#The Price You Pay For Power

[nocasdatsgay]

The Price You Pay For Power Ch. 6

Pairing: Neris | Word Count: 2996 | Chapter Rating: T

Masterlist | Previous Chapter| Read here on ao3

Chapter Summary: Reception and an unexpected early morning guest

Warnings: none

A/N: dearest readers, I apologize for how long this took. I hope it lives up to wait. First divider is mine, scene dividers are by @tsunami-of-tears

Gen Tag list @mybestfriendmademe @hieragalbatorixdottir

Eris and Nesta walked out of the temple together, his arm looped tight around her own. 

“We’re going to a room outside the throne room. We wait for everyone to settle and then will be introduced to the court as a married couple.” He said in a low tone. She looked over at him but his eyes were straight ahead. “Then we have a week to ourselves.”

“Lovely,” she replied, frowning. “Now that we are wed, will I be sharing your bed chamber?” 

“Lucky for you, we won’t be forced to consummate the marriage until the next equinox. As is per my first born privileges.”

“So I won’t even be staying in your rooms? What about tonight?” 

She didn’t want to complain but her confusion was evident. It did not make sense for her to marry but wait for consummation. She expected a ploy or at worst to be forced. He didn’t answer her. He pushed past the door and remained quiet until they entered a small room down a hall that looked like the one she saw the day before. Once the door shut, he waved his hand and a spell fell over the room. 

He turned to her. “We will leave in the morning for my aunt’s cabin. It’s warded heavily and will prevent unwanted guests. We have a week to train you on your powers before we return.” 

“You didn’t answer me. Will we not have to consummate the marriage tonight?” 

“No. I told you my first born privilege allows me to wait.” He smirked at her, as if her ignorance was humorous. 

“They checked your brother’s wife. The marriage is not binding unless you fuck me.” She said, blunt in her tone. 

He looked off for a moment, thinking. His gaze returned to her own. 

“There were extenuating circumstances I can’t divulge at the moment, involving my brother and his bride. I assure you that’s not the norm. Still, I convinced Rhys to sign a contract to spare you that humiliation.” He said softly. 

“A marriage contract?” She whispered. Something about that made her stomach churn. “Is there anything else you have yet to tell me?”

“There isn’t enough time in the world to tell you everything that needs to be said.” He muttered, more so to himself. “But yes. A marriage contract. He signed you over to me, promising that the marriage alone would be binding no matter how long it took to officially confirm it was consummated. For what it’s worth, he didn’t hesitate to sign it.” He added that as if it made it better. 

“And your father was fine with that?” She didn’t see the advantage for Beron; and he was a man after any advantage he could get. 

He shrugged, hands clasped behind his back. “I promised we would participate in the Autumn Rite. It’s sacred and if performed without contraception in one’s system, it all but guarantees a pregnancy. In his mind, a grandchild with your power is far more worth the wait.”

She went to ask what the hells the Autumn Rite was but there was a knock at the door. Eris dismantled the ward and called out for them to come in. His brother’s wife, dressed in a bright green that didn’t fit Autumn’s coloring, came in. Nesta’s eyes went to her stomach, noting how flat it was compared to her sister’s. She wondered how far the female was along in her pregnancy. 

“They’re ready,” she smiled. 

As if she could read Nesta’s mind, she placed a hand on her stomach in a way that pressed the dress in. A small bump appeared, accentuated by how the dress was cut. 

“Thank you, Celeste.” Eris nodded. 

She smiled at Nesta. “You look beautiful, Nesta.” Her kind eyes were also out of place in this house rumored to be filled with horrors. 

Nesta smiled back. “Thank you.”

“Will you be dancing?” Celeste’s eyes cut to Eris, humor evident in them. “I heard in passing that your performance on the dance floor was a sight to see.” 

Nesta studied Eris. That was the second time someone she didn’t know mentioned her dancing. He seemed to be aloof, straightening the cuff of his sleeve.

“Have you been gossiping about me with the court, husband?” She asked.

Eris raised a brow, looking her in her eyes. “Whatever do you mean, wife?”

She shoved down the reaction to being called ‘wife’ when he was looking at her like that. Celeste laughed, drawing her gaze back to her. 

“He was very talkative when he came back from his trip to the Night Court. I’m shocked he didn’t warn you that your reputation precedes you.” 

Nesta looked back over quick enough to see him glare at her for just a moment. That glare turned to a smirk when he looked at Nesta. 

“Why do you think I asked to marry you, Nesta? It’s hard to find a good dance partner in Autumn. All the good ones are unavailable.” He cut his eyes to his sister-in-law. 

“Flirt,” Celeste teased. “Come along before they send Ash to get us. He’s getting grumpy because he hasn’t eaten; I told him not to skip breakfast but he never listens.”

Nesta could hear outside the door the bustle of people inside. She nervously straightened her gown as she waited silently by Eris. She wondered if more came for the reception than was present for the ceremony, or if she had been too dazed to realize how many were actually present in that temple. 

She also wondered if Elain and Rhys stayed. She wouldn’t begrudge them if they didn’t. She’d leave immediately if she had the option. The door handle brought her out of her thoughts as it twisted. Her heart pounded in her ears. Then she felt a very warm hand clasp her own. She looked down as Eris laced his fingers between her own. There was something soothing about the motion. 

He leaned down close to her face and whispered softly, “You may be a Vanserra now, but you’re still Nesta Archeron. Make sure everyone knows it.” 

She swore for a moment there was fire in his eyes. Then it was gone. She squeezed his hand tighter and nodded slightly. Then she faced the door, back stiff as a rod. She heard him chuckle beside her. The bustle on the other side of the door quieted. She could feel her heart quicken, blood roaring in her ears. Why this felt worse than walking down the aisle of the temple, she was uncertain. 

Time moved like the syrup from the trees in summertime. 

The door opened. Her gaze unfocused as someone, a guard, made introductions. A round of applause erupted in the room. Eris kept his warm grip on her and she was hyper aware of the way his thumbs ran along her knuckles. It was soothing in a way. She finally focused, looking at the sea of faces and eyes boring into her soul. Her sister and Rhysand were nowhere to be seen. She buried her disappointment. 

“May I have a dance first?” Eris smirked as the band started up on the other end of the room. “Since everyone knows your reputation?” 

“I don’t know Autumn dances,” she hissed, frowning at him. 

“I would not embarrass you like that; it’s the one we danced to in Hewn City.” 

Nesta blinked and indeed recognized the song. She nodded and took his hand. She almost believed his smile to be genuine as he led her to the center of the room. 

The next few minutes were some of the best of her life. 

She got lost in the steps, grinning as they both flowed along the dance floor together. He added a few lifts during some of their turns together, making her laugh for the first time since she came to Autumn. And just like in Hewn City, she did her spins, just as many as she dared then. He caught her as the song ended, grabbing her waist and twirling her one last time as her feet and dress glided on the floor. 

The entire room was silent when the orchestra ended. Eris was smiling at her- a true smile and she grinned back, catching her breath. Then the room erupted into applause. She glanced around the room, shock and awe on some of the faces in the crowd. A glance over to the family, they were grinning- even the brothers. 

Then her gaze met Beron’s.

Pure will power kept her grin from not faltering. A chill went down her spine. She knew that look he gave her. Too well. Her mind flashed to Tomas, the wild look he had in his eyes when he tried to- she blinked and Beron was no longer looking at her. If Eris noticed her stiffness, he didn’t comment. He led them to that table at the head of the room. 

“Nesta, your performance was breathtaking!” Áine stood and reached over the table to take her hand. “Eris did not under sell your talent.” 

“Indeed,” Beron stood beside his wife. Nesta was weary but didn’t show it. He looked bored now- she wondered if she imagined his gaze earlier. “We may require you to teach a class for the courtiers. The cauldron knows some of them need it.” 

“I would not be opposed,” Nesta laughed softly. 

Beron hummed and looked at Eris. “You’re free to take your seats. I’m sure your wife would like a respite after that performance.” 

Eris nodded and without a word to the others, tugged Nesta over to a separate small table. The table was already set, the food still hot. She eyed the glass of wine wearily as she took a bite of food off her plate.

“Is there a reason you avoid wine?” She turned her head sharply to Eris, who was staring at his plate. “You can request water, you know. No one will begrudge you for it.” 

She thought for a moment then replied, “I'm not allowed to have alcohol.”

Eris stilled and turned to her. Those sharp amber eyes narrowed. 

“While here, you may do as you wish.” He then went back to eating. “If you wish to have water, simply request it.” 

She bristled. “May I have water then, husband?” 

“Of course, wife.” He snapped his fingers. A servant brought a goblet over. He sat it in front of her. “There.” 

“Thank you.” She didn’t have it in her to be sarcastic. She drank a sip of water, relieved he didn’t pressure her to take the wine. 

“You’re welcome.” A lapse of silence passed. He added dryly, “Courtiers will start coming over to congratulate us. Brace yourself for the most mundane small talk you’ll ever partaken in.” 

Nesta giggled which made his mouth tick up slightly. Sure enough as they ate, others made their way over to offer their congratulations. Each time one would leave, Eris would lean over and whisper to her. 

“That was Lord Silas, he’s from the northern end of the court bordering winter. He had three girls in a row until his wife finally had a boy. The boy looks like his brother, Lord Granton, but they don’t talk about it.” 

Nesta covered her mouth and snorted. Another male came up, one who Eris seemed genuinely pleased to see. She looked at him when he walked away. 

“That was Mikel, the son of Lord Tristan. He’s trustworthy. His father, however, stays up my father’s ass as if it will grant him some favor.”

After the meal and learning about each of the courtiers, the Eris’s brothers came up to give their congratulations. Piran seemed less meek than at the temple, possibly from wine with how his cheeks were tinted pink. Cillian did not smile, going as far as to glare at Nesta. Eris hissed a threat to which he apologized and bowed. 

Asher and Celeste came up, Celeste’s arm wrapped tightly around her husband’s. Asher didn’t appear thrilled to be in his wife’s presence. Nesta glanced over at Eris. Is that what they would look like to others? While they played this game? She glanced back and her eyes dropped to the hand Celeste had placed on her stomach. 

“When are you due?” Nesta asked, completely derailing whatever small talk Eris and his brother were making. 

“When am I due?” Celeste’s face etched with confusion.

“In seven months time, correct?” Eris asked. 

“Nearly six,” Asher gave his brother a pointed look. “We married four months ago. The baby was a sudden but pleasant surprise.” 

“Yes, six and half months to go.” Celeste replied softly. “I apologize. Edith warned me that my mind may be foggy during the pregnancy. Happens more often than I care to admit.”

Nesta nodded. “Do you know what you’re having?” 

“A Vanserra,” she laughed.

“A boy,” Asher smiled and looked over to her. “My wife likes to think she’s clever.” 

“I am clever,” Celeste retorted. 

“I didn’t say you weren’t.” He cleared his throat. “Congratulations to you both. We will turn in for the night.”

“I told him he could stay but he doesn’t listen,” Celeste half whispered to Nesta. “I tire so easily now.” 

Nesta smiled back politely, bidding them good night. She looked over to see Eris take a swing of his wine. 

“Another dance?” He looked at her with a soft smile. “I’ll teach you an Autumn one if it means I don’t have to greet another courtier.”

“I suppose that would be acceptable,” she feigned indifference. 

“There will be cake after,” Eris added. 

She went to protest but remembered what he told her earlier. “Cake sounds lovely.”

Despite leaving the party late into the night, the next morning she awoke before the two maids could bombard her rooms. She was nervous. Nervous about the training and nervous about Beron. Nesta worried her thumb, chewing on the nail as she paced in her nightgown. It still didn’t feel real, even with the awareness of the band on her finger. She had resigned to changing and getting ready to depart. But as she walked to the bathing chambers, she felt it. 

A shift in the air. 

She watched a dark mass crawl along the floor. Her heart kept to her throat. With a twirl she turned. In the corner of the room, a dark mass had formed. That dark mass had two hazel eyes, staring at her intensely. She could have fallen to the floor. 

“Az,” tears welled in her eyes. 

“Nesta.” 

She ran across the room to him as he appeared, wrapping her arms around his neck. She could feel him hesitate before hugging her back. He squeezed her tight. After a moment he loosened his grip and she stepped back from him, his shadows in a flurry with one chasing after her before returning back. He shuffled where he stood, not looking her in the eyes. 

“They didn’t tell me what happened until I returned this morning. I had hoped they lied but,” his voice trailed off. 

She wiped the tears from her eyes. That was when she noticed the bruises on him. “What happened,” she reached out, fingers tracing his purple cheek. 

“I lost my temper.” He replied. He didn’t elaborate further. 

She didn’t press the subject further. “Why are you here? Did- did Cassian send you?”

“No.” Azriel scowled. “He told me not to come.” Her heart sank. Shadows flurried faster. “Nesta, why didn’t you say no?” 

“No?” She stepped back further. “I did say no!” Fists balled at her side, her tears turned angry. “I wasn’t given a choice.” 

Azriel stared at her, baffled. “He said you agreed-“ 

“Yes, I agreed in the end. Despite what you all think of me, I am not a monster who lets her sister perish if there is a way to stop it.”

“No one thinks you’re a monster, Nes.” Az brushed his hair back with his hand, blue siphon shining in the far lights. “We can leave right now. I’ll handle Rhys. He knows this place is dangerous. Eris is dangerous. We will find someone else to help with the baby.” 

“And you’ll start a war. You are too late. I’m already married.” 

“What?” His eyes widened and he looked down at her hand. 

“Beron changed his mind and Rhys signed the contract. Apparently the last female from Night Court engaged to Eris ended up embarrassing the family. If I leave with you, you’ll be charged with kidnapping the wife of the heir of Autumn.” 

Azriel had the audacity to look pained. Like it hurt him deeply to see her chained to the place. In her heart she knew it was just anger that she was tied to his enemy. And the mention of what Mor did.  

She added, “I can handle Eris.”

“If he lays a hand on you, I don’t care about the laws.” Azriel growled, siphon on his chest flashing. 

“Eris will not hurt me. He’s made that very clear.” Az looked skeptical but she wasn’t going to waste her breath convincing him. “Did Cassian really tell you not to come?” 

He nodded solemnly. “He said you were strong and could handle it.” 

She narrowed her gaze and crossed her arms. “And you think otherwise?” 

“I think just because you can handle something doesn’t mean you should have to. I’m sorry Nesta. Cass should have told Rhys no. I should have been there.” Az tucked his wings in tight, suddenly tense as his shadows flurried again. “Did Rhys really sign a contract?” 

“Do your shadows claim I lie or are you so daft you think he wouldn’t?” She replied sharply. 

“I-“ Azriel paused and his body stiffened. “Someone is coming. I’ll tell Cassian I sent my shadows to check on you. If you call for me, the shadows will hear you. Remember that.”

Before she could even say goodbye he stepped back into his shadows and they enveloped him. He disappeared like a sheen of smoke. 

[thymejot]

I genuinely believe Agatha still has the tiniest lil spec of the Wandas power.

Chaos can not be contained once it is unleashed. Wanda throwing power at Agatha to distract her from her rune writing gave her that spark.

You cannot put the chaos toothpaste back into the tube once you have squeezed most of it out.

Also, there is no way Agatha has walked the road before. She obfuscates every time it is brought up, walks off, lies,or changes the subject.

The only coven she ever had was the one she consumed.

Unless she walked it with Rio, which seems unlikely, though possible, with that "coven two" line mixup.

[reality-detective]

Country music legend Willie Nelson and Margo Price made a video urging voters to select Democrats candidates in Tennessee in Texas to replace Senator Marsha Blackburn and Senator Ted Cruz while encouraging everyone to vote early while reading from a script. 🤔

[foggyfanfic]

Mirabel Thoughts

Writing from the perspective of a villager and trying to decide how the different Madrigals look from the outside, and Mirabel is the one I’m having a hard time pinning. As usual, putting the thoughts to screen helps.

So obviously Mirabel doesn’t receive the same level of admiration as Isabela or Abuela, and she doesn’t seem to be relied upon as heavily as Luisa and Julieta. The warm color branch of the family seems to be high charisma, so they’re probably popular in the more traditional sense. And of course we know that Bruno is the least liked Madrigal. So what social niche is Mirabel fulfilling?

She doesn’t seem to be disliked, although she is shown to be pitied by the villagers (the “not special” special), she’s probably looked down upon just a little. She probably had to deal with some bullying from other kids, but not Complete Social Pariah levels. The threat of being the next Bruno is looming over her head but she’s not quite there yet.

I think, since she must fall somewhere on the middle of Popular to Pariah scale, she’s the sort of person who gets voted Everybody’s Best Friend in school. Idk if you had any one like this at your school, but when I was fifteen I had a few people who I didn’t think of as popular because they weren’t endlessly charismatic, constantly the center of attention, or noticeably cooler than the rest of us. But looking back, everyone liked them because they were just so nice. I’m picturing the girl who eventually ended up being voted Homecoming Queen for my grade specifically. I’ll name drop because it wasn’t her legal name and it’s a very common one.

So, Mary had a lot in common with Mirabel. She was intelligent, easy to talk to, and always happy to help. I didn’t think of her as being glamorously beautiful the same way Mirabel isn’t designed to be the next Disney Princess, but she was pretty and Mirabel is too. I didn’t think of her as being cool or an A-list kid or anything because she sometimes said things in an awkward way, or embarrassed herself, like Mirabel falling over stuff in the movie. While there were people that felt “cool” and who I therefore wanted to impress, Mary was just plain old pleasant to be around, I wanted to talk to her because I felt comfortable around her and enjoyed our conversations. And I thought of her as a friend because she treated me like a friend, she treated everybody like a friend, even people I thought sucked. She was very much down to earth and probably a lot more mature than I was at the time. I remember being pleasantly surprised to see her name on the ballot for homecoming queen, and even more so when she beat out the girl who fell more in line with what TV told me popular looks like. It really reframed the way I saw people. While it’s true that snobs and bullies sometimes gain social currency by convincing people they’re at the top of the ladder, being a genuine friend gets you farther than you realize.

I doubt Mirabel is a one to one comparison to this real world person I knew in high school, but I figure she probably has similar social standing. She has the social currency of being a Madrigal, then add in the fact that she would seem so much more down to earth than the other Madrigals while still being friendly and helpful, and you end up with a Mary. People probably don’t flock to her, but if I were fifteen and in the Encanto you could bet your ass I’d be happy to sit with her at lunch or see her at a party. I’m sure impressionable young me would be just as star struck as the rest of the villagers when it comes to Camilo and Isabela, and wiser adult me would of course want to hang out with Bruno, but I would be pleasantly surprised to see Mirabel’s name on the ballot for Harvest Festival Queen or whatever, and I would vote for her because “that’s my friend”.

Furthermore, Mirabel reminds me of somebody who has some sorta neurodivergence but flies under the radar with it. Considering the Madrigals seem to have a family history of anxiety disorders, Mirabel could too, autism is also in the running since Bruno and Antonio both show signs of it. She does remind me of a guy I knew at college #2 who had an anxiety disorder that bordered on being a physical disability rather than straight neurodivergence. For the most part his anxiety didn’t bother him, then every once in a while his body would decide “Ok! It’s panic attack time!” and he would start experiencing all the physical symptoms of a panic attack with no warning. The first time it happened to him he straight up thought he was having a heart attack because it was so out of no where. He was also not cool, but very kind and friendly, so I’m going to choose to believe that’s what Mirabel has going on. This figures into the equation because I’ve noticed that neurodivergent folks that fly under the radar usually get labeled as “quirky” and it’s considered a good trait, a relatable trait, but not necessarily a cool trait.

Conclusion: I am now convinced that Mirabel is considered the least “popular” Madrigal, but everybody sees her as their friend. She probably has the most genuine connections with the other residents of Encanto, followed by Félix and Agustín, then Luisa and Pepa (who work with the villagers doing odd jobs or watering the crops), then Alma and Dolores (Alma having real friends from before she was A Big Deal, and Dolores having earned a few very loyal friends by keeping their secrets), then Camilo and Julieta each have one or two friends outside the family but are much beloved/admired in a more superficial way, then Isabela is the most popular but also technically the most lonely since not even her family gets hints at her real self until after the movie. Bruno is, of course, in a league of his own because he’s in the walls, so yeah. And Antonio is five, so it’s a little too soon to judge.

[vigilskeep]

my beautiful son who i love even when his modded hair tints malfunction

[k-i-l-l-e-r-b-e-e-6-9]

Savatage - The Price You Pay

[mefistophallic]

Removing the aux jacks from audio equipment was such a fucking scam and we all just let them do it

[rearranging-deck-chairs]

déjà vu

[idk-i-just-really-like-tsc]

realizing that now that we don’t talk is EXTREMELY kit and ty coded is causing me to spiral at this hour

[nimmo-tube-cheese]

Plot prediction, Ozzy is being compelled by The Three. Not quite possessed, but not in complete control either. He’s being led on a self destructive string.

[nocasdatsgay]

The Price You Pay For Power Ch. 5

Pairing: Neris | Chapter Rating: T | Word Count: 4493

Story Summary: Eris revises his bargain with Rhysand: Nesta for Autumn Healers. He agrees and Nesta is sent to Autumn under the guise as Eris’s new bride in order to assist with removing Beron for good. Now she has to navigate a new court and also decide just how much she will trust her new husband.

CW: None

Chapter Summary: Wedding Day!

Read it here on AO3| Previous Chapter| Masterpost

A/N: if the vows are icky that’s on purpose. Also I had to replace Áine because it copied over wrong and I wanted to die by the time this is posted. I don’t think the photo below is going to appear smaller so. Oh well I am attempting dividers. I apologize in advance.

Nesta awoke early to the sounds of movement in her room. For a moment she panicked; unfamiliar scents and the sounds of more than one person made her heart race. Then she remembered. She sat up to find the two servants from yesterday in her room.  

“Lady Nesta,” one noticed her first and curtsied by the bed. “Your fitting is in an hour. The dress is being set up in the sitting room. The Lady of Autumn requested she be present.”

The girl did not look her in the eyes. She felt guilty for already forgetting their names. The quiet one scurried off to the bathing room. She could hear water being run. 

“Thank you,” Nesta whispered. 

As she gained her senses, she remembered their names: Opal and Lynn. As yesterday, she bathed- they insisted despite her protests. They also insisted she wash her hair. Nesta sarcastically asked how she was supposed to let that much hair dry before the ceremony only to be informed there was a way to dry it with magic. Begrudgingly, she did as requested. 

She was given a soft amber colored robe to cover herself with. They indeed used magic to dry her hair; Lynn used her hands, hovering them over her hair until they dried in perfect curls. They said it was Autumn fashion to wear it down. She didn’t argue with them. Opal was the one who wove in pearl pins, with a golden rose clipped on the right side of her hair. Nesta hated that she liked it despite preferring her hair up. Magic was used to keep it styled. 

She was finally allowed out of her room and she entered the sitting room to see it rearranged. In the corner was a privacy divider. A small riser was where the table originally stood. Her eyes widened as she took in the stand behind it. The wedding dress was beautiful. The color like ivory minerals from the mountains she’d only seen in pictures in books. The top was modest with long sheer sleeves, with a corset bust and A-line skirts that flowed out. Near the bottom there was orange and gold stitching in the shape of vines and leaves.

“Do you like it?” A soft voice startled her. 

She turned and saw The Lady stood behind her. Nesta had never been this close to her before. She was beautiful, auburn hair in soft waves cascading down over her shoulders. Her russet eyes were bright despite the shadows under them. Nesta wasn’t this close last night to see there was a hollowness in her cheeks. She wondered if her appearance was the future that awaited her if she stayed in this court too long. 

“It’s beautiful,” Nesta replied honestly. 

“I wish Lord Rhysand had allowed you to come try it on,” she looked past Nesta at the gown. “I’m sure your sisters would have loved to see you in it. After.” She paused. “My son deserved an engagement period. However, his father was of the opinion this might be another trick of the Night Court. We’ve already had a tarnished betrothal. Beron does not want to risk another.” 

Mor. She had forgotten about her past with Autumn and Eris. Now the push to wed her off to Eris and keep her made sense. Nesta went to ask what happened with that engagement, to hear the Lady’s version of events but a knock interrupted her. A stout female entered with a covered basket. 

“Lady Áine, good to see you,” the female curtsyed. “Lady Nesta.”

This female did not lower her gaze like Opal and Lynn. Her hair was red with a touch of grey though she didn’t look much older than Nesta herself. It was the fine lines around her small russet eyes that gave any indication of her age. Nesta also realized she called the Lady of Autumn by her name: Áine. 

“This is my seamstress,” Lady Áine said with a soft smile. “Meri will help you into the dress and see if any changes are needed.”

“Pleasure to meet you, Meri,” Nesta nodded. 

“Pleasure’s mine dear,” she smiled back. “Any female willing to marry that rake of a boy has my utmost respect.”

Nesta’s eyes widened at her candor but Áine laughed. A true laugh she didn’t think was possible given the circumstances. 

“Now Meri, you’ll scare my new daughter in law into changing her mind,” Áine joked with a soft giggle. 

“If she’s half the female I’ve heard about, then it’ll take more than my nonsense to scare her off.” 

“And what have you heard of me,” Nesta furrowed her brows. 

Meri looked her over, as if she was debating with herself. 

“I heard you’re quite the dancer.” Nesta blinked, not expecting that. “Let’s get you in that dress, shall we?” 

Meri ushered her behind the screen and helped her into the dress. It fit. Almost too well, in Nesta’s opinion. There was a mirror behind the divider for her to see it first. She looked the part of a princess her mother envisioned for her so many decades ago. When she walked around the screen the Lady was sitting on the couch, legs crossed with a book in hand. She looked up and gasped, a grin forming. 

“Oh Nesta,” Áine placed the book down and watched her as Meri helped her onto the riser. “Oh it’s perfect. You’re beautiful.” 

Nesta pushed down the well of emotions building in her chest. Áine was looking up at her proudly. Like a mother should when seeing her daughter in a wedding gown. But Áine was not her mother. This wasn’t a real wedding. But maybe she could pretend selfishly. Just this once. She gave her a polite smile in return while Meri went to work and circled around her once to look her over. 

“Hold up your arm.” 

She did as instructed. Meri started pinning fabric along her forearm to tighten the fit. She then did the same with the other. Áine filled the silence by making small conversation and commentating every now and then on something Meri missed. That left Nesta to stand in relative silence which she didn’t mind. A few minutes passed and Meri stood up.

“Not too bad; a few quick changes- nothing drastic. I’ll return with it in a few hours.” Meri smiled at her.

She helped Nesta off the riser. Behind the screen she eased the dress off of Nesta, mindful of the pins she placed. Once Nesta was back in her robe, Meri bid them both a good morning and promised to return when it was time. That left her alone with Áine again. The older female must have sensed her unease, as she patted the seat on the couch next to her. Nesta sat down beside her and Áine placed a hand over her own. 

“You’re brave, Nesta Archeron.” She whispered, eyes pleading with Nesta to read between her words. “The walls have ears, so I shall not say more.”

“Thank you.” What else was there to say? Nesta decided to change the subject. “I am not familiar with fae weddings. Would you mind going over the ceremony with me?” 

Áine nodded. “I think we should have some tea first.” 

Without much effort, she used magic to make a tray appear. A tea pot, two cups, a cream pitcher and sugar. There was also more fruit and what looked like small sandwiches. Áine served the tea. Nesta looked away when the sleeve of her dress rose up her arm. She was too afraid of what she might accidentally see. 

“Sugar?” She asked, bringing Nesta’s attention back to her. 

“No thank you,” she replied politely. 

Nesta was given a look that she could only describe as a stern mother’s knowing look. However she did not add sugar as requested. She handed Nesta the cup and saucer and poured her own. 

“My husband will have to escort you, since you have no family here to present you.” 

Nesta leaned into her tea cup to keep from spitting out the carpet. Gods she would have to endure Beron again. She continued. 

“There will be a priestess. She will recite the vows in the Autumn tongue and bind your hand to my son’s with a silk ribbon. You’ll make your own vows to each other. Then we will hold a reception.” 

“Will I need to prepare vows?” Her anxiety tumbled in the pit of her stomach. 

Áine shook her head. “There is a standard vow of the Vanserra family. The priestess will speak it and ask you to repeat it.”

That felt like a weight removed from her shoulders. Though her anxiety didn’t fizzle. She at least didn’t have to worry about fumbling to remember, she still needed to make sure she didn’t mess up. Áine seemed to sense the whirling in her mind. She sat down her cup and sauce and gave her a soft smile. 

“Tell me Nesta, do you like to read?”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A knock came. Nesta looked up from the Sellyn Drake book she’d been reading for the last few hours. It felt too early to be getting ready but she‘d been reading for some time. She placed the book Lady Áine had given her, opened and facedown to save her spot onto the table. She tightened her robe just in case and opened the door. Before her was one of the brothers. Asher. Up close, she could see he looked more like his mother than Beron. And while she had called him stalky, she realized it was simply that he was more broader in the shoulders than the Eris. He did not greet her with a smile. 

“I brought you a visitor.” 

He stepped to the side and Nesta inhaled sharply. 

“Elain?”

Her sister came up and embraced her tightly. Nesta was in too much of a shock to do much other than hug her in return. 

“I’ll leave you to it,” Asher grumbled.

He left and Elain let her go, so Nesta stepped aside to let her in and shut the door. She stared at her sister as she looked around the room, eerily calm while she took in her surroundings. Nesta noted she wore a warm yellow dress- like the color of the leaves that littered the ground when she arrived. 

”What are you doing here?” Nesta finally found her voice. 

Elain turned to her, her expression neutral. “Rhys is with the High Lord. He will be joining us shortly.”

Nesta blinked. “Rhysand is here?”

“It would have looked poorly for your family to not be present. I believe that is the excuse he’s giving Beron. Really, we didn’t want you to do this alone.”

Nesta felt her heart harden, her features returning to the stony demeanor she so casually used her whole life. She saw the flash of fear in her sister’s eyes as she braced herself for the worst Nesta could offer. And yet Nesta could not force herself to be angry, she couldn’t even force herself to remain steady with a cool indifference. 

“Will it just be you and Rhys?” She asked instead and Elain nodded. “Cassian didn’t wish to attend?”

”He would have slaughtered everyone in attendance.” Elain whispered. “He wanted to come. Rhys talked him out of it. He asked him to stay with Feyre.” That did nothing to ease the knot in her stomach. “Azriel has not returned yet. Feyre, well she’s with healers as we speak, not that she’s allowed to winnow.”

Right, the healers that Nesta was bargained for. She wondered how Eris snuck them out with the wedding. Maybe they would return in time to not even be missed. Elain sat down on the closest end of the couch. She looked up at her sister with her sad doe eyes. 

“Rhys has no idea the consequences of the decisions he is making.”

Nesta frowned. “What do you mean?” 

Elain didn’t answer her question. She stared at the empty dress holder. Instead, she asked another of her own. 

“Is your gown being tailored?” 

“It is.” 

Nesta went around and took her place back on the opposite end of the couch, curling up on it while ensuring the robe stayed in place. She thenpicked her book back up and opened it. It felt rude to ignore her sister but what else did she have to say? 

“Are these your permanent quarters?” Elain asked as if to spite her for trying to read. 

“I hope so. His are across the hall. I shutter to think about being forced to share a bed every night with him.” 

“He’s no worse than what you bedded in Valeris.” 

Nesta’s head jerked up and Elain bursted out with a laugh. Nesta kicked her which made Elain laugh harder. 

“I am not wrong,” she giggled. 

Surprisingly, Nesta laughed too. She couldn’t remember the last time her and Elain acted like true sisters. It was long before their mother passed. If Nesta was honest with herself, it was nice Elain wasn’t handling her with gloves. Or worse, for Nesta to be too defensive. 

“I suppose not,” she sighed, her laughter dying down.

They spent the next hour talking, Elain asking subtle questions about Nesta’s time at the house so far. She explained how dinner was interesting but didn’t go into detail beyond the brothers rude remarks. If the Lady was right and the walls had ears, she had to be careful. Even Eris had warned once already. 

“Your hair is beautiful. Do you do it yourself?” Elain’s gaze went to the rose clip. 

“Opal and Lynn did my hair. They’re a lot like Nuala and Cerridwen. They don’t really talk to me.” She shifted uncomfortably. “Opal talks the most. I think I only heard Lynn tell me her name.”

“They will open up to you, I’m sure.” Elain gave a polite smile. 

Another knock came. This time she didn’t have to wonder who it was. She put her book away, resigned to reading it later and answered the door. As expected Asher had once again came this time with Rhysand. 

“Rhys,” Nesta greeted him with no emotion, letting him into the room. 

“Nesta.” He nodded in return. 

They were silent, the three of them, once the door shut. So much it was almost deafening. Rhys sighed loudly and took a seat on the couch. Nesta wanted to roll her eyes. 

“Are you to walk me down the aisle?” Nesta asked, crossing her arms. “Or however the customs for weddings are in this realm?”

”Yes, Nesta.” He glanced up at her. He looked tired but not as tired as he did before she left. “I know that I haven’t been the kindest to you. But I am eternally grateful for what you’re doing.”

”I’m not doing it for you,” she hissed back. 

“I know. For that I am even more grateful.”

She bristled even if she didn’t understand why it bothered her so. She was certainly not sitting next to him. So she held her robe tight and grabbed the chair that had been pushed to the side and brought it forward. When she was seated, she looked over to him again. 

“Beron asked me to show him where Velaris was when I arrived. I told him I couldn’t read a map.”

Rhys and Elain both snorted a laugh. Nesta decided right then she may as well come clean and admit the other things she said. 

“I also told him I wasn’t allowed to leave the house as punishment, when he asked how the governing system worked for Velaris.” Their laughter stopped and she stared at the floor. “I- I said some things about Feyre I didn’t mean. I also said you were jumping at the chance to be rid of me.” 

“That’s why he was shocked to see us.” She could feel Rhys staring at her, probably glaring. His tone however was neutral when he said, “Thank you for protecting the city, Nesta.”

She looked up in shock. “You’re not angry with me?” 

“I’m too tired to be angry,” Rhy shrugged, picking at his suit. “Beron has already put forth his demands now that our courts are ‘better aligned’. I told him I was only here because my mate insisted someone be present. If he wanted to talk business, we would do it later.”  

Thankfully there was yet another knock. Nesta didn’t have to bother getting the door this time, even as she stood to answer it. Meri came in and abruptly halted as the door shut. 

“Oh,” Meri’s eyebrows rose on her forehead. She curtsyed deep in front of Rhys. “High Lord. I wasn’t expecting-“

“It’s alright,” Rhys waved a hand as Meri straightened herself back up. “I wanted to surprise my sister. No one knew we’re coming.” 

It didn’t seem to put her at ease. She glanced nervously at Nesta and Nesta nodded in return. 

“Well, it’s a good thing you’re here. Made a few adjustments, but it should fit her just right.” Meri waved her hand and the dress appeared on the stand. 

Elain gasped, looking it over. “Oh Nesta, that’s beautiful.” 

“Wait until you see it on her,” Meri said proudly. 

Nesta wished Áine had returned with her, as she followed Meri behind the screen. She couldn’t blame her for not wanting to be in the same room as Rhys. Which made Nesta resent him just a little bit more. Meri helped her into the dress; the small changes made it so it fit her even better than before. She came around the screen while Meri held up the train and Elain gasped again. There were tears in her sister's eyes. Like this was the only wedding dress Nesta would ever be in. Even Rhys smiled. There was a scratch at her mental wall. She opened it and heard Feyre. 

Nesta, you’re beautiful. She could hear tears in her sister's voice. 

Thank you.

I love you Nesta. I love you so much. I need you to know that- 

Nesta shut the window in her mind. Any longer and hearing Feyre cry would leave her a sobbing mess as well. Besides, Nesta didn’t deserve that confession of love from Feyre. Not really. It would take more than marrying the enemy for Nesta to deserve an ounce of her love. So she held head high and pretended Rhys wasn’t frowning at her for shutting out Feyre.

“Everything appears to be in order,” Meri said and took one last walk around Nesta. Nesta forced a smile as she came back around. “The captain will escort you and your family to the temple, at the request of Lord Eris.”

“Captian?” Rhys asked, leaning his elbows onto his knees. As if it would make him less threatening. 

“Captain of the guard,” she replied curtly. “He’s outside the door.” If Rhys was offended by her response he didn’t show it. “Shall I let him in? The ceremony is soon.”

“Of course,” Rhys spoke for them.

It was a blessing she kept her eyes from rolling. Meri curtsyed before wishing Nesta the best of luck and left out the door. As promised a male entered. He had brown hair and deep brown eyes, though he was not as pale as the rest of those in Autumn. 

The male bowed. “I’m Captain Rowen Garlian, the general gave me the pleasure of escorting this beautiful female to the temple.” 

“General?” Nesta frowned, noting how her stomach flipped, immediately thinking of Cassian. 

“Lord Eris,” he replied. 

“Right, apologies,” she said. 

Eris was a general? The cauldron was surely making fun of her at this point. A scrap came against her mind walls. She wanted to ignore it but opened a window against her better judgment. 

You’re supposed to be happy, so maybe act like it. Rhys hissed into her mind. 

She slammed her walls shut. As if she had forgotten. If there were still gods they surely hated Nesta, for her to have to suffer these men- males, she corrected herself- like this. Elain stood, drawing her attention. She seemed worried but quickly schooled her features. 

“Shall we?” 

Politeness never sounded forced from her. 

Before they left Rhys threw some magic on her- to keep the dress clean or so he said. She opted to believe it when Elain nor the guard had any comments. It was a long and quiet walk. They saw no one in the halls as they passed, which Nesta found strange. They followed the captain out a different door than the main hall entrance. 

She was again struck by how beautiful the trees in autumn were. Just ahead across a wide path was the temple. It too, looked to be a large tree, the stones covered in moss and a grove in the back with the leaves casting a silhouette. There was a male at the door as they approached. It was Piran, she remembered. Unlike last night he was far more subdued, not looking any of them in the eyes. It made Nesta sick to her stomach. 

“High Lord,” he bowed. “If you will come wait in the foyer, I will escort Lady Elain to her seat.” 

Elain turned and came up to Nesta. She gave her a soft kiss on the cheek. She then followed Piran into the temple and behind them, her and Rhysand followed. The captain did not follow them in. It was a small closed off foyer, sconces all on the walls to illuminate where there were no windows. Piran held out his arm and together they slipped through the door. Nesta was standing too far to the left to see inside but heard the chatter. 

She wanted to vomit. 

“You can do this,” Rhys whispered. “I believe in you.” 

“I’m surprised,” Nesta whispered back. “Considering you think I fuck everything else up.” 

Rhys rolled his eyes but didn’t respond. Piran came back out and wordlessly nodded to them. Rhys held out his arm and Nesta begrudgingly took it. They came to the door and the sanctuary was full, everyone silencing as she appeared in the doorway with Rhys. Only a soft piano played to fill the silence. Her stomach flipped again as all eyes went to her but she bit the inside of her cheek.

She held her head high and focused her gaze forward on the Priestess ahead. Her heart ached for Gwyn and Emerie, wishing they could be there for her. As she walked arm in arm with Rhysand, she dared to glance at Eris. She could admit he looked handsome. The outfit he adorned was different from his usual attire. A long, sleeveless burnt orange robe with what seemed to be red detailing. Under that was a long sleeved white shirt. The sleeves appeared puffy and were cuffed at the wrists. The sleeves also adorned the same threading details her dress had. In another life, this is the wedding she would have wanted. 

Maybe in another life, he would have been the groom she wanted too. 

She also admitted he was a good actor; in that moment he seemed stunned at her, like a real groom would. She watched his gaze run over her and when his soft amber eyes met hers, even at a distance he looked away. Like he wasn’t supposed to be staring at her. Like she had caught him even though his staring was technically warranted. She tried to not frown. When they reached the end, Eris gave Rhysand a nod and then held out his left hand to Nesta. 

For a split moment, she thought about not taking it. It felt too permanent. As if this was her choice to make and by doing so, would change everything. Elain’s voice rang in her mind from earlier about the consequences for the choices being made. But they were not hers to make. 

Without another thought she took his hand in her own. 

The time did not stop for her. The world did not flip in on itself. He helped her up onto the rise and she stood before him. The Priestess smiled at her, the stone on her forehead flashing from the lit sconces. Eris did not let her go as the Priestess started to speak in a language Nesta did not know. She tried to pull her hand away but Eris held a firm grip on it. 

The Priestess nodded and Eris lifted their hands up. She pulled a deep green ribbon from her pocket and began to wrap it around Nesta and Eris’s hands. She still was speaking what Nesta remembered Áine called the ancient Autumn language. She watched it as it was wound snug around their joined hands. She swore the ribbon glowed the more that was added. Finally a bow was tied and the Priestess let it go. 

She spoke normally. “I will ask you both to repeat the vow. This vow is not bound by magic but bound by duty and love you share with each other.” 

Nesta bit her tongue again. The priestess continued. 

“You, Eris Vanserra, promise to be a righteous and dutiful husband. You honor the Vanserra family and the Autumn Court through this marriage with Nesta Archeron. You ask the mother to bless this union between you, to guide you to be a pillar of support for herself and for the family you will create.”

Even Eris looked like he had been biting his tongue. He stared directly into Nesta’s eyes as he spoke, repeating what the priestess said. 

“You, Nesta Archeron, promise to be a righteous and dutiful wife. You honor your family, your former home in the Night Court, and your new home here in the Autumn Court through this marriage with Eris Vanserra. You ask the mother to bless this union, to guide you as you serve and support your new husband. You ask The Mother to bless your womb so you may honor her image through the children you will bear.”

Nesta tensed at the last part. Words felt heavy on her tongue though she did not show it as she repeated the words. She nearly stumbled on the ‘serve and support’ and her stomach churned again as she repeated the last bit. 

The ribbon glowed, glittering and in an instant lighting aflame. Nesta gasped; in the ribbon’s place were two solid rings. 

“It is my honor to be the vessel that pronounces you, by The Mother, husband and wife.” 

The Priestess smiled and the room erupted into applause. There was no romantic gesture on Eris’s part. He let go of her hand gently and offered his arm as he faced the aisle towards the door. In a daze, she took it. As they walked past her sister and Rhys she noticed Elain watched her while Rhys glowered at Eris. It was when they exited the door that the reality of the situation truly hit her. 

She entered that temple as an Archeron and walked out of it as a Vanserra. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Next Chapter

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[dykeogenes]

Hmm I believe I remember learning a few years ago that when one is asked to acknowledge that they’re impacted subconsciously by systemic racism/sexism/homophobia etc, or is told that they’re behaving in a way that’s bigoted/harmful, “no I’m not” is the wrong answer. So I think some of you should get less excited about saying that when Jewish people tell you you’re being antisemitic.

[thebookworm0001]

oh no I don’t like the idea that my brain just came up with for how solas’s story ends

[kakashi-fangirl-ita-blog]

Headcanon where France sings Just A Man from Epic The Musical when he kills HRE

[smashhole]

what's that one setup/combo/whatever that makes you feel sickos.jpg when you land it?

[mistandbluemoon]

My thoughts are incoherent but they're all about rafayel