literature

Fairytales are a lie

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     She never believed in fairy tales, because they never came true. Her whole life until now could attest to that. She was the daughter of the emperor and his first wife. Though she was born to that prestigious title, her life was tough, to say the least. Her mother could bear no more children after Wang Yue was brought into this world so, the emperor took in another wife and another until he finally had a son. The first son born was named Wang Xiang. The daughters and wives that preceded the heir had lain forgotten in the shadows while the emperor piled all his love onto his son and honoured wife.
     
     In royal politics, the well-known rule is that everyone is absolutely cutthroat. Yue knew this from an early age as she had seen her mother cast aside while her father indulged in his power. She knew her mother and her were in terrible danger because the other wives or concubines could have poison slipped into their tea or have them killed in their sleep. So instead of wearing the silk robes and jewels that were customary, she ordered swords and armour to be fashioned. Life would be hard for Yue and her mother, she knew this, but she knew that it would be safe, so long as she became a useful man.
~
     Years passed and as Yue grew up, she rose in ranks. She became a general at age 14 and led troops into battle at age 16. While it would be normal for a princess of 18 to be married now, her father forbids it. Every party the emperor hosted, she was forbidden to attend, though her younger sisters were encouraged to, after all, they needed husbands, she didn't. His daughter- general was not to be made a bargaining prize for power. No, she would be an insurance policy to the greatness of his empire and his son's future rule.
     She didn't mind being left out of the festivities, instead, she spent her time planning or practicing her swords mostly. She always snuck out anyways and hid in the rafters, behind curtains, secret passages, etc. She was curious and not the least bit jealous of everyone, she only went, just to size up her competition, of course. Their new allies from the north were visiting today. The ailing Czar's family as well as their nobles were here in honour of the alliance as a gesture of goodwill.
~

     I wonder what everyone's crowding around. Oh, it seems as though they're all FASCINATED with Tsarevitch Ivan. Even Vy likes him. That's a first.
Doesn't look like much though. Silver hair, tall, muscular… handsome. I quickly shook my head of those thoughts. He's got cold violet eyes! I mean look at them!
Oh.

     Look at them. So beautiful, so warm, so…intoxicating…
BAD! I snap my head away and run down the hall, trying to erase my blush.

Stupid Russians…….

~
     Two years after the ceremony, rumours of the northern empire planning an attack reached her ears and she began preparing. To be seen as the instigator of a war based on rumours would not reflect well on her or gain the favour of the people. If the northern empire dared to invade, she would ensure that they suffered the same fate as those who came before. She had defeated the British invaders when she was 16; at 18 she crippled the Japanese forces that had burned the coast. This time, at twenty, she would destroy another invader and secure her safety.
~
     "There's no way that was his best general."
     "They must be mocking our greatness."
     The cries of victory from my men are loud and boisterous as we celebrate our victory. Tomorrow, we march on to the capital where I can finally take my prize. I had a brief glimpse and had my eyes set on taking it. After all, I am the Ice King, son of Tsar Zima and he taught me to take what I want. I broke the alliance that he created just so I could take the emperor's treasure. He must be rolling in his grave now… oh well, serves him right.
     I think back to the first general I fought. They managed to completely overwhelm my forces and I had to retreat. Clever, bold, calculating, I wonder if….
     "Tsar Ivan, the emperor's envoy is here."
     I nod my head and turn. Victory is said to be sweet, but for now it is bitter. Once  I take the treasure, I'm sure it will be the sweetest thing in the world.


     Yes, my victory will be sweet indeed.
~
     Disgust was what the emperor radiated as he sat in the sumptuous hall discussing a treaty with the Russians. He had withdrawn his daughter from the battlefield and lost to the invaders. He should have felt shame, but didn't since he blamed his other general and promptly, had him beheaded.
     His useless daughter had disappointed him. She should have killed the retreating Russian's but, she decided to be honourable instead of smart. He thought back and regretted not beheading her and her weak mother years ago. He was snapped out of his thoughts by the Czar who had asked him a question.
     "What did you say? I didn't hear your absurd request." The emperor spat.
     "I said I wanted the region from here," he pointed to one point on the map, "to here." He finished as he drew a straight line with his pointer to the other end.
     "That's ridiculous! I will never give you that much of my empire! Ask for something else. Have one of my daughters if you wish. They will bear you many fine lords." The emperor pleaded.
     "If you wish." The ever present smile on the Czar's face grew exponentially bigger.
     "If I give you one of my daughter's will you rescind your proposal to take my land?" The Czar nodded to this and the emperor let out a small sigh. He then stared back at the Czar with renewed vigour. Now that his land was safe, he could bargain with less valuable "material."
     "I shall give you my finest daughter. Mei- Mei is my youngest and most innocent at 14. I believe that she is strong enough to bear you many sons and maintain her grace as she ages." The emperor said proudly.
     Ivan shook his head.
     "No, she will not do for a Czar of a mighty empire. I want a strong wife who can order a palace of servants and maintain an air of dignity. Young girls are not good for either of those." Ivan replied, leaning his head into his hand and gave the emperor another grin.
     The emperor was annoyed, but shook it off.
     "Then how about the other? She is 16 and has quite a strong character. Vy is my strongest daughter. She does as she deems fit and will still be able to carry herself with dignity." The emperor finished.
     "Wow~ she sounds quite charming, but I decline. ~ What I want is a wife who is strong on the inside and outside. She must be noble, beautiful and completely devoted to her family. She should be strong enough to protect the children she bears me as well as the country if I am away." Ivan finished with a flash of his lilac eyes.
     "I'm sorry but those are my only daughters." The emperor replied stoically. Ivan saw discomfort descend upon the emperor and his violet glare became colder.
     "You're lying. You have three. What I want is your bloodied gem. The one you keep to fight your battles for you. I want Yue." Ivan said, leaning back into his chair as a dark aura emitted from him.
     Before the emperor had a chance to reject the demand, the doors burst open to reveal the lovely girl in question with her sisters in tow.  Ivan's eyes gleamed. Yue was wearing silk robes and her chocolate hair was in two simple buns. Her golden eyes shone with fury as she marched up to the table, ignoring her father's cold stare and slammed her swords on the table, making the tea cups clatter.
     "Ahh~ princess! I've waited so long just to get a good look at you~" Ivan praised the lovely creature before him. Up close he could see her creamy, flawless skin. He noticed her molten golden eyes, though furious, were quite beautiful. He wished they would shine a different sort of way for him but, he did just demand the young lady.
     "I am not up for sale." She stated strongly and glared straight into his violet eyes.
     "But you're so lovely and fiery dear general."
      She remained stoic, but was quite enraged by this.
     Ivan continued, "Tell you what dear general, I'll fight you for your hand. If I win, I get to take you home with me as my bride. If you win, you may stay here with a guarantee that the Russian empire will never set foot on your empire's soil in bad blood. Is it a deal?"
     Yue continued glaring at the smiling Czar's face. She found no hint of a lie on his features and reluctantly agreed.
     The emperor and his family, including Yue's mother, sat and watched the duel. Yue had changed to men's clothing and wielded her dual swords. Ivan on the other hand was still wearing his ceremonial uniform and held a single blade.
     The signal was given by the emperor and Yue immediately charged the Russian as he stood his ground. The entire royal family and generals stood as witnesses to watch the duel play out.
     "Why didn't you attack?" Yue asked as their swords clashed.
     Ivan simply smiled, "Ladies first."
     Yue was agile and quick with her blades. Ivan had trouble countering her onslaught as the barrage continued. He was enraptured by her style, it was flawless, almost like dancing. Her eyes burned with ferocity as she kept moving and he remained, intrigued by her spell.
     Eventually, he had discovered her pattern and began to attack as she grew tired. His assault was strong and he was just as quick with a blade as she was. By now, Yue had begun to lose her strength and didn't try to counter Ivan; she merely dodged his blade by a hair, frustrating him. Ivan's attacks were random and strong, so Yue decided to tire him out but, Ivan had other plans. He distanced himself and, as expected, she raised her swords to defend. He quickly darted towards her aiming for her chest. She had no time to dodge and was forced to parry. Ivan had expected this and instead, parried her, knocking her sword out of her hand and into the air, making it land behind her. At the range he was at, he continued his assault and eventually, the two blades reunited on the floor as her bottom hit the ground.
    "I win." He stated simply all the while smiling. Gold eyes stared, disbelieving, into the warm amethyst eyes of her future husband.
     Silence fell across the crowd.   
~
     Yue sat on the edge of the bed in an ornate red robe with a matching veil over her face. Her mother now resided with her in Ivan's palace and had taken great pains to prepare her for this day. The wedding had gone over according to plan. Ivan had been kind enough to let her keep some of her traditions during the ceremony but, here was the part she dreaded and hated.
     The marriage bed.
     Of course she could have no objection to it because she was rightfully his.
     It wasn't such a bad deal on her part though. Ivan was handsome and over the last few weeks, had been extremely kind to her. He practically doted on her. She blushed as she thought back to the many times Ivan hugged her from behind or carried her up stairs. He always made a point at every party to dance only with her and if she danced with anyone else, he was quick to become possessive and would monopolize her attention all night. Ivan had been good to her in the short time they knew each other. He enjoyed embarrassing her by putting flowers in her hair or hugging in public. Each time he tried to kiss her he would always be met with her palm, inches away from her tantalizing lips.
     Her blush darkened at the memory of walking in on Ivan readying himself for a bath as he was clad in only his lower undergarments and ever present scarf. She was treated to a full view of his well sculpted and large muscles, including a very obvious one. As soon as she remembered that particular part, she rapidly shook her head to erase the blush.
     The door opened and she quickly adjusted her veil. Soft footsteps neared as she readied herself for the imminent. Ivan stood, then kneeled in front of her. He lifted the veil from her face to reveal bright red cheeks and an adorable pout.
     "Aww~ Yue-Yue you're so cute and flustered." Ivan cheerily cooed as he picked her up off her seat, spun her around and snuggled his face into the crook of her neck.
     "AIYAH! IVAN ARU! INAPPROPRIATE!" she began to thrash in his arms until Ivan gently placed her on the bed. Her body sank into the fluffy mattress and pillows as Ivan hovered over her.
     "What's so inappropriate dear Yue-Yue? It is our wedding night." Ivan ended with a passionate kiss. He snaked his hand to the back of his wife's head and combed his fingers through the silky black locks. Yue stilled in his arms making Ivan pull away suddenly to peek at his wife's lowered face.
     "Go on then. Do what you want. I'll just be thrown away later." Yue whispered into her chest. Ivan didn't like this one bit and gently tilted her chin up with his fingers.
     "Why would you think that I would throw you away? Yue, I would be a fool to throw a gem as beautiful and intelligent as you into the dirt." He whispered to her lips. She grew angry at Ivan's flowery response.
     "Men are all the same. As soon as you get what you want from a woman, you throw her away. Just like father did to mother and the other wives who never bore him sons. Why should you be any different? As soon as you bed me, you'll leave and find pleasure in another!" She yelled, while shoving at his exposed chest. Ivan was genuinely hurt by Yue's outburst and pushed past the flailing arms to wrap his own around his scared lover. He held her close to his chest and laid back into the mound of pillows. He stroked her hair in an effort to calm his beloved down. He rocked the poor girl back and forth, a childish technique to wipe away his love's insecurity.
     "Yue, did you know that before I met you, I was known as Icy Ivan?" she shook her head and squirmed in his strong arms.
     "I hated everyone. At the party my father attended, I was planning my escape since every girl kept trying to seduce me. I was just about to act on my plan until I saw you. With one glance you melted my frozen heart. I barely had a glimpse of you before your sisters tried to distract me. I looked back and you were gone." By now, Yue had stilled in her Russian lover's arms and listened.
     "My advisers told me you were a general so I trained endlessly to be able to win you. I knew it was you whom I first battled when I first set foot in your empire. I could never beat you strategically my clever dragon. After all that effort, you still think I would leave you?" He inquired with a kiss to the crown of his beloved. She simply snuggled closer into Ivan's chest and he stroked the silky, ebony locks.
      "Yue, you don't need to fight anymore. I'll protect you with my life ma dorogoy. Please trust me. I love you Yue. Let me prove my love for you tonight. If you don't feel comfortable, I understand. I won't force it on you." Ivan finished with a gentle hug and another kiss.
      Ivan felt Yue detangle herself from his embrace and found tear stains down her cheeks. He gently kissed her eyes and brushed her tears away with his thumb. Delicate, soft hands placed themselves on his cheeks and held him in place to look at her.
     "You really love me?" She asked with a warm glimmer in her eyes.
     "I do Yue. Wo ai ni." He blushed and gave a genuine smile at his wife who now had a pink dust to her cheeks.
     "Alright, dear Ivan. Я люблю тебя." She whispered with a kiss and they fell together into the bed making love until morning.
~
     "… the elegant princess was tossed aside as more and more children were born. Once a son was brought into the world, the girl feared for her life. To save herself and the true queen, the princess traded her role as a helpless damsel for that of a knight. After many years, a true knight came to save the princess from her hardships and little by little he broke down her castle's defenses to find the princess beneath the metal. The two were married and lived happily ever after."
     The little girl lay peacefully sleeping in her bed as the dark haired queen gently tucked her in.
     "Sweetheart, come to bed. I'm lonely without you~~." Came the childish voice of the king.
     The queen turned to her husband and pinched his cheeks.
     "Big baby." She said making to walk past her husband. Suddenly the king lifted his wife and carried her out the room, bridal style, and shut the door behind him. Of course, this was a regular occurrence and the queen simply sat in his arms, pouting.
     "I shan't let my pregnant wife walk if she's so exhausted, that's unchivalrous of a 'knight.'" He chuckled.
     "Well, Sir Chivalrous, perhaps your wife is grateful for more than you know." The queen said turning her blushing face away from her husband's curious gaze and rubbed her swollen belly.
     "Oh? What for my dear princess Yue?" the knight asked as he walked down the hall, wife in arms.
     "Because Vanya, you freed me from a miserable existence." She looked into his warm violets to see her blush reflected. She wrapped her arms around his neck and they kissed deeply as he shut the door to their bedroom with his foot.
So, what better way to debut than by losing a fanfiction group contest? Am I right? jk This is for the :iconrochu-squad: competition

I actually spent more time on this, than I did on my first year university english paper. Guess who's failing? ;_ ; That's not okay. Alright, please enjoy this heterochu~~~
© 2012 - 2024 vodkarainbowz
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Prowls-little-angle2's avatar
...
Fem!China=:iconbadassplz:
this captures what I see a Rochu perfectly! You wrote this amazingly, and the story flowed really well! I personally loved Icy Ivan