And somehow, that’s how the next half-hour passed: Ron, Hermione, and Harry collapsing into giggles as they paired every ridiculous combination of classmates—Seamus and Crabbe: Marriage. Luna and Goyle: Affection. Ron and McGonagall: Enemies ("eh, she loves me, really.")

Eventually, Hermione turned to Harry, eyes glinting.

“Your turn. Who’re we doing?”

Harry groaned. “We are seventeen. This is a game for third-years.”

“You laughed when Neville and Snape got Lovers,” Ron pointed out.

Harry folded.

“Fine. Just not Malfoy.”

“Coward.”

“Do Cedric,” Harry said, trying to sound casual.

They did.

Harry James Potter Cedric Diggory → Friends.

“Wholesome,” Hermione noted.

Ron leaned over. “What about Tom Riddle?”

Harry froze.

“…What?”

Hermione grinned. “What about Riddle?”

Harry blinked. “Tom Riddle?”

“You stare at him more than your textbook, mate. Something you want to tell us?”

“No! He’s— He’s insufferable.” Harry said, too fast.

“Why?” Hermione asked innocently, already scribbling. “He’s technically quite fit.”

Ron choked on his biscuit. “Hermione!”

“What? I said technically.”

“You said it with feeling!”

But she was already counting letters.

Harry James Potter Tom Marvolo Riddle → 6 unmatched letters.

They counted through:

F – Friends L – Lovers A – Affection M – Marriage E – Enemies S – Sweethearts

They stopped at 6.

“Marriage,” Ron read aloud, face frozen.

Hermione burst into cackles.

“Burn it,” Harry muttered, face hot. “I swear, burn that paper.”

“Flames, yeah? Looks like someone’s got the hots for Riddle.” Ron said helpfully, and got a pillow to the face.

Later that night, long after Ron had passed out snoring into a Chocolate Frog wrapper and Hermione had mumbled something about elf labour in her sleep, Harry sat hunched over his desk like he was plotting a heist. He even straightened his glasses.

And then, with all the solemnity of someone preparing a formal duel invitation, he wrote:

Harry James Potter Tom Marvolo Riddle → Marriage.

He stared at the word. Utter rubbish. Stupid. Didn’t mean anything. Obviously. Unless he was a thirteen year old girl— which he was not.

He folded it up anyway and tucked it into his bag. Not expecting to see it again the next evening, slid beneath his pumpkin juice at dinner by a sleek black owl.

Unfolded, in clean, elegant script:

You forgot to carry the 2 in your first count. We’re actually “Affection.” But I won’t hold it against you, eager as you clearly are to marry me.

—T.R.

Harry’s face caught fire.

Juno wanted to reach for Rae’s hand, to intertwine their fingers and be without a care but with Mara following them, she had to restrain herself. If Mara did truly report to the Queen, like she had said, anything that even seemed intimate would be disclosed to the Queen. And all they had worked for, their positions, their dedication to the Kingdom, would be null. Juno wasn’t sure exactly what would happen to the two of them, but being exiled did cross her mind. So, Juno saved it for a moment alone. That didn’t stop Rae from looping her pinky around Juno’s, putting the happiest smile on the Elven woman’s face. Their first stop was a tailor’s shop she had heard only wonderful things about in one of the poorer districts in the Capital. Mara had disgust on her face as they arrived, stepping over puddles and scoffing as she saw people begging in the streets. Juno gave as much money to them as she could, Rae doing the same, and didn’t mind the dirt or mud. She grew up in places like this, and she always gave her money back to these districts.

The shop was surprised to see her enter, the owner snapping their fingers as other employees brought out wine and food. Juno shook her head, telling the workers that there was no need for these extravagant things. Instead, she asked them to direct her to the formal gowns that had been made here. She ran her fingertips over the materials and smiled.

“You’re work is gorgeous. I would be lucky to have something made by you in my closet.” she said to the tailor, who was left speechless. “Not many have your stitching ability or… or even your imagination.” Mara scoffed at Juno’s words, both her and Rae turning to face her.

“There’s far better designers in the Castle, or even in the richer districts. Just because your want to do charity, doesn’t mean you need to come to the slums for clothing.” she looked at the clothing on display and shook her head. “You are a part of the Royal Court. You should dress like it.” Juno was about to speak, but Rae beat her to the punch.

“So, you believe she should wear… items like she is today?” Rae gestured to the pale blue dress on Juno, the material light and airy, and it clung to her like it was made on her. Mara nodded, admiring the dress.

“That is what the Royal Court should be wearing. Something made from a Royal Seamstress, or one of the new artists in the richer--”

“This dress came from a shop just down the street from here. The one who made this is now getting orders and making affordable clothing for people in the slums.” Mara was speechless, trying to find something to say. Rae gave her shoulder a reassuring pat. “Some of us are able to think for themselves, outside of who sucks up to the Royals and nobility. You should try it sometime. The world can be pretty great.” she took her hand off Mara’s shoulder and shrugged, looking over at Juno with a small smile. Juno turned her attention back to the clothing, careful not to laugh too much. Mara’s ego had already been wounded enough. The three of them bounced about the shop, Juno complimenting everything, Mara even taking the time to stare at a certain piece she fancied.

Juno, however, stopped on a sheer dress, lace covering where her breasts would be, and flowing delicately below the waist. The sleeves went down to the wrists, buttoning up snug so it wouldn’t slide around on one’s arms. “This is beautiful.” she was the speechless one now. “I would love to wear this for the ball tomorrow.” she pulled it down and held it up to her chest, facing Rae.

“Lovely.” Rae smiled, turning to the shop owner, who seemed to choke when Juno said she’d wear it.

“My Lady, I’m sure the Royal Seamstresses--” Juno put the dress back and grabbed the tailor’s hands, looking them in the eyes with the utmost kindness.

“You have more talent than even those at the top. Believe me when I say your gift should be on display so your shop will always have customers flowing through it.” She gently squeezed their hands, looking back over at the dress. “May I try it on?” “Of course, My Lady.” they grabbed the dress for her, directing her to a room divider. “Would you like me to stay and help or…”

“I’m sure the Captain wouldn’t mind. I don’t want to ask you of too much.” the tailor obliged, motioning for Rae to come behind the divider. “Maybe you could help Mara. She seems to admire that velvet dress on display.” the tailor looked over at Mara who was circling the dress now, feeling the fabric gently, just dusting her fingers against it. The tailor went over to her, meek as a mouse from her earlier comments… but Mara seemed a bit softer after what Rae had said to her. Juno allowed Rae to undo the back of her dress, smiling when she turned around. She planted a kiss on Rae’s cheek, the Captain grinning.

“You missed.” Rae chuckled, gently kissing Juno on the lips, pulling her closely. But Juno jumped at the chill of Rae’s armor and the two laughed before they slid the new dress over Juno’s head. Rae spun her around, buttoning up the back for her.

“Could you imagine dancing together tomorrow? Me, wearing this? You, in your gorgeous formal Captain’s wear?” Juno smiled at the thought and smoothed out the dress, admiring her reflection. “Come, stand next to me.” Juno looped her arms in Rae’s, leaning her head on her shoulder. “We’re a handsome couple.” she whispered, shutting her eyes for just a moment.

“We could dance together tomorrow.” Rae said, turning to look at Juno. The Elven woman pursed her lips, biting her inner cheek. “But…” Rae cupped Juno’s cheek, the two looking each other in the eyes.

“After what happened to Jo… and how much the Queen detests Lycans and those who even… who even love Lycans.” Juno grabbed Rae’s hand, intertwining her fingers in her own. “I don’t… I don’t want her to strip you of your rank. Or nearly kill you and dump you in some random town and never tell me.” Juno huffed as tears filled her eyes. “Love, I want to…” she sighed, quickly wiping tears away. “But I’m so scared of what she’ll do to you… I couldn’t care about myself. But you? I couldn’t bear it.” Juno shakily held both of Rae’s hands, looking down at them.

“I understand. I completely do.” she kissed Juno’s forehead, lingering for a moment. “One day we’ll be able to. And I will show you how wonderful my dancing abilities are.”

“Well, if it’s anything like the tango we dance frequently,” Juno winked, Rae laughing at her innuendo. “I’m sure you’ll sweep me off my feet.” she was about to lean in to kiss her, but Mara came around the corner, Juno stepping away and looking at herself in the mirror.

“Wow…” Mara mumbled, looking Juno up and down. “That is really lovely.” Juno smiled and turned to face her, noticing she was wearing the velvet dress.

“Oh! That looks absolutely sublime on you.” Juno clapped her hands together and grabbed Mara’s arm, pulling her in front of the mirror. “You look gorgeous.” “Yeah, I guess you were right. Sometimes the poor have better taste.” she turned, looking down at her butt and winking. Strange that she had such an attitude change. Had Rae’s words really had that much of an effect in such a short time? Regardless, it was great to see Mara not being a giant downer.

“Glad to see a change of perspective.” Rae said, arms crossed in the corner of the dressing area.

“Huh?” mara seemed to have no idea what she was talking about, but snapped her fingers and nodded. “Oh yeah, that. You certainly… have an effect on people, I’ll say that much.” Mara ran her fingers through her hair and smiled. “Mmm, I love good velvet.”

The three stayed back there for a few moments before the owner of the establishment was called over. Both dresses were purchased, to be altered later that night and delivered tomorrow morning. The tailor was nearly crying from being able to sell two dresses to those of the Royal Court, though Juno told them to not fuss. Bigger people would be coming to get their beautiful work.

The rest of the day was fairly simple, Mara, Rae, and Juno travelling to various shops. Mara’s mood seemed to improve astronomically from the first half of the day. It was like a complete personality change. And though Juno thought it to be strange, it was pushed to the back of her mind. Today was a day for her to enjoy with Rae. They had small moment, a look or a touch, whenever Mara was absent or her attention was elsewhere. Though it wasn’t what either had pictured, it was enough. Once their curiosity and appetite was sated, the three decided to head back to the tavern where they were to meet Rei and Jo. It wasn’t too dark just yet, so they would be able to get back to the palace without needing to worry about a drunk Rei running off.

The scene was much different than what they had expected when they arrived. Guards had filled the square in front of the tavern, some of them keeping civilians out of whatever had occurred. Juno and Rae shared a worried glance, though Mara yawned.

“This means they probably headed back. We should go check back at the palace.” Mara grabbed Juno’s hand, though the woman pulled out of her hold.

“That isn’t like Jo.” Rae said for Juno, the two pushing through the guards, not paying attention to whether Mara followed or not. The guards turned to yell at them, but stopped once they saw that it was their Captain. Once they cleared the crowd, they saw what was happening. Spears raised to Jo, her hands up as she tried to explain the situation. Juno saw Nami and Lock across the plaza, Nami staring in horror and shouting. She followed where her eyes were looking and stifled a gasp. Rei was on the ground, face looking like it had been covered in blood, and struggling.

“I didn’t do anything! It was just a friendly bar fight, Gods. Get the fuck offa me!” she slurred, spitting blood at one of the guards. A fist came down, a loud crunch filling the now silent air. Nami screamed and went to push through, but Lock grabbed her arm and pulled her back. Thank the Goddesses. Juno would rather not have another of the sisters on the floor. Juno herself  would’ve approached, yelled, and released Rei, but saw exactly who had done the beating. One of the Queen’s personal guard. The Blackguard.

“What are they doing here?” Juno softly asked, Rae shaking her head in disbelief. “They’re the Queen’s personal guard, they can’t take away your duties as city guards. Right?” Juno looked up at Rae who had her lips pressed tightly together. Her eyes were on Jo, trying to assess the situation. Trying to figure out what to do, who to help first. How to exactly understand why the Blackguard were here.

“Go deal with the Guards on Jo, okay? I can help Rei.” Juno, squeezed Rae’s hand before heading over to the group of guards on Rei. “What’s happened?” she asked, one of the guards looking up.

“She rallied an entire bar into a fight. She and her accomplice were trying to flee when we got here.” his eyes directed Juno over to Jo.

“And that warrants the Queen’s personal guard to come and throw her to the ground? Why didn’t you let the city guard deal with it?”

“I don’t have to answer a Rat.” Juno was taken back by his slur. “The Orc was causing a violent stir.”

“Yeah and I put my hands up and they threw me on the fucking ground. And when are bar fights treated like this. What about the six other happening in the city?! Huh?? You guys are just prejudiced against Orcs and Shifters.”

“You’re damn right we are, half-breed. Two of the most violent races enter our city, you bet we’ll be watching you closely.”

“Fuck you, racist bootlicker.”

“Enough!” Rae came over, Jo following behind her. “All of you are leaving. Now. By my understanding it was an off-city guard who attacked her.” the Blackguard seemed a bit surprised that the Captain of the Guard was here. “And since when did you go through the City-Guard training? Or have you been moved up from bodyguards without my knowledge?” she looked at the Blackguard who had hit Rei. “And you’ll be relieved from duty come the morning for hitting a detained individual. I’d suggest you take your armor off as soon as you get back to whatever hole you crawled out of and hand it in.” the Blackguard let Rei go, who steadily stood up and shoved them out of her way. “Go.” they Blackguard left.

“Thank yo--” Rei began, but stopped when Rae held up her hand to stop her from speaking.

“What the fuck happened.” Rae was seething, you could see it in her eyes. But they weren’t on Rei, they were following the departing Blackguard. “I need to go. I need to sort this out with my men.” her eyes were on Rei now, the half-orc turning pale. “Pull any shit like this again, put my sister in danger, and I won’t be back to save you.” her eyes soften when they fell on Juno, but she still left. Nami came running over once the Guard followed Rae back to the barracks.

“I’m so sorry, Rei. I should’ve--” “No… no it would have made everything worse. Thank you, Lock.” Rei said to the woman beside Nami. She nodded as a response, Nami’s knuckles white from how tightly she was holding her hand. Rei looked at Jo, though no in the eye. “I’m s--” she stopped and sighed, shaking her head. “Let’s get back.” the five departed, Juno instructing Rei to head to her chambers. Though she kept a smile on her face, the Guard’s slur towards left her stunned for most of the night. 

~

“The Queen has requested your presence in her chambers.” a Blackguard had come to Juno’s room just as she was about to clean Rei’s wounds. The half-orc nodded for her to go, letting her know the pain wasn’t that bad and she could wait. The Blackguard left without waiting for a response, letting her know it was less of a request and much more of a summons. She sighed, letting Rei out before shutting and locking her doors. Once she was finished, she quickly wrote a note and left it in the crack of her door, should any of her personal guard come looking for her. And after that, Juno was at the Queen’s chambers, much larger than the throne room. It was no doubt the size of a small house in one of the poorer villages. Maybe two. With a weary sigh before putting on a smile, Juno pushed the doors open.

“Oh! Juno, I'm delighted that you came!!” the Queen stood from her table, practically floating over to Juno with how gracefully she walked. She embraced Juno, tightly squeezing her like she hadn’t seen her since childhood. When she pulled away, Juno gasped and held on tightly to the Queen’s shoulders.

“My Qu-- Leiko…” Her hand touched the bandaging covering her left eye, Leiko pulling away from her touch and stepping back. “Your eye, what happened?” Juno stepped towards Leiko, though stopped when her personal guards placed their hands on the hilt of their blades. It wasn’t until Leiko waved them off did they relax. “Would you like me to…?” her hands already had a healthy glow, ready to help her friend.

“Oh, no, I don’t want that filth on your arm touching me.” her eyes were on the corruption covering Juno’s skin. “And you shall still address me as Queen, Juno. Our friendship doesn’t require informality.” whatever kind demeanor she had when Juno entered was now gone, covered with the coldness she showed everywhere, except when she was sitting on her throne.

“Yes, my Queen.” She stopped herself from questioning further, sitting when Leiko gestured to a seat and grabbing foods when she did. Leiko sighed and touched her bandages before speaking up once again.

“I’m sorry. This has been an exceptionally stressful day.” She pressed her lips together before tapping her nails on the table. “And what I need to tell you does not make it any easier.” Juno knit her eyebrows together just as she bit into a strawberry, quickly chewing and swallowing before she spoke.

“I’m sure it can’t be that awful.” Juno said with a painted smile, though her mind was racing at all the things that could possibly be said. “I’ll be able to handle it.”

I still love you and want to try and make us work again-- a truly frightening thought.

The corruption is going to kill you and, rather than risk letting it loose, we’ll kill you now.

Rei was caught stealing.

But, it was none of those things. It was worse. “I have decided to replace you.” the moment the words left Leiko’s mouth, Juno felt her heart drop through her ass and into the fiery center of Vonahm. “It’s nothing personal, dear.” Leiko casually ate food, this clearly not placing any amount of stress on her. “I’ve just found someone… better. Much more capable and much more willing to get down to business.” and as if on cue, Jacqueline came out from the bathroom, her hair wrapped up in a towel, body covered by a plump robe.

“Oh, hello Juno.” she smiled and went to Leiko, tenderly kissing her cheek. Juno understood exactly why she had been replaced now. Anger and a sense of betrayal flared in her gut, making her want to scream and lash out and know exactly why. But she nodded while pushed her plate away, standing and turning to leave the room.

“Where are you going? We’re not finished.” Leiko chuckled, Blackguard stepping in front of the only two doors in the room. Juno was now forced to stay. She was beginning to wonder if she had any choice in her life at all. Biting her lip, and her tongue, Juno sat, still smiling sweetly.

“Of course, my mistake.” Jacqueline was rifling through a lavish armoire, a new addition to the Queen’s room, pulling out a dress and going behind a changing screen.

“I hope you know that the change will be immediate, though there will be no announcement since it was… widely assumed.”

“How so?” “Well, you’ve been gone for around two months on that ridiculous search for demonic evidence and Jacqueline had been filling in for that long. Everyone thought you were dead. Or had run off. Either way, your position was filled.” Leiko sipped on some wine, raising her eyebrow with entertainment at Juno’s growing frustration.

“I wrote letters nearly every week. The thought, or even the idea, of me being dead would be from a lack of information from the Queen, who the letters were sent to.” Juno regretted saying those words the moment they hung in the air. Jacqueline audibly chuckled from where she was changing, though Leiko clearly thought it was less comical.

“Think it a kindness that I do not entirely strip you of your Royal status for that remark, Juno. A wise woman once told me that “Change is healthy in a Kingdom”.” Juno winced at the Queen’s words, knowing well that it was her own mouth that last said them to the Queen. “However, you still have some value to me. So, rather than your title staying as Queen’s advisor, you are now the Court Healer.”

“My Queen that… I have been your advisor for years and I have done… unspeakable things in your name. The enemies that you have I do, too. I will still need the protection an advisor needs.” Juno felt a panic rise, quickly snuffing out her rage.

“Oh, surely you won't. You're not that important anymore. No one will use you against me, since they know I will do,” the Queen thought, tilting her head back and forth. “Next to nothing to get you back.”

“I-I-- If this is punishment for yesterday, I-I meant no offense or embarrassment.” Leiko seemed to think on those words, drumming her fingers against the table. It was a twitch Juno had observed over the years that the Queen only had when she was dealing with someone she thought was truly too far below her.

“I’ll be honest with you,” Leiko leaned forward and smiled. “It is partially a punishment. But not for what happened last night. Not at all. You've become quite a nuisance in the… two days since you've come back.” Leiko poured more wine into her glass, taking a sip just as Jacqueline laid a hand upon her shoulder. “You allowed into my castle the rabble, a supposed dead man, an exiled officer, and an Orc who should clearly be imprisoned for the rest of her life. But that's not what has upset me. None of that even… matches what was brought to my attention tonight.” Juno was curious, eyeing the Queen, waiting for her to tell her exactly why this was happening. “You, my most trusted friend, are sleeping with the Captain of my Kingdom’s guard. A lycan, Juno. A dog, a mutt. Whatever you’d like to call it. You,” she pointed an accusatory finger at Juno. “are a breeder.” Jacqueline kept quiet, grabbing foods and making a neat placement before her, though she did not eat.

Mara entered the room, as if on cue. Her smile was wide, entertained, winking as she passed Juno. “Are you going to deny it?” she asked.

“A-- I…” Juno looked down at the table, biting her inner cheek. She thought about denying it, to keep her position, but the thought of denying her love for Rae hurt her more than losing everything she’d worked for. “No. I am.. a breeder.” saying the words hurt but Juno’s eyes were unwavering when they met with the single eye of the Queen.

“How long?” she asked through grit teeth.

“Long enough.” Juno did not drop her eyes as she normally would. She leaned forward as she spoke, “I love her. More than anything in this world. She is everything to me. I would--”

“Get her out.” Leiko slammed her hands down on the table, the guards surprised at the Queen’s fit of anger. “Get her out now!!! Get her out of my sight before I sentence all of you useless guards to death!” her Blackguard grabbed Juno, so tightly that there would be bruises on her arms tomorrow. “Your demotion will be kept quiet until after the ball I am throwing for you. And you will be doing your first months in the slums, Healer Juno. Have fun with the filth, Rat.” now she knew… knew exactly why she was called that earlier in the night. Tears welled in her eyes as she was taken out of the room. She was slightly shoved, leaving her to stumble. Though the doors were shut behind her, Juno still could hear the Queen ranting, along with plates being smashed. The tears that sat in her eyes fell down her cheeks, the full weight of everything that had happened hit her. Her guards would be gone, Rae would be back on the front lines, Juno would become a political target. The Queen's enemies would torture her for information, not a ransom. She had no power to keep Rei safe, or to help Lock find the Warlock she needed to. Jo could become a target of the Queen’s again, in a way to hurt Rae, which would ultimately hurt Juno. Everything was falling apart faster than she could blink. A panic sat in her chest, her breathing so quick it felt like there was no air in her lungs.

“Juno!?” Rae called, standing in front of her in full armor. The panic stopped, as did the tears. “Hey, I've been calling your name for 2 minutes.” Rae glanced around before she gently touched Juno’s cheek, wiping away her tears. “Is everything okay?” Juno thought about lashing out, making a scene, but the moment she looked into Rae’s eyes, everything seemed to calm. She could do this, she could handle the world so long as she had those eyes to look into.