God almighty ~

Woof~

“Do we have enough food to keep Claire fed, my love?”

Daphne kissed the top of Joan’s head, an arm wrapped around her, her free hand entrancing the twins as the waved her fingers about.

“But I agree. We’re overdue for a family dinner~”

“‘Mm-“

Daphné glanced at her phone.

“She’s on her way, I think. Do you-“

She hesitated. Was now the time? Surely…

The queen sat at her princess’ bedside, taking her hand and planting a gentle kiss against her knuckles.

“Do you want me to reach out to Harry as well?”

- scalp.

“Presque fini, mon coeur~”

It was patchy, rough in places, but undeniably beautiful.

“Could you pass me the shortest head? I want to make sure you’re perfect before I offer you the mirror~”

Daphné clipped another lock off, catching it as it fell and setting it aside.

It would make a lovely gift for Eleanor, after all.

Squeezing Joan gently between her legs, she cooed as she worked, alternating between gentle kisses and simpers over how well Joan was doing, and rough tugs at her-

“I want,” the queen whispered against her wife’s lips, “to hurt you. Will you scream for me, my love~?”

She sat back, reaching for the clippers, clicking them on with a wicked grin.

Taking a fistful of Joan’s hair and pulling her back, she buzzed one lock off, lifting it clean away in her hand.

- canvas, and I will burn myself into you forever~”

Her words were delivered with the utmost of affection, and only the tiniest edge of an enjoyable cruelty.

She’d seen it on horses when she was a child, smelled the burning flesh and hot metal, and it had changed her irrevocably.

“When we are married, we’ll exchange rings, and we’ll exchange vows, and that night, when it is just the three of us, I will find somewhere of my choosing on your beautiful-

Daphné took a moment, the words washing over her. She set the clippers aside.

Taking Joan’s cheeks in her hands, she leaned forward to look her in the eye, her face hard.

“My love, I would like nothing more than to sear myself permanently into your perfect, pale skin.”

- Joan’s head back into her lap again, stealing another kiss as she did.

Daphné held up two fingers in a peace sign as Joan snapped her picture, giggling as she did.

“Mm? Of course you can, my love.”

She was studying the clippers, making sure they were clean, as much for sanitation as to stall.

Clicking them on and off again, satisfied that they worked, she pulled-

“Are you ready, my love?”

She ran another hand through Joan’s locks. The queen would miss them, even if they’d be back before long.

But until then, she’d have Joan, buzzed short, all to herself.

Could she convince Eleanor too…