bakerstreet | Royal commonality

Royal commonality

♕ The Royally Common Romance Meme ♔

❝And I tell you truly, Daenerys, there is no man in all the world who will ever be half so true to you as me.❞

Inspired by an anon comment on rpanons ages ago about a PSL they'd like to play.

Heavy the head that wears the crown, they say, and little could be more true. Of course, there is glamor in the life: power, privilege, lavish feasts, fine clothes...if your monarchy is doing well, that is. But there are also struggles that few others would understand, such as life or death decisions that need to be made to protect your kingdom at best and being a mere puppet with no real power at worst. At the very least, you're lonely. Certainly there are people around you at all times to protect and serve you, yet they aren't truly companions. They're no one you can talk to.

Well, not no one. Not completely. There is one person who's allowed close to you. Perhaps they're even allowed to be alone with you. A trusted advisor, a handmaid, a knight, a court jester, whatever they are, their companionship and support may leave you wanting those peaceful moments and lingering glances to mean...more.

And what if you are the other side, someone without royal birth offering your service to your highness? You may have been born into this life, forced into it, or gave yourself to it willingly. It could be much, much worse - at least you and your charge have a good relationship, to the point that you might do anything for them. Have your feelings for them always been more inappropriate than they should, or is this a new feeling? And such feelings - they can't be returned, can they? Or you could see your charge as the human that they are rather than an ideal. Does that mean you can give them the best advice and service you can? And what of their duties to marry and continue their line? Will you step back and let them be bound to another?

Then there are the pressures of the throne. The most innocent could be corrupted by power, and you would be in no position to stop them, no matter how it pained you to see the one you cared for twisted and become a wholly different person.

To allow anything to blossom between the two of you is risky and perhaps even deadly. Not even royalty can put a stay to an execution of someone who's, for all intents and purposes, committed treason by becoming emotionally compromised. All the same, it may be worth it, in the end. Royalty, after all, has a short shelf life, and the head on the spike may be the one wearing the crown.

HOW TO PLAY

Comment with your character and preferences, any relevant info, and what role you'd like to play, royal or not. You might also want to include if you're open to smut.

Reply to others.

Let your imagination guide you! Stolen moments, keeping secrets, battle plans, discussions about ruling filled with double meaning, jealousy, learning about arranged marriages, just spending time together, or being able to do nothing as your love turns into an evil queen/king are just a few ideas.

My other possible picture for this meme was Eridan and Feferi before I settled on Dany and Jorah so there must be a theme.

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( her canon background really lends itself to common-person-as-secret-royalty... )

[ One common lass, ready to be some royal's dirty little secret. ]

[Would you like to try something between these two?]

( Yeah, I'm down! They're very cute. You wanna start, or should I? )

[Would it be all right if you started?]

( No problem! Just let me know if anything needs changing! Kinda figured it'd make sense to roll a continuation of their interactions. )

Some time has passed since that first time Paul visited her café. Since then, well... Becca's grown really fond of him. And she's pleased to realize it's a mutual affection.

It's unexpected for her, given that he's someone important where he comes from. She just runs a coffee shop. But he's never made her feel less than, maybe that's why she'd started to get a little attached.

Now Becca invites him to her apartment when she's not at Café Ultra. It's a little exciting for her to think it's like, a hidden rendezvous with an actual noble person.

"We really gotta keep meeting in secret like this," she says teasingly. "It's surprisingly romantic; you might actually get me to swoon."

Paul relaxes in the chair he's in, with a lemonade and sandwich at his side. He's grown ever fonder of Earth food, and Cafe Ultra is always a good place to grab some.

The affection's certainly mutual, and as Paul's grown a little older he's grown more interested too. Becca has been a good friend, and Paul is grateful for the help she provided him with.

He's important where he lives, but there's something refreshing about being able to pass himself off as an ordinary person. It gives Paul badly needed room to breathe.

Paul chuckles, taking a sip from his drink. "Thank you. I do aim to please. You've got a very pleasant apartment."

Becca curled up in a seat beside him with a cup of tea. She's glad to be able to provide this respite for him. While she isn't fully aware of all that's happening on his home world, she knows he can use the break.

Her apartment is impeccably tidy, meticulously decorated, lots of grey and white, pops of color scattered throughout. It's a reflection of her personality and interests, with various pieces of weird art on the walls and shelves. The furniture is comfortable but simple.

"Thought about you at work today," she muses, smiling. "Was hoping you'd pop by for a visit."

Paul admires the decorations, in particular the art. His family has always had a taste for fine art, though he's never had the chance to show it to Becca - it's interesting to see how the styles compare and contrast.

Simple but comfortable. It fits her style, he thinks, and it's one he appreciates. Despite his royal upbringing and position Paul has respect for the simple and effective. It's one of the reasons why he made friends with Becca, and why he comes to visit.

"And I'm pleased to provide one," Paul says with a grin. "How have things been going at the café?"

"They're alright. Pretty much the same as ever, which is just fine with me. It's giving me time to research a new writing project." Which technically, is also work, but it really feels more like a hobby that also provides her with income.

"How's it going for you at home? I know it must be at least a little stressful."

“Glad to hear you’re keeping yourself busy. You know how I feel about your books, and this is the point where I ask if I can have a copy once you’re finished.” It’s the least Paul can do to encourage Becca’s work. Besides, he’s curious.

“A little stressful is an understatement. I’m well, though.”

"You'll be one of the very first to get a copy, of course." She's enjoyed sharing her work with him. It's a win-win, really. Becca, gets to show off a little, and it helps Paul learn more about Earth.

Becca hesitates before deciding to ask, "Would you ever, like, get in trouble for visiting me? Is that something that could be used against you?"

“What people don’t know won’t hurt anyone.” Paul shrugs, not exactly committing but owing Becca honesty all the same. “My enemies already find ways to get under my skin, but I do keep my visits here a secret for a few reasons.”

Less personal, granted, and more because he doesn’t want to risk tampering with Earth’s history any more than us avoidable. For all he knows this timeline is already distinct from the one he comes from.

"Can't imagine why anyone would be your enemy. You're so nice." Becca grins. It's true, Paul is always sweet to her, at least. She has a hard time imagining him being cruel.

She still likes the idea of his visits being secret, though. It's exciting. Maybe a little dangerous, in a way that she finds fun.

"Always wanted to be someone's hidden lover," she teases.

"You'd be surprised. Powerful people attract powerful enemies." Paul takes a bite out of his sandwich. "It's one of the reasons I enjoy my visits. I can pass myself off as an ordinary person for once."

He likes the idea of secret visits, too, and it's helped him get to know Becca's world. For him, he's used to danger.

"I'm happy to play along. You've certainly made my life more fun, and I'm delighted to do the same."

Becca certainly doesn't shy away from danger, but she's also not really used to it. Her life has been mostly pretty safe, even comfortable, just a lot of hard work.

"Yeah, I guess it's gotta be pretty cool to be able to blend in here," she says finishing her tea and setting the mug down. "Complete anonymity, compared to being well-known and sought after. I'm glad you can get that, and especially glad it's with me."

Paul's been used to danger since he was very young, so the two of them are very different in that respect. Nevertheless, he would be pleased to know that Becca never had to deal with the kind of threats he's used to.

"It is - and it does feel good to do what I like whenever I want. There are some wonderful local bookstores I've had the opportunity to visit." Paul finishes his sandwich, following it with a sip of lemonade. "Ah, and I can't forget Earth delicacies as well."

"What kind of books have you been reading from these bookstores? I might have to check them out." As usual, Becca's curious about what interests him, eager to share whatever they've learned.

Just having someone to talk to about, well, everything, and to always come away learning something from each other, it's really part of what keeps her drawn to Paul. The intellectual stimulation, being taken seriously when she shares her knowledge, it's indescribable.

"There are many, many more Earth delicacies to try, of course. Probably something for whatever you're in the mood for."

"Anything I can get my hands on, of course, though I'm partial to nonfiction. All the better to learn more during my visits." Paul polishes off his lemonade and sets it aside. "Ah, that was good. I must say, I've been to other cafes but yours is my favorite."

Not just because of the food, either. Becca is Paul's good friend and he honors his friendships. The food does help, of course, and he won't deny that.

"I'm happy to fix you up with anything you like in return that's within my power. You've ben curious about us in the past, and I would like to repay the debt you're owed."

"You're bringing me stuff from another planet. Something I never expected in my lifetime. I promise you I'll treasure whatever you bring me." As much for the rarity and uniqueness of it as that it'll come from Paul, which is the sort of sentimentality she often avoids. Every rule has its exceptions, apparently.

"I still don't feel like you owe me, though. I do this because I enjoy it, because I like you, not because I expect anything from you."

( either role. )

[ the royal ]

[Royal. Hit me with the AUs/canon mashing.]

[ up for a very AU'ed handmaiden who is extremely devoted to her princess/queen? ]

[That works for me! Feel free to start us off and we'll roll with it from there.]

It's quite an honor to be working so closely with the royal family, especially as the daughter of a lesser lord such as Claire. She's keenly aware of how fortunate she is to be in such a position, to have this opportunity to represent her house and perhaps elevate her status if she can serve loyally and honorably enough. But it's more than that, to her.

In her time serving as a handmaiden to Rhaenyra Targaryen, Claire's grown rather fond of the Princess. Perhaps a little more fond than is appropriate, though she dares not let it be known, and she certainly never lets it get in the way of her work. She serves dutifully, doing all that is asked of her, with all of the manners expected of her. If anything, the affection she bears for Rhaenyra ensures she serves all the more loyally.

Inclining her head respectfully as she enters, she brings a new flagon of wine to the table and fetches the old, empty one. "More wine," Claire says quietly, offering a smile. "My apologies for the interruption, Princess."

[ ooc: was thinking sometime before Viserys dies, but I can definitely edit if needed to alter where this falls in the timeline, just let me know! ]

"You're not interrupting," Rhaenyra replies with a faint smile, drumming her fingertips on the table she sits at. Her glass of wine sits near empty, but she was in no hurry to have another. She's been contemplative, as of late, and she has no doubt it's because of her father's ailing health. As his days dwindle, she knows a shadow looms on the horizon. The ever-growing storm that's been brewing since he named her his heir.

"Sometimes I wonder," she says, looking to Claire, "How it must feel to be serving the princess here at Dragonstone rather than King's Landing. Was that a disappointment to you?"

A self-imposed exile. A safer place than where she will eventually sit and rule.

She's caught a little off guard by the question, but then, surely her fondness for the princess is rooted in these little shows of interest for her thoughts and general well-being. Even as Claire knows it's nothing more than politeness and probably some sense of duty on Rhaenyra's part to ensure those in service to her house and family are content, she can't help but find it endearing.

"Not at all." In truth, she's found it to be a relief. Dragonstone has felt more comfortable than King's Landing. Here, no one calls her upjumped. She knows it's not her place to say such things, however. "The honor is to serve. A castle doesn't change that."

There's a pause as she collects a plate from the last meal brought to the princess' chambers. "Do you ever miss King's Landing, Princess?"

Dragonstone had once served as a place of respite and comfort for the Good Queen Alysanne, and she tries to find her own comfort in that. Her ancestors walked these halls just as they did the Red Keep. It's all part of a legacy.

There's a brief, amused smile at Claire's response. Scores would say the same to her, to her father, to Alicent. The honor is to serve.

"Often. That's my home," she says simply. Even after her mother's death when the joy left the place, it was home. "When you think of home, what place comes to mind?"

"I come from the Westerlands," she replies, though her tone is neutral, with no real emotion own way or another toward the place. "Near Lannisport and Casterly Rock. House Bennet are bannermen to House Lannister. It was an unexpected honor to be called upon to serve House Targaryen."

Claire hesitates before continuing, "I don't particularly think of the place as home, however. Pardon my bluntness, I mean no disrespect."

Nowhere had ever really felt like home, though she feels more accepted in Rhaenyra's service here at Dragonstone than she has anywhere else.

It's easy to throw herself into her work serving the princess and forget who she truly is: a bastard, given to a lesser noble family to raise as their legitimate daughter. No one at Dragonstone or even in King's Landing has much cause to question her background as the daughter of a house with such a status, even with her curious assignment to the royal family.

"I must sound like a sycophant. But truly, I'm happier here. I would remain in your service as long as you'll have me, Princess."

"Dragons before lions," she says, amused, but knowing that most houses were at the mercy of the dragon. Though their strength has waivered, and she refuses to think of any part she or her father have played in it, Westeros remembers when the first Targaryen king flew over the lands, a dark shadow from above.

"No disrespect taken. Most would prefer to be over there than over here. But it gladdens me to hear it's not the absolute worst place to be." That's more or less what she said, wasn't it?

"You'll be in my service as long as you wish it."

'As long as you wish it,' Rhaenyra says, and Claire's chest feels so full that she could burst. But she only smiles demurely, modestly, as would fit her station.

There are certainly parts of where she'd been raised that she misses, though none that she longs for so deeply to give up her place here beside the Princess. Dragonstone has its own kind of beauty, though it's a different beauty than what keeps her here.

"You honor me, Princess," she replies shyly. "I am precisely where I wish to be." Few, if any, shall be so loyal, Claire thinks.

"Is there anything else you need? I fear I've intruded on you too long."

[ She's 37ish, so feel free to ask for the 18-21 year old/original version (

sylvan). Technically, she's royalty of the Feymarch, the world of eidolons (summons), but I'm open to her being considered common, as well. ]

Edited 2023-03-07 17:55 (UTC)

[Royal. She's a queen and doesn't let anyone forget it]

[ Boy King ruler of the Grand Alliance, priest of the Light. Desires peace, but has a mind for strategy. Careful, used to being underestimated, passionate, tired. ]

(( Let's be real, he's pretty much royalty anyway ))

[The royal role, but doesn't have to be literal—he can be fashion royalty, or something along those lines.]

[ arthurian AU, perhaps? ]

[ royalty, and ridiculously excessive space royalty at that, if you want your character whisked away on a spaceship. also down for a regular royalty AU. ]

[Royalty.]

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Royal commonality

Claire Bennet || NBC's Heroes || OTA

Becca MacDonald ~ OC ~ OTA

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princess serenity | sailor moon | f/m

Samantha Murphy × OC × F/M

rhaenys martell targaryen | asoiaf/got | ota

rhaenyra targaryen | hotd

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so sorry about the slow

no worries!

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darcy lewis • mcu • ota

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Decembra Frost|| OC || OTA

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weiss schnee . rwby . f/m

Dorian Storm | Critical Role | OTA

anna of arendelle | frozen | ota

Best Jeanist — My Hero Academia — m/m

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Pavetta Fiona Elen | Witcher Netflix