Hi there, I hope you're doing well. I was re-reading some of your stories and came across the one about Cinderella's castle! I loved the way you wrote it; you really captured Ella's feelings so well—in a way that fits the story perfectly. Your writing is truly great! I loved the Crumb story, and Tadius's writing, in particular, was EXCEPTIONAL! I loved how he couldn't control his feelings for Ella and the reactions she triggers in him 😂—it’s so him. I noticed a resemblance to Curt in that regard; it was probably intentional, and it makes perfect sense. And I wondered if Curt might have similar reactions when it comes to following orders—because, like it or not, it’s his job just as it is Tadius's—but receiving orders from a partner you admire? 👀
Hi! Thank you so much for the ask, hope you're doing well too :)
I wrote you a bit of an essay, hope you don't mind. Your ask got my brain fired up, lots to discuss.
I'm glad you enjoyed Command and Obey! I'm very proud of that fic, that first chapter was the first fic I ever wrote and published, and it took me seven months to finish, definitely taught me a lesson in regards to publishing chapters and writing ahead lol. I love Cinderella's Castle so much, and there are a lot of concepts with those characters I'd love to explore in the future.
With Tadius, I love the idea that he's spent his entire time in service to the crown grappling desperately to regain some control just to attempt to fulfill his duties. In every scene we see him in the show, he's so exasperated with the Prince's shenanigans and failing to rein him in, and all of those worries vanish with Ella on the throne. There's finally someone actually competent and kind in charge, so he can release the struggle for control and just support, and I adore that. I love exploring the power that comes with being submissive in sex, how much strength and trust it takes to relinquish control. I imagine there's a release for him in letting someone else make his decisions, and knowing that Ella will look out for him as much as he does her. With her orders he can just do what he's good at, and it finally unlocks some enjoyment that he's never had with his role.
With ACM, I can totally see the resemblance. Tadius is more contained with his thoughts (not so much with his facial expression, but you know), but he's pretty confident with himself and his intellect, whereas Curt is much more showboaty while being pretty insecure internally. With both, there's such a struggle to maintain their external appearance in a way. Tadius to disguise his disdain for the royals, and Curt to stay closeted and 'masculine'. I imagine there would be a similar release for Curt where he knows he can let those shields drop a little with Owen, that their secret is a shared one.
I think it does depend on where he and Owen are in their relationship, because earlier Curt would probably have a harder time giving up that control. There would be more tension with them, more grappling with power, if that makes sense, but Owen could absolutely draw it out of him with enough effort and the more they trust each other.
There's also the read that ACM has ADHD, which would impact the appeal of following orders. There's a LOT of connection with ADHD and BDSM, the clear instructions and communication, the relinquishing of decision-making to get out of your own head and just relax, the pain play that can stimulate the endorphin rush, the bondage and sensory deprivation that can help with overstimulation, and just the excitement of it too. For him, I imagine following orders would help him get out of his head, and in that sense I could see him having bigger reactions to Owen's orders. Especially when he knows there's a 'reward' for following them.
