#The Price You Pay For Power

[nocasdatsgay]

The Price You Pay for Power Ch. 7

Pairing: Neris | Rating: T| Word count: 2312

Masterlist | Previous Chapter | Read Chapter on AO3

Warnings: None

Summary: Nesta and Eris arrive at the cabin

A/N: hi… long time no see. I promised to update this before new year and I did it. I also promise I will try to be better and not let time blindness get in the way. Thank you for sticking with me.

Tagging: @hieragalbatorixdottir @mybestfriendmademe @thisblogisaboutabook @acourtofladydeath @pit-and-the-pen @ninthcircleofprythian @daycourtofficial @secret-third-thing @ysmtttty if i tagged you by accident let me know

Nesta inhaled sharply, the world turning in on itself as she and Eris winnowed from the steps of the Forest House. Before them was… nothing. Or so it seemed. She could feel the glamor and wards in front of her, making it seem like a continuation of the yellow, orange, and red forest. When she blinked, she could see something large and brown before her eyes quickly adjusted. The wards themselves felt familiar. Even as Eris led her forward and the cabin materialized before them her mind focused on the wards. 

“Who warded this cabin?” She glanced at Eris. 

He didn’t regard her- staring forward at the cabin. She wondered if he would be truthful. 

“A friend of my mother made these wards.” He said with a scowl. “After my aunts were murdered during the first war, my mother needed time to herself.”

Nesta bit back her remark. Instead she studied Eris as the leaves crunched under their feet while they walked. Despite his stoic demeanor, she felt he knew more than what he said aloud. It seemed the Autumn Court way was to harbor secrets: your own and others. She looked back to the cabin. It was a lot nicer than the shack she lived in as a human. Larger for certain. Still, Nesta felt a familiar weight in her chest- a tightness as visions fluttered in her mind of the past. 

“Is something wrong?” 

She hadn’t realized she stopped. Eris seemed annoyed, the way he was looking her over. 

“I’m fine,” she grumbled. She stomped forward past him, shoving down the memory and feeling. 

He did not respond to her. When she reached the door, she waited for him to join her. She looked everywhere but at him. 

“It isn’t locked,” Eris said with an air of arrogance. 

She finally cut her gaze to him. He had a lazy smile, hands behind his back as he walked slowly towards her. She took a step back and let him open the door. Her nose crinkled. The smell of him and the smells from the cabin hit her hard. She smelled roasted chestnuts and the smell of a fire despite one not being lit. And something foreign, not of Autumn. A masculine smell she was acquainted with. 

“When was this cabin last used?” 

Stepping into a nice little foyer, the decorations were warm and inviting. A rust colored runner under her feet and a garland of autumn leaves on the wall. No dust covered the walls or the floor despite the smell. 

“A long time ago. Why?” He narrowed his gaze at her after stopping at the entryway. 

“It smells,” was all she replied. 

If Eris knew what she meant, he didn’t show it. A wave of his hand and the air shifted. Magic covering the scents. 

“I forget your senses are more sensitive. Is that to your liking?” 

“Yes.” 

There was an unspoken understanding that passed between them. He nodded. 

“Good.” 

He went forward and she followed, the door shutting behind her. It really was a nice cabin. Much nicer than anything they had as humans. The sitting area was spacious with a couch and arm chairs. Despite the lack of use, there wasn’t dust on any surface she could see. She would consider it homey if there was more than just the generic painting on the wall and almost new couches. 

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Eris move- like he was reaching for something. Out of air he pulled a bag- her bag. One she saw the maids pack when she was getting ready. He handed it to her effortlessly. 

“You’ll take the room on the right through that hall.” He nodded forward. 

A short hallway with three doors laid behind where she stood. She turned back to him. 

“And you? Are we to share a bed?” 

“You keep asking as if you want to share my bed. That can be arranged if you’re so inclined.” 

She frowned at the glint in his gaze and smirk on his lips. “Do not flirt with me.”

“It is a pity you think this is flirting. Did the beast not court you properly?” 

“Keep his name out of your mouth.” She nearly snarled. 

“So you agree he is a beast.” 

“Fuck you.” 

She turned and stomped off while Eris laughed behind her. The room he instructed her to go to was small, the made bed taking up most of it. She sat down her bag and tried to calm herself. He was antagonizing her on purpose. Her mind went to Cassian and immediately she frowned. The hurt of him agreeing to this was still fresh. As were the words Az spoke to her when she asked if he’d been sent by Cassian. 

He told me not to come. 

She inhaled sharply and blinked repeatedly. She would not cry. 

Nesta instead busied herself undoing the bag and looking inside. She began to pull out dresses. After the second one, she realized the bag was deeper than it appeared. She ended up pulling out a week of dresses, undergarments, and three scandalous night gowns that she shoved back into the bag. She’d already forgotten she was supposed to be on her honeymoon. 

For a small fraction of a second, her heart yearned for Cassian again. For him to come save her despite her having agreed to this. As soon as she felt it, she shoved it down. He didn’t come the nights before, he would not come now. Az confirmed as much. The sooner she could help Eris, the sooner she could go home. 

There were books packed, ones she brought from the House of Wind and new ones. She flipped one of the new ones around, Autumn Court Traditions. Another under it looked to be about court etiquette. A piece of paper stuck out at the side of it. 

These will be helpful for your stay. 

Despite no name on the note, she could smell the roasted chestnuts. Eris’ mother snuck these in for her. She held the book tight, letting herself feel the gratitude she had for this female that didn’t know her but wanted to help. She placed them on the bedside table for later. Nesta hung up her dresses in the small closet and placed the bag on the floor. With nothing left to do she resigned herself to facing Eris again. 

She straightened out the skirts of her dress and walked back into the hall and sitting room. Eris was not there. A silent fire was going in the fireplace, making the room pleasantly warm. On the other side of the room, a glass door led outside. It caught her eye as it opened. Eris stepped inside and a creature followed him. 

Nesta’s back stiffened, gaze narrowed on the beast before her. To call it a dog seemed too disingenuous. It was larger than any dog she’d seen but didn’t have the fur or face to be a wolf. Sleek fur of smoke gray, wisps of haze surrounded it. It’s yellow eyes stared back at her as Eris came into view. The head of the beast reached his hips. It’s demeanor softened in the presence of Eris. He reached down to scratch behind a floppy ear. 

“This is Jora, she’s staying with us for the week,” he said, shutting the door. 

“What is it?” 

“She is my best hound.” Eris glared at her. 

“Rather large for just a hound,” Nesta crossed her arms against her chest, as if doing so would protect her. 

“She’s a smoke hound. She will not harm you.” 

As if to prove a point, the beast approached her, panting and tail wagging like a whip. She stopped in front of Nesta and whined. 

She cut her eyes to Eris. “You promise it won’t bite.” 

“She will not bite. Do not call her an it.” Eris said, anger lacing his tone. 

Nesta narrowed her gaze. “A truce. You stop calling Cassian a beast. I will not call your hound an it.” 

She swore his lip twitched. “Agreed.” 

Hesitantly, she uncrossed an arm and reached down. Her fingertips met soft fur- softer than she expected. Jora’s tail wagged harder as she scratched right behind the same ear Eris did. Nesta had to admit up close it was cute.  

“Now that you’re acquainted, we need to discuss your training. Have a seat.” He clicked his tongue and Jora returned to him. 

Nesta chose the sofa, away from the chair Eris sat in closer to the door. Jora laid down at his feet on the rug and he crossed ankle over his knee. Nesta sat on the edge of the sofa cushion- it was soft and she knew she’d sink back in an unladylike fashion even for her. 

“Tell me what you know about your powers and be truthful this time.” Eris said. 

“They come from the cauldron.”

He gave her a withered look. “Tell me something that isn’t obvious.” 

“Sometimes it feels like it’s clawing inside me. Demanding to be let out.” 

Nesta wasn’t sure why she felt compelled to tell him the truth. He regarded her for a moment. Not in a scrutinizing way. She swore it was pity which made her cringe internally. 

“That’s because you haven’t been using it. The more powerful you are, the more magic you have to expel from your body in order to maintain a balance. They never once mentioned this?” His tone grew harsh quickly, he uncrossed his leg and leaned forward, studying her. 

“I wouldn’t have listened if they had.” She snapped in return. 

His gaze was as harsh as his tone, eyes flickering down to her hands. “Show me your flames.” 

“I can’t.”

“You showed them to my father.” His eyes narrowed. 

“And it took everything inside of me to control that.” Her stomach rolled thinking about it. “I don’t even know how I managed it. If he knew what my powers could truly do.” Nesta took a breath. “I was afraid. Afraid he’d lock me away.” 

“I will not allow that.” Eris replied quickly. 

“You would stop him?” Nesta leaned back in her chair and scoffed. “You wouldn’t need me here if you could stop him yourself.” 

“I made a bargain with your high lord. I intend to keep it.” 

With a flick of his hand an apple appeared on the table in front of the sofa. 

“Use your powers on that apple. Your real powers.” 

She knew by his gaze he would not take no for an answer. She looked at it, holding out her hand, and focused. She chanted in her mind like she did in the throne room. She could feel the power raging in her trying to get out and she tried to control it. To let out just a little. It felt like an eternity passed as she sat and warred with herself and nothing came of it. 

“I can’t,” she sighed, dropping her hand. She felt the magic in her dampen down. “I can’t do it.” 

The apple caught fire, orange fire like the fireplace. She recoiled watching the flames lick the sides of it. Eris stood and walked over. He plucked the apple off the table, flames and all. 

“A fundamental rule is to not be afraid of your own magic,” he said as the flames engulfed his hands. “It’s a part of you whether you like it or not. Conquering your fear is the first step to controlling it.”

“You don’t know what it’s like,” anger bubbled inside her. 

“I don’t.” He put out the flames and held out the apple to her. It was unharmed. “What I do know is you have potential. You just have to want to reach out and take it.” 

She hesitated. When he didn’t budge, she took the apple from him. He lowered his arm and pulled out the knife Rhys had given him. He held out the handle to her. 

“This belongs to you.” 

“Do you not want it?” She raised a brow. 

“I do not take things that aren’t given to me freely.” 

She took the handle and he let go of the blade. She could feel it hum pleasantly. As if it were a pet that had been returned home. 

“We have a week. Take your rest for the day and settle. Tomorrow we start training.” He put his hands behind his back looking down at her. “I’m taking Jora to hunt. I trust the- Illryians taught you how to take care of yourself.”

“Yes.” She put the apple and knife beside her. “I need trousers and a blouse. I unpacked my things and they were all dresses. Unless you have fighting leathers lying about.” 

Eris scoffed. “We do not wear black leathers. I can arrange more clothes to be brought while I’m out. Come Jora.” Jora stood, obediently waiting for another command. “Anything else?” 

“Are you hunting for sport or for dinner?” She didn’t know why her anxiety had spiked in her at the thought. 

“Both. I do not waste what the Mother has given us on this land.” He looked her over. “Is that a problem?” 

“No,” she replied quickly. 

“I don’t know how the humans do it, but I do not expect your help if that is what you’re worried about.” 

“It’s nothing, I was simply asking.” She snapped at him. 

He did not react. He simply nodded, clicking his tongue twice for Jora to follow him. Nesta didn’t physically relax until he went out the glass door. She looked down at the apple and knife beside her. She picked up the apple and looked it over. It was perfect; as if no flames touched it. She hesitantly took a bite out of it. It was the sweetest apple she’d ever tasted. 

She hummed contently and swore the blade beside her did the same. 

[engiespy]

anyway. Tonal and art quality whiplash. this fucking creature

[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.

[kingofmyborrowedheart]

Trump sure is doing a fantastic job at lowering those prices of daily goods, isn’t he?

[vigilskeep]

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

[rearranging-deck-chairs]

déjà vu

[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

[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. 

Next Chapter

[kakashi-fangirl-ita-blog]

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

[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

[kraniumet]

the neoliberal desire to ensure tax-funded welfare to unprofitable for-profit companies is not founded on any logic or reason but pure emotions & feelings ♥️

[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.

[thebookworm0001]

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