#gcl

Guess what?

Me and @randombush3 have a new series coming out. Well two actually, two series, one universe.

Please acquaint yourselves with Antonia and Charlie Sinclair.

Gutta Cavat Lapidem

Fata Viam Invenient

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Antonia could’ve sworn these boxes used to be bigger. As she settled into her seat, cramped between her father and her sister, she couldn’t help but feel the walls closing in. The buzz of the crowd seeped unwantedly through the glass windows of their private room at Wembley Stadium, amplifying her discomfort. It was supposed to be a special occasion, a chance for the family to bond over a shared interest. But for Antonia and Charlie, who shared a mutual contempt for football, it felt more like a prison sentence than a privilege.

Empress Maria Feodorovna's dresses (or Minnie's closet)

I have already published a post with some of Minnie's dresses. But Minnie was a fashionista. She loved to dress well, and she had to. After all, she was the face of the monarchy in Russia since Alexander III was less visible to the public than she was. She did a great public relations job and made sure she had the tools...dresses by the latest French designers, shoes, hats, fans, and a lot of jewelry. It seems that Sacha did not mind the huge bills.

Happy birthday, my dear @meghanlovesash! I wrote this Rhys/Addie fic for you! I hope it brings you happiness. I love you so much, and I hope this year is your best year yet! 

XXX

I awoke slowly to the sunlight streaming in from behind the curtains, opened my eyes, and stretched. I wasn’t surprised to find myself alone and small in my large marriage bed. Rhys couldn’t sleep even if he did like to lay in bed with me as I was falling asleep. I loved that he did that. I always found it easier to sleep when he was beside me.

I sat up and looked around. It was much later than the time I usually woke up. I must’ve slept in. It was then I remembered what day it was—my birthday.

Just as I remembered, there came a knock at the door, followed by a cheerful “Addie? Are you up?” in the voice I loved most.

“Rhys!” I said, smiling. “Come in!”

My husband nudged open the door and entered our room. He was holding a tray which he set down on my bedside table before kissing me on the forehead. “Good morning, love,” he said. “Happy birthday!”

I gasped in delight. “You remembered!”

“Of course I did,” he said, smiling so fondly it made my heart skip a beat. “I would never forget my wife’s birthday.”

“Of course not,” I said, blushing. “You’re the best husband.”

“Speaking of which,” he said, “this is for you.” He gestured at the tray he’d set down on my bedside table. It was laden with breakfast food—bread, jam, butter, fresh fruit and juice, eggs cooked just the way I like them.

My stomach growled with hunger. “Oh, Rhys! This is wonderful!”  

He gave an adorable theatrical bow, looking pleased with himself, and I tucked into the eggs before they went cold. They were delicious.

I patted the space on the bed beside me. “Sit with me?” I asked.

“Gladly,” he said. He floated several feet into the air, leaped over me, and settled down on the bed next to me. I laughed. He could have just as easily walked, but he knew I liked to see him fly.

He wrapped his arm around me while I ate, and I sighed against him. I could live in this moment forever.

“I have a surprise for you later,” he murmured in my ear.

“O-oh?” Surprises were exciting, but they also made me nervous.

“You’ll like it, I promise,” he said.

“When is this surprise?” I asked.

“As soon you’re ready,” he said. “We can go as soon as you’re dressed if you like.”

I smiled. “I’d like that.”

As soon as I was finished eating and dressed, we headed out to the courtyard. I looked around, but everything seemed to be normal as far as I could tell. “What’s the surprise?” I asked.

“May I show you?” he said, holding out his hand.

I knew instantly what he meant and nodded excitedly. I took his hand, and he pulled me into his arms, and the next thing I knew we were flying. I gasped in delight as we flew higher and higher. I should’ve been frightened of falling, but I knew Rhys would never drop me.

I felt safe in my husband’s arms, the heat of his sorcerer’s flame keeping me warm.

“Okay, we’re here,” he said, speaking softly into my ear. “Look down.”

I did and gasped again. We had flown up past some low level clouds, and what hadn’t been obvious from the ground was obvious now. They’d been manipulated by Rhys to form a pattern—a large heart and the words “Happy birthday, my love”.

“Oh, it’s beautiful!” I sighed. I turned in his arms to kiss him square on the mouth, and he tightened his hold on me and kissed me back. Fireworks exploded inside my chest. I felt happy enough to fly under my own power.

“Does this mean you like it?” he murmured against my mouth after I had pulled away.

“I love it,” I said breathlessly. “And I love you.”

“Oh, Addie,” he said. “I love you too. Do you want to go down now?”

I shook my head. “Just a few more minutes.”