blackout drunk pt. 1

a/n prolly set around fearless, before they have kiddos

Paedyn

Ellie flits around me, pressing powder under my eyes, hiding the little sleep I've been getting because of "queenly" paperwork, dabbing pink powder onto my cheekbones, and swiping charcoal onto my lashes. 

"You need sleep, Your Majesty," she mumbles gently, like I don't already know. Like the dark circles under my eyes are just going to vanish because she whispers it kindly.

"I'll sleep when we're done drafting trade deals that don't screw over our eastern borders, with Tando," I mutter.

"Or maybe after this party?" she offers, hopeful.

"Highly unlikely."

Ellie sighs, but she keeps working.

She steps back with a small nod of satisfaction. "You look radiant."

I glance at my reflection.The dress is midnight blue, so deep it's almost black, with silver embroidery along the bodice and sleeves. The neckline dips scandalously low, which Kai will most definitely enjoy. Which is exactly the point. 

The skirt falls in layers of soft silk, slitted high enough to cause Kai to short circuit. Again, that's the point. 

I reach for the earrings Kai gave me — delicate sapphire drops — and fasten them myself.

"You'll outshine everyone," Ellie says as she steps away, gathering her brushes.

"Thanks, Ellie. You truly work magic," I respond. 

By the time I step into the ballroom, it's all glittering chandeliers and too much perfume. Nobles, foreign nobles, polished smiles. I can feel eyes on me before I even descend the stairs.

I spot Kai almost immediately — tall and devastating in formal black, silver cuffs, and his crown sitting in his dark hair. His eyes find me before anyone else's do. Stormy grey, sharp and warm all at once.

My smirk widens before I even reach the bottom step.

Kai 

Every time I think I've seen the most beautiful version of her, she outdoes herself. The dress is a weapon — other than the other weapon strapped to her thigh – midnight silk, silver threading that shimmers with every breath she takes. The neckline is low, deliberately scandalous, and I know exactly who it's meant to kill.

Plagues. 

Her earrings catch the light — the ones I gave her on our last anniversary, the sapphires I picked because they matched her eyes.

I straighten my cuffs, mostly to keep my hands from doing something stupid. Like reaching for her in front of the entire court. Like grabbing her waist and dragging her close and reminding the room that she's not just the queen — she's my queen.

"Paedyn."

She arches a brow. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

"I look like I've seen you."

A flash of white teeth. "Like what you see, Your Highness?"

My jaw tightens.

"I'm about to call off the entire party if you keep looking at me like that," I mutter.

Paedyn

At some point, the wine turns to something stronger, and I forget how many drinks I've had.

I forget who I'm dancing with. Probably Jax. Andy. Maybe Lenny? Not sure. 

I forget the speech I was supposed to give, and the fact that my crown is somewhere in the coatroom. Maybe. 

The chandelier blurs a little when I spin. I laugh too hard. Someone steps on my hem. I nearly fall. But I don't care.

Kai is going to kill me.

Which is why, when I spot him across the room—sleeves rolled up now, brows drawn together like the beginning of a very beautiful scolding—I grin and wave dramatically.

"Hi, handsome!" I shout over the music. People turn. I absolutely do not care.

Kai walks over to me. 

Kai

"Plagues, you're gonna be miserable in the morning," I say. 

She laughs. Then she spins, teetering off balance. I curse under my breath, holding her steady by placing my hands on her waist. 

"Do you want to dance with me, Prince?" she says, her words slurring together. I sigh, but am unable to keep the smile growing on my face. We move to the center of the room, and start swaying to the music. 

Paedyn

"I'm very good at this," I say.

"At what?" Kai says, looking a little confused. 

"Dancing, and looking hot in this dress." 

"The first part is courtesy of me, darling. Don't you forget that. The second part, you look absolutely breathtaking with anything on. Or nothing on," he murmurs. 

The ballroom spins slowly around us. 

I sway again, and he tightens his arms around me to keep me upright. "Mmm. You love me."

"I do, darling, I do."

Kai 

She's a mess — glitter in her hair, cheeks flushed, steps uneven — and somehow, still the most heartbreakingly beautiful thing I've ever seen. 

"Come on," I say, gently steering her toward the exit. "Before you accidentally declare war on someone."

I scoop her into my arms before she can teeter over again, her laughter bubbling against my throat.

"You're gonna carry me?" she asks, mock-gasping. "How romantic."

"I'd rather not deal with your sprained ankle and your hangover," I mutter.

heyyy i hope y'all like it this is just the first part of the story i just really need to get content out for y'all. i have finals this week so i'm super stressed and drained but i promise i'll post more in the summer!

this was also requested by 

thank you for the kind words and support and the story suggestions! 

love youuu