#Vanserra

[snowdropflowers]

"Elain sings. Elain lightsinger. Elain will use gwydion. Elain will be dusk court high lady."

Me every time I hear these.

[miseryreads]

✨ 𝑳𝒖𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒏 𝑽𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒓𝒂 - 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒍𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒏 ✨

How does the saying go? A gentleman in the streets and a freak in…. Elain’s sheets? 😉

Happy Lucien Appreciation Week!! The theme for today is Gentleman and we all know Lucien is ever the courtier.

Thank you @bbriches_ for creating this version of Lucien with the ribbon trend! He looks exactly like I always imagined. Ethereally beautiful.

And thank you to @lucienweekofficial for hosting this amazing event!! 🦊🧡

Please ask for permission before reposting 🧡 Do not use this art for anti content.

Character belongs to Sarah J Maas.

[azrielsfavoriteshadow]

Canon image from ACOWAR of Lucien sprinting across the battlefield to get to Elain.

[silly--fangirl]

i imagine lucien has a warm voice. i can't really explain it, but it just makes sense for his voice to be like bathing in the sun or sitting near a fireplace after a cold day.

[elleybug]

Played around with an idea for a middle Vanserra brother and my yearning for a female vanserra.

Moros Vanserra - one of the remaining middle brother. Not particularly gifted at magic. but is one hell of a sharpshooter archer. flame arrows pew pew

Keres Vanserra - a niece of Beron or cousin who was allowed to live and take the family name for alliance marriage purpose. I kinda wanna see what a full alliance of Autumn and Court of Nightmare could be like. I wanna see a full Unseelie vibe. Red leaves in the Hewn city.

[dee-writes-angst]

BEG FOR IT

FEATURING Eris Vanserra x Reader

SUMMARY It's all fun and games until he's needy and desperate beneath you.

CONTENT WARNINGS smut, sub!eris, p in v, no mentions of protection - wrap it up!

AUTHORS NOTE me finally living up to my username and posting smut??? Y'all can thank @surielstea, this was made in her honor. Love you, momma! <3

Eris Vanserra, known for his cold dominance and regal control, wasn’t supposed to look like this: sprawled beneath you, his face flushed with need, golden-red hair a wild mess against the pillow. His usual sharp composure, the arrogance he carries like armor, is completely shattered, replaced by something raw and desperate.

He’s trembling under your touch, every nerve alight, amber eyes wide and blown with lust as he gazes up at you, begging for more. His lips part, a soft whine escaping, his cock throbbing and leaking against his stomach, so hard it’s almost painful.

“Please,” his voice cracks, breathless with longing. “I can’t—can’t take it anymore. Please.”

You hover just above him, barely letting the heat of your slick entrance graze the tip of his cock, the contact making him jerk, a desperate groan rumbling from deep in his chest. His hands are on your thighs, nails digging in, trying to pull you down onto him, but you resist, savoring the sight of him writhing beneath you.

“Is this what you want?” you ask, your voice soft but taunting, teasing him as you let your wetness brush against his swollen tip again, just enough to make his hips jerk up in a needy attempt to bury himself inside you.

“Yes,” he moans, almost a sob. “Yes, please, I need you. I need to feel you.”

There’s no trace of the arrogant male who usually has you on your knees, no commanding, cold prince. This is Eris at his most vulnerable, laid bare before you, every inch of him aching for you to take him, to claim him.

You press down on his hips with a firm hand, keeping him pinned to the bed as he tries to grind up against you, his body desperate for any friction. “I want to hear you beg for it, Eris,” you say, your voice low, the command slipping from your lips as you watch him fall apart. “Tell me how much you want me.”

A shudder racks through his body, his chest heaving as he lets out another desperate whine, his hands shaking as they clutch at you. “I—I can’t wait anymore,” he stammers, his voice hoarse and trembling. “Please—fuck, please, I need you so bad. I’ll do anything, anything you want—just please, please fuck me.”

The desperation in his voice, the way his words are spilling from his lips like he’s lost control, sends a rush of heat through you. Finally, you let yourself sink down onto him, slowly, savoring the way his body tenses beneath you, his mouth falling open in a gasp as he fills you completely.

“Gods,” he chokes out, his head falling back, exposing the column of his throat as his hips buck up involuntarily, his cock twitching inside you. “Fuck, you feel so—so fucking good.”

You start to move, slow and deliberate, rolling your hips against his, taking your time. His reaction is immediate, a strangled moan escaping him as his hands fly to your hips, gripping you like you’re the only thing keeping him grounded. But there’s no control in the way he’s touching you—it’s pure desperation. He’s completely at your mercy.

“You’re so sensitive tonight,” you murmur, leaning forward to kiss the side of his neck, sucking lightly at the skin until you leave a mark. The soft praise, combined with the teasing bite of your lips on his throat, draws another broken whimper from him, his body trembling beneath you. “Do you like it when I take my time with you? When I make you beg?”

He nods frantically, his breathing ragged as he tries to form a response. “Yes—fuck, yes, I love it. Please, please don’t stop.”

You pick up the pace slightly, just enough to drive him wild, his hips stuttering beneath you as you take him deeper. He’s shaking, his chest heaving with each labored breath, his hands slipping from your hips to your waist, then up to your breasts, his fingers trembling as they brush over your nipples.

“Gods, you’re perfect,” he groans, his voice rough and desperate. “So fucking perfect. Please—please go faster.”

But you’re not done teasing him yet. You lean down, pressing your chest against his, and the shift in angle makes him choke on a moan, his entire body tensing as you slowly roll your hips again, taking your time.

“Patience,” you whisper against his ear, your breath hot against his skin. “You’re going to wait until I’m ready.”

His response is a strangled sob, his hands trembling as they slide up your back, clinging to you like he’s afraid you’ll pull away. “Please,” he begs, his voice breaking. “I—I can’t—fuck, please don’t make me wait anymore.”

You smirk, dragging your lips down his throat, savoring the way he shivers beneath you. “Such a good boy, begging so sweetly for me.” The words seem to undo him completely, his body trembling as another whine escapes him.

You finally give in, lifting your hips slightly before slamming them back down, and the sound he makes is nothing short of pornographic—a deep, desperate groan that comes from somewhere deep inside him, his eyes rolling back as his hands grip your hips, holding on for dear life.

You pick up the pace, riding him harder, and the effect is immediate. His body is shaking, his head thrown back against the pillows as his moans fill the room, each one more desperate than the last. His cock twitches inside you, slick with precum, and you can feel how close he is, how his entire body is strung tight, ready to snap.

“You’re close, aren’t you?” you tease, running your hands over his chest, feeling the way his muscles tense beneath your touch.

He nods frantically, his breath coming in ragged gasps. “Yes—fuck, yes, I’m so close. Please, let me come—please, I can’t take it.”

You lean down, pressing your lips to his throat again, sucking hard enough to leave another bruise as you slam your hips down harder, faster. “Come for me, Eris,” you whisper against his skin, your voice low and commanding. “I want to hear you scream for me.”

That’s all it takes. His entire body goes rigid beneath you, his back arching off the bed as a guttural moan rips from his throat, his release hitting him like a tidal wave. His cock twitches violently inside you, hot ropes of cum spilling into you as his body shakes uncontrollably, his hands clutching at you like a lifeline as he rides out the intense pleasure.

You keep moving, riding him through his orgasm, and the overstimulation makes him sob, his body jerking beneath you as his hips buck up involuntarily, still chasing that high even as he’s too sensitive to handle it.

“Fuck—fuck, please, I can’t—I can’t take it anymore,” he gasps, tears pricking at the corners of his eyes as he begs for mercy.

But you don’t stop, not yet. You keep riding him, your pace relentless, enjoying the way he squirms beneath you, his moans turning into broken cries as his body shakes with overstimulation.

“Please,” he sobs, his voice barely more than a whisper. “Please, I—I can’t…”

Finally, after what feels like an eternity, you slow your pace, leaning down to press a soft, lingering kiss to his lips. His breath is still coming in ragged gasps, his body trembling beneath yours as you finally let him come down from the intense high.

When you pull back, his amber eyes are glazed over, his chest heaving, a small, contented smile on his lips as he looks up at you like you’re the only thing in the world that matters.

“Fuck,” he breathes, his voice rough and wrecked. “You’re going to be the death of me.”

You chuckle softly, brushing a lock of hair from his sweat-damp forehead. “Maybe. But you’ll die happy.”

[acourtofwhatthefuck]

#4 on your enemies to lovers prompts is giving Eris vibes

Loose Lips — Eris Vanserra x Reader

Enjoy! 💕

✧: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･

Rhysand was going to kill you. 

And so was Cassian.

Probably Azriel, too.

Maybe even Amren.

And Mor — sweet, lovely Mor — would be disappointed. Hurt.

You’d fucked up.

The realisation dawned on you upon waking. The rain that drizzled outside felt painfully fitting. 

You sat up in bed, clutching the sheet to your naked body. Your eyes crept over to the sleeping figure at your side.

Eris Vanserra’s hair was tousled on the pillow, mussed from sleep. His bare, chiselled chest rose and fell evenly in his slumber. His milky skin looked soft as cotton.

In a state of sleep, with no snarl or grimace or glare twisting his face, he was actually quite…beautiful.

And vulnerable. There was nothing stopping you from reaching for your dagger and plunging it into his heart right now. Something you’d fantasised about doing countless times. Something you’d promised him you would one day do. 

The male infuriated you something chronic. His history with your friends made your loathing of him a living, tangible thing.

And yet here you were in bed with him. Naked. You peeked beneath the sheet just to be sure — but the memory of the previous night was clear in your brain.

You were only supposed to deliver a message on Rhysand’s behalf. That was one of many tasks as his courtier. You were good with wielding words, with gleaning information. So rarely did you represent him without returning with something for him to turn over in his mind. 

The problem was that you hated Eris Vanserra so ferociously, your tongue always seemed to run away with you. 

Somehow…somehow, last night, your vicious, barbed words had turned into hungry kisses. To stumbling up the stairs of the concealed house you always met in to exchange information. To ripping each other’s clothes off and moaning until your voices were hoarse.

You’d crossed a damn line. And you didn’t know how.

You weren’t going to stick around to find out. 

With Eris still sleeping, you rose from the bed, keeping your movements quick and silent. You shucked your creased shirt on, making fast work of the buttons. Tugged your breeches on and shoved your feet into your shoes. 

You didn’t know how you were going to explain to Rhys where you’d been all night. How a simple message had kept you away for so long.

You’d have to find a stream to bathe in. To wash away the smell of sex. And the Autumn lordling.

Your legs feeling like jelly, you crossed the room in quick strides, not caring to lace your boots up.

“Going somewhere?”

Eris’s voice was decorated with a morning rasp. The sound took you right back to the breathy moans he’d whispered into your ear. You shook off the shiver that danced over your skin, clenching your jaw.

“I’m leaving.” Was all you offered.

“Shame.” Eris sat up in bed, stretching his arms above his head. “And you were such tantalising company, too.”

“Last night was a mistake.”

There was something positively lupine in the way he appraised your unkempt appearance and cocked an eyebrow. Amusement danced on his lips.

“That’s funny. I don’t recall you saying no.” His amber eyes raked over you. “You said yes a lot. And gods, yes. Oh fuck, yes—”

“So you’re a great lay.” You gritted your teeth. “It was still a mistake. And it’s never happening again.”

He said nothing. Merely stared at you with that hint of a smile on his lips. It incensed you so much that you wanted to launch something at him. Before you could make any more rash decisions, you turned—

“You know,” Eris lay back, resting his arms behind his head. “You may just have the prettiest orgasm face I’ve ever seen.” 

“You’re despicable.” 

He chuckled. “Perhaps. But I’m also very clever. You see, while you view last night as a mistake, I view it as an advantage.”

Walk away, your mind screamed at you. Don’t even entertain him. Last night wouldn’t have happened if you’d just walked away.

You couldn’t stop yourself grounding out, “How.”

“Because, darling, I now have leverage against you, don’t I?” Those amber eyes glittered. “Your friends would positively lose their shit if they knew you’d bedded me. Rhysand would probably toss you out on your ass, and where would you go?”

Prick. Gods, the delight you’d take in throttling him—

“What do you want, Eris? For me to get on my knees and beg you not to tell them?”

He smirked. “Pretty as you are on your knees — no, that’s not what I want.” He was enjoying every second of this. “You’re just going to have to start being a bit nicer to me, is all. You know — so I don’t slip up and accidentally blurt something.”

You snorted. “That’s what you want? For me to be nice to you? Does my hatred for you cut deep?”

“Hatred.” He chuckled. 

You stared at him, a muscle in your jaw ticking. Your mind still pleaded with you to just leave.

But there was something dangerously challenging in Eris’s eyes. Something you couldn’t yet walk away from.

He gazed back at you, cocking his head. “Do you want to know what I think?”

“Not particularly.”

“I think,” he ignored your retort, “that being nice to me won’t be as hard a feat as you like to pretend.”

“You—”

“I think that somewhere, deep down, in that cold, emotionally-constipated heart, that you quite like me.” He grinned, flashing teeth. “And I think it fucking tortures you.”

Your body was taut.

You didn’t care that he’d won this round of verbal sparring. That he’d had the last word.

You only cared about getting out of there. Far, far away from him.

Without uttering another syllable, you turned on your feet and stalked out of the room. Before the truth could show on your face.

“Until next time, then, love!” Eris yelled after you.

[parkerslatte]

Warm Me Up

Eris Vanserra x Fem!Reader

Word Count: 3.8k

Warnings: light smut

Summary: While the Y/N and Eris are attending meetings on the continent, they are caught in a snow storm and stumble across a cabin. They need to spend the night as they are snowed in.

A Court of Thorns and Roses Masterlist

•••

The storm showed no signs of stopping and even with Eris beside her, Y/N could still feel the cold creeping into her body. The fur cape draped over her shoulders didn’t even block out the cold. She couldn’t even feel her feet anymore. Beside her, Eris kept his head held high as he looked for any possible shelter, Y/N would help but if she even lifted her head from the confines of the fur cape, she was sure she would simply freeze to death. 

Once the storm had begun to pick up miles back, Eris had kept them contained within a ring of fire that prevented any snow from landing on them and kept them warm. However the more they walked, the more Eris began to tire until the ring of fire simply vanished from existence, leaving the two to face the cold alone. 

As Y/N walked, she could feel her legs get heavier and heavier, they gradually got harder to move. Y/N knew that Eris would be able to walk a lot faster than their current pace but he remained by her side, he slowed his pace when she did and quickened it when she did. Every single step they took was side by side. 

“There!” Eris suddenly exclaimed, voice shouting over the wind. “A cabin!”

Y/N looked in the direction of Eris’s pointed finger and relief filled her body. If she had to walk any further, she was sure her legs would give out and she would die being buried by snow. Both of them quickened their pace, or as much as they possibly could, and headed for the cabin. It might have been inhabited but Y/N didn’t particularly care. She would force her way in no matter who lived there. 

The cabin came closer and closer in view but was being blocked out by the storm. It was somehow getting worse and Y/N struggled to fight her way through the thick snow. Her heart hammered in her chest. I’m not going to make it, she thought.

“Y/N!” Eris shouted, his arm wrapping around her waist. “Don’t give up now, we’re nearly there!”

Eris helped her on the final stretch to the cabin. There were no lights on and the place seemed to be abandoned. Y/N felt Eris push her forward to open the door first before he followed just behind her, slamming the door and barring it in place. 

They both panted, trying to catch their breath. Y/N clutched onto the fur cape draped around her tightly. The cabin was void of any indication someone was living inside. There was a worn out couch in the corner of the room, sitting in front of a large fireplace. A bed was pushed against the opposite side of the room, there was a simple blanket and a pillow on it. Nothing comfortable, Y/N thought. There was a small kitchen area that seemed to hold the bare minimum although some of the pans were clearly rusted. The only other room in the cabin seemed to be a small bathroom just off from the bedroom filled with a sink, toilet and a bath. It could be worse.

“It’s a travellers cabin,” Eris explained as he caught his breath. “It’s free to use for anyone traversing the land.”

“It looks as if no one has used it in years,” Y/N commented.

Eris shrugged. “It’s most likely no one has. It is a few days until the next city.”

Y/N watched Eris’s gaze become focused on the fireplace and before she could stop him, he flicked his hand and a large fire roared to life. 

“Why would you do that?” Y/N exclaimed. “You needed to rest and save your energy.”

“You are cold,” Eris answered. 

“It doesn’t matter,” Y/N replied. “Don’t do that again.”

“Why?” Eris cocked his head. “Would you rather we cuddle together for warmth?”

Y/N flushed. “That is not what I meant and you know it.”

Eris placed a hand against his chest. “I should be offended Y/N. Your High Lord offers to cuddle together and you decline? Many would kill you just to have this opportunity.”

Y/N rolled her eyes before walking over to the couch to sit in front of the fire. Of course when Eris originally asked her to attend a few meetings on the continent with him, she accepted. After all, Eris was her friend. But now as she sat shivering, even in front of a fire, she was beginning to regret that decision. 

“If the storm clears by the morning, we can leave at daybreak,” Eris said, taking a seat next to Y/N, his arms brushing against hers. 

“How much longer do you think it will take us to get to the next city?” Y/N asked, her gaze turning to focus on Eris. 

Snow still clung to his auburn hair and Y/N found herself reaching forward to brush it away. As soon as her hand came closer, Eris tensed but as she began to run her fingers through his hair, he relaxed, leaning closer to her. “Sorry,” she apologised, as if she just realised what she was doing. “You still had some snow in your hair.”

Y/N pulled her hand away and pulled out a map from inside her cloak, completely missing the disappointed expression on Eris’s face. 

“It will be another two days before we reach our destination,” Eris responded. “I am unsure if there are any other travellers cabins but there are caves to the west, we can take shelter in those if needed.”

Y/N snorted. “Eris Vanserra. Willingly taking shelter in a cave. I never thought I would see the day.”

Eris rolled his eyes. “I can make myself comfortable even in dire circumstances, my dear. IF a cave is the only shelter there is, I will happily make a home in it.” Eris paused as if thinking of his next words carefully. “I am surrounded by company I feel safe in, I am sure I would be able to sleep in the middle of a forest completely unarmed and still have my full eight hours uninterrupted.”

Y/N’s expression softened. “You feel safe around me?”

Eris’s eyes met Y/N’s. An emotion she had never seen before, swimming within the two pools of molten lava. From the moment Y/N had met Eris nearly seventy years ago, she had only ever seen the wall of fire within his eyes.The barrier he had put up to hide himself around any company that could possibly endanger anything he was protecting. When Y/N first met Eris, that wall of fire was the only thing she saw when she looked at him. Now, whenever Y/N looked into his eyes, she saw nothing of the sort. She only saw the loyalty, love and the passion that he had for his family and his court. 

Y/N leaned closer to him as Eris cleared his throat and stood up from the couch. “We should be getting to sleep soon. You can take the bed, I will sleep on the couch as soon as you move from it.”

Y/N shook her head. “No, you take the bed, Eris. With your long legs, you wont even fit on the couch. I’ll sleep here, it’s fine.”

Eris folded his arms across his chest. “I am not allowing you to sleep on the couch, Y/N. You were nearly freezing to death out there.”

Y/N rose to her feet and stared up at Eris. His perfectly shaped brows were pointed down in a frown as he stared at her. He said softly, “You take the bed, Y/N.”

Y/N broke eye contact with Eris and glanced at the bed on the other side of the room. It wasn’t too small but it wasn’t the largest bed in existence either. But it did have enough room to fit the two of them. 

“We could share it,” Y/N suggested, suddenly sheepish. “If neither of us want the other to sleep on the couch.”

Eris quickly glanced at the bed then back to Y/N. There seemed to be a small red tinge to his cheeks but Y/N couldn’t tell if it was a blush or just from the cold. 

“Only if you are comfortable with that, Y/N,” Eris replied. “I do not wish to make you uncomfortable.”

Y/N reached forward to gently squeeze his hand. “You could never make me uncomfortable, Eris.”

Eris offered her one of his rare smiles and pulled her gently over to the bed. Y/N felt her heart beating faster and faster the longer he held onto her hand. That one touch alone sent her senses into overdrive. Ever since she first met Eris, Y/N had always thought that he was beautiful. But as she got to know the real him, the harder she fell for him. Nearly fifty years she had been harbouring feelings for her friend, never brave enough to tell him. 

Eris sat down on the bed and unbuckled his boots as he slowly undressed, leaving him in nothing but his underwear. Y/N’s eyes bulged out of her head for two reasons. The first being that she was staring at his bare muscular body. And the second reason being that it was freezing and Eris was standing there like the cold didn’t bother him in the slightest. 

Eris turned around and noticed Y/N’s expression, his signature smirk plastered across his face. “Do you like what you see, Y/N?”

Y/N’s eyes dropped down to his bare chest, then torso, then…lower, before reaching his eyes again. “Are you not cold?”

Eris shook his head. “I only feel a slight chill, nothing I can’t handle.”

The only items of clothing Y/N took off were her boots at cloak, though she was visibly shaking from how cold it was. Without another word, both Y/N and Eris laid down on the bed, only a couple of inches between their bodies. The heat radiating from Eris warmed Y/N but not too much she was still shivering. 

Y/N closed her eyes and shuffled on the bed to try and get comfortable but it was barely any use, she was wearing too many layers. With a huff, Y/N opened her eyes and she let out a quiet gasp at how close her face was to Eris. In her desire to simply lay down and get warm, Y/N failed to notice the singular pillow occupying the bed. The pillow both her head and Eris’s rested on. 

Y/N’s gasp made Eris open his eyes and he too let out a small sound of surprise. From up close, Y/N could see the small faint freckles that littered his cheeks and nose. She could also notice the many different shades that made up his eye colour. It wasn’t just one colour like she had originally thought, it was many different shades working and mixing together to create, in Y/N’s opinion, the most beautiful colour she had ever seen. 

Neither of the two moved away as they looked into each other's eyes, heads resting on the same pillow. Y/N’s whole body was cold yet she felt like Eris’s gaze alone had set her alight. She knew that she shouldn’t be having feelings for her best friend but the way he looked at her, sent her body into overdrive. 

“You’re shivering,” Eris commented. 

“I’m cold,” Y/N responded, her voice barely above a whisper. 

“Do you trust me?” Eris questioned.

“With my life,” Y/N said with absolute certainty. 

There was a brief look of longing in Eris’s eyes before he lifted his head from the pillow. A disappointed feeling washed over Y/N. 

“Take off your clothes,” Eris said. “It sounds strange, but trust me.”

“Your idea to warm me up is by stripping layers?” Y/N chuckled but complied. 

As she shrugged off her thick jacket, Eris’s eyes didn’t leave hers and she flushed. The intensity sent a flock of butterflies free in her stomach. With each layer she stripped, the colder she got, yet the feeling of Eris’s eyes on her somehow made it all worth it. The whole time he never broke eye contact. 

Her final layer was just a shirt and as she slowly stripped it off, Y/N caught Eris’s eye drop from her eyes to gaze upon her body before snapping back to her face. 

Y/N shivered as a particularly strong gust travelled through the cabin. “What now? If this was all just a plot to get me naked, Eris. I swear to the–”

Eric cut her off with a chuckle. “It wasn’t, although I like what I am seeing.” This time as his gaze dipped, he didn’t try to hide it. Y/N swore she could feel a heated path where Eris’s gaze drifted. 

“Come here,” Eris said and Y/N complied, getting back into the bed and under the thin blanket. 

Before Y/N had the chance to complain about the cold, Eris pulled close until his chest was pressed firmly against her back. The bare skin to skin contact was enough to send Y/N’s body into overdrive. Eris’ s strong arms wrapped around her middle and his legs tangled with hers. Y/N stared wide eyed at the wall in front of her. 

“What are you doing?” Y/N questioned. 

Eris didn’t respond but Y/N suddenly felt her body get warmer and she sighed and relaxed into Eris’s arms. “How are you doing that?”

“I can share my body heat,” Eris explained. “It only works with skin to skin contact.”

The warmth Y/N felt was unlike no other. Whilst the fire in the corner of the room had warmed her to a degree, making her hands and feet tingle back to life, the warmth she felt wrapped within Eris’s arms made her entire being warm. It was more than just skin deep, it encased her lungs, her heart, her brain, everywhere where Eris touched. 

“How did I not know you could do this?” Y/N questioned.

“Well, you and I have never been in this position before,” Eris teased. 

Y/N sighed, though a smile tugged at her lips. “Were you that desperate to get your hand on me?” 

The cabin was silent as Y/N anticipated his reply. Of course she was only expecting his usual witty flirtatious remark that meant nothing. But what Eris said sent her spiralling. 

“I’ve wanted to get my hands on you for a long time, Y/N.”

There was no joking tone within his voice, nor was it flirtatious. It was genuine and sincere. Y/N froze as Eris’s arms tightened around her body. 

“You cannot mean that, Eris.”

“Of course I mean it,” Eris muttered, his voice low and his breath brushed her ear.

Eris’s fingers traced slow teasing circles on the bare skin of Y/N’s upper thigh. It sent shivers down her spine and made her heart beat rapidly. With a tilt of her head, their eyes locked. Eris’s eyes were intense as his fingertips gripped her plush thigh tightly causing Y/N to gasp. A magnetic force drew them together as Y/N began to lean forward. Never would she expect that Eris would want her the way she wanted him, and now it was happening and Y/N could hardly believe it. The air was thick with anticipation and Eris’s signature smirk toyed at the corners of his lips. 

“You really mean that,” Y/N whispered, though this time it was more of a statement than a question. 

Eris's answer came when he lowered his lips to hers in a searing kiss. It was everything Y/N had always imagined. His kiss sent her nerves on fire as Eris manoeuvred himself so he hovered above Y/N on the bed. Y/N’s fingers tangled in Eris’s tousled hair and pulled him closer, not wanting there to be an inch between their bodies. His hands explored the curves of her body, finally allowing the desire building within him to tip over the edge. 

Eris deepened the kiss as his tongue teased the seam of Y/N’s lips. To tease him, Y/N denied his entry. Eris only smirked against her lips as his hand trailed to her legs before harshly parting them and slotting himself between them. Y/N gasped, allowing for Eris’s tongue to dart within. His tongue explored her mouth with an intensity that left them both breathless. 

“I have waited so long to do this,” Eris mumbled against her lips. 

“Then why did it take you so long?” 

“I was not sure how you felt about me,” he admitted, trailing kisses across her jaw and down her neck.

Y/N closed her eyes and gripped onto him tighter. “And how are you so sure now?”

Eris’s hips moved against hers the smallest amount and caused a soft moan to slip past Y/N’s lips. “That’s why.”

As soon as Eris’s lips connected with Y/N’s once more, she wrapped her legs around his waist, forcing Eris to rest his weight on top of her. There was not a single point where their bodies weren’t connected. 

“You are beautiful,” Eris said, with complete sincerity in his eyes. 

“And so are you,” Y/N responded.

Eris scoffed playfully. “I know I am. I just wanted to tell you because I assume you don’t hear it often.”

Y/N rolled her eyes. “Do you want me to kick you outside in the cold snow storm?”

Eris laughed before all the humour washed from his face. “But you truly are beautiful, Y/N. I don’t tell you that enough.”

Y/N smiled. “Then show me how beautiful I am.”

“That I can do, my love,” Eris replied.

Their bodies moved rhythmically as they explored one another, limbs entangled in a passionate embrace. As Eris’s mouth found its place on her neck once more, Y/N’s back arched, wanting to be closer to him. She was sure she had never felt so much desire for one person before, and she didn’t want to feel this way with anyone else. Y/N only wanted Eris. 

Y/N rolled her hips to meet Eris and she could feel his hardened length press against her. A guttural moan slipped past his lips and all Y/N wanted to do was elicit that sound from him again. So she did. With each roll of her hips, Eris moaned into the crook of her neck, breathing heavily. 

“Please slow down,” Eris whispered into her ear.

“Why?” Y/N challenged. “You’re going to finish so soon?”

“No,” Eris replied, nipping at her ear before he pulled back and looked deep in her eyes. There was hunger within them that Y/N had never seen before. “Because the first time I fuck you, it wont be on a dusty bed in a mouldy cabin.”

Y/N couldn’t help the whimper that slipped past her lips. Eris smirked and pressed his lips against hers once more and Y/N fully melted into him, completely lost within him. And Y/N didn’t care if she ever found her way back. 

The need for Eris to touch her was strong but what was stronger was his promise. He wouldn’t until they were in a bedroom somewhere to fit his high standards. Which meant nothing short of a palace with large balcony doors overlooking the landscape. Y/N could only imagine it. Her and Eris lazily waking in the bed before she opened her legs and his mouth would attach to her, eliciting all sorts of sweet noises from her. Of course Y/N would shortly return the favour and then–

“Y/N,” Eris’s voice interrupted her and she hadn't even noticed that Eris had stopped kissing her. 

“Huh?” 

The smile on Eris’s face was one she wished to see every single morning and every single night and every hour between. “I asked where you went.”

“I was just wondering how you would fuck me in a large palace with balcony doors that overlook a large waterfall,” Y/N responded, wrapping her arms around Eris’s neck. 

“Is that what you want?” Eris asked.

“It wouldn't be the worst view in the world,” said Y/N.

“Consider it done,” Eris said, pressing a tender kiss to her lips before changing position so his back now laid back down on the bed, Y/N’s head buried in the crook of his neck. 

Y/N hummed in delight as she breathed in his scent. “You have no idea how long I have wanted you.”

“How long?” Eris asked, his fingers tangling within the ends of her hair. 

“Nearly fifty years,” Y/N admitted. 

“I have you beaten,” Eris responded. “I’ve wanted you for seventy years. The moment I met you, I knew I wanted you– needed you.”

Y/N smiled and pressed a soft kiss to his neck. “Now you have me.”

“And I will worship you the way you deserve,” Eris responded, pulling Y/N tiger in his arms, his hand resting on the back of her head. “For the rest of my life.”

“And I will worship you, Eris Vanserra,” Y/N responded. “The way you deserve and the way you have deserved for so many years.”

A soft smile spread across Eris’s features. He pressed a kiss to Y/N’s forehead, allowing his lips to linger there. “We should sleep. Because the sooner we arrive at the next city, the sooner I can ravish you the way I want to now.”

Despite her warmth, Y/N shivered. “Let’s not speak about that now, because if we do any longer then I will climb on top of you right now and have my way with you.”

Eris only chuckled in response and lightly scratched Y/N’s scalp causing her to sigh in delight. “I do love you, Y/N. I always have.” There was a hint of vulnerability to his tone that Y/N had never heard before. “I wish I would have told you sooner but I didn’t want to put you in any danger. What my father would do to you if he found out I loved you? That would break me.”

“Hey,” Y/N said, gently caressing his cheek. “That bastard is dead. You don’t need to worry about what he would have done to me, because nothing did happen. Now you can show me all the love you want and I can show you too. Because we have fifty years of time to catch up on.”

Eris smiled and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips, caressing her face. Y/N smiled at him before resting her head on his chest as he held her close to him. Y/N drifted to sleep whilst listening to the rhythmic beat of his heart. A heart she knew beat for her, just as hers beat for him.

[illyrianbitch]

Thoughts on the Vanserras?

yes i have those all the time

[purple-writer8]

I Know Places - ACOTAR

Rhysand x Vanserra!Reader

“They are the hunters, we are the foxes. And we run.”

warnings: abused eris, autumn court shenanigans, mentioned abuse (verbal and physical), talks of violence, forbidden love, beron being beron, beron being abusive, physical abuse, angst, sexism, the autumn court brothers, angst, beron slander (as he deserves)

1.1k words

Part Two to But Daddy I Love Him

Masterlist :)

Your father had struck you across your face. He killed you. Killed you and killed your happiness. You thought he would understand, that he would let you marry Rhysand and you would be happy. What a fool you were to think Beron would ever allow you free will. “I’m sorry, darling,” your mother had been comforting you for hours now. 

 Your head rested on her lap as she weaved her fingers through your dirty blonde hair. “How can he be like this? Why doesn’t he want me to be happy?” You cried softly, your hands gripping your mother’s skirts with a white-knuckle grip. 

 “He… well, he loves you… he means well…” she trembled as she spoke, and you knew that she did not mean that. “How can you say that, mother? Means well? He struck me three times…” you sobbed unto her lap, your heart aching for one person— your lover. 

“Darling, I know he is… unorthodox in his ways, but he cares about your future.” You sat up from your stance when she spoke those words, rage flaring inside your body at her claims. "Cares about my future?! How can you say that after what he did?" You spat angrily, your hands burning with your fire that was just begging to be let out. 

"Rhysand is a bad man... his court... it's a nightmare. There are no morals there. He is a cruel, wicked man, just like his father," your mother contested. You could tell that she was distressed, just like you could tell how abused she was by your father, how she feared him even when he was not around. 

"Do you think I am daft, mother?" You asked quietly. 

"No, honey. You are just youn-" You cut her off. 

"Do you think I don't know, mother? You think I haven't seen how beaten he leaves Eris after he makes a small mistake? You think I haven't seen how he eggs Fenix on to compete with Eris constantly? How he beats each of my brothers into oblivion? You think I don't know what happened to Jesminda and Lucien?" You were erratic, trying to get her to understand that you were no longer a child. 

Your eyes drifted to her arms, covered by her long sleeved dress, "you think I don't know what he does to you?" 

The Lady of Autumn stilled, her face falling as she stared at you solemnly. "I have tried to protect you... Eris has tried. Even Beron has tried. Our reality is not perfect, but your father loves you, and he wants to protect you." 

"I don't need protection, mother. I am not a child anymore... I am a female grown... and I want Rhys, and he wants me." You stated in an unwavering manner. 

"You must understand that Rhysand is not a good man, honey. The Night Court is the worst place to be, the fae there are deranged and depraved," your mother countered. 

You knew there was darkness in the Night Court, but you also knew there was light. So much light. You saw it, Rhys had shown you. But you could never say that, you had promised to keep Velaris a secret, and you would. "There must be good there, mother. I know there must," you stated softly. 

When she did not answer, you said, "he loves me and he would never hurt me. I deserve him, and he deserves me. I wish to be happy." 

She blinked and wiped her hands on her skirts, shaking her head, "your father has made up his mind, it is time you come to terms with that. We are Vanserras, it is the hand we were dealt." With that, the Lady of Autumn left your chambers, sending you further into despair. So, just because you were a Vanserra you had to deal with abuse and unhappiness? 

You would let your family say what they wanted, but you wouldn't hear it. Loose lips sunk ships all the time, but not this time. Left to your own devices, you decided you wouldn't put up with your father's abuse. You rushed to your vanity and rummaged through the cabinet that held all of your trinkets until you found it. 

A mirror.  A beautiful sapphire encrusted mirror given to you by Rhys a few months back. You reached for your red tube of lipstick and wrote on the glass, Come and get me. It was an enchanted mirror, made for the two of you to communicate through it, since he could not reach you in Autumn. You set the mirror down and waited, hoping that your lover hadn't shoved his own mirror in a drawer and forgotten about it. 

You spent the day pacing back and forth in your chambers, hands trembling as you constantly checked the mirror for a reply back. Rhys, please, you pleaded in your mind. 

"I love it when you beg," you let out a happy shriek when your lover appeared in the middle of your room, having winnowed in suddenly. You jumped into Rhys's arms, snaking your own over his neck and pulling him in. His arms slithered around your waist, holding you steady as you held on to him for dear life. 

"Thank the Cauldron," you cried happy tears, ready for him to take you away from this cage. Rhys pulled away and inspected your figure, his violet eyes turning dark, his thumb grazing over the bruising on your cheek as he growled, "Beron." 

A tear slipped down your cheek, a tear he collected with his thumb, "you won't ever suffer under your father again." 

"I just want to go with you," you sniffed, leaning your head against his hand as he cupped your cheek. The door to your chambers opened swiftly, "sister, I've brought you suppe-" 

Eris dropped the plate when he saw the High Lord of Night holding you close, his expression turning into steel. You yelped and clung to Rhys for dear life as your older brother sent fire bolts his way-- bolts that bounced off the shield Rhysand had put up around the two of you. "It doesn't have to be like this," Rhysand told your brother in a sing-song voice. 

"Let her go! This is a breach! This means war, Rhysand." Eris growled and you could only shake your head. "I'm sorry," was what you said before Rhys winnowed the two of you away. 

As you were winnowed into a manor-- in the Night Court, you assumed-- you fell to your knees, loud sobs leaving your body. Rhys was quick to kneel with you, taking your trembling hands in his. "This is what you want?" He asked in a soft tone. 

You nodded, "for me it's always you. It's only you, but... I'll miss Eris."

"I know, lovely. But this is the only way." 

"I know." You said, standing up with his help. 

A feline smile spread on his face as he motioned to the starry and gorgeous view outside the balcony he had winnowed into, "Welcome to the Night Court." 

-

Author’s note:

Part three of her meeting th IC and fluff? ALSO THANK YOU SM FOR THE COMMENTS ON PART ONEEEEE i am bursting with love

General Taglist: @mybestfriendmademe @lilah-asteria @sheblogs @x-reader-x @starswholistenanddreamsanswered @circe143

Series Taglist: @minaethrym @cherry-cin @acourtofimagines @slytherintaco @mp-littlebit @misskennygirl @umgatochamadopercyval @nayaniasworld @tenaciousperfectionunknown

[snowdropflowers]

I think Elucien's book will be about Spring Court, Autumn Court, Day Court, Mortal Lands and Koschei.

I think the Gwynriel book will be about Dusk Court, Night Court, Illyrian, The Valkyries and Ramiel.

I think Elain will go to Spring Court at least once. Because Nesta and Feyre went to Spring Court and thought Elain would love it.

Azriel and Lucien cannot Blood Duel. Because Lucien doesn't belong in Autumn Court.

[miseryreads]

𝕃𝕦𝕔𝕚𝕖𝕟 𝕍𝕒𝕟𝕤𝕖𝕣𝕣𝕒 - 𝔹𝕦𝕝𝕝𝕖𝕥 𝕋𝕣𝕒𝕚𝕟 𝔸𝕌

For the last day of Lucien Week, I wanted to do something fun so here’s Lucien as Tangerine from Bullet Train! He looks…. HOT. The forearms. The hair. The suit. The face. It’s almost too much.

Thank you @bbrichs_ for working with me!! You are talented and amazing. I love your version of Lucien 🩵🩵

And @lucienweekofficial thank you for organizing this event and making all of this possible. It has been a tough week for some of us and even so, this event was able to create joy. Thank you to everyone behind the scenes!! You are appreciated 🩵

Please do not repost without permission and do not use this art for anti content.

IG post here.

[azrielsfavoriteshadow]

See how he comes to work? Very demure. Very mindful. Very cutesy.

[silly--fangirl]

y'all know what would solve most of my problems rn?

a vanserra man absolutely RAILING me

like 'face pushed into the matress, voice hoarse, thighs shaking and giving out, knuckles white from gripping whatever i can, marks from how hard he's holding my hips'

[fieldofdaisiies]

All High Lords are good looking, and I firmly believe that also Beron is (despite having an ugly soul). So here is my fancast for him: Lee Pace.

picture below the cut is for you @secret-third-thing (and suppose you know why lol)

[mika-no-sekai-blog]

Part VII

Word count: 4400+

Warnings: mentions of blood and suffocation

Autumn themed divider by tsunami-of-tears

Part VI | Part VIII

Eris kept his promise. At first, he met with you just once or twice a week, but lately it had been happening more and more often. That old library full of books and lacquered wood was your most frequented meet place. It took you some time, but eventually you learnt how to get there on your own and didn't need anyone's help.

Most recently, though your husband started to prefer meetings in his free time. He began showing up for meals in the chambers or invited you to secluded gazebo in the garden. Sometimes he even managed to take a break for hour or two and replacing your maids, now your best friends, he escorted you to the gardens, showing you secret paths. He knew this place as the back of his hand and you wondered how the heir could have so much time to explore it so well. It was so easy to forget about the fact that he had centuries to do so, his young appearance seemingly giving him maximally 9 years over you.

Time was passing in a slow flow of peaceful days when nobody expected you to submit, to stay still, to not think, speak or feel. Nobody bound you with ridiculous rules and you felt happier than ever. The memories of the nineteen years of your life were impossible to forget and you often wondered whether this life was just a fantasy of your tortured mind. Whether they finally broke you beyond the repair. It was strange that in this huge castle, you had ever met only Eris, his brother and advisor Killian, Ellen and Irene and several servants and guards. Were you the only ones living here? Where were the others?

These thoughts occupied your mind so much that you completely forgot about your upcoming birthday.

Back in Hewn City your birthday was a day as any other. Nobody celebrated it. You never got presents. You knew when you were born only thanks to your mother who every year secretly whispered you happy birthday. Your father most likely didn't remember it at all, so you strongly doubted that he could share such information with your husband or his court. You've never been asked about it, too. Thus you didn't expect anything to happen.

How surprised you were when Irene came to your chambers one afternoon with a bright smile, followed by servants who carefully brought in tailor's figurine in dress and set it down.

The doors closed behind the last servant and you could finally take a proper look. It was the most beautiful dress you had ever seen, worth of a queen.

Your eyes lingered on the bodice of bronze colour with sweetheart neckline that was held on place by ribbons with bows of the same colour. It looked like an polished armour thanks to the top layer of shiny chiffon and the crest of Autumn Court embroidered in its centre. If it wasn't for a gauzy floating sleeves falling from the shoulders, it would be too eccentric for you to dare to even wear it.

The bodice naturally flowed into a skirt composed of feather shaped strips of a dark silk and an embroidered chiffon in muted colours of autumn. The skirt pooled on the floor around the base of figurine, creating a train. The slit in the front part of it was reaching up to the half of thighs, undoubtedly supposed to reveal the legs with every step.

Irene took out the shoes she brought in a box. Simple lacquered black high heels were decorated with delicate bronze leaves and flowers that connected into complicated ornament of bronze wires in the front.

You had to sit down, short for a breath. You'd never seen anything like this in Hewn City. Your High Lady, her sisters and Morrigan usually wore impressive dresses, but this.. This was the masterpiece.

"Why.. What is this dress for?" you stuttered unable to take your eyes off of it.

Irene smiled sheepishly. "High Lord had it all made for you for tonight."

"For tonight?" You fished in your memory, but Eris hadn't mention anything to you despite of meeting him only a few hours ago.

"Yes, there's going to be a banquette. But let's get you ready. We have a lot to do."

"Wait. Where's Ellen?" You hadn't seen her since you returned from a walk.

"Oh, don't worry. She should be here anytime soon."

Irene helped you with bath and while your hair was drying she worked on your face. She chose palette of eye shadows that matched the dress, creating intrigued but for you maybe too heavy makeup. Ever since you left Hewn City you used only bare minimum and very light natural makeup. When Irene was applying a dark red rouge on your lips, doors opened and Ellen walked in with covered satin pillow. She was beaming.

"I'm so glad that you haven't started without me," she said as she left the pillow on the bed. "I already thought that I won't make it in time."

From the minimal reaction to the dress it was clear that she, as well as Irene, had already seen it before and so she wasn't surprised at all.

"I can't wait to see you in that magnificent dress. I tell you, our High Lord has a good eye."

Irene fixed last details of your face and they both helped you into the dress. But before you could look in a mirror, they ushered you back to the vanity.

"Don't be impatient and let us finish your look. You will love it," they reassured you and started to braid your thick hair into a complicated hairstyle. Of course, they didn't forget to cover the mirror so you couldn't see what they were doing. At last Ellen took the thing that she brought on the satin pillow and they put it on your head. It was round and a bit heavier than a headdresses you used to wear to balls under the mountain.

"We are done," they announced proudly with tears lining their eyes. They helped you to stand up and then took few steps back to take a better look of you.

"Y/N, you are so beautiful," they sobbed in unison. "Our High Lady."

"But I'm no High Lady," you objected in embarrassment.

"You are. Look!"

They moved the tall mirror, so you finally could take a look at yourself. The breath caught in your throat and you staggered. A powerful High Lady was staring back at you with slightly opened blood red lips. The dress perfectly hugged your body, accentuating your curves. And as if it wasn't enough, on top of your head sat a real gold crown of twisted twigs decorated with maple leaves made of opals and rubies. You looked as a totally different person, despite the fact that in your heart you were still that powerless, scared female.

You stood there staring at yourself until another knock sounded on the doors. Irene rushed to answer.

"You look so good, my Lord," you heard her say.

"If I knew that an angel will greet me here, I would wear something more fancy," you heard Killian's flirty response. "Is our fairy princess ready?"

"She is and she is fabulous. Even you will be short for words once you see her." She fully opened the doors and let him in. Killian affectionately pinched her cheek as he passed her and then he tripped, his mouth hanging open as his eyes roamed over you.

"What.." He gazed at you, speechless.

"If this doesn't break him.." he muttered under his breath. Then he cleared his throat.

"I'm here to escort you, my dear sister. Instead of Eris who will be a bit late, unfortunately. Can you give us a moment?" He turned to the smiling maids who bowed to him and left.

Killian returned back to you with serious expression, giving you a sorrowful look.

"Now listen carefully, doll. I have to warn you. Our court.. it's quite brutal kind of place like your home," he grimaced. "That's one of the reasons why Eris has changed several things here before your arrival and now keeps a whole wing of castle only for family. We, and I mean me and Eris, have to behave in certain way to be able to keep these people under control. Our beloved father made sure that they are all just as wicked bastards as he was. A single slip and we could be seen as weak, incompetent and easy to replace. We don't have resources to stop a revolution right now as Eris just took over the place. Once we have reins firmly in our hands and certain changes we are working on, are made, everything will be different and we can be who we are wherever we want. But for now, bear with us, will you?"

You blinked in confusion. "What are you trying to tell me?"

"What I meant is that we will be a bit different than our usual selves, brutish and rude if I should be honest. You probably already noticed it at your wedding. Eris had to hold back a lot that night."

You remembered the cold, contemptuous frown he wore while watching the dancers and the small cracks when you glimpsed his true self underneath it. If you learnt something about him this last few weeks, it was that he wasn't that kind of person in real. That he was in fact the opposite of all the rumours you'd ever heard about him. You slowly nodded.

"Tonight won't be ideal. Just think about it as about a masquerade. Nevertheless, I hope you'll enjoy it. It's your night after all and I prepared something special to make it more bearable. Let's go." He took your hand, heading for the doors.

"Wait!" You pulled back, stopping him. "My night? What do you mean?"

"You'll see," fox like grin spread on his face, amber eyes shone with mischief. "Oh, and one more thing. I guess I don't need to tell you this as you'll probably fall back to your old ways anyway, but be careful when someone approaches you. Not everyone who seems to be friendly, is our friend in real."

If all the strange stuff he told you before didn't seriously scare you then this last warning did.

Killian led you down the staircases and hallways, until you stopped before great double doors which you immediately recognised. It was the same ball room where your wedding party was held.

"Time to once again meet the elite of your subjects, your Grace," Killian winked at you and in an instant his brand smirk was gone replaced by that cold demeanour and bored expression he had when you met him for the first time.

He unhooked your hand from his arm and sharply opened the doors.

"Welcome her Grace, consort of High Lord of Autumn Court," his deep voice called into the room and everyone immediately fell silent.

You inhaled shakily. He didn't give you much time to prepare, but the lessons that were beaten into you, were good at least for something. You straightened your shoulders, holding your head up and the gaze down, and walked in.

A wave of surprised 'ah' and 'oh' ran through the gathered crowd and they all bowed down like one man. With the same bored expression Killian offered you a hand and with the other one behind his back, he gallantly led you to the steps and a table with three chairs, the middle one bigger and higher than the other two.

He was showing you off, making a spectacle of you and the dress. You felt like a trophy. As far as you knew, Lady of Autumn never wore crowns, only smaller tiaras. They were sending out some kind of message, but you weren't experienced in such political matters to understand it better. The number of glares you felt on you pierced your skin like blades, making you even more nervous and feel sick.

He held one of the smaller chairs for you and then taking the other one, clapped his hands. Everyone took their seats and servants started to bring in food.

In the chaos you got a chance to look around. The ballroom was huge, a show of opulence with its white and golden walls and high vaulted ceiling. It was decorated with garlands of autumn leaves of mainly red colours that contrasted with all that gold, hanging between massive chandeliers with fae lights. In the vases next to each marble pillar around the perimeter of the room were big bouquets of flowers in yellow and red colours. The last rays of the setting sun penetrated through the rows of windows that led to the terrace and bathed the room in a golden glow. It was breathtaking.

Each of the tables was also decorated with smaller arrangements of flowers combined with leaves. It perfectly matched the gold goblets, cutlery and trays. However, in the arrangement before your plate you noticed small pink nerine inconspicuously stuck among the flowers so that no one else could see it. Out of the corner of your eye you looked at Killian. He nodded inconspicuously and corners of his mouth slightly twitched. Eris.

As if you called his name aloud, the doors opened and he walked in.

Eris was freshly shaved, once again shorter red hair combed back. With high black boots, ash colour breeches and tunic in the same bronze colour as your bodice, he looked like High Lord through and through. The fact was emphasized even by a massive gold crown of entwined twigs with maple leaves made of opals and rubies, a pair to the crown on your head.

The breath caught in your throat as he was heading your way. The power radiated from him with every step, swirling and seeping through his skin. Everyone in the room immediately stood up and bowed and you did so, too, with a little delay. It was a bit of shock to see the frown on his face that in any other situation would already have been replaced by a kind smile. He was again wearing the mask of cruelty that you remembered from your home. However, when he came closer you noticed the warm embers in his eyes as they traveled down your body and then back up.

He took your hand to place a kiss on back of it, eyes never leaving yours.

"You're stunning," he whispered into your skin so only you heard him.

Still holding your hand he gestured to others to sit down.

"Welcome!" His deep, sonorous voice bounced off the walls. "Today we gathered here to celebrate the 20th birthdays of my wife. May you have a long life and soon endow this court with number of heirs."

You stiffened. While others took theirs goblets and toasted to you with all kinds of expressions that you didn't want to even try to decipher, you just stood there unable to move. Killian had warned you, but those words hurt nonetheless. It reminded you of the only purpose you were supposed to live for and overshadowed even the fact that he knew when you were born and decided to celebrate it.

Heirs. You were expected to give birth to heirs like some breeding mare while you hadn't even been deflowered yet. It was like a bucket of cold water, the worst of the worst mockery.

Eris sat down and you stiffly followed him. While you were trying to push the tears back and catch a breath, servants served food on your plate. You again lost all your appetite.

Your husband next to you hesitantly reached for your hand under the table.

"Can we talk later?" he muttered. You just nodded, gazing in front of you. He squeezed your hand, running thumb over the knuckles in a calming way and sent a wave of warmth into your body. "Please, now eat."

You did as you were told, but you couldn't manage more than a few bites. With whole your being you concentrated on the small pink nerine.

It's just mask. Don't take it seriously.

No matter how many times you repeated those words in your mind, it still hurt. After the meal was over a party had begun. At first it wasn't any different from your wedding. The guests gathered on the parquet while small orchestra played in the corner.

Suddenly different kind of music played, carried on the wind from outside. It was a wild melody full of booming drums. Everyone stilled, heads turning to the gardens, there was a tension in the air. All the windows to the terrace opened at once and the smell of bonfires filled your nose. As if it was a signal, the room exploded with laughs and everyone was heading out in a crazy maze of bodies. The etiquette-obsessed nobles turned into wild magical creatures right before your eyes.

Eris turned to his brother with raised brow. "I don't remember mentioning bonfires." The anger in his voice cause a shiver ran down your spine.

"She's twenty only once," Killian shrugged, unaffected.

Eris shook his head in disbelief. "As if she shouldn't see it every year at the equinox."

Killian rolled his eyes. "This way it at least will be some fun. Let's go out," Killian laughed and he was actually hopping on the way out. It was really comical to see such outgrown male doing so. If it was a different kind of situation, you would have laughed until you couldn't more.

Eris watched his back, frowning. "I'm sorry. This isn't what I wanted, not that I-," he sighed in disappointment, running his hand over face. His lips pressed into a thin line. "And I'm also sorry for what I said for a toast. That isn't what I really-.."

"It's fine," you stopped him. You didn't want to hear that anyway. All you wanted at the moment was to go out so you didn't have to be alone with him. And that's what you did. "Are we going?"

"Sure," he caught up with you in a few long steps and offering you a hand, he led you to the terrace. His steps faltered before you got to the windows. "No. Wait. I can't leave it like this."

He took your chin between his index finger and thumb, making you to look up into his amber eyes that burned like fires. The lights in the room dimmed until you stood there in almost complete darkness and the only light was coming from outside.

"I want to make things clear right now. I don't want you to be angry with me for wrong reasons. I asked Killian to prepare you for this, but I should have known better and do it myself in the morning when I had chance. Fuck all surprises." He swallowed hard, his gaze boring into you, pleading you to understand. Your lower lip quivered. He was still angry. "Except of the long life part I didn't mean it. All I really wish for is your happiness. I don't.." He exhaled shakily, composing himself.

"Maybe you've already noticed it, but you aren't a prisoner here nor I expect from you anything you don't want to give me. This all.. I wanted for you something that you could fully enjoy, but there are certain expectations that I have to fulfill currently. We can't leave right away," he gestured to the gardens and the guests scattered there, "but there's going to be another birthday celebration for you after this. The real one. The sincere one, even though not so pompous as this all. Just the two of us. And maybe Kill, if he won't be too drunken. I promise."

You listened to his words which he spoke with such urgency in voice, something really atypical for him. As he was talking, the tears gathered in your eyes.

"I understand. I really do. Killian told me that I shouldn't take it seriously. I'm so sorry for my behaviour."

"You have any right for that." His thumb wiped away a tear before it could roll down your face and destroy Irene's hard work. Hand lingering on your cheek, his eyes fell to your lips and then returned back to your eyes, asking for permission. A small nod was all he needed to slowly lean down. His soft lips brushed over yours, his breath fanned over your face. When you didn't back out, he claimed your lips in a tender kiss, lazily moving. Tip of his tongue pressed between your lips, looking for a way in. Before you could grant him entry, his chest vibrated with a low growl and he broke the kiss, resting forehead on your shoulder.

"Mother help me," he whispered out of breath. "You are so beautiful today, a goddess."

You shook your head, trying to calm down your racing heart. "I heard that you ordered this dress for me."

"I wanted them all to see their powerful High Lady, to fall on their knees in front of you," he snorted, "but your beauty exceeded my expectations. You have me in your grip, my Lady. At least for tonight, do whatever you want with me. I'll gladly accept it all."

You gasped in surprise and blushed, but he only grinned mischievously, took your hand and led you out. "This is the real Autumn Court," he waved his hand, showing you the bonfires on a meadow behind the flower garden.

The flames were shooting high into the sky, the wine was flowing in streams and all the lords and ladies had turned into a wild creatures, laughing and dancing around. Nobody cared about the status or manners.

In distance you saw Killian with feral grin dancing with some girl near the bonfire, their bodies swirled around each other and it was impossible to tell where one began and the other ended. It felt as if you were witnessing something inappropriate and had the urge to turn away, but you couldn't take your eyes off of them.

"Come," Eris's deep voice growled near your ear and your toes curled at its undertone promising you the same level of wildness and intimacy that those two had. He pulled on your hand, amber eyes burning, same wolfish smile on his lips.

The rhythm of drums pulsed through your veins and you got carried away by it. Eris led you through the rippling crowd to the closest bonfire and without warning pulled you to his body.

It was pure madness.

Without knowing the steps, led only by those drums and instincts, you swirled around each other, bodies pressed together so firmly there was no space in between you. His warm hands were at your face, shoulders, waist, hips, everywhere, caressing and squeezing until you were sure there would be marks left on your skin. Everything and everyone around you blurred into a mass of colours, only his face with those fiery eyes was clear. The fire was licking your skin, burning your body from inside out and you didn't mind it the slightest because you were the flame yourself.

You changed dancing partners several times, but you couldn't remember their faces even if you tried. At some point you danced even with Killian who with wide grin nuzzled to your neck in a very inappropriate way, but you both only laughed at it.

You danced and danced until you couldn't anymore and stumbling you went looking for something to quench thirst. Some female pressed a goblet with an amber liquid in it into your hand and you drank a few gulps without questioning it.

Tired and overheated you headed into an empty garden, letting the cool breeze to caress your hot cheeks. You groaned in relief.

"Here you are. I've been looking for you," strong arms wrapped around your waist from behind, pulling you to a broad chest. Heat radiated from his body as Eris nuzzled to your neck, placing hot kisses under your ear. "Tired?"

You hummed in answer, leaning into his touch. You both were still too high to care about the level of your intimacy.

"The evening isn't over yet," he whispered with his lips sliding down the column of your neck, his fingers lurking just inches from your breasts. He sounded out of breath. "I promised you to properly celebrate your birthday. Come."

He took your hand and led you away from the bonfires and music, to a secluded balcony overlooking the east gardens. Except of the small table there was nothing.

Your head was pounding, your sight blurred out and again refocused. You blamed all the dancing for it and took another gulp from the goblet. You still couldn't catch your breath.

Eris waved hand and on the small table appeared a beautiful cake and a small box tied with pink bow. With a snap of fingers he lit the candles and not only on the cake. There were dozens of them on the floor and the railings.

"Happy birthday, Y/N" he smiled softly. "Wish for something."

You wanted to return the smile, but couldn't. Your airways suddenly closed and you began to choke and cough violently, fighting for air.

"Y/N? What's wrong?" Eris immediately sobered and reached for you alarmed, his brows knitted together.

With another coughing fit, your mouth filled with something warm and sticky. The blood. Eris's eyes widened and he draw you to his chest. He snatched the goblet from your clenched fingers and sniffed it.

"No," he snarled and the goblet turned into an ash on his palm. He scooped you up in his arms, running through hallways with you. "Y/N, stay with me. Do you hear me? Look at me!"

You tried to focus on his face, really tried but he was nothing but blur. You desperately gasped for air, your consciousness gradually slipping away.

"What's going on?" You could hear Killian's voice in the distance.

"Bring healer! Immediately!" Eris barked the orders. "Bring her to her room! No one must know about this!"

Eris kicked some doors open and then again and laid you down on soft bed. His warm hand pressed to your cold cheek.

"Y/N, stay with me. Fight it! Please.."

You heard some commotion and voices, but after a while everything went silent except of buzzing in your ears. Gasping for air, you focused on his amber eyes. You wanted to take the memory with you wherever you would go from here as the darkness slowly swallowed you.