Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

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The North. And the South.

The North. Known for their strong winters, tough food and great beasts. Not lions or dragons, but wolves. The North have an abundance of wolves. Many different kinds and most common families in the North have a wolf each. The [Last Name]'s however, they own dire wolves. Dire wolves are the strongest type of wolf and the most loyal. The [Last Name]'s are the royal family of the North. Hard headed, family orientated and keeps to their own. Of course, they will allow travellers and people who wish to learn the way of the North. But the North keep away from the politics of the rest of the kingdoms. Being wardens of the North gives them a great sense of pride, as well as peace. 

The South is much different to the North. They are known for their blissful summers, sweet fruits and dragons. Only the Garmadon family own dragons however. It can also be deemed that the males of the Royal family are dragons. Due to their dragon like tendencies; adoring jewellery and sparkly things, hoarding large amounts of miscellaneous items and adoring the team. The Garmadon family are involved in politics and are always striving to increase the abundance of their kingdom's wealth. 

And the king of the South has thought of a very good idea. and he has a really good offer for the North. Which involves [Name] [Last Name], the princess of the North.  

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"I am betrothed," Melessa looks up from her throne, seeing her daughter walk in to the throne room. March in is probably better wording. Kiran, Melessa's dire wolf, perks up from the seat in front of the throne as he watches [Name] with his amber eyes. "I am betrothed and you never made it aware to me," [Name] stands infront of her mother, her gaze hard. Grey eyes meet grey eyes. The eye colour that passes through the women of the [Last Name] line. "Do you care to tell me why?" Lady, [Name]'s dire wolf, sits at [Name]'s feet. 

Melessa glances at her daughter, before letting out a small smile. She folds up the scroll she was reading, letting her marshal take it away. 

"Out," Melessa says, without removing her gaze from her daughter. The servants, the marshal, the maids and the queens guard walk out the throne room, leaving the two [Last Name] women looking at each other. "You must halt disrespecting the crown infront of my subjects," Melessa smiles, taking her crown off her head. It's a silver which is ironic due to the fact that [Last Name]'s are known as wolves. She walks down the steps, leaving the crown on her throne.

"If i do recall, mother, they are also my subjects," [Name] says, putting her hands behind her back. The eighteen year old girl is dressed in grey. A grey dress with wolf fur around the neck. As previously said, it is cold in the north. And on her neck is a birthmark which is meant to be on the next true ruler of the north. And [Name] will be the truest ruler that has ever been. "You did not answer my question, mother,"

"Who made you aware of...Eddard," Melessa laughs, standing infront of her daughter. But [Name] does not hold the same face. She does not laugh. Not a smidge. "It was informally decided when you were a babe. The formal agreement was completed but only a moon ago. I do not see as to why you are upset. The son of the South is quite fitting as he is an heir,"

"He is the heir to a kingdom which is not as fitting as ours," [Name] mutters, Melessa raising her eyebrow. She did not raise her daughter this way. She did not raise her daughter to mutter either. [Name] cannot discriminate against people because of their heritage. It is unqueenly. However, Melessa does spoil her only child. So it is expected that [Name] turned out strong minded and strong willed. Just as she did "I...I," [Name] falters, twisting her ring finger before taking a breath. What kind of future queen will she be if she falters when her mother gives her a look. "Mother, I should have been made aware. It impacts me mostly; it is my life,"

"You are doing this for the good of your people," Melessa says, [Name] rolling her eyes. A princess does not roll her eyes, but [Name] can't do anything else to express her frustration. She is not going to cry. That seems quite futile right now. "In the past, when we went to the South on occasions, you and the heir had a cute relation with one another,"

"Mother, you are well aware that that is far different than an betrothal!" [Name] states, wanting to shake her arms everywhere like a child. But she does not. "I have not seen him in a decade. More than that,,"

"Well, we shall plan an arrival to the South, my dear," Melessa smiles, [Name] huffing and turning away. This is why her mother is a great queen. She is tactical and is able to please everyone. "So that you are able to see him again before the wedding,"

"Will it be soon?" [Name] questions, turning her head partly towards her mother. 

"Of course, my dear," Melessa says, watching as her daughter nod slowly before turning away. Lady smacks her lips before turning to follow [Name]. Melessa chuckles, watching her daughter leave. Melessa sees herself in her daughter. That is a good thing. As well as a bad thing. Melessa turns to Kiran who lets our a short bark. "Do not worry yourself," Kiran makes his way down the stairs, Melessa getting on her knees as she pets his dark fur. "Arrangements must be made,"

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Lloyd Montgomery Garmadon. A charmer, to a certain extent. He's as princely as they come. He's loyal to his kingdom. A great swordsman. A great mind to think of strategies for both battle and increasing the economy of his kingdom. He is also level headed...most of the time. 

"A betrothal, n-not even that. An arranged betrothal!" Lloyd exclaims as he looks at his parents. The prince of the South was training before this. Practicing his swordsmanship. And then his cousin, Morro Chime, had decided to come and bother him. Which was fine. Lloyd did not mind Morro coming to train with him. He just didn't expect Morro to tell him that he, Lloyd was getting married. And it had only come to his attention or to his knowledge, a moon after the arrangement had been made and a moon before his betrothed would come to the South. "A-and not even that!" Lloyd has not stuttered in a while. This is how you know he is completely confused and astounded by what is occurring at this moment. "An arranged betrothal that I was not made aware of!"

Morro's bottom lip tremors as he tries not to laugh at Lloyd's voice crack. 

Wu, Garmadon and Misako watch the blond who begins to pace. Misako gives Garmadon a look as the King of the South makes a face. He was not the person who made Lloyd aware of it. She glares at him harder. But he was going to tell his son. Preferably at nightfall when the blond would have a chance to ponder about it. Misako closes her eyes before shaking her head. Lloyd wishes for a relationship where he can communicate with the other person without needing to speak; The queen of the South turn to her son, her emerald earrings moving slightly. 

"Lloyd," Misako says ever so gently, making the blond turn to her. "You were more than aware that you would be betrothed to another,"

"Of course, I was aware of that, Mother," Lloyd lets out. He wants to complain, but he knows better now. Complaining is not the princely way. "But I thought I would at least have some slight indication of when that would be. And that it would not be sprung upon me," Fate is cruel.

"Do not worry, cousin," Morro says, crossing his arms over his chest. "You are swift on you feet. You are more than capable to be an a betrothal,"

"An. arranged. betrothal," Lloyd grits out, glaring at his cousin. Morro closes his eyes, turning his head away from Lloyd. If the queen, the king and the royal advisor were not here, Morro is more than aware that Lloyd would kill him. 

"Son," Garmadon says, standing up from his throne and walking to stand infront of his son. They are almost identical. If Lloyd did not have the green eyes and blond hair that he inherited from his grandfather, they would have been identical. "The North are strong. This is needed for our kingdom,"

"Are we not strong?" Lloyd questions, motioning to the throne room. It is grand, covered in jewels and gold. "Are we not a mighty kingdom? They are mere wolves whilst we are dragons. We have an army,"

"That is true," Wu nods, finally having some input. "But where we have one army, they have three. The North are true to each other. They put loyalty, family and community before any other thing,"

"And when the kingdoms aligned with each other," Garmadon starts, Lloyd turning back to his father. "The East and West will not stand a chance against us,"

"So, a betrothal is needed," Lloyd nods slowly. Yes, yes, it is. To allow their kingdoms to blossom. 

And so, [Name] and Lloyd are betrothed. For the good of their kingdoms, of course.

Chapter Text

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The switch of temperature from the North to the South was slightly unbearable for [Name]. She did not wish to change her fabrics. But she might need to. 

The scenery and surroundings were rather nice, however. There are a multitude of flowers here and small birds. They are rather adorable. The North has larger birds to withstand the low temperature. And [Name] would not deem them as cute. Rather regal if anything. The greens of the leaves from the trees. They are a much warmer tone than the trees in the North. [Name] lets out a small sigh. The North. She will forever miss the North. Will she be able to return once the marriage has been done? Probably not. 

"Dear," [Name] looks away from the window, turning to her mother. Melessa narrows her eyes at her daughter, before licking her thumb and wiping [Name]’s cheek. How on earth did she get dirt on her cheek? They have been stuck in this carriage for a long time. But before that they were on a boat so. [Name] lets out a huff, Lady barking out a laugh. "We will be arriving soon," Melessa mentions, looking out of the window of the carriage. 

Melessa is still dressed in the Northern style. And [Name] is unsure if her mother will change. It is very unlikely. Her mother is very proud of her clothing. Melessa pets Kiran who is sleeping soundly. 

There are a multitude of carriages behind them, consisting of [Name]’s and Melessa’s belongings, gifts to the South, their Northern foods and much more. 

"Mother," [Name] starts, fiddling with the ring on her finger before stopping. You do not fiddle as a princess. And you definitely do not fiddle as a future queen. "This marriage is needed. And there could have been no other arrangement, I assume,"

"You assume correctly," Melessa says, resting her chin on her fingers. "Before your father passed, this arrangement had been mentioned to strengthen both kingdoms,"

"As we need the strength," [Name] mutters, sarcastically. An arranged betrothal. A wolf with a dragon. A dragon with a wolf. Will there be a bedding ceremony? [Name]’s eyes go wide as Lady perks up. She nudges [Name] with her snout, letting out a small rumble. "When will the wedding commence?"

"I was under the assumption that the wedding will happen as soon as we would arrive,"

As soon as they would arrive? As soon as they would arrive? [Name] wants to drag both her hands down her face. What she wouldn’t give to be a common girl right now. Her ancestors are laughing at her. She can feel it. The only beings who are giving her any hint of pity are Lady, Kiran and probably her father’s ghost. 

"W-would it be possible to rest before the marriage ceremony commences?" [Name] questions, berating herself for stuttering. Melessa glances at her daughter, giving the wolf heir a gentle smile. 

"Of course, it is, my dear,” The mother watches as her daughter relaxes slightly. "You forget that whilst they are kings, we are queens. They require us for more than we require them,"

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Lloyd ducks the sword that Kai aims at him, pointing his katana at the brunette as they circle each other.

The maids and servants of the dragon castle peek their heads into the training room, giggling as the way two of the most attractive men fight each other. They cannot be deemed as bachelors anymore, due to the fact that Viscount Kai Alexander Smith is married to Lady Skylor Chen and Prince Lloyd Montgomery Garmadon is married to Princess [Name] [Last Name]. 

"I thought your betrothed was arriving today?” Kai questions, moving to the left as Lloyd tries to prick him with the sword. 

"I am under the impression that she is," Lloyd comments, glancing back at the maids and servants who squeal as the prince has given them the slightest of his attention. 

"Do you not wish to prepare yourself?"

"Prepare myself?" Lloyd repeats, putting his sword down. Kai watches him carefully, putting his sword down too. "Must I prepare myself for what may come?" Kai places his sword against the rake, unbuttoning his shirt slightly. He is only doing this due to the heat. No other reason. "I am a prince, I know what is demanded of me,"

Kai rolls his eyes. Uncommonly for a Viscount, we know but what else could he do? Lloyd might be younger than him, but he is the heir to the throne. His word is what goes. And if the Prince knows what is demanded of him, who is Kai to ask him to do something? 

"I have no doubts, your highness," Kai says, Lloyd practicing on his form. "But surely, if your betrothed is arriving today…you could fetch something for her?"

Lloyd’s form relaxes, the prince turning to the viscount with a look. 

"And what, pray tell, would I fetch her?" The prince questions, Kai smiling at the young prince. Lloyd is nervous. Who would not be?

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"Melessa [Last Name], Queen of the North!" the herald shouts, announcing the North’s royalty arrival. King Garmadon and Queen Misako stand up from their thrones, watching as the Queen of the North walk into their throne room. Melessa looks straight forward, her lavish grey gown gracing the tilted floor of the South. "[Name] [Last Name], Princess of the North and Heir to the Northern throne!"

[Name] walks in the throne room as her name is called, her hands at her side. Lady is at her feet, trotting next to her as Kiran is next to Melessa. 

"Queen Melessa," Garmadon says, bowing his head towards her and [Name]. The Northens bow their heads towards the King of the South, Queen Misako bowing her head to the women. She must applaud them. Melessa is the only Queen of all four kingdoms without a King or a King Consort. "I welcome you to the South. I hope that your travels have been fortunate?"

Melessa turns her head slightly to her daughter, [Name] smiling at the older male.

"It was an experience," she smiles, Misako letting out a laugh. She can understand that. "But we have arrived now so all is well,"

"Marvelous," Misako says, turning her head slightly as she does not see her son anywhere. She looks to Wu for some sort of explanation but he shakes his head. He does not have one. Morro is not here either. Neither are any of Lloyd’s acquaintances. Something is amiss. "I do apologise for our son not being here as of current. I wish to say that I knew of his whereabouts but, I fear I do not,"

Maids standing around the throne room do though. Gossip runs through maids like water does a river. Most of them are more than aware that the prince is searching for a gift. A gift for his betrothed. And he went on this mission with his closest confidants. 

Lord Morro Chime. 

Viscount Kai Alexander Smith. 

Baroness Nya Alexdrea Walker. 

Baron Jauhyen-Li Gordan Walker. 

Duke Zane Juilen. 

And, Earl Cole Brookstone Blacksmith. 

Let us hope that they are back in time. Or Misako might bite her son. 

Chapter Text

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[Name] looks around at the room she has been guided to by one of the maids from the South. Her maid, Elena who has been her maid since her wandering years also allows her eyes to rake over the room. It is grand. But it is…what is the word? It is warm. Perhaps, even uncomfortable. It is rather bright. Of course, [Name] is a wolf and she can adjust rather quickly, but it is something she will grow accustomed to. 

Lady lets a small grunt, barging past the maid from the South. That maid tenses immediately as Lady goes past her, [Name] and Elena sharing a look. That woman is scared. Not surprising in the slightest. Lady is a force to be reckoned with. 

"I hope the room is to your liking, your majesty," the maid says timidly, [Name] turning her attention to her. She cannot even be deemed a woman. She is more of a girl. "If you have the desire to change it, it is possible,"

"Elena," [Name] says, giving her closest confidant a look. Elena bows her head towards her future queen before leaving the room and closing the door. Lady lets out a yawn as she is stretched on the bed. Much more silky than the ones in the North. Not to say that it is not comfortable. "What is your name?"

"Philips, your highness,"

"And your birth name?"

"A-abigail, your highness," The maid’s hazel eyes go wide, and forces her hands behind her back so that she does not reveal to the future queen of the South and North that she is fidgeting with her fingers. 

"I will never call you that, of course," [Name] tells the girl, sitting down on the chair next to the grand bed that Lady is lying upon. "Unless you wish it of me. I am aware that the South has rather different customs than the North," 

"I-I…" Abigail's eyes go wide. What does she say? Surely, her future Queen can ask anything of her. But this? [Name]’s silver eyes look at the girl, waiting patiently for her to say something "I do not mind, your majesty. You may call me whatever you wish,"

[Name] lets out a small smile. She is timid. None of her maids are allowed to be timid. They must be able to conquer the world, even though most lords and ladies deem them close to the bottom of the social circle. [Name] and her mother think differently. Their maids and servants are met with the highest respect. It is them who allow for the royals to live as they are.  

"I wish to know what you are comfortable with," [Name] says, Lady letting out a bark as she jumps from the bed and lands at [Name]’s feet. The princess places her soft hand on top of her wolf, Abigail trembling. Or trying her hardest not to. "I wish for you to choose for me,"

"O-oh, I-I…Abigail is fine, your highness," Abigail bows her head. [Name] smiles, Lady letting out a satisfied grunt. 

"Then I shall call you so," [Name] smiles, Abigail smiling back at her. It is a very awkward smile but it is still a smile and that is what counts "Abigail, I will trust you to help navigate in this society. I am not accustomed to what is needed of me. And I do not know the slightest information about the prince, my…betrothed," [Name] almost bit her tongue. Almost. "Is it possible for you to discuss his likes and dislikes?" The dislikes are what the princess of the North is counting on. 

"O-of course, your highness," Abigail nods. "I will not fail you,"

"I have full faith that you will not,"

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Elena sits on [Name]’s new bed, brushing Lady’s fur coat. Lady is shedding due to the warmth and she is not happy about it. 

"An allergy to fruit," [Name] almost lets out a laugh. "A dragon with an allergy to fruit? I was unaware of that being possible,"

"I do not wish to assume, [Nickname]," Elena starts, Lady letting out a purr. "But are you certain that you are having too much thought of that one piece of information? Abigail assisted you greatly and I am under the assumption that allowing yourself to be dressed for the betrothal ceremony at moonrise is far more…achieving," It is at moonrise as Lloyd, The future King deemed it so. [Name] will not deny it, her heart warmed slightly when she discovered this information from Abigail. 

"Of course, I will," [Name] says, putting her hand on her hip as she gives the dress she was given to by the Queen of the South. It is light. And airy. And very Southern. It is a light green as well, which [Name] does not mind per say. But she will miss her greys after this. This dress is her wedding dress. A wedding which is sealed by law and lies. "I supposed it is rather rude that my betrothed did not dare to appear at my arrival. And I suppose-" 

"You wish for him to suffer?" Elena finishes off. Another maid cutting off a royal would result in their death. Not Elena Sallow. "And I assume you require for me to find the fruit?"

"Strawberries," [Name] says, sitting on the chair. She rests her head on her hand, letting out a small laugh. "It is strawberries that he is allergic to," Of all the things to defeat a dragon. 

"I do find it rather strange," Elena mutters. "I did not think shifters were allergic to…well all," Shifters is what the royal families are. The South are dragons, the North are wolves, the East are Snakes and the West are Eagles. These royal families should have the ability to turn into their family animal. And if they are unable to shift or are unable to show attributes of their family animal, they are not deemed a true royal. 

"It is strange," [Name] aggress. "But it is a strange phenomena that we can use that to our advantage,"

"You wish to kill him, do you not?"

"No," [Name] gives Elena a look. She will not kill him. But she will allow for him to suffer. For a slight moment. And if murder seems to be the route that fate takes, she will not complain. The South need this marriage more than the North do. 

"Your highness,"

"Elena, you do not allow your future queen to have joy in life," [Name] tuts, making the brunette laugh. "I just wish to see if the prince will react,"

"Whatever you wish for, your highness," Elena says with a knowing smile. She is more than aware that [Name] is sour due to the prince not daring to make an appearance. "Shall I retrieve the fruit?"

"If possible, before the betrothal ceremony," Elena moves away from Lady who is already asleep on top [Name]’s silk covers. 

"I will try, your highness," 

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"I do not like it," Melessa walks around [Name] in a circle. Maids from both the South and the North are in Melessa’s room, watching as the Queen of the North scrutinises the dress that was given to her daughter. [Name] lets out a small sigh, looking forward blankly. Whatever her mother says, goes. "Is it not possible to change the colour?" None of the maids speak and Melessa turns to them, ones from the South, looking at them expectedly. 

"I-I, uh, your majesty-"

"Please do tell if it is possible," 

"It is possible," Another maid says, bowing his head towards [Name] and Melessa. "However, it takes quite an excessive amount of time,"

Melessa marches to the window, dragging back the blinds. She looks up to the darkening sky, her eyes turning amber. Kiran is somewhere running in the South. Of course, the wolf is close to the castle but he is free for a moment. And with his free moment and with the link that he and the Queen of the South share, she is able to see what he can see. And right now, she can see that the moon is not rising. Not yet, anyway. 

"Moonrise is not until a large moment," The Queen says, turning back to the maids. Her grey skirts flurry in the cool wind of the South. "Do you think that it is possible now?" Her eyes are still amber, [Name]’s eyes going amber in response to her mother. 

"Of course, your majesty,"

"Do make haste then,"

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Sitting on a Southern throne is not something [Name] enjoyed thoroughly. She does not even sit on her mother’s throne in the North. She keeps her hands on her lap. The dress was changed, by the way. The colour is no longer green, but it is grey. And it allows [Name] to be slightly more comfortable. The gown excludes elegance. The, now, grey satin like fabric bodice fits snugly and features a v neckline. Not something [Name] or Melessa would have gone for, but they are in the South. The sleeves are long and fitted with delicate cuffs, peaking out from underneath. The gown’s skirt flows generously, a dark shade of grey, as it reveals a white underskirt. Melessa wanted at least a small part of the gown to be white as it implies innocence. And [Name] still has her maidenhood. 

The princess of the North watches the festivities continue, no sight of the Southern Prince. Not that she knows what he looks like. She lets out a small sigh. These will be her subjects soon. She does not become Queen of the North until her mother removes herself from the throne. And she has not a clue of when she will become Queen of the South. 

"Your highness," Elena says, standing next to the throne. [Name] turns her gaze away from her mother and the Southern royalty who are talking at a table away from her and looks at Elena, who has a small tub in her hands. "What you asked for," [Name] raises her eyebrow at her closest friend and takes the small silver tub. "I thought it rather questionable for you to feast on strawberries before seeing the prince as that would cause scandal," Elena starts. "But if you were simply to put on rouge before seeing the prince…"

[Name] closes her eyes as she lets out a smile. Elena Sallow is a mastermind. 

"I adore you," [Name] whispers, opening the small silver tub. Elena smiles, nodding at the princess. She adores [Name] too. It looks just as rouge would. She brings it to her nose, smelling the strawberries. She dips finger on the balm, placing it on her lips. It is sweet. 

"Prince Lloyd Montgomery Garmadon," the herald shouts, announcing the South’s royalty arrival. "Heir to the Southern throne!"

[Name] hides the balm in the pocket of her skirt, smoothing it out. He is here.