Undertale Papyrus Royal Guard

A royal crown prince is set on a hot seat to pick a wife among the ten selected ladies in the kingdom. Who will he chose? what will be the outcome

In a universe orchestrated by the Creator, known simply as God, a harrowing death game is designed for humanity to enjoy. With 7 billion people around the world, game invitations are sent out randomly through their phones, posing a single, intriguing question to those chosen along with two simple choices: [WOULD YOU LIKE TO ACCEPT THE INVITATION AND BECOME A PLAYER IN THIS AWESOME GAME? YES/NO] Anon Roa is an inconspicuous high school student who mostly keeps to himself. He doesn’t have any close friends and usually just goes straight home after school to watch anime, play video games, or read light novels. Living a routine life, everything changed one fateful day when a mysterious text message appeared on his phone. Driven by curiosity and boredom, Anon selects 'Yes.' In an instant, his mundane existence shatters, plunging him into a nightmarish world teeming with death, chaos, and treachery. He still remembers the unsettling smile of God, who welcomed him to this macabre game: “Y’know, ninety-nine percent of humans die easily and are always full of regrets. So, wouldn’t it be better to live and fight for a slim chance to change your life however way you want it? I am God, after all. I can reward you with whatever you so desire so long as you win in this game of mine.” *** Hey lovely people! (｡•̀ᴗ•́｡) If you've enjoyed my work and would like to support me further, please consider visiting my Ko-fi page. [Check it out here!] (https://ko-fi.com/lynnal) Thank you all so much! (＾▽＾)

She, breathtaking and indifferently gentle, soft and adorably clueless. She was a Divine Doctor who could bring the dying back to life, and also a poison expert who killed without trace! She possessed a pair of clairvoyant eyes, and also a body filled with mysterious vital energy! People said: Even Yama Raja had to give way to those An Yiqing wished to save! He, cold and aloof, stunningly handsome like a deity. He was the most outstanding descendant of the Ancient Martial Arts Families and also the youngest general of Xuanjin Country! He was an emperor who emerged from darkness and blood, holding great power and deciding over life and death! When the gently indifferent her and the cold and proud him met, what kind of sparks would they ignite? Affection chapter: An Yiqing asked, "Hm, I heard you like me?" Gu Yelin stiffened, "Yes!" An Yiqing's eyes fell, her voice flat, "But I can't be with you." "Reason." Gu Yelin's voice was dark and heavy; his heart clenched in pain—he had been poisoned, and only this little white rabbit in front of him was the cure! "Master said I have an incurable disease." "If you live, I live; if you die, I die!" Gu Yelin's voice was low and resolute. An Yiqing's downcast eyes gradually reddened, and the corners of her mouth curled slightly, "Every time I see you, my heart races, I struggle to breathe, and my cheeks turn red. Master said that's the incurable disease, and only you can heal me." Gu Yelin's dark eyes surged with waves of joy and excitement, like a surging undercurrent. ...Only she could cure his poison, and only he was the medicine for her. Underdog chapter: At the banquet Qin Jia: "Who do you think you are? Just an orphan with no parents, what right do you have to cling to Young Master Gu's side?" An Yiqing's eyes swept over coldly, a mocking smile on her lips, "Relying on you who would be nothing without the Qin Family, relying on me who could pinch you to death with one hand!” “You slut!"— Qin Jia, furious, raised her hand to slap An Yiqing. "Sick of living!" Suddenly, a pair of iron-like hands gripped Qin Jia's arm tightly; he had only left for a moment. Who was this blind person daring to bully his treasure? Qin Jia roared resentfully, "Young Master Gu, why are you doing this to me? She's just a wild child with no parents!" "Who dares to say that the An Family's only jewel is a wild child?!" A furious rebuke erupted like a thunderclap, shaking the entire banquet. Baby chapter: The plump Little Bun wriggled his little bottom, his glutinous voice carrying a complaint, "Daddy, why won't you let me sleep with Mommy?" Gu Yelin's mouth twitched, "You are a man, you cannot cling to my wife." "Hmph! Jealous men are so annoying!" Little Bun mumbled, "The Uncle Duan who came to see Mommy yesterday is nice, so is the Uncle Bai who I met last week, and there's Uncle Li who gave me a big red envelope during the New Year and that pretty auntie, they are all nicer to me than Daddy!" Third Young Master Gu's temples throbbed. Why, even though his adorable little white rabbit was married, did those wolves with greed in their eyes still not give up? Men were one thing, but even women were trying to get involved! Third Young Master Gu felt aggrieved; the road to being a henpecked husband is long and arduous~ ************************************ The author says: This story slightly incorporates special abilities with fantasy elements. Every place name, medical term, and jargon used within the context of gambling-stone craft is all fictional. Industry insiders, please do not criticize, thank you!~

It was hate at first sight! Vice President Jeannie Boon hated Prince Christopher Sebastian Lucille Spark at first sight. Since his name was as pretentious as him, she would rather not come into contact with him. But that is something that can't be avoided. Not when he is the biggest benefactor that can help her non-profit organisation to reach it's milestone and get more benefactors. Prince Christopher Sebastian Lucille Spark needs a wife. And when the petite little Jeannie Boon enters his office to 'exhort' money, he is not letting her win so easily. Will Jeannie be able to escape the plans that Prince Christopher has for her? Or will a certain prince fall into his own trap?

When Amanda is forced to accept Travis as her shadow—a rugged, ex-monk turned bodyguard hired by her controlling father—her world of freedom and privilege is upended. To Travis, Amanda is everything he despises: reckless, privileged, and fiercely independent. But Amanda has her own reasons for testing his patience and breaking her father’s rules. Each act of defiance only tightens the guardrails around her life, making Travis’s presence an infuriating reminder of the pact they’re both bound to uphold. Set against the backdrop of her family’s sprawling estate, where secrets loom in every corner, Amanda’s battle for independence collides with Travis’s strict sense of duty. Their hostility becomes a game of wills, each sparking emotions they never intended—fierce anger that simmers into something neither of them can ignore. As Amanda chips away at Travis’s hardened exterior, she begins to unravel his past, igniting a tension that becomes more charged with every guarded glance and unspoken word. But some boundaries aren’t meant to be crossed. And as Amanda gets closer to the truth of her father’s hidden agenda, she realizes she’s not the only one risking everything to escape her family’s grip. Travis’s loyalties, once unshakable, begin to blur in the heat of their connection—a passion that threatens to unravel the lies they’re both entangled in. Guarded Ties: Where hatred meets desire, and loyalty holds secrets that could destroy them both.

In a realm of four kingdoms, two were on the verge of war. Prince Eirik, the fourth prince of Valeidio, a Ferre whose beauty could rival the gods, was thrust into a marriage alliance with Prince Kaelix, the strong and proud heir of Zephyros. Both princes were determined to fight against the fate that had been forced on them. Eirik resented being used as a pawn, while Kaelix saw the alliance as a threat to his freedom. As they clashed in a battle of wills, their encounters became a constant push and pull of resistance and pride. But as the pressures of duty mounted, the lines between obligation and desire began to blur. In their struggle against their forced union, they found themselves drawn toward each other in ways they never expected. Would their bond become a weapon against the war or would their kingdoms' rivalries destroy any chance of love before it could take root? --- Warning: This book contains mature themes. Join my Discord server: https://discord.gg/NJJKETf4

Kayla Montgomery is a 21-year-old firebrand, a woman with a razor-sharp mind and a heart as independent as they come. After years of fighting her way through the art world, she’s finally creating out a name for herself as an up-and-coming painter. She doesn’t need anyone, especially not a man, to tell her how to live her life. But all of that changes when she becomes the target of a powerful criminal organization after an art theft goes wrong. Enter Jeff Winters. A 27-year-old, 6’2” ex-special forces bodyguard who’s as formidable as he is captivating. Dominant, controlled, and relentless, Jeff doesn’t do emotions ,especially not with someone like Kayla, whose fierce independence drives him insane. Tasked with keeping her safe, Jeff is supposed to be her protector, not her lover, but everything about her calls to him in ways he’s not prepared for. From the moment they meet, sparks fly. Kayla resents his presence, treating him like a glorified babysitter, while Jeff can’t help but want to break through her walls. Every heated glance, every smoldering touch, intensifies their undeniable chemistry. The tension between them is thick, magnetic, but neither of them is willing to give in. But when an explosive night of passion forces them to confront their desires, everything changes. Kayla’s walls crack, revealing a vulnerability she’s never shown before. And Jeff? He’s caught between his unyielding need to protect her and his overpowering desire to claim her. As they are drawn deeper into a world of danger and desire, Kayla and Jeff must navigate the fine line between love and obsession. Will they find a way to surrender to their passion, or will their own fears and secrets tear them apart?

As a special forces soldier recently returned to the city, I've applied to become the dormitory's security guard. I'm skilled at battling enemies on the front lines, but how should I deal with so many students? Yet, in the city, strength always prevails!

a bastard son of the king who craves for his birth right, a wanted assasin who enters the wrong country with a forbidden mark on her chest, forbidden romance, intense training and bag if tears, this novel is sure enough to make anyone crave for more, Lee Kwon is the illegitimate child of the king, isolated, rejected and alone, by chance he meets Eun Chen, a masked assasin who is popular for her killing spree and who is out for revenge against the royal family for killing her mother, when this two meet, they are both in a situation, if a gain and loss situation, will they preserve at the end, if you want to know, stay tuned to the royal bastard is my marionette

In the werewolf kingdom of Naraina, the Alpha King is getting desperate to marry off his son after six failed engagements. He orders the weak Delta clan Sigertem to send a daughter and the abused, powerless daughter is chosen. Alice Sigertem is the child of a loveless marriage. After her mother died, her father brought in his lover and her own daughter. From then on, Alice’s life was reduced to that of a mere servant. After years of being treated like dirt, Alice has learned to keep her head down, hide her pain, and obey every order. So, it comes as no surprise that she is arranged to be married to Sirius Alderidge, the sickly Prince who has driven away all six of his potential wives so far. Afraid of being sent back to her abusive family, Alice resigns herself to her fate—and soon finds that her handsome husband-to-be is kind, but has a lot of secrets. He fakes his illness and goes out with another identity, someone powerful and terrifying. But Alice is shameless because she has a secret of her own. As they slowly open their hearts to each other, love may have a chance. ୨ৎ This is an original work. No angst, not too heavy dramatic plots, just classic fantasy adventures and a wholesome relationship. Nothing too annoying or toxic.

Sierra Shyne never expected to wake up in the body of a notorious villainess. But when she transmigrates into Angelica D'Alathra, the cruel and scheming daughter of a noble house, she finds herself facing a fate much darker than she could have imagined. Angelica's life is riddled with death flags, political traps, and a cold prince who seems bent on ruining her. With only a mysterious "golden finger" system to guide her, Sierra must navigate the perilous world of royal politics, magic, and hidden enemies. Her mission: rewrite Angelica’s fate and avoid the fatal mistakes that led to her untimely death. But when Prince Alistair D'Alathra, the brooding and enigmatic crown prince, takes an interest in her, Sierra is caught in a dangerous game of tension, bickering, and unexpected attraction. Will Sierra survive the treacherous world she's been thrown into? Or will love—and the prince she must learn to trust—be the death of her? In this fast-paced royal romance full of twists, magic, and political intrigue, nothing is ever as it seems. Prepare for a heart-fluttering journey where every choice could mean the difference between life and death.

The royal family of secrets is about a girl who finds secrets and curses from past generations of her family. she finds her moms diary and reads through it for fun until she finds something that brings her shock and wondering about the other lies in her family.

The gates of hell has been opened and with this comes the demons. This issue submerged when the existence of dungeons had come to light. These dungeons helped human beings strengthen their bodies. Some even gained supernatural abilities from venturing into these Netherlands. Everything was normal until one day the barrier preventing these monsters from entering our world broke. Everyone had to protect themselves but one person stood to help battle these monsters. His name was, Crawford.

There are many unspeakable pursuits in life. In this world, there are always some people and things worth a try, so that life is not in vain. In this story, the protagonist is determined to leave a deep mark on the stage of life with a fearless mentality. He firmly believes that only by stepping on a few powerful people in his lifetime can he live up to his descendants; only by entangled with the charming, cold or gentle fairies of different personalities can he truly experience the colorful and complex life. And the most important thing is that life cannot be smooth sailing. Sometimes you have to bow your head so that you can stand at the top with a more determined attitude at some point in the future and become a top existence. This is a story about growth, conflict and transformation. The protagonist will experience challenges, make choices, and feel the intricate emotions and power games between people in the process. His goal is to stand at the highest point, overlooking everything that has happened, and have no regrets in this life.

Hannah Rothford, daughter of the powerful Eli Rothford, thought it was going to be easy to reclaim the King's throne as she nurses him back to health. Unbeknownst to Hannah, the masterminds behind the kings downfall will stop at nothing to maintain their grip on power. Hannah, with her loyalty to the throne and the young king William will stop at nothing to uncover the truth behind the conspiracy and protect William from harm. She was ready for the daunting challenges ahead, even from the king who she was ready to sacrifice everything for and become his desired...

DO ADD "Llaellen's Updates" BOOK IN YOUR LIBRARY TO GET THE LATEST UPDATES ABOUT MY PLANS FROM HERE ON OUT "An eye for an eye." Amber’s life was shattered the day her parents were killed. They only wanted to live freely, but the royals had other plans. While traveling to fulfill a three-year promise, her family was ambushed. Amber survived, but her parents did not. To cover her escape and hide the truth of her survival, she staged the explosion of their car, leaving behind three clones—decoy bodies—burned beyond recognition. With the enemies believing her family was gone, Amber set out to bury her parents properly, determined to give them the dignity they deserved. Then she learned who they had promised to help—and made an unexpected demand: "I’ll help you... if you marry me. A five-year engagement. A five-year marriage. You have no choice but to accept." ***** "If they didn't want such a law abiding one, then we shall burry this company in the underground. They will regret ever taking action towards us." Ashton declared and his already cold demeanor turned even colder and blood thirsty. ***** After giving him a strong head butt, Amber pointed at him angrily, "Get your head straight and remember this, the reason why I am also here is to support you. The moment that contract was signed I have vowed to protect you as well." Do read my other stories: SHE'S THAT KNIGHT KNOWN AS ZERO (COMPLETED) COMING FOR THE LAST FOURTEENTH (COMPLETED) RESTARTING CHAPTER BOOK FINALE (COMPLETED) VERACITY OF THE PAST (COMPLETED) REBIRTH: STUBBORNLY FULFILLING A PROMISE (COMPLETED) LEFT BEHIND BY TIME (COMPLETED) CHAINS LIFTED: HER SECOND ACT (ONGOING) LLAELLEN'S UPDATES (NEVER ENDING)

"What does it TRULY mean to be a Knight? The answer to that question has been lost for ages. It's a lot more than just clading yourself in armor that "glistens like polished stars" or going around swearing chivalry or the likes. The true answer to that question…well, even I don't know that. However, my father once told me, to be a knight means being able to rise to the challenge. To face the darkness squarely… even if it's so much easier to just look the other way. Honestly, back then, I didn't understand what he meant... at least not until AFTER that day... My name is Rhys... and this is my tale..." *** This story follows the adventures of Rhys Galahad, a young knight who sets out to reclaim his birthright, the Celerian Empire from the clutches of Alistair Vladen, the current Emperor and the man responsible for murdering his entire family. Aided by friends he made a long the way, Rhys's path is set to be a rough and treacherous one, and as he gets pulled deeper into it, he finds himself face to face with a far bigger picture than he could possibly imagine, making him question everything he knew… Or thought he did… What does it TRULY mean to be a knight? A question he has to answer… lest he be consumed by the darkness… Enjoy… PS: Hope you all enjoy my first book on this platform. The story might be rather slow-paced but bear with me please

After living as a famous Korean vlogger-slash-mukbanger, Neoma died a (shameful) death and regressed to her tragic first life--- the life where she has to live as a hidden princess with a tyrannical father and a yandere twin brother. She died at the hands of her psycho brother in her first life. But luckily, she charmed her "big brother" this time. Her father remains a sc*mbag, though. But a blessing in disguise happened when her twin brother got "sick." Because of that, she has to pretend as the "Crown Prince," forcing her father to treat her well. She thought she was finally on the road to becoming a lady of leisure. But, despite her laziness, she still ends up completing royal duties that put her closer to the throne than her sick twin brother. The next thing she knew, they already prophesied her to be the first empress of their very patriarchal empire. Now Neoma finds herself in the middle of the succession war she never wanted to be involved in! *** [EXCERPT 1] “Neoma de Moonasterio, the first princess of Moonasterion Empire. From now on, you’ll live as Prince Nero’s proxy.” [The hell is this psycho saying?] Neoma, despite her confusion, still smiled at her father--- the emperor. “Father, what do you mean by that?” “From now on, assassins sent by my enemies would target Nero,” the emperor explained. “Until he’s strong enough to protect himself, you’ll pose as your twin brother.” Her smile froze, but she still acted innocent. “But Father. If I take my brother’s position, then wouldn’t the assassins mistake me for him and…” She stopped talking when she realized that was exactly what the emperor wanted her to do. [This sc*mbag wants me to be bait?!] “You’re no longer a princess, Neoma de Moonasterio. From now on, you’ll live as Prince Nero de Moonasterio,” Emperor Nikolai said coldly while looking down at her with glowing red eyes. “Try to survive until your twin brother comes back to take his rightful place, understood?” Neoma was too shocked to react. [Are you f*cking kidding me, you sc*mbag?!] *** [ORIGINAL BOOK COVER. Artwork by sola_cola.] *** [EXCERPT 2] “I’m so sick of your tyrannical a*s,” Neoma yelled at her father aka the emperor. “I won’t forgive you for hurting Lewis and Tteokbokki!” “What will you do about it then?” Nikolai asked with a smirk. “Kill me?” “Yes! I’ll f*cking kill you, sc*mbag!” “Language,” he warned her, upset that his five-year-old daughter curses like a sailor. “Using vulgar words is unbecoming of the future Crown Prince.” “I’m a princess!” Upon yelling those words, the royal princess’s eye color changed from ash-gray to red. [This is getting serious.] “Stop it, Nero,” Nikolai told her sternly. “If you keep that up, the royal knights will come and–” “I’m not Nero!” Neoma screeched angrily. Then she jumped in the air with her left fist, ready to punch him. “In the name of the moon, I’ll punish you!” [What…?] And Princess Neoma, pretending as the Crown Prince for her sick twin brother, punched Emperor Nikolai, her father, in the face.

WhatsApp: +1 (443) 859 - 2886 Email @ digitaltechguard.com Telegram: digitaltechguardrecovery.com Earlier this year, I was persuaded by a Russian friend I met on the Bumble app to invest in a Bitcoin trading company. Trusting their advice, I decided to invest a significant amount of money, believing it was a great opportunity. I was new to the world of cryptocurrency and didn’t fully understand how things worked, so I went ahead and made the investment. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize I had been drawn into a scam until it was too late. By the time I began to see the red flags, I had already invested 30,000 Euros, and getting it back seemed impossible. It felt like I had lost everything. For weeks, I was stuck in a state of confusion and frustration. Every time I tried to withdraw my funds, I was met with excuses and more demands for additional payments. The platform I trusted kept making it harder for me to access my money, and I was left feeling helpless. It seemed as though all of my hard-earned savings had vanished into thin air. In my search for a solution, I came across Digital Tech Guard Recovery after reading several positive recommendations on Reddit. People shared their stories of successfully recovering funds from fake crypto investment platforms, and I was intrigued. At first, I was hesitant—after all, I had already been burned once, and I wasn’t sure if I could trust another service. But I was desperate and decided to give it a try. I reached out to Digital Tech Guard Recovery, and I was immediately impressed by their professionalism and clear communication. They explained the recovery process in detail, making sure I understood what would happen at every step. After I provided them with all the necessary details, they took action right away. They were efficient, transparent, and kept me updated regularly, which helped me feel at ease during the recovery process. To my relief, Digital Tech Guard Recovery was able to successfully recover almost 95% of the 30,000 Euros I had lost. I couldn’t believe it after almost losing everything, I had most of my investment back. I’m incredibly grateful to Digital Tech Guard Recovery for their dedication and expertise. Without them, I would still be struggling to get my money back. If you’ve been a victim of a crypto scam or are facing similar issues, I highly recommend reaching out to Digital Tech Guard Recovery. Their proven track record in recovering lost funds is invaluable, and they truly helped me when I thought all hope was lost.

"Crimson Tides: A Royal Bloodline" is an epic tale of duty, love, and the bridges built between two vastly different worlds. In the isolated mountain kingdom of Solaria, Princess Elara lives a life of privilege and purpose, beloved by her people but constrained by royal expectations. As a devastating drought threatens to destroy everything she holds dear, Elara finds herself at the center of a desperate gambit for survival. Across the misty borders, in the shadowy realm of Nocturn, the vampire king Darion rules with cold efficiency. His kingdom thrives in eternal night, but ancient prophecies speak of a union that could change the fate of both realms forever. When vampire envoys arrive in Solaria with an unprecedented offer - the kingdom's salvation in exchange for a royal bride - Elara must make an impossible choice. Agreeing to marry the fearsome Vampire King, she leaves behind everything she's ever known, venturing into a world of darkness and blood that both terrifies and intrigues her. But Elara harbors a secret that threatens to unravel everything: she faints at the mere sight of blood. In a court where bloodlust reigns supreme, her weakness could mean her doom. As she navigates treacherous politics, ancient rituals, and her growing feelings for the enigmatic Darion, Elara must find the strength within herself to bridge two worlds on the brink of war. Darion, initially frustrated by his unusual bride, finds himself drawn to Elara's compassion, wit, and unwavering spirit. Together, they face threats from without and within - power-hungry nobles, ancient prophecies coming to life, and the shadows of their own pasts. As Elara and Darion's relationship deepens from reluctant allies to true partners, they uncover long-buried secrets that connect their kingdoms in ways they never imagined. Their union awakens dormant magic and stirs forgotten legends, setting in motion events that will reshape the destiny of both vampires and humans alike. "Crimson Tides" is a sweeping saga of personal growth, political intrigue, and the transformative power of love. It explores themes of overcoming prejudice, finding strength in vulnerability, and the courageous act of opening one's heart to the unknown. As Elara and Darion fight to unite their people and fulfill an ancient prophecy, they discover that the greatest magic of all lies in the power of understanding, acceptance, and love that transcends all boundaries.

A missing body of a prince and a dead body of a Queen at the Royal party. Princess Hazel lost her mother at an early age and she grew up with a step mother who was heartless like his father. At a royal party she is framed for murder by princess Lama and princess Lydia who also thinks she is the one who sent intruders to attack her. This fueled up a war between five kingdoms who were in peace. let's find out who will save her and how

In 2030, Earth is irrevocably changed when an otherworldly Tower crashes down, bringing deadly beings from distant worlds. Humanity rises in response, birthing Climbers to reclaim hope and face these alien threats. At the peak of this battle stands an SSS-Class Climber, humanity’s greatest warrior—until he meets his end at the hands of an apocalypse-grade monster. But death isn’t the end. Reborn in a strange yet familiar medieval world, he is no longer humanity’s hero but a noble child named Lancelot, armed with memories of battles, loss, and the powers of his former life. Haunted by the failures of his past life, Lancelot is determined to protect his newfound family, conquer his inner demons, and ensure that this time, he won’t fall short. Can he overcome both worlds’ expectations and become the ultimate hero? Discord: https://discord.gg/FK9GfrSjtb

Princess Alexis, a skilled and fearless racing driver, feels suffocated by her royal life and the expectations that come with it. When her parents arrange her marriage to the arrogant Prince Vincent, Alexis rebels against the decision. As Alexis delves deeper into her family's secrets, she discovers a shocking truth: her mother, the queen, is not her biological mother. Determined to uncover the truth, Alexis embarks on a journey to find her real mother. Along the way, Alexis meets new allies and faces unexpected challenges. She must navigate her complicated feelings about her family, her royal responsibilities, and her own identity. As Alexis gets closer to the truth, she discovers a web of secrets and lies that threaten to upend her entire world. Will she be able to reconcile her past and present, or will the weight of her family's secrets tear her apart?

【Premium Urban Fiction, Over a Million Followers】 This is a tale of a special forces expert returning to the urban jungle on a mission to marry an arrogant CEO. Wang Hao possessed supreme martial arts skills and also understood mystical medicine. With sparks and lightning, he roamed the city unrestrained, climbing to the pinnacle of power!

In a transformed Earth besieged by monstrous portals known as the Evil Hex, humanity's survival hinges on fierce warriors. In Dragon Country, a young soldier fueled by vengeance for his slain family and mentor fights to protect his homeland. Battling fearsome creatures and uncovering dark secrets, he must harness his unique blood power and navigate treacherous alliances. As he delves into the mysteries of the Evil Hex, he confronts a malevolent force threatening the world's balance. This epic journey of courage and discovery promises relentless action and intrigue.