Tag: mannerpunk

Ch. 27 – A Mirror for the Prince’s Shadow – m x nb romantasy on Patreon

Chapter Twenty-Seven of A Mirror for the Prince’s Shadow – a historical m x nb romantasy featuring dark academia, hurt/comfort, and dragon royalty – is now on Patre♡n! Wherein a grand gala is anticipated.

~

“Will you attend the ball with me?”

If tasked to conjure the seven most unlikely words to emerge in sequence from his prince’s lips, Rat thought he could do no better. And yet Emlyn had said them nonetheless. The cogs in Rat’s brain whirred wildly to make sense of them until, several seconds too late for a reasonable reply, the answer struck him. His shoulders released a tension he hadn’t realised they’d acquired. In a tolerably casual tone, he replied, “Join your friends, y’mean?”

A bashful smile flitted across Emlyn’s lips, accompanied by a softly-fluttering laugh. “No, I meant… may I escort you to the ball? As your partner.”

The most cursory medical education would tell its poorest student that the human heart did not wander throughout the ribcage or beyond. It certainly did not fly. Yet Rat, with a full semester of medical college under his belt, nonetheless felt his own heart take wing and flutter all the way up to his throat. Joy and panic alike kept it aloft.

~

Joining me on Patre♡n will give you access to “drawer fic” – aka the 500k+ words worth of manuscripts that have been shelved until I figure out how to fix or finish them. You’ll also be invited to join an exclusive Discord server just for patrons!

A new chapter will go up every week. Missing (unwritten) scenes will be indicated by brackets describing what would probably happen if the scene were written. Example: [in this scene Aubrey and Lindsey ride a carousel]

Currently posting…
♡ A Mirror for the Prince’s Shadow (historical m x nb romantasy)

Completed works…
♡ the Aubrey & Lindsey solar fantasy project (mm)
♡ A Willing Canvas – John Halloway x Lord Cyril Graves (mm)
♡ The Train Job – Rowena Althorp x Rebekah (ff)
♡ Hold Fast 2 – Hold Faster (mm)
♡ Vampires Vampires Vampires (mmm)
♡ The Sebastian Nothwell Contemporary Expanded Universe (mmm+)
♡ Theo. (transmasc historical mm romance)

See you on Patre♡n!

Ch. 25 – A Mirror for the Prince’s Shadow – m x nb romantasy on Patreon

Chapter Twenty-Five of A Mirror for the Prince’s Shadow – a historical m x nb romantasy featuring dark academia, hurt/comfort, and dragon royalty – is now on Patre♡n! Wherein secrets begin to fester.

~

“I’ve told Alistair,” Emlyn announced.

Having remained at the library with Griswold until the librarians all but chased them both out at midnight, Rat was surprised to find Emlyn awaiting him in their dormitory. It felt even more shocking to his system to hear xir speak so frankly of what still felt illicit to him.

“And Quince,” xe added.

Rat realised he’d remained silent for entirely too long. He forced himself to speak. “All well?”

Emlyn beamed. “Of course.”

Rat wished he could believe xir. Or rather, that he could believe Mordaunt. For while doubtless Emlyn believed xe spoke true, Rat doubted Mordaunt had been entirely honest when giving their newfound bliss his blessing. Then again, Rat supposed, perhaps he had misjudged Mordaunt, and he was as capable of making himself happy on xir behalf as Rat. As for what Quince made of it all, Rat could hardly guess either way. Though if he were granting Mordaunt the benefit of doubt, he thought it would be boorish not to offer Quince the same grace, even if only in his own mind.

Belatedly, Rat remembered to mirror Emlyn’s smile.

~

Joining me on Patre♡n will give you access to “drawer fic” – aka the 500k+ words worth of manuscripts that have been shelved until I figure out how to fix or finish them. You’ll also be invited to join an exclusive Discord server just for patrons!

A new chapter will go up every week. Missing (unwritten) scenes will be indicated by brackets describing what would probably happen if the scene were written. Example: [in this scene Aubrey and Lindsey ride a carousel]

Currently posting…
♡ A Mirror for the Prince’s Shadow (historical m x nb romantasy)

Completed works…
♡ the Aubrey & Lindsey solar fantasy project (mm)
♡ A Willing Canvas – John Halloway x Lord Cyril Graves (mm)
♡ The Train Job – Rowena Althorp x Rebekah (ff)
♡ Hold Fast 2 – Hold Faster (mm)
♡ Vampires Vampires Vampires (mmm)
♡ The Sebastian Nothwell Contemporary Expanded Universe (mmm+)
♡ Theo. (transmasc historical mm romance)

See you on Patre♡n!

Ch. 16 – A Mirror for the Prince’s Shadow – m x nb romantasy on Patreon

Chapter Sixteen of A Mirror for the Prince’s Shadow – a historical m x nb romantasy featuring dark academia, hurt/comfort, and dragon royalty – is now on Patre♡n! Wherein a lock is proffered.

~

In the penny bloods a lass giving a lad a lock of her hair meant she wished to marry him when they were reunited. But Emlyn wasn’t a lass. More than a lad, certainly, but if xe were a lass specifically Rat rather thought xe would’ve told him. Or at least mentioned it in the letter if it were a recent development.

Yet Emlyn had said nothing. Not even a word about the hair itself. From the ink on the page one might never know the lock existed.

Rat had no idea what a lock of hair meant between lads and more-than-lads. He knew the sight of that precious dark curl made his heart leap into his throat and flutter in its cage and plunge into his guts all at the same time. The faint and familiar scent of it gave him the sort of head-ache that foretold burning eyes. And if any of the boys Rat had known in London caught his tears falling over such a thing, they’d give him far worse to cry about.

He wasn’t in London anymore, though. Gods willing he’d never find himself there again.

And here, gentlemen danced with gentlemen.

Rat reined in his wild flying hopes. The thing with feathers, as Pandora and her box would have it. It fought him all the way down.

Gents might dance with gents here. More-than-lads might befriend lads.

But princes didn’t dally with paupers in this realm or any other.

~

Joining me on Patre♡n will give you access to “drawer fic” – aka the 500k+ words worth of manuscripts that have been shelved until I figure out how to fix or finish them. You’ll also be invited to join an exclusive Discord server just for patrons!

A new chapter will go up every week. Missing (unwritten) scenes will be indicated by brackets describing what would probably happen if the scene were written. Example: [in this scene Aubrey and Lindsey ride a carousel]

Currently posting…
♡ A Mirror for the Prince’s Shadow (historical m x nb romantasy)

Completed works…
♡ the Aubrey & Lindsey solar fantasy project (mm)
♡ A Willing Canvas – John Halloway x Lord Cyril Graves (mm)
♡ The Train Job – Rowena Althorp x Rebekah (ff)
♡ Hold Fast 2 – Hold Faster (mm)
♡ Vampires Vampires Vampires (mmm)
♡ The Sebastian Nothwell Contemporary Expanded Universe (mmm+)
♡ Theo. (transmasc historical mm romance)

See you on Patre♡n!

Ch. 15 – A Mirror for the Prince’s Shadow – m x nb romantasy on Patreon

Chapter Fifteen of A Mirror for the Prince’s Shadow – a historical m x nb romantasy featuring dark academia, hurt/comfort, and dragon royalty – is now on Patre♡n! Wherein an ocean is crossed.

~

It took Emlyn longer than it ought’ve done to perform the arithmetic. In no small part because the first two times xe came up with the answer xe discarded it out of hand for sheer improbability. Yes, the hours had seemed to stretch into eons in the cold dark void, but xir perception must’ve been skewed by fear. Xe couldn’t possibly have drowned for—

“Three days?” Rat whispered in evident disbelief.

The void Emlyn had narrowly escaped reappeared in xir chest.

~

Joining me on Patre♡n will give you access to “drawer fic” – aka the 500k+ words worth of manuscripts that have been shelved until I figure out how to fix or finish them. You’ll also be invited to join an exclusive Discord server just for patrons!

A new chapter will go up every week. Missing (unwritten) scenes will be indicated by brackets describing what would probably happen if the scene were written. Example: [in this scene Aubrey and Lindsey ride a carousel]

Currently posting…
♡ A Mirror for the Prince’s Shadow (historical m x nb romantasy)

Completed works…
♡ the Aubrey & Lindsey solar fantasy project (mm)
♡ A Willing Canvas – John Halloway x Lord Cyril Graves (mm)
♡ The Train Job – Rowena Althorp x Rebekah (ff)
♡ Hold Fast 2 – Hold Faster (mm)
♡ Vampires Vampires Vampires (mmm)
♡ The Sebastian Nothwell Contemporary Expanded Universe (mmm+)
♡ Theo. (transmasc historical mm romance)

See you on Patre♡n!

Ch. 14 – A Mirror for the Prince’s Shadow – m x nb romantasy on Patreon

Chapter Fourteen of A Mirror for the Prince’s Shadow – a historical m x nb romantasy featuring dark academia, hurt/comfort, and dragon royalty – is now on Patre♡n! Wherein a princely test is passed.

~

A hand clasped Rat’s—Emlyn’s hand, he realized, a half-second before his instinct would’ve flinched from the touch. Emlyn’s grasp, however, warm and familiar, anchored him fast.

As did Emlyn’s voice rising with arch command to ask, “When will the governor arrive?”

The ambassador’s smile widened. “He arrived not a quarter-hour past, your grace. He awaits your friend in the withdrawing room. If you would be so kind as to accompany me, Master Ratcliffe,” the ambassador added, turning to Rat.

Before Rat could decide whether to follow the ambassador or make a break for it through the window, Emlyn tangled their arms together and drew them up shoulder-to-shoulder.

“I’m going with him,” Emlyn declared.

And for the briefest instant, Rat thought he might have the courage to face the workhouse governor.

~

Joining me on Patre♡n will give you access to “drawer fic” – aka the 500k+ words worth of manuscripts that have been shelved until I figure out how to fix or finish them. You’ll also be invited to join an exclusive Discord server just for patrons!

A new chapter will go up every week. Missing (unwritten) scenes will be indicated by brackets describing what would probably happen if the scene were written. Example: [in this scene Aubrey and Lindsey ride a carousel]

Currently posting…
♡ A Mirror for the Prince’s Shadow (historical m x nb romantasy)

Completed works…
♡ the Aubrey & Lindsey solar fantasy project (mm)
♡ A Willing Canvas – John Halloway x Lord Cyril Graves (mm)
♡ The Train Job – Rowena Althorp x Rebekah (ff)
♡ Hold Fast 2 – Hold Faster (mm)
♡ Vampires Vampires Vampires (mmm)
♡ The Sebastian Nothwell Contemporary Expanded Universe (mmm+)
♡ Theo. (transmasc historical mm romance)

See you on Patre♡n!

Ch. 12 – A Mirror for the Prince’s Shadow on Patreon!

Chapter Twelve of A Mirror for the Prince’s Shadow – a historical m x nb romantasy featuring dark academia, hurt/comfort, and dragon royalty – is now on Patre♡n! Wherein a prince’s worth is proved.

~

“Very well,” said the ambassador after a marked pause. “We thank you for your service to our prince. The clerk will direct you in how to collect your reward.” He nodded at the scrivener.

“Reward?” Rat echoed stupidly.

The ambassador served him a blank look. “The reward for our prince’s safe return.”

Then he named the sum from the pasted bill that’d sent Rat’s head spinning.

“The clerk will assist you in contacting your solicitor.” The ambassador paused. “Or perhaps in finding a solicitor for you. Someone to aid you in managing your fortune,” he continued in response to Rat’s bewildered look.

Rat still didn’t quite believe it. The sum would set him up for life—or anyone else, for that matter. He supposed the embassy might just send him on his way without the reward. Would certainly save ‘em a pretty penny if they did.

But he didn’t want the money. Not if it meant parting with Emlyn.

~

Joining me on Patre♡n will give you access to “drawer fic” – aka the 500k+ words worth of manuscripts that have been shelved until I figure out how to fix or finish them. You’ll also be invited to join an exclusive Discord server just for patrons!

A new chapter will go up every week. Missing (unwritten) scenes will be indicated by brackets describing what would probably happen if the scene were written. Example: [in this scene Aubrey and Lindsey ride a carousel]

Currently posting…
♡ A Mirror for the Prince’s Shadow (historical m x nb romantasy)

Completed works…
♡ the Aubrey & Lindsey solar fantasy project (mm)
♡ A Willing Canvas – John Halloway x Lord Cyril Graves (mm)
♡ The Train Job – Rowena Althorp x Rebekah (ff)
♡ Hold Fast 2 – Hold Faster (mm)
♡ Vampires Vampires Vampires (mmm)
♡ The Sebastian Nothwell Contemporary Expanded Universe (mmm+)
♡ Theo. (transmasc historical mm romance)

See you on Patre♡n!

Ch. 9 – A Mirror for the Prince’s Shadow – m x nb romantasy on Patreon

Chapter Nine of A Mirror for the Prince’s Shadow – a historical m x nb romantasy featuring dark academia, hurt/comfort, and dragon royalty – is now on Patre♡n! Wherein favoritism goes awry.

~

“You needn’t look so sour,” Alistair told Emlyn in a tone of gentle teasing. “It’s full marks.”

This did nothing to improve Emlyn’s opinion of the essay that the professor had just handed back to xir.

Xe had dashed it off a scant hour before it was due. Its core argument—if it had any, and if xe were questioned now xe knew xe couldn’t give its summary—was borne not of rigorous study and reflection but rather of a flailing hazard towards points xe’d heard fellow students make in the lecture. It was not xir best work, and xe knew it. Therefore the essay could not have received full marks on its own merit.

Which left Emlyn to wonder what other reasons might lead xir professor to grade it so highly.

~

Joining me on Patre♡n will give you access to “drawer fic” – aka the 500k+ words worth of manuscripts that have been shelved until I figure out how to fix or finish them. You’ll also be invited to join an exclusive Discord server just for patrons!

A new chapter will go up every week. Missing (unwritten) scenes will be indicated by brackets describing what would probably happen if the scene were written. Example: [in this scene Aubrey and Lindsey ride a carousel]

Currently posting…
♡ A Mirror for the Prince’s Shadow (historical m x nb romantasy)

Completed works…
♡ the Aubrey & Lindsey solar fantasy project (mm)
♡ A Willing Canvas – John Halloway x Lord Cyril Graves (mm)
♡ The Train Job – Rowena Althorp x Rebekah (ff)
♡ Hold Fast 2 – Hold Faster (mm)
♡ Vampires Vampires Vampires (mmm)
♡ The Sebastian Nothwell Contemporary Expanded Universe (mmm+)
♡ Theo. (transmasc historical mm romance)

See you on Patre♡n!

Ch. 8 – A Mirror for the Prince’s Shadow

Chapter Eight of A Mirror for the Prince’s Shadow – a historical m x nb romantasy featuring dark academia, hurt/comfort, and dragon royalty – is now on Patre♡n! Wherein friendships are forged.

~

The library wasn’t quite so bad as the dining hall, by Rat’s reckoning. For one thing, it proved quieter. For another, his nerves weren’t frayed by old instincts gnawing at the back of his mind, insisting everyone lurking over his hunched shoulders intended to steal his food. After all, the posted rules on the end-caps of shelves reminded students that no food or drink would be permitted on the premises.

Stares and whispers, however, continued.

~

Joining me on Patre♡n will give you access to “drawer fic” – aka the 500k+ words worth of manuscripts that have been shelved until I figure out how to fix or finish them. You’ll also be invited to join an exclusive Discord server just for patrons!

A new chapter will go up every week. Missing (unwritten) scenes will be indicated by brackets describing what would probably happen if the scene were written. Example: [in this scene Aubrey and Lindsey ride a carousel]

Currently posting…
♡ A Mirror for the Prince’s Shadow (historical m x nb romantasy)

Completed works…
♡ the Aubrey & Lindsey solar fantasy project (mm)
♡ A Willing Canvas – John Halloway x Lord Cyril Graves (mm)
♡ The Train Job – Rowena Althorp x Rebekah (ff)
♡ Hold Fast 2 – Hold Faster (mm)
♡ Vampires Vampires Vampires (mmm)
♡ The Sebastian Nothwell Contemporary Expanded Universe (mmm+)
♡ Theo. (transmasc historical mm romance)

See you on Patre♡n!

Ch. 6 – A Mirror for the Prince’s Shadow – m x nb romantasy on Patreon

Chapter Six of A Mirror for the Prince’s Shadow – a historical m x nb romantasy featuring dark academia, hurt/comfort, and dragon royalty – is now on Patreon! Wherein a tentative friendship is forged.

~

She struck out her hand to him. “Griswold. Pre-med track. Aiming for general surgery.”

Rat accepted her firm handclasp with his first genuine smile of the day tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Ratcliffe. Likewise.”

She took this in with a brisk nod. “Do you ride?”

His first neutral-to-positive university acquaintance, and already he must disappoint her.

~

Joining me on Patreon will give you access to “drawer fic” – aka the 500k+ words worth of manuscripts that have been shelved until I figure out how to fix or finish them. You’ll also be invited to join an exclusive Discord server just for patrons!

A new chapter will go up every week. Missing (unwritten) scenes will be indicated by brackets describing what would probably happen if the scene were written. Example: [in this scene Aubrey and Lindsey ride a carousel]

Currently posting…
♡ A Mirror for the Prince’s Shadow (historical m x nb romantasy)

Completed works…
♡ the Aubrey & Lindsey solar fantasy project (mm)
♡ A Willing Canvas – John Halloway x Lord Cyril Graves (mm)
♡ The Train Job – Rowena Althorp x Rebekah (ff)
♡ Hold Fast 2 – Hold Faster (mm)
♡ Vampires Vampires Vampires (mmm)
♡ The Sebastian Nothwell Contemporary Expanded Universe (mmm+)
♡ Theo. (transmasc historical mm romance)

See you on Patreon!