door. When he pulled open the door, he was greeted by a red-clothed Limerian guard.

"My apologies for disrupting your majesty, but we have just received word that Princess Lucia is here." Magnus stared at him in shock. Lucia was here? She had been missing for weeks after running away to elope with her tutor, Alexius. "Where is she?" He asked urgently. The guard nodded. "If you would follow me, your highness." The guard said as he began walking.

Magnus was surprised when the guard took the stairs up to the living quarters instead of the stairs down to the main entrance. He was even more surprised when the guard turned a corner and stopped at a small oak door. Cleo's chambers "You must be confused; this is Princess Cleiona's chambers." Magnus stated. The guard didn't answer, instead he knocked on the door. Within an instant, the door swung open to reveal his sister in the doorway. "Lucia," he started but stopped when she pulled him inside and into a tight embrace.

"You're here," he said. "Yes," she responded, a bright smile on her brilliant face. "But why?" he asked, pulling away from her. "Can't I visit my brother?" She asked defensively. He shook his head, "It's just... after our last meeting... after you hurt Cleo, I thought..." his voice trailed off. Where was Cleo? These were her chambers, after all. "Speaking of which, where is she?" He asked, trying to sound as dismissive and casual as possible. "Not very far from here, actually." Lucia stepped to the side to reveal Cleo slumped against the wall, her body lifeless and unmoving.

He rushed over to her, taking her limp form in his arms. "Is she sleeping?" He asked, aware that alarm seeped into his voice. He patted her shoulder gently, then harder when she didn't stir. That's when he noticed a spot of blood on the back of her head. He touched it, pulling back when the blood was still wet under his fingers. Had she fallen and hit her head? But that wasn't all. After her head, he began observing the rest of her body. He pulled back her cardigan to reveal a large patch of blood on her chest, seeping through her pale grey dress. Her heart, she had been stabbed. Magnus looked up at Lucia. "What happened?" He asked firmly. She stepped closer to him and Cleo's body.

"I killed her," she said with a shrug of her shoulders. He gaped at her before shaking his head. He grabbed Cleo's wrist and pressed two fingers to her pulse. Nothing. She was gone. He let out a sharp cry of pain. This wasn't possible. Cleo was his life, his light. He couldn't live without her. "Why?" He shrieked, glaring at Lucia. "She insulted me. I'm doing you a favor, you know. " She said, her eyes wide with confusion."How, how is this a favor?" He asked, taking Cleo's head to his chest and rocking back and forth. "I hated her. You hated her. I solved our problems. " She smiled wickedly. "I didn't hate her!" He yelled, his voice breaking. "I loved her!" He continued, something wet running down his cheek. He didn't even care. His love was gone. The only person who saw good in him, who saw through his masks, was gone. He hated Lucia for this.

"I-I-I didn't know Magnus, I'm sorry!" Lucia stuttered, realization overwhelming her face. "Sorry won't fix this!" He shouted, cradling Cleo in his arms. His love was gone, his lifeline, his wife. Her smile could never light up a room, her laughter never seep into his soul, tearing him away from reality ever again. He was useless without her. A complete and utter mess. Life meant nothing if she wasn't in it. He remembered all the times he shared with her; Lady Sophia's villa, the Temple of Valoria, saving her from execution, the war of Auranos, their wedding.

"I can fix this." Lucia said, bending down beside Cleo. She placed her hands on Cleo's chest. He watched as green light moved from her hands into Cleo's body. Earth magic, she was reviving her. After a few minutes, she removed her hands. He watched Cleo's face expectantly, but after a few minutes, he let out a loud sob, pushing back the hair that coveted Cleo's face. She was just as beautiful as ever, even in death. He leaned over, placing a kiss on her forehead. He placed his face in the crook of her neck, taking in her scent of flowers and sunshine. Suddenly, he felt something lightly stroke his hair. He pulled back to see Cleo's face broken in a light smile, her eyes brightly colored. "Magnus," she whispered, placing her hand on his non-scarred cheek.

"You're alive!" He exclaimed. She didn't respond, but instead turned her head to look at Lucia. "You..." she began, furry seizing her face. "I'm sorry," Lucia said quietly. Cleo looked at her for a moment before nodding her head. She tried to pull herself up, but Magnus pulled her closer to his chest. "Don't do that again, do you hear me?" He whispered so only she could hear. She looked at him and smiled. "I'll try not to." She responded. He chuckled.

How had he ever hated her? She was so kind and forgiving, beautiful both inside and out. He stared into her eyes for a moment before whispering in her ear, "Don't you dare get yourself killed again, or I'll be lost without you. I care for you, Cleo, I truly do. " He turned to face her, her eyes wide, and said, "And I you." With her words, his heart filled with love, if it was even possible to fill more with his love for her. And in this moment, he knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. He couldn't, no he wouldn't, live a life without her. No matter what it took to protect her, he would

Summary: Magnus gets jealous of a man Cleo meets at a Paelsian tavern. Rated T.

Author's Note: Sorry for not posting in a while, I'm currently working on another Magneo project that's taking up most of my time, I'm sorry! I'm also now on Fanfiction.net!

Summary: Magnus and Cleo have a conversation alone at dinner.

Cleo

She was just finishing the last stitch of her dress when Nerissa came to inform her that dinner was ready. She sighed, setting down her needle and thanking Nerissa. She didn't despise dinner, but the traditional meals of Limeros were never very appetizing to her. And then their was Magnus. Because servants and guards did not eat with the royal family her and Magnus, being the only two royals, ate alone together in silence. She began her decent down the cold stone staircase of the Limerian palace, wrapping her arms tightly around her chest. After weeks of being in Limeros she still hadn't gotten use to the cold. She turned a corner and admired the familiar wooden door of the dining room. She had to admit, King Gaius had a knack for getting great carvers too carve his doors. This one having carvings of snakes, the symbol of Limeros, around the door frame. She gently touched the handle but immediately drew back from the cold metal against her skin. Tentatively she pushed the door opened and turned to close it behind her. She turned to see Magnus already sitting at the head of the table. There was not much to look at in the dining room, all the walls and windows were a dark, foreboding black. She chose her normal seat at the far end of the table, wincing as the wooden chair scraped loudly on the floor as she pulled it out. A second later two servants brought out two bowls of slightly steaming soup and a plate of cheese and bread, two separate plates for her and Magnus. The blond servant who brought her plate placed a goblet of Paelsian wine in front of her. Cleo nodded and smiled thanking her for the food. The girl curtsied politely.

Magnus

"Princess, I will never understand why you insist on being pleasant to them." He stated. She shrugged, making her white-golden hair fall from her shoulders "It's a matter of respecting all people." She said, looking at him over her spoon. "I don't believe you respect me" he said curtly. She snorted humorously. "Yes, I don't believe so." She said, faking a considerate expression. He looked at her amusingly, she was very entertaining to be around both visually and verbally. Tonight she wore a light grey dress with the sleeves attaching to the lower part of her upper arm. Her neck and ears adorned with silver jewelry which brought out the sparkle in her Cerulean eyes. Her hair loose and falling over her shoulders and back. He preferred when she tied it up,, it was much less distracting. They ate in silence for a while. He noticed Cleo tracing her fingers over the table runner. He watched as she closed her eyes, still tracing an invisible image on the runner. She sat back in her chair a faint smile crossing her face. He loved when she smiled. Well, he loved it when she did anything, really. Twirling her golden hair, her fixed gaze when discussing finances, and the way she pouted when he was being difficult. "Are you enjoying the table runner, Princess?" He asked amusingly. She slowly opened her eyes, gaze fixed on Magnus She exhaled slowly, dropping her eyes to the runner. "When I was younger my father had a runner commissioned for our dining table." She rubbed the runner softly then continued, "it was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. Last I saw it was when he wrapped it around my ring." "I mean Lucia's ring" she corrected herself. "He gave it to me when he was dying. He told me to honor his, my sister, and my mother's memory with them." She smiled sadly and he felt an ache in his chest. She had lost so much yet she was so brave, so caring, even towards him. His gaze met her's and she tilted her head slightly, urging him to say something. "For a runner? All that?" He asked. "Yes" , her face lit up slightly. "Well, I'll be sure to gift you a runner when I die to add to your collection". He said. She laughed melodically, another thing he loved about her. " I most certainly will give you my funeral dresses when I die. Perhaps you could wear one at my funeral." She said, He crossed his arms and pouted, imitating her. Jonas had once told him what he was doing was flirting with Cleo. He had disagreed but now he wasn't so sure. He wanted her so badly he was willing to try anything. She laughed and he turned his head away from her to hide his smile. This was one of the best dinners he ever had.

-Falling Fanatic

As a huge theater kid, I decided to create a musical based off of the Falling Kingdoms series by Morgan Rhodes. It is available on Spotify, Amazon Music, and Tidal under the name When Kingdoms Fall (When Kingdoms Fall, We Still Have Each Other on Spotify). This musical is still in-progress so it is not yet complete. I am still new to the musical world and have only heard a few musicals that are included in the playlist (Wicked, Hadestown, My Fair Lady, Beetlejuice, Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, Heathers, Vanara the Musical, The Lightning Thief, SIX, Little Shop of Horrors, Miss Saigon, and Newsies.) It is also worth mentioning that this is fan made.  Here is the meaning and musical procession of all the songs in the Falling Kingdoms musical:

Defying Gravity (from Wicked): Emilia and Cleo have a discussion about Cleo’s future. Emilia knows she’s on her death bed but only wants Cleo to have the best future possible. Elphaba is Cleo and Glinda is Emilia. I know it’s a bit odd to add this one, especially with the context. Cleo wants to put herself in danger to save Emilia, Emilia knows she is dying and does not want Cleo to get herself hurt.

2. No One Else (from Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812): This song takes place after Theon rescues Cleo from Jonas’s kidnapping. He admits his feelings for her and she too shares his feelings. This song is told from the point of view of Cleo. Takes place right before Theon is murdered by Magnus.

3. Chant (from Hadstown) : Skipping a few chapters and events, this song takes place during the battle for Auranos. Hades is Gaius, Persephone is Althea, Eurydice is Cleo, and Orpheus is Magnus. The workers are the warriors on both sides fighting for Auranos.

4. Dead Mom (from Beetlejuice): This too takes place a few chapters and events later from the capture of Auranos, or Chant. After King Gaius is placed on the Auranian throne, Cleo is used as a figurehead to gain the trust of the Auranian people. This song is from the POV of Cleo in her room, asking for advice as well as a sign from her dead mom.

5. Pierre (from Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812): After the announcement of Cleo and Magnus’s engagement, Magnus sings of his life and what he dreams/dreamt it to be.

6. Popular (from Wicked): When Cleo makes friends with Princess Lucia Damora (Magnus’s sister) she gives her pointers on how to be liked, and loved, by her people. (As stated in the series, the Auranian people do not care much for Lucia).

7. The Wedding Ceremony (from Miss Saigon, featuring Eva Noblezada): This song details the events of Cleo and Magnus’s wedding before the rebel attack begins. Also, the song of Kim’s (Miss Saigon) people I have interpreted to be a traditional song of the Auranian people sung during a wedding.

8. Skid Row (Little Shop of Horrors): This song is from the point of view of Lysandra and Gregor Barbas. Lysandra (Audrey) and Gregor (Seymour) sing of the poverty in their home village in Paelsia. Also, please ignore the fact that Audrey and Seymour are lovers in the movie + musical.

9. Why We Build the Wall (Hadestown): When King Gaius starts his work on the Imperial Road connecting the lands of Limeros, Auranos, and Paelsia. The workers are the enslaved Paelsians and Hades is King Gaius. Jonas, Brion and Lysandra are featured in the song (not really in the actual song).

9. Fight For Me (Heathers: The Musical Off Broadway Cast): Takes place after Jonas kidnaps Cleo for the second time, where they are on good terms, and saves her from the attack on the rebel camp. Cleo details how she knows Jonas will  fight for her, as well as cares for her, which she thinks Magnus does and will not.

10. Strong (from The Lightning Thief): While Magnus is observing the work on the Imperial Road, his mother Queen Althea visits him in his dreams to remind him to be strong. (I know the timeline is slightly off, I apologize).

11. Any Way the Wind Blows (from Hadestown): After returning to the Auranian palace, Cleo is exposed by Gaius to be a rebel spy and traitor which she is later sentenced to death for. This song takes place in the room she was locked in as punishment for spying. She details how she feels alone, and wishes to have the comfort of someone else.

12. Heart of Stone (SIX): After she is exposed as a rebel spy and traitor she is then sentenced to death. This song takes place in Cleo’s prison cell awaiting her death.

13. You’ll Be Back (Hamilton): From the POV of King Gaius after he finds out that Magnus has rescued Cleo from her cell and the two have fled the castle. Rumoring to be accompanied by a famous rebel leader, Jonas Agallon.

13. On the Street Where You Live (from My Fair Lady the Soundtrack From the Movie): From the POV of Jonas as he happens to be walking by the Auranian palace, disguised of course, to find Magnus sneaking Cleo out of the palace. Tension is high between Magnus and Jonas due to the recent death of Jonas’s friend Brion. He joins the party in hopes of protecting Cleo from Magnus. (I know this isn’t in the books but I felt it would be a nice approach to the story).

14. Livin’ it Up on Top (from Hadestown): After fleeing from the palace, Magnus, Cleo, and Jonas find a place to eat and rest at an Auranian tavern. At the tavern, the threesome meet an elderly woman singing about the harshness of life, but how it could be much worse.

15. All I’ve Ever Known (from Hadestown): When the elderly woman’s performance is over, the penniless threesome must find a way to earn money. The tavern’s owner overhears their discussion and offers a deal: Cleo must preform a song in exchange for money. However, Cleo is forced to sing with a biligerent Magnus to complete the deal. (The song was also chosen by the tavern owner, which Magnus finds to be quite evil).

`16. As Long As Your Mine (from Wicked): After Jonas leaves to meet with Lysandra, Magnus and Cleo are left alone to find shelter. Upon arrival at Limeros, it is insisted by a Limerian noble, Lady Sophia, that the pair spend the night at her villa. After the days tension, Magnus and Cleo are forced to share the same room together. During a discussion on why Magnus saved Cleo from execution, he admits that she is the only light in his life. This song illustrates the conversation between the two.

17. I Still Believe (from Miss Saigon): Told from the POV of Lucia ( she sings both Kim and Ellen’s part of the song) at the Temple of Valoria in Limeros. She sings  to Alexius, believing that there is still a way for them to be together. In the end, Alexius still kills himself to relinquish Melenia’s control over his body.

18. Burn With Me (from Vanara the Musical): After the arrival of Nic, and the battle with Amara at the Temple of Valoria, Nic, Magnus, and Cleo have to find shelter until they can safely return to Limeros. After creating a sling for Magnus’s broken arm, Cleo and Nic look for firewood to keep the fire they started going. At Nic and Cleo’s departure, Magnus sits at the fire recalling the night at Lady Sophia’s villa and the strong feelings he has began to feel for Cleo.

19. No Good Deed (from Wicked): (Frozen Tides) Taking place after the events of Lucia’s interaction with Magnus, Cleo, and Nic at the Limerian palace (with Kyan at her side), she sings of how the old her, who believed in goodness as well as kindness, is gone and she wishes to never do another good deed again.

20. No One Else (Reprise) (from Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812): (Frozen Tides) After the wicked confrontation with Lucia and her new friend Kyan at the Limerian palace, Cleo recalls the first time she ever saw Magnus smile (during his reunion with Lucia) and finally admits her feelings for Magnus.

21. Wait For Me (from Hadestown): After hearing Cleo’s speech at the Limerian palace right before the arrival of his father and Amara, Magnus finally, finally, lets his need to protect her over come him. He sings this after realizing that King Gaius has kidnapped Cleo and plans to have her killed. He sings of never letting her go without a fight.

22. I Still Believe (Reprise Kim’s part only) (from Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812): After being kidnapped by King Gaius and Amara, Cleo manages to escape from the Limerian noble Lord Gareth’s house where she was awaiting the King’s sword. She manages to escape by cracking a wine bottle over Amara’s head, and climbing down a trellis on the side wall. After grabbing a Kraeshian bow, she wanders through the Limerian forest looking for a place to stay for the night. She sings about still believing in her relationship with Magnus and taking back her kingdom. (Told from Cleo’s POV).

23: Dust and Ashes (from Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812): While wandering the Limerian forest for Cleo, Magnus decides that he is not ready for death just yet and does not wish to have death rip Cleo away from him.

24. Papers (Instrumental) (from Hadestown): After wandering through the Limerian woods, Magnus finds himself in a confrontation with a handful of Kraeshian guards under the assignment of King Gaius to find Magnus and bring him to him. This instrumental illustrates the fight between Magnus and the Kraeshian guards. (I also know this does not happen in Frozen Tides but I wanted to add a little bit more to the story).

25. Nothing Changes (from Hadestown): After a rough battle with King Gaius’s guards in the forest, Magnus manages to win but not without the cost of a black out. While knocked out, Magnus is greeted by the Kismet (similar to the Fates),  which are creatures of Mytican mythology that are said to know the future of all living things. “Nothing Changes” is sung by the Fates as a warning to him to not continue on his journey. Despite the Kismet’s warnings, after recovering from his black out Magnus proceeds on his journey to rescue Cleo.

26. If It’s True (from Hadestown): After hours of searching for Cleo, Magnus begins to doubt the Kismets warnings.  In spite of the dangers of rescuing Cleo foretold by the Kismet, Magnus decides that his love for Cleo is more important that anything else. He decides that Cleo’s light means more to him than anything in his life ever has.

27. Promises (from Hadestown): Told from Cleo’s POV, after escaping Lord Gareth’s house she comes across Magnus who confesses to her his love and his passion for her. He tells her that he cannot promise all the good in the world and she responds that all she needs is his love and a “steady hand to hold”.

18. Something To Believe In (from Newsies): After dueling with his father, Magnus and Cleo sit around a fire in the cold Limerian woods on their way to meet with his Grandmother. While sitting alone with Cleo, he mentions to her that she gave him something to believe in despite his father's darkness.