siderealxmelody

[siderealxmelody]

"You're right Rhain, it is a little too kind."

He owed Rhain so much, it had been Rhain to put him and then Natalia back together when they couldn't reach the other. It was Rhain who helped him face the monster that had taken his childhood from him. Thurr was a lot of things but he'd never taken his trust away - Sebastian had never trusted that male. He'd been terrified of him but never trusted him.

He doesn't look to Aleksander if he does he'll break. And right now, he needs this outlet before he actually kills someone that matters. Natalia's rage swirls in the bond. Why hasn't she gone to find an outlet? Where even is she?

You're missing a grand show. Why aren't you taking care of your anger? Must I do that for you?

He pulls on her rage, her power, the shadows twisting over his fingers. He grabbed Tharion's shoulder dragging him to his feet, shoving his healing magic through him. It wasn't kind way Silba did it - it was brutal. He dropped the sword for him and grabbed another from the ground.

He turned as Tharion swayed, holding the blade all wrong. Sebastian sneered, twirling the blade in his hand. Letting his shadows and lightning twist over it.

He'd loved the the fighting pits in his youth, had found the entirie thing exhilarating. Perhaps he should make a date out of it again for Natalia and him - they'd both enjoy that.

"You don't know how to use a sword? All that technology and you forget the basics. This entire fight is insulting."

Tharion spat blood on the ground, he shook his head but didn't drop.

"Please, please you win. I'll do what you want. Please -"

Sebastian lunged, the magic disappearing as he brought the sword down. Tharion met the blow staggering back and back. Rigelus gripped the railing, frost coating the iron now. His aches forgotten, the heat of that lightning under his skin forgotten.

"Your parents are Carranam as the Fae call it, Parabati - Kindred. Fates Aleksander, I didn't realize they were so in sync."

He looked to Rhain, hoping he was less mean than everyone else here.

"Isn't an Old World belief that Kindred are one soul split? More sacred than Fated Mates?"

Sebastian drove Tharion back and back, playing with him. He danced away when Tharion would snap, laughing when Tharion nearly thrust the blade through his chest.

He shifted, appearing as a bird that flew above his head and landed behind his back. Before Tharion could twist, Sebastian grabbed the blade from his own boot and cut his tendons watching him crash to the ground.

Sebastian was panting, eyes bright shining as he stepped closer. Tharion crawled, spitting sand sobbing against the pain, pleas. Sebastian reached to him only to stumble backward and crash to the ground.

Rigelus eyes went wide and he turned to see Bryce at the entrance of the pit, a gun in her hand.

"Bryce! Stop! What are you -"

"Let her."

Agenor pushed Rigelus backward descending the steps calmly. Sebastian ground his teeth, dragging himself to his feet. He didn't look particularly surprised more annoyed.

"Seriously? What's in the bullets Aegnor?"

"Bryce says they're anit magic, like our manacles but ground down into metal bullets. Brilliant isn't it?"

Sebastian leaned back, breathing through his mouth. His fingers gripped the wall, the pain was blinding, he didn't know if he cut Natalia fast enough before she felt it.

"Yes fascinating. Why?"

"Convince the Court to send aid to Terresan. To Aedion. They won't listen to me. They -"

"Because you abandoned them, you abandoned your mate and child. Of course they -"

"So help me make it right!"

Sebastian ground his teeth and nodded to Rigelus.

"This isn't just about court. Is this your play? Aedion will not want to become King."

"No. I didn't either but I didn't have a choice. He is young, he needs purpose. Aelin has already taken so much from him. He will at least be happy he has power enough to help her. And Rigelus,"

He turned, waving his fingers to call on his Emanations they twirled nearly invisible through the air for save for their eyes - rolling and twisting like black smoke. They encircled Bryce before she could react, wrenching the gun from her.

"Abdicate to me Rigelus and I'll let her live."

"We had a deal Agenor! I -"

"The deal Bryce was to save your friends from their coma, I will. Your life wasn't part of that deal. Satisfied Sebastian?"

Sebastian rolled his eyes, spitting blood, his body beginning to shake from the strain.

"I'm not making another blood vow. And if you touch my son -"

"Aleksander wants power the same way you did when we were children. He'll be content when he finds his mate, like you were. Now do we have a deal? You'll convince the Court to help Terresan and accept Aedion as my heir and I'll leave you and your family alone?"

Sebastian sighed and nodded. Aegnor knelt, cutting Sebastian's pant leg and pulling the shatter remains of the bullet in his leg.

"I'd not put too much pressure on that leg Bash."

"Fuck off Nor."

Aegnor shrugged and dropped them in the sands and bowed to Oraya and Rhain.

"Thank you for hosting us. I hope the twist was satisfying. Come Bryce."

------

Ramiel had finally urged Azriel away from Natalia. They'd tracked Aleksander's shadows to the meat market.

Why weere they here? What had happened?

She kissed his knuckles but that didn't seem to make him smile.

"I'm sure this is a big misunderstanding. Besides Azriel if I wanted a calm family introduction I'd chosen to fall for someone boring. And you're not - oh! Hi Bryce! Is - Bryce?"

The wind Eminations twisted tighter around her. Bryce walked but she seemed to be screaming, the vortex around her taking her voice from her. Ramiel shoved her shadows through trying to break, to get to -

She felt invisible hands grab her and throw her hard against the opposite wall. Her mind spun, her vision blurring as the darkness rose to claim her.

Aegnor looked impassively at her and turned to Azriel.

"You courting her? My advice leave her and never go back. Love has a way of being destroyed in this family. Your parents are the exeption that proves the rule. Come Bryce."

He turned to walk out of the Meat Market.

Agenor poured himself a drink, pouring the boys ones as well. He sipped at his wine and met Rhain's eyes.

"Aleksander called Sebastian weak and pathetic. Apparently Natalia heard it....and here we are."

------

Tharion had assured Bryce it was fine, that he'd survive. That - he dodged and rolled as lightning slammed a hair breath from his feet. He huffed, keeping his balance.

Sebastian was clearly toying with him. He barred his teeth, the Blood Shrike. He'd heard of his daughter, the Sea Witch. She'd drowned entire fleets, the oceans had bent to her like droplets of rain or so the stories went.

He could see it now, see the stormy resolve in Sebastian's eyes that Sankta Ulla must have during the war. She'd saved their homes, had brought all the Oceans Queens together in a way that hadn't been seen since their Goddess Ogenas birthed them.

"That all you got old man? You need a spear to attack? Are you that lazy?"

Sebastian tilted his head, looking to Oraya.

"Why are all your fighters so mouthy?"

She smiled, tapping a nail on the rim of her wine glass.

"Where's the fun in them being meek Sebastian?"

Sebastian jumped from the ledge he'd been standing on. His spear vanishing for a second in the light it looked to be made of bones. He picked up a sword from the sandy floor, beginning to walk toward Tharion.

He huffed as Tharion lunged for him, kicking him in the knee sending him off kilter and to his knees. Tharion crawled trying to will his magic to heal faster. Trying to -

Sebastian held his blade out, in his face and knelt at his side.

"I'll heal you for a fair fight. On one condition."

Tharion ground his teeth, looking past Sebastian to the bleachers where Bryce was arguing with one of the other males Sebastian had come with.

"What?"

Sebastian gripped his collar, dragging him closer. Making him look at him, even if he didn't bother lowering his voice.

"You win, keep me down I will pay your debts and free you."

Tharion's heart pounded.

"And if I lose?"

The smile he got was bloodthirsty, maniacal even. Sebastian leaned in closer, still didn't lower his voice.

"Then you're paying debts to me Tharion. I buy you, you're mine spy, collared and all. And I won't keep you in the fighting pits. You'll work for me daughter, and she's not as kind as I am about fae that are a waste of space."

"I'm not a -"

Sebastian twisted, kicking him in the stomach and his body seized. Tharion screamed, Bryce lunged but Agenor held her back. Rigelus gripped the edge of the railing watching as Tharion began to convulse in the sands.

"What the fuck is he doing -"

"Valg magic. He's making him feel like his blood is on fire - it's his favorite trick."

Bryce twisted trying to break free to do something looking to Orion and Aleksander.

"You know him! Stop this! He's gone mad! He'll kill him!"

You took a female barley of legal age to your bed. You strung her along for a decade....you run from responsibility, from her, from your duties to your court. You think my daughter wasn't told of you? You think I don't know your name Tharion Ketos?

Tharion couldn't reach for his magic, couldn't think beyond the blinding pain slamming through him in waves, the words hammering in his skull. Sebastian played with his sword, cleaning it nonchalantly with his shirt. His lips ticked up at Rhain and Oraya.

"How's the show? Want me to keep going?"

Oraya leaned over her box seat.

"You don't like him. What's he done to deserve our Vanir magic?"

Sebastian grinned, begining to walk around Tharion. Using his boot to hold his wrist down and twist his heel till his wrist cracked.

"Take a barely legal female to his bed and then use her for a decade for power. I hate males like him, and he didn't even have the decency to follow through. He is a waste of space."

Oraya hummed and looked to Rhain.

"Thoughts?"

[siderealxmelody]

Rhiannon lead them down the trail to the river valley below. She helped them dismount waving at Thysandra.

"Did you bring - oh, hi Sebastian."

Thysandra sighed and rubbed the back of her neck as Sebastian nearly tripped over a rock to run and hug Natalia properly.

"He heard we were coming to see you, well Nat and kept badgering to come...Sia and Silbi didn't want to leave him behind either."

"Nat! Nat do you want to come pick berries with me!"

Sarai pouted letting her hug go with Nessayn to pinch. her brother.

"Silba and I didn't get to say hi yet!"

"You can say hi now and then we can go!"

Nessayn put her hands on her hips and gave Sebastian a look. She tried to make herself look scary like Mama did when Papa said something dumb.

"What about me? Do I get a hug?"

"No."

Nessayn blinked beginning to sniff and ran to Rhiannon. Silba ran after, Sarai glared at him.

"Look at what you did!"

Sebastian crossed his arms.

"But I'm not gonna marry her one day. I'll marry Nasha and Papa doesn't hug Auntie Cali -"

"Papa was joking Sebastian! It -"

"Natalia do you want to marry me one day! Papa says we're gonna get married when we're older!"

"Nasha! Come, come, we're going on an adventure!"

Natalia let her governess hand go running to her sister.

"Really? Where Rhi-Rhi?"

Rhiannon knelt before her winking tapping her nose.

"Now you know I can't tell you that it's a surprise! Nessie is waiting with the horses we -"

"Mama will be mad -"

Rhiannon rolled her eyes and held her hand out to her, tugging her away.

"I'll say it was my idea, as it was. Now come, this is far more fun than your lessons and certainly more fun than my meetings!"

Rhiannon grinned down at Natalia hearing her giggle. She was such a serious girl, always wanted more responsibility, looking to grow up.

She wanted her little sisters to be children a little longer. She hadn't had that luxury, like Telemachus and Thysandra they'd all grown up in a war - there had been such fleeting moments of joy.

And then when they all learned Telgonus was dead, when Peneople came back to them barely held together....whatever happiness vanished too.

She shoved the memories away, letting Natalia run to Nessayn and watching them excitedly try to guess where they were going.

This was what it was all for.

All that pain.

All those sacrifices.

All those late nights.

Nausica's face flashed in her eyes, the way she'd collapsed hearing of Telgonus death. How she'd let hate and anger win....but then was any of them any better? Telemachus had little siblings now too and he barely saw them.

She didn't understand, shouldn't he be happy for it? Shouldn't he want to make the world better for them? But no, no he wished to drink and hide like the coward he -

"Rhiannon! Are you listening? Is Rhain coming?"

She blinked and shook her head at Nessayn's question. She knelt down next to them, taking their little hands.

"We're going to rule together one day, I've been waiting for you both.... we're going to change the world together alright? And -"

She straightened and got a pony and set them both on it. She kissed each of their heads.

"And Rhain will just get in the way."

She put a finger to her lips as she turned to rise onto her horse.

"But we don't tell him that do my little Blackbirds."

@siderealxmelody

Natalia is young, and while there is still that little voice in the back of her mind whispering that she probably should be doing her lessons, it's quickly silenced with Rhiannon's promise of an adventure. A surprise.

She smiles, rushes to Nessayn. It's the perfect sort of day, as far as Natalia is concerned. The air is cool, brisk; the sky clouded over, but with the air of freedom, of that coldness that breathes only possibility.

That tells anything is hers for the taking.

That the darkness is her strength, her weapon to wield, the power in her blood. She is the dark, and Natalia feels at home right here, right now, with her two sisters.

Natalia wrinkles her nose as she shakes her head. ❝ It's our secret, right? Isn't that what you said before, Rhi? ❞ After all, it isn't often they get to have secrets that are really and truly theirs and theirs alone.

[siderealxmelody]

Agenor poured himself a drink, pouring the boys ones as well. He sipped at his wine and met Rhain's eyes.

"Aleksander called Sebastian weak and pathetic. Apparently Natalia heard it....and here we are."

------

Tharion had assured Bryce it was fine, that he'd survive. That - he dodged and rolled as lightning slammed a hair breath from his feet. He huffed, keeping his balance.

Sebastian was clearly toying with him. He barred his teeth, the Blood Shrike. He'd heard of his daughter, the Sea Witch. She'd drowned entire fleets, the oceans had bent to her like droplets of rain or so the stories went.

He could see it now, see the stormy resolve in Sebastian's eyes that Sankta Ulla must have during the war. She'd saved their homes, had brought all the Oceans Queens together in a way that hadn't been seen since their Goddess Ogenas birthed them.

"That all you got old man? You need a spear to attack? Are you that lazy?"

Sebastian tilted his head, looking to Oraya.

"Why are all your fighters so mouthy?"

She smiled, tapping a nail on the rim of her wine glass.

"Where's the fun in them being meek Sebastian?"

Sebastian jumped from the ledge he'd been standing on. His spear vanishing for a second in the light it looked to be made of bones. He picked up a sword from the sandy floor, beginning to walk toward Tharion.

He huffed as Tharion lunged for him, kicking him in the knee sending him off kilter and to his knees. Tharion crawled trying to will his magic to heal faster. Trying to -

Sebastian held his blade out, in his face and knelt at his side.

"I'll heal you for a fair fight. On one condition."

Tharion ground his teeth, looking past Sebastian to the bleachers where Bryce was arguing with one of the other males Sebastian had come with.

"What?"

Sebastian gripped his collar, dragging him closer. Making him look at him, even if he didn't bother lowering his voice.

"You win, keep me down I will pay your debts and free you."

Tharion's heart pounded.

"And if I lose?"

The smile he got was bloodthirsty, maniacal even. Sebastian leaned in closer, still didn't lower his voice.

"Then you're paying debts to me Tharion. I buy you, you're mine spy, collared and all. And I won't keep you in the fighting pits. You'll work for me daughter, and she's not as kind as I am about fae that are a waste of space."

"I'm not a -"

Sebastian twisted, kicking him in the stomach and his body seized. Tharion screamed, Bryce lunged but Agenor held her back. Rigelus gripped the edge of the railing watching as Tharion began to convulse in the sands.

"What the fuck is he doing -"

"Valg magic. He's making him feel like his blood is on fire - it's his favorite trick."

Bryce twisted trying to break free to do something looking to Orion and Aleksander.

"You know him! Stop this! He's gone mad! He'll kill him!"

You took a female barley of legal age to your bed. You strung her along for a decade....you run from responsibility, from her, from your duties to your court. You think my daughter wasn't told of you? You think I don't know your name Tharion Ketos?

Tharion couldn't reach for his magic, couldn't think beyond the blinding pain slamming through him in waves, the words hammering in his skull. Sebastian played with his sword, cleaning it nonchalantly with his shirt. His lips ticked up at Rhain and Oraya.

"How's the show? Want me to keep going?"

Oraya leaned over her box seat.

"You don't like him. What's he done to deserve our Vanir magic?"

Sebastian grinned, begining to walk around Tharion. Using his boot to hold his wrist down and twist his heel till his wrist cracked.

"Take a barely legal female to his bed and then use her for a decade for power. I hate males like him, and he didn't even have the decency to follow through. He is a waste of space."

Oraya hummed and looked to Rhain.

"Thoughts?"

"You magic is shadow based Aleksander. I couldn't train you the way your mother can."

He stepped foward grabbing him by the collar. Sparks flying off his hand. Thurr would have sneered at how little contorl he had.

"You were 8 so I'll forgive you for your very stupid reading of that situation. Your mother was pregnant! What you have had me do? Leave her with your aunt Nessayn and gather an army? Take control of a kingdom I didn't want? Destabilize it so badly that it put our home and Xaden in more danger than he already was in?!"

He shoved him back and went for the door.

"I'm taking you to the fighting pits in the Meat Market. If you're old enough to ask questions about ruthlessness, you're old enough to have had your first kill."

He looked to Rigelus.

"You're coming too."

"I - I don't think I really need to no? I mean just because Aleksander is being an idiot doesn't mean I should be roped into it -"

Agenor looked away as Sebastian aimed his lighting at Rigelus. He didn't use his spear, it was fast slamming into the younger male till he got the wall and crumpled against it. Sebastian glared at the pile of him and made again for the door.

"You're Heir Rigelus, act like Aleksander is the threat he is. He has enough charisma to take that throne from you, and probably more of a case for it. And I dodged because -"

He looked back at Aleksander exhaling, his voice sofeneing briefly.

"I dodged those questions because I never wanted you to see that side of me."

------

Oraya eyed Bryce and the others, giving Tharion barely a glance.

"He isn't leaving -"

"You can't keep him! He's - he's our friend! The -"

"He made his deals Bryce, he has bargains to meet."

Oraya leaned back on the bleachers smiling with serpentine lips.

"I'll take him from you. I'll -"

"Will you now? Rough words for a girl with a washed up prince and a rebel as the only friends stupid enough to follow her into this."

Oraya turned to Rhain.

"What do you think Love should we -"

Oraya looked to the other side as the doors closed. Sebastian leaned down eyeing the children and then looked to her and Rhain.

"Anyone you want me to kill?"

Oraya hummed and pointed to Tharion.

"Well not kill. Bryce here wants to take what's ours. And I can't have that."

Sebastian eyed the merman with distaste but shrugged.

"Bryce do you just go around making enemies of powerful people? Last month you held a gun to my cousin's head, thankfully I came in time to save Micah. What exactly is your end...honestly I don't really care. Happy to take the Merman's scales one by one."

Oraya hummed and smiled a little softer at Aleksander.

"Hello Sasha what brings you here?"

"Your nephew has been very insulting. Hence I thought I'd bring him here to fix that...and we'll, Rigelus will be heir someone should test his fighting skills."

------

Azriel nodded, but didn't really step back.

"Is it Papa? Did he do something? I heard him yelling at Aleksander just now. And I -"

[siderealxmelody]

"You magic is shadow based Aleksander. I couldn't train you the way your mother can."

He stepped foward grabbing him by the collar. Sparks flying off his hand. Thurr would have sneered at how little contorl he had.

"You were 8 so I'll forgive you for your very stupid reading of that situation. Your mother was pregnant! What you have had me do? Leave her with your aunt Nessayn and gather an army? Take control of a kingdom I didn't want? Destabilize it so badly that it put our home and Xaden in more danger than he already was in?!"

He shoved him back and went for the door.

"I'm taking you to the fighting pits in the Meat Market. If you're old enough to ask questions about ruthlessness, you're old enough to have had your first kill."

He looked to Rigelus.

"You're coming too."

"I - I don't think I really need to no? I mean just because Aleksander is being an idiot doesn't mean I should be roped into it -"

Agenor looked away as Sebastian aimed his lighting at Rigelus. He didn't use his spear, it was fast slamming into the younger male till he got the wall and crumpled against it. Sebastian glared at the pile of him and made again for the door.

"You're Heir Rigelus, act like Aleksander is the threat he is. He has enough charisma to take that throne from you, and probably more of a case for it. And I dodged because -"

He looked back at Aleksander exhaling, his voice sofeneing briefly.

"I dodged those questions because I never wanted you to see that side of me."

------

Oraya eyed Bryce and the others, giving Tharion barely a glance.

"He isn't leaving -"

"You can't keep him! He's - he's our friend! The -"

"He made his deals Bryce, he has bargains to meet."

Oraya leaned back on the bleachers smiling with serpentine lips.

"I'll take him from you. I'll -"

"Will you now? Rough words for a girl with a washed up prince and a rebel as the only friends stupid enough to follow her into this."

Oraya turned to Rhain.

"What do you think Love should we -"

Oraya looked to the other side as the doors closed. Sebastian leaned down eyeing the children and then looked to her and Rhain.

"Anyone you want me to kill?"

Oraya hummed and pointed to Tharion.

"Well not kill. Bryce here wants to take what's ours. And I can't have that."

Sebastian eyed the merman with distaste but shrugged.

"Bryce do you just go around making enemies of powerful people? Last month you held a gun to my cousin's head, thankfully I came in time to save Micah. What exactly is your end...honestly I don't really care. Happy to take the Merman's scales one by one."

Oraya hummed and smiled a little softer at Aleksander.

"Hello Sasha what brings you here?"

"Your nephew has been very insulting. Hence I thought I'd bring him here to fix that...and we'll, Rigelus will be heir someone should test his fighting skills."

------

Azriel nodded, but didn't really step back.

"Is it Papa? Did he do something? I heard him yelling at Aleksander just now. And I -"

Sebastian stopped mid stride, he turned to him. He wanted to see that side of him? He wanted to see what inspired loyalty in soldiers even 20 years out? That had had earned 700 years of loyalty.

Fine.

Fine.

I'm taking them to the front for six months. Come if you want.

He couldn't stop his own rage from flowing through the bond. The more he leaned into it the less he liked this conversation. This entire situation. After everything he'd done to change this was the damn thanks he got?

Was Aleksander always a bit of an idiot and we didn't notice or is this a new development? You don't think we spoil them do you? The disrespect he has.

He stepped toward him, the smile is sharp. He hates putting this mask on but he will not disrespected.

He will not be disrespected.

"You don't like to be Seen Aleksander? Can't stand to your convictions when confronted is that it? I thought we raised you better than that."

"Sebastian. Leave -"

"Don't tell me how to parent my son. I'm not taking advice from someone who abandoned his family, his station before that."

Sebastian slid his thumbs into the loops of his parents. He jerked his chin at Agenor, keeping his eyes level with Aleksander.

"If you want the honest truth, it was Agenor's throne to begin with. And then he lost Emeia and Etele went mad and he couldn't cope and ran like a coward."

Agenor's jaw clenched but he didn't rise to the bait. Probably why Natalia bothered to tell him any of this.

"I couldn't fix any of it. You could have taken the throne Bash. I released you from the blood vow to -"

"Ah yes, the vow."

Sebastian inspected his nails, the lack of natural light in this fucking room was making him antsy.

"When we were 13, Agenor made me perform a blood vow that I wouldn't lead a coup to take his precious throne from him -"

"You never told them? You accepted it! And I released you from it before I left!"

"You nearly killed me over it first. And of course I didn't tell my children about the vow. I don't tell them many things from that time. I don't relish much from that time Agenor! The vow isn't the fucking -"

He looked to Aleksander and gestured to Agenor.

"If you're desperate enough to make such a vow you already lost. I cared back then to play the game and I was good at. Agenor was a lot like Rigelus -"

"Don't be insulting Bash. I wasn't so introverted that I feared an attack on my life."

"Regardless. If someone comes to you with a bargain don't take it Aleksander. Kill them, you'll probably have better odds any -"

He cut himself tilting his head at his son. They narrowed in consideration.

"Have you taken a life yet? Does Azriel hold the same views you do?"

------

Azriel's smile slipped as he found his mother in a dark hallway. No the hallway was filling with her shadows.

He put a hand on Ramiel's wrist to keep her behind him.

"Ma - Mama? Are you okay? Is - do you need me to -"

[siderealxmelody]

Sebastian stopped mid stride, he turned to him. He wanted to see that side of him? He wanted to see what inspired loyalty in soldiers even 20 years out? That had had earned 700 years of loyalty.

Fine.

Fine.

I'm taking them to the front for six months. Come if you want.

He couldn't stop his own rage from flowing through the bond. The more he leaned into it the less he liked this conversation. This entire situation. After everything he'd done to change this was the damn thanks he got?

Was Aleksander always a bit of an idiot and we didn't notice or is this a new development? You don't think we spoil them do you? The disrespect he has.

He stepped toward him, the smile is sharp. He hates putting this mask on but he will not disrespected.

He will not be disrespected.

"You don't like to be Seen Aleksander? Can't stand to your convictions when confronted is that it? I thought we raised you better than that."

"Sebastian. Leave -"

"Don't tell me how to parent my son. I'm not taking advice from someone who abandoned his family, his station before that."

Sebastian slid his thumbs into the loops of his parents. He jerked his chin at Agenor, keeping his eyes level with Aleksander.

"If you want the honest truth, it was Agenor's throne to begin with. And then he lost Emeia and Etele went mad and he couldn't cope and ran like a coward."

Agenor's jaw clenched but he didn't rise to the bait. Probably why Natalia bothered to tell him any of this.

"I couldn't fix any of it. You could have taken the throne Bash. I released you from the blood vow to -"

"Ah yes, the vow."

Sebastian inspected his nails, the lack of natural light in this fucking room was making him antsy.

"When we were 13, Agenor made me perform a blood vow that I wouldn't lead a coup to take his precious throne from him -"

"You never told them? You accepted it! And I released you from it before I left!"

"You nearly killed me over it first. And of course I didn't tell my children about the vow. I don't tell them many things from that time. I don't relish much from that time Agenor! The vow isn't the fucking -"

He looked to Aleksander and gestured to Agenor.

"If you're desperate enough to make such a vow you already lost. I cared back then to play the game and I was good at. Agenor was a lot like Rigelus -"

"Don't be insulting Bash. I wasn't so introverted that I feared an attack on my life."

"Regardless. If someone comes to you with a bargain don't take it Aleksander. Kill them, you'll probably have better odds any -"

He cut himself tilting his head at his son. They narrowed in consideration.

"Have you taken a life yet? Does Azriel hold the same views you do?"

------

Azriel's smile slipped as he found his mother in a dark hallway. No the hallway was filling with her shadows.

He put a hand on Ramiel's wrist to keep her behind him.

"Ma - Mama? Are you okay? Is - do you need me to -"

Sebastian rocks back on his feet, his mind spiraling away. He reaches for the bond on instict. He stares at him, that sinking darkness beginning to tug at the edges of his mind.

Agenor sighs and leans back against the door, staring at the ceiling. Rigelus shifts on his feet, his uncomfortnes filling the air around him.

Sebastian drops his arms to his sides, he swallows hard. The deflection dying on his throat. He suddenly felt exhausted, like after multi week campaigns when all he wanted to do was crawl into his tent. To hold Natalia and paint a future where those memories could never haunt him.

"Do you think I'm weak Aleksander?"

He hates that his voice shakes. He blinks and turns away belatedly looking for anything in this room to focus on. There's no windows or glasses here. It must be in renovation. But there is a glass on a nearby table and he grabs the to hold and play with.

❝ I was just... saying some things, just talking with some friends and... You never fight...You don't act like a male that would wield power like that...That would be terrifying like everyone said you were. You don't act strong like that, and you act we-- ❞

The words repeat overlapping and cutting into each other in his mind. He grips the glass harder.

"I disparaged my parents to anyone who listened when I was your age. In my case the words were...it was warrented they cared more about the pas than the future. I found those people aren't my friends now. I thought....I thought I'd never had to deal with such things."

He smiled sadly, sniffling as he tried to gather enough breath to keep talking. He wanted to smash the glass, to scream at the gods. Was this his punishment for his crimes? For all the families he destoryed he'd watch his shatter too?

He almost wished she'd stayed. But he had to have this conversation with him. He wished he could do it, shatter the glass, get angry. But it was son, his boy. He wasn't - he wasn't an enemy.

"It's always the battles they don't prepare you for isn't it Nor?"

Agenor hummed but didn't comment. His fingers began to drum against the door. Sebastian felt his eyes on the side of his face.

"My son told me hates me and wished I'd died so I think you're doing better than I am."

Sebastian's lips pulled up just a little.

"So like usual."

"Screw you Bash."

Sebastian inhaled and met his son's eyes again.

"What does a terrifying male act like Aleksander? Does he have everyone scurrying in fear? Does he hurt children calling or training?"

Rigelus went rigid, Sebastian swept his eyes to him and back to Aleksander.

"Do you want to fear me is that it? Because Thurr acted like that. Burned my back when I didn't call on my lighting fast enough. He had your aunts heal Agenor and I again and again and made train. He pushed us to Burn Out and had be navigate it back again and again till we could go father and father in my magic. My reflexes are excellent because of him but I lost my innocence because of it. He terrified me...Agenor and I used to joke to return the favor whenever he had a child."

Rigelus went pale and stepped backward. The tempature began to go lower again. Sebastian scoffed and tossed the glass on the ground. Agenor flinched at the sound of it shattering. Rigelus he had no qualms of hurting.

"Calm down, I won't do that now. I will add I almost didn't come to help you when the Vanir left your family slaughtered Rigelus. But my sisters are kinder and I am...and you were just 6. So...."

Sebastian rolled his shoulders back and exhaled. He looked to Agenor who shrugged and looked to Rigelus.

"I have nothing to add. Except find another female to chase. Bryce is liable to burn everything our family built to the ground. She -"

"Do - do you both want me to still die for my father's sins?"

Sebastian barred his teeth in a smile.

"Judging by your general aura Rigelus I'm betting the Vanir will come to finish the job soon enough. Or maybe Aleksander will, he clearly values power over family."

Sebastian rubbed at his temples and beginning to pace. He directed his next words at Aleksander, rubbing his temples harder. He was beginning to get a headache.

He didn't want to go backwards, he didn't want Aleksander - any of his children to see this side of him.

"I'm sorry love. I didn't - ignore I said that."

[siderealxmelody]

AWWW!!! THIS IS SO SWEET!!!

I love all the things we do together!!

@starlsssankt

@luxmaeastra

@sankta-alina-s

@faerieheart

I have this mutual who, im not gonna lie, I'm starting to see them as my ride or die. Every time i go and make/remake an old blog or to test a muse. Who follows me? Sends me ask? They do. Even tho they aren't the fastest at replying (not even mad, life gets hectic and they're always open about that) they make sure to leave likes on the ones i do answer/reply to. My activity feed is never empty with them around, my inbox a nest for any interactions of theirs. I'm so stupidly happy whenever i see them pop up on my dash as we slap that like button on whatever musing post we made that day. I have no idea what they find so fascinating about how i write these gaggle of idiots, but im making it known that i appreciate them. I just hope i don't do something stupid or go over their boundaries. I have so much love for how they portray their characters and their writing that I'm at a lost on how to say it all like a Normal Person and not seem like some fake compliment or a creep. Like, how do you even say "Hey, I respect and appreciate you sticking around. You didn't have to do any of these amazing things, but you did and it lights a fire in my heart whenever i feel down about not being good enough in the rpc game. I would catch the stars for you, my friend. Have a wonderful everything." normally?

[siderealxmelody]

Sebastian rocks back on his feet, his mind spiraling away. He reaches for the bond on instict. He stares at him, that sinking darkness beginning to tug at the edges of his mind.

Agenor sighs and leans back against the door, staring at the ceiling. Rigelus shifts on his feet, his uncomfortnes filling the air around him.

Sebastian drops his arms to his sides, he swallows hard. The deflection dying on his throat. He suddenly felt exhausted, like after multi week campaigns when all he wanted to do was crawl into his tent. To hold Natalia and paint a future where those memories could never haunt him.

"Do you think I'm weak Aleksander?"

He hates that his voice shakes. He blinks and turns away belatedly looking for anything in this room to focus on. There's no windows or glasses here. It must be in renovation. But there is a glass on a nearby table and he grabs the to hold and play with.

❝ I was just... saying some things, just talking with some friends and... You never fight...You don't act like a male that would wield power like that...That would be terrifying like everyone said you were. You don't act strong like that, and you act we-- ❞

The words repeat overlapping and cutting into each other in his mind. He grips the glass harder.

"I disparaged my parents to anyone who listened when I was your age. In my case the words were...it was warrented they cared more about the pas than the future. I found those people aren't my friends now. I thought....I thought I'd never had to deal with such things."

He smiled sadly, sniffling as he tried to gather enough breath to keep talking. He wanted to smash the glass, to scream at the gods. Was this his punishment for his crimes? For all the families he destoryed he'd watch his shatter too?

He almost wished she'd stayed. But he had to have this conversation with him. He wished he could do it, shatter the glass, get angry. But it was son, his boy. He wasn't - he wasn't an enemy.

"It's always the battles they don't prepare you for isn't it Nor?"

Agenor hummed but didn't comment. His fingers began to drum against the door. Sebastian felt his eyes on the side of his face.

"My son told me hates me and wished I'd died so I think you're doing better than I am."

Sebastian's lips pulled up just a little.

"So like usual."

"Screw you Bash."

Sebastian inhaled and met his son's eyes again.

"What does a terrifying male act like Aleksander? Does he have everyone scurrying in fear? Does he hurt children calling or training?"

Rigelus went rigid, Sebastian swept his eyes to him and back to Aleksander.

"Do you want to fear me is that it? Because Thurr acted like that. Burned my back when I didn't call on my lighting fast enough. He had your aunts heal Agenor and I again and again and made train. He pushed us to Burn Out and had be navigate it back again and again till we could go father and father in my magic. My reflexes are excellent because of him but I lost my innocence because of it. He terrified me...Agenor and I used to joke to return the favor whenever he had a child."

Rigelus went pale and stepped backward. The tempature began to go lower again. Sebastian scoffed and tossed the glass on the ground. Agenor flinched at the sound of it shattering. Rigelus he had no qualms of hurting.

"Calm down, I won't do that now. I will add I almost didn't come to help you when the Vanir left your family slaughtered Rigelus. But my sisters are kinder and I am...and you were just 6. So...."

Sebastian rolled his shoulders back and exhaled. He looked to Agenor who shrugged and looked to Rigelus.

"I have nothing to add. Except find another female to chase. Bryce is liable to burn everything our family built to the ground. She -"

"Do - do you both want me to still die for my father's sins?"

Sebastian barred his teeth in a smile.

"Judging by your general aura Rigelus I'm betting the Vanir will come to finish the job soon enough. Or maybe Aleksander will, he clearly values power over family."

Sebastian rubbed at his temples and beginning to pace. He directed his next words at Aleksander, rubbing his temples harder. He was beginning to get a headache.

He didn't want to go backwards, he didn't want Aleksander - any of his children to see this side of him.

"I'm sorry love. I didn't - ignore I said that."

Sebastian frowned at the words both the ones she said outloud and internally. He held her fingers till she moved away enough to pull them away.

He stared after her, snapping back to Aleksander and Rigelus as he heard Aleksander's voice. Belatedly he realized Rigelus had complied and he let his spear vanish.

He had so many questions, what was the argument about him? It had to be didn't it? That was the only thing that could set her off like that. Sebastian mentally relaxed, whatever it was surely it was a misunderstanding?

(Not that Natalia had those often now)

"You alright Sasha? What in the world happened?"

Rigelus stepped backward, rubbing at his throat.

"I'll just - I should leave you both -"

"No."

Sebastian frowned as Agenor slid the door closed. His eyes went to Aleksander, cataloging the marks before looking to Sebastian.

"She's alright though she may rip Rigelus head off if he goes after her."

"I wasn't planning on -"

"She filled me in just now. I - I think it's best if Rigelus stays if that's alright with you Bash."

Sebastian looked to Aleksander, crossing his arms. He didn't much care about the audience but if Agenor and Natalia thought it was best....

"What exactly happened?"

[siderealxmelody]

Sebastian frowned at the words both the ones she said outloud and internally. He held her fingers till she moved away enough to pull them away.

He stared after her, snapping back to Aleksander and Rigelus as he heard Aleksander's voice. Belatedly he realized Rigelus had complied and he let his spear vanish.

He had so many questions, what was the argument about him? It had to be didn't it? That was the only thing that could set her off like that. Sebastian mentally relaxed, whatever it was surely it was a misunderstanding?

(Not that Natalia had those often now)

"You alright Sasha? What in the world happened?"

Rigelus stepped backward, rubbing at his throat.

"I'll just - I should leave you both -"

"No."

Sebastian frowned as Agenor slid the door closed. His eyes went to Aleksander, cataloging the marks before looking to Sebastian.

"She's alright though she may rip Rigelus head off if he goes after her."

"I wasn't planning on -"

"She filled me in just now. I - I think it's best if Rigelus stays if that's alright with you Bash."

Sebastian looked to Aleksander, crossing his arms. He didn't much care about the audience but if Agenor and Natalia thought it was best....

"What exactly happened?"

Aleksander hissed, unable to hide it.

"Ma you're hurting - he doesn't answer me! He never gives a straight answer what else am I mean to think?!"

------

Sebastian sighed and sat up. He rolled his shoulders back. Xaden frowned at him watching him grab his shoes.

"Everything okay Pa?"

"I hope so. Just stay here with them alright?"

"Okay. Is Ma -"

Sebastian walked out of the room. He walked to their room mentally staring at the shield. She knew he hated when she did that.

He sighed, and got ready, trading his home clothes for court. He slid the bone white ring and signet rings on his fingers.

He could still feel Natalia, unconsciously like always. It was enough, not like the wards would stop him from simply winnowing to her.

He exhaled and winnowed away. He found Rigelus easily enough. The boy stiffened seeing him appear in his study.

"Sebastian why -"

"Where is Natalia?"

"I -"

"Never mind I know where she is come on."

Rigelus frowned but stood. He sighed as he slid a bookmark in his book.

"I'm not sure why I need to be dragged into whatever's happened."

"You are heir as you keep reminding me Rigelus. You should know what's happening in your court."

Sebastian turned and walked out of the room, moving through the halls till he came to the door. He rolled his eyes, of course she'd locked it. It looked to be with just physical locks and not magic.

That would have been harder. But he couldn't here anything beyond the door. What was happening?

He pulled the pin from his cuff locks and unlocked it. He was putting it back in when he heard Rigelus inhale of alarm.

He looked up and hissed through his teeth.

"Natalia? What's he done now?"

Because she'd never - Sebastian turned the edge of his spear at Rigelus throat.

"You harm her heir or not I'm killing you where you stand."

Rigelus eyes were wide but his magic swirled still in the air. The temperature in the room plummeting. To his credit he wasn't shaking mess. At least that was good, he'd need to be strong if rumors from Erelia were to be true.

"She has your son pinned to the fucking wall! How is that sane behav -"

Rigelus hissed feeling the lightning burn at his skin. Sebastian took a step toward him.

"Drop. Your. Magic. Now."

[siderealxmelody]

Aleksander hissed, unable to hide it.

"Ma you're hurting - he doesn't answer me! He never gives a straight answer what else am I mean to think?!"

------

Sebastian sighed and sat up. He rolled his shoulders back. Xaden frowned at him watching him grab his shoes.

"Everything okay Pa?"

"I hope so. Just stay here with them alright?"

"Okay. Is Ma -"

Sebastian walked out of the room. He walked to their room mentally staring at the shield. She knew he hated when she did that.

He sighed, and got ready, trading his home clothes for court. He slid the bone white ring and signet rings on his fingers.

He could still feel Natalia, unconsciously like always. It was enough, not like the wards would stop him from simply winnowing to her.

He exhaled and winnowed away. He found Rigelus easily enough. The boy stiffened seeing him appear in his study.

"Sebastian why -"

"Where is Natalia?"

"I -"

"Never mind I know where she is come on."

Rigelus frowned but stood. He sighed as he slid a bookmark in his book.

"I'm not sure why I need to be dragged into whatever's happened."

"You are heir as you keep reminding me Rigelus. You should know what's happening in your court."

Sebastian turned and walked out of the room, moving through the halls till he came to the door. He rolled his eyes, of course she'd locked it. It looked to be with just physical locks and not magic.

That would have been harder. But he couldn't here anything beyond the door. What was happening?

He pulled the pin from his cuff locks and unlocked it. He was putting it back in when he heard Rigelus inhale of alarm.

He looked up and hissed through his teeth.

"Natalia? What's he done now?"

Because she'd never - Sebastian turned the edge of his spear at Rigelus throat.

"You harm her heir or not I'm killing you where you stand."

Rigelus eyes were wide but his magic swirled still in the air. The temperature in the room plummeting. To his credit he wasn't shaking mess. At least that was good, he'd need to be strong if rumors from Erelia were to be true.

"She has your son pinned to the fucking wall! How is that sane behav -"

Rigelus hissed feeling the lightning burn at his skin. Sebastian took a step toward him.

"Drop. Your. Magic. Now."

Aleksander couldn't move, but her shadows weren't digging into him. He should apologize, he should say he didn't really mean it. But everyone, everyone spoke of him with fear.

Whenever his father did come to court all the females flocked to him. And all he ever did was sit and gossip.

So what was he meant to think?

Even with his own training, his father usually watched, gave pointers. Honestly he'd never seen his father actually fight in all his years.

True he was young, but he would have seen it yes? For the Fates sake, he probably pulled his punches with his mother too.

It was that anger that had Aleksander leaning forward. The very idea that Sebastian would insult his mother by going easy on her. Not the small voice that whispered he was afraid that the stories weren't true.

Were embellishments.

Because if they were what did that make of him? His legacy?

"You say all that but he's never fought Ma. He's never trained with me or Azriel, Xaden claims he's powerful but he never shows it. Why? Why would you choose him over a a kingdom? Over power?! How could that be enough?"

Aleksander pressed further against the bonds of his mother's shadows. He hadn't thought anything of Azriel's words all those years ago but what if they were true?

"Are you okay? Why do you let him mark you Ma? That day on the boat when Xaden sent us away. Azriel says he saw you pinned to the wall, he had his hand around your throat. What kind of male -"

------

Sebastian blinked, looking away from where Alaric and Adrian were sparing, their mates had bullied Catriona into taking them to the market. Xaden was on the ground, playing with Lily and Luther. He wasn't sure what the game was now, something to do with gemstones and squares.

But the rage down the bond. His fingers twitched, lighting beginning to buzz in his veins.

Love? Everything alright? Are the boys okay?

She'd gone with them to court. He probably should have gone with them but he'd sooner rip his own nails off than set foot into Eternal City unless he absolutely had to.

[siderealxmelody]

Aleksander couldn't move, but her shadows weren't digging into him. He should apologize, he should say he didn't really mean it. But everyone, everyone spoke of him with fear.

Whenever his father did come to court all the females flocked to him. And all he ever did was sit and gossip.

So what was he meant to think?

Even with his own training, his father usually watched, gave pointers. Honestly he'd never seen his father actually fight in all his years.

True he was young, but he would have seen it yes? For the Fates sake, he probably pulled his punches with his mother too.

It was that anger that had Aleksander leaning forward. The very idea that Sebastian would insult his mother by going easy on her. Not the small voice that whispered he was afraid that the stories weren't true.

Were embellishments.

Because if they were what did that make of him? His legacy?

"You say all that but he's never fought Ma. He's never trained with me or Azriel, Xaden claims he's powerful but he never shows it. Why? Why would you choose him over a a kingdom? Over power?! How could that be enough?"

Aleksander pressed further against the bonds of his mother's shadows. He hadn't thought anything of Azriel's words all those years ago but what if they were true?

"Are you okay? Why do you let him mark you Ma? That day on the boat when Xaden sent us away. Azriel says he saw you pinned to the wall, he had his hand around your throat. What kind of male -"

------

Sebastian blinked, looking away from where Alaric and Adrian were sparing, their mates had bullied Catriona into taking them to the market. Xaden was on the ground, playing with Lily and Luther. He wasn't sure what the game was now, something to do with gemstones and squares.

But the rage down the bond. His fingers twitched, lighting beginning to buzz in his veins.

Love? Everything alright? Are the boys okay?

She'd gone with them to court. He probably should have gone with them but he'd sooner rip his own nails off than set foot into Eternal City unless he absolutely had to.

Aleksander scoffed and tipped his head back draining his glass.

"My father is a lot of things but terrifying? He makes my mother little glass animals. He's not terrifying, he's weak and pathetic."

Aleksander grinned as his court friends laughed. Sure Sebastian was powerful but clearly that didn't amount to much. Because who walked away from the Throne of the Asteri/Aesir for love?! Wouldn't it be more romantic to give his mother a crown and not some breakable animals?

One of the boys snickered and leaned closer.

"He does not. Seriously? The Blood Shrike makes little animal figurines. Next you're going to say he fucking knits."

Aleksander grinned.

"He doesn't do that thank the Fates. But he does insist on getting her flowers and making a big deal every time she comes home. And she comes home after like a week. So I don't get the need for it. Honestly I'd say it would be performative if I didn't see him actually get excited."

@siderealxmelody

Natalia knows her son hasn't seen her. Sensed her. It's the only reason (she tells herself right then, at least) that he's continued to spout off such foolish nonsense.

Her fingers wrap around one of those figurines that sit in the inner pocket of her cloak, her hood still low as she's just made it inside from the brisk, winter air outside. The feel of the cool glass steadies the boiling blood within her veins-- but only for a moment.

Only until Aleksander continues speaking.

Damn that boy.

Boots hit the ground with steady but hard steps, carrying Natalia across the space until she stops right behind the chair that Aleksander reclines in. The same dark, piercing eyes that her son inherited glare at the two other males, whose faces have instantly paled.

❝ What? ❞ Aleksander frowns, looking between the two of them. ❝ What's-- ❞

The rest of the question, whatever it might have been, isn't spoken because Natalia's hand lands solidly on her son's shoulder in an iron grip, her nails digging in. Hard.

❝ Get up. Come with me. Now. ❞

Hard words. Firm words. Commanding words. Words in a tone that Natalia almost never uses--at least with any of her children. But a tone that makes it clear she will not tolerate a single second of hesitation, a single moment of lingering or pause or argument.

She barely waits until the doors to the hall shut before she whirls on Aleksander, shadows shoving and pinning him to the wall. Natalia gets right in her son's face, to ensure that he hears every single word.

❝ What makes you think, Aleksander, that you have any right to insult your father? What makes you think you hold any argument or power to weigh your extremely limited opinion and view against his knowledge? His choices? To make such ignorant claims to those fools in there? ❞

The anger is boiling inside of her, twisting Natalia's blood, the darkness. The shadows aren't harsh enough to harm her son--she'd never do that, even as angry as she is with his utter stupidity right now--but they are tight enough to keep Aleksander still. Pinned. To keep him where he must listen and (hopefully) grow a bit of a brain inside of his skull.

❝ Believe me when I say that you do not want to see your father be the terrifying male he is, Aleksander. He has never wished for those images, those nightmares to be in your mind. But we can arrange a demonstration if you have such doubts. ❞

Natalia steps closer, mere tiny inches separating them.

❝ You are a stupid and foolish boy to think you know a single thing about your father's skill. About his power. Do you understand? Just because he chooses to live in peace does not make him weak; it makes him far, far stronger than anyone else. Do you know what makes a male weak, Aleksander? Hmm? Weak males are those who feel as if they must constantly prove themselves. As if they must constantly demonstrate their power. As if showing their might in such bullying ways is the only ability they possess. The only way anyone will respect them. ❞

Hand presses against his chest, Natalia's fingers curl. She digs one of her nails into her son's chest, right above where his heart is. The point of her nail, sharp and deadly, scratching right there...

❝ Do not tell me you are that weak of a male, Aleksander. That your power is so minimal that you must wield it as such. I would hate to have you be my son if such was the case. ❞

[siderealxmelody]

Anastasiya rolled her eyes, hard. His father -

"Brittany!"

She turned again to the doors, William looked sober now at least. He scowled at her, fire and ice twisting up his arm. His eyes were frenzied, mad.

"You bitch! What has my darling sister ever done to you?! How dare -"

"You really should have fucked her when you had the chance William -"

William screamed, running toward her. His blade coating with fire and ice. He was going to kill her, rid his kingdom of her and Aleksander.

Anastasiya sighed and called on her magic again. His heart beat so fast, so much rage. All she had to was -

She barely feels the shadows even if they squeeze and squeeze. She only smiles, the numbness that had been on her like a shroud lifting.

Had he forgotten the magic in her blood? Had he forgotten who her blood was?

She couldn't control shadows, but she'd seen Kaden bend them. Seen how he trained Aleksander and drilled him - again and again. She had decrieid it at cruel then.

How dare Kaden not see Aleksander as the mate he was?

But now?

She flickers her fingers twisting them and pulling.

She could feel the heartbeat of the Fae as they screamed. How many years had been since the bitch had taken their home?

"You don't care for her Aleksander. What does it matter? The smartest thing you've done is not given her a child to ensare you."

She exhaled that rage, her vision going red. No, no her soul had died in those wars. No, no if she'd been pregnant with his child she would have slaughtered woman and child.

Her conscience be damned.

Jurian was already dead, she'd made him into bones. How more farther could she fall after that?

What other action mattered after what she had done to him?

She squeezed the queen scream as her body sagged. It fell like a drumbeat between them, the room was so dark but his eyes - they glowed.

She would have loved a scene like this. When he would hid them from the entire world. When it was just his eyes and everything else was sensation.

She looked to the door, she was sure Brittany vapid as she was - had at least had some wards in place.

"They'll think you helped me."

They probably wouldn't, but why not? If she was going to upend his life....she would all go in. She turned back to him, her lips pulling back in a shark smile.

"Why are you fighting me so hard? I kill them and you have the power you want."

She couldn't believe she had wanted a child with this male. That she didn't see how stupid he was. He has only ever wanted her for the power she had. Would he have stayed if she had no magic? Would he have stayed if they had nothing? All those pretty words, they were just words. They didn't make males like her father, like Kaden or his any longer. Those males would have stayed, his own father would have given up his magic to be a mortal with his mother if that's the only way to be with her.

He would have chosen death with her than the most powerful seat in the realms. How did Aleksander live with himself? How did he sleep at night?

"Your father would be disgusted with the male you are. Maybe that's why Azriel and Ramiel continue to fight your rule, maybe that's why they offer sanctuary to anyone who can escape you. He is a better male than you'll ever be."

If she got out of this alive maybe they'll take her in. Maybe she'll have some use before she died.

Because she was just like him, if she'd been his queen - if she'd been his in every way that mattered...who cared about the innocent's dying outside of their walls?

She would have him in her bed and everyone else would have knelt at her feet or died.

[siderealxmelody]

She barely feels the shadows even if they squeeze and squeeze. She only smiles, the numbness that had been on her like a shroud lifting.

Had he forgotten the magic in her blood? Had he forgotten who her blood was?

She couldn't control shadows, but she'd seen Kaden bend them. Seen how he trained Aleksander and drilled him - again and again. She had decrieid it at cruel then.

How dare Kaden not see Aleksander as the mate he was?

But now?

She flickers her fingers twisting them and pulling.

She could feel the heartbeat of the Fae as they screamed. How many years had been since the bitch had taken their home?

"You don't care for her Aleksander. What does it matter? The smartest thing you've done is not given her a child to ensare you."

She exhaled that rage, her vision going red. No, no her soul had died in those wars. No, no if she'd been pregnant with his child she would have slaughtered woman and child.

Her conscience be damned.

Jurian was already dead, she'd made him into bones. How more farther could she fall after that?

What other action mattered after what she had done to him?

She squeezed the queen scream as her body sagged. It fell like a drumbeat between them, the room was so dark but his eyes - they glowed.

She would have loved a scene like this. When he would hid them from the entire world. When it was just his eyes and everything else was sensation.

She looked to the door, she was sure Brittany vapid as she was - had at least had some wards in place.

"They'll think you helped me."

They probably wouldn't, but why not? If she was going to upend his life....she would all go in. She turned back to him, her lips pulling back in a shark smile.

"Why are you fighting me so hard? I kill them and you have the power you want."

She couldn't believe she had wanted a child with this male. That she didn't see how stupid he was. He has only ever wanted her for the power she had. Would he have stayed if she had no magic? Would he have stayed if they had nothing? All those pretty words, they were just words. They didn't make males like her father, like Kaden or his any longer. Those males would have stayed, his own father would have given up his magic to be a mortal with his mother if that's the only way to be with her.

He would have chosen death with her than the most powerful seat in the realms. How did Aleksander live with himself? How did he sleep at night?

"Your father would be disgusted with the male you are. Maybe that's why Azriel and Ramiel continue to fight your rule, maybe that's why they offer sanctuary to anyone who can escape you. He is a better male than you'll ever be."

If she got out of this alive maybe they'll take her in. Maybe she'll have some use before she died.

Because she was just like him, if she'd been his queen - if she'd been his in every way that mattered...who cared about the innocent's dying outside of their walls?

She would have him in her bed and everyone else would have knelt at her feet or died.

She stumbles backward, catching her hand on the back of a chair. She stares at him, the blood felt ugly now not so much a badge of honor.

The heating of Jurian's bones against her chest snap her out of her daze. How dare he?

She leans forward, wondering if she should slap him. But no, no this - he didn't deserve her touch.

"You want this over? Fine. I don't know why I bothered on you, you were magnificent once and now you surround yourself with sycophants, it's disgusting. The Sasha - no Sasha died didn't he? I never imagined Aleksander was so insecure he couldn't take challenges to his power."

She turned away, walking to the doors as they burst open. The Queen flounced past her, barely glancing at her. Must be the blood, was this how he left all those other women?

Pathetic that he needed to tear a woman down to prove a point.

"Aleksander did you the guards dead? William mentioned it -"

"Do you ever stop talking Brittany?"

The Queen turned, her eyes growing colder.

"Who are you to address -"

Anastasia turned, her magic lashing out making her fall to her knees, her blood to boil. She watched her begin to scream impassively. She smiled at Aleksander as she began to tighten her grip.

"I'll leave to mourn my mate. You just wear his face, you're hollow. But before I do...I'm going to paint this palace red."

[siderealxmelody]

She stumbles backward, catching her hand on the back of a chair. She stares at him, the blood felt ugly now not so much a badge of honor.

The heating of Jurian's bones against her chest snap her out of her daze. How dare he?

She leans forward, wondering if she should slap him. But no, no this - he didn't deserve her touch.

"You want this over? Fine. I don't know why I bothered on you, you were magnificent once and now you surround yourself with sycophants, it's disgusting. The Sasha - no Sasha died didn't he? I never imagined Aleksander was so insecure he couldn't take challenges to his power."

She turned away, walking to the doors as they burst open. The Queen flounced past her, barely glancing at her. Must be the blood, was this how he left all those other women?

Pathetic that he needed to tear a woman down to prove a point.

"Aleksander did you the guards dead? William mentioned it -"

"Do you ever stop talking Brittany?"

The Queen turned, her eyes growing colder.

"Who are you to address -"

Anastasia turned, her magic lashing out making her fall to her knees, her blood to boil. She watched her begin to scream impassively. She smiled at Aleksander as she began to tighten her grip.

"I'll leave to mourn my mate. You just wear his face, you're hollow. But before I do...I'm going to paint this palace red."

She'd had a long while to figure out what to do about the blood, the lingering touch of William on her. In the end she waited, staring out at the moon.

She exhaled, leaning into him. She ignored his words, they didn't seem very important. Her eyes closed feeling his grip tighten - it was grounding.

"You're loosing your touch by letting William live as long as you have. He tried to assault me in the hallway a bit ago as I was coming here. Of course the guards didn't much care to stop him so I had to."

She turned fully to face him, showing the blood splatter on her face, her gown and hands. She stared at him. moving to lay her head back on his shoulder, her eyes closing.

"If you're going to go on a rampage lock the doors, I just want to sleep for awhile."

None of this had anything to do with her feelings for Aleksander - but she had forgotten how to let her armor go. Forgot how to just sleep without wards and a blade under her pillow. Was this how her aunt and uncles felt? Was this how they survived as long as they had?

[siderealxmelody]

She'd had a long while to figure out what to do about the blood, the lingering touch of William on her. In the end she waited, staring out at the moon.

She exhaled, leaning into him. She ignored his words, they didn't seem very important. Her eyes closed feeling his grip tighten - it was grounding.

"You're loosing your touch by letting William live as long as you have. He tried to assault me in the hallway a bit ago as I was coming here. Of course the guards didn't much care to stop him so I had to."

She turned fully to face him, showing the blood splatter on her face, her gown and hands. She stared at him. moving to lay her head back on his shoulder, her eyes closing.

"If you're going to go on a rampage lock the doors, I just want to sleep for awhile."

None of this had anything to do with her feelings for Aleksander - but she had forgotten how to let her armor go. Forgot how to just sleep without wards and a blade under her pillow. Was this how her aunt and uncles felt? Was this how they survived as long as they had?

Anastasiya hid the smile as she moved through the halls. She knew that note would work, but her work wasn't done. She had to be delicate and not come off too -

"Anastasiya!"

She bit back a sigh as Will came toward her. He'd been trying to come to her chamber for a week. Aleksander was getting sloppy to let him still live.

He'd been through the war with them, the brother of the Queen. But it didn't seem to matter to anyone how he looked her.

It made her skin look at her. He shouldn't be the one looking at her like that. That she held his heart in his hands and could crush it.

Which she could but that wasn't the point.

"I'm late for a meeting with Aleksander. What is it -"

Will laughed, lurching toward her. He gripped her wrist, dragging her closer. His breath stank of wine and women.

Clearly he'd been having his own more wilder party tonight. And he apparently lost all sense if he was drinking like this. Even upstanding males had a breaking point.

But he was still a Prince, General of the armies - a War Hero. And no soldier or gaurd in this hallway moved as he dragged her backward.

"You're a whore you know that? How many years will you crawl after him? How many years will you act like the war didn't happen? How -"

"Let me go William."

"No."

His grip only tightened, he sneered down at her, turning to drag her toward his rooms. She dug her heels in but didn't use her magic - not yet. Even with all these men, even with all her noble blood.

Autumn was conquered land - she was nothing more than a figure head.

"William you're hurting me -"

"Shut the fuck up. You've endured worse! You -"

He flung her away, she stumbled, tripping over the hem of her dress. He glared down at her, he was a mean drink. The dark glint in his eyes brightened and he leered at her.

"You're so hopelessly in love with him even still. You've lost all your family, I wouldn't be surprised if you sold your own court for a chance to kneel between his legs."

He reached for his belt, nodding to the soldiers.

"Lock this hallway down, I think it's time she understands just what use she has. Perhaps my darling sister was right and we should have killed her when we killed the rest of the traitors. What has her beautify done for -"

The soldiers around her began to convulse, their heads bursting. She didn't have time for the finesse her mother and Isaiah had demanded of her.

They'd have wanted her up and fighting. She stood, turning away from William. He didn't follow her, only laughed as she walked away.

"Yes, go, go! Go crawl to your master Anastasiya. You're no longer the Red Queen, you're nothing by a painted whore -"

"Get a new insult William."

She moved through the last doorways and into Aleksandr's private rooms. She stared at the blood on her hands, felt it on the side of her face. She sighed, looking to the window. She wanted to lie down, if she closed her eyes she almost saw the dream they'd whispered of late at night.

A court and kingdom all their own. Maybe Jurian and Amarantha was right - he'd loved her, but he loved power more.

It just hurt more to think he couldn't share it with her. She would have shared it with him.

[siderealxmelody]

Were those tears? What was happening?

He growled stalking after her.

"Come back here! You don't -"

He winnowed in front of her and held his hands up.

"I want to be different I just - is it because I assumed?"

His mind was working faster, this was like one of those arguments with his sisters were they weren't actually angry about the actual topic. Which, why not just say that? Arguing with them was always confusing.

He lowered his hands and took another step toward her. he exhaled, he could try and he had a lot less to loose.

"I've been used by a lot of people in my life Natalia. Not you, never you. But - but I thought I was wrong, I thought I was misunderstanding the signs. No one has wanted me for me but what I can do. I - it's still hard for me to understand I am worthy of you, of being more than a body in your bed. It had everything to do with me and not you."

He stopped talking, there he had done it!

Sebastian had done just about whatever he could to not follow Natalia out to the lake after she'd woken up. He stared at the fire, the little cottage they'd found was at least warm now.

His body still hummed and he exhaled, rubbing at his hands. She'd be done with him now wouldn't she?

They'd been dancing around each other for a year. He wasn't used to having a female not just fall for his charm.

Though hadn't she in the end?

He took a sip of his water, he barely tasted it. He exhaled and rolled his shoulders back. He wasn't a coward.

He knew what he was signing up for, he'd been with the Ironborn for four years. It shouldn't matter he'd been with a few of them by now.

So why did Natalia's eventual reject him make him nauseous.

He walked outside, and down to the lake. The mists had almost burned of with coming sun. She had gotten a few fish and was throwing some back. Four years with them and he still couldn't tell which ones were bad or not.

They all looked the same.

"Oh good you're awake, can you take two of these to the - what's wrong with your face?"

He bit his lip and squatted next to the fish watching her watch him.

"Has anyway said told you you have such a way with words Natalia?"

Her eyes narrowed at him.

"Sebastian what's wrong?"

He nearly said nothing, he nearly told her to let it go. But the world of Ironborn wasn't court, and she wouldn't have asked if she didn't actually want to know. They didn't waste words on pretty words.

He exhaled and gently took two of the fish, feeling their little hearts pound against his fingers. A whisper of his magic and they went still.

"I'm just mentally bracing for you moving on. I liked last night but I know you don't do repeats and well,"

He stood staring down at her, at the fish now limp in his hands. He wanted to lie, but she'd see through that mask like always wouldn't she?

He tried to smile, it probably looked like a grimace. If he was going to loose her he may put all his cards on the table.

"I didn't want what we had last night to end. That's all, I'll get over it. What are you going to do with that big fish, it it a female?"

What was he going on about? That last night had to end, and he would get over it. And now he was trying to change the subject and act like what he said didn't mean anything.

Natalia stared at him, her brow furrowed as she was trying to make sense of what was going on through his mind. Did he think she just laid with someone and that was it? Did she think he done it out of pity, after all these years did he think she would throw away friendship and everything just like that?

"Did you hit your head, or are you that stupid?" She finally shot back at him, her own rage raising as she threw the fish back and stood up. "You thought I was just going to have sex with you and then walk away?"

Did he need her to dream it at him? Did he need her to yell it for all the world to hear? How could he not see it!

[siderealxmelody]

Anastasiya hid the smile as she moved through the halls. She knew that note would work, but her work wasn't done. She had to be delicate and not come off too -

"Anastasiya!"

She bit back a sigh as Will came toward her. He'd been trying to come to her chamber for a week. Aleksander was getting sloppy to let him still live.

He'd been through the war with them, the brother of the Queen. But it didn't seem to matter to anyone how he looked her.

It made her skin look at her. He shouldn't be the one looking at her like that. That she held his heart in his hands and could crush it.

Which she could but that wasn't the point.

"I'm late for a meeting with Aleksander. What is it -"

Will laughed, lurching toward her. He gripped her wrist, dragging her closer. His breath stank of wine and women.

Clearly he'd been having his own more wilder party tonight. And he apparently lost all sense if he was drinking like this. Even upstanding males had a breaking point.

But he was still a Prince, General of the armies - a War Hero. And no soldier or gaurd in this hallway moved as he dragged her backward.

"You're a whore you know that? How many years will you crawl after him? How many years will you act like the war didn't happen? How -"

"Let me go William."

"No."

His grip only tightened, he sneered down at her, turning to drag her toward his rooms. She dug her heels in but didn't use her magic - not yet. Even with all these men, even with all her noble blood.

Autumn was conquered land - she was nothing more than a figure head.

"William you're hurting me -"

"Shut the fuck up. You've endured worse! You -"

He flung her away, she stumbled, tripping over the hem of her dress. He glared down at her, he was a mean drink. The dark glint in his eyes brightened and he leered at her.

"You're so hopelessly in love with him even still. You've lost all your family, I wouldn't be surprised if you sold your own court for a chance to kneel between his legs."

He reached for his belt, nodding to the soldiers.

"Lock this hallway down, I think it's time she understands just what use she has. Perhaps my darling sister was right and we should have killed her when we killed the rest of the traitors. What has her beautify done for -"

The soldiers around her began to convulse, their heads bursting. She didn't have time for the finesse her mother and Isaiah had demanded of her.

They'd have wanted her up and fighting. She stood, turning away from William. He didn't follow her, only laughed as she walked away.

"Yes, go, go! Go crawl to your master Anastasiya. You're no longer the Red Queen, you're nothing by a painted whore -"

"Get a new insult William."

She moved through the last doorways and into Aleksandr's private rooms. She stared at the blood on her hands, felt it on the side of her face. She sighed, looking to the window. She wanted to lie down, if she closed her eyes she almost saw the dream they'd whispered of late at night.

A court and kingdom all their own. Maybe Jurian and Amarantha was right - he'd loved her, but he loved power more.

It just hurt more to think he couldn't share it with her. She would have shared it with him.

:: ANSWERED ASK ::

"He will grow tire of you, as he does with the others."

Anastasiya flinched and stepped away.

"You lie."

Jurian crossed his arms, held her eyes.

"You know I do not. We aren't children any longer Anastasiya. If you're the sacrifice for power...why wouldn't he take it. You're just one female."

------

She stared at the sky, the stars twinkling above. They were others, far too many people for her to say what she wished.

"They say you grow tire after the first night. No mistress last longer than a night with you. If you'd take me, just this once I'd consider it a great honor."

She smiled at him, the din of of courtiers probably not loud enough to hide her words.

"Besides I know a way around a male body. Aren't you tired of bedding virgins?"

But didn't she know everything she did because of how they'd been when they'd been younger? Before war and strife had destroyed all the good in them?

She slipped the note into his coat pocket as she left for her rooms. It had been years since that moment with Jurian on the terrace. She felt her fingers touch the bone necklace around her throat. The feeling of his aura still there, still alive.

Would the male she loved even be there? Did she want whatever version existed now?

Yes.

Yes she would not forget who he was. Even if maybe he had.

Aleksander if the male I know is still there seduce me. Write letters to me. And poems, I love poems. Ravish me with your words. Seduce me.

@siderealxmelody

Dark eyes barely move to watch her as she walks away, to follow her as she moves further down the halls, disappearing from his sight. Aleksander still feels her--sometimes. Like there's still a tiny, minuscule part of him buried somewhere that can remember what was.

Once upon a time.

But it also feels strange, foreign. Like it isn't him any longer. Like that feeling doesn't belong in him--not even in that tiny way anymore.

Most nights, he tires of the constant people around him. Vying for attention, for one favor or another. Tonight is no exception, and perhaps the rage is clear enough on his face even more than usual, for even the ones who don't normally take such a hint seem to do so this time.

Aleksander sits in front of the fire as the flames flicker, crackle as they eat up on the wooden logs in the hearth. Anastasiya's words repeating in his head, circling around and around. He had felt her hand slip against his coat, but he has yet to reach inside to see what she'd left.

He knows her well enough to know there is something. A note. A trinket.

Something.

Because she's still foolish enough to believe in him.

To want him.

But perhaps, if he does accept her offer, it will be enough. It will purge her from his system--purge everything of that past, that lingering and clinging emotion that won't go away--as well as serve the purpose of proving such to Anastasiya herself.

Aleksander knows it.

Anastasiya needs to accept it.

Fingers close around the note, Aleksander pulling it from his pocket and letting his dark eyes scan silently over the scripted words. Her handwriting just as beautiful as ever--

He shakes his head. That is not the point, he thinks, as Aleksander crumbles the note...

And tosses it into the flames, not even bothering to watch them eat it up just as quickly, burning it to ash.

❝ Send the Lady Anastasiya to my chambers, ❞ he commands one of the soldiers at the door, without even sparing them a glance as Aleksander strides back across the room. ❝ Tell her I'll be there shortly. ❞

[siderealxmelody]

"He didn't stop it."

Rhysand turned from them to Ramiel. He gestured to her, letting her words hang between the three of them.

He didn't question how or why they were here. Azriel's entire family didn't know the meaning of boundaries.

"I'm protecting her. If Azriel was true why not fight for her? He had ample opportunity to kill me, run away with her."

Ramiel inwardly flinched, her mind fading away from the scene. She could feel the yawning numbness, the peace it would provide.

She could forget everything, all of the -

Perhaps she hadn't meant anything after all. Perhaps it had never meant anything.

------

Azriel barely glanced at his cousins, every minute he stood here was another away from her. Who knew what poison Rhysand was whispering. He'd come so close to simply killing the male over the last couple months. But Ramiel would only ever see at as murder.

"Hurry up Keir, if you can't find whatever this document is in the next few minutes I'm walking."

He'd kill Rhysand anyway, he was done. He didn't give a damn about some document that his parents -

Keir straightened tossing the folder in the desk eyeing the three of them. His words were for Azriel though.

"Betrothal, you saved her twice -"

"Get to the point."

He'd be happy about that when Ramiel was afe in his arms, where she belonged.

Keir rolled his eyes and crossed his arms.

"Your parents and hers recognized the mate bond - they signed the papers to make sure Rhysand or Rhaenyra had to acknowledge it to accept Sebastian's and Natalia's family's aid."

Or face their retribution. Azriel gazed at it not really seeing it. He grabbed it and turned to his cousins, his fingers shook. He focused on Emelin, she was safe - she understood him.

"Did you see her? Is she okay? Did - did you all know?"

------

"-right Ramiel?"

Rhysand turned to her, frowning as she didn't react to him. He crouched in front of her.

"Ramiel?"

He reached for her mind, hissing as he pulled back. It was like a multi layered trap - barbed and cannibalizing itself.

"Rami do you not see what he's done to you?"

//For Ella or Eliza or Emelin//

It felt like a horrible nightmare, this thing that wouldn't end. Rhaenyra was in chains the crowd was jeering but silent. She couldn't - her dress fell too tight. Rhysand took their father's blade from Keir. He held it at his side as the charges were written. She shoved at the soldiers keeping her here, who had dragged her to the horrible, horrible scene.

"Rhysand stop! Stop! Please! Exile her! Send her away but please - please don't -"

Rhysand glared at her.

"Be silent. You are here to witness not speak Ramiel -"

She lunged harder twisting to see Azriel. He'd stop this wouldn't he? He'd stop all of this from -

"Azriel please? Please love don't let him do this. Don't let them -"

"You will watch Ramiel. You need to see the High Lord our brother will become."

Rhysand sneered down at Rhaenyra.

"You would have used her to win your war."

"You act like you wouldn't have used the most powerful Seer in generations to do the same Rhysand."

She'd flinched back into the soldiers holding her up. Rhysand didn't respond bringing the sword down. She watched her head roll, the silence and cheers. She would have had her knees buckle if the soldiers hadn't held her tighter.

Was that what they saw her as now? A weapon? Was that why her mother had taken her to the Illyrian mountains to recover?

---

Rhysand stared at Ramiel they'd put her away, Keir had had least done that to watch her not slit her throat.

"You called him love."

Ramiel stared at the fire, tears running down her face. Her grip tightening on the arms of the chair, her nails chopping.

"Are you going to say I'm delusional again? And I don't see what's there?"

"Did he defile you?"

She flinched staring up at him in horror.

"He is mine as Aelin is yours. How can it be a defiling?"

They came like a wave; the threat of their own blood was not something they took lightly. Even in the middle of this chaos, which had nothing to do with them, they would not allow Azriel to stand alone.

Her boots hit the floor with the wrath of the fury which flowed through her, her eyes bright purple as she allowed her power to flare around her. Two figures appeared on either side of her; Elizabeta stood tall and looked as if she was ready to enjoy herself, and Emelin was watching everyone around them.

"Find Azriel, ensure he is safe. If they think he has done anything he shouldn't with Ramiel, who knows what they'll do." Estrella told her sisters.

"And what of you Ella?" Emelin questioned.

"She's going to play Queen," Elizabeta grinned. "Who better to talk to a High Lord than someone on equal standing...Come Emelin."

Indeed, and at the moment Rhysand was surely proving himself. He was showing those around him that he was a man of power; he was in control. She turned from the fire and moved towards where they were fathered. Her eyes settled upom Remiel, a brief sight of sympathy went through her before her attention turned to Rhysand.

"Is this how you treat family Rhysand? For her go through a trauma that you should be protecting her from? Foresaking a potential mating bond and trying to make it sound that my cousin is not an honorable male?"