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Chapter Text

“Why can’t you just hold still!” Maxi winced as her nanny tugged and pulled painfully at her hair. She could see the wrinkled skin of her Nannie’s face twisting into displeasure and annoyance as she tried to tame Maxis wild red locks.

Dispite it being her wedding day, Maxi had never felt so much despair. To her, marriage was just another transaction, she’d be married off to the highest bidder and used as a brood mare until she either died of exhaustion or died in childbirth. Her own mother had died the same way, who’s to say she wouldn’t.

It was no secret that her nanny hated her hair, ever since she could remember the old women would make remarks on its unsightly appearance. At this point Maxi had started to believe it, actually maybe she started to believe long ago, so long ago that it was just part of her everyday thoughts.

“If you move one more time I’m calling the master down. And you know how he hates to be disturbed.” The threat lingered in Maxis rigid spine as she tried not to make another move dispite the endless burning on her scalp. But she’d endure that if it meant not getting beaten again, the ache from yesterdays beating still lingered in her back.

After what felt like forever the nanny finally put the comb down and stared coldly at Maxi through the mirror, “stay still I’ll be back with the wedding dress.” The door shut without another word and Maxi was finally left alone. The pain in her head had now turned into a throb and Maxi couldn’t help but stare at the ugly heap of red locks piled upon her head in a bun.

Some parts were so tight she felt like her hair was being ripped from her scalp while other parts were making strands fall out of the bun. Maxi couldn’t help but grimace at the sight, she was sure that no matter how she looked her soon to be husband wouldn’t care, it’s not like he ever second glanced at her. But it was her father who she worried about.

Yesterday he’d made it abundantly clear that if she were to embarrass him or bring shame to the Croix name in any way she’d pay the price. Just then the door banged open and her nanny and a maid walked in, her nanny had the white wedding dress in her hands while the maid quickly pulled Maxi off her seat and started to strip her.

Maxi stood there like a wooden doll, letting the maid put whatever sort of weird and tight undergarments on to her. “Even lingerie can’t save you.” Her nanny tisked and quickly grabbed Maxi by her waist, her cold unwelcome hands sending shivers up Maxis spine but she stood still as the old women pulled at the top of her breasts, making them protrude out of the lingerie.

“If only you could look more like Miss Rosetta…” it was an off handed comment from the maid but it struck Maxi in the face. She of course new that she was hideous compared to her gorgeous younger sister Rosetta, but to be reminded so clearly hurt her more than she’d like to admit.

The wedding dress was heavy and itchy, the material rubbing against her skin in ways that had her fidgeting uncomfortably. It might have been the most expensive and elaborate gown that she’d ever worn but Maxi felt like a cupcake under all the layers of white gauze. Her deathly pale skin seemed to almost blend into the gown, making her red hair stand out like a sore thumb.

Her nanny looked as displeased as ever as she forcefully spun Maxi around, inspecting every inch of her. “Make her corset tighter.” The maid nodded and Maxi held her breath as her corset tightened to its tightest point. When exhaling she felt as if her lungs were being restricted under layers of white fabric and lacey lingerie.

When she looked in the dusty, cracked mirror Maxi couldn’t recognize herself. In the mirror stared back a ghostly girl with unruly red hair covered in a gown of white tule and gauze, her breasts popped out at the top, almost spilling out from when her nanny adjusted her. Maxi couldn’t help but think that she looked like the saddest most pathetic bride in the world.

She even pitied her soon to be husband, Riftan Calypse, for having to marry someone like her whilst also being forced to go to the dragon campaign in the place of her father. She really didn’t blame him for hating her. She alone hated herself and she wasn’t being forced to go to a dragon campaign.

Suddenly the feeling of something stabbing something in the back of her head had Maxi gasping as she was pulled out of her thoughts. The maid of shoving a veil at the top of her bun while her nanny critiqued every possible position until she was finally satisfied. With a few final adjustments her nanny finally sighed and sent the maid off.

“Wipe that look of your face before I do it for you. This is your wedding day, plaster a smile on your face and suck it up.” Maxis lip wobbled but she bit the inside of her cheek, the pain distracted her long enough as she started to exit her tiny bedroom, following her nanny obediently.

“The master wants to see you before the ceremony.” Maxi suddenly felt complete dread as the stopped outside the heavy double doors to her fathers study. They stood as imposing as ever, taunting her with memories of all that had transpired behind those same doors for the past nineteen years.

“N-anny?” The old women got a sour look on her face as Maxi turned to look at her with those watery eyes. “W-ill I en-joy marri-ed life?” The question came out before she could think but to her surprise and utter horror it wasn’t her nanny that answered but her father.

“If you pleasure him well enough.” It was as if a bucket of ice had poured over her, when she turned and saw the imposing figure of her father with his cane and deathly eyes staring at her Maxi felt as if she’d pass out right there. He stood inside his dark office, all the curtains drawn as her nanny shoved her inside and shut the doors.

“Listen well Maximilian.” His tone had her unconsciously shivering with fear. “In only half an hour you will be married to that brute and I expect you to complete your marital duties without fuss or hysteria.” There was no room for arguing, her fathers word was law in the duchy. “If you fail to do so and that bastard annuls the marriage consider yourself dead.”

Maxi felt like crying, everyone around her kept talking of marital duties but nobody explained to her what marital duties were. The closest she’d ever gotten to learning was last night from her nanny, “lie completely still and let him do whatever he pleases with you.” And that was it. Maxi felt panicked, how was she supposed to complete something she didn’t even know about.

The knock at the door had her snap out of the spiral she was falling into. “Your grace? Everyone is ready to start the ceremony.” Her father wordlessly pulled on his coat as the doors opened, he gave her one more deathly look before dragging her by the forearm down the hall. With each passing step Maxi felt as if she was a step closer to her grave, her fate sealed with the searing grip of her father.

Now standing before the doors to the hall where she’d be married in just a few minutes, it felt as if her gown as closing in on her, as if her throat had been squeezed shut. A maid suddenly lowered her veil over face and Maxi felt grateful, the tears now spilling freely out of her eyes. Once the music started there was no escape in sight, only a path to her death.

“Remember what I told you.” With that her fathers icy words were drowned out as the doors opened and the faces of hundreds of complete strangers stared right at her. The one that stood out the most was the face of Riftan Calypse, staring at her with a hard look as she took the first step to her new reality.

Chapter Text

Maxis body felt heavy as she stood beside the colossal man at the front of the alter, the pastor was reading out some of sort of marriage sermon but she couldn’t focus. The feeling of hundreds of eyes peering at her, judging her made her feel trapped inside her body. The dress didn’t help either, it left her practically imobile if she tried to make any big moves.

Suddenly the feeling of cool wind touching her warm face had Maxi gazing at Sir Calypse with wide wondering eyes. He pushed the veil behind her head, looking down on her with the same hard eyes that he’d always looked at her with. “Your eyes are red.” She barely heard him whisper to her and she realized he probably saw her tear stained cheeks aswell.

The pastor cleared his through and indicated to the ring bearer to step forward, Maxi unconsciously looked at her father who wasn’t even paying attention to the ceremony but instead talking to some man beside him. “Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today in the sight of God in holy matrimony…-“ as the pastor droned on Maxi couldn’t help but look at her soon to be husband.

He was tall, towering over everyone and was made out of pure muscle with golden tanned skin. He had dark eyes that seemed to gleam in the sun and short black hair with which Maxi couldn’t deny that she found him attractive. How couldn’t she, mixed with his incredible looks she also heard of his skill. Once, in passing she’d heard from a maid about a soldier that had risen through the ranks and was now the leader of his own group at such a young age.

There was also another story from Rosetta, about a knight that won a tournament against the countries best royal knight and that in reward he was given a sword many had been fighting over for years now. The weight of her hands suddenly being lifted into the large callous hands of Sir Calypse had Maxi blinking to clear her head.

She hadn’t even realized that the pastor was done speaking until the words of Sir Calypse registered in her mind. “I, Riftan Calypse take thee Maximilian Croix as my lawfully wedded wife, through sickness and in healthy, through richer and poorer. Until death do us part.” From the corner of her eye she saw her fathers face contort into what could only be described as satisfaction.

The intensity of his gaze had Maxi squirming as the pastor repeated some words and finally turned to her. She took a deep breath, in the crowd before her she knew that her father was expecting her to her vows clearly without a stutter but the nervous were getting to her and she knew she’d pay the price if anything went wrong.

Before she could completely panic, Maxi thought that first a moment she felt Sir Calypses finger run over her thumb in comfort, but when she peered up at him he was looking straight in her eyes with that same indifference. “I, Ma-xmilian-n Croix t-ake thee R-ita-n Calypse as m-y lawf-ully wedd-ed hu-band, th-rough sic-kness and in heal-thy, th-rough rich-er and poo-rer. U-ntil death do us part.”

Maxi was trembling, she wasn’t sure if she was trembling because she knew that she’d butchered that up so badly it called for a beating or if because now it was final. She now belonged to Riftan Calypse, the man who’d been forced to marry her and embark on a dragon campaign without so much as a choice.

“M’lady- the ring.” She sucked in a breath as the pastor nodded to the ring bearer. With trembling fingers she picked the cold ring in her hand, it was large and fitting for her husband’s size with a noticeable weight to it. Her husband now held her left hand almost gently as he slid the ring on her finger, sealing her to him for good now.

The ring felt foreign on her finger, dainty and small compared to that of her husbands. Yet still she gently held his hand, his skin emitting heat as she slid the ring on his finger. “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.” There was a roar of clapping as people stood from their seats eagerly waiting for the kiss.

Maxis eyes darted to the face of her husband. Was this marital duties? That didn’t seem so bad, yes she’d decided even tho he hated her and wanted nothing to do with her, she’d complete her marital duties and save herself from a beating. Riftan a hands wrapped around her waist as she brought her closer, so close she planted her hands on his chest to bring a little distance between them.

He stared intently into her eyes for what felt for eternity, his gaze burning into her mind as his eyes moved down her face and to her parted rosy lips. As he bent down Maxi willed herself to clam down, standing completely still like her nanny said as his lips finally met hers.

But as the smell of his minty breath took over her senses, Maxi found herself gripping onto his shirt her head unconsciously tilting to the side, giving him better access to her mouth. The kiss only lasted a couple of seconds but it burned into her mind fervently.

When they pulled apart it was the sight of her father standing before her that had her flinching back, “I must be the first to congratulate you Sir Calypse. As you know Maximilian was a dear daughter to me and I loath to part from her.” Maxi kept her head low, her chin almost to her chest as her father continued on with his lies.

Suddenly, her husband stood straighter his arm wrapping around her waist firmly “I believe my wife is hungry. We’ll be taking our leave to the banquet hall now.” Without so much as another word he was dragging her down the aisle with strong, quick strides, leaving her father standing there dumbfounded and seething.

Once they’d exited the hall, a tall burly man with ginger hair and her nanny were the first before them. The man who she assumed was a knight judging from his attire gave her a brisk nod before turning to Riftan. Her nanny on the other hand grabbed her by the forearm and pulled her away from her husband.

“If you’ll excuse us sir, I must get Maximilian ready for the banquet.” And so she was harshly pulled away leaving her to glance once behind at the man she now called husband before she petrifyingly found herself inside her fathers office and not her bedroom.

Chapter Text

TW abuse and violence

The feeling of her fathers cane coming down on her back should have been familiar and while the action was, the feeling of seering pain still took her by surprise each time. “You useless brat!” Maxi held her head, tears flowing down freely from her eyes as her fathers cane hit her spine. Maxi cried out and tried not to think about the fact that her wedding dress was now smeared with blood.

“How dare he- a bastard- a half breed talk to me like that!” Maxi held back a sob as he now kicked her in the ribs, knocking the little breath she had left out of her lungs and making her vision dot. “And you! You retard! Stuttering and sniffling out there like a fool!” His cane came down on her shoulder and Maxi was sure that at any moment she pass out.

Hopefully she would, or better yet and could just die. How pitiful it was, she’d been married all but two hours and yet her husband would already receive the news that his bride was dead. It was for the better she thought, if she died there would be nothing tying him down to the duchy. He could be free of the nuisance she was.

But unfortunately her nanny stepped in, “master perhaps we should stop there for now. The bedding ceremony still hasn’t taken place.” Her fathers face dawned realization, he nodded and with a final kick to her stomach he bent down, grabbing a fistful of Maxis now free flowing hair.

“You better spread your legs wide for him or else…” he shoved her face into the floor and called for one of his mages to enter. Her nanny stayed behind, watching as the mage healed and cleaned up any bruises and cuts that Maxi had. Once he was done he bowed his head and Maxi was pulled to her feet.

“Madam, while I healed all your injuries, you may find some muscle soreness.” Maxi knew that, she’d been getting beaten for so many years that she was familiar with every bit of it. Her nanny now dragged her back to her bedroom, practically throwing her inside as she stripped Maxi of the ruined wedding dress.

“Luckily the lingerie is fine.” Maxi stood there passive and sniffling as her nanny pulled her breasts up again and put her in a dusty pink dress with embroidery. Maxi recognized the dress, she’d seen Rosetta wear it three years ago at a banquet her father had hosted. At the time Maxi thought it was the most beautiful gown but now as she stared at herself in the mirror she felt like an imposter.

“What am I going to do with this mess.” Her nanny grabbed Maxis hair, now braiding it hastily and pining it up in another bun. Before she knew it, Maxi was standing at the banquet halls entrance looking at an even larger crowd and the band of musicians on the platform stage.

Nobody seemed to notice that the bride had walked in the room, all laughing and talking loudly as the ate the rather bland food that was lined amongs three huge tables. Maxi knew her father didn’t do this for her, it was another display of wealth and superiority. As Maxi took her first steps she already felt suffocated at how overwhelming everything seemed to be.

It was only then that she noticed that the only people standing to greet her were none other than her husband and his knights, they sat by themselves on a table near the stage, the one meant for the bride and groom seemingly forgotten by her husband. Maxis heart seized with something she couldn’t quite place as she made her way over.

The knight from before with ginger hair was the first to greet her, he took her hand and placed a kiss on it. “Pleasure to formally meet you M’lady. I’m Herbaron Nirtra.” Maxi gave him a shy smile and nodded as she took her seat next to Riftan who was staring intently at her with a burning gaze.

From her left she heard a cough, Herbaron gave her a smile as he downed his goblet in a second. “You look nice.” She jumped as her husband’s voice sounded in her ears, she shifted uncomfortably as all eyes on the table turned to look at them, as if they couldn’t believe what they’d just heard.

Suddenly a plate of food was placed in front of her, Riftan filled her goblet with wine as he watched her closely. While the sight before her was tempting, even tho the food at the duchy was bland and flavourless, Maxi couldn’t bring herself to eat any. Her nanny she noticed was standing off to side watching with clear disapproval.

Maxi had already eaten today a bowl of soup in the morning, it was more than enough and besides she remembered the advice her nanny had given her. “Men don’t want fat, ugly girls. They thin women, that is your only redeeming quality. Don’t ruin it.” Maxi pushed the plate back, giving Riftan a small smile as she stared hardly at her.

Did he think she was being rude? Was he expecting her to do as he said without question? “I- I- I’m not h-ungry.” Riftan stared at her for a while longer, his dark eyes searching her face before he turned to the knights on the table, not giving his wife another look.

The night progressed on, Maxi sitting wordlessly next to her husband who was talking amongst his knights about things she couldn’t understand. Nobody approached her or congratulated her, it was as if they forgot this was the wedding banquet. But as the clock struck one, her nanny and father came to the table.

Maxi shrunk back from her fathers gaze, hoping that her husband’s colossal, hulking frame would hide her from his view. “It’s time for the bedding ceremony.” There was no emotion or care in her fathers voice as her nanny pulled her up from her seat, Maxi couldn’t bring herself to look at Riftan not when her father had said that loudly enough for the entire hall to hear.

Slowly Riftan stood up and gave Maxi one final long look before following her father out. As Maxi followed her nanny she couldn’t help but think, ‘bedding ceremony’? What did that even mean, were they going to bed? It seemed frightfully early by her fathers standards. But maybe this was normal bed time for married couples.

It not like she had any example to look up to, how was she to know what the bedding ceremony was when nobody told her anything. As far as she was concerned she had already completed her marital duties with that kiss.

Once in her room, her nanny made quick work of undressing Maxi leaving her in only the tight lingerie she’d been forced to wear for so many hours. Maxi couldn’t wait to get out them and put her chemise on, but as her nanny pulled out a nightgown that practically sheer Maxi hesitated.

“N-anny? What-t is th-at for?” Her nanny looked annoyed that Maxi had even dared to open her mouth, but a almost cruel smile dawned her lips. Her nanny shoved the flimsy material over head and started to yank Maxis hair out of its bun as she chuckled.

“It’s for the bedding ceremony. For your marital duties. I have to entice him somehow.” Maxi felt dread wash over her. Hadn’t she already completed her marital duties? What was her nanny even saying, why would she need to entice Riftan. Maxis head swarmed with thoughts but before she knew it she was being led to bedding ceremony in nothing but a sheer nightgown and lingerie.

Chapter Text

TW kinda non con sex (she doesn’t know what’s happening so yeah)

The pastor, her father and a couple of other men she didn’t recognize were standing in front of a pair of large oak door. Her father had the same steely look in his eyes, his knuckles white as he gripped his cane. The pastor stepped forward, his eyes averting as he saw her attire. “I bless thee Maximilian Calypse in holy matrimony.”

Then the door opened and Maxi was forced into a large room with a wide bed in the centre, there was a basin with some clothes and a jar of something next to it. Maxi had never seen this room before, it felt cold and sterile, unwelcoming as she looked back at her nanny and father with questioning eyes.

Suddenly a door on the other side opened and Riftan strode. Maxi nearly squeaked as they made eye contact, his eyes briefly darting down at her attire before he came and stood woodenly beside her. “I bless thee Riftan Calypse in holy matrimony and I bless this marriage to be fruitful.”

Before the doors shut Maxi saw the final look her father gave her before, with a loud bag, the doors shut and locked. Now standing alone and nearly naked with the man she’d only met a handful of times and never really talked to Maxi was petrified. She was still trying to figure out what the bedding ceremony was and the look that he was giving her was so dark.

“I know you hate me but you still have to fulfill your marital duties.” His voice was dark and gravely, his body huge and towering as he slowly, almost as if testing her, approached. “You may see me as a brute, but I won’t force you up into anything. Do you want this?” The question lay heavy in the air. Want what? She was so confused.

But Maxi also knew that she couldn’t allow him to leave, not before completing whatever these marital duties were. “Y-es.” Riftan nodded, taking a step back as he gripped his shirt and threw it over his head, Maxi immediately panicked, what was he doing? This far to much and yet she was still unknowing what lay ahead of her.

“Then we have to complete the duty of consummation.” As his shirt hit the floor, Maxi couldn’t help but ogle. His body was carved with muscles at every crevice there was not a inch of him not rippled with tanned muscle that flexed with his movements. He then reached for his pants and Maxi took a step back, immediately Riftan stopped and took her by the shoulders. “Do you want to stop?”

If only she knew what he was asking. Stop what? But instead she shook her head and looked around the room. Her eyes fell to that bottle from before, ‘lubricant’ it said on the front. Why would she need that? Before she could question it, she heard the thud of pants on the floor.

Now completely naked, Maxi couldn’t help but blush profusely as she stared at Riftan for a little to long. His… member was already sticking out, with veins along its sides. Riftan shifted under her gaze adn she immediately turned around covering her face. A second later she felt his thick, large arms wrap around her body, pulling her to his chest.

Maxi gasped and tried not to squirm in the hold of a naked man, what would her father say about this? Suddenly his hands came to her shoulders, his fingers as gently as possible pushing the strap of her night gown down. Maxi stilled but didn’t protest, the words her nanny spoke to her last night only now making sense.

Riftan paused for a second before he continued, her other strap now fell aswell making her gown pool at her waist. Maxi shivered at the cold air and Riftan bent down, his face falling on her neck as he peppered open mouthed kisses along her neck, jaw, chest. The action had her sucking in a breath, her hand coming to hold his that was wrapped around her waist.

His other hand came down and pushed the flimsy dress down her hips, letting it pool on the floor, leaving Maxi in nothing but her lingerie. “S-hou-ld I un-dress as-well?” He voice came out meek and quite, the nervousness evident in her tone. Riftan nearly groaned but nodded as she stepped out of his hold.

She felt his eyes glued to her as she, with trembling fingers, softly undid all the knots from the lingerie she wore. The lace covering her breasts was the first to fall to the floor and Maxi instinctively covered her chest. No man had ever seen her bare, it made her uncomfortable combined with his dark gaze.

As if she was taking too long, Riftan was suddenly before her, his hands gripping the lacey material between her legs. As he ripped it off her body, Maxi gasped suddenly feeling vulnerable as ever, standing there naked in front of the man she now called husband.

His hands were back on her waist and hips before she knew what was going on, his face falling to the valley of her breasts as he stared at her through hooded eyes. “Even if you hate it…” his mouth fell on her breasts and her skin erupts in goosebumps “you have to endure it.” But endure what?

Her question was never asked as the next second she was laying on the bed with this colossal man laying ontop of her. The heat from his skin made her feel dizzy and the feeling of his mouth roaming her body had her sweating. “Are you sure? I won’t be able to stop afterwards.” So they weren’t done. She nodded once more.

Riftan pulled her legs apart, resting his bottom half in the gap as one hand squeezed the pillow beside her head and the other trailed down her thighs. His mouth left kisses all along her body and she noticed marks from most places he touched. Maxi suddenly yelped as she felt his fingers toy with her women parts.

She went to stop him but the words of her nanny echoed in her mind. She was his property now, he could do to her whatever he pleased and she had no say. So Maxi lay still, her body sweating and weird sensation creeping up her spine. Riftan didn’t seem to notice, his teeth biting and grazing and a particular spot on her neck that he felt made her wet.

One finger entered her women part and Maxi shot up, her eyes wide with panic as Riftan laid her back down. “It’s ok, endure it.” Maxis eyes watered but she nodded, this was martial duties and she had to her part. As he added a second finger, she heard Riftan swear as her core clenched around his hand, he plamed her other breast as he continued.

Suddenly she felt pressure building up in her gut, her core clenched even tighter around his fingers and Riftan swore loudly “fuck! I can’t hold back anymore…” the next thing she knew, his fingers left her core, leaving her feeling empty and with a throb of pain.

Riftan opened her legs further out, his hand coming up to her hair. As his member prodded at her entrance Maxi felt increasing panic, her husband tried to somewhat comfort her but his own lust clouded his judgment. With one thrust Maxi felt splitting pain, she cried out, her hands instinctively wrapping around his shoulders as he trembled with restraint.

“Fuck… you are so tight.” He huffed a breath out his veins protruding out of his body with restraint. Maxi had never felt pain like this before it was deeper, more soul splitting than the pain from her beatings, maybe this was punishment for something she’d done. She was a stupid girl after all.

After a few moments Riftan moved, finding a pace before he thrust hardly into her, rocking her body and the bed back and forth as he continued to swear, chanting her name like a prayer. Maxi cried into his shoulder, the pain elevating a little as he thrust more and more into her but she still felt as if her body was on fire.

His lips found hers in a kiss of pure desperation, Maxi couldn’t keep but with his actions, her weak body already tired out from the beating fell limp on the bed. Maxi thought he was relentless, just when she thought he was slowing down he’d make her core clench and it was like his stamina was back to full.

“Maxi… Maxi… Maxi!” Riftans thrusts stuttered as he came with a moan, Maxi too let out a scream her body releasing before she fell back with a gasp, her breaths coming out short and quick. Riftan thought he was in heaven, his body still pumping out his release as he trembled with endless desire. He was ready to go another round, but one look at her face and he pulled out.

Maxi watched as different fluids flowed out of her body, amongst them she could see blood staining the sheets. Panic gripped her as she stared between her legs, had her cycle come? No she only got it a few times in the year and her next one wasn’t for another two months.

Riftan noticed as well, took her face in his hands, wiping the tears from her eyes as he went over to the basin. Taking a cloth he softly made Maxi lie back down, for a second she thought they’d do marital duties again but then she felt a warm cloth press on her women parts.

“I have to take the sheets out and prove consummation. I’ll be back.” Maxi watched as Riftan put his pants back on and took the dirty sheets of the bed before he walked out the door. As she waited Maxi cocooned herself in the blanket on the bed. She couldn’t believe what just happened.

If this was marital duties she wanted no part in it, she could still feel the ache between her legs and the dark bruises that now littered her skin. Was she to be expected to do this every night with him? Surely not, how could he have that much stamina to do this every night.

As the door opened again and Riftan came back in, he dropped the dirty sheet in the corner of the room before getting in bed beside her. Maxi tensed for a moment, fear gripping her as his hand wove around her waist but as he on,y brought her to his chest she relaxed a little. “It is done. You are now my wife in every sense of the word. Sleep Maxi…”

And so she did, not knowing that this was the last time she’d speak to him in three years or that a piece of him was left behind with her.

Chapter Text

TW abuse

Two months passed since her wedding, the day after she’d woken up alone, being told that Riftan had already left for the dragon campaign. Oddly, she felt sadness creep in her chest as she heard the news, he’d hurt her that night yet she still wanted him to stay.

It was no matter, her nanny had reminded her that he was likely to die in the campaign anyway so it was best not to worry to much. So life resumed much the same since she got married, the difference was that now her father pressured her to maintain the front of happy wife so that people didn’t talk.

It wasn’t difficult she only ever saw three people in one day so keeping the front that she was happy was easy. But today she messed up, her father had ordered her to stay out of the way and completely clear of the royal knights that had visited. But she ended up running into one and after she split a herbal tea on his tunic he had went to complain to her father.

The cane came down so abruptly on her back that Maxi had not time to react before he struck her again. The duke had been in a foul mood all week and she was the perfect punching bag, “worthless! That’s what you are worthless! Can’t even hold a tea cup like a proper lady!” The cane went to hit her stomach and Maxi instinctively wrapped her arms around herself, her hands getting the brunt force of it instead.

She whimpered, tears flowing down her face, her back was bleeding from the countless strikes and now she felt herself nauseated again. Just then, the doors opened and the mage walked in, standing firmly next to her nanny as her father struck her neck next. The second it did, Maxi found herself vomiting all over the carpet and dress.

Her father jumped back in disgust as he called the mage over, “we’ll continue once your cleaned up.” The mage started to heal her while her nanny dropped a rag on the floor. Just as she was about to start scrubbing the mage suddenly gasped his eyes going wide as he grabbed Maxis wrist.

“Your grace… I- the lady is pregnant.” The words hung in the air for eternity, Maxis hands instinctively pressed down on her stomach as her mouth fell open in shock. No… she couldn’t be. Yes she consummated the marriage but- no, no way the mage had to be wrong.

“Check again.” Everyone in the room stared at Maxi in complete shock as she brought her wrist to the mages face. The mage looked taken aback as he looked at the duke for confirmation, her father nodded, his eyes deathly calm as the mage checked again. Once done he gave Maxi a long look and she already knew.

She was pregnant.

The revelation had Maxi fall into complete and utter shock, everyone in the room, even the duke, were still as the realization set on them. The first to react was the duke, “listen well. If I hear that anybody- especially that half breed has gotten news of this your dead.” The mage nodded eagerly his face ashen.

Next he moved to Maxi who protectively wound her arms tighter around herself. “You.” The words hung heavy in the room. “Get out of my sight.” Her fathers words were but a hiss of venom, Maxi didn’t need to be told twice. She ran out of the room, her mind still clouded and hazy. Before she left she heard her father call her nanny back and Maxi was grateful to be left alone.

Once in her room Maxi felt like she could finally breath, she slumped on her bed, turning to look at her reflection in the small mirror. Her stomach was still flat as ever and with her already irregular cycles she never would have guessed she was pregnant. But she was, and this was real.

She supposed there were some hints, from maids she’d heard that pregnant women often feel nauseous and have morning sickness. But then again Maxi always felt nauseous in this place, they also said that there was an increase in fatigue and a change in appetite. To be truthful Maxi never paid attention to those things.

As realization finally set in there was a new found fear in Maxi, she cradled her stomach, getting under the thin blanket as she stared into the tall mountains in the horizon. Maxi found she wasn’t afraid of the idea of being a mother, or even the fact that there was a real chance that she could be a widow. No, what frightened her was her father.

She didn’t want to think about what being pregnant meant, she didn’t want to think about what he’d do to her baby. Would he be cruel like he was to her? Would he hit them and ridicule them? Maxi shuddered at the thought. She was determined she would do whatever it took to protect her baby no matter what.

But then another thought, what of her husband. How would Riftan react to the news? Maybe he would be delighted or he would be angry or disgusted. She honestly didn’t know how he’d react, they’d only met a couple of times and talked even less in those times. She also had no way of reaching him, she had no idea where he was and she sure that her father was in no hurry to tell him.

Her thoughts were disturbed as her nanny walked in, looking awfully calm. Maxi the one and only pillow she had in front of her stomach too afraid to think of what the old women might do. Surprisingly her nanny started to stroke her cheek, Maxi was hesitant and as stiff as a brick.

Suddenly, searing pain exploded on her cheek and Maxi stared in shock at her nanny, “you damn tramp. You just had to get knocked up.” Her nanny’s was twisted into a scowl as she stared down on Maxi. “Don’t you see how you ruined everything!” Maxi started to carefully move away, her priority being the safety of her baby.

“You’ll end up just like her! Dead in childbirth or a hollow of a person after a miscarriage!” It was as if everything around her had frozen as she realized who her nanny was talked about. Her own sorrowful mother, who died after giving birth to another stillborn. The reminder gripped Maxi with panic, she hadn’t even thought about that till now.

“And then what good will you be to us! Your father that poor man has worked so hard on getting a new match for you after that half breed is dead!” Maxi couldn’t focus on what her nanny was saying, instead having yet another realization hit her. Her mother had poor fertility and even poorer chances when it came to mortality rate with her babies, Maxi was the only one that managed to survive and she was defected.

Maxi heaved, her hands coming up to her face. Would she also miscarry this baby? Or would she die giving birth to a child who had some sort of impediment like her. If she did Maxi was sure that her father would not show kindness or pity to her unborn child. They would be the product of ‘a half breed’ like her father called Riftan and a stupid, stuttering daughter.

“Maximilian!” Maxi swerved her head into the direction of her nanny who now looked composed as ever and standing next to her father. Maxi gulped and felt faint with the idea of what he was here for. The duke looked terrifying as always but there was now something sinister in the way that he looked at her.

“My dear daughter.” He placed a boney hand on her shoulder, squeezing and hurting her until tears pricked her eyes. “Let me make this abundantly clear. You will not be allowed to have any medical help whatsoever. You will be given a singular midwife if you ever reach labour.” There was a sneer on his face as he looked at her still flat stomach. “You will not be provided anything for that thing and you are under house arrest until I say your not. Am I clear?”

Maxis voice trembled making her stutter even worse, she tried to open her mouth but there were no words to speak. Her father pulled back as if he’d been burnt a look of disgust taking his face “what a retard.” Without another word, he left her room, her nanny following behind and she heard her door lock.

It was only in that moment that maxi broke down and sobbed, sobbed so much that her pillow was wet. She cried for hours until she passed out from fatigue and pure exhaustion. When she awoke it was pitch black outside, she saw there was a now long cold watery broth laying on the floor by the door but besides that it was much the same.

Groaning Maxi got up and picked the tray up, as she brought the spoon to her mouth she suddenly retched at the smell. The fish soup she usually enjoyed now smelt of nothing but spoiled fish and eggs, Maxi lamented her situation. On one hand she was starving but on the other she didn’t want to throw up whatever was left in her stomach with that.

Besides she knew that she needed to eat something, if not for her than for the poor defenseless baby that relied on her to protect them. With new found determination, Maxi tested the door handle, seeing it was unlocked Maxi creeped out like a mouse, hiding in shadows whenever the odd maid would pass.

Luckily the kitchen was near her bedroom and Maxi stood in the quiet room eager to grab something quickly and head back to her room before her nanny came back. As Maxi went to grab a plate she heard the clutter of utensils behind her, she whirled and found a young maid, no older than her staring at her.

“Miss Maximilian- umm we where told you were not permitted here.” The young maid shifted on her feet uncomfortably as she waited for her response. Maxi only felt tears prick her eyes as she put the plate down, she only wanted to feed her baby and she wanted to even allowed that. As she turned to leave she was stopped my the maid.

“Here.” A tea towel filled with bread, a cookie and grapes were placed in her hand and Maxi felt like crying for a whole new reason. No one had ever been this kind to her, all the servants treated her worse than dirt and made fun of her for a stutter she was born with. Maxi near salivated at the sight of the food but gave the maid a genuine smile.

“T-hank you.” The maid nodded and hurried Maxi along. Once back in her room, Maxi sat on the edge of her bed staring back out to the now dark mountains. They almost seemed to sparkle under the moonlight. And the sky was for once clear enough to see the billions of stars dotted across.

That night when Maxi had finished all her food, she knelt before her bed and clasped her hands together. “D-ear fa-ther, ple-ase prote-ct my baby a-nd that k-ind maid.” But what Maxi didn’t know was that a different maid saw the interaction go down and reported it to her nanny. The next day the young maid was fired and put in a cellar for trumped up charges.

Maxi never saw that maid again.

Chapter Text

Maxi was now six months pregnant and had just started showing, from the front it wasn’t really noticeable but from the side there was a bump where Maxi would caress any chance she got. In the four months since she found oh she’d been pregnant Maxis life had taken a turn, her father no longer beat her so often and her nanny left her alone for most of the day.

She couldn’t complain, they were all changes that she cherished. But true to his word like always, her father had not provided a single doctor, mage or midwife to Maxi. She was left with nothing but the books in the library to guess how her pregnancy was progressing. At sixteen weeks Maxi had entered her ‘quickening’ phase in the book it said that it’s when the baby starts to move and kick.

The first time her baby kicked, Maxi was in the garden playing with some stray kittens and their mother. When she felt the baby kick Maxi burst into tears, it was a sign that her baby was alive and that her body so far was doing what it should. Now at twenty four weeks Maxi felt kicking and movement frequently, whenever they did kick it was a burst of joy for Maxi.

But it made her wonder, would Riftan be upset that he missed all this so far? He didn’t know of course that she was pregnant but she did sometimes think about him. She’d wonder how married life with him could have been if it wasn’t for the dragon campaign. Whenever she did think, she always distracted herself with different thoughts. The guilt of knowing that she was the reason he and his group were forced to go on this campaign ate at her.

Shaking her head Maxi resumed her stitching, to fill her time she’d sew clothes for the baby since her father would not provide anything. Maxi had cut up all but three of her dresses and made them into different baby clothes, she’d tried to keep them gender neutral but sometimes the urge to embroider something on the clothes over took her.

Now she was sat by the window of her room stitching a little night gown. She’d taken some left over lace she’d found and made a frilly collar out of it. Suddenly the door banged open and her nanny walked in holding a tray of fish soup that still made Maxi nauseous just by looking at it. Her nanny tisked as she saw Maxi, her eyes judging her from head to toe. “Your getting fat. It’s unsightly.”

Maxi looked down at her bump and defensively held herself, her nanny walked further into the room, inspecting the baby clothes that Maxi had so far made. “I hope you know that thing won’t stay newborn sized forever.” The snicker in her voice had Maxi recoiling in on herself. She wanted to tell her that some of the clothes were different sizes according to how many months the baby would be but she knew it’d fall on deaf ears.

Instead Maxi picked up a book choosing to ignore her nanny as she went on about things maxi didn’t care for. Reading through the book, Maxi realized that it was an old wives tale book, all these tests were supposed to determine the gender of the baby. Maxi was curious but she didn’t care for the gender, she only wanted her baby to be healthy and loved. To never face the same treatment she endures.

“Wondering what gender your going to have? Wouldn’t get your hopes up for anything. You could always miscarry at any stage.” Maxi sucked in a breath as she stared at her nanny. She was living off the hope that her baby was alive and well from their movements, to think that suddenly that could be lost…

Maxi shook her head and grabbed the stale piece of bread from the tray, her nanny watched with disapproval but said nothing as she waited by the door. “N-anny?” The old women tisked and pulled Maxi up as soon as she done with the bread. She tripped as she tried to catch up only now that she standing back in her fathers study that she’d stayed behind.

“Maximilian.” His voice was free of any emotion as he pointed to plump women with ginger hair in the corner. “With your due date in three months if hired a midwife. When you go into labour don’t bother me and just tell nanny to call for Beatrice. You are not allowed to reach out to her under any circumstances except the birth… If you get there.”

Maxi looked over at the women who had a motherly look on her face and was dressed in rags compared to the fancy physicians and mags father had employeed. “Pleasure to meet you dear.” Maxis eyes darted to her father as Beatrice stepped forward and inspected Maxi. Her father gave nothing away as he watched with a sour look on his face.

“P-leasure is a-ll mi-ne.” Maxi nodded and stepped back, holding her bump as the baby kicked her ribs. The women seemed delighted at the action and beamed at Maxi but before she could say anything the duke stepped in and had Maxi return to her room without so much as another word to Beatrice.

Another three months went by and Maxi was now nine months pregnant. There was a relief in knowing that the battle of pregnancy was nearly over, but then there was the birth. As her due date approached nearer and nearer Maxi feared, she didn’t want to leave her baby as practically an orphan. Yes Riftan was still Alia but he had no idea about the baby and if she died…

Maxi let out a deep breath as she walked along the garden, the past few days she’d been getting small contractions here and there so she knew it was nearly a matter of time. In the meantime Maxi had taken to walking, in the book she’d read it said that walking helped greatly with labour, so Maxi had made it a priority to walk as much as possible.

But now it was starting to rain and she could hear thunder in the distance. Maxi didn’t want to take the chance of a cold, especially in her condition. Walking back to her room, Maxi caressed and hummed at her bump as if the baby could hear her. It soothed her and she hoped it soothed the baby.

As she neared her room she saw her nanny walking towards her that same twisted sour look contorting her face. But just as the old women was about to yell something, Maxi toppled over, seering pain over taking her as she heard a puddle hit the floor. Looking down Maxi saw she was standing in a pool of water.

Her nanny moved back in disgust and Maxi groaned as a contraction followed after. “N-anny call Be-atrice ple-ase.” Her nanny looked ready to protest but after Maxi groaned again she pursed her lips and walked away with a stiff nod. Maxi used one hand to support her bump while the other held the wall for support.

Once back in her room Maxi started to gather any available towels and cloths she could find as well as prepare the bassinet. That was the only thing her father had given her, he said that it was taking up space in storage and had promptly given the beaten old crib to her. Maxi wasn’t grateful to him, she was only grateful that her mother had saved the very bassinet Maxi had used.

Breathing deeply Maxi undressed and and walked back and forth in her room in only her chemise. She didn’t know how much time passed but the pain was getting unbearable and the midwife nor her nanny were anywhere in sight. Maybe Maxi should be grateful that her nanny wasn’t there, but then again she didn’t want to give birth in a cold dark room alone.

Suddenly the door barged open and Beatrice ran in, a black bag in her hands as she smiled at Maxi. “Ready to give birth to this baby?”

Chapter Text

Maxi screamed as Beatrice put a cold towel on her forehead. “Good Maxi! Now take a deep breath and push!” Maxi ground her teeth, sweat trickling off her as thunder clapped outside. “One… two… three! Push!” She screamed the pain blinding her as if she was torn apart in two. Beatrice checked on Maxi before focusing back on the baby.

“Well done! You are doing amazing. I see the head Maxi, now come on one big push!” Maxi grabbed at the bed frame, screaming out in such agony she was sure the whole castle could hear her. Beatrice helped Maxi sit up before once more coming between her legs. “Ok Maxi this is it! One final push!”

Maxi cried, tears streaking down her face, she felt as if she was going to die. There was no way she was going to survive this her baby would be born and she’d die if this pain. But a voice in the back of her head screamed at her, if she died who would protect her baby.

With determination Maxi pushed with all her might, she felt a huge pressure down bellow before there was a short lived relief. Maxi saw through her haze Beatrice swaddling her baby but… they weren’t crying. Babies were meant to cry. Why wasn’t her baby crying? Did she birth a stil- Maxi shook her head and trembled as she tried to get up and see what was going on.

“No! Maxi lay back down. Everything is fine. You! Go help her.” Maxi saw her nanny’s face contort into deep anger, no doubt from the way that Beatrice had spoken to her. “Are you deaf? Go help her!” Her nanny grumbled up took a rag and started to help Maxi clean some the blood around her. But Maxi didn’t care about that, she only cared for her baby.

Finally Beatrice returned with grin on her face, Maxi sighed out in relief and gazed at the little bundle in the midwives arms. “Congratulations Maxi you had a beautiful healthy baby boy.” Maxi burst into tears, not out of sadness but pure joy. She’d never felt such joy in her life, she quickly brought her baby boy to her chest, peppering kisses along his tiny face.

“H-es perfect.” Even her nanny didn’t seem to have anything to say instead watching as Maxi cooed and whispered at the baby in utter happiness. When he started to cry Maxi felt panicked for a second before Beatrice pulled her chemise down and adjusted her baby to be able to feed.

“Have you thought of a name? If not that’s fine, I still need to come back everyday for a couple weeks to make sure everything is fine.” Maxi barely registered the words over her own little bubble of serene happiness, when she did she smiled so radiantly her whole face lit up. Nodding Maxi nuzzled her head against the baby’s skin, smelling his new born scent.

“His name is Rowan Calypse.” Beatrice smiled and nodded. Now that Maxi was feeding Rowan she took the chance to check how things were post birth. Most surprisingly Maxi had not torn, but she did notice that there was a little too much blood on the sheets. But she wasn’t concerned, Maxi had given birth to Rowan and the placenta and now looked completely normal.

“If you’ll excuse me.” Her nanny walked out the room before either could respond but Maxi didn’t care. She was still staring at Rowan as he sucked quietly a now permanent smile etched on her face as she stared at her perfect Rowan. Now that she really looked at him, she couldn’t help but notice his looks.

Rowan looked like a carbon copy of Riftan, everything from the color of his hair to the shape of his nose, even his tiny little chin looked the same as Riftans. But as he opened his eyes Maxi gasped in awe her light grayish blue eyes stared back at her. They were crystal clear and stared up at her with curiosity, Maxi immediately smiled and cooed. “Hi Rowan. I’m your mama. My perefect boy.”

She placed a kiss on his head, tears now streaking down her face. Beatrice smiled at the moment, there was rarely a noble women who she saw was actually happy to have a baby, but she needed to break the silence. “Maxi? We need to go over a few things alright.” Maxi nodded and watched as Rowan let her breast go.

“These are all questions I would have gone over with you if we had met earlier but it is what it is. Do you know who to swaddle, bathe, feed…-“ as Beatrice went on Maxi answered honestly, watching Beatrice demonstrate how to do most things. After what felt like forever Beatrice finally decided that was enough for one night and set to make Maxi as comfortable as possible before she left.

“I’ll be back tomorrow at nine. Get some rest Maxi.” As the door shut Maxi immediately went back to cooing at Rowan who now stared up at her in wonder. She couldn’t believe how much she already loved Rowan, he was only three hours old and yet and felt that she could never love another as much. For once in her life Maxi felt completely and utterly happy.

But that happiness had to be ruined when the door opened again and her father along with her nanny walked in. Maxis defense immediately rose but being bed bound gave her little escape from his prying eyes. “So, you had a boy.” The dukes words came out of gifted teeth as he stared at Maxi with contempt.

As he peered over to take a better look at the boy the duke revolted, “he looks exactly like that half breed!” Maxi felt the need to protect her baby rise but she stayed out watching with great tension. “He is not fit to be seen! Make sure he stays here or else…” the threat hung heavy in the air and surprisingly Maxi was bald at this indifference.

If her father didn’t set his eyes on her Rowan then that meant that he was safe from whatever torment or treatment she faced. “I expect you to be up on your feet tomorrow.” There was no room for arguing before he left the room with a loud clack, leaving her there with her nanny.

“Would’ve been better if you just drowned that thing. It do no good to the world.” Maxi felt an unspeakable anger rise up in her. She was furious with how her nanny was speaking about her perfect boy, but she couldn’t do anything about it, one word of back talk and that old hag would snitch right to the duke.

So Maxi stayed put until Rowan started wailing, only then did the nanny leave. Now left alone again Maxis attention went back to Rowan who calmed down as soon as the nanny left the room. Maxi gazed between every little feature on his body, from the small birth mark on the top of his ear to his tanned golden skin.

Suddenly Maxi turned to her window where the moon hung high in the sky after the storm calmed. She looked at the moon as if Riftan was looking back, dispite their rushed marriage and lack of knowing each other Maxi was still glad that she’d gotten no report that he was dead. “I th-ought you s-hould know th-at you h-ave a son R-iftan. He’s a p-erfect baby b-oy with the cu-test face. He lo-oks exactly like y-ou but h-e has my e-yes. H-is n-ame is Rowan Calypse, I t-hought it w-as a fi-tting name f-or a st-rong boy.”

Maxi suddenly chocked up as hit tears ran down her face for the hundredth time, “I h-ope that y-ou will be a-ble to m-eet him so-on and t-hat… you wo-n’t be to a-ngry at m-e for not t-elling you s-ooner.” While Maxi was somewhat afraid of the man who fathered her child and who she called husband, a part of her deep down knew that he of all men deserved to be a father.

He had hurt her so greatly that night but in the end she supposed that she’d suffer that ten times over just to be able to have Rowan in the end. Riftan was a colossal man who could beat her to death with his bare fists but it was like her subconscious knew that he’d never lay a hand on her like that, her or their son Rowan.

Somewhere deep in the frigid mountains the Remdragon knights laid camp for the night. They’d gotten done with a day full of fighting different monsters and now Riftan finally felt like he could breath. He had been uneasy all day, it was as if something happened and he just didn’t know.

He’d been on edge and had a shorter temper than usual but now staring at the moon he felt like a weight of lifted of his chest. In the safety of his sleeping bag Riftan took out a silver locket, as he opened it he felt a strange sensation in his chest as if something significant had happened.

He stared at the miniature portrait of his wife Maximilian Calypse, each night he would be plagued with dreams of their wedding night. The sound of her moans, the heat from her core, the tightness of her- he took a deep breath. Tonight was not the night to get a boner, even tho it seemed impossible with the sound of her moans still lingering in his mind.

Next Riftan took out a small lock of her red hair, he’d cut it of when she was asleep and had kept it with him as a reminder to keep fighting that she was no longer a fantasy but his reality and future.

His wife.

Chapter Text

Maxi awoke early in the morning to the sound of Rowan’s screams, she sighed and pulled him out of his bassinet for a feed. It been three months since she gave birth and she had finally started to settle into a routine, Rowan needed a feeding every four hours and then a three hour nap in the afternoon. If he had all that he was a happy baby.

Maxi couldn’t believe her luck with Rowan, he was so well behaved and seemed to be already picking up on words. He really was her perefect boy, today she’d planned on taking him out in the garden, she saw how much he loved being outdoors. It brought such a smile to his face that she couldn’t help it.

As she made her way down the hall she heard her fathers voice talking in a secluded room at the end of the hall she grew curious at the mention of something along the lines of ‘dragon’. The first voice she heard was a man she’d never seen before, “things are getting more intense. With the monsoon season coming and the increase in monster attacks I’m not sure how much longer the Remdragon knights can last.”

Her father chucked with a sneer, waving the man of “i don’t really care, once that one dies I’ll just keep marrying her off to the next group of knights until this sodding circus comes to an end.” Maxi froze, dread creeping in as she staggered back. Was Riftan dead? No he couldn’t be her father said ‘once’ he was dead.

“A little difficult now that she’s given birth to that bastard.” She heard her fathers groan as he poured a glass of wine for himself and the other man. Maxi held Rowan protectively to her chest as she continued to listen in, the plans for a garden visit long forgotten.

“Don’t remind me. I should just made her miscarry that half breed.” she couldn’t bare to listen to anymore. The only thing that the conversation had brought was the understanding that Rowan would never be safe in the duchy of Croix. It was evident by all the comments father and her nanny made about getting rid of Rowan.

She was afraid that one day they’d make good of their taunts and her Rowan would be… Maxi cradled Rowan to her chest as she ran back to her room. She had decided that from this moment on she’d never trust Rowan in the care of anyone. And since that night she started to sleep with a wooden chest in front of her door in paranoia that something would happen to Rowan as she slept.

Now another three months later and Rowan was a bouncy six month old baby. He had gotten so big that Maxi had trouble carrying him around but from what all the parenting books said baby’s didn’t start walking until until at least twelve months old. At least now hed started eating baby food, which meant that Maxi didn’t need to breast feed him as often.

She was sitting with Rowan in the library, near the back in a comfy chair she’d found. Maxi had started to read to Rowan books, which kept her entertained and him in sight at all times. She was still paranoid about everything and she really didn’t want to give an room for opportunity. Thankfully her father had been out of the duchy for the past month which gave her a break of her paranoia as well as a break from the beatings.

Maxi had only enjoyed a month free of beatings after she’d given birth but then one night her father was in one of his moods and Maxi was the closest thing in sight. She still shuddered at the memory from then and from last month when he beat her because Rowan had been too loud in the garden, but it was better her than him.

Rowan suddenly fell in a fit of laughter as she read a part in the book, Maxi cooed “do y-ou th-ink it’s fu-nny?” Rowan laughed again and Maxi assaulted him with kisses on the face. She was suddenly interrupted when a tall shadow blocked her view.

“That kid is going to end up being an even bigger retard if you’re the one reading to him.” Maxi swallowed as her father stood before her, his cane gleaming in the light. Maxi clutched Rowan to her chest instinctively and he stopped laughing as if sensing the danger. “What have I told you about that things being loud! You’ll just have to learn again.”

That night Maxi was beaten so bad that she could barely stagger back to her room, Rowan through it all stayed quiet watching his mom with curiosity as she sobbed in her pillow.

Two months later was when another big change came, recently her younger sister Rosetta had been engaged to the crown prince. In celebration everyone except for Maxi and Rowan had went to the royal palace for a month filled with drinks, stuck up nobles and fake smiles. Maxi supposed she was happy for her sister, she didn’t know how Rosetta felt about the engagement but she assumed that she’d be happy.

She didn’t really give it anymore thought, for the past two months Maxi had enjoyed a castle free of her father, her nanny, half the knights and a whole horde of servants. It was quiet and peaceful and the perfect idealic time to spend time with Rowan.

Maxi was still shocked at how big he was getting and that soon it would be his first birthday. How time had gone she didn’t know, it been nearly a year since the birth of her son and a year and a half since Riftan left for the dragon campaign. To her surprise and seemingly everyone else the Remdragon knights had made significant progress.

It left her conflicted on one hand Maxi wanted Rowan to meet his dad and for Riftan to finally know that he even had a son but another part of her was scared. If he returned what would become of her? Would he force her to do martial duties every night? She didn’t think she’d be able to handle that. A year and half later and she still remembered the pain.

But that was a worry first another time, Rowan was starting to eat solids and was starting to out grow all the clothes she made during her pregnancy. Maxi knew that there was no way that her father would lend her money for clothes or fabric so she had to make due with the old tunics and uniforms of the knights for now as well as some scrap fabrics from the maids.

Sitting under a tree, Maxi watched Rowan tear into a piece of chicken she’d managed to get from the kitchen, he was munching happily until he noticed the three kittens that she’d played with when pregnant with him. “See Ro-wan a k-itty!”

Maxi pointed to a black cat with green eyes that purred and rubbed against her, Rowan yelled in anger throwing his piece of chicken at the cat. Maxi laughed and brought him on her lap as she cleaned him up, watching him as he glared at the poor cats.

Chapter Text

A full year had now passed since she’d given birth to Rowan, to Maxi that was the most eventful year she’d ever had. It was one thing to get married, and another thing to be having a baby nine months after the wedding with a husband who is fighting in a dragon campaign he never asked to be a part of. Maxi didn’t think that the guilt of that would ever fade.

Now Maxi was slowly creeping back into the bedroom with a small cupcake with a singular candle up top. “H-appy birt-hday Rowan!” Rowan rubbed at his eyes as he gazed between his mum and the cupcake, he suddenly sat up clapping his hands as Maxi picked him up and set him on the bed.

She softly started to sing to him as Rowan laughed and looked up at her with the most joy filled eyes, as she finished singing and brought the candle near his mouth they both blew it out together and Maxi smothered his face with kisses. Rowan giggled and messily grabbed the cupcake, smearing frosting all over his mouth and fingers.

Maxis eyes pricked with tears, she couldn’t believe how big he’d gotten. It was to the point where she could hardly pick him up anymore, he was also growing at such a rate she had difficulty making all his clothes. She serenely watched as Rowan ate the cupcake, a permanent smile etched on her face as she stared at him.

Then he did the unthinkable, “ma… maaaa… mama!” Maxi gasped her eyes going wide as she looked at Rowan in utter shock. She laughed hugging him to her chest as he babbled on and on “mama, maaama!” He kept repeating the word while pointing at her excitedly.

“Y-es! I’m y-our mama!” Maxi encouraged him to speak again not that he’d stopped since he discovered that the little thing he was doing was making his mum smile and laugh like that. “Oh! M-y gr-own up boy!” She took a cloth from the basin and started to clean him up as she did, Maxi set Rowan on the floor, too afraid he might fall whilst she wasn’t looking.

With her back turned she didn’t notice the way that Rowan started to push of the floor, or how he got in a crawling position and started to lift up. All she could hear was the continuous babble of ‘mama’ and the giggles that kept coming out of his mouth, she really couldn’t believe just what a happy boy he was considering their situation.

But Rowan was only ever happy around her, the boy even at one years old could sense that something was amiss. He saw how his mum cried to sleep some nights or the way that old man made her tremble. The old women also always made her frown but she always smiled at him, no matter the situation.

Maxi hummed to herself, wiping some of the frosting off herself. Suddenly, she felt a small hand touch her thigh, Maxi jumped and whirled around, before her Rowan was standing on two feet. He had clearly walked all the way to her where she had left him was by edge of the bed. Maxi dropped the cloth in her hand, astonishment clouding her as she bent down.

“D-id you ju-ust wal-k?” Rowan laughed babbling again as he walked again, but this time as if to show her. Maxis heart swelled with joy, Rowan had achieved two major milestones in the span of ten minutes, she couldn’t help but think he was so smart and incredible. I this moment he reminded her of Riftan so much it was difficult to distinguish the two.

Rowan had also grown to look more and more like his father with each passing day, sometimes when he was asleep Maxi imagined that this was what a baby Riftan would have looked like. In those times she wondered what he’d been like, she knew he was a skilled warrior and won against some of the greatest knights in the kingdom but was little Riftan actually like.

With it now being so long since he and the Remdragon knights left and were still holding out Maxi was starting to have a small- a tiny inclination that maybe Riftan would return and he would meet his son. Maxi didn’t know what to think about the idea of him coming back, of course she didn’t want him dead but she wasn’t willing to spend her nights in such agony.

With Rowan being a boy she supposed that there wouldn’t really be a need to have martial duties with him that often. He had an heir that was proving to be just as bright and talented as his parents and Rowan would claim whatever land Riftan hand to his name.

Maxi didn’t actually know if Riftan had any land to his name, according to her nanny, Riftan was a lowly knight that rise through the ranks out of sheer luck. Other than that he was pennyless and homeless. She was snapped out her thoughts as Rowan tugged at her arm and pointed to the door.

Quickly understanding Maxi held Rowan’s hand and allowed him to lead the way out the room, she laughed as he staggered and wobbled along down the hall. Before they could cross the corner, nanny came into view her shriveled face still as tight as it was a year ago.

“Maximilian! Where are you…?” The words died in her mouth as she saw Rowan standing on two feet and walking with his mother. “He- he’s walking!” Maxi was glad that her nanny was finally seeing how great Rowan was. The women stood there dumbfounded, her lips parting like a fish.

“How? He’s only a year old! You didn’t start walking until one and half!” Maxi smiled and shrugged as she caressed Rowan dark locks of hair. They were soft to the touch and brought her comfort just by touching him. Suddenly a grin spread across the nanny’s face and it made Maxi feel uneasy.

“Just wait till the duke sees this! He’ll surely bring great favor to you and your son.” Before Maxi could get another word in the nanny was scurrying away and Maxi felt dread in her stomach. She didn’t want her fathers attention, she didn’t want his favor or anything, she wanted to be left alone and forgotten about.

But a few hours later Maxi and Rowan were summoned to the study, Maxi tried to keep calm and take deep breaths but her nerves would not stop. She held Rowan in her arms, his babbling had ceased for a couple hours now and he’d only walked again while in their room.

The nanny was waiting outside with a eager look on her face, as she saw Maxi the women could hardly contain her excitement. “Why are you holding him. Come put him down.” She tried to get Rowan out of Maxis arms but the boy kicked in the air, successfully hitting the women’s hand.

Maxi stiffled a smile as the nanny grumbled but still opened the doors, Maxi felt a wave of panic hit her as she set foot through the door. Her father was sitting in an arm chair a glass of some dark liquid swirling around and his cane gleaming in the moonlight. “So the nanny tells me that little… Rowan here can walk and talk on the eve of his first birthday.”

Maxi shifts uncomfortably, first from the discomfort her father brought her and second from the ache starting to form at the base of her spine after holding Rowan for so long. “What are you waiting for? Show me.” Gulping Maxi set Rowan on the floor gently, her eyes swirling with worry as she looked between him and her father.

Rowan sat there dumbly, neither talking or walking just staring at his mother with curiosity, seeing her fathers jaw tick and fearing for Rowan’s safety Maxi moved back softly calling Rowan over, “R-owan co-me to m-ama.” She bent to his eye level and urged him forward but he sat there still staring.

There was a sigh of disappointment and Maxi was by Rowan’s side in an instant, picking him up even against her backs protest. “So you lied to me.” Maxis face ashend as she stared at the floor intently not daring to meet his eye. She was trying to figure out the best possible way to make sure Rowan wasn’t hurt.

She knew her father had no problem beating a child but maybe, just maybe he’d spare her baby. Before she could open her mouth, the nanny replied instead “master I would never! I swear it before my life that the half breed walked and talked!” Only then did Maxi realize that her father had directed the statement at the nanny and not her.

“Get out Maximilian.” Maxi didn’t need to be told twice, she was out of that room in an instant, next thing she knew she heard the awful crack of her fathers cane and she knew that her nanny was getting the same treatment that Maxi always got for whenever he thought she was lying.

Once back in her bedroom Maxi shoved the wooden chest in front of the door and slumped in the bed, without hesitation Rowan started to babble again calling ‘mama’ over and over. He also waddled across the room to the window where he pointed at the moon. “Dada?”

Maxis heart squeezed, how did Rowan even know what a father was? He’d definitely never met Riftan and her father was by no means a role model. “No R-owan… da-ddy is far a-way so-mewhere in th-ose high moun-tains fig-hting a battl-e he never a-sked for.” The last part came out in a sob, the events of today catching up to her.

As she set Rowan down for bed Maxi went back to the window and found herself in the same position she was in this time last year. “R-iftan… I’m scared. Wi-th each pa-ssing day I g-row more and m-ore wear-y ab-out our sons s-afety. I d-on’t kno-w how to pro-tect hi-m for m-uch longer.” There was a pause before she continued “he sp-oke for the f-irst ti-me to-day, h-e said ‘mama’ a-nd ‘dada’ I thi-nk he know-s that yo-ur m-issing deep down. H-e also w-alked if yo-u can be-lieve it-.”

Maxi stopped, she was being so ridiculous. Talking to the moon as if it were the husband she barely knows and the one who looked like he could snap her like a twig. Maxi sighed and went to bed her mind still heavy.

At the peak of one of the highest mountains were snow covered the ground all year long, Riftan got that uneasy feeling again. It was the first time he’d gotten it in a year and Riftan knew it was the same sort of feeling as before.

He stared up at the moon, it seemed to be glowing more brightly tonight, or maybe he was too sleep deprived and was imagining things. Either way Riftan felt like something had happened again, something that made him ache with curiosity. He found it strange that only once a year he’d get this feeling. If only he knew what it meant…

Riftan pulled the locket out of his tunic, bringing it to his lips as the rest of the Remdragon knights celebrated the one step closer to the dragons layer. They’d made significant progress in the past month and Riftan was growing optimistic.

Now it was only a matter of time before he found that over sized lizard and killed it once and for all.

Chapter Text

Suddenly two more years passed, now making it three years since Maxi got married and three years since the greatest gift of all- Rowan’s birth. Maxi was sat in the sitting room as Rowan played on the floor with an old toy solder he found after looking through the storage.

“Mama I’m going to be become a brave strong knight and swear to protect you.” Maxi smiled and closed her book as she joined Rowan on the floor, she picked up a figurine of a red dragon and pretended to play along with him. If only to see the smile on his face.

“S-ave me br-ave kn-ight im b-ut a p-oor dams-el in di-stress!” Rowan stood a determined look on his face as he playfully tackled Maxi to the ground. She laughed her red locks splaying out on the floor as Rowan grabbed the dragon from her hand.

As she got up she noticed how the maids all whispered amongst each other, but instead of the usual judgmental look on their faces they looked… happy. Making sure Rowan was distracted she slowly made her way over to a group of four maids. “Ex-cuse m-e.”

The all jumped and hid a newspaper behind their backs as the stared openly at Maxi, “miss Maximilian. What can we do for you?” Maxi was getting suspicious, they were acting awfully friendly to her, it was unnerving to think about what was going on.

“W-hat’s on the p-aper.” One of the maids, the youngest in the group squeaked and crumbled the paper in a ball behind her back. Maxi glanced back at Rowan and found he was still distracted, one of the other maids shook it off as if it was nothing.

“Just some rubbish. Nothing to concern you miss.” Before she could continue to question them they ran off, sighting different excuses as they all ran without another word. Maxi sighed and returned to the sitting room, she found as she looked out the window that the streets looked especially busy today. Was it a holiday? No it couldn’t be. What was so special about today?

“Maximilian.” Maxi flinched as the icy voice of her father called for her, she whirled around, red locks flying in the air as she grabbed Rowan’s hand and pulled him closer. Her father had never laid a hand on him yet, and she didn’t want it to be the day he started. “Have you read the news?”

Maxi froze, this was odd behavior, her father never discussed such trivial things with her of all people. “I think it’s time you did.” There was a hard edge in his voice as he slammed a newspaper on the table, “you boy! Get out of here!” Rowan looked ready to protest but Maxi squeezed his hand in reassurance.

“It’s ok go play in the hall. I’ll be there in a second.” Rowan hesitated to leave his mum but the look in her eyes had him leaving without another word. Maxi quickly picked the newspaper up and read the tile over and over and over again. It read ‘red dragon slain by Riftan Calypse, Remdragon knights face huge victory and are heading straight for the duchy of Croix’.

Maxi felt as if her world had been turned upside down, Riftan- her husband Riftan was coming back. He was coming straight to the duchy. Maxi felt a whole wave of emotions hit her all at once. She was happy, sad, fearful, hesitant all at once. She couldn’t believe it, this felt like a cruel joke her father played to her. How was it that a lowly knight like him defeated the red dragon?

“I- I- can’t be-lieve t-his.” Maxi staggered back, falling on the couch as she kept staring at the image of Riftan riding on a huge black horse being celebrated and called the reincarnation of ‘Rosem Wigrew’. But as she looked at her father there was a cruel smile on his lips.

“Better yet the king himself offered princess Agnes to be his bride.” And then Maxis world came crashing down. She heard the stories of the stunning princess who trained as a mage and joined the Remdragon on a seemingly doomed battle, and now the king had offered her hand to Riftan.

She was sure that he’d divorce her right then and there, could she blame him? Who would want her over a talented, gorgeous princess with all the qualities of a lady and mage. Besides Riftan was probably dying to be rid of her now that he had the chance to marry the princess.

“That is why you have to do everything in your power to persuade him to stay with you. Seduce him, guilt him I don’t care. But he better not walk out of this castle a single man. If he does guess who will pay the price.” Maxis eyes followed the discarded toys on the floor and Maxi felt a surge of panic course through her. Her father tisked and slammed his cane on the floor in a final warning.

As he left Maxi fell into a deeper spiral of despair, how was she supposed to persuade such a man to stay with her. He was now the most famous and decorated war hero who had the opportunity to marry the princess. There was nothing she could say that would persuade him. Springing up Maxi paced around the room, unconsciously biting at her nails.

Then suddenly she heard the sound heavy footsteps and the sound of clinking metal, as she looked up tears brimming her eyes she saw him. Riftan was standing tall as ever in the door frame his hulking figure dwarfing the door as they stood staring at each other for what felt like eternity. She thought she was dreaming there was no way…

“Unhappy I see. My trembling wife waiting for her husband to rise from the dead.” Maxi couldn’t find the right words to speak, it was as if her tongue was to large for her mouth, she did tremble as she stood their like a bunny caught in a snare. Riftan looked much the same as when he left, still ruggedly handsome but now with three years of brutal campaigning added to him in a delectable way.

Maxi swallowed and took a deep breath “yo-u cam-e b-ack safe-ly.” The words sounded pathetic even to her. At this point it sounded as if she practically begging him to leave her, Riftans face contorted into a hard glare as she tried to find the right words.

A second later he was striding towards her, his eyes dark and hooded as he grabbed her by the waist and pulled her in against his chest. “I came back, so? At least pretend your happy to see me.” Maxis eyes widened at the sudden contact the closeness of his face. He smelt of the forest and if she wasn’t going to lie, horse.

“Fuck.” He gripped his hair and turned around his frustration growing, “you see me as a monster.” His words were dark and full of regret as he paced to the front. Maxi shot up in panic, if he left then Rowan… before Riftan could take another step Maxi grabbed the cape of his armor.

“I w-as n-ervous and ca-ught of g-uard. I d-idn’t kn-ow w-hat to s-ay.” Riftan spun around, his gloved hand coming to touch the delicate skin of her pale face. Maxi still looked the same, with a deathly pale face and rosy lips. The only noticeable difference were her larger breasts and wider hips. Riftan found the urge to kiss her consume him.

“Fuck Maxi…” they were only a breath apart, so close to kissing and making all the worries he held dissapear. Maxi too lost herself in the moment, she was so consumed she didn’t even notice Rowan enter the sitting room. The young boy watched as the colossal man enveloped his mums body in his hands, watching as she gasped and planted her hands on his chest.

With determination Rowan ran up to Maxi, pushing the huge man with all his might. “Stay away from my mama!” Rowan glared at the man his hands spread on each side as if to stop him. Maxi gasped, her hands clasping her mouth as she gauged for Riftans reaction.

Riftan was stunned in every sense of the word, he’d sensed that someone had come in at that moment but he nerve expected this, a young boy no older than three had shoved him with all his might while calling Maxi ‘mama’. Now as he looked between Maxis mortified face and the boys realization dawned on him.

The boy looked exactly like he did when he was young, everything was the same except the color of his eyes. The boy had grayish blue eyes whilst his were dark. There was no doubt in his mind that this boy was his son.

His son.

He had a son.

He had a son for three years now and he didn’t know. Riftan turned to look at Maxi, she looked ready to faint at any moment. The boy- no his son still stared at him wearily, Maxi felt as if she was hyperventilating. This was not how he was supposed to find out, she didn’t even know where they as a married couple stood. Yes she wanted him to know but not like this.

As she stared at Riftans face she watched as his face contorted from shock to fury, understandably so she supposed. Gulping and with a trembling hand Maxi grabbed Rowan’s shoulder and spun him around so his face was buried in her skirt. She didn’t want Rowan’s first impression of his father to be this.

Riftan watched the interaction with that damned same uneasy feeling he’d felt three times now, it was like the universe had tried to tell him. Suddenly a Remdragon knight walked in and Riftan shot him a deadly look, “if anyone disturbes us… they are dead.” The knight nodded and ran out the room.

Riftans gaze shifted to the squirming boy in Maxis skirts, it made sense now. The larger breasts and wider hips, it wasn’t because Maxi gained weight no in fact Maxi looked thinner somehow, it was because of pregnancy.

Maxis face was all guilt, her eyes were watering with thick tears that threatened to fall down her face. “I- I’m so s-orry.” The tears fell from her eyes and Maxi hugged Rowan for comfort, Riftan itched to pull her into his arms but he needed to know the truth first.

“I had a son… and you didn’t tell me!” Maxi fell to her knees as he shouted, Rowan wanted to punch the man who made his mum cry but he stayed still as Maxi used him as comfort. “How long? How long have you known!” Maxi tried to collect herself to answer, after a bit she did.

“S-in-ce I w-as two m-onths pr-egn-ant.” The words were barley audible and Maxi covered Rowan’s ears in anticipation of Riftan yelling again, when didn’t say anything Maxi dared to look up. There she found Riftan staring at her and Rowan with such sorrow and anger.

“I missed all of it. The pregnancy, birth, first steps…” Riftan pulled in a lungful of air as he sighed, Maxi nodded and tried and failed to wipe her tears. “Why didn’t you go to my land? You are it’s lady.” Riftan tried his hardest to keep his voice down but his anger knew no bounds.

Maxi shook her head, “w-hat la-ands?” What was he talking about? Her being its Lady? Her father always told her that Riftan Calypse was a man of poor fortune without a penny to his name. She gazed at Riftan with wide eyes as he gripped his hair and ran a hand down his face. She could see he was breathing intently as he too now kneeled on the floor.

“What’s your name?” Maxi sniffled, and a spark of hope bloomed in her chest, Riftan tone was as gentle as it could. He was actually trying to form a bond with their son, Rowan galnced up at Maxi and she softly nodded. As he turned Maxi watched Riftans face intensely.

“Rowan.” Maxi held her breath, Riftans eyes flashing as he briefly met her eyes. Suddenly Riftan extended his hand to Rowan, and the boy stood straighter. After a few moments of silence, Rowan placed his hand in Riftans and he pulled him a little closer.

“Do you know who I am?” The question made Maxi panic, she wanted to take things slow, introduce the concept of a father to Rowan at a slow pace. She knew he wasn’t fond of strangers, he acted cold and indifferent to everyone but her, the last thing she wanted was for things to go wrong.

“Your the man who was crushing mama and then made her cry!” Riftan was astounded, this boy was more like him than he could have ever realized. He had the same protectiveness and sense of duty to the ones he cherished, which in this case was probably only Maxi.

“I’m your father Rowan.” As he said the words out loud it was as if reality came crashing down, Maxi rubbed Rowan’s back in support and Riftan watched as his eyes got wide and he turned to Maxi. It was only now that the weight of the words crashed upon Riftan.

He had suddenly become a father in the matter of an hour.

Chapter Text

Maxis tears had now dried up and she was sitting on a couch with Rowan and Riftan, for the past few minutes Rowan had been bombarding Riftan with endless questions which he answered honestly. Maxi was shocked at how well Rowan received the news, after the initial shock he’d seemed excited.

“Rowan? Do you think me and Maxi can talk alone for a moment.” Although it was phrased as a question there was no room for argument. Rowan hesitated and looked back at Maxi, she smiled and picked up the toy soldier and dragon they ever playing with earlier.

As the door shut Maxi felt her palms sweat, she didn’t dare to meet his eyes and the tension in the room was suffocating. “He w-ants to b-e a s-oldier wh-en he’s o-lder. Li-ke you.” Maxi offered some sort of conversation, wanting to escape the hard look in Riftans eyes as he stood again.

“Then I’ll train him.” Maxi felt like curling into a ball and crying in her bed, this was not the reunion she wanted. “Maxi… why didn’t you tell me? Why didn’t you go to my land!” Maxi was confused, he kept talking about some land he had but he was just a lowly knight.

“I di-dn’t k-now how to re-ach you, I d-idn’t kn-ow wher-e you wer-e. And I di-dn’t k-now you had l-and.” She left out the part where her father would never allow her to leave or had forbidden her from telling him. Riftan was already in a foul mood with the whole situation, she didn’t want to make it worse.

She gasped as he kneeled in front of her and took her face in his hands, his was face hard but there was an inner battle behind his eyes. “I sent knights after I left to retrieve you. Why didn’t you go with them or hell tell them about Rowan.” He’d done what? Just how clueless was she. She felt as if she as clueless as a child.

“I- I di-dn’t k-now.” Her voice was a whisper as she hung her head low in guilt, he’d sent men chasing after her and she’d waisted their time. Riftan gritted his teeth in frustration, not at her, he thought Maxi was a sheltered noble women. He was furious at the duke who denied him the right to take his wife to her rightful place and didn’t tell him about his son.

“Tell your maid to pack yours and Rowan’s things. We’re leaving.” Before Maxi could protest Riftan was pulling her from the couch and out the door. She tried to stop him, a million questions still unanswered, but he was determined and had a possessive hold on her. As they made their way down the hall Maxi found Rowan staring out the window at all the knights bellow.

His eyes were light and he had a smile on his face, “R-owan. Co-me we’re lea-ving.” Rowan got off the ledge of the window his brows furrowing in confusion. H stood beside Maxi as he held her hand and followed his father down the stairs and to the castle’s entrance.

“Where are we going?” Riftans mood had finally seemed to lift, his eyes were brighter and some of the tension had left his body. She watched as Riftan took Rowan’s other hand and led them down the grand stairs to where a carriage awaited.

“My fief. Where you two were supposed to be.” As the Remdragon knights noticed their commander they all sighed in excitement, they were ready to head back to Anatol and enjoy their time and sleep in a proper bed and eat a proper meal.

Herbaron was the first to stop Riftan, not yet noticing Maxi or Rowan. “Commander! Here I thought you’d gone and found a secluded room for you and your wife.” Riftan threw him a deadly glare, his eyes flaring as Maxis cheeks flushed and she hoped Rowan didn’t hear.

“Oh! M’lady, pleasure to see you again…” his eyes trailed to the little boy who looked like a copy of the commander, the boy stared at the ginger man with narrowed grey eyes. Herbaron staggered back his mouth hung open as he looked between the three.

Riftan decided to put the man out of his misery as he now noticed everyone was staring at them and it was making Maxi squirm with unease. She’d never been good with a crowd and hated when all attention was on her. “This is Rowan Calypse. My son.”

Everything went dead silent, everyone in sight halting whatever they were doing. Maxi blushed further and hid her face in Riftans arm he led them to the carriage unbothered. She could sense all the knights staring at her and Rowan. But while she was mortified Rowan stared back at them as if daring them to say anything.

Finally it seemed as if the shock had lifted as Herbaron wolf whistled and clapped Riftan on the back, “got all that from one night. I see you took my advice.” Maxi staggered as she heard his words, her face going white as the knights chuckled. Riftan was not amused, he grabbed Herbaron by his cape and shoved him against the carriage.

“One more word Nirta and your a dead man. That goes for all of you!” With a final shove he let his comrade go. Maxi sat in the carriage her ears burning red as she held Rowan close, she didn’t know what to make of this. How would the knights and people of Anatol view her now.

She didn’t want to embarrass Riftan, she was sure that the knights already looked down on her for being the reason why they had to be gone for three years and now to find out she’d kept her husbands son a secret from him…

She heard Riftan call “move out!” before he too got in the carriage and sat opposite her and Rowan. As the carriage pulled away Maxi felt panic, she didn’t ask for fathers permission. He would surely be fuming with her and then what would happen.

“W-e did-n’t get per-mission to l-eave.” Riftans brows furrowed as he looked back at the castle. Maxi was fiddling with the lose thread while Rowan laid his head on her lap, his eyes slowly closing, as he slept she played with his hair, the action still bringing comfort to her.

“Your my wife.” He answered as if it was obvious and she supposed it was. When a women married she became her husbands property, he could do whatever he like with her. But what confused her even more greatly was why he was taking her with him.

She was sure that he’d come to ask for a divorce, with the opportunity to marry the princess Maxi was astounded that he even entertained the idea of her, he’d also spent only one night with her and been forced to go on the dragon campaign as a price of marrying her.

He must be doing it out of duty and responsiblity. Yes, Maxi decided, she was sure that he came to ask for a divorce but when he found out they had a son together he felt obligated to take her along. He was not a foolish man, there was no way that he’d pass up on the opportunity of marrying the princess.

She didn’t know how long they’d been in the carriage but as she looked out the window, the duchy of Croix looked so small and insignificant in the distance. The wilderness she found was beautiful and she couldn’t help but stare out the window in excitement.

“Do you dislike me that much?” Maxi jumped as she heard Riftans deep baritone voice, she shook her head trying to clear up the misunderstanding. She pointed at the duchy in the distance, careful not to wake Rowan up as she shifted in her seat.

“N-o! It’s ju-st this is t-he f-irst ti-me I’ve ridd-en a c-arriage in a lo-ng t-ime.” Maxi hoped he was satisfied with her answer. When he ran his fingers through his hair letting out a long breath, Riftan stared between Maxi and Rowan. Looking at the boy he still felt that this was all a dream.

“We don’t know much about each other and we have to live together forever and yet your trembling at the sight of me.” Their was frustration and something Maxi couldn’t place in his voice, she knew that married couples lived together, but did that apply to her?

“L-ive with y-ou forever…” Maxi trailed of at the thought, how would it be to live in Anatol? She was sure that it would be better than living in the duchy. Besides she was glad that Rowan could grow up in place far away from her father, now he would have no opportunity to hurt him.

“It’s obvious that a husband and wife should live together. Even a commer like me knows the importance of marriage vows.” There was a bitter tone in his voice as he thought about Maxi living in Croix for the past three years, it wasn’t just about her being there it was the fact that his son and heir of Anatol was also there.

Maxi shifted uncomfortably in her seat as Riftan stared intently at her as if trying to remember ever detail about her. Suddenly he stood and sat next to Maxi, she stared at him with wide doe eyes that had heat flaring in his gut. While he was still pissed about the situation he had to move forward. Taking her face in his hands Riftan swore as backed her into the window.

“Fuck… hold still.” Maxi panicked, were they going to do martial duties in the carriage? She couldn’t, not in a place this public and not with Rowan sleeping in her lap. Before she could protest, Riftans mouth was on hers. She didn’t know what to do at first but then she found herself moaning and melting into the kiss.

His tongue roamed her mouth as he tugged her head back, giving him better access to her mouth. He felt like a starved man, he wanted to devour her right in this carriage and make everyone know she was his. But Rowan groaned in his sleep and gradually started to wake up.

Riftan huffed and placed his forehead on hers as they pulled apart. Maxi panted and adjusted her gown as Rowan now sat up, looking out the window with a yawn, “are we nearly there yet?” Riftan chuckled and placed him in his lap as he pointed at a mountain nearly invisible to the naked eye.

“Anatol is just beyond those mountains. About a weeks travel.” Rowen groaned and threw his head back as he stared between his mum and dad. Maxi offered him a smile and placed a loving kiss on his cheek as Riftan stroked his back. In that moment everything felt so content, but like all good things they must come to an end.

Chapter Text

A few hours later a knight banged on the carriage, Riftan was ready to cut his head off but the knight shouted, “commander! An ogre has been sighted!” Riftan immediately sprung into action, throwing the doors open in a second as he looked back at Maxi and Rowan.

“Stay in the carriage at all costs!” Then he shouted at a different man with white hair “put the fucking shield around the carriage!” Riftan ran off, jumping into action as Maxi shivered. She’d never seen or encountered a monster before. She was scared, and she had to protect Rowan.

As she searched for Rowan she found him by the window, staring in wonder at the fighting, while Maxi wanted to puke at the amount of blood she saw coating the ground. The shouting outside was all a blur, she could hardly focus, not when a huge shadow consumed the carriage and a bug eye stared back at her through the window.

Maxi screamed, reaching to grab Rowan but the carriage violently shook and Maxi watched as Rowan fell out with a thud. “Rowan!” Without thinking she ran out, grabbing Rowan and covering him with her body. The knight closest to her yelled at her to get back in as she tried the ground thundered.

Suddenly a massive shadow and blur of green entered her vision, Maxi screamed again, this time covering her head as she thought the ogre would crush her. But a flash of silver and blue was before her in a second and Riftan stood imposing with his sword raised high in the air.

Maxi shut her eyes tightly as she held Rowan for dear life, all she could hear were the shouts from the knights and the screeching from the orges. It was all getting too much, Maxi couldn’t barely breath from the fear in her chest, she felt like she drowning in an abyss of nightmares.

Next thing she knew her body was going limp, her arms and legs to heavy, Rowan broke from his mothers grip in time to see her faint on the ground. “Mama!” He shook her but she wouldn’t wake, Riftan was before them in an instant the rest of the knights also running to his mother.

“Fuck! What happened!” Rowan shook his head, his eyes watering as he saw Riftan pick Maxi up and carry her to the carriage. Rowan watched helplessly as his father tried to wake his mum up only to fail. He couldn’t believe it how could he fail his mum like that? She always protected him and he couldn’t return the favor.

And now as he sat in the carriage with his mum and father Rowan vowed he’d never fail her again.

Maxi awoke with a groan, her head pounding as she sat up. Looking around in confusion she noted that she was in a sort of bedroom, it was dingy and the walls were stained but it didn’t look too different from her bedroom in the castle. “W-here a-m I?”

Riftan stood next to the nightstand, a cloth dipped in water in hand. “In a inn near a town called Xeno.” He sat on the bed and used the cloth to wipe her face, “we came here after you fainted. We’re behind schedule because of that.” The offhanded comment had Maxi shrinking back into herself but Riftan grabbed her face in an instant.

He scanned her face as if to check she was alright before he propped a pillow up behind her. “Here have some soup. You need to stay hydrated, you keep breaking into cold sweat.” Maxi thanked him and grabbed the bowl looking at the soup in hesitation.

She wasn’t picky she just didn’t want to put anything in her mouth, “it’s not poisoned you know.” Maxi sprung up her face heating as Riftan rounded the bed and sat at the edge. He picked the spoon up and sipped it in one go as if to show her it’s safe.

As she was about to take the first bite something didn’t feel right, it was only then that she saw Rowan was nowhere in sight. She grabbed Riftans arm in panic, already getting off the bed before he held her back down, “R-owan? W-here’s Row-an!”

Riftan settled her back down as he put the soup on the table, “he’s with Herbaron in the stables. I needed to change you and he wanted to meet Talon.” Maxi relaxed a little, she recognized that name as the ginger knight who was friendly to her. But then his other words registered in her mind, looking down she found that she was very much not in the gown she wore this morning.

Shifting in her seat Maxi also felt that her underwear was gone as well, her face burned as she brought the covers to her cheeks. Riftan was alarmed in an instant thinking that she broke into a fever again, but when Maxi gripped into his arm he sat back down with a huff. “Y-ou ch-anged me? Th-ese aren’t m-y c-lothes.”

Riftan covered his face with his hand as he felt himself flush, his cheeks going red. “Your dress got ogre blood on it, I had to change you. Your wearing my tunic.” Maxi let out a silent gasp as she made sure the covers hid her legs and upper body from view. “It’s no use, I already saw everything while cleaning you up. That tight damned thing you were wearing was also suffocating you. I had to rip it off.”

Maxi was mortified, she couldn’t believe that Riftan had seen her naked while covered in ogre blood. She opened her mouth to say something but Riftan beat her to it, “damn it I didn’t mean to rip it. I was just trying to get that thing of your breasts but it was attached to the bottom part and you were turning blue.”

He turned around as he got up, his hand running through his dark hair as he stared out the window and down at his son and Herbaron who was teaching how to hit properly. He’d have to discuss Rowan’s education with Maxi, but that was a matter for another time. Now he felt building in his gut the memory of his accidentally ripping her underwear off.

“It’s been three years since our first night and I’m already acting like a crazy bastard with the first sight of you…” Maxi blinked as she watched him come back and sit on the bed, “if you hated my touch that much then you shouldn’t have fainted. I’ll buy you new clothes tomorrow.” Maxi felt like she was getting whiplash. Once second he was nice then the next he was angry and then nice again.

“It’s n-ot th-at I j-ust…” Maxi trailed off and Riftan sighed as he brought the soup back to her, Maxi took a few bites before she felt full. The soup was tasty but Maxi had no appetite, she rarely did and when she really wanted something she’d have to suppress that want.

“Why aren’t you eating? Is it not to your taste?” Riftan set the soup aside and scratched the back of his neck as he stared at her. “I’m going to go crazy catering to a noble woman’s taste.” Maxi flinched at his words. Some noble woman she was, Riftan may have brought her this far but she was sure he’d regret it soon. He was already frustrated with her and she’d set them behind.

With a courage Maxi didn’t know she had she asked the question that been burning in her mind, “w-hy a-re y-ou bringing m-e and Rowan al-ong?” Maxi felt proud at her lack of stutter but that pride soon faded as Riftan tensed and his jaw ticked.

“What do you mean.” There was no backing out now, he had her trapped with his hulking frame and her lack of attire. The tone of his voice made Maxi nervous as she picked at a loose thread on the tunic as if to buy herself time before answering.

“It’s n-ot like y-ou wa-nted to ma-rry me a-nd th-en you wer-e f-orced into the c-ampaign… if y-ou w-ant a div-orce I’d ra-ther y-ou do it now.” Her words hung heavy in the air, Maxi didn’t finish her thoughts. It was better to divorce her now so she could take Rowan back and save him the heartache of losing his father.

“Divorce? Did you say divorce.” His voice was too clam but his jaw was locked in place his hands fisted into a ball as his knuckled went white. Maxi stammered unsure of how to answer, she was giving him a chance to leave her. Why wasn’t he taking it?

“Did you find some other bastard while I fighting to death! Did he meet my son and treat him like his own!” Maxi felt hot tears roll down her face as Riftans anger rolled off him in waves, how could he think that? She swore the same vows as him that day and she took them to heart.

“N-o no! It-’s jus-t t-hat ev-eryone sai-d you w-ere coming to di-vorce me so y-ou could m-arry the prin-cess! I d-idn’t m-eet anyone else.” Fat tears were falling down her cheeks as she stared at the thin blanket. Riftan cursed and wrapped his arms around her waist as he picked her up and brought her to his lap.

Maxi gasped and felt the cold air hit her bare legs as he took a cloth and wiped her tears. A second later he placed a soft kiss on her forehead as he whispered in her ear. “I don’t know what stupid rubbish you heard but I rejected the proposal when it was first suggested. I asked if the king had gone mad asking a married man such things.” Weirdly Maxi felt warmth blossom in her chest at his words.

“Marriage is one of the most sacred vows and I don’t plan on ever breaking them.”

Chapter Text

Rowan burst into the room just as Riftan thought he could finally get a taste of his wife’s lips again, sighing in frustration Riftan let the squirming Maxi go as she ran to Rowan. “Mama! I met this huge horse! It was black and had big eyes and… oh.”

Rowan stared at Riftan as Maxi pulled him in a hug, “why are you alone with mama?” Maxi flushed and gazed between the two as they seemed to be having a staring match. Finally Riftan got off the bed and picked Rowan up as he whispered in his ear.

“Your mama is my wife. I’ll be alone with her a lot more often now.” Rowan huffed in annoyance, the poor boy wasn’t used to sharing his mum with anyone else, he’d had her all to himself for the past three years and suddenly this man came into the picture and was demanding for her time.

“R-owan come h-ave s-ome soup. You m-ust be h-ungry.” Riftan set Rowan on the bed as Maxi placed the bowl in front of him, as she did Riftan couldn’t help but admire her bare bottom that peeked out of his tunic when she bent over. Subtly adjusting his pants Riftan was counting down the time until they could be alone again.

But for now he was content on watching Maxi and Rowan cuddle together on the bed, he didn’t know why but the sight made his heart seize. Looking at the two made him feel as if he truly had a family that his in every sense of the word. A wife he had longed for and a son he’d grown to care for in such a small amount of time.

Riftan sat on Rowan’s other side listening intently as he talked about Talon and how cool it was to see the knights fight the ogres. The last part made Maxi feel queasy but she smiled and took the bowl from him and set it on the nightstand as he finished. Riftan made a mental note to buy Rowan a horse when they were in Anatol.

“It’s getting late Rowan. You should go to bed.” Both Maxi and Rowan looked at Riftan as if he’d grown two heads. Maxi got under the covers and pulled Rowan close, she knew that now that they would be heading to Anatol Rowan would have his own room but just for a little longer she wanted him to be with her.

“But I am in bed.” Riftan chuckled and went to reach for Rowan but he scooted away and further into Maxis hold. Maxi watched with mild amusement as Riftan tried to figure out what he was insinuating, it was funny watching him stare at his son in confusion.

“You mean your sleeping… here.” Rowan nodded without hesitation and cuddled into Maxis side as she pulled the blanket to her chin. Riftan internally groaned, there went his plans to bed his wife after fantasizing about for the past three years, it was clear she had no plans on letting Rowan go either.

With a sigh, Riftan stripped until he was in his underwear. Only then did he squeeze in bed with Rowan now laying partially ontop of him as he tried to grab Maxis waist and bring her to his chest. It seemed this was going to be a long night.

The next morning progressed smoothly and now they were ready to depart again. Maxi was dressed in a scarlet red gown he bought her that morning, it made her red locks pop out in vibrancy. Maxi now held Rowan’s hand as they made their way to the carriage.

Riftan was waiting by the door, offering his hand to her as she sat as comfortably as possible. Just when she thought Riftan was going to get in aswell he grabbed the reins of a huge black horse and went to shut the door. “A-ren’t you c-oming in?”

Riftan shook his head and placed a small kiss on her nose as he hoped on the horse with graceful ease, “not today. This path is known for having monsters. I need to be leading.” Maxi shivered at the thought of monsters but nodded. And so they started to move out, heading towards Anatol would take another few days so they were aiming to reach a small town by sundown.

The journey was long and boring, Riftan bought Rowan a few wooden toys at the market that morning and Maxi a book but she felt sick whenever she tried to read on the bumpy road. But by sundown they’d traveled a significant distance and were now at the very edge of her father’s territory in a little village.

As the carriage pulled to a stop Riftan helped her out and Rowan held her hand as they made their way to a blonde knight who seemed to be arguing with one of the village people. “What’s the commotion?” Rowan ran off to the black horse and Riftan made his way over to the blonde man.

Maxi followed him as she kept an eye on Rowan, a little scared of her three year old next to such a big thing. “Commander! This guy is trying to scam us! The nerve of these…” he stopped as Riftan gave him a hard glare, a clear warning in his eyes.

“Keep your voice down and don’t cause trouble, we’re still in the duke’s territory.” Maxi watched as the blonde man rolled his eyes and scoffed at the mention of her father, the clear distaste and hatred for the man written all over his face.

“Why should I care about that…” the blonde man suddenly set his hard eyes onto Maxi, he gritted his teeth and stared at her with just as much hatred as he did when talking about the duke. She flinched and took a step back, now standing beside Rowan with her head hung low. “Whatever. Don’t blame me when your pockets feel light.”

Maxi half listened to Rowan as he said something about a monster and half listened to Riftan talk with the knights. They were talking about accommodation troubles, something about all the rooms being occupied because it was harvest season. Maxi wasn’t going to listen anymore until Riftan brought her up. “Damn it. Could it be possible to get one room so that Maxi and Rowan could stay together?”

Maxi watched the face of the blonde night contort into something like a sneer. She couldn’t afford to have them hate her more than they already did. Quickly running up to Riftan she tugged at his sleeve, he turned to her in confusion, his eyes searching her face. “I don’t w-ant to be left a-lone.”

Everyone around them went silent as they pretended to mind their own business. Maxi blushed at the attention but held her ground even as Riftan tried to persuade her otherwise. Now they were walking into a barn, with two lanterns placed at the centre of the room.

Rowan had fallen asleep a while ago and Maxi had been carrying him ever since. Her arms felt like they were on fire and Riftan had only now returned to her side just now. “Let me take him.” Maxi sighed in relief, shaking her arms as Riftan carried him with ease.

Rowan was set down on a bed of hay with a flimsy blanket laid ontop, Riftan patted the top and urged her forward. Maxi looked around unsure at the barn, what if there were bugs or rats in this place? Even tho she lived in a secluded poorly taken care of part of the castle at Croix it at least never had rats.

“Bare with it. It’s just for tonight.” Maxi sat beside him and ran her fingers through Rowan’s hair as Riftan handed her a bowl of steaming potatoes. “Eat. I know they aren’t what your used to but once in Anatol I’ll give you the finest.” Maxi didn’t know how to tell him that these potatoes were the best thing she’d tasted.

“H-ave some.” Riftan shook his head passing the bowl back to her, as he watched her lick a bit of potato of her finger Riftan felt like a fire had erupted in him. He didn’t know what was wrong with him, he’d been away from her for three years and he’d done well with his desire yet now only a couple of days with her and he felt the urge to have her whenever she breathed.

Riftan cleared his throat and tried to adjust his growing bulge as subtly as possible, this was no place to be getting fired up. Especially because he didn’t have his tent where he good relive himself secluded from the others. But on the other hand, he now had a real life Maxi sitting next to him while before he only had a locket…

Riftan shook his head and thought about other things like Rowan and how they should proceed with his education. He actually needed to find out first just how much education he’d gotten so far, he was clueless with children so he’d have to talk to Maxi at some point figure all this out.

Once she was done, leaving three out of the six potatoes in the bowl, Maxi laid down next to Rowan on the hay bed. It was surprisingly more comfortable than she’d expected and combined with the heat from Riftans body Maxi found herself drifting off to sleep sooner rather than later.

Chapter Text

Once they’d left that morning, everyday was starting to look the same. They’d spend the entire day traveling and stop at sundown to camp out, according to Riftan they didn’t have long left but Maxi could tell Rowan was getting antsy with nothing to do.

He had his wooden toys but Maxi knew him, he wanted to run free and play in the sun, not sit in a stuffy and bumpy carriage for hours on end only to be told that he couldn’t even play when the camped out. In truth he probably could have been playing during camp but Maxi hadn’t allowed him.

She wanted to make sure he was always in sight in the forest and at night she couldn’t see him well. It didn’t help that he had tanned skin and dark hair, he blended into the shadows a little too well for Maxis comfort. But now Riftan said they were only a couple hours away from Anatol.

“Rest here!” The knights sighed but followed his command as Riftan helped Maxi out the carriage, she stretched like a cat and basked in the sunlight. Rowan ran out too, stopping by the edge of the hill and looking out at the horizon.

“Can I go play mama?” Maxi smiled and looked around, it was an open area with the sun shining down on them. Finally Maxi nodded and Rowan ran of in lord knows where, Riftan watched in amusement and wrapped his arms around Maxis waist. She sucked in a breath but didn’t move away as he lowered his head to the crook of her neck.

“Oi! Commander! Not here, there are children around!” Maxis face burst into flames, her flush running down her chest and her dress in places Riftan could only imagine. Riftan growled at Herbaron as Maxi untangled his arms from her.

“Count your fucking days Nirtra!” The ginger man laughed and Maxis mortification only grew. A different knight she didn’t know the name of now approached Riftan, he wore robes of white and brown and had white hair, his build was short and slim for a knight Maxi thought.

“Commander, there is a short cut from here but we can’t take the carriage. The path is too narrow. Oh, this is for the lady.” He took the red stone from the white haired man and Riftan swore but nodded, running a hand through his hair as he stepped towards Maxi.

“I asked Ruth to make warming stone for you. Anatol can get cold for a noble women like you.” Maxi took the stone in hand and immediately felt its warmth. She held it close to her chest before putting it in her pocket. “There’s something else. We can take a short cut but you’ll have to ride with me on Talon.” Maxi hesitated, she’d never ridden a horse before but she was dying to sleep on a normal bed and take a bath.

“Ok.” Riftan softly smiled, his hand coming to brush a piece of her hair behind her ear when the both heard Rowan scream. Maxi sprung into action immediately, some deep hidden mother instincts rising in her whenever Rowan was in trouble. As she looked around she found Herbaron holding her son upside down by his leg.

Luckily Rowan was laughing as he screamed but Maxi was having a heart attack, without thinking she shouted “put him down! Now!” Everyone froze as the delicate lady they knew yelled at a man twice her size with such fierceness in her voice that it was enviable.

Riftan was the most shocked, he watched as his tiny wife marched up to Nirtra and started yelling in his face as he set Rowan down. His second in command stood frozen like a child being scolded by its mother as Maxi finally turned her attention to Rowan.

Herbaron wolf whistled as she did, crossing his thick arms as he looked at Riftan with amusement. “feisty isn’t she.” Riftan strode over his hand twitching with the urge to punch him, but first he turned to his son who looked way to excited and hyper for nearly giving his mother a heart attack.

“Watch how you speak about my wife.” The ginger night put his hands in the air and walked off while laughing. Maxi was still fussing with Rowan before Riftan pulled her to him, taking Rowan’s hand in his other side as he led them to the group. “Get ready to depart!”

Riftan picked Maxi up and set her Talon, the horse didn’t even flinch as if not noticing that she was even there. “W-hat about R-owan?” Riftan had been planning to trust his son with Herbaron for the ride but he didn’t think that Maxi would be too keen now.

“He’ll ride with Ursuline.” As the knight heard his name he came over and set the commanders son on his horse. He honestly felt that he was looking at his commander just twenty something years younger. Maxi felt uneasy about it but it is what it is, with that Riftan got on and yelled “Move out!”

Maxi gasped as Talon surged forward, the wind hitting her face as she moved speeds she didn’t know were possible. From behind she saw Rowan smiling in glee as he rode behind Riftan, with the confirmation that he was alright Maxi felt she could relax even if it was just a little.

“Looks like it’ll be monsoon season soon.” She heard one lf the knights say. Another replied with some annoyance “yeah and we have to leave as soon as we arrive for palace.” Palace? What were they talking about. Why would they need to go to the palace so soon after arriving. Herbaron now replied with grumbling tone “it’s bad enough we took so many useless detours. Now we’ll be making the king wait even more.”

She dropped her head in shame, she knew that they’d likely taken the longer road because she was with them. It made her feel guilty for holding them back, behind her Riftan sighed “nothing we can do about it once the monsoon starts.” The knight, Ursuline, replied now with disbelief.

“Commander! You can’t be serious. Do you really think the king is going to believe a little rain stopped the greatest warrior who defeated the red dragon!” Riftan rolled his eyes, he was in no mood to entertain such grievances right now. “We simply can’t make his majesty wait any longer because we’re stuck doing useless things-.”

Riftans eyes flared and Maxi looked away in shame. She made them late, and now all the knights would hate her for it. “Ursuline Ricaydo. Watch your fucking mouth.” Maxi suddenly didn’t feel comfortable leaving her son to ride with that knight. He’d made it clear she was nothing but a nuisance and she didn’t want to know what he thought of her son.

Before she could say anything a different knight yelled from up ahead, “commander! Five werewolf’s have been sighted!” Riftan cursed and unsheathed his sword in an instant, yelling out orders as he jumped from the horse. Maxi looked back at Rowan and found him sitting on the horse without a care for the danger around them, instead he was glaring at Ricaydo.

“I’m itching for a kill!” She heard Herbaron say as he jumped of his horse, running straight for a werewolf up ahead. He killed it with ease and strangely Maxi found that she was not as scared as she had been with that ogre. That thought only lasted until a shadow in the shape of a werewolf came up behind her.

Maxi shrieked trying to find something to hit it with, the next second Riftan had sliced the wolf in two. He turned to her his eyes searching her face before he turned to the original knight, “Gable there were six werewolf’s. Not five.” The knight scratched the back of his neck as he stepped over a body.

“Black wolves are notoriously better at hiding sir.” Riftan gripped the bridge of his brow as he made his way over to Rowan and Maxi. After confirming they were alright he got back on Talon and turned back at the group.

“There’s probably more coming! Head out!” Riftan grabbed the reins and kicked at Talons side “hold on tight Maxi.” If she thought they were going fast before now they were flying, Maxi didn’t think the horses hooves touched the ground as it ran. Maxi felt a sense of thrill, her excitement only building as the broke free from the tree line and onto a vast expanse of grassy land of hillsides.

The sun was now setting, casting a warm orange glow to the surroundings and Maxi couldn’t help but think that this was the most beautiful sight she’d ever seen. The duchy was nothing compared to this, she wanted to imprint the image in her mind to remember its beauty forever.

Riftan suddenly pulled to a stop, he leaned down in her ear and whispered as he watched the sunset illuminate Maxi. “This is my fief. Anatol.” She was breathless as she looked at the picturesque view of a tall castle with a cluster of homes bellow.

Riftan grabbed Rowan from behind and sat him on his shoulders, “wow…” It seemed everyone was speechless. The Remdragon knights had nearly forgotten what Anatol looked while in the dragon campaign. Such a sight made them appreciate it even more. “Mama? Is this our home?”

Riftans heart squeezed as Maxi nodded, still breathless as ever. “Y-es. T-his is our ho-me.” Maxi still wondered how her father could have ever hidden such a beautiful place form her, a place that she was the rightful Lady of and the place where her child would take over.

Soon they arrived at a pair of gates, Riftan rode up front, the guard at the gate immediately recognized him and yelled “our Lord has returned! Open the gates!” Now as they rode through the endless streets people smiled and cheered for Riftan and the Remdragon knights. The threw petals and bouquets as they passed and Maxi was in awe.

The people of the duchy always seemed so cold, so afraid, there was never any genuine smiles or laughter. Everything was always just a fake front people put on, but this- this was true happiness and joy of people who loved their Lord and the place they resided in.

Beautiful women waved from windows and bards sang songs as the people chanted “Rosem Wigrew!” And warm welcomes as they passed, some stopped and stared at her, probably wondering who the red haired women sitting on a horse with their lord was. Maxi blushed at the attention and Riftan held her tightly as the wove through crowds.

Now Riftan stopped infront of the castles gate where all the servants lined each side bowing their heads as Riftan came to a stop. “You have the night off. Enjoy yourselves.” The knights cheered and thanked Riftan as they went in to taverns and pleasure houses.

Riftan swung off Talon, helping Maxi down and then Rowan as he gave the reins to the stable boy. An old man then stepped forward, he had a kind face and greying hair. “Welcome back my Lord. I hope your journey was enjoyable. As I heard news of your return I cleaned up both the rooms and training centre.” Riftan hummed off handedly. Maxi couldn’t believe the size of this place. It was so large it was more of a fortress than a castle.

“The others went to the town celebrations. They won’t be coming back tonight.” The old man nodded then stopped as he saw the lady standing next to his master. He of course had heard that the lord married before the campaign but since the lady never came he thought that marriage was annulled. What shocked him most tho was the young boy standing next to the women.

The boy who looked exactly like the lord only with the woman’s eyes. “My lord… who is this young lady and child?” Riftan had forgotten for a second that this was Maxis first time in Anatol and that instead of keeping home here she’d been back at the duchy.

“This is Lady Maximilian Calypse. My wife.” The servants all seemed to whisper amongst each other for a second before they noticed the look in their lords eyes. “I expect you treat her with the out most respect and care.” The underlying threat didn’t go unnoticed by anyone.

“This is Rowan Calypse. My son and heir of Anatol.” Maxis eyes widened at his words, Rowan seemed to be most shocked as he looked around the courtyard. The old man smiled and bowed as Riftan wrapped his arm around Maxis waist and led her inside.

“R-iftan I ha-ve to gr-eet the s-ervants.” Maxi already made a bad impression by looking like a irresponsible wife who couldn’t even be bothered to live in her husbands land. She didn’t want these servants to also look down on her like the ones at the duchy did.

“Forget about that I’ll introduce you later.” Maxi wanted to protest but Riftan had now led them inside and she was caught of guard. Inside it was near dilapidated, there were cracks in the windows and walls, not a single piece of furniture outside the chandelier that didn’t even have any candles on it. The place was also cold and the only light source were the two candles by the stairs.

“What happened here.” The tone in Riftans voice sent chills up Maxis spine, she quickly grabbed Rowan and pressed his head against her skirts. “Did I not ask for you decorate my castle before my return. I sent more than enough gold coins.” Riftans voice was rising in octaves and Maxi could sense the furry brewing beneath.

“I did as you instructed my Lord. I placed a new carpet in the parlor and replaced all the old furniture, brought in new oils and candles.” Maxi held her breath as Riftan turned to look at the old man, she wanted to intervene but how?

“That’s not what I asked! I wanted you to make it look more luxurious!” Maxi tensed and started to bite her nails again. It was a bad habit she picked up when she got nervous and a habit her father absolutely despised. She couldn’t count how many times he’d beat her over it.

“Well we couldn’t spend that much money without the lords permission-.” Riftan growled out as he stepped closer to his butler, his fury was rising each second. He was embarrassed to have shown a noble women like Maxi his castle like this. She deserved better.

“In the message I said it was up to the butler to decide and chose everything!” Maxi felt like she was suffocating in the atmosphere, Rowan gripped her skirts tightly as she hid his face in her gown. The screaming and arguing made her forget where she actually was for a second.

As the old man finished to explain to Riftan again Maxi grabbed his sleeve before he could open his mouth again. Riftan turned to her in a second, she hung her head low as she whispered in the vast expanse of the room “R-iftan I w-ant to res-t. I’m t-ired.”

His whole demeanor seemed to change in an instant as he gazed upon her, “Ludis. Make sure Rowan is taken care of and assigned a room near my own. Make sure you also find him the best suitable maid.” A women around the age of thirty stepped forward and nodded, she reached tentatively for Rowan’s hand but he still held onto Maxis skirt.

Maxi bent down, taking his face in her hands as she placed a kiss on his head. She know he didn’t like strangers and it would be weird for him to suddenly be taken care of by someone who wasn’t his mother. “It’s a-lright my da-rling I’ll c-ome find y-ou in j-ust a bi-t. Go w-ith the ni-ce lady a-nd be m-amas good boy.” With a final kiss on the cheek Rowan took the woman’s hand as she started to lead him away.

Taking a deep breath Maxi stood and faced Riftan, he looked at her as if she was the most lovely thing in the world. Without care Riftan scooped her in his arms as he started to walk to their room. “Ri-ftan put me d-own I can w-alk!” He ignored her and held tight as he acceded the stairs.

“Hold still. I know your exhausted.” As they rounded a corner Riftan stopped in front of a pair of carved oak doors, he pushed open and Maxi was set down as she gazed around the room. All the furniture looked comfortable and of high end, compared to her room at the duchy this was impeccable.

“It’s shabby isn’t it? Fuck! The servants tried so hard as well.” Maxi blinked as she walked further into the room. How could she think this was shabby? This was the most luxurious room she’d ever be able to call her own. And it was so nice and warm aswell, nothing like the freezing room she used to live in.

“W-hat? Oh no! T-his is be-autiful and I l-ove the c-astle and the b-ed looks so co-mfy. Li-ke a cloud!” Riftan slumped in front of the fire in a tall arm chair with a nice throw blanket, his frustration and embarrassment were consuming him. He couldn’t believe the hovel he’d brought Maxi and his son in. He knew that this was probably the best decorated room and he hated to think the room Rowan was staying in right now.

Fuck he needed to get children’s furniture made and delivered and… “don’t lie to me Maxi. I was at the duchy a few days ago. Compared to the grandeur of your fathers castle, this is a fucking barn.” Riftan pinched the bridge of his nose as he felt a migraine forming in the back of his head.

“R-iftan don’t s-ay that i-t’s tr-uly l-ovely!” Riftan slammed his fist down on the table, Maxi jumped as he sprung up and started to prowl towards her. She held her breath as he now stood before her, his eyes blazing and veins popping from his jaw.

“Well it’s the ladies job to decorate and take care of this place anyway! When the lord is away it becomes the job of the lady to manage the castle!” Maxi gasped and sucked in a breath as Riftan finally seemed to realize what he’d just said. Gripping the window sill, Riftan cursed and hung his head.

“That’s not what i meant Maxi… I apologize.” She gazed hesitantly at him as he kneeled before her on the floor, his hand coming up to cup her cheek. “I meant that you can decorate this castle however you like now that your here. I have more than enough money and i heard that noble women like doing that stuff. Hmm? What do you think.”

But she wasn’t that kind of noble woman, she knew nothing of decorating castles or being a proper hostess. All she knew were from the books she’d read and that was years ago she couldn’t possibly… “you don’t want to?” She couldn’t possibly be left responsible for such a task. What if she embarrassed him?

“I’ll tell Rodrigo to give you the books right away so don’t worry about costs. Spend to your heart’s content. This is your home now, i want you to be comfortable here.” And what if… if. Her home? Yes, this was her home. A safe place where she could raise her son and and not worry if her father was going to beat her or if her nanny was going to ridicule her.

Her home, here in Anatol with Riftan and Rowan.

Chapter Text

Maxis heart felt warm and light. This place which she didn’t know existed until now was her home. The thought made her giddy inside, she never had a home before the duchy was hardly a house and she never felt safe there. “I’ll- I’ll m-ake it c-ozy and c-omfortable for u-s!”

Riftan didn’t respond, his hand moved and gripped her chin, their faces were a breath apart and she looked so lovely and beautiful in the firelight. He smashed their lips together without thought the next second, Maxi gasped in his mouth and he swallowed the sound as he felt heat bubble within him.

He slowly got up, never once disconnecting their lips as he gently laid Maxi back on the bed. She sighed in his mouth and gripped his armor and he bent over her, his tongue massaged the inside of her mouth until her lungs were on fire with the need to breath.

Pulling back for air, Maxi panted as Riftan continued his trail of kisses along her jaw and neck until he found a particular spot that had her moaning in his ear. Riftan groaned against her, his pants growing tighter and tighter with each passing second.

He was ready to rip the clothes from her body but there was a knock at the door, Riftan felt as if he was about to explode from frustration and anger. Each time he tried to take his wife someone had to interrupt him, at this point he was a three year old ball of pent up sexual frustration.

“What!” He heard scurrying outside the door and whispers, with the little patience he had Riftan regrettably left Maxi as he went to answer the door. Maxi quickly stood, fixing her hair and touching her lips that felt tingly from the kiss.

“We’ve brought you your bath my lord.” Riftan let them into the room as they set the tub in the middle and poured the steaming water with oils and new soaps inside. It now smelt of flowers in the room, nice but not as good as Maxis scent.

“Y-our Ludis ri-ght?” The maid stopped and turned to Maxi as she bowed her head, Maxi smiled at her and the maid couldn’t help but smile back at the radiant lady that saved them from an earful from the lord. “Ro-wan my son, is he- al-right?” Ludis smile widened as she nodded eagerly.

Riftan came behind Maxi and wrapped his arm around her shoulders in comfort as he too waited to hear, “yes M’lady. He’s currently bathing in his room with the help of Martha, I’ve put him just down the hall if you want to see him.” Maxi nodded and thanked her, she was glad that Rowan was alright and so far doing well in this strange new place.

“Don’t worry Maxi, I’ll hire the best tutors and maids for our son. He’ll never want for anything.” A part of of him wanted to make up for the lost time he didn’t know about Rowan. He wanted to shower him with gifts and be there for any new milestones for all the ones he’d missed. Maxi nodded and Ludis bowed as she left the room.

Now as Maxi walked back to the bed Riftan stripped from his shirt as he let it fall on the ground, “Maxi. Let’s bathe together.” Maxi gulped and shook her head as he prowled to her with a hungry glint in his eyes. It reminded her of the look in his eyes during their wedding night.

“Ri-ftan! W-hy would we b-athe to-gether?” He chuckled as he watched her back on into the wall, she looked adorable, like a cute little bunny trying to hide its little cotton tail from a hungry- a starved predator. He found that she was still naive as before.

“Maxi. We’re a married couple. It’s normal.” He stepped closer, his large muscular arms now trapping her against the wall and he leaned in closer. “In all the places I’ve visited the master and their wives washed together.” Maxi flushed as his breath tickled her ear. Was there really such a custome? Her father had been widowed for so long that she never knew if he bathed with his wives.

“Come Maxi…” Riftan grabbed her waist and led her to the tub, he slowly turned her around and started to unlace her dress. Maxi thought that this moment reminded her too much of their wedding night, but it’s was fine because they were only bathing, nothing more.

Maxi shivered as she felt the cool wind hit her skin which then had goosebumps rise all over her, Riftan watched with heat behind his eyes, already seeing her nipples harden. Once he pulled out the last string, the dress pooled at her hips and Maxi felt vulnerable. Riftan leaned down and placed a kiss between her shoulder blades as he shoved her gown the rest of the way down.

Now completely naked, Maxi hugged herself and didn’t dare look back at her husband’s face. Riftan licked his lips and unbuckled his pants, letting them hit the floor a second later. Maxi sharply inhaled, her body temperature rising as she felt Riftans own body heat envolpe her.

Gulping Maxi quickly made her way over to the tub just as Riftan went and reached for her. As she submerged under the warm water Maxi sighed in content and drenched her hair. Riftan got in a second later, watching heatedly as Maxi lathered her body with soap, as she ran the suds over her chest he felt his member wring up.

In distraction, he did the same, lathering soap all over his body and laying back in the tub as he watched Maxi submerge under until only her knees and top half of her face were visible. He pushed his hair out of his eyes but couldn’t help himself from reaching out and cupping her cheek in his hand like she was a chipmunk.

He noted that her skin was more pink now in the hot water, her face had a rosy hue and the top of her breasts colored a blush pink. “Come, I’ll wash you.” Surprisingly, Maxi obliged and sat between his legs as he took a generous amount of soap and massaged it into her scalp. Maxi sighed but still tried to protest.

“I’ll d-o it m-yself.” Riftan chuckled and watched as her eyes closed in relaxation, this was quickly becoming his favorite part of the day and it was their first day together at the castle. Taking some water in his hands Riftan rinsed her head, once done she lay her head on his chest and looked up at him with doe eyes.

“You can wash me aswell next time if you wish.” Maxi nodded sleepily. Was she always this tired? Or had the events of the past caught up with her? It was no matter, she felt like she could sleep for eternity in this man’s string embrace. She could faintly feel him place kisses along the back of her neck but she didn’t care it was so warm and comforting she could fall asleep right there…

Maxis eyes fluttered open as she realized she was about to snooze of in the tub and oh! She’d forgotten her promise to Rowan. Guilt wrapped Maxi as she tried to untangle her limbs from Riftan, sensing her panic he pulled back and searched her face. “What’s wrong. What happened.”

He was confused, they were so relaxed a second ago. “R-owan. I pr-omised him I’d s-ee him in a b-it and it’s b-een ho-urs! To th-ink i l-eft him a-lone in a new p-lace with new pe-ople for so long…” Maxi clambered out of the tub, finding the closest towel as she tried to dry off in a hurry.

“I’m a l-ousy mo-ther.” Tears split from her eyes and Riftan was beside her in an instant, he wrapped a towel around his hips and hugged Maxi to his chest as he calmed her down. He was appalled that she’d ever think that she of all women was a lousy mother.

“Maxi your not a lousy mother. Look at how well you’ve raised and protected Rowan all this time by yourself. It’s ok, let me take that responsibility off your shoulders.” Maxi sniffled and nodded, wiping her tears as Riftan sat her on the bed, he handed her a chemise he bought before his return. Riftan had also bought gowns and jewels for her but it wasn’t the time show her that.

Maxi put on the chemise and accepted Riftans hand as he picked her, she thought he’d take her to bed but instead she found him exiting their bedroom and going down the hall. “W-here are w-e go-ing?” Maxi was whispering as if anyone would be able to hear her.

Riftan stopped in front of a door and gently pushed it open, it only creaked a little before Maxi noticed where they were. “Let’s go see our son.” Maxis face lit up as she wrapped her arms around his neck and subconsciously kissed his cheek. She squrimed out of his hold and softly padded towards the oversized bed.

She sat at the edge and Riftan stood behind her, softly holding her shoulders as he watched Rowan sleep peacefully. “Hi b-aby. I’m s-orry I di-dn’t come e-arlier. I pr-omise I’ll m-ake it up to y-ou to-morrow. Sweet d-reams, I l-ove you.” Maxi placed a long kiss on his cheek and Rowan smiled unconsciously in his sleep.

Maxi turned to Riftan as if to make sure he saw what she just did, she couldn’t believe how well adjusted Rowan seemed to be already. Back at the duchy Maxi ,since he was a baby, had to walk around singing him to sleep with lullaby’s before he drifted off. Now here he was sleeping peacefully without needing any of that.

Maxi got up with a heavy sigh and leaned into Riftans arm as he know leaned down and placed a soft kiss on the crown of Rowan’s head. The action felt so natural like his body knew that was his child, “sweet dreams Rowan.” He might’ve not had the same closeness with him as Maxi did but he was planning on changing that as soon as possible.

“Come Maxi, let us go to bed.” She nodded her heart filled with love, she let Riftan pick her up and the next thing she knew she had fallen asleep against her husbands safe embrace.

Chapter Text

The next morning Maxi woke up alone, Riftans side of the bed felt long cold as she heard a knock at the door. “M’lady? It’s me Ludis. The lord has asked me to be your personal maid from now on.” Maxi rubbed the sleep out of her eyes as she made sure she was decent before answering.

“C-ome in.” The door gently opened and Ludis walked through with a tray of food in hand, behind her Rowan bounded in with a bright smile on his face. She noted that he was wearing new clothes, a dark blue tunic with cream pants. “Rowan! W-here d-id you g-et the cl-othes?”

Ludis placed the tray on the nightstand as she stood patiently, “me and some of the maids took some fabric and made new clothes for the young lord last night.” Maxis mouth hung open as she stared at Ludis. The maids of Croix were never bothered to do anything so nice for Rowan. And these maids who she hadn’t even met formally stayed up late and did this.

“Y-ou di-dn’t h-ave to!” Maxi felt guilty at the prospect but Ludis assured her that the maids volunteered to do this and it was no burden. After a while Maxi finally let it be and ate the most delicious breakfast she’d ever had with Rowan, they ate a fruit bowl of all different kinds and then eggs with bacon. Maxi even had a tea on the side.

Once done Rowan jumped off the bed much to Maxis heart attack “mama I want to go play!” Maxi smiled but felt unsure. This place was so large and unfamiliar she didn’t want Rowan getting lost. Seeing her hesitation Rowan grabbed Maxis hand as he led her to a window. “I’ll play there! See!” Maxi gazed at the sunny courtyard and relented.

“Ok b-ut be c-areful.” Rowan jumped in glee and gave Maxi a quick kiss on the cheek before running out the room. Now Maxi was left with Ludis in the spacious room, she felt awkward, she was used to being around Riftan but she was never any good with new people. Luckily Ludis didn’t seem to mind her silence.

“M’lady, would you like to get dressed for day? The lord told me you wanted to meet with the servants.” Maxi quickly nodded and followed Ludis to a vanity. As she sat, she bit her tongue expecting the throb of pain as Ludis picked the comb up. But to her surprise as she started to comb through her hair, it felt gentle.

Ludis took her time combing through each strand, enjoying as Maxi relaxed in her seat. She never thought brushing her hair could be this peaceful, her nanny at the duchy detested her hair for being messy and unruly, but now Ludis was braiding it so easily.

“What do you think M’lady?” Ludis stepped back and let Maxi admire her work. Her hair had been pulled back in a elegant but still youthful bun with flowers placed at the front, Maxi couldn’t help but think that instead of ugly her hair looked beautiful like this.

“It’s be-autiful. T-hank you.” Ludis smiled and directed Maxi to the trunk that some of the other maids brought it earlier. As she opened the lid Maxi was astonished, jewels and more elaborate gowns than even Rosetta wore filled the trunk to the brim. It was too much. She felt like she was an imposter as Ludis held up different gown and jewels to show her.

“How about this one. It would suit the lady very well.” Ludis held up a butter yellow dress with pearls strung across the top and with large sleeves hanging at the side. Maxi couldn’t help but think that this was the most beautiful dress in the world, it was so extravagant that it rivaled what all the court ladies wore.

Once Maxi was finished getting dressed, with a ruby necklace and matching earrings, Ludis fawned over the lady. She looked like a delicate daffodil that shone in the sun and rivaled the beauty of anyone else. Maxi thought she looked like a different person, but not in a bad way.

Ludis now led her to the dining hall where she explained that the knights usually ate there with the lord. As they walked around Maxi couldn’t help but notice how poor of a condition the castle was in, as she thought about it the more ashamed she felt. She’d been it’s lady for three years and had not known about it, she’d let it waste away while her husband fought to the death.

Now standing in front of the double doors Maxi stepped in tentatively, there were only some maids inside and the old man from last night. As they saw her, they bowed and continued on with their work, Maxi looked around awkwardly until the old man stepped in front of her. “Good morning M’lady. I hope you had a good sleep.”

Maxi took a deep breath and smiled, she would be fine. This was Anatol not Croix, this was her chance to redeem herself and be the lady that Riftan thought she was. “I didn’t have the opportunity to introduce myself yesterday. My name is Riodrigo Seric, I oversee all the staff in the castle. If you have any enquirers please ask.”

She nodded, gripping her skirt with great nerves “y-esterday Rif- umm the l-ord said I co-uld re-decorate the p-lace.” Rodrigo nodded and directed Maxi out the dining hall, she followed close behind as she listened to Rodrigo explain.

“Yes the lord informed me this morning. He requested that I help you in any capacity needed, we were actually intending to call some venders to the castle soon.” Maxi hummed along, as she listened she suddenly heard Rowan calling her name from the distance. Turning around, Rowan crashed into her skirts as he smiled at her.

“Look mama! I got you a flower!” Maxis heart melted as Rowan handed her a small daisy, his cheek and hands covered in dirt. Maxi took it and placed it behind her ear as she leaned down and tried to wipe the dirt of his face. “Do you like it?”

Maxi immediately nodded as she stood, grabbing his hand “of c-ourse my d-arling! Th-ank you.” From around her the servants couldn’t help but awe at the adorable display of their lady and her son. She seemed like a breath of fresh air in place usually surrounded by knights.

“Madam would you like a tour of the castle?” Maxi jumped, she’d nearly forgotten about Rodrigo. Nodding sheepishly Rowan stayed by her side as the butler led them around the vast castle, each corner they turned there seemed to be more and more damage around it, it was clear that even while Riftan stayed here before he hadn’t bothered to repair the interior.

“The castle was built one hundred fifty years ago by Sir Anatol of the fallen empire. At the breakdown of the empire various monsters started showing up and naturally none of the rulers wanted this place. Then ten years ago the recently knighted eighteen year old Sir Riftan Calypse came to be the lord of Anatol.” Both Maxi and Rowan listened to the history of this place intently, both gripped with I intrigue for their new home.

“The lord has worked hard to repair the castle and rebuild the walls but as you can see the interior has been left a little bleak.” There was clear pride in Rodrigo’s voice as he continued, Rowan listened in amazement as he heard more and more about his father. He learnt that he was a respected lord and dearly cared for his land.

With each passing day Rowan had decided that he wanted to be like his father more and more. He too wanted to be a respected lord and become a knight, a part of him deep down wanted to do it for his mother, who he knew had suffered greatly for him. And he didn’t want to let her down.

Suddenly Rodrigo stopped in front a pair of cracked double doors, “do you like tea M’lady?” Maxi was taken aback by his question but nodded as she stared at the doors before her. She had a bad feeling about what was behind them.

“Yes I do.” Rodrigo clapped his hands as he now started to open the heavy creaking doors, a gust of dust flew out and Maxi coughed as she stepped back, covering Rowan’s mouth and nose with her hand as a musty smell of an old room reached her nose.

“Lovely! I’ll tell the chef to prepare refreshments with tea leaves. You see the master doesn’t like tea at all.” Maxi couldn’t help but chuckle at the image of Riftan sitting with a porcelain cup of tea in hand, it was ridiculously to even think about.

But now her attention was at the room that lay behind those doors, it was a large room with ornate shattered and cracked windows. Cobwebs and dust filled every corner of the room, Maxi couldn’t believe the state of this place, it looked like it hadn’t been touched since the one hundred fifty years it been made.

Rodrigo looked embarrassed as Maxi and Rowan stepped forward inside the place, “this is the banquet hall… as you can see it’s not been used very often. Most of our visitors are knights and they never cared for banquets and such, they ate in the dining hall.” Maxi grimaced as she felt a lose tile beneath her feet, how was she ever going to refurbish such a place?

“Wow…” Rowan laughed as his voice echoed around the empty room, the vibrations making dust fall from the ceiling. Maxi grabbed him by the shoulders and started to lead them out. She suddenly felt tired at the thought of all she had to do.

This was going to be a long project.

Chapter Text

To conclude their tour Rodrigo led them to training grounds where Maxi could hear the clang of metal and shouts from men. Rowan ran off in excitement in front of her and stared with amazement at all the mercenary’s and squires training under the command of his father.

“This is the training grounds, it’s where his lord spends most of his day. But he hates to be disturbed during training so we should go.” Maxi gazed out at the place, her eyes quickly finding Riftan as he stood in the sun with sweat running down his shirtless body. He was holding a sword and demonstrating how to get the best aim.

“Rowan! Come let’s go in.” Rowan groaned but listened to his mum, he wanted to stay longer and watch the training. Maxi smiled softly and made a mental note to talk to Riftan about Rowan and his general education. Rowan grabbed Maxis hand as they followed Rodrigo inside.

As if sensing eyes on him, Riftan quickly spun and around and found Maxi wearing a delectable gown standing at the top with Rowan and Rodrigo but just as soon as she was came he saw her calling Rowan back before making their way inside.

Without thinking Riftan ran after them only looking back to yell “you have a one hour break! Take a rest be back then!” Herbaron, Gabel and Ursuline all stared in shock as their commander looked like he was… blushing as he ran after his wife and son.

Riftan grabbed Maxis arm and twirled her around, she gasped and planted her hands on his thick chest. “Where do you think your going without a proper greeting?” He teased her as he whispered in her ear, watching her flush at his words. Maxi stared in confusion, she was sure he was on the other end of the grounds just now.

“We were taking a tour of the castle!” Riftan nearly forgot that Rowan was there, he stepped back from Maxi with much regret and turned to gaze at his son. Waving Rodrigo off, he picked Rowan up and placed him on his shoulders before taking Maxi by the waist.

“I’ll guide you now.” Rowan was beaming, he liked spending time with his dad and spending time with his mum and dad was even better. Maxi shifted on her feet as she saw everyone staring at them, it was clear she had disturbed training and she didn’t want to take up anymore time.

She followed Riftan hesitantly as he showed her around the training grounds, it seemed that this moment was turning more into father and son bonding with Rowan bursting with all the questions he wanted to ask and Riftan answering happily.

Now as the walked across the wall, Maxi pointed at the tower up ahead, “wh-at’s there?” Riftan rolled his eyes at the thought of that greedy mage and went to explain, but before he could the white haired mage popped up behind Maxi giving her a fright.

“That M’lady is my tower.” Maxi clutched at her chest as the man from before, the one who’d given her the red stone appeared behind her. He squeezed past her, a roll of parchment in hand as he started to walk towards the tower with dark eye bags under his eyes.

“Your t-ower?” Maxi followed after him only stopping when Riftan wrapped his arm around her waist, she held onto his hand as the white haired man rubbed at his eyes and stretched out as if he’d been sitting for a long while.

“Yes. Lord Riftan ever so generous gave his poor mage a tower to work in. But now it’s useless.” Maxis brows shot up, she suspected he wasn’t a knight, he was too lanky and skinny compared to Riftan and the others and he held no weapons with him on their trip back.

“Ruth stop being a bother and fuck off.” Ruth put his hands on his hips as he rolled his eyes. That man really needed to keep his patience in line. Maxi gave a small disapproving look at Riftan and he sighed as he gripped her close, running his thumb over her waist.

“Well I must be off. Too much work I have to do.” Ruth continued on without another word and Maxi stared at him as he disappeared before the towers door. Riftan grumbled and turned them around as they started to walk back.

Once back at the training grounds, Riftan lowered Rowan from his shoulders. He grabbed Maxis waist and pulled her against him, her face went red as Riftan bent down, his warm breath tickling her ear and neck as he whispered “I have to go back to the training grounds but I’ll see you tonight at the feast.”

Maxi sucked in a breath but nodded as she quickly lowered her face from the wondering eyes of the knights, running back to the main castle with her cheeks on fire. As she and Rowan walked back to her room Ludis found her in the hallway. “My lady would you like some warm ginger tea? I heard you’ve been up at the wall and it would be most relaxing.”

Maxi smiled and nodded, thanking Ludis as Rowan led her back to his room. Pushing the door open, Maxi grimaced at the sight, she hadn’t gotten a good look at the room last night and now it looked depressing. There was a singular bed in the middle with a dresser on the side, other than that there was no furniture.

“Oh d-ear. Are y-ou sure your f-ine in t-his room? Y-ou can a-lways stay w-ith me until we re-decorate.” Rowan shook his head and jumped on the bed where his toys were still laying, Maxi sat on the edge and stroked his hair as she helped him take his outer clothes off. “W-ill you be al-right by y-ourself for n-ow? Mama h-as to go do s-ome s-tuff.”

Rowan hesitated for a moment, he didn’t want to be left alone but he also knew that Maxi was busy. Eventually he nodded and she promised to send a maid in for company while she went to the library to start looking at the books Rodrigo said he’d leave for her.

She’d now been in the library for three hours, reading over the finance books and spending reports that Rodrigo had left her. She’d already drank three teas and she still wasn’t halfway done. Maxi had honestly never felt more stupid, the words on the pages were so foreign to her that they might as well have been a different language.

Maxi had never been entrusted with money before, she’d never even held a coin in her hand and here she was now the lady of a fortress without a single clue as to how any of this worked. She knew that she should ask for help but she didn’t want to embarrass herself. What would Riftan and the others think if she didn’t even know what each coin was called?

“Having trouble?” Maxi shrieked as Ruth came up from behind her, he had his hands clasped behind his back as he peered over at the books in front of Maxi. Her cheeks heated and she quickly closed the books and put the papers away.

“I’m f-ine t-hank you… R-uth.” He shrugged and sat casually opposite her as he leaned back and shut his eyes. Maxi actually thought he might be asleep for a second but then he sighed and sat forward, resting his head on his hand.

He inspected her for a while, Maxi squirmed in her chair as she looked everywhere but him. “I could teach you what all this is. It be so useful if I didn’t have to slave my nights away doing all this paper work.” Maxi suddenly straightened up. Useful. She could actually be useful to Riftan if she learnt how to work all this out. Then she might be worthy of the position of lady.

Ruth wasn’t offering out of the goodness of his heart, he just found an opening to have less work to do. Maxi determinedly nodded “y-es please t-each me.” Ruth nearly felt guilty for tricking the lady into doing such tedious work. Nearly tho, nearly. He smiled and got up, walking to his make shift bed.

“Great! We’ll start tomorrow.” Just then the door to the library opened and Ludis walked in, her eyes immediately narrowed as she saw Ruth. Maxi stared between them and cleared her throat to ease the tension in the room.

Ludis coughed and stood before Maxi, “my lady the feast will begin soon. Let us get you ready.” Maxi nodded and walked out, just as she left the room she heard Ludis whispering at Ruth in a heated tone. “Leave the lady alone Ruth!” He scoffed and rolled his eyes as he watched the maid leave without a second glance.

Now back in her room, Maxi sat at the vanity, sighing as Ludis fingers ran through her scalp. As her hair was getting clipped back with a white bow the door opened again and a maid, she learnt, called Martha walked in with Rowan. Her son was now dressed in a cream shirt and matching trousers, no doubt made by the maids last night.

“R-owan you l-ook so h-andsome!” He ran up to her and climbed on to her lap as Maxi sat still while Ludis did her hair. Now pulling Rowan in closer, Maxi couldn’t but smell the faint scent of soap on him. She buried her nose in his hair inhaling.

Once she was fully dressed in her new gown Maxi held onto Rowan’s hand tightly as Ludis led the way to the dining hall. She felt nervous, tonight would be her first official night as the lady of the castle and she was going to meet all the knights, squires, mercenaries.

It didn’t help that Maxi felt like she looked ridiculous, the gown was beautiful to be sure but she felt like a young child playing dress up in her mothers closet. The gown was better than anything she’d ever worn and the jewelry around her neck hung heavy. What if they thought she was a show off?

Suddenly they were stood in front of the double doors and Maxi took a deep breath before walking in. Rowan gripped her hand tightly, his dislike for strangers making him uneasy as the passed rows upon rows of grown men who laughed and talked without a care.

Everyone went dead silent when their commander yelled her name, “Maxi! Over here.” Maxis cheeks flared and she made sure Rowan was following close behind before they made their way over. As they all continued to stare Maxi felt like she might suffocate, it reminded her too much of the vying eyes of the duchy.

As she sat down with Rowan tucked close to her side, she saw many unfamiliar faces looking at her with curiosity. Others like the ginger knight nodded at her before resuming his meal. “Some of you might not have been introduced. This is my wife, Lady Maximilian Calypse. And my son, Rowan Calypse.” Whispers from around reverberated through the room, making Maxi fill with anxiety.

Riftans eyes were set hard as he looked about the table and the rest of the hall “I hope you will treat them courteously.” There was a clear underlying threat as he made sure his voice was loud enough for everyone in the room to hear. Simultaneously, a chorus of greetings sounded about the room as Maxi smiled uncomfortably.

When everyone minded their own business again, Riftan turned to Maxi and Rowan. He found Rowan tearing into his second peace of meat while his wife had not touched a single thing. Frowning he pushed the plate closer to her “is the food not to your taste?”

Maxi perked up and quickly shook her head “no its d-elicious. I j-ust have to h-elp Rowan eat his f-ood first.” Riftan looked between her and Rowan. The three year old was licking the bone of his meat dry and tearing with his teeth into a third rib.

Maxi cleared her throat and blushed, taking a few bites from her food to satisfy Riftan. But as she set her fork down, Riftan pulled two more plates piled with food in front of her. Maxi looked at him incredulously “I c-an’t eat all t-hat! It’s t-oo m-uch.”

Riftan huffed and waved the fork in front of her face “don’t be ridiculous Maxi. A sparrow eats more than you.” Maxi frowned and went to take the fork when suddenly Rowan grabbed it first and had eaten the piece of food before she could register what happened.

“Little man is hungry.” Herbaron laughed along with a few other knights as Rowan looked sheepishly at his mum. She smiled and wiped his mouth with a cloth, looking at his plate Maxi was dumbfounded. Three clean bones, mash potatoes and steamed vegetables all disappeared from his plate. Maxi had never known Rowan to be so hungry.

She suddenly jumped as a boy no older than nineteen ran up to them “sir Calypse! Is it true that you sliced through the red dragons breath!” He sounded awestruck, he looked awestruck. Maxi thought she looked the same at the moment. How could someone cut through a dragons breath?

Riftan turned casually to him “my sword happened to be made of special material, nothing more.” He said so nonchalantly as if this was the most normal and casual thing one could do. Rowan now turned to his father with that same awestruck look.

As the knights at the table continued to talk about the sword and the dragon fight Maxi couldn’t help but smile. It was so warm now, so lively, everyone was getting along and there was laughter all throughout the hall. “Excuse me my lady?” Maxi whirled to see Martha standing behind her with a bow.

Maxi still felt uncomfortable when the servants bowed to her but she ignored it for now. “Y-es? Is so-mething w-rong.” Maxi couldn’t feel Riftan now snake his arm around her waist and squeeze her hips as she talked with Martha.

The maid shook her head and smiled “no madam. I was only wondering if you wanted me to take the young lord to bed.” Rowan immediately perked up and started to protest. He was having so much fun listening to the tales of his father and the Remdragon knights.

Riftan gave him a stern look as Rowan continued to try persuade his mother to let him stay. Sighing, Rowan got up and hugged his mother as she gave him a kiss on the cheek, next his father gave him a hug as well before he followed Martha out the hall.

Now with his son gone, Riftan leaned closer to Maxi, pretending to admire the pearls around her neck and he traced his finger along her collarbone. Tonight. It had to be tonight before he exploded from pent up sexual frustration.

Chapter Text

TW smut

“W-hat’s the m-atter?” Riftan didn’t reply, instead he continued playing with her necklace. Maxi felt herself grow warm as he continued to caress her neck, grazing his finger along her bone and making her shiver in delight.

Riftan sighed and gripped Maxis waist, effectively having her sit nearly on him. From where she was sat, Maxi could feel something poking her behind her back, it was long and thick but she couldn’t figure out what it was, squirming to get away Riftan near groaned at the movement.

“Ri.. Riftan.” As she mewled his name something in him snapped, he slammed his hand on the table, bringing Maxi up with him as he gave gave some lame excuse as to why they were leaving. As he dragged her out the hall Riftan could hear Herbaron wolf whistle and shout something after them. Riftan gritted his teeth, he’d deal with that bastard later.

As they walked down a secluded, dark hall, Maxi struggled to keep up with Riftans quick pace. As she nearly tripped, Riftan caught her and slammed her back against the wall, Maxi gasped and her face flushed as Riftan stared at her with such a desperate want.

“Maxi.. fuck Maxi…” before she could ask what was wrong, his lips were on hers in a second. Maxi caught of guard surrendered to his fight for her mouth before it began, he groaned in satisfaction at her submission his hand traveling down her body and under her skirt.

Maxis eyes shot open in panic, this- this was the same as their wedding night. Did Riftan want to have marital duties now? Maxi felt her breath pick up for the wrong reasons as his hand trailed up her thigh, his teeth grazing and biting at her neck. Involuntarily Maxi moaned as his teeth grazed that one spot on her neck which made her go dizzy.

“R-iftan wait!” His fist clenched against the wall as he bared his teeth as he looked down, his breathing was rugged and he felt his member aching in his pants. She was going to kill him, she was. He felt that if he didn’t have her then he’d pass away right there and then.

“Maxi… your killing me.” His voice was near unrecognizable to Maxi as he breathed heavily, twitching with burning need. Maxi too caught her breath as she tried to think agaisnt this heat, as a married couple she knew this was inevitable but so suddenly? No, Maxi had to do her duty as a wife.

Gulping she gripped his shirt “not… n-ot h-ere.” Riftan felt feral at her words, he cursed and scooped her up in his arms, practically flying up the stairs as he tried to reach there damned room. Why did it have to be so fucking far away.

The door opened with his foot, Riftan made quick work of her small heels and threw Maxi on the bed. His desire had reached levels he never knew possible, and the one person who could satisfy him was laying beneath him with wide doe eyes that made blood shoot south.

Maxi still unsure and frightful tried to think of any excuse “I-I need to b-athe fi-rst.” Riftan chuckled darkly, his hands letting Maxis hair fall lose like a red halo around her head. She looked so delicious right now, he just wanted to devour her.

“And have you fall asleep again… I’ll wash you after.” Maxi gulped as his body fitted between her legs, his lips now trailing lower to the top of her breasts exposed by the low cut of her dress. Riftan decided as his hand slipped up her leg, that if he died tonight he’d die the happiest man.

But seeing the teary look in her eyes Riftan pulled back just enough to see her clearly “do you not to? I won’t force you Maxi.” She choked as he started to get up a look of unsatisfied sexual frustration on his face. Maxi needed to do this she thought, what kind of wife would she be if she didn’t lay with her husband.

“No! I w-as just n-ervous… p-lease Riftan.” Riftan sucked in a breath as he heard Maxis meek quite voice beg him and her small fingers grab the front of his tunic. That was the last string for Riftan, all his self restraint broke free as he grabbed Maxis jaw met her lips.

The kiss was desperate and wanting, his tongue dominated her mouth as he ground his hips into her, his lust nearly driving him crazy. He needed to be closer, fuck he just needed to feel her skin. Maxi gasped for air as Riftan sat on his knees above her, making quick work of his shirt as sweat trickled down his abs.

Maxi couldn’t deny the heat building in her gut at the sight, he looked breathtaking in the firelight. “You have no idea what you do to me… I need you like I need fucking air.” Before she could respond, Riftan had picked her up again and turned her on her stomach.

In the new position where she couldn’t see what he was doing, Maxi unconsciously rubbed her thighs together, the friction causing small bursts of heat. Riftan tore at the laces of her gown, growling in frustration as he saw that damned underwear underneath.

Maxi decided to help him as she reached behind and un tied the knots of her underwear and dress, once the last was lose Riftan practically tore the garment of her body and turned her around leaving him to admire her for a few seconds before he pounced.

Riftans mouth found that one spot on her neck in record time, Maxi moaned, gripping his hair as her legs widened in anticipation. Riftans pupils blew in size at the sight, his hand came up and squeezed her breast tightly as he continued to lap and suck on that spot. Maxi was a panting mess, feeling as if she’d melt at any second. Were her memories of that night a lie?

He couldn’t get enough, just when he thought he was being satisfied, he felt a new wave of lust consume him. Biting down on the spot on her neck, Maxi screamed out, her nails digging into his back. He was grinding into her, the friction of his pants making a pressure build inside Maxi, she felt like she was floating this was so good. Why was she hesitant?

Riftan grunted as he felt pre come leaking out his member the need to be buried deep inside her clawing at his mind. Huffing he quickly threw his pants across the room, hissing as the cold air hit his sensitive member. He felt like a fucking twelve year old boy again, unable to control his fucking urges.

Maxi stared in disbelief at his member, she felt as if it’s gotten bigger since their wedding night. If it hurt then she was dreading to see how it hurt now. Riftan now trailed open mouthed kisses long her body, he reached her naval and Maxi gasped as his breath fanned her women part. She didn’t try to stop him, not when she felt so good.

Riftan gripped her thighs tightly, pining her hips down as he finally met her centre. Maxi moaned so loudly she feared they’d hear but he didn’t care, Riftan was in fucking heaven. He lapped at her core, his tongue prodding her entrance as he tasted her slick.

“Riftan!” He felt his whole body light on fire as she screamed his name, his tongue entering places she never thought possible. To add to the pleasure, Riftan sunk his finger in without thought, this time Maxi didn’t scream from pain but from blinding pleasur.

She grabbed at his hair, tugging him closer to her centre as she ground into his face. Now the pleasure building inside her was reaching its peak, Maxi felt as if she’d die from the pleasure right there. As Riftan added another finger Maxi came with silent scream, panting and trembling as she came down from her high.

When Riftan pulled away his face was glossy with her slick, Maxi was blushing furiously, her whole body up until her breasts a delicious shade of pink. She panted, feeling already her energy depleted, Riftan on the other hand looked full of life and energy. She tried to move back from him but Riftan gave a dark laugh.

“Where do you think your going. Your mine Maxi. Mine.” He grabbed her ankle and pulled her right back to him, Maxi squeaked at the hungry look on his face. He was like a starved predator and she was his only salvation. Riftan pounded on her again, his tongue and lips covering every inch of skin he could find.

But his patience was running thin, he needed to be inside her now. Grabbing her thigh, Riftan focused back on Maxis sweet spot as he aligned with her entrance, as she felt his head prod at her Maxi tensed up. Riftan covered her eyes with his hand and whispered in her ear as he grinned on her.

Once he saw she’d relaxed, Riftan pushed in to the hilt in one go. Maxi screamed out but not in pain, while there was mild discomfort at first she was in a euphoria, Riftan grunted and moaned as he trembled with restraint. He let her adjust, breathing heavily as her core clenched and fluttered around him.

“Maxi… Maxi!” He grazed his teeth along her chest, sweat rolling down his muscular back as he gripped her hips so tightly she was sure they’d bruise. Maxi now bucked her hips, whimpering at him to move as she dug her nails into his back.

Riftan obliged happily, he pulled back until only the head was in, then he pumped back in with a forceful thrust. Maxis breath caught as Riftan found his brutal pace, thrusting and pounding into her mercilessly. He felt blinded by pleasure and lust, three years it been building up inside him and finally he got to release it.

The bed was shaking with the force of their love making, Maxi should have been concerned about the noise but she was too far gone into the pleasure to care. Riftan was sucking at her breasts, his hand fondling with one while his tongue lapped at her rosy nipples.

As she felt that heat build in her gut, Riftan suddenly stopped. She cried out and gazed at him through hazy doe eyes, he chuckled and licked the shell of her ear before he turned her over. Maxi was now, laying on her stomach with Riftans crushing weight against her.

The new angle had Maxis head swimming in a blur, her mind went blank as Riftan pounded into her again with the same vigor. This time it felt deeper, she could feel the outline of his member inside her as she laid on her stomach. Riftan felt as if he was about to explode but he wanted to make sure she came first.

He didn’t have to wait long, Maxi gripped his thick veiny arms that held him up beside her head, she arched her back into him and screamed as the heat inside her burst. Her body suddenly lost all strength as she came hard, her walls squeezing Riftan so tightly the veins on his body looked ready to pop.

“Fuck! Hold on Maxi…” he grabbed her hips and sat on his knees as he fucked into her relentlessly with his head thrown back. He maoned and grunted and her walls continued to react to his actions even if Maxis body was limp. Maxi couldn’t understand how he was still going, she felt as heavy as a rock.

His grunts, groans and moans filled the room as his hips finally stuttered and he came with a deep growl. Riftan panted and pushed his sweat soaked hair out of his face, he stayed inside Maxi for a little longer, wanting to enjoy her slick walls a little longer.

When he did pull out, Maxi whined at the sudden emptiness inside her. Riftan felt his member jump back to life at the sound but Maxi looked like she was ready to pass out. Sighing, Riftan got up, feeling a little light headed as he did. He walked to the basin and grabbed a new cloth, wetting it before he went back over to Maxi.

“W-what…-“ he shushed her as he cleaned up their mixed releases from her legs. Maxi sighed and cuddled into the thick, warm blanket, Riftan left the cloth back in the basin and joined Maxi in the bed. He wrapped his arms tightly around her waist and brought her to his chest, smelling her fluffy cloud like hair as he watched her drift of to sleep.

She doesn’t know what she started, thought Riftan as he placed a kiss on her shoulder and joined her in sleep.

Chapter Text

The next morning Maxi awoke to heavy, wet kisses along her neck. She sighed and coiled herself closer to the source. From behind her Riftan cursed, her bottom rubbed along his erection, making him hiss in desire.

As he trailed kisses along her shoulder and collarbone Maxis eyes now shot open. Her eyes met Riftan as he stared at her with burning heat. Her own body felt warm despite the ache between her legs. But now she was confused.

Where her memories of that night wrong? Last night she felt so… good, like she was floating on a cloud of pleasure. She found herself craving his touch, begging for it as he brought her sensations that she didn’t think existed. He’d been so passionate too, not at all like how her nanny described marital duties.

Riftan went to part her thighs but Maxi whirled to him, her legs clamping shut. “What is it? Does it hurt?” He was immediately fussing over her, his hands racking her body as he inspected her for any injuries. “Fuck Maxi I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have been so rough.”

He felt like he wanted to punch himself. Three years he’d been waiting to touch her again, redeem himself for their wedding night and he couldn’t fucking control his urges. He was no better than a wild dog. “Your unlucky like that Maxi. Stuck with a crazed bastard like me.”

Maxi frowned now, she tried to sit up but his heavy hand on her abdomen forced her back down. Instead she cupped his face, brushing a strand of ebony hair out of his eyes. “D-on’t say t-hat. I… liked it.” Riftan groaned, hand covering his face as he dropped his head on the pillow.

“Fuck Maxi. Your going to kill me.” Before she knew it, he was pouncing on her again. Maxi shrieked but he was ontop of her the next second. Her only saving grace was the knock on the door and Rowan’s impatient voice through it.

Maxi planted her hands on Riftans chest even as he continued to kiss her neck, leaving bruises ontop of last nights bruises. “Mama!” She could also hear Martha’s voice through the door, trying to convince Rowan to come back later. “No! I want my mama!”

She suddenly felt mortified. What if the servants knew what they’d done? It was also probably late morning if not early mid day. They probably thought she was lazy for staying in for so long. The knights probably also weren’t too thrilled that their commander was holed up in the bedchamber.

“Riftan!” Maxi whisper yelled as she tried to push him off, but it was like trying to move a bear. The door suddenly started to creak open and Maxi gave Riftan a pleading look. With great regret, Riftan relented. He laid back down on the bed, draping his arm around Maxis waist.

She quickly pulled the covers up to her chin as Rowan ran inside, jumping on the bed without hesitation. “Why are you sweating mama?” Maxi flushed deeply as Rowan stared down at them with questioning eyes, his gaze lingering on Riftans shirtless chest and her bare arm.

Before she could respond Riftan grunted “me and mama were working out.” More mortification overtook Maxi. She felt like she wanted to crawl in a hole and die. Under the covers and softly, nudged Riftan but he paid her no mind.

“Oh.” Maxi reached out to Rowan, running her hand down his arm as he crawled closer. She tried to think of an excuse to get him to leave long enough for her to dress, but she knew little would work. Since he was born Rowan had the determination of a horse, if his mind was set to it nothing could change it.

Riftan sat up a little, careful not to let the covers slip past his hipbone. “Mhmm, very riveting.” Now he was playing with Maxi, loving the way she squirmed and flushed. Rowan sighed and tried to pull Maxi up but Riftan held her firmly down.

the two stared at each other for a moment before Riftan broke the silence, “why don’t you go see Herbaron. He said he’d like to train you.” He didn’t. In fact, Herbaron was probably lazing about, taking advantage of Riftans absence. Perfect way to get the lazy fuck to move his ass.

Rowan’s face split in a grin as he jumped off the bed, but then he hesitated. “When will I see you mama?” Her heart squeezed at the puppy like look in his eyes. She tried to sit up as much as possible to look at him.

“I’ll s-ee you s-oon for a snack. Ho-w does t-hat sound?” Rowan nodded and Maxi leaned down to give him a kiss on the head. As he left Riftan began to wonder. Rowan seemed unusually attached to Maxi, like he had some separation fear.

He’d noticed it at the duchy and at the journey here, he’d chalked it up to Rowan just being a little intimidated by the new surrounding and people but now he wasn’t sure. It almost felt like Rowan was protective in a sort of way over Maxi.

It didn’t really make sense to him, shouldn’t he be used to people being around Maxi? At the duchy he was sure that Maxi probably spent her days surrounded by other people. But then it raised the question, how come he’d never known about Rowan until now.

Being surrounded by gossiping courtiers and ladies, surely word would have gotten back to the king about Maxis condition. Then naturally the king would have told Agnes and Agnes would have told him. Not to mention that the king would never even suggest marriage between him and the princess if he knew Maxi was pregnant.

And didn’t Maxis sister marry the crown prince? If not from courtiers her sister would have definitely mentioned it to the crown prince and then the word would have spread to the king. It was all strange to Riftan.

But then he thought, what if Maxi was ashamed of getting pregnant. It was clear that before now she had no idea about his land or title of lord. What if she was ashamed that she was permanently tied down to a bastard like him. Didn’t she bring up divorce under the guise of the king’s proposal that he marry Agnes?

Riftan shook his head, Maxi didn’t seem like that sort of person but… no. He didn’t let himself believe it but now he was in a foul mood. He’d talk with Maxi later, it was probably best to let some steam out at the training grounds.

As he got up and dressed Maxi stared at him with wide eyes. She noticed the shift in his mood but didn’t say anything out of fear of angering him. Her father always angered so quick, which led to him beating her because she breathed too hard.

“I’ll be back later. Stay in bed.” She swallowed at his clipped tone. She couldn’t understand, everything seemed so calm and nice a few minutes ago and now so suddenly… the door shut with a loud bang and the next thing Maxi knew, Ludis was walking in with breakfast.

Once she ate and dressed Maxi made her way over to the library. She was determined to start renovating the castle in hopes that she proved her worth to Riftan. Ruth had also promised to teach her about the currency and was probably waiting for her.

The double heavy doors creaked open as Maxi stepped in, scanning the vast space for the silver haired mage. She found him then, sleeping on a make shift bed near a window. Approaching him, Maxi stood above him awkwardly.

Ludis tutted and bent down as she started to shake Ruth. “The lady is waiting Ruth! Get up!” Maxi watched as he groaned and swatted Ludis away, his eyes fixating on Maxi as she stood to the side. Maxi shifted on her feet, looking anywhere but him.

“About time M’lady. Beginning to think Lord Riftan chained you to that bed.” The last part was a mutter but Maxi heard it loud and clear. Her cheeks tinted to a red Maxi was sure rivaled her hair, Ruth paid no kind, stretching like a cat as he moved to a table taken over by books.

He indicated for her to sit and Maxi excused Ludis. Her maid bowed and gave one last glare at Ruth before leaving. “Now M’lady, what do you know about currency?” Maxi felt embarrassed, how was she supposed to answer him. She couldn’t just say ‘nothing’ even if it was the truth.

“Umm- well… I-.” Ruth sighed and pulled a pouch from his pocket, coins spilled out onto the table and he picked a small silver one up first. Maxi could vaguely recognize it, but she couldn’t tell Ruth what it was.

The mage sighed again, rubbing his temples like he’d gotten a headache. Maxi felt like a nuisance, like a complete moron against someone as brilliant and smart as Ruth. “We have a lot more work ahead of us than I expected.” Maxis cheeks flared and she sunk down in her seat.

Ruth didn’t notice as he picked up a variety of papers and books before placing them in front of Maxi. “We’ll start easy then progress.” Maxi tried to concentrate as Ruth went on about different coins and their values. It was easy enough to understand, but also overwhelming.

Time passed faster than she thought and soon Luids was walking back into the library. “M’lady, it’s lunchtime. Would you like something to eat?” Her words reminded Maxi of Rowan, she’d promised to meet him since they hadn’t been able to spend the morning together.

Ruth looked mildly annoyed to see Luids, his eyes darting to Maxi as she stood. “T-hank you Ruth. We’ll c-ontinue to-morrow?” She tried to sound assertive but her words came out as more of a question than a finality.

“If you wish to M’lady. I’ll be here… slaving away at your husbands insistence.” The last part he’d muttered but Ludis threw him a glare all the same as she escorted the lady out the room. Maxi practically ran down the hall, eager to see her baby after so many hours.

She really wasn’t used to not being around Rowan all the time, but she supposed that’s just how things were here. Rowan would soon start his formal education, which Maxi remembered to talk to Riftan about, which would mean even less time with him.

Finally at the dining hall, Maxi entered with a little hesitation as she saw a handful of knights also eating. Rowan was in the middle of the all, listening to Herbaron as the man talked animatedly about some stuff that a near three year old should not be hearing.

“Ah M’lady! Please join us.” Herbaron made room for Maxi to sit next to Rowan. The boy jumped up, his eyes lighting as he saw his mother approaching. Maxis worries vanished as she stared at her sons face, his still bright eyes bringing nothing but comfort to her.

Rowan grabbed a plate for his mum as Maxi sat beside him, watching as he too piled a tone of food messily on her plate much like his father had. “Mama! Guess what!” Before she could respond Rowan already talking again. “Herbaron showed me sword! And he let me hold it!”

Maxi felt her blood run cold as her eyes drifted between her sons body, checking to see if all his body parts were still in place. “How… l-ovley.” Rowan paused as he heard his mothers tone. Wasn’t she excited for him? She knew how much he wanted to be a knight.

Maxi too caught her tone, smiling now as she picked at a grape on her plate. “W-hat else d-id you do?” Herbaron cut in then, telling Maxi about the ‘raw skill’ Rowan had and that he could ‘already see him becoming a mini Riftan’.

The thought both delighted and worried Maxi. She admired her husband for all he went through and what he’d achieved, she’d love if her son became like such a man but then it was the thought of all the danger. Maxi couldn’t bare the thought of Rowan going into battles and fighting real dragons.

“I’m going to be the greatest knight mama!” Maxi didn’t notice as Riftan now stood behind her, listening intently at his son. “So I can protect you like you did for me!” Maxis heart melted, Rowan had been the only real first hand witness to what she endured and actually cared about what happened to her.

Riftan, narrowed his eyes as the words seeped into his mind. Interesting… he thought as Maxi finally noticed his presence. She jumped like a rabbit, her wide eyes bearing into his. Riftan felt his blood ignite, he’d had her last night and it had awaken something deep within him.

“Riftan!” The knights around them moved a little further away as their commander now sat beside his wife. His arm subconsciously wrapped around her waist, tugging her closer as he settled in his seat. Rowan too grabbed one of Maxis hands and interlocked their fingers.

Now sandwiched between the two, Maxi could only sit still. “you had fun Rowan?” His son nodded eagerly and Riftan half smiled. “Good.” While he didn’t know much about raising children, the one thing he was a master at happened to be his son’s favorite activity.

“He e-ven held He-rbaron sword t-oday.” Maxi still felt a slight unease from Riftans sudden shift in mood that morning, but now it seemed that he’d returned to the Riftan she knew. He raised a brow, patting Rowan’s head as he brought a grape to maxi’s lips.

Rowan nodded proudly, urging Herbaron to reaccount the story again. The knight seemed more than happy to do so, getting lost in himself as he went on, shifting from one tale to the next. Maxi tried to look engaged but she could feel Riftans hand running up and down her hip.

Riftan wanted nothing more than to take his wife right here, right now but he knew she’d go running like a deer. Besides there was a conversation that he’d been putting off for to long that they needed to have. He’d have his wife tonight again.

“I think we need to talk Maxi.”

Chapter Text

“I think we need to talk Maxi.”

Maxi felt her pulse pick up, her breath suddenly catching as she met Riftans eyes. They were set, determined as he sat beside her. She wasn’t sure what to think, that morning had proven that something was bothering him.

She couldn’t help but feel that it was something about marital duties, maybe after their night together he realized that she was a good for nothing stuttering fool and that the princess would be a better wife for him. It’s not like Riftan needed her anymore, she did her duty and gave him a son, so why keep her when he could have the princess.

Looking hesitantly between Riftan, Rowan and the knights Maxi shrunk into herself feeling cornered and trapped. Finally she gave a small timid smile at Riftan “of c-ourse.” He pulled her closer, his hand subconsciously rubbing her waist to ease her.

Rowan from near by seemed to notice his mothers shift in mood, he turned away from Herbaron looking intently between his parents as his father guided Maxi away. He felt an itch in him to follow, but refrained as Ursuline scoffed “if the princess was the commanders wife, we’d already be at the capital for the celebration.”

The off handed comment caused the group to still, Rowan frowned anger settling in him. He didn’t like the blonde knight, he noticed the way that his mother would react whenever he was around, similarly to… Rowan jumped his eyes set in a glare.

“Don’t talk about my mama like that.” The silence that took hold of the room was palpable, the knights were just glad that the commander wasn’t here to hear what was said. But judging from Rowan’s reaction, they didn’t think this was any better.

Across the castle, Riftan led Maxi to their chambers. He wanted to ease her into the conversation, he could feel the tension in her body as they walked up the stairs. He was eager to start questioning her, partly because he felt he knew nothing about her but also because of the strangeness in hers and Rowan’s behavior.

There were so many possibilities, all which plagued Riftan and made him think of the worst. Maxi was a ball of nerves, she felt tears already pricking her eyes and they were only walking. She feared that Riftan had discovered the truth about her and was asking her for a divorce.

She jumped as the doors to their chambers thudded shut, only now noticing her surroundings. The room was inviting and warm, the fire illuminating the room in a soft glow. Memories of last night flashed through Maxis head as she gazed at the bed, making a blush creep up her neck.

Riftan clenched his jaw as he saw her flush but refrained himself, there was to much he needed to ask to get distracted by his insatiable lust for his wife. “Maxi.” His deep baritone voice ignited Maxi, she shivered as they now sat before the fire.

Hesitantly looking up at him, she braced herself for the inevitable. “…-“ Riftan went to speak but found the words stuck in his throat. How was he even supposed to go about this? He wasn’t good with words, he was good with a sword. He’d been in countless battles yet this one felt the most daunting.

As he tried to collect his thoughts, Maxi too began to think. What if she held on a little longer? Maybe she was being selfish but she liked Riftan and Anatol. She didn’t want to give that up all already. Maybe if she distracted him…

“I- I’ve b-een wa-nting to talk to y-ou as well.” She spoke before she could second guess herself. Riftan perked up, her soft voice barely reaching his ears, he saw her nervous as she twiddled with thread on her sleeve. Her head was hung low making her soft red curls flow off her shoulders.

He would never get over how breathtaking she was.

Riftan thought that she’d start explaining his endless question and make everything make sense but instead… “I w-anted to s-peak to you about R-owan’s e-ducation.” Maxi pursed her lips as she watched Riftan frown at her question before quickly nodding.

“B-ack at the d-uchy I was l-eft in c-harge of his ed-ucation but as y-our son and h-eir I thought y-ou’d want to do th-ings di-fferently?” It wasn’t a complete lie, at the duchy she was in charge of Rowans education but with how limited her own was Rowan’s was lacking.

And besides, she was sure that Riftan had some idea in mind on how he wanted his heir to be educated and raised. She watched as Riftans face contorted, taking on a confused expression before the words settled in. Maxi bit her lips in anticipation, watching as he shifted and finally turned to her.

Riftan waited for a moment still not quite expecting where the conversation had gone. “Of course. He will receive the best education available, I’ll make sure of it.” And he would, growing up Riftan never had the privilege of education. He instead learnt about labour acts and how to use his body and hands to achieve things.

He vowed his son would receive what he couldn’t, he’d make sure Rowan and Maxi would want for nothing. Rowan would receive education befitting the crown prince if he could. He’d learn all that Riftan never had the chance to and go on to make the greatest lord Anatol will ever see.

Maxi softly smiled at Riftans words relief flooding within her for both the knowledge that she evaded a conversation she was sure she’d hate to have and for knowing that Rowan would be taken care of in ways beyond she’d ever thought she’d be able to provide him. “T-hank you.”

Riftan frowned at her, his hand reaching out and grabbing her cheek. He caressed the soft pink tinted skin as he stared deep into her eyes. “Don’t thank me Maxi. I’d do anything for you.” The promise behind his words made her heart flutter.

Sighing Maxi let her head fall in his palm, “I was thinking that Rowan could start with basic mathematics, language and science.” She nodded at Riftans words, going along with his suggestions because she didn’t think that she’d know any better.

Riftan watched her intently, a part of him thought she’d be more assertive in her opinion and wants. She was the one who knew Rowan better, she’d cared for him for the past three years while he was away. Riftan just thought it was a little strange that she wasn’t taking charge.

He thought that women were supposed to take care of all this stuff, that it was a ladys duty to take care of all things concerning children but maybe he was wrong. Riftan pulled Maxi closer, his hand falling down to her waist as he pulled her into his chest. He buried his face in her hair, taking in the scent.

Maxi let herself relax into his chest as he continued, “if you want I can also arrange tutor’s for music and dancing. Noble children are supposed to know that stuff aren’t they?” Maxi tensed against him at the question. It suddenly struck her that Riftan expected her to take charge of Rowan’s education because she was his mother.

She was supposed to be some noble lady that was knowledgeable in all matters concerning the household, yet here she was not even being able to separate two coins from one another. “Oh- umm y-es. B-ut we d-on’t have to if y-ou don’t w-ant to.” She added the last part hurriedly, gazing up at Riftan as he frowned yet again.

“Maxi, I told you I’d provide everything, didn’t I?” Riftan felt unsure at her response. Did she think he was unable to provide for them, did she still think he was poor despite being a lord? Riftan unconsciously tightened his hold on Maxi as if she was his life line.

Maxi nodded weakly against him, turning ever so slightly to face him. Eager to turn the conversation around she tried to distract him by asking about training. “R-owan also w-anted to t-rain to be like y-ou…” she played with a lose thread on her sleeve, “if it’s n-ot to much t-rouble of c-ourse!”

Riftan sighed and dropped his head againt her neck, this conversation was not going how he imagined at all. The only thing it did was create new questions in his already muddled mind. He pressed feather light kisses againt her neck before grunting out in a quite voice “I’ll train him myself.”

Maxi swallowed and nodded as if Riftan could see, she wanted to protest that he had to much work already to be personally training Rowan but she held her tongue. If not because she knew that Rowan would ecstatic to be trained by his father. “He r-eally a-dmires you…” Riftans heart seemed to swell a little at her words and he felt a type of pride he’d never felt before.

“I’ll make sure that all his physical education is overseen by me. Don’t worry Maxi…” he licked the side of her neck to just above the neckline of her gown. Maxi gasped and grabbed his hand in surprise, Riftan only hummed againt her and left more open mouth kisses along her neck.

Maxi’s eyes closed involuntarily as he sucked againt her skin and she found that the thought of being bedded by him didn’t sound so scary or daunting anymore. “Maxi… sweetheart…” she let out a strangled breath as his hand traveled beneath her skirts and ran up her thigh.

But before they could reach their destination there was a knock on the heavy doors. Riftan felt like ripping his own skin off at the interruption. Maxi practically jumped away from his as she fixed her gown and allowed whoever it was in.

Martha came in with a small curtsy. “M’lady umm, the young lord is very… upset. He’s not allowing me or anyone near him. He only wants you.” Riftans brows furrowed as Maxi sprung up, her face contorted with worry as she ran out of the room without a second glance with Martha on her heel.

Riftan sighed and slumped back on the small couch, he rested his hand on his forehead as he kept on thinking back. He knew that he had to properly talk with Maxi but a deep part of him knew that what he’d heard he wouldn’t like to hear.

Instead he followed after Maxi, down the hall to Rowan’s room.

Chapter Text

Maxi had felt nothing but panic when Martha came in, all types of possibilities were running through her head. This was out of character for Rowan, he was usually calm and perceptive. Sometimes Maxi thought he was too perceptive, he’d notice the slightest change in mood in anyone.

Which, Maxi thought, was useful whilst living with the duke. But now in Anatol she could tell that Riftan was finding Rowan’s certain behaviors strange, she only hoped that she could convince him otherwise and hope his lack of knowledge for children worked in her favor.

In truth she was scared for Riftans reaction to the whole situation, maybe he’d think less of her if he knew the truth. Maxi shuddered at the thought, finally reaching Rowan’s room were she could already hear him yelling at a maid to leave him be.

Pushing the door open, Maxi rushed in her eyes landing Rowan who looked angrier than she’d ever seen him before. The maid was ushered out by Martha as Maxi softly approached her son, Rowan seemed to calm down a little even with her presence but was still tense and rigid.

“R-owan? S-weetheart, what’s the m-atter?” She walked a little closer, now standing only a few feet away from him. Rowan crossed his arms, his face turning angrier as he looked away in frustration. Maxi bent down to his level, extending her hand.

Rowan looked at her hesitantly, his mind fighting himself on what to do. Finally his resolve seemed to crumble as the next second he fell in Maxis arms with a shuddering sob. Maxis heart broke at the sound, her hand running down his back in comfort as he gipped his hands around her neck.

Maxi shushed him as she picked them him up and sat on Rowan’s bed, rocking him in her lap like she used to when he was a baby. Rowan cried into her chest, soaking her gown through, she only pressed soft kisses along his head, whispering in comfort.

When Rowan seemed to calm down, he hiccuped and wiped his face on his sleeve. Maxi still held him tight, no longer trying to get answers out of him, waiting as he hugged his arms around her neck again. Everything looked to be weighing in him, and like a damn he’d broke today.

The years he had to watch defenselessly as his mum suffered at the hands of the shriveled old man and the neglect she faced while living at the duchy had tainted him mind beyond what any three year old should ever experience.

Then when his father turned up, Rowan thought this was a chance to escape all the pain from before. But in the end he found that there were still those who would not let his mum alone. The blonde knights remarks stuck with him, every off handed insult and remarks weighed more and more on his chest until the pressure could no longer hold.

After tonight he’d had enough, when the blonde knight made yet another remark minutes later Rowan had yelled at him only to be called a bastard. It was flurry of emotions after that and now here he was sobbing in his mothers arms when he’d vowed to protect her.

“I- I wanted to protect you.” Maxi frowned at his words, softly prying his face from her chest. She held his cheek in her hand and looked into his striking eyes. Rowan sniffled and pressed himself closer to Maxi.

But she was still confused, “w-hat do you m-ean R-owan?” Her eyes searched his face as he looked away almost in shame. Her heart broke again for what felt like the millionth time in a matter of minutes, only to be held together by her son.

“The knight… he was saying mean things about you and- and I tried to stop him.” Maxi felt her blood run cold yet still she continued to listen. “But then he started insulting you more and he said bad stuff.” Rowan’s voice was quieter now as if the reminder brought the anger back.

Maxi tried to think of something to say but Rowan continued, “I just wanted to be strong for you mama… the d-duke he was also mean to you. He hit you and called you bad names, and I don’t like that!” Maxis eyes grew wide at his words. She’d never felt more guilty in her life.

She didn’t realize just how much she exposed Rowan to the abuse she endured, just how much that traumatized him just as did to her. The thought made her throat close, a choking feeling gripping as she tightened her arms around Rowan.

How could she do this to him? How could she call herself a mother when all she did was bring suffering and sorrow to her son? Her own tears now welled up in her eyes but she held back. Rowan had been trying to be strong for her when it should have been the other way around.

He needed her support and she would be damned if she didn’t provide that. She didn’t even care that the knight was bad mouthing her, she expected it with the circumstances of everything, but in front of Rowan… she felt disgust at herself.

“R-owan my baby… y-ou don’t n-eed to be s-trong for me. I’m y-our m-other I’m- I’m s-upposed to be the o-ne b-eing strong, but I f-ailed you.” She dropped her face into his hair, her guilt making her feel like a complete utter failure.

“P-romise me R-owan. P-romise you w-on’t try to be s-trong for me.” Rowan frowned but promised despite knowing he was lying. As they held each other, Maxi stroking his back and Rowan nuzzling into her neck. They didn’t notice Riftan listening outside the door.

He heard them talking when he approached and stopped outside only to then be blinded by rage as he heard what was said. It was a type of fury he’d never felt before, a kind that made his blood lust boil to the surface.

But he reigned himself in and stepped back, his mind made up as he pivoted on his heel and started to make his way into the office he’d never used before. The servants evaded him as he stalked through the castle, his eyes blazing with determination.

As he rounded the corner to the office, he met Ricaydo. The old man was holding a letter in his hand, he jumped as he noticed Riftan, falling into a small bow as he held the letter up. “Her highness, princess Agnes has written.” Riftan frowned as he took the letter.

Ricaydo excused himself, leaving Riftan to wonder as he read the cursive penmanship on the parchment. He waited until he was alone before he opened the letter, ripping the paper by accident in the process.

‘Lord Calypse

It seems that you make no haste to arrive to the capital. Where his majesty the king has prepared a lovely celebration for you and your men. He is quite put out with the revelation and has thereby ordered me to come personally fetch you from Anatol to escort you to the capital.

You should expect my arrival within the fortnight, I bring half a dozen of my guards and three ladies maids.

Ps- I can’t wait to meet the Lady Calypse

Sincerely Princess Agnes’

Riftan cursed and banged his fist on the table, dust flew everywhere from lack of use and he swore again. Gripping his forehead in his hands, Riftan sighed and sat back in thought. He hated the idea of Agnes of all people coming here.

That women annoyed and aggravated him to no end, she was like a wild horse. Unruly and headstrong, a mix which already brought Riftan a headache. But then he thought… this was an opportunity to tell the King about… quickly grabbing a piece of clean parchment he started to write down.

Once done and the wax seal settled in place, he raced to find Ricaydo. He hoped the letter would reach the King before Agnes arrived. Maybe then he could be spared the trip of torture to the capital and settle certain… affairs.

If he predicted right, Agnes would be here in five days maybe four if she rode fast. That just meant that he had to deploy his fastest squire right this second.

Across the castle, Maxi kissed Rowan on the forehead before she tucked him into bed and watched silently from the door as he slept. Her poor baby had passed out from exhaustion after all the crying he’d done, she’d taken it as a sign to let him rest and find Riftan.

Instead she found Ruth, who was holding a load of papers and books as he made his way to the library. “R-uth? Do you n-eed help?” The mage stopped in his track, deep eye bags staring at her as he sighed and beckoned her over.

“No M’lady, but thank you.” She nodded and started to turn away before he spoke again, “but I do think it’s time for your lesson. Come, come!” Ruth slipped inside the library and Maxi ran after him, she was seconds away from refusing before Ruth stopped her. “Come now M’lady, I need a break anyway. Your dear husband is swallowing me in work.”

Maxi gave him an apologetic smile as he continued, “I swear he thinks that just because I know magic I’m some sort of super human. I need sleep to, but he doesn’t understand that.” Maxi thought that she should be mortified about the way that Ruth was speaking about Riftan, but judging from his playful yet tired tone she didn’t think it was necessary.

“If t-here’s axnything I c-ould do to h-elp…” she trailed off because, was there something she could do? She was the most useless person she knew. Ruth seemed to be actually taking in her suggestion, only to be interrupted as Ludis entered with a tea tray.

Ludis gave Ruth a side glare as she set the tea tray down and served Maxi. Ruth rolled his eyes, “alright M’lady let’s get started.”