Cardan x Reader

AN: this is my first Cruel Prince fanfic. i hope yall like it :***

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I hold my breath as the royal maids patiently brush my hair and wrap it in my usual pair of horns at the top of my head. I like this style, it makes me feel like one of the Folk. But more importantly, it makes me feel powerful. As the High Queen, it is my signature style of hair-do, something no one else dares to replicate.

In the ten years that have passed since my marriage to Cardan, things have changed around here. Whether the Folk like it or not, mortals have been treated with more respect... some even smuggled out of Elfhame with the help of The Court Of Shadows and I. Though that remains a secret only we share, Cardan turns a blind eye to it but I know that it pleases him as well.

Cardan has been the most exceptional ruler during this time, operating even without the need of my guidance. I should say that sometimes he even outsmarts me. Which is quite impressive.

Now on the tenth anniversary of our marriage, we decided to do something different. Something a bit more mortal. We have decided to renew our vows with the entire court present. The Folk never decline an offer to party and we get to declare our unity to the entire realm once again. It's a win-win situation.

And now, I sit in front of the mirror, looking at my reflection. A grown up 27 year-old woman staring back at me. I've changed quite a bit, I've grown slightly taller and gained more curves on my body. With no need to frequently run around the land with a target on my back I've gained a little tummy, something that I despise but Cardan adores.

He himself has changed somewhat. The Fae might not grow old but they do grow up to a certain age. Though he looks slightly younger than me even though we are the same age. I won't let that bother me though, especially not tonight.

I hear a knock on my door and ask one of the maids to let the visitor in. I grin as I see Vivi and Heather enter the room, my twin alongside them with a box in her hands.

"Heyyyy, how're you holding up? Nervous as fuck I bet," Vivi jokes with a chuckle.

"You could say that twice," I sigh and try to swallow the nerves in. I cannot let any weakness show.

As if reading my thoughts, my other sister comes forward and squeezes my shoulder. "It's okay to be nervous you know? I was practically shaking with anticipation on my wedding."

I smile at her and turn to my reflection in the mirror. "Yeah but you weren't getting married to the High King."

"Remarried babes, also she was getting married to a deadbeat fox who thankfully is not alive anymore." Vivi laughs at the deadly glare she receives.

"Well, I'm certainly nervous. I would not like what happened to me last time to happen again." Heather laughs shakily.

After the agreement Heather and Vivi had, Vivi got to trying to win her love back, and like she promised she gave Heather's memories to her again when they fell in love for a second time.

"As long as you stay by my side and don't eat anything you don't know, you'll be fine sugar." Vivi presses Heather to her side. "And I'll deal with whoever tries to lay a finger on you, trust me."

The maids finish up their final touches and tap on my shoulder to indicate that they're done and that I'm already late for the schedule of the ceremony. Though I know Cardan will be late either way.

I let out a breath. "Okay, it's showtime."

I slowly get up, mindful of the fragile glass flowers on my dress. My wedding gown was made by the palace tailor, mostly with my sister's directions. Though I have to admit that she did a great job. The gown itself is quite minimalistic but beautiful nonetheless.