daycourtofficial

[daycourtofficial]

imagine being a suicide hotline operator and you get Drake

[daycourtofficial]

A waltz through the night

[daycourtofficial]

Nesta, Tam and a scrapped design of Eris, I actually really like the way he looks there but it’s just not him. It’s more like his snobby brother, to me anyways.

I tried again and honestly, I did both Tam and Eris dirty I think the original sketches were better. Even though it’s closer to what I envision Eris looking like, especially the top right.

[daycourtofficial]

Fem Azris coming up?🤭🍁🖤

[daycourtofficial]

Fourth Floor’s been getting a bit of attention lately, how did yall know I was working on the next part 🤡

[daycourtofficial]

im drawing Eris ✨️✨️✨️

[daycourtofficial]

Lessons In Discipline

pairing: Azriel x Reader x Cassian

word count: 2.1k

warnings: alludes to smut

a/n: happy valentine’s day to all my brats out there

@sjmromanceweek

Azriel was away on a mission while you stayed at home with Cassian. Azriel was only supposed to be gone for a few days but then it turned into a week. You were upset, to say the least. You had half a mind to barge into Rhysand’s office, curse him for sending your mate away, and then demand he order him home. Cassian wouldn’t allow you to get into such trouble though. Your mates knew you well— too well. Cassian could practically smell the defiance on you grow every day that went by. In Azriel’s absence, you were turning into a bona fide brat.

It was just Cassian’s luck that dealing with this sort of attitude from you was more of Azriel’s forte than his. You were usually so sweet and obedient for Cass. But now, he’s convinced a demon has possessed his little angel and he can’t wait for Azriel to get home and handle this. Cassian had been dealing with you the best he could. He was a General for Cauldron’s sake, how could he not get one female to behave?

“Come on, sweetheart. That’s enough. It’s time to go, we’re going to be late,” Cassian said. He was standing at the end of your shared bed looking down at the lump of sheets he called his mate with his arms crossed over his chest.

“I don’t wanna go,” you mumbled into the pillow. And in case he didn’t hear you, you grabbed more blanket and yanked it over your head. There. The message ought to be loud and clear.

Cassian rolled his eyes. He did not have the patience that Azriel did. He was getting fed up with your antics.

Your defiant streak started out simple at first. You wouldn’t come or even respond when Cassian called for you across the house, when he was trying to usher you out the door you’d drag your feet and stomp complaining about Mother knows what, and you even slammed a door or two. Fine, he could handle that. What he can’t handle is you refusing to go to training three days in a row, turning your nose up at every meal in favor of the House sneaking you treats later, and your vicious snarling when he tried to encourage you to do literally anything.

“Alright,” he huffed.

You shrieked as all the blankets were thrown off you and Cassian dragged you to the edge of the bed by your ankles. He threw you over his shoulder and ignored the incessant whacking at his back as he strode into the bathing chamber. He sat you down on the counter, caging you in with his wings, and gripped your chin between his fingers. “Listen here, little miss,” you kicked his shin in a pathetic attempt at escape that only earned you a growl, “If you don’t want to go to training today, fine. I don’t imagine the Valkyries would appreciate your attitude either. But you are going to get dressed, and then you’re going to march your ass downstairs for breakfast. I’ll be back for lunch and then we are going to talk about what’s been going on with you. Understood?”

You crossed your arms and shook your head. “No.”

The General narrowed his eyes and cocked his head to the side. He’d kiss the pout right off your lips if he wasn’t sure that would only be feeding into your behavior. Instead, he placed his hands on your thighs and gave a little squeeze. “No?”

“Mm mm, no,” you shook your head again, more aggressively this time.

The first two days after Azriel left you had acted fine. It wasn’t until the third day when Cassian couldn’t take you to the bookstore in the afternoon, because he was busy training at Windhaven, that you started acting different. Az always took you to the bookstore that day of the week, it was part of your routine. The next day you got your ass kicked in training. You were slow, uncoordinated, and failed to use the blocks that should be ingrained in your muscle memory by now. You felt like a total idiot and just wanted to cry, but Cassian hadn’t even noticed as he supervised two other Valkyries sparring. You’d limped back to the house and licked your wounds alone, and Cass had gone straight to Windhaven after.

That had been the final straw. Your whole routine gets thrown upside down and Cassian can’t even drop off an hour or two of training shifts? He might as well have left with Azriel too, considering how much time he was spending everywhere but at the house with you. You knew it wasn't his fault Rhysand had him so busy, but you were frustrated, feeling trapped at the house with no means of leaving. As a Fae without wings, you were left to wait around, longing for their attention and companionship while they worked. You just wanted your mates back, and if that required you to act like the she-devil incarnate, then so be it.

Cassian dropped his head in momentary defeat. He wasn’t getting anywhere with you and he knew there was only one person that knew how to fix this. You loved both your mates equally but they were their own unique piece of the puzzle. They did not fit in the exact same place. While Cassian may be the General, to you he was your oversized, winged teddy bear. He never raised his voice at you outside of orders during training. He rarely told you no. He was the one you went to for a laugh, to get into trouble, or when you needed comfort only his arms could give. There was a reason there were the three of you and not just two, though. There was a balance, and right now the third piece of this arrangement was away on the Continent. Just as Cassian had his role, Azriel had his. Azriel provided the rules, the structure, and if necessary… the punishment.

“Do I need to tell Rhys to send Azriel home? Tell him that his sweet little mate can’t behave without him?” Cassian asked, leveling his eyes at you.

There was a flicker in your eyes. Of fear or excitement, he couldn't quite decide. But he did feel you squeeze your thighs together. “What do you mean?” you whispered.

He knew he had you then. In a low voice, he asked again, “Is that what you need? Azriel to come home and take care of this bratty attitude? I can't imagine he’ll be happy to be pulled away from his mission because someone doesn't know how to behave, but he will if I ask him to.”

“N-no, you don't need to bother him.” Your thighs clenched again, and you tried to ignore the way your stomach flipped.

Admittedly, you had never done this before. When it came to breaking rules for fun or to get what you want, that was mostly reserved for the bedroom with Azriel. It was something you two had explored many times, but it was usually Az initiating it. Cassian had witnessed some examples of it during the times the three of you had sex together. He knew you liked it when he and Az were in complete control, but he didn't know how to approach this new development alone.

He hummed, and his eyes glazed over for a moment. “You sure? Az has been gone for a while. It's okay if you need him to come remind you of your manners.”

“I’m sure,” you squeaked. “Please, I’ll be good.”

“I don't know, sweetheart. You had five days to show you could behave, and you didn't.” He tucked his wings in and backed away, finally giving you room to get off the counter. He gestured to the open door with his hand, “Go get dressed. Meet me downstairs when you're done.”

He didn't wait for you to refuse or argue. He just sauntered off out of the room, leaving you with a racing heart.

You managed to gather yourself and quickly pulled on a simple dress, but your heart raced with the anticipation of what would happen next. You made your way downstairs, the tension swirling inside you as Cassian’s words echoed in your mind. He rarely took on this authoritative role, and the thought of Azriel’s impending return had sent a pulse of excitement through you, even as you tried to convince yourself that you didn’t need him to come home just yet.

Cassian was waiting for you in the kitchen, arms crossed, his eyes fixed on you. He raised a brow, and you knew that he was waiting to see if you would keep your promise to behave.

You slipped into a chair, averting your eyes, trying to focus on anything but the heat of his gaze.

“Eat,” he ordered softly, but there was an edge to his voice that made your stomach flip again. You did as told, nibbling on the food set out for you, though it was hard to swallow with the anxiety growing in you.

The morning went by uneventfully after that, but the underlying threat of Azriel’s return lingered in the back of your mind, especially as Cassian kept a close watch on you, his presence more intense than usual.

By the time lunch rolled around, you were jittery, unable to sit still. Cassian walked in from the training grounds, wiping the sweat from his brow, and stopped just inside the doorway when he saw you sitting on the couch, fidgeting with your fingers.

Before he could say anything, the balcony door swung open, and a familiar presence filled the space. Your breath caught in your throat as Azriel stepped inside, the tension in his shoulders palpable. He locked eyes with you immediately, and you knew you were in for it.

“Welcome home,” Cassian said casually, though you noticed the hint of satisfaction in his voice as he glanced between the two of you. Azriel didn’t respond to him. His focus was entirely on you, the weight of his gaze pinning you in place.

“Come here,” Azriel commanded, his voice low and lethal, sending a shiver down your spine.

You hesitated for only a second before you stood and approached him slowly, your heart pounding in your chest. His shadows swirled around him, dark and foreboding, a reminder of the power he he had over you—and the punishment you were about to receive.

Azriel’s gloved fingers brushed your chin, tipping your head up to meet his piercing stare. “Cassian told me everything,” he murmured, his tone sending sparks of both fear and desire through you. “You’ve been a very bad girl.”

You swallowed thickly, trying to maintain your composure, but the truth was, you’d missed this—missed him. His control, his presence, the way he could make you fall apart with just a few words.

“I’m sorry, Daddy,” you whispered, but it sounded weak, even to your own ears.

Azriel’s grip on your chin tightened just slightly. “Sorry won’t cut it this time, pretty girl. You know better than to act out just because I’m not here.”

You pressed your lips together, fighting back the mix of excitement and nerves pooling in your stomach.

Without another word, Azriel’s shadows enveloped you, binding your wrists behind your back in a swift motion that left you breathless. He guided you towards the living room, where Cassian had discreetly taken a seat, watching the scene unfold with darkened eyes.

“Since you decided to act like a brat,” Azriel said, his voice smooth but filled with dominance, “I’m going to remind you who you belong to.”

He bent you over the arm of the couch, your cheek pressed against the soft cushion as his hand ran up the back of your thigh, lifting the hem of your dress. “You’ve earned yourself a punishment,” he continued, “and you’ll take every bit of it until you’ve learned your lesson.”

You bit your lip, trying to suppress the whimper that threatened to escape as Azriel’s touch ignited your skin, the anticipation of what was coming sending a fresh wave of heat through your body.

Cassian’s eyes burned into you from across the room, his presence only heightening your arousal. You knew this was exactly what you needed, what both your mates knew you craved deep down, even if you’d tried to fight it.

As Azriel’s hand came down in a sharp smack against your backside, you couldn’t hold back the gasp that escaped your lips. He leaned down, his breath hot against your ear as he whispered, “By the time I’m done with you, you’ll be begging to be my good girl again.”

[daycourtofficial]

Does anyone have the fucking tiktok video of the overly enthusiastic rich bearded guy showing off his new hiking shoes in his Mansion and the Woods, but then another dude duets with it to make it look like he's escaping from being held prisoner please please

edit THANKS @smellslikebot

[daycourtofficial]

I gotta give it to Emily Wilde, she said this bitch Wendell Bambleby ain't normal and proceeded to cite her sources.

[daycourtofficial]

And valentine for Tamlin. The dude deserves some rest 💚

[daycourtofficial]

Valentine for my girls🩵🧡❤️‍🔥

[daycourtofficial]

candy hearts

alternate versions under the cut 🩷💛🤍💜💚🩵

[daycourtofficial]

[daycourtofficial]

Hello, Eris fans! We're back! 🔥

Last year's Eris week was a huge success, so we're super excited to bring back the same energy for 2025.

As usual, we’ll be getting ready for the event by: 

💬 Getting the Prompts Ready

��� Highlights Nominations

🖼️ Showcasing 2024's content!

😉 And of course...a lot of fun little surprises

Keep an eye out for our posts (#erisweek2025), tell your friends, and check out the other amazing events highlighted by @maased-out!!

[daycourtofficial]

I’m SCREAMING

Happy valentines to my lovely wife @daycourtofficial and her harem @starlitlakes and @secret-third-thing

[daycourtofficial]

The shadow man’s secrets

Pairing: Azriel x reader | WC: 3.5k | warnings: mentions of shackles and kidnapping

Summary: based on this request - the spymaster of the Night Court is harboring a secret and Nesta Archeron is determined to figure out what it is. What happens when she discovers the secret isn’t a what but rather a whom?

A/N: thank you to this request!! It’s late but this fic was so fun (wanted it done for Halloween but 🤡) Happy free day for @sjmromanceweek!

Something was going on with Azriel. The other members of the Inner Circle might not have noticed, but Nesta sure did. The shadowsinger always kept things close to his vest, his personal life a secret to his whole family. Nesta was certain he had an entire life they had no idea about. 

But something had happened recently and Nesta couldn’t quite pinpoint what it meant. 

Nesta had run into Azriel the other morning as if he were just coming back into the house, even though she knew he had spent the night at the House of Wind. It left her so confused, she spent the rest of the day confused and stuck in her own head. 

These days he seemed to have less shadows following him about, the light allowing Nesta to see more of his face. The bags beneath his eyes had lessened and he seemed brighter. Azriel had even been a bit more vocal at family gatherings. 

She hadn’t said anything when she saw him, merely nodded at him in greeting before he disappeared once more. She had turned the brief interaction over and over in her mind, searching for any detail she may have missed. 

“He’s seeing someone.”

Cassian choked on his smoothie, a chunk of banana getting caught in his throat. The mated pair had been enjoying a quiet breakfast until the realization hit Nesta hard and fast.

Yes. He was seeing someone. Someone he cared about. 

“You can’t be serious. We’ve talked about this.” Cassian looked down at the smoothie he spilt on himself, dabbing at his shirt with a towel as he spoke. The topic had come up before, but Nesta hadn’t felt so resolute and convinced as she did now.

“Cassian, I’m sure of it.”

“Have you seen this mysterious fae?”

“No, but-“

“Nesta,” he sighed, throwing the towel onto the counter, “Azriel’s love life has been a mystery to all of us for a long time. Believe me, if he’s keeping secrets, I want to be the first to know.”

Nesta let the words hang in the air, taking a bite of her bowl of oats. She watched Cassian’s face for a moment, an idea forming. 

“Let’s find out.”

The couple made a plan they felt quite proud of: they’d covertly ask Rhys about Azriel’s upcoming schedule, and on the nights he was staying at the House of Wind, they would stay up and follow him out.

It sounded so easy, surely within a night or two they would catch where he snuck off to, finding him with a lover, putting an end to Nesta’s curiosity.

Cassian was quite proud of himself when asking Rhysand about their brother’s schedule. He had been debating all sorts of reasons as to why he should know Azriel’s whereabouts from planning a surprise for him to wanting to make him a nice meal. He knew Rhys would see through those reasons, so he went for a much simpler reason.

The two were lounging lazily in Rhys’s office, the deep purple curtains blowing softly in the breeze. Rhys had hummed after Cassian asked about Azriel’s schedule, finally looking up at his brother before Cassian quickly sputtered out.

“You know, so Nes and I can have alone time.”

Rhys tilted his head, analyzing Cassian’s face as he took the question in. He leaned back in his chair, a slight creak as his weight shifted.

“Since when have the two of you ever cared about having an audience?”

Cassian rubbed his sweaty palms against his thighs, anticipating the question. He leaned in conspiratorially, dropping his voice as if Azriel would hear. “Well, we were talking and we felt a bit bad after everything at Solstice, ya know? We’ve been trying to be more delicate.”

Rhys rubbed his eyes, clearly not swayed on the reason, but not sure if he cared enough to know the full truth. “He’ll be gone Saturday through Tuesday, otherwise he has no commitments that aren’t small and local.”

The two continued on their ‘meeting’ - mostly drinking while Rhys reviewed mind numbing documents. It was rare Cassian got to spend time alone with Rhysand these days. Nyx and Feyre kept his brother’s attention nearly every moment of the day.

He didn’t harbor any ill will about it, but the crackling fire and silence transported Cassian back to a much younger body. One with less scars and aches, less sure of himself. How every evening of his youth was accompanied by Rhys and Azriel, the three complaining about whatever fresh new horrors training had laid upon them that day.

Had Az felt this distance with Rhys or even Cassian? Sure, he lived in the House of Wind with him, but the general hardly saw him. Guilt flooded his chest, trying to remember the last time he devoted any attention to Azriel directly. 

Cassian spent the rest of his afternoon in Rhys’s office, thoughts far away from the brother before him. 

-

For the rest of the week, Cassian went out of his way to seek out Az. He found him for meals, looking for him to do work together, asking to go on flights together. The sudden clinginess had met little resistance from Azriel, just confusion from the shadowsinger. 

During the night, Cassian would leave his brother, and he and Nesta waited, lurking the halls of the House of Wind to see what they would find. 

The first three nights were unsuccessful, the mated pair falling asleep in the hallway during their shifts before giving up and retreating to their beds. It felt odd staying up so late with little results, but the pair were determined to catch Azriel.

On the fourth and groggy night, the pair had changed to watching in shifts. Nesta took the first watch and would wake Cassian to take the second watch. Cassian agreed easily, exhaustion overtaking his body quickly after the extra training he had been doing with Azriel.

Cassian hadn’t slept for that long when he felt Nesta tugging the bond intently. He reluctantly got up, letting the bond drag him through the halls of the house. He finally found his mate standing at the balcony doors, urging him to hurry up.

“He just took off - we have to follow him.”

Guilt stirred in Cassian’s chest, an unpleasant pang creeping back in that he had a hand in his brother’s loneliness. He didn’t want to follow his brother, and wanted to afford him some privacy in the company he kept these days. 

But the general scooped up his mate anyway, wings taking off, slicing through air currents. Cassian’s wings flapped slowly in the wind, trying to stay as silent as possible as the two flew over Velaris. His hands gripped tighter around Nesta as the air got colder, the altitude rising to hide between the clouds.

They followed Azriel to the outskirts of Velaris, watched him land at the gate to a small, quaint home. It was charming - a white house with wood trim, a round door, and a small garden in the front. Cassian glided in the air, watching Azriel walk into the home before he closed the door behind him.

After a moment, the pair made their descent, landing softly on the ground. After setting Nesta down, the two slunk through the night, making little disturbance as they made it to the front door.

Nesta pressed her long ear to the door, listening for any movement before gently reaching her hand out and twisting the knob. It moved with ease, a quiet one could only find in the dead of night.

The mated pair crept in, slowly shutting the door behind them before gazing at each other, a silent now what? exchanged in their glances.

They both took in the dark house, scanning across the bookshelves that littered the common room. Books were strewn about the place. Papers were scattered everywhere. Mugs sat out on the tables, lonely tea bags left in the bottoms of them.

This was certainly not Azriel’s home, Cassian thought. Azriel’s room was incredibly bare boned, not even appearing to be lived in. But this place, with a worn couch and still warm fireplace, called out a level of domesticity Nesta doesn’t think she’s ever had.

Cassian began tracing his thumb across the spines of books, none of the titles familiar to him. He was just about to sit on the couch when Nesta pulled him away, dragging him to a staircase. He wanted to stop the madness, guilt sinking into his gut at the invasion of privacy, continuing on in spite of what he knew was wrong. 

The hallway was small, Cassian’s wings tucking in tight to squeeze through. Paintings hung on the walls, but it was too dark to make out the subjects. At the top of the stairs was a hallway which had three doors coming off of it. Cassian pointed his finger at the doors, moving his hand between them in decision. Muttering something under his breath, his finger landed on the door in the middle. The two began making their way to the door, until they heard shuffling from behind it.

The two quickly changed direction and moved into the closest room, closing the door quickly behind them. Cassian’s wings barely fit through the door, but he managed somehow, turning to gaze at the door, half wondering how he’s going to get out. Nesta’s hand on his arm made him still, the soft dig of her nails an unwelcome feeling for the first time.

Cassian turned, taking in the room they chose. Just as cozy as the rest of the house, the room was filled with knick knacks and trinkets, the place seeming well loved. He wasn’t certain what had stopped Nesta until his eyes landed on the bed, finding a female’s form covered by a large comforter.

The female slumbered, her breathing heavy as Nesta watched her. Her mind whirled, doubt creeping in that they had gotten this all wrong. Azriel had a girlfriend and that was that.

Nesta knew Azriel was a bit odd, always keeping secrets. A secret girlfriend shouldn’t surprise her, but the air still held a note of sinister to it.

She began turning away, pushing Cassian to go back to the door, when the female shifted, her foot moving out from the blanket and Nesta’s blood ran cold.

“Cass.”

A faebane shackle laid across her ankle.

She turned to Cassian, pointing her index finger at the shackle but it was too late. Something cold wrapped around her shoulder, a deep voice in her ear whispering, “what are you doing?”

Nesta let out a scream from deep in her soul before turning to find the shadowsinger behind her. He was towering over her, and it was then Nesta understood the icy rage so many had described him having. His shadows were slithering all around him in agitation, his stare making Nesta’s stomach plummet. She shot out a fist, instinct kicking in before Azriel caught her hand, holding it tight.

Hazel eyes had targeted onto hers, his hand holding tight around her fist as she tried to push him off her.

“Let her go, Az.” Cassian’s jaw clenched, preparing to fight his brother. Cassian was shocked at this secret life his brother had. He knew that the shadowsinger had an unsavory job, but he never thought his brother could resort to this.

“Not before she tells me what the two of you are doing here.”

“What we are doing here? You’ve kidnapped someone, Az!” Her free hand flung out to the direction of the female on the bed, surely drugged by how the rocuse hadn’t woken her. Azriel’s eyes followed Nesta’s hand, his jaw ticking at having been caught. 

“She’s none of your business.” Any warmth Azriel had shown Nesta was gone from his voice, a cold timber that nearly made Nesta collapse.

Cassian put an arm around Nesta’s shoulders, trying to pull her away from Azriel. “Brother, what are you doing? Why is she-“

“She’s none of your concern.” Azriel’s voice was clipped, sharp with agitation. He stepped toward them, his shadows peering over his shoulder making him seem a foot taller. “Now, why are you two here?”

Cassian growled at his brother, forming a shield in front of Nesta. His blood was roaring, Illyrian drive revving up in preparation for anything. Azriel stood his ground, a menacing shadow towering over Cassian. 

The general looked back at the bed, the split second he spent watching the steady rise and fall of the female’s breathing lasting almost a lifetime.

A hundred possibilities moved through Cassian’s mine, a slideshow of what ifs and regrets. He knew the best course of action now was to flee, to run, to get Rhysand. If Azriel had gone rogue, truly going off the deep end, were Cassian and Nesta enough to fight him?

He didn’t wait to find out. Cassian turned his back on his brother before grabbing Nesta’s waist. He carried her to the balcony in a sprint, crashing through the doors before taking to the skies with Nesta in his arms.

“Cassian, we have to go back! We have to save her.” Nesta’s words were accented with her fist making contact with Cassian’s shoulder.

“Nesta, if what we saw was real, we have to tell Rhys. We can’t fight this by ourselves.”

The General had never flown so fast before, yelling for Rhys in his mind only to get no response. The pair landed on a balcony outside the River House that Cassian knew led directly into Rhys’s study. After setting Nesta down, he opened the door, stopping as he saw both of his brothers already conversing.

“Cassian,” Rhys purred, irritation twinkling in his eye the only hint at his annoyance. “How lovely for you two to join us.”

Nesta wasted no time as she stormed in, squaring up to Azriel. The shadowsinger still towered over her, but she did not back down. 

“I trusted you.”

Her finger jabbed into his chest. It didn’t do anything other than pain Nesta’s finger, but she did it again to drive the point home.

“I trusted you with my friends, the priestesses, my sisters! I trusted you!” Each word was emphasized with a jab of her finger into his chest. He snarled back at the accusations, but remained quiet.

“Was this because of Solstice?” Cassian chimed in from behind his mate. “Certainly there were better options than this!”

“Do you find me so inloveable I’d resort to- what exactly?” 

“Sit down, all three of you.” A High Lord’s command had the three fae tensing. They all sat promptly, Nesta moving her chair closer to Cassian.

“Rhys, look into my mind, you have to know what I saw.”

Rhys held up a hand, his jaw setting in annoyance.

“I was woken up by Azriel, something that hasn’t happened in centuries. Now, I want to hear from all of you what happened.”

Cassian and Nesta began speaking at the same time, their words jumbled on top of each other. Rhys sighed before he looked to Azriel. “You woke me up, I’ll hear your side first.”

“This situation is no one’s concern.”

Rhys raised his eyebrows. “Well, if there’s no concern, why did you wake me?”

Azriel opened his mouth, only to be interrupted by Nesta. “None of our concern? You had a female hostage, Azriel!”

Azriel bared his teeth at his sister in law, “she is not some female and she is not your concern.”

Cadsian and Rhys stared in shock at Azriel’s outburst, neither brother getting a word in before three light taps hit the wood of the door. All four fae turned as the door opened, a female in her pajamas coming into view.

“Um, hi.”

All heads turned to the doorway to find Feyre escorting a female in. Hair unbound, she wore a long shirt and nothing else, exposing her legs to the cold air. 

Azriel stood quickly, knocking his chair back to get to the door in three quick strides. He reached out his hands, gently placing them on her shoulders. The female raised her hands, rubbing his in a soothing motion.

“You don’t have to.”

Azriel was met with a glare before a soft “I know” could be heard if Nesta strained her ears just enough.

“It’s nice to meet you all, despite the strange circumstances.”

Cassian looked on in confusion, each moment curiouser than the last. Nesta watched the reactions of everyone around her - Azriel stood in the doorway next to a confused Feyre, and Rhys sat back in his chair, arms crossed at the chest.

“None of you know me, but it feels like I know all of you from how much Azriel speaks of you.”

Azriel cut in, his hands going back onto her shoulders, his wings wrapping around her in a possessive stance. Shadows circled the pair incessantly, twitching in agitation, huddling close to both as if protecting them.

“She is my mate.”

The room was completely quiet at the revelation, no one moving to break the spell of the atmosphere. Azriel’s shadows swirled around the room, whether fighting or dancing, Nesta couldn’t tell.

“I think you killed them.” A soft giggle came from her, unable to help herself as she saw the most famous family in the Night Court at an utter loss for words.

“Hush, you.” Azriel gently squeezed her arm, watching the faces of his family. They all stared back, jaws practically hanging off the hinges. It was Cassian who spoke up first, his hand scratching the back of his head.

“Then why was she chained to your bed?”

A sad smile graced her lips, the endearingly sleepy look gone. “Oh, um, it’s quite a story. My brother could wield the shadows, but when he died a few years ago, his shadows just flocked to me.”

Cassian looked more closely, and could tell a slight difference in the shadows in the room. He didn’t think much of them initially, assuming they were just Azriel’s, but now he could make out two distinct groupings of darkness: one pool was erratic, moving with no plotted course, the other seemed to follow them, trying to corral them closer.

It was truly a sight to see. He was mesmerized by them, like a child watching fish pass by in a tank.

“Then why the shackles?”

“Oh!” Nesta wanted to roll her eyes, not expecting Azriel’s mate to cause her such anguish in such a short span of time. “I’ve been having issues lately where I shadow walk while dreaming. It’s really not ideal.” Hands moved to her bag, pulling out a set of keys that jangled as they came free. “Azriel thought of it - but he ensures I always have a set of keys nearby should I need to escape.”

”And why have you been a secret from us?”

“My fault, again. I don’t have the best hold on my shadows and they like to tell me everything so I’ve basically been a homebody unless Azriel’s around.”

They stared blankly, the three fae still not quite wrapping their heads around her existence.

“It’s just really difficult taking in all the new information all the time like how my High Lord is smiling and how he has his shoes off beneath the desk and how Nesta’s nails are digging into her palms-“

“I think that’s enough, dear.”

Azriel ran a soothing hand down his mate’s hair, the action soothing her shadows.

“But I promise he’s not hiding me against my will. In fact, that’s my house you two broke into.”

The color drained from Cassian’s face as he leaned forward, “I’m so-“

Her hand waved him off. “Azriel warned me his family was nosey. I figured it was only a matter of time until he found out how nosey you lot were.”

Cassian looked sheepish, leaning back in his seat, avoiding the gaze of both of his brothers.

“Will we see you again?” Nesta sounded almost sheepish, insecure. She didn’t want to convey how badly she wanted to know Azriel’s mate. She always held a soft spot for the shadowsinger, and she wanted to probe more answers out of her.

Azriel and his mate shared a glance between each other, the adoration shining in their shared look. It was enough for Nesta’s hackles to fall back down and be satiated.

For now.

“I’m sure you will.” Despite the hour, despite the fact they broke into her home, she was all smiles and brightness.

“Now, I’d like to escort my mate back to bed. Surely the two of you-“ Azriel pointed fingers at his brothers, “should do the same.”

Azriel led his mate to the balcony before gently picking her up, carrying her off into the night. The three fae sat in silence, watching his form get smaller and smaller. The doors stayed open, the soft wingbeats and giggles carried through the house on the wind.

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[daycourtofficial]

Selfishly Late

This is the the second part to unapologetically selfish!!

I have literally rewrote this piece like five fucking times no joke. It's still not perfect in my eyes and there's definitely going to be a part three but I needed to post this before I went insane.

Thank you all for your patience and support I love you <3

Word Count: 1554

Tags/Warnings: Fluff, suggestive, possessive Azriel.

Summary: Azriel has you running a little late to your introduction with his family. But he just can't seem to keep his hands off you.

divider by @strangergraphics-archive

You took one last look in the mirror before scoffing. 

Azriel had absolutely covered you in hickies. On any inch of skin he could reach, paying extra attention to your throat and collarbones. You gave him a pointed glare as he finished dressing behind you in the mirror but he was too busy fixing the cuff of his sleeves to notice. With a roll of your eyes you reached down for the scarf, draping it over your neck and brushing your hair back from underneath. 

“What do you think you’re doing?”  Azriel asked, slightly appalled as you adjusted your scarf and hair to cover some of the more egregious bruises.

He crossed the room in a few strides before standing directly behind you as you sat at your vanity. You didn’t even have a chance to respond before he pulled the scarf away from your neck gently and pinned your hair up with the jeweled metal hairpin he had gotten you last year as a birthday present, perfectly showing off the hickies.

“Azriel!” You exclaimed, turning in your seat to face him and his eyes gleamed at the yellowing dots decorating your bare skin. “I can not show up to your family’s house like this!” 

His brows furrowed slightly, the only sign of confusion you’d read off the usually stoic male. “But you look so pretty like this my love.” He murmured, reaching down and brushed his fingertips against the tender skin, his breath tickling your ear as he pressed another biting kiss to the juncture of your throat. 

Everyone told you once a mating bond snapped the males got unusually possessive, of course you believed them but Azriel was something on a whole different level. When you first met him he explained Illyrians were more territorial, all the instincts heightened. You couldn’t remember the exact sciences on it why but it made you feel so safe, loved and incredibly turned on. 

You gave him an exasperated look through the mirror, one he promptly ignored. His hands curling tighter around your shoulders. This had been going on for years. Every attempt at an introduction was thwarted by Azriel’s skilled persuasive abilities and intoxicating touch.

You did your best to stay strong this time, trying to ignore the way your entire being electrified at his close proximity, sparks running along every expanse of skin he touched. Your toes curled and you let out a soft breathy moan. One that Azriel had still heard and a victorious smile graced his lips. He hid his face in your neck so you didn’t see it. 

But you still did and it was enough to -barely- break you out of his spell. You stood up out of your chair and he rose to full height with you, towering over you slightly. “Azriel!” You reprimanded. “We are going to be late.”  

“We’re already late, what’s an extra five minutes?” He smirked, his shadows swirling around his shoulders as if in agreement. You scoffed, letting out a few curses under your breath. He had been pulling this all morning. 

You didn’t have to be a Spymaster to know Azriel was dragging his feet, first holding you tighter in bed so he could keep using your stomach as a pillow, spilling coffee on the outfit you’d picked out so you’d have to spend another 15 minutes trying to create a new one and now this hickey situation.  

You knew the High Lord or Lady was yelling at him too if any of the occasional winces and rubbing his temples were anything to go by. 

“I’m going to be making such a bad impression already!” You protested, holding your palm out for your clothing back. “Now give me my scarf so we can go please.” 

Azriel just looked at the light brown fabric still wrapped in his hands as if it committed a grievous act against him. “You’re so obsessed with this scarf.” 

You groaned, this time you were the one soothing your head with your fingertips. You knew he struggled when you were gone for long periods of time, both of your work schedules making it endlessly hard to actually have time to be husband and wife, mates, and life partners it drove you crazy too but you’d have to find a compromise because there was no way you were showing up to the High Lord and Lady of the Night Court’s estate covered in hickies. 

You told him as much and he paused, finally noticing your nerves of the event. Years after missed dates and scheduling conflicts and getting distracted by Azriel’s sly touch was all coming to an end, you were finally meeting his family, it loomed over your head and nerves pumped violently through your bloodstream.

It was a bittersweet feeling and you just wanted everything to go well, Azriel wouldn’t stop talking about how amazing his family was. His love for them ran deep and if they somehow didn’t like you….

Azriel begrudgingly passed the scarf over, your comfortability and safety would always come first and he tamped down those raging instincts telling him to whisk you and mark you more thoroughly and reclaim you over and over again especially after your long time apart. He instead pressed a comforting kiss to your forehead.

“Don’t worry love, we are completely mild compared to the crazy shit I’ve seen or heard my brother’s get into with their mates.” He shuddered and you laughed a little bit, pressing yourself closer to him so you could give him a quick hug and a soft peck to his lips, hearing a mumbled “Gods you’re killing me.”  Before sitting back down at your vanity. He sent a wave of reassurance through the bond and you returned it. You've dined with High Lord’s before this would be fine, you were fine. It had to be fine. 

“He’s not coming.” Mor said with finality. Looking over at the golden watch on Amren’s wrist. “I mean they were supposed to be here thirty minutes ago.” The ancient female pulled her hand away from the blonde sharply, giving her an even harsher look of disdain.

Cassian eyed the clock nervously and shot Mor a warning glare. It was incredibly important to him that this went well, you were a major part in his brother’s life and he wanted to not only make a good impression but also make sure you were good enough for Azriel, he recognized it as a silly thought you’d been mated for many years (unbeknownst to him) -and he’d definitely be having some words with Azriel about not being there for his mating ceremony later- but he wanted to make sure Azriel felt loved and cherished, taken care of with all the shit he’d already been through in his lifetime. 

Rhysand just let out a soft sigh, swirling the orange juice in his glass, desperately wishing it was something stronger. He’d assumed his dear brother would be late based on his previous patterns and the little reunion they’d witnessed last night but not this late and he was giving the Spymaster five more minutes before he winnowed the entire family, and their dining table to his living room torches all ablaze and pitchforks raised.

Although he couldn’t help but let out a soft smile at the thought of the usual strict and punctual Shadowsinger was willing to abandon his rigid routine for someone. 

“He’ll be here.” Feyre assured on her mate’s behalf, although her own confidence in him was waning, he did have a habit of simply not showing up when an introduction was planned. 

“You’re sure the female you saw wasn’t an illusion or a paid actress or-?” Mor started but suddenly the lighting in the room dimmed, shadows moving briefly across the edges of the floorboards before the sunlight streamed through the windows once again. An unfamiliar female’s voice rang throughout the large house as she laughed and Cassian’s heart flooded with relief at the sound, anxiety simultaneously  pumping in his chest, he wanted everything to go perfectly.

 “-are absolutely ridiculous.” “Yeah, yeah.” The shadowsinger muttered, the leftover pieces of conversation barely reaching the Inner Circle’s ears. 

Two sets of footsteps echoed across the floorboards, getting closer and closer to the dining room.

 Mor whispered a shocked. “No way.” Another step. “No way.” Another step. “No way.” 

She whispered it after every movement made until finally the couple came into view, standing in the open doorway and she couldn’t even make a sound, her mouth dropping at the sight of you. 

There was a few stunned moments of silence. 

The Inner Circle was staring at you as if you were a foreign creature and you shifted a little bit under their gaze, your mate had prepared you for an endless stream of questions but not the wide eyes and open mouths although you guess it was to be expected and Azriel tightened his hold on your shoulders protectively. 

“Surely you have better manners than this?” He bit out a little harsher than originally meant after a few more uncomfortable moments of stillness. 

You gave them a bright smile and a timid wave, breaking them out of their trance and all of a sudden they erupted with movement pulling you in for hugs and shaking your hands. Not so subtly inspecting you all the while bombarding you with questions.

This was going to be quite the breakfast.