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That day…
“Ann, Percival please stop. The twins—”
Percival glares at her “Stay out of this Nasiens, Ann is being unreasonable!”
Ann grabs his collar, yanking him away from Nasiens “Unreasonable!? You better watch your mouth Percival, just because we’re married doesn’t mean we need to follow your every whim! And DON'T you dare speak to her like THAT again!”
Why were we arguing?
Tears begin to form in her eyes as they turn their attention back to screaming at one another. Two arms come from behind her and hold her gently “mom leave this to me and Lohengrin, neither of us want to see you cry…” she bites her lip “Kardeiz… I’m sorry you both have to see this. Please just leave this to me and—”
It doesn’t matter, not when we made Nasiens cry… our own wife
“BOTH OF YOU SHUT UP!”
Nasiens freezes as Lohengrin pushes the two parents apart, bringing them both to the ground. They look up at their daughter in disbelief “HOW DARE YOU LOHENGRIN” “YOU’RE GROUNDED.”
Screaming at me and Percival… she really is my daughter
“I said shut up! I want you both out—get out of this house right now, leave us and mom alone until you figure out your shit!”
They were justified, we hurt their mom
Blue eyes open, taking in the smell of sea water ‘It's already been two years since that day… they chose to leave with Nasiens for the fairy king’s forest’ The woman sits up to fix her position, wiping the tear from her cheek ‘it’s about time we dock at the forests port anyway’
Turning to the other beside her she begins to shake him “Percival we’re almost there, get up” he grumbles and pulls her into a hug “five more minutes…”
“Get up! Aren’t you excited to see the twins and Nasiens?” He opens an eye and looks at her “that’s if we can get it, last time we weren’t even able to get past the fog”
That’s true…
He lets her go and sits up, scratching the back of his head “you wrote a letter saying we were coming right?” She nods her head “yes, I never got a reply though. Can’t say I’m surprised, we did hurt her horribly”
They grow quiet, holding onto each other's hand as they wait to dock. She leans against his shoulder, her eyes drifting to the window ‘will you be happy seeing us Nasiens?’
A few minutes pass as they remain in that position, only separating when a knock comes from their cabin door with a hoarse voice echoing in “We've made it to the dock, Ladies and gents. If you’re staying on board, leave your gear, if staying in the forest get going!”
The two groan in sync, slowly walking over to the door and walking up to the deck. She turns to him “so… should we try our luck?” He nods while grabbing hold of her waist “Yeah, hold tight”
…
“Tsk! What are more humans doing here?”
“Oh oh, they’re Lady Nasiens’ mates. Maybe they’re here for her!”
“Why’d they show up now of all times, couldn’t they get King Harlequin’s hint?”
“Do you think Lady Nasiens told them about—“ “SHH”
“Seems they all know us…” Ann whispers, her eyes darting around at all the fairies. Percival hums in agreement “I’m surprised we even have someone escorting us”
The fairy guiding them hums loudly, an indication they are listening “Gerheade. I am the advisor of the fairy king and his family” she pauses, growing deep in thought. "The royal family… they decided it was best not to tell her about the letter or your arrival”
Ann lets out a quiet whine and tightens her grip on the others hand “and our children?” She pauses and turns to meet their gaze, her expression avoidant of any warmth “princess Lohengrin and prince Kardeiz are who suggested it to the King and Queen”
The twins…? this suddenly feels like a mistake now…
“Maybe for you it is” she mutters as she turns back around, just missing the worried look Ann gives Percival. She comes to a stop and points to a sea of vines “we’ve arrived”
Ann tilts her head puzzled at the man “Is this a joke? It’s just a wall” “Hmm… no, If I remember correctly, behind them leads straight to the king and queens thrones.”
The fairy sighs and splits the cluster apart, creating an easier path for the two “continue walking, refrain from raising your voices and do not under any circumstances anger the royal family. That is all, goodbye.”
Before the two can thank her she flies off, not even sparing them a second. Biting his lip he takes a step forward, guiding Ann inside “even if Nasiens is still disappointed with us, she wouldn’t want us being treated this way.”
she nudges Percival with a smile, obviously still uncertain “if she doesn’t know we’re here she can’t put a stop to it. And you and I both know if she found out she’d scold them”. He lets out a laugh, his frustration and anxiety easing “yes, that’s right”
A sigh comes from behind them and they quickly turn around in surprise, meeting a knight “If you two plan to keep talking, can you move out of the road, we have missions to report.”
“You say ‘we’ but there’s only you standing there?” Percival can’t help but say aloud which earns a hum of amusement from the knight
They strides up to them, their armored steps echoing through the tight surroundings “so what you say is ‘the great knight of prophecy’ can’t see the life spirit in front of him? My, what an incredibly limited ability you have, Lord Percival.” The knight mocks, leaning in closely
“Ahem.”
The knight clicks their tongue and looks down “I know, I know! No need to say anything else.” They step back from the two and clear their throat “my apologies. Shall we four continue together then?” They ask, their tone suddenly avoidant of any hostility
Against their better judgment they agree. Slowly beginning to walk again, albeit in awkward silence. The only voices being heard that of the knight and their invisible companion
“Do you think she’ll be happy seeing us? It has been two weeks since we left” the knight laughs and turns to the voice, seeing their face clearly “obviously. And knowing her, we'll definitely get some kisses and praises!”
The other lets out a small chuckle, clearly amused “you’re only ever in it for her affection aren’t you?”
Are they talking about Nasiens? No, maybe Lady Diane or her sisters? No, not that either, they feel eerily familiar
“Percival we’re nearing the exit. I feel like I’m getting cold feet. The way those two talk has me thinking.. what if she’s got someone new?” He lifts their intertwined hand to his lips and presses a small kiss to her skin “you and I both know Nasiens isn’t the type to give up so easily”
She smiles and nods softly, her attention going to the entrance in front of them or the familiar woman sitting in the giant queens hands having her hair braided by the fairy king, her little sister creating a flower crown beside them
The two knights push past them, their helmet and hat removed, finally seeing their faces. Leaving the two stunned
————
“Nassie nassie I heard some of the other fairies saying the twins came back!” The brown haired princess giggles and nods her head in confirmation “Mertyl and Sixtus told me about them already, and apparently there’s some merchants that arrived today…” her eyes suddenly sparkle and she turns back to the fairy king “do you think they’d have new poisons dad?”
He ponders for a moment, finishing the long braid “there’s a possibility they do. Do you want me to go check once I’m done?” She spins around fully and tackles him into a hug “Yes please— if you don’t mine? I wanna spend as much time with Lohen and Kar as I can before they leave for another mission”
King smiles and kisses her cheek “don’t forget we’d also want to spend time with them.” She giggles and nods her head before pulling away “I promise we’ll come to family dinners”
The flower crown is suddenly dropped onto Nasiens’ head “perfect! Now you’re ready to see them, nassie! I can’t wait for them to see aunty Tioreh’s handwork~☆” the two daughters giggle at the thought
“King.”
He looks up to Diane as she nods her head towards the entrance “down there.” Glancing down his smile widens at the approaching figures
“Mom!”
Nasiens blinks in confusion, turning her attention to look down at the two voices. Her eyes instantly widen in joy and her smile turns into a massive grin. She quickly flies down and tackles them into a tight hug. Making them drop their helmet and hat onto the floor, reciprocating the hug warmly “my wonderful and powerful knights!” She remarks as she plants kisses on both their cheeks “I’ve missed you both so much!”
“Mom… you’re the queen now, remember? Aren’t you supposed to be working?” She pulls back and looks away sheepishly, a faint rosy tint on her cheeks “I know I know, it’s just Mertyl and the others said they could do my duties so I can spend time with you two”
The two sigh fondly and leave small pecks on each side of her cheeks. Kardeiz tilts his head to the side and smiles “you look beautiful mom, I love the dress and flowers a lot”. Lohengrin hums in agreement “he’s right, you’re stunning. Though I think I’m better at braiding hair compared to grandpa”
Lohengrin then lets out a laugh, making Nasiens turn her attention to only her. She closes her eyes with a proud smirk on her lips “as expected we succeed our mission with ease mom!” She then hits her chest plate with small huffs of excitement “I think I deserve some praise, since I obviously worked the hardest”
The fairy giggles and pats her green hair eagerly “my little girl really is most incredible. She’s even my personal knight in shining armor, aren’t I the luckiest?” her smug expression only grows as she suddenly lifts the queen up, spinning her around “yes! I’m mama’s one and only hero!”
Kardeiz laughs at his sister's bold actions, she glances over, their eyes meeting and he signals over to the entrance, Her grin vanishes. She places her mom down carefully, instead grabbing onto her arm like a lifeline “Lohen whats wrong sweetie?”
She pulls Nasiens away from the entrance, making sure she doesn’t turn around “we need a bath, can you come with us mom, pretty please?” Her amber eyes look at the all too familiar purple eyes with a hint of suspicion “Lohen what aren’t you telling me. You should already know lying doesn’t get you far.”
Her cheeks flush red in embarrassment for a split second before her face shifts into a pout “mama you’re supposed to love and trust me unconditionally! Isn’t that what parents are meant to do, grandpa, grandma?!” She turns to the elders, hoping for their backing up
The two elders merely shrug their shoulders, both looking away, clearly afraid of going against their daughter “don’t bring us into this Lohen, we all know it’s a losing game arguing with someone as stern as Nasiens”
She groans in despair and snuggles into her moms chest, mumbling “please mom” continuously until Nasiens finally accepts “okay okay! but I’m only washing your hair—”
Now’s your chance! Say her name
Nasiens suddenly turns away from Lohen, looking around for the voices, making the girl panic “mom wait—”
“Nasiens.”
Lohengrin slowly lets go of her arm, backing away a few steps. Her eyes watching her mothers expression soften. Nasiens turns to the voices and giggles, her cheeks turning a small shade of pink “I was worried they were going to keep you away longer”
She lifts the sides of her dress “how do I look? Dad and Tioreh helped with my hair… Do you think keeping it long suits me, or should I go back to a shorter length?”
The two feel tears forming in their eyes and nod shake their heads, “you look breathtaking like this” escaping from their mouths simultaneously
She giggles and extends her arms out. wasting no time they dash over and tackle her into their arms. She caresses their cheeks softly and leans in to kiss each of them on the lips, only pulling away when needing to breathe. The two savour her gentle touch, tightening their hold onto her
After pulling away Ann buries herself into Nasiens’ nape, kissing her neck while sniffing her osmanthus fragrance
Tears land on her skin as the two whimper faintly “we’re so sorry for failing you and the twins.” She huffs and plants more kisses on their foreheads “well you two better work hard to earn our hearts back, think you can do that?” they nod, still holding her tightly
Lohen rolls her eyes and glares at King suspiciously “you didn’t even put up a fight against mom’s pestering did you?” He whistles innocently and avoids her harsh look, a bead of sweat rolling down his face, earning himself a fiery scowl. Tioreh laughs out loud and holds onto king's arm “Nassie used a truth poison on dad the day after you two left. It was no easy task getting her to forgive us!”
“besides~” her gaze lingers on the three and smiles, watching her sister with a sense of fondness “everyone knew that deep down Nassie had already forgiven them!”
Lohen watches the three uncertainly, subconsciously taking a step forward with her hand on her sword, only stopping when Kardeiz holds her shoulder. She looks at him as he shakes his head earning a troubled whine from her “Kar, you can’t seriously trust those two after everything they did—”
“I don’t Lohen. I feel the same way as you. But you need to let her choose for herself…” he pulls her into a hug, her shoulders slumping as she slowly reciprocates. “But what if they hurt mom again though? I can’t stand seeing her cry” He ponders for a moment, relaxing his hold on her “if they hurt mom then… I’ll give you full control over how to punish them”
She hums to herself “it’s good enough. You will be on my side if the time comes though, yes?”
He pats her back “I’ll be at your beck and call.”
Glancing at the three parents his voice softens “do you want mother and father to bathe with us as well?"
She quickly pulls away, getting annoyed again “Absolutely not! They’ll distract her with their muscles and make her forget about my hair, I wanna smell like osmanthus!” He turns away and covers his mouth, unable to hide the snicker, obviously seeing through her lie “you mean you want to smell like mama.”
His mouth is quickly covered by her hand, her face bright red in embarrassment “SHUSH! Mama doesn’t need to know that part!”
“Now just a second!”
“Eep!” Nasiens squeaks in surprise as she’s suddenly away from her two mates, now in her fathers arms protectively
“Sorry is just an empty word if no action is taken. I’m not handing you my daughter so easily” Nasiens giggles and leans into her fathers chest happily. a sign he’s alright to continue his tangent. His gaze shifts to her and softens into something warm “my little flower, I will never stop you from being together but what I’m asking is for them to prove their words truly have a meaning. I don’t wish to ever see you cry like that again, so please let me test them while you help the twins.”
The twins need to know Percival and Anghalhad worked hard to get you back
Her eyes slightly widen at the unspoken sentence. She closes her eyes as she nods in understanding and kisses his cheek “I trust you and mom, and I know they’ll pass with flying colours” she pulls away from him, giving a small wave “we’ll be done in an hour maybe. don’t kill them, please? I just got them back.”
Dad, you should know a cold expression doesn’t hide the emotion in our hearts. The twins… I can hear it in their hearts clear as day, that pain and anger.
The constant questions wondering ‘why mother and father got so angry’ and ‘how could they make mom cry.’
I also hear their love for Percival and Ann. I know the twins admire them deeply, so much so they go around proudly claiming themselves his children and using her fighting techniques
The fairy king watches in silence as Nasiens returns to the twins' side, grabbing them by their hands and guiding them to a side entrance. Their helmet and hat held tightly in their free hands
I know they’re angry on my behalf, and I don’t want that… but I also know I can’t force them to stop and pretend everything is okay
The two children slow their pace to walk beside Nasiens. Both of their faces free from all previous negative thoughts, only focusing on her in the moment
Guess checking for new poisons will have to wait. I don’t mind though. She giggles internally, making his heart skip a beat. Having my children, mates, siblings and parents together for dinner is a better and more memorable gift anyway, right dad?
He grips his chest tightly and nods to himself, the desire to make Nasiens proud building each passing second. I’ll make this gift possible, I swear to you.
I’ll be waiting patiently for the results then.
————
“Where’d Nassie and the other two go?”
Kardeiz looks up to their auntie and ponders “I think she took them to get fresh air, something about too much wine in such a short timeframe?” He glances at the three empty cups
The other twin huffs as she swallows the food in her mouth “mom will use her ability to numbify the alcohol. I heard something about ‘having a talk’ so maybe they’re doing that aswell”
“Could be making out too” the family freezes, a collective “Belte!” coming from the table
He lifts his hands up defensively, a bead of sweat dripping down his cheek as two pairs of orchid eyes pierce his head “I’m just saying I did catch a glimpse of Anghalhad’s hand trailing her spine”
“They better not be! I didn’t say mom could!”
Warm lips press against the fairy’s neck, faint bruises slowly forming on the skin “guess we have to call you ‘your majesty’ now, don’t we love?” She lets out a small whimper and closes her eyes, feeling the thigh between her legs slightly rise “both teasing me…”
Ann laughs at her breathless voice and unclasps the top three buttons of her dress, the sensation of her fingers electrifying the fairy. Ann pauses as her eyes dart to Percival, whose still planting bruises on her neck and mumbling praises in her ear
The fairy’s feet give out and she rests completely on Ann’s leg. Nasiens’ hands fly up to cover her face, the only evidence of her embarrassment being her very bright red ears
Percival laughs and easily grabs hold of one of her hands “sweetheart there’s no need to hide, it’s just us.” She shakes her head “that’s not it. I just…” her hands fall down slightly, letting the two see her face “can we… can we continue this after dinner, where no one might see?”
“Oh?”
The blue haired knight tilts her head, a smug smile forming “are you inviting us to your bedroom, lovely?”
Amber eyes open but look to the floor, trying their best to avoid the two mates smiles “y-yes…” she suddenly takes in a breath before pushing the two away “ifyouwanttothatis! But I’m— I’m going back to eat now!”
she flies past the two of them, hiding out of view to fix her dress and cover her bruises
“So…” they look towards each other “send the mini Percival’s to grab our stuff?” “Definitely.”