Curse of The North {Vax'ildan x Reader}

Chapter Nine - Dinner & Diatribes

AN - 
Hello! Thank you to everyone who has been commenting I absolutely love reading them, it is such a highlight of the day for me:) This chapter is a long one (just over 8k, my bad lol) but I had so much fun writing it and its definitely my favorite so far so I hope you all enjoy!
- T 

Aenwyn was the last to exit the carriage that Allura had sent them. Vax waisted beside the door, smiling up at her as she came into view. Aenwyn couldnt help the small smile that tugged at her lips as his hand almost instinctively extended to help her out behind him. She reached out, placing her tattooed hand in his, silently savouring the warmth of his skin against the cool night air. Vax wrapped his fingers around her hand firmly but gently. His thumb gently caressed the back of her hand as he guided her away from the carriage.

His eyes flicked up and down her form, as if he couldn't help but admire her. He led Aenwyn forward from the carriage, her dress flowing behind her as she moved. Vax reluctantly let go of her hand as they stopped where the rest of the party stood, everyone looking up. He clasped his hands behind his back, his chin held high.

Aenwyn stopped beside Keyleth, Vax on her other side. She had to fight off the urge to shudder as Vax slowly let go of her hand, his warmth following him away from her. Aenwyn bit the inside of her cheek. 'Stop it,' she chided herself, 'friends, you're friends.' All of Vox Machina stared up at the palace, nobles piling in through the open front doors. Aenwyn followed their gazes, her hair blowing slightly in the chilly night time breeze. The sovereign's palace was a sight to behold, with its white marble and golden doors and windows, the enormous staircase that led up to the entryway. The palace was packed with well-dressed people, all of the rich and powerful of the continent were gathering for the banquet.

"Remember what we practiced. Be reserved, be charming," Percy said firmly, adjusting his gloves, "protocol." Aenwyn couldn't help but grin as Grog curtseyed to Percy, using the hides around his waist as a skirt. Percy sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Just follow my lead," he mumbled. He extended his arm to Vex, offering her a kind smile. Vex smirked at Percy, linking her arm with his as they walked forward. Keyleth and Pike smiled as they followed Percy and Vex, Grog and Scanlan following in suit. The night was crisp and clear, a chill permeating the air. The sounds of horse's hooves clattering along the cobbled street and the occasional murmur of voices filled the air as the group began to make their way towards the palace. Aenwyn noticed Vax extend his arm to her, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Princess," he said teasingly, bowing his head slightly. Aenwyn rolled her eyes, the gesture half hearted as she looped her arm through the crook of his elbow, letting Vax walk her up the stairs.

"Such a proper gentleman," Aenwyn hummed, a teasing grin on her face.

Vax grinned at her remark. He lifted her hand that was looped through his arm, bringing it to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to her knuckles. He responded with a playful gleam in his eye, "for you? Always."

Aenwyn prayed to whatever gods were listening that he wouldn't notice the blush that creeped onto her cheeks, the feeling of his lips on her skin driving her mad. "Do you treat all of your women this way, Vax'ildan?" she murmured, that grin still stuck to her face as she looked over at him, "or just the ones you found in fighting pits?"

Vax chuckled at Aenwyn's question, his eyes locked onto hers. He remembered that first encounter vividly—the determination and fire in her eyes as she fought, the raw power she possessed. "Ah, yes," he said, his smile widening. "I can't resist the allure of a woman who could throw a punch like you can." His tone was light, infused with a hint of admiration and affection.

His grip on her arm was firm yet still gentle. He leaned in closer to her, his voice dropping to a low murmur as he spoke. "But this treatment is only reserved for the ones I like." He stole a glance at her, his eyes locking onto hers for a brief moment. His smile only seemed to grow more roguish when he added, "and I happen to like you very much."