Chapter Text
Warmth. Warmth was a feeling you had become all too familiar with. You’ve come to understand all of its intricacies, the many shapes and forms it took as it seeped its way into your being, body and soul, and slowly taken ahold of your life in the small details of your daily existence.
First, the morning sun shining through the window and enveloping the castle chamber in golden light - a striking contrast to the grey chill of the stone walls, brightening up the dark room with the joy and hope a new day brought. The warmth of its rays was soft on your skin, the caress of a morning filled with the ideal of possibility, encouraging you to both get out from under the covers and face the day ahead, or stay in the comfort of the bedsheets for just a little longer to enjoy their pleasant tingle.
Your eyelashes fluttered as the morning light draped over you, greeting you softly. A quiet murmur left your lips as your eyes slowly began to focus and your body began to awaken, shifting ever so slightly into the lush, silken sheets.
And speaking of, secondly there was the warmth of the bed. Not yours this time around, although you have found yourself snuggling in these dark bedsheets for so many days and nights that it might as well have been. The plush of the pillows, the softness of the silks, the comfortable dip of the cushy mattress as it shaped itself around your body, it all provided a warmth that reminded you of a cozy home. It was the kind of tangible warmth that made you want to dip your head into the nearest cushion, inhale deeply and curl up into peaceful slumber you’d never want to awaken from.
You ran your fingers over the bed and felt the lavish smoothness of the textiles - you’ve always found this bed absolutely heavenly, luxurious and comfortable to the point you genuinely would just spend days on end without getting up. Not that you could, with how much duty calls in this unusual life of yours, but you absolutely would, given the chance. You stretched out your arm as a soft but prominent yawn made its way past your lips, and your body shifted - the mattress dipped, and an arm snuggly wrapped itself around your waist, making you smile.
And yes, there was also a third kind of warmth - the feeling of another body, larger than yours, pressed to your own, holding you securely and engulfing you in an embrace that could ward off all nightmares, that could protect you from all evils of this world, be it corporeal or simply the darker thoughts sometimes lurking in your mind.
His weight, half-draping over your figure, was all-too familiar, and the natural warmth radiating from his body had always lulled you into a sense of safety and peace that no other creature in this world (or another) could achieve. His fingers ghosted over your abdomen, keeping you solidly pinned to his chest, although far from uncomfortable. You had not been the only one caressed by the light of morning - although to him it had felt more like an offensive assault, as he nuzzled his nose in the back of your neck, using your hair to shield his face from the incoming rays. You felt a small laugh bubbling up in your chest - you had always found it adorable, how grumpy he would get in the morning if woken up by the brightness of the sun.
You stirred again, trying to turn around in his arms to face him - the moment your body moved, he only seemed to curl himself around you even more, blocking your attempts at freeing yourself from his embrace. You puffed out a giggle and patted the arm on your stomach.
“You don’t want a morning kiss?”
His grip had instantly loosened, which only served to fuel your mirth even more. You turned, his arms immediately locking back around your waist the moment you settled back on the bed, pulling you close to his chest. Your eyes met two pools of verdant, eyebrows still furrowed from the pique the sun had caused - but one small peck on his soft lips was enough to melt the gloom right off.
“Good morning, sweetie!”
Malleus gave you a sleepy smile, brushing his nose against your own.
“Good morning, darling.” His voice was grave and heavy with sleep, as he landed a sweet kiss on your forehead. “Did you sleep well?”
“Mhm,” you hummed, pecking his nose in return. “You?”
“Heavenly.”
You remained quiet for a while, cloaked in comfortable silence, drowsy and warm, tangled in each other’s arms.
You had time to sleep in - school was officially out, as students had begun returning to their homelands for summer holidays. You had seen most of your dear friends departing through the portal-mirrors just yesterday, with heartwarming goodbyes and promises to visit if time allowed it - especially a certain duo of Heartslabyul boys, with Ace practically begging you to come to the Queendom of Roses so they could show you ‘the coolest places in Twisted Wonderland’. You’d love to, truly you would, and you hoped you would actually get the chance to do so - Shaftlands had also been high on your list, with Vil insisting that he will show you ‘the greatest beauty this world has to offer’, and Professor Trein inviting you to meet his daughters. But before you could even consider taking them up on their offers and travelling around, there was one place that had become top priority for you to visit this summer. And not just visit, mind you, but to actually spend your entire holiday there.
Briar Valley - more specifically, Malleus’s homeland - more specifically, Malleus’ home, in Dragonopolis, Blackscale Castle.
In all honesty, you had been fully prepared to spend your summer couch-hopping with Grim amongst your NRC friends. As much as Malleus had tried to reassure you, you have been made very aware of the differences between your world and his from the many stories he had shared with you - and no, you didn’t mean the very literal aspect of you actually having dropped out of the sky mirror into a separate realm. More so, the contrasting realities of your lives.
He was a prince. A mage stronger than most, drowning in magic, with power concentrated in raw strength, skill and in status. He grew up in a castle, with the weight of the crown ever looming upon him, with close-minded senators and complex politics and unfathomable responsibilities to shoulder. He was to rule a nation that relied almost fully on magic, with a population that did not take too kindly on fae-human relationships, as far as they have come in their mentalities ever since… well, the very unfortunate and bloody history they have with said humans.
Humans like you.
So in spite of Malleus promising over and over that you were more than welcomed in his home, that you would be accepted as his partner even with all the prejudices of his nations’ people - you didn’t like to admit it, but you had a hard time believing him.
You remembered the conversation rather clearly, as he had one night attempted to ease your anxieties.
“I do not understand where your mind goes,” he had told you, brushing a strand of hair behind your ear. “Do you question my judgement - or perhaps, do you deem me as deceitful, dear one?”
You sighed.
“No, Mal, but I just think - well-“ you scrambled to find your words, not really knowing where to start. “Malleus, look at me.”
He quirked an eyebrow. “I am looking.”
“Right-“ you inhaled deeply. “You have to see what I mean then - I am human. A human with no magic. No power, no status, hell, I literally just got my documents like a few months ago!” Your eyes wavered. “How can… how can anyone ever look at me and think I am fit to be at your side…?”
“I am looking,” he repeated, grave and unwavering, “and I see strength beyond imagination. I see determination and bravery above that of many of the strongest mages this realm has to offer.” He took a step closer, cupping your cheek. “I see kindness and a capacity for empathy that, Sevens know, my court would most certainly benefit from.” He leaned in close, placing his forehead onto yours, and your skin tingled. “I see a heart so full of love, and eyes gleaming with the brightness of life. I have chosen you to stand by my side - that alone makes you worthy.”
Your heart swelled, and your eyes almost watered - Malleus planted a soft kiss on your forehead, and when he noticed the few bits of bothersome anxiety still lingering in your eyes, he sighed. He didn’t exactly understand where it was coming from - human emotions were still a mystery to him. But he did understand that, despite how simple the matter had appeared in his mind, you saw things differently.
“Your connection to this world’s history - or lack thereof, to be precise,” he continued, petting your hair, “can be a curse, as you have expressed in the past. But to us? To us, it is a blessing.” He held your gaze, heavy with meaning. “You have no connection to our blood-stained history - you are human, but have no relations to those who have hurt us. No political affiliations, nothing you could gain from marrying into the royal family.”
You felt a burning heat rise up from your neck to your ears at the mention of ‘marriage’, but let him continue, listening intently.
“You may not bring advantages in terms of nobility and standing - but my family has no need of it in the first place.” He chuckled, a glint of pride, a tad bit snobbish of sorts, gracing his features. “You are a blank canvas, that can be easily assimilated into our line. And if I am to be perfectly honest,” his fingers had found yours, bringing your hand up to his lips - he placed a reverent kiss on your knuckles, his eyes never leaving your own, “it is high time we put an end to the fae-human conflict by naming a child of man as my consort. I truly believe that you embody the best that humanity has to offer.”
You blushed harder, trying really hard not to avert your eyes from the unexpected cascade of compliments. Malleus was always sweet with you, but you still couldn’t get used to having your ego stroked this much. Getting such high praise was embarrassing.
“…Ok, I understand,” you mumbled. “You can stop buttering me up now…”
Malleus gave you an impish smirk, placing another kiss on the back of you hand.
“I only speak the truth, my love. As much as I adore drawing out that endearing, bashful side of yours, I never rely on empty words to do so.”
You stared at him at length.
“…And the magic…?” Your voice was quiet. “The partner of the prince of a nation where magic is second nature, having none of her own…?”
Malleus’ eyes narrowed.
“You speak as though I do not possess enough magic for the both of us, and hundreds of times over,” he deadpanned, and a smirk formed on his features. “Perhaps you fancy a demonstration?”
“Nope,” you quickly retorted, popping out the ‘p’, “I 100% believe you.”
His smirk widened, and his pointy ears twitched in delight.
“Wonderful,” he purred, then guided your hand downwards, not letting go - his thumb stroked over your knuckles tenderly, and his smile softened. “Does that discard the last of your concerns?”
You held his gaze, ever sweet, gentle and loving, then sighed.
“Yeah,” you relented, then smiled up at him. “Thank you.”
He only smiled back, with eyes that told you there was nothing to fear.
And even still, your doubts would sometimes crawl back to haunt you - not that you would ever even consider leaving Malleus because of them, you wouldn’t dream of it. More so, you took it as a way to prepare yourself for the inevitable challenges that you would have to face as his partner - which included coming to terms with the fact that you might have to do some couch hopping this summer.
That was until the letter came.
Malleus had handed it to you with a poised expression, yet his eyes were full of joy. Lilia had stood beside him with a big grin, while Sebek and Silver watched you with wide eyes.
It was an invitation. A very official invitation.
A very official invitation from Her Majesty, Queen Maleficia of Briar Valley, for you to spend the summer months at the royal residence of Blackscale Castle.
An invitation to meet her.
You blinked. You blinked a few times more.
And you finally understood Sebek’s predicament every time his liege acknowledged him, because you nearly fainted right then and there.
You knew Malleus conversed with his grandmother quite often - well, as often as their standards entailed, as she was a very busy woman and their correspondence had been through old-fashioned, physical letters. Last you heard, Her Majesty had been angered by Malleus’ overblot, as well as Lilia’s involvement with it. You remembered them reminiscing about her ire, and how Malleus, in his words, was ‘grateful to take shelter at NRC to escape her lightning’. That Maleficia, the queen that had already been irked by her grandson’s recklessness - how in the world would she react to him now bringing home a magicless human, of the same humans that had taken her daughter?
Not the same, you reminded yourself, but still swallowed dryly.
“I, of course, have spoken to her about you, and my intentions to court you,” he had told you, as you read through the letter, trying and failing to still your rapidly beating heart.
You gulped. “And… she’s fine with it…?” You asked, cautiously. “I never thought she’d want to meet me this soon.”
Lilia gave you a knowing smile.
“Dragon fae do not love lightly,” he explained, more serious than you had expected. “When they have chosen a partner, it is almost certainly for life. Of course, Malleus is still young, and he still has much to learn,” he chuckled as Malleus sent him a somewhat discontented look, “but Her Majesty trusts his judgement. It is no wonder she wishes to meet his prospective mate for herself.”
You looked at him and the others, mouth agape, and even Silver and Sebek had now seemed unsurprised by the event. ‘Prospective mate’ swirled in your mind in an overwhelming tornado of thoughts of marriage and lifetime commitments - you were kind of like Dorothy, in a sense, swiped up by a hurricane and thrown into a magical world. Except that you had woken up in a new Land of Oz twice - first, Twisted Wonderland, and then the world of royalty, which was its own beast.
You remembered talking to Malleus about this - he didn’t exactly do ‘dating’. Courtship was a far more directional event to him, and he would not have even approached you, had he not already seen a future with you by his side. He agreed to take the relationship at a slow pace, of course, to explore the wonders of love at your own time and weave your lives to one another, but that did not really change his view on things.
Unlike humans, fae are much more immutable in nature - humans can be one way a year, and so very different in the next five. Fae, on the other hand, can remain unchanged, both in appearance and personality, for centuries. They love deeply and eternally. So to allow themselves to pursue a partner, they must be fairly certain even before approaching that they can see a future with this person, because once they’re in, they’re in deep. A fae’s love is far less ‘fleeting’, it sticks with them forever - just as, for example, Lilia’s love for Maleanor and Raverne hadn’t faded even 500 years later.
All of that is to say… when Malleus fell for you, and internally accepted the fact that he loved you and wanted to be your partner, Malleus had pretty much accepted the fact that you would spend the rest of your lives together.
To him, the moment you had welcomed his love confession, you were pretty much engaged.
For a guy that barely showed any emotion outright, dude had zero chill.
It was overwhelming, when you first found out how fae courtship worked, but he put no pressure on you. Unfamiliar as he still was with human nature, Malleus had grown much more aware that people share different views from him ever since his overblot - despite not fully understanding it, he was content in doing whatever had made you more comfortable. Thus, despite calling it ‘redundant, since the goal was the same’, he agreed to do things ‘the human way’ - date, later on propose in the proper way, and only THEN get married.
Well, that might have been your and your boyfriend’s agreement. Certainly not Queen Maleficia’s.
So of course she wanted to meet the person her only grandson wanted to marry.
It was that serious.
A low rumble broke you out of your train of thoughts, as Malleus dipped up on the mattress, nuzzling his nose into your hair - then pulled you on top of him, laying your body on his chest. You gasped in surprise but willingly went with his motions, settling comfortably on him. Because of his horns, Malleus had to sleep on his back - he did love spooning you, especially in the mornings, but couldn’t hold the position for long, even with his custom made pillows. And so, you often found yourselves cuddling like this, you on his chest with him laying on his back - you once joked that the terrible prince of darkness had become your personal pillow, and Malleus had teased that ‘you’ve made yourself a bed of thorns, human’. Sure. In that case, you’ve never laid on more snuggly thorns in your life.
His lips lingered in your hair, and his fingers brushed over your most recent bite mark, on the dip of your shoulder - a little ritual you two had, of leaving love marks on each other the way dragons do - and his other hand stroked over your back, nails grazing over your sleepwear ever so softly, calling for your attention.
“What are you thinking about so profoundly, my love?”
Your hands instinctually came up to stroke over his chest, and the deep rumble of his throat intensified - it sounded like a purr, and you smiled.
“Today,” you answered at length, and he didn’t miss the slight tension in your tone.
Malleus’ lips pressed to your head, holding you close to him. You looked up, your eyes meeting his own, and were instantly stricken by the verdant confidence shining through.
“You recall what I have already told you, yes?”
“Yeah…” you murmured, gingerly taking the hand caressing your shoulder and pressing your own kiss to his palm. His heartbeat intensified ever so slightly, loud underneath your ear, pressed to his chest. “Doesn’t mean I’m not a bit nervous… even if we don’t take into account the whole all-powerful-royal-thing,” Malleus rose an eyebrow at your description, but said nothing, “I’m still meeting my boyfriend’s family for the first time. It’s normal to be a little scared…”
Malleus hummed, his thumb rubbing gentle circles into your back. You melted into his touch.
“Is it now…?” He asked, genuinely confused - Malleus would never really let you forget how impossibly self-assured he was, but it still managed to take you aback every time. You imagined him meeting your family for the first time, and realised he probably wouldn’t even bat an eye - which is why he couldn’t understand where your anxiety came from.
Regardless of that, you could tell Malleus did want to make you feel better - not fully comprehending the reason for your anxiety didn’t mean he would let you drown in it.
“My grandmother would not have personally invited you, had she not wanted to welcome you - nor would you be able to set one foot inside the castle.” His natural confidence was reassuring, and you couldn’t help but smile. “You’ve no reason for concern.”
You dipped up and gave your sleepy, sweet dragon one more kiss on the cheek, and he gladly welcomed your lips.
“Thank you,” you murmured, heart full and much lighter than before. Then, you patted his chest, starting to shift. “Then, we should start getting ready soon. We don’t want to be late to the mirror chamber.”
You let out another involuntary yawn and attempted to pull away - very audacious of you, apparently, because Malleus’ arms immediately tightened around your waist, his face pressing in the crown of your head.
You sighed, smiling playfully.
“Mal?”
“No.”
You puffed out a laugh, not really able to keep a serious face when he was being that adorable. Just a second ago he had been so poised in reassuring you, and now he had reverted into his I’m-throwing-a-tantrum-and-making-it-your-biggest-problem mode. A person full of complexity and layers, this dragon man.
“Mal, we gotta start getting ready.”
“We are departing for Briar Valley later in the day, are we not?”
“Well, yes, but I don’t wanna rush-“
“You will not,” he retorted, placid and decisive. “My magic is yours to use as you deem fit.”
“But even then-“
“Must you be so cruel, my dearest?” He lamented and you rolled your eyes at his dramatics. “I will not get the pleasure of spending mornings with my lover like this for months to come. Surely you won’t deny me such a simple wish?”
You sighed, laughing softly at his haughty silliness.
Malleus had told you that he would definitely spend time with you in the evenings as always, but never stay for the night in your room once you reached Blackscale Castle - his grandmother couldn't know that you two have been intimate before marriage, as it would be scandalous.
You looked up at his face, only to be met with a very uncharacteristic, very intense pout - you burst out laughing.
“Oh, come on, you big baby - you’ve been out of the egg for 200 years, don’t give me those eyes!”
“178, Child of Man,” he corrected. “Bold, and frankly hypocritical, of you to so insolently call me a ‘baby’.”
“Uh-huh. I’m not the one throwing a tantrum over the other just trying to get out of bed.”
“…You are aware that I could strike you down with lighting for your cheek, yes?” He muttered, still snuggled into your hair - not the most threatening image out there.
You rolled your eyes again, fingers drawing circles above his heart. “Right. And then you’d get to cuddle a pile of ashes.”
At his ever intensifying pout, you huffed and petted him, your attempt at a peace offering - then tried to leave the bed again.
And Malleus didn’t like it.
He tightened his arms around you in warning - and growled.
You paused, looking up at him in bewilderment.
“…Did you… did you just growl at me?”
Malleus was so grumpy, and you couldn’t help but once again burst out laughing. Malleus’ sour expression stayed in place.
“I fail to see what amuses you so,” he mumbled, pulling your body even closer to his own.
“That was adorable.”
Malleus’ pout slowly formed into a smirk, as he gazed down at you through his eyelashes, eyes narrowed.
“Adorable? My dear, I think you fail to realise who you are facing.”
You continued giggling. “Yes, sweetie, your cute pout could smite down entire kingdoms, I know,” you joked and booped his nose.
Malleus wanted to show his displeasure once more but your laughter was too infectious - it seemed that against his own wishes, his eyes grew tender.
So, instead, he pulled you up on his body, bringing your face up close, and cupped your cheek - he leaned in, slow and and gentle, and brushed his lips against your own. Even after dating for a good while now, he still always managed to make your heart stutter.
“It seems that, against her own good, my Child of Man loves playing with fire.”
You swallowed down your bashfulness and returned his smirk.
“If it’s yours?” You leaned in, eyes, half lidded, glued to his own. “Gladly.”
Your eyelashes fluttered, his pulse quickened, and your lips met in a long, deep kiss.
And ah, there it was, the fourth kind of warmth. His soft lips pressed to your own, sending tingles down your spine and heat to the depths of your being. This warmth spread through you like the very blood running through your veins, all consuming and unrestrained, the kind of heat that ignited sparks under your skin and sent your heart into a frenzied rush.
Malleus moved slowly, savouring, mapping out each corner of your lips like it was the first time all over again - how many times have you shared moments like this with one another? And even still, every time he kissed you he wanted to rediscover your lips all over again, to explore and carve every part of your flesh into his memory, not to overwrite his previous cartography, but to expand it until he could feel every part of you even in sleep.
His hand was caressing your cheek softly, with the other steady around your body, keeping you pinned to him - and despite his bravado, you knew you could always pull away and he’d let you. But in no way did you intend to do so when he was holding you so tenderly, when his kiss was so full of love, when he was so warm-
You felt the tip of his tongue ghosting over your lower lip and you let him in, coiling and dancing inside your mouth, grazing against your teeth, tasting you.
When all you could feel was Malleus’ body against yours, his lips and tongue devouring your senses, it was hard to notice anything else around you - more specifically, a second, scaly weight coiling against your lower legs, slowly tightening.
You pulled apart, breaths heavy and cheeks flushed, and only then did you manage to look down, assessing the unexpected intruder - Malleus’ tail, sneakily summoned, had wrapped itself around your lower body, effectively pinning you to him.
Looking back at Malleus, you were met by one of the smuggest smirks the prince could muster. It was your turn to pout, and Malleus’ turn to laugh.
“Did you seriously just distract me with a kiss to keep me in bed with you?”
Malleus’ smile was positively wicked, and he gave a low chuckle.
“If it means sharing another moment with you,” he purred, “I would, in fact, smite down entire kingdoms.”
You rolled your eyes - but recognised defeat when it finally came to you. You sighed and relented, shifting downwards and snuggling into his neck, a very delighted man catching you into his embrace.
“Cheeky fae.”
“Brazen child of man.”
“Fine - 10 more minutes only!”
Malleus hummed in satisfaction and nuzzled his nose into your hair. Sighing, you wrapped your arms around his shoulders and stroked the sides of his neck, at the base of his hairline, and he melted into your touch. You couldn’t help the smile creeping its way onto your face as you continued pampering him, even though you technically knew that you shouldn’t spoil him so much after he had just pulled that stunt.
You laid in bed for a while longer, content - but to Malleus’ pique, his attempts at extending your morning cuddle had not had the most ideal of results, as a knock reverberated through the door and inside the room.
“…Who is it?” Malleus grumbled, not very loudly, yet his voice had easily reached through the door - you always found his magic fascinating, and you wondered if part of his fae features allowed him to use some sort of echolocation to communicate with other fae from afar, without having to raise his voice.
“Why, good morning, lovebirds!” Lilia’s voice resounded through the door, a happy chirp evident in his tone. “I was just checking to see if you were awake - big day ahead of us, after all. It is high time you started getting ready - a certain, little dire beast is quite vocal in his desire to have breakfast as soon as possible.”
Malleus grumbled something else under his breath in a language you didn’t understand, a deep rumble of guttural sounds - ancient fae language, as you’ve come to recognise. You had asked Malleus to teach you once, unfortunately to no avail - your human ears were not build to recognise all the subtleties of the sounds, and your vocal cords even less suited to reproduce them. He had smiled at your efforts, politely telling you that ‘he could not discern a single word you just said’. Thanks, Mal.
With a final sigh he reluctantly released you, gently laying you down next to him and sitting up on the bed. He ran a hand through his messy raven hair, pushing a few strands above his forehead and in between his horns, and stifled a yawn. The image was utterly adorable.
“We will be down shortly,” he concluded, and Lilia’s approving hum came through the door, followed by echoing footsteps.
As Lilia left, Malleus turned to you once more and bent down, placing one last kiss on your forehead.
“Don’t be glum,” you smiled as his lips left your skin. “You’ll finally get to show me your home - it’s exciting, isn’t it?”
Malleus held your gaze for a moment, then returned your smile.
“Indeed, my love.” His eyes were soft and tender. “I look forward to it.”
———
The mirror chamber had been emptied, with only a few Diasomnia students lingering nearby, waiting for the portals to connect to Briar Valley.
Children of fae had always left the campus of Night Raven College last - it took longer than other nations to connect the mirrors to allow for safe passage, as the nation was known to be secretive and closed off from the world. Travelling in and out of their territory was incredibly complicated, almost impossible for non-citizens. Tourists were pretty much unheard of, unless they received a very special grant from the government to allow them entry. You and Grim were an exception this time round, of course - a special invitation from the Queen herself was more than enough authorisation in the eyes of all, not to mention that the Crown Prince was personally accompanying you.
The fog inside the mirror glasses swirled in a whirlwind of green-purplish hues, as the magic inside took shape and prepared the portal for transport. Malleus’ hand lay on the small of your back, a grounding, light weight holding you close to his own body. Grim was perched up on your shoulder on your other side, excitedly rambling about all the fancy food you guys will get to try at the castle.
“Three course meal and desert, from the finest chefs of the land,” Lilia explained, egging the little dire beast on, who you swore now had actual sparkles ignite in his eyes.
“Nyahaha, we’ll be feasting like kings!”
“Well, who would have thought - a royal chef, making a feast fit for a royal?” you teased, petting him in between the ears to silence the incoming complaints.
“My, my, it’s only natural to be excited,” Lilia let out a small, impish laugh. “It is not every day one gets personally invited to Her Majesty’s castle.”
You involuntarily clutched the handle of your suitcase just a tad bit harder - you didn’t have much in the first place, and even then you had mostly packed a few of the more fancy clothing and accessories you owed (all received as courting gifts from Malleus throughout your relationship - you couldn’t show up at the castle in a t-shirt and jeans, you thought).
You were still pretty nervous - royal thing aside, you were meeting your boyfriend’s family for the first time. You hoped you’d make a good enough impression for her to at least not outrightly oppose your relationship.
Malleus looked down at you, and you felt his thumb rub small circles into your back. But before he could say anything - it was Sebek that spoke up.
“HUMAN!” He howled, as he usually did, and you found that your ears have thankfully gotten used to his volume over the course of your friendship, no longer hurting as they once had. “MEETING HER MAJESTY, REVERED AND ALL-POWERFUL QUEEN MALEFICIA, IS AN OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME!” He levelled you with a look and, surprisingly, lowered his voice, albeit still maintaining its rigidity. “Do not disrespect my liege by showing alarm now! You have been chosen by our most esteemed, most respected, most cherished monarchs - you will walk with your head held high and confidence befitting of your standing!”
You looked at him, wide-eyed, and blinked.
Was that… him trying to encourage me…?
By the look of pride Lilia was showing, and Sebek’s determined frown still glued to you, you figured that it was, indeed, him trying to ease your worries.
“…You’ll be fine,” Silver then stated, simply, giving you a small but genuine smile.
You smiled right back, and couldn’t help yourself - you let go of the luggage handle and temporarily left Malleus’ side to envelop Sebek and Silver in a tight hug. The boys stiffened, but by that point in your friendship, they had gotten used to your shows of affection, returning the hug lightly. Sebek let out a haughty huff before circling one arm around you, while Silver had been more open in embracing you right back.
“I’m ok, guys,” you reassured, smiling. “Thank you.”
The boys nodded, letting you go - Sebek was very non-subtly trying to avoid Lilia’s teasing eyes.
As you went back to grab your suitcase, you found it had changed its position - Lilia was now holding it, smiling wide at you.
“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of this for you,” he reassured and stopped any incoming uncertainties from your mouth with a languid wave of his hand.
Just then, a rumble tore through the air - the swirls of magical fog inside the looking glasses had dissipated, revealing a much sharper image of stoney peaks and clear skies. The nervousness hadn’t fully left you, but the new scenery that had formed before you, patiently awaiting for you to step through the portal, had filled your heart with so much excitement that you could barely think about your insecurities anymore.
Twisted Wonderland was utterly beautiful, as your school trips had demonstrated to you over your stay at NRC. You couldn’t wait to explore a new part of it - and even more so a place with so much emotional significance, your loved one’s home.
You looked up at Malleus, whose eyes were already glued to your form, and smiled. He returned it in kind.
“Shall we, my love?”
You nodded - and off the six of you went through the looking glass.
———
Even with your body so devoid of magic, you have still managed to experience it through day to day life at NRC, to feel its presence. Your friends had looked at you rather strangely when you have tried placing the feeling and finding an appropriate description - the best you could come up with was electricity. Magic often felt like a sort of tingle in the air, a stream of current drifting lightly through the atmosphere, and the more powerful it got, the more static it grew, sending shivers down your spine. Even then, the magic had to be quite prominent for you to even feel it in the first place, enough for it to override the very fabric of the atmosphere around you. You’d rarely feel it amongst your friends, but sometimes you’d feel gentle jolts through your skin around the housewardens - and especially around your boyfriend. His magic had always reacted to his inner emotional state, and the result was not just the weather, but also the subtle sensation of static sizzling just above his skin.
But the moment you stepped out through the mirror, your hairs stood on end, like you had set foot on earth that had just been struck by lighting. The dreamworld shown to you during Malleus’ overblot was nothing compared to the overwhelming amount of magic accumulated from all residents of the castle and nearby settlement. Everything around you was drowning in magic, with the air charged up like it could explode were you to light up a match. It didn’t really scare you, you had felt something a bit similar as Malleus restored the stage of VDC, but it had definitely left you in a state of awe and wonder, looking around you like you had just rediscovered the magic of Christmas. Your curious admiration was only amplified as you set your eyes on the grand castle before you.
Blackscale castle stood proud and tall on a sharp, stoney platform - you swore it had to be held up in the air by magic, as the ensemble did not seem structurally stable at all. It was dark, brightly illuminated by the setting sun, the pointy roofs of the many towers rising from the ground shining under the orange light. You looked down and realised you stood at the end of a bridge, also made out of stone and adorned in gothic motives just as the castle was, high above the ground - the whole rocky island was surrounded by a thick layer of mist, and you realised that you were high up enough to be above clouds. You immediately spotted a multitude of gargoyles sprinkled all around the extremities of the rooftops, all taking a draconic appearance, and smiled thinking that this grandiose, dark palace had reminded you so much of Malleus. It looked like the lair of a villain plucked right out of a vampire movie, and internally snickered thinking that it’s exactly the kind of place you’d imagine Malleus living in. Sure, he was beautiful adorned in colourful wildflowers, and your heart melted at the mental image of Malleus living in a small, wooden cottage, somewhere hidden amongst forest trees in a beautiful sunlit meadow. But really, ebon, stone walls and a palace which seemed built out of shadows truly fit him best.
“You’ll have to introduce me,” you poked Malleus’ arm and smiled, pointing at the nearest gargoyle, perched high up on one of the towers holding up the bridge.
The slits of Malleus’ eyes followed your finger, a low chuckle building up in his throat.
“But of course. There is much I wish to show you.” The tips of his lips quirked up. “All in due time.”
You smiled back - but your eyes immediately snapped to the large, heavy front gates of the castle.
Two lines of people framed the pathway to the metal gates, standing upright, stiff and alert, with their hands held politely above their laps. They all wore dark grey outfits, not nearly as dark as the pitch black you’ve seen Malleus wear at the party back at Wildrose Castle, adorned with white pieces hanging from their waists - aprons, you recognised, albeit much fancier, lined with delicate frills and even lace. In your eyes, they were far too fancy to ever actually use as aprons, reminding you of carefully crafted cosplays, but then again this was a real castle. Maids and butlers you realised, and at the end of the long line of people, facing you, stood two people - their outfits were also of a dark grey, adorned with a few small, emerald gems, and lacking any speck of white. They were even fancier, and you realised they must have been of some sort of higher standing across the staff. Judging by their pointy ears and the slits of their eyes, every single person present was fae.
Malleus’ hand, still resting on the small of your back, patted you gently, motioning you to follow. He then released your form and strode forward with that natural confidence and power in his step that you had seen so often, like he could command the entire room - and, well, he could. You followed him, a bit behind and alongside Lilia, with Silver and Sebek marching behind you all like true knights. You had let Grim out of your arms a little while ago, the little beast walking besides you, both watching in awe as all of the staff had immediately dropped into a bow at Malleus’ approach.
“Welcome home, Your Highness.”
Malleus nodded curtly, not really saying anything other than ‘at ease’, allowing the staff to rise back up. Even at NRC, Malleus was treated differently than his peers, with more respect - but hearing someone actually call him ‘Your Highness’ was a whole new feeling you’d have to get used to.
You immediately noted just how stiff they all were - polite for certain, yet so cold you could feel ice clawing up your skin. Malleus himself had instinctively fallen into his usual public persona, poised and rigid, even more so than usual - you remembered the first time you met outside Ramshackle, the stoic, glacial look he had given you, the mysterious, almost arrogant threats and the overall untouchable aura surrounding him, like you weren’t meant to even breath the same air as him. A lot had changed ever since then - with you, he was always warm and gentle, even silly at times, younger and more carefree. But around the staff, his expression seemed extra frigid, entirely unreadable.
Seeing Malleus overcome by such a cold chill, you felt a small shiver run down your spine, and grabbed his hand gently.
You instantly felt the shift in the air - the atmosphere seemed warmer, and you knew Malleus had definitely welcomed the gesture. But all the staff members had gone rigid, a thick tension weighing heavy around them, as all eyes snapped to you, to where your hand had touched Malleus’ fingers. You stiffened for a moment - Lilia and Malleus had coached Grim and you on how to act around the castle, an overall guide to a noble code-of-conduct. Neither had really mentioned anything about not being allowed to casually touch Malleus, as his partner more specifically - was that frowned upon…?
But as you watched the stiff faces of the fae, the actual reason had become clear - they weren’t necessarily offended that you had dared lay hand on their prince.
They were afraid - afraid for you. Like they were expecting lightning to come down at any second.
You swallowed dryly. It was clear how much they revered Malleus - and also how much they feared him.
You were snapped out of your inner monologue by a low chuckle, and you felt Malleus’ thumb come up to your face, stroking in between your eyebrows - he was trying to smoothen out your frown, and your heart swelled.
“Your worry is misplaced, darling,” he teased, and you couldn’t help but let out a small, relieved giggle. You squeezed his hand - and he squeezed back.
The staff had looked at you strangely, but no one said a thing.
The two, fancier fae introduced themselves as Malleus' and your attendants - wait, mine? Turns out, as the Crown Prince’s prospective consort, you received your own little group of one attendant, one primary maid and some staff in charge of taking care of your room and other needs. Pretty neat, you thought - and instantly wondered wether that meant that they would help you change as well. You weren’t sure if you were comfortable with that, in all honesty, but you greeted them with curtsey. One maid had instantly gone up to Lilia - sorry, General Vanrouge - and took care of your suitcase, levitating it effortlessly in the air with magic. Despite having retired long ago, it seemed people still respectfully addressed him by his old title. Diasomnia students have always had this air about them of importance and opulence, so you had gotten used to the more solemn, old-fashioned way people spoke. But despite that, and despite being aware that you were friends with many celebrities by that point, hearing strangers be so reverently formal with the people you goofed around with on a daily basis back at school, felt a bit strange.
As the introductions had finished, it was time to finally step inside, Malleus followed by his own attendant and small army of staff members, with the three Diasomnia students by his side. You picked up Grim back in your arms, not wanting the curious dire beast to wander off in the castle, and followed them through the gates.
Malleus turned to you and placed a long kiss on the back of your hand - he wasn’t really smiling, but you could tell his eyes were full of adoration and warmth.
“I will see you shortly. If there is anything you need, ask your attendants, or myself.” His lips lingered on your skin, then he finally pulled back, giving your hand one last squeeze. “Night’s blessings upon you, my love.”
You smiled. “Night’s blessings upon you, Mal.”
Lilia had given you one last impish smile over his shoulder, as they all made their way inside the castle. You turned to your attendant, still standing professionally stiff next to you.
“Allow us to show you to your room, my lady,” she beckoned with a small bow of her head - you internally cringed at being called ‘my lady’, but supposed that you would have to get used to it.
Grim stared at her, unblinking.
“Getting the VIP treatment is awesome,” he exclaimed with his usual, impish laugh, and you rolled your eyes, trying to shush him. The attendant’s expression remained perfectly neutral, saying nothing.
You followed the attendant through the heavy, metal doors, with the maids assigned to you walking close behind, and prayed that this summer was going to go well.
———
You began to understand more about Malleus than ever before. For the better and worse.
The attendant, Odette as you’ve come to find out, was polite to you - she was a young looking woman, with fair, soft features and neatly braided hair, up in a bun. She had shown you to your guest room, and your jaw dropped the moment you stepped foot inside. You’ve never slept in such a fancy room in your entire life, not even in a 5 star hotel. The chamber was huge, at least triple the size of your small bedroom back in Ramshackle, and in many ways resembled Malleus’ NRC bedroom, with ebony decor, grand windows and stone walls enclosing the space. The furniture was some of the most lavish you’ve ever seen, with delicate embroideries sewn even in the smallest of chairs, and artisan sculptures engraved in the multiple coffee tables and desk. The most impressive of all was the bed - large, undeniably heavy, with black, velvety bedsheets and dark silks flowing from the ceiling, veiling it like a fairytale princess-bed. You gulped, afraid to touch anything, much less sleep in that thing - but the maids ushered you in before you could get the chance to overthink this.
The way this worked is that you had two main people whom would be ‘in charge of you’ daily, help you through your morning and night routines, prepare clothing and so on, while the other maids were there more for the room and any extra hands needed, and could more easily be switched out over time. The fae in question were Odette, your attendant, and your primary maid, a woman that looked even younger (fae genetics were insane, even peepaw Lilia looked like a little kid), with big, round eyes and curly hair caught in two ponytails. You still didn’t know her name - you had tried asking, but her and the attendant looked at you strangely, explaining that ‘knowing everyone’s names wasn’t necessary’. It felt strange - and you knew you’d eventually figure their names out anyway.
Turns out, you didn’t really need a suitcase, as the castle would provide plenty clothing for you which was ‘more fitting’, but the maids had arranged your clothes neatly in a nearby closet anyway.
Odette showed you which bell to ring if there was anything you required, and you had thanked her politely. She levelled you with a neutral look, and nodded.
“To work,” she said, simply, clapping her hands once - and before you could ask what she had meant, she was already stepping aside, and at leats 5 different pairs of hands had grabbed you.
You wanted to have some sort of chat with your maids, get to know them better. But their practiced hands had been so quick and efficient, and the magic had flown around you with textiles and gems and accessories in such an overwhelming whirlwind, that you couldn’t utter one word out. You were spun around and ushered in and out of clothing at such a rapid pace that your mind could not keep up with the maids’ movements. You were changed out of your school uniform and into fancy, noble robes in the blink of an eye - even Grim had been adorned in a smaller, lace cape, tied up in a bow around his neck, before he even got the chance to complain about so many hands touching him.
The maids all pulled back at the same time, looking at you expectantly - you stared at them, then at your reflection in a nearby mirror, than back again, still trying to comprehend what the fuck just happened.
“…Thank you?” You uttered, unsure of yourself - you figured it was the right thing to say, seeing the maids nod back, politely.
“Of course, my lady,” they all responded in unison, and a small shiver ran down your spine.
Grim broke you out of your tension, excitedly waving his paws up at you.
“Nyahahaha, look how fancy I look, henchman!” His paws flew at his hips, beaming with pride. “I even have a cool gem in my bow!”
You laughed softly, giving him a thumbs up.
“You do look dazzling, Grim!”
Grim’s smirk widened, breaking into more boisterous chuckles.
“Sir Grim, you mean.”
You rolled your eyes. “Uh-huh - no.”
Before he could complain, Odette stepped forward, grabbing your attention.
“If you are ready, my lady, I can lead you to His Highness.”
You smiled, and were very self-aware of how awkward it felt - but her proposal was music to your ears. You really wanted to be close to Malleus right now.
“…Yes, I would like that.”
The maid led you and Grim out of the guest room and into the long, stone hallways of Blackscale Castle. It did not take long to find Malleus again, accompanied by Lilia, Sebek and Silver, and with a few polite bows from the staff and one silent gesture of his hand, they were all gone, leaving you and your friends to your privacy.
You took a moment to admire them - Lilia was wearing a dark green, leathery outfit, adorned in symbols of Briar Valley and loosely reminding you of the armour you saw back in the dream world, albeit meant more as a fashion statement rather than protection. Silver and Sebek, however, were another story - they were both marching in full gear, lighter armour for sure, but armour nonetheless. It was dark green and intricately decorated with swirling symbols, also very similar to the dream world, and looking every bit what royal-guards-in-training should look like. Based on how you remembered Malleus dressing at the party back at Wildrose Castle, you could tell these were definitely not special-event attires - they were skilfully crafted, sure, and no doubt elegant, but still simple enough to be accepted as daily wear. Regardless, they all looked incredible.
And then, of course, there was Malleus - your handsome, amazing, lovely Malleus, who could not look more ethereal even if he tried. He had a lavish, pitch black robe adorning his figure, similar to what he had sported back at the aforementioned party, but less intricate - long sleeves, black leather corset, metallic shoulder pads and various silver embroidery decorating the fabric. Verdant gemstones were skilfully carved into his neck piece and a few other chains dangling over his chest and around his waist. His tail was out, hovering languidly behind him - you wondered if he kept his muscles a bit strained to keep it up in the air so it wouldn’t drag on the ground, or if it naturally stood like that. And even though he had no crown atop his head, there were a few silver chains also wrapped around his horns - he looked regal.
To your eyes’ delight, you were also very aware of the deep cut v-neck of his garment, his pale skin contrasting the dark fabric, but you supposed you’d get to enjoy that later.
“You all look very dashing,” you complimented, still in awe - Sebek and Silver’s eyes beamed, despite their serious expressions, and your eyes landed on Lilia. “My, General Vanrouge, you are very refined today.”
Lilia snorted, giving you an impish smile.
“As are you, Lady (Y/N) - the new look suits you.”
You gave him your own playful stare at the nickname, and his smirk widened.
Then, your eyes locked with Malleus’, and your smiled turned dreamy. “And you look absolutely stunning, love. You are so beautiful.”
Malleus’ eyes widened at the sudden compliment, and his pointy ears twitched, dusted with pink. Lilia puffed out a small laugh under his breath, with Silver looking amused at the prince’ unexpected show of bashfulness. Sebek, however, was over the moon.
“Yes, human, indeed!” He beamed with pride. “My liege’s splendour is unmatched! You look incredible, my lord!”
“…Thank you, Sebek,” Malleus finally shook off his redness, his lips quirking upwards in a smile. Then, he stepped towards you, picking up your hand, ever so gently, and placing a reverent kiss on your knuckles. “And thank you, my love. Seeing you walk towards me, I was also stricken by your beauty - words cannot describe how happy it makes me to see you adorned in my homeland’s vestments.”
You hadn’t had the chance to fully take in the sight of your reflection in the mirror - but seeing Malleus’ outfit, you had realised that yours was very similar to his own, albeit a tad bit simpler. The ebon colour of your robes was also a bit lighter, but definitely not enough to be called grey, and definitely nowhere close to what the staff had been wearing. You figured that the shades of colours inside the palace walls somehow reflected the hierarchy, with the darkest of blacks reserved for the royals.
Malleus brought your hand down, interlocking your fingers - and his eyes were so tender. “You are wonderful, dearest one.”
The softness in his eyes told you that he had meant the words much more deeply than a simple compliment to your outfit - your heart melted, and you stroked his hand with your thumb in absolute adoration.
“Nyahh, cut it out already, gross,” Grim lamented, scrunching up his nose, and you rolled your eyes. “Come on, Hornton, show me the kitchens already!”
Malleus chuckled. “Ah, but there is much more to see before that. The kitchens shall be later on in our tour.”
Grim started complaining louder, saying he doesn’t care about ‘the other boring stuff’, which both yourself and Sebek had chastised him for. In the end, Lilia offered for the three of them to show Grim what he wanted, and give you and Malleus ‘some privacy’. Sebek had been a bit apprehensive about leaving his liege unguarded, but Lilia reassured that nothing could harm him inside the castle’s walls.
So you and Malleus were left to your own devices- and you couldn’t be happier. A nice date with your boyfriend in the form of a private, VIP tour of his castle? Yes please, sign me the fuck up.
“So,” you began, wrapping your arms around his own - he adjusted his position on instinct, extending his elbow so you could cling to him more comfortably. “What’s first on the agenda?”
He smiled down at you, then dipped down to kiss your forehead - he was usually very careful with PDA, and you were grateful that no one was around to let you two be more openly affectionate.
“There is one place I most want to show you,” he rumbled, lips lingering atop your head.
You hummed, melting into him.
“The gargoyles?”
You felt him smile into your hair, before pulling back.
“That is apart of the list, yes - but not yet.” His mysterious smile only widened when met with the surprise in your eyes. “Come.”
He began walking, slowly, allowing you to easily match his stride, down the dark corridors of the palace.
Malleus pointed out many things on your way to whatever he wanted to show you - hidden symbols of Briar Valley carved into the stone lace of the various sculptures lining the palace windows, dragon-adjacent details in grotesques holding up torches along the hallways, and various large paintings hung on the main wall. You passed by a particular one, and stopped dead in your tracks, causing Malleus to end his current explanations and bring his attention to whatever had distracted you.
It was a painting of him - a portrait, large and very well executed, with fluid brush strokes and a textured, realistic overall appearance. Malleus was facing the front, wearing some of the finest ebon garments you have ever seen, adorned in elegant, swirling patterns, gems sewn straight into the material, dark lace and metal corset. He was drowning in jewellery, from his horns to his neck and down to his waist and the gloves on his hands, chains of shining silver and gorgeous, verdant gemstones that matched his glowing eyes perfectly. From his hip, protruding from underneath his flowing, pitch cape, there was some sort of intricate sword you didn’t recognise, that almost seemed too ornate for it to have been meant for battle. In his other hand there was a long, silver sceptre with a green gem floating at the top - it reminded you of the one you had seen his mother holding back in the dream world, although this one was distinctively different.
His features were sharp, pale skin contrasting with the dark outfit and background, and his eyes had stood out most into the whole composition. His stance was powerful, dramatic even, like you weren’t looking at a painting, but at a photograph taken of a theatre stage - it reminded you of a Baroque painting, minus the weird, white thighs that for some reason were such a trend for nobles in your world in the 17th century (you were so glad that the Draconia family had a much different, goth sense of style - you would cry if Malleus ever showed up in whatever the hell Louis XIV was sporting, regardless of how lethally beautiful your fae was). He was not smiling in this portrait, cold and untouchable, looking down at the viewer like he was on top of the world - and, well, he was.
You stared for a while, forgetting to blink, forgetting to breathe - feeling Malleus’ intense eyes staring into your soul, you finally regained your senses.
You whistled.
“Well, well, well, who might this gorgeous man be, I wonder?” You teased, clearing your throat so you could muster the haughtiest, corniest accent you were capable of giving. “My mortal eyes have been blessed by the Seven, for only they know I have never seen a more sublime sight in my whole years of being alive! Huzzah!”
Malleus barked out a laugh very uncharacteristic of his usual elegant demeanour, and his fist flew to his lips, trying to stifle the sound - but the moment he turned his head to meet your eyes, and saw your goofy, lopsided smile and your eyebrows wiggling, he could no longer keep upright, doubling over in laughter.
“You are utterly ridiculous,” he began, the remnants of his amusement still etched in his voice. He shook his head, smiling from ear to ear, and leaned down to wrap his arms around your waist from behind and rest his chin atop your head.
You smirked, “that’s how you talk.” Well, more like Sebek if you were to be honest, but both had a pretty similar old-fashioned vocabulary.
He scoffed. “I do not sound anything like that.”
“Mhm. Indeed.”
You could almost feel him rolling his eyes, and turned around in his arms to place a peck on his jawline - he sneered down at you, holding you a tad bit tighter and pinning your body to his chest.
“Finding amusement at my expense, in my own home - and you believe that anything but a proper kiss is going to excuse your grievances?”
You tried your best attempt at a timid face, even going the extra mile at adding a quiver to your lips - you looked up at him through your eyelashes, and his eyes narrowed.
“Oh no, have I drawn out my prince’s ire?” You batted your eyelashes, then cupped his cheeks softly. “I’m sure I can remedy that.”
You pulled him down gently and he met your lips halfway, sharing a deep, loving kiss. His thumbs rubbed circles into your waist, his warmth seeping into your skin even through the thick layers of the garments. You pulled apart, foreheads touching, and looked into his eyes.
“Would you find it in your heart to forgive me, my lovely prince?”
He hummed, contemplating - as if the softness of his eyes hadn’t been enough of an answer.
“You are pardoned, yes.” His eyes narrowed, fangs poking out from underneath his lips. “But do be careful, little darling - next time you provoke me, you might be met with much more dire consequences.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.”
You placed a warm kiss on his cheek and he immediately melted into it.
You turned back to look at the painting, Malleus’ arms still circled around you, and you took another moment to inspect the details - it really was a masterfully crafted work of art, and you could easily see it displayed in an art museum.
“Must have taken hours,” you murmured under your breath. Then, louder, “how much time did you have to pose for it?”
“Days,” Malleus corrected, simply. “The piece was drawn in a few sketch sessions with the artist, no more than a few hours each, then they would return to the castle once in a while to get proper references for the lighting and background.”
You hummed, still in awe - he had said it casually, like this hadn’t been his first rodeo (and well, it most likely wasn’t, considering even Sebek had one of his simpler portraits hanging in his room), and you could barely believe that he made something like getting a portrait done sound like he was just taking care of a banal chore. He really has had an unique life experience.
“It’s beautiful,” you admitted, eyes still roaming the canvas.
He hummed - then, you felt his body coiling around you more, tail brushing against your legs, his breath warm on your ear.
“I should get a painting done of you,” he murmured, lips brushing against your temple.
Romantic as always - but the idea of having a fancy museum-worthy painting done of you felt a bit over-the-top.
“You’d leave me sitting for hours on end, posing, all by myself?” You chuckled, and turned your head to meet his gaze again. “Why not get one of both of us? Have a nice couple-picture.”
Like a couple photoshoot, you reasoned - and Malleus seemed delighted by the idea, looking at you with such tenderness, you thought you’d melt then and there.
“Humans are always in such a rush,” he sighed, like he couldn’t really understand how utterly restless you would get if you had to sit down for hours, not doing anything but staring ahead at a painter. But as he lingered on your proposal, the corners of his mouth turned upright, and his ears twitched. “I do, however, find that to be a wonderful idea - I will have it arranged.”
“…Maybe let’s meet your grandma first?” You tried, patting the arms still nestled around your waist.
Malleus hummed, “all in due time, indeed.” Then, he straightened once more, taking your hand in his own and interlacing your fingers. “Now then, come.” He started stringing you gently along the hallway, smile bright. “There is still much to see.”
———
Magic is so fucking cool.
The castle was huge - and yet, the moment you had entered the courtyard, you realised just how ginormous it truly became with the help of magic and pocket dimensions.
Inside the palace courtyard there was a big, verdant garden, that stretched quite far into the distance, lined not only by the stone columns, but by an actual forest - a forest! Inside the castle! Malleus had told you tales of how he would often enjoy running amongst the trees as a small child, but never had you expected for the woodlands to be growing within the walls of his home. You supposed that this was the only way to have a garden, considering that the palace was literally perched up on an almost-floating rock.
The garden itself was nicely illuminated by the light of the setting sun, with stone paved pathways, elegant, circular pavilions and beautiful, ebony blossoms adorning the flowerbeds. It was mesmerising, and even though the blooms themselves were all in the darker pallets of colours, the garden had still felt whimsical and full of life.
Malleus sensed your awe and smiled down at you - he led you down the pathway to a nearby, stoney pavilion, a few fae working nearby and tending to the flowers bowing in his wake. They had all looked at you rather strangely, but Malleus didn’t seem to heed it any mind - you supposed he was used to the constant attention.
From the open pavilion, you were able to see further beyond into the garden - including the vast stretch of elegant, pitch-black roses, drowning in the sunsets’ golden light.
You took a moment to admire - and felt Malleus letting go of your hand, instead settling it on the small of your back and pulling you closer.
“Do you recall the rose garden I had told you about?”
“Yes,” you breathed, eyes wide and utterly enchanted. “You took care of all of this?”
“The gardeners maintain it when I am gone - but when I am home, I do care for it myself, yes.”
Before you could ask, he raised his free hand, swirls of magic sparking up from his fingers and inside the palm of his hand - he released the stream forward, propagating into a large wave of light that veiled the large flower bed, green specs of glitter lingering on the dark petals. You swore the roses bloomed just a tad bit brighter.
Ok, makes sense, you thought, mouth still agape from the beautiful display of magic. You really could never get used to Malleus’ shows - and he knew, always looking just a tad bit prouder after seeing your awed expression.
“I love it.” You looked up at Malleus, eyes warm. “You’ve done a great job.”
Malleus returned your smile. Then, he twirled his finger in the air, more green swirls shining from his skin - they flew down to one of the roses, plucking it up, removing the thorns from the stem, and levitating it right into his open hand. He turned to you, lifting your chin up and delicately settling the flower behind your ear.
“None hold a candle to you, my love,” he murmured, caressing your cheek fondly. Heat rushed from your neck up, and you suddenly felt unbearably warm.
“…You’re gonna give me diabetes one of these days.”
His eyebrow rose - he seemed… concerned?
“I am unsure how my actions could lead to inflicting a human disease upon you?”
He was dead serious - and you couldn’t help but let out a few giggles. He had gotten a lot better at discerning subtleties in every day ‘human’ speech, but sometimes you’d still have to explain some things.
“No, Mal - I didn’t mean it literally.” You cupped the hand holding your cheek, stroking it reassuringly. “It means that you are being very sweet.”
“Ah.” He blinked, and you smiled at his deadpan expression. “Another unusual turn of phrase…” he sighed, “I’ve still much to learn.”
You hummed, “there’s plenty of time.”
“Yes.” He smiled, and it was so gentle. “I suppose there is always so much, yet so little time.”
You both turned back to look at the flower field. The sun had almost entirely set, darkness slowly enveloping the large, enchanted garden and forest. Malleus held you close, telling stories of his childhood spent amongst these very flowers - he hoped that, one day, you too shall join him in the petals, raising the roses and weaving more memories, together. There is nothing in this world that could make you happier.