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SJM Crackship Month : Historical AU
SJM Crackship Month - Day 15 - Historical AU
Crackship: Nuala x Eris
The ball was a smashing success, every prominent family for miles was in attendance and Beron Vanserra stood watching the whole thing proudly. His gatherings were always the talk of the season as he spared no expense, each gathering more grand than the last. Perhaps the most satisfying thing, was knowing that those who hated him were as desperate to receive an invitation as those he called friends.
Beron surveyed the ballroom, noting each of his sons entertaining ladies of exceptional breeding and wealth. His name and legacy would live on, heâd made sure of that, and if his sons were as ruthless as heâd taught them to be, they would amass even more power and wealth than heâd managed to do in all his years.
Eris, his eldest, also stood scanning the crowd. As Beronâs heir, he knew he was always being closely watched. As heir, he had to be most discerning of the female company he kept, at least in public. Whispers and gossip made no secret that the Vanserra sons, arrogant and wicked as they could be, were exceptional lovers.
âSee anything you like?â Erisâ youngest brother Lucien asked, joining him to look over the crowd.
âSame faces we see at every other ball.â Eris answered, not looking away from the crowd. âThough I suspect that suits you quite well. Have you had your requisite dance with Elain Archeron yet?.â
âHer sister is here, if thatâs what youâre asking.â Lucien smirked, not denying that Elain Archeron had captivated him from the very moment they met.
âIâm not.â Eris said tightly. It was true that Nesta Archeron had fascinated him for a time, but her venomous ways had grown tiresome quickly. He had enough misery dealing with his father, he wasnât looking to marry into more no matter how pretty a package it may come in.
âRight, well if you donât dance with someone soon, father will have words.â Lucien reminded, clapping him on the back.
âFather can-â The insult died on his tongue as he watched an absolutely breathtaking woman enter the ballroom. Hair shining and black as night, skin a rich umber and the grace of a Queen.
âCan what-Eris!â Lucien laughed, taking the drink Eris shoved at him before descending the grand staircase. He wanted to see what or who had captured his brothers attention, but a certain doe-eyed Archeron was looking quite lonely and in need of a dance partner and he wouldnât keep her waiting.
Quickly, Eris made his way through the crowd, weaving through guests until he reached the mysterious new beauty in the lilac gown. Against all reason and propriety, he reached out and grabbed her gloved hand. She whirled on him instantly, both of them startled and stunned into silence. She had the most stunning grey eyes he had ever seen.
âIâm sorry.â He said, recovering first and quickly releasing her hand.
âItâs quite alright.â She said with a nod before turning to leave again. Eris' hand quickly found hers again. Slowly, she turned, looking at him apprehensively.
âThat wasnât a dismissal.â He said, a small smile playing at his lips. Did she not know who he was?
âNor was it a proper introduction.â She said, her tone light even as she scolded him. âAre you always so familiar with women you donât know?â She asked, brow raised.
âMy apologies, lady.â He gave a bow, not mocking, though there was a mischievous gleam in his eye that didn't go unnoticed. âPlease, allow me the pleasure of a dance so that I might further apologize for being so forward.â
Eris extended his hand, holding his breath while she appeared to consider his offer.
âI donât dance with strangers Iâm afraid.â
âEris Vanserra." He offered quickly. "My father is hosting this ball.â He said smoothly. If she wanted to play games, he would be more than happy to oblige her. âAnd you are?â
âVery pleased to make your acquaintance, Eris Vanserra.â She smiled, placing her hand in his and allowing him to sweep her into a waltz.
âThat was only half an introduction, you know.â He reminded her, desperately needing to know her name.
âPerhaps you could guess it.â She smiled up at him, her grey eyes seeming to see straight through to his soul.
âThe only name that comes to mind is Aphrodite.â He smiled, her answering laugh like music to his ears but she offered no name to soothe his burning curiosity.
âWho are you here with?â He asked, approaching from a different angle to solve this mystery.
âWell Iâm here with you, my lord.â She smiled, twirling under his arm.
âAre you always so vexing?â He asked, extending his arm to twirl her out before watching her flutter back to him.
âOh no. Itâs never quite this much fun.â She laughed and Eris couldnât stop himself from smiling.
âI will find out, you know. I have my ways.â
âI donât doubt that for a second, my Lord.â She admitted, joining the other ladies in the center of the room. Eris watched her graceful turn, searching for any hint that she might know the other ladies but he found none before she rejoined him.
âI could order you to tell me.â He said, having absolutely no intention of doing so.
âBut then our little game would be over.â She smiled, knowing he wouldnât.
âYou must give me something.â He insisted, positively charmed by her.
âRose.â She answered.
âToo common.â
âPeony.â
âLovely, but I donât think so." He decided with a shake of his head.
âMildred.â
âLiar.â He scoffed.
There was that laugh of hers again. He would hear it all night if he could, if she would allow him to jeopardize all her attention this evening. Panic was already beginning to set in as they reached the end of the waltz and he bowed to her again.
âAnother dance?â He asked before one of his brothers barreled into him, trailed by a few others. He was clearly drunk and rambling on about challenging someone to a duel over a game of cards, one heâd likely cheated at.
âAiden, you idiot.â Eris frowned, helping keep his brother on his feet.
âGet him to his room in one piece and make sure he stays there.â He ordered his younger brothers, handing Aiden back into their care. They muttered apologies, taking him away, but when Eris looked back, his Aphrodite had already vanished.
He searched the entire ballroom, even returning back to the top of the stairs but she was nowhere to be found. All night he searched for her, only engaging in conversation to enquire if anyone had seen the beauty in the lilac gown but no one had. It was as if she were a figment of his imagination, a dream heâd been forced to wake from and couldnât seem to find his way back to.
Eventually, heâd given up and lost all interest in the goings on downstairs, instead electing to retire early. Heâd get an earful from his father tomorrow for not entertaining the right ladies, or making the right connections, but he couldnât be bothered to care. So lost in thought was Eris that he didnât notice the discarded gown until the lilac fabric was at his feet. He snatched it up, immediately recognizing it as Aphroditeâs gown and frantically began searching for her.
Eris didnât have to search for long before a figure darted from the shadows of an adjacent hallway, crashing into him with such force he was nearly knocked off his feet.
Stunning grey eyes met his before the lithe beauty shoved away from him and darted off, dressed in black clothes that clung to her like a second skin.
âAphrodite.â He breathed, tearing off after her, her gown still clutched tightly in his hand.
She was fast, but he was determined, reaching her just as they heard shouts from the corridor ahead. She didnât resist, not when he grabbed her hand and pulled her in the opposite direction, or when he ducked into a narrow hallway his dark coat shielding them, his hand pressed over her mouth. His wild amber eyes scanned the hallway, his body tensing as the guards rushed by without glancing in their direction. Her eyes, however, remained on him. Quietly memorizing the lines and angles of his handsome face, his dusting of freckles and the subtle hint of a dimple on his cheek.
He was helping her, but why? Surely he would change his mind once he realized why she was there. Slowly, his gaze shifted to meet hers and she realized sheâd been clinging to his sides. There were questions burning in those amber eyes of his, but he knew better than to ask them here. Theyâd been lucky not to have been discovered, she wouldnât ruin her luck now by arguing with her savior.
âWhy are you helping me?â She finally asked as she allowed him to lead her through the manor.
âYou know, my father doesnât like being made a fool of.â He said, ignoring her question. No wonder she hadnât revealed her identity earlier.
âAnd you-
âLove making him miserable.â Eris cut in, holding up a beautiful necklace of glittering rubies and diamonds. She patted her neck, where the necklace sheâd purloined from Beronâs safe sat only moments ago.
âBut this does not belong to you, my lovely little thief.â
She reached out, fast as lightning but he was quicker, tucking the jewels into the pocket of his waistcoat.
âHow?â She frowned, now following him of her own free will. "How did you slip that off without me noticing?
âYouâre not the first lady Iâve liberated from her apparel.â He answered with a smug smirk sheâd have liked to wipe from his face. She had plotted and planned carefully for weeks only for things to go horribly wrong as soon as sheâd snatched that necklace.
She opened her mouth to return a venomous barb when they both stopped, the exit blocked by more guards. Eris hissed, grabbing her hand again and leading her deeper into the manor, taking servants hallways and stairways to help remain hidden.
âThey wonât cause a scene, not while the ball still goes on. My father would have their heads if they did.â Eris assured her, handing the rumpled ball of lilac fabric back to her.
âSneaky as you are, a woman in such a state of undress is sure to be noticed. Youâll want to put that back on before you go.â
âBut itâs so hard to move around in.â She offered with a dramatic sigh, once again letting him pull her out of the hallway and into a dark room.
âFor a gentleman, you really are quite scandalous you know. Taking a lady into a darkened room like this.â
A lantern flickered to life, illuminating his handsome face and part of the room. His hair was like fire, even more so in the flickering lamp light. Quietly, he made his way to another lantern, lighting it as well.
âWhat an ostentatious room.â She said, nose crinkling as she looked around, her lilac gown carelessly left on the floor. âWhat preening peacock must rest his head here.â She teased, knowing exactly whose room she was standing in.
âIf youâre so put off by it, allow me to help you take a leap from the balcony.â He said sourly, leaning against a chest of drawers, arms crossed as he eyed her carefully.
âOh, donât be so offended.â She said, waving a hand in his direction as she slowly made her way around, examining the decor more closely. âIs any of this really to your taste anyway? Looks more like your fathers.â
âThere is only my fathers way here.â He answered. âWhy are stealing from him?â He asked, shucking off his coat and tossing it onto a nearby chair.
âAnd you donât enjoy things here?â She asked, ignoring his question.
âThe eldest son of a wealthy Duke.â She observed, picking up baubles and books, carefully examining them before setting them back down.
âA handsome rake with quite a reputation.â She could feel him watching her every move.
âTell me more." He said. "And do start with how handsome you find me.â He answered, watching as she slowly made her way around to him. Truly he had never met a woman so beautiful, nor one who intrigued and fascinated him so thoroughly.
She laughed and he thought his heart might burst at the sound of it, paired with seeing her this way. Every tempting dip and curve on full display. Her lips parted and he waited for whatever answer she might give. Not a doubt in his mind that it would continue to fan this flame between them. Instead, their flirtation was interrupted by a sharp knock on the door causing both of them to freeze, looking wide eyed at one another.
Before she could utter a word she was tackled onto the bed, a protest on the tip of her tongue when the door flew open.
âYour grace-â
âGET OUT!â Eris ordered, voice full of command. âCan you not see my attentions are quite occupied?
The guard glanced at the discarded dress on the floor and Erisâ coat, haphazardly strewn on the chair.
âOf course your grace, apologies." He stammered. "But thereâs been a theft-
âWhatever it is, you wonât find it here.â He said, his tone clipped. âNothing stolen here but the virtue of this delicious little minx.â Eris all but purred, looking down at the gorgeous female under him.
She couldnât stifle her laugh, reaching up to run her fingers through Erisâ soft, red hair for effect. He leaned into her touch, for effect or purely out of pleasure, neither was sure.
âOut.â Eris repeated, turning his burning gaze to the guard, the door quickly slamming shut. Neither of them moved, not until the guards footsteps disappeared down the corridor.
Slowly, Eris rose from the bed, offering a hand to the lovely thief. She took it, rising and looking up at him as if he were a mystery that she too was trying to solve.
âThings could be worse,â He said in answer to her earlier question. âBut life here certainly has its moments.â
âSo youâre not just a poor little lord in a gilded cage?â
He scoffed, tipping her chin up. âAny pity would be wholly wasted on me, Lady.â
Gods, he was so tempted to kiss her, he could swear he saw the same need in her eyes but neither made a move.
âYou still havenât told me why you wanted that necklace.â
âNot me, my handsome Lord. I am but a humble servant to those who pay me.â
âAnd who paid you for that piece?â He asked, his voice quiet, softer than sheâd heard before.
âI think you know, my Lord.â She said, slipping a small envelope from her pocket.
Immediately, Eris recognized the elegant script of his mother. The mother whoâd been forbidden from seeing her sons after she fled her abusive husband and married one who loved her instead. The mother heâd only seen a few times in passing, forbidden to even acknowledge her lest he be thrown into the streets, leaving his brothers behind.
âShe bade me give you this, though I will require a small payment first as youâve prevented me from completing my job.â
Eris only raised a brow in answer.
âOne kiss, to make up for all the trouble youâve caused me tonight.â She said, waving the small envelope at him before hiding her hand behind her back.
âIs everything a game to you?â He asked, stepping toward her, one warm hand cradling her cheek, the other reaching for the envelope behind her back.
âI only play games when thereâs something worth winning.â She whispered, moving to meet him halfway, pressing her lips to his.
She practically melted against him, letting him pull her closer as he deepened the kiss. He was like fire, wild and unpredictable but warm and comforting at the same time. Everything about him was carefully crafted, a mask and a half truth but not this. This kiss was all Eris, truth and passion and for just one moment, she wasnât a liar or a thief, she was just a woman. The kiss wasnât chaste or vulgar, but somewhere in between where passion and yearning intertwined.
She was the first to pull away. Heâd have kissed her until he ran out of breath, but he remained, eyes closed as her delicate fingers threaded through his hair and caressed his cheek.
âYou should lie down.â She said softly, taking him by the hand. Eris opened his eyes and realized he was swaying on his feet. Still, he was confused by the look of concern on her face as he allowed her to sit him on the edge of the bed.
âIâm afraid I dosed you with a sedative earlier when you grabbed me." She explained, the smallest hint of guilt in her voice. "You didnât feel a thing, such a big, strong man.â She smiled, guiding him back to lie down even as he reached for her, grabbing her hand.
âYouâre going to sleep, Eris.â She explained, her voice soft and soothing as she easily slipped her hand from his weakening grip. âJust long enough so I can slip away without you giving me anymore trouble.â
His brow furrowed, his body betrayed him as he fought to speak, but the words wouldnât come. Heavy lidded eyes followed her hands as she slipped the sparkling necklace from his waistcoat pocket and replaced it with the letter from his mother.
Eris watched helplessly as the woman of his dreams slipped through his fingers, likely never to be seen again. She gathered the mass of lilac silk and lace, stopping to look over at him one last time, his pleading eyes stopping her in her tracks. Slowly, she made her way back over to him, leaning in and pressing a soft kiss to his lips.
âNuala.â She whispered to him, noting his subtle smile and the sweetest dimple in his cheek as he let his eyes close at last. âMy name is Nuala.â
@sjmcrackshipmonth
#sjmcrackshipmonth#sjmcrackshipmonth23#shadowfire#nuala x eris#eris x nuala#acotar crackship#crackyatch#eris vanserra
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I love them with my whole heart, your honor.
The idea of them lives rent-free in my mind..
@sjmcrackshipmonth
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SJM Crackship Month : Forbidden Romance
So my #1 crackship for anyone who doesn't know, is Eris x Nuala. I live and breath for the crackyatch that is Shadowfire.
If you know me, then you know I don't shut up about them and I never will, so this is my contribution for SJM Crackship Month!
SJM Crackship Month - Day 13 - Forbidden Romance
Crackship: Nuala x Eris
@sjmcrackshipmonth
Overdue Kiss
Nuala found herself glancing up again for the third time, her breath catching as amber eyes met her grey. Sheâd been caught this time, and the quiet chuckle she heard as she looked away confirmed as much. Trouble. She knew he was trouble but sheâd long been able to sense there was much more to Eris Vanserra than that, despite how the rest of her friends and family felt about him.
Theyâd had enough conversations, sheâd spent enough time with him to get a sense of him and she wasnât afraid. Besides, Lucien was nice, why couldnât Eris be too?
âNuala?â The school librarian said, giving her a tap on the shoulder and pulling her from her thoughts.
âSorry.â She said, feeling her cheeks heat at being caught, distracted by Eris Vanserra for the second time in the span of a minute.
âCan you shelve the books on the cart before you go?â She asked, motioning to the cart covered in stacks of books.
âOf course, Iâll get started now.â Nuala said with a nod, anxious to get away and hide. Far from the intense amber eyes that followed her as she disappeared further into the library.
Eris Vanserra sat patiently, pretending to read for all of 30 seconds before getting to his feet and going to find where Nuala had disappeared to. Sheâd caught his attention long before they ever spoke but he hadnât dared to approach her. There was no point in trying to make nice with the Archeronâs or anyone in their circle if your last name was Vanserra. Lucien was tolerated only because of his friendship with Elain.
The first time Nuala spoke to him, he waited for the insult or the barbed comments, but they never came. One conversation after another, each a little longer than the last until he finally stopped waiting for things to sour and just let himself enjoy her company. Theyâd kept things quiet, mostly for their own sanity. There was no love lost between their families, but it didnât stop him from being drawn to her. Here he was, seeking her out in the middle of the day, at school where anyone might see.
âSo embarrassing.â Nuala muttered, pushing the cart around a corner, placing books back in their rightful place one by one. She refused to let her mind wander again, especially to a certain Vanserra. Maybe it would have been easier to get him off her mind if she pretended he was as awful as her family always said. Maybe if she suspected heâd only spoken to her to get a rise out of them, but heâd kept it as quiet as she had. A secret just between the two of them, but it never felt like a dirty secret, something to be ashamed of. It felt special and fragile, like something to be protected and shielded from the outside world.
She hadnât told him, but Azriel had seen them talking and immediately warned her against him. He wasted no time running down his list of reasons why Eris and his brothers were the scum of the earth and should be avoided at all costs. Sheâd listened and tucked the information away but in the many times theyâd spoken and spent time together, Eris had never shown himself to be anything like Az described.
Yes, he was a smart ass. Snarky and sarcastic, but he was also witty and fun. He was charming and though he might deny it, he could also be very sweet. Nuala wasnât sure what sheâd done to unlock this side of him, but deep down, some part of her knew that this was who he truly was. Being around Eris was just easy and natural and she wasn't going to give that up without good reason.
The one thing Nuala was certain of was that he wasnât there to see her. He was a student, a Senior with plenty of final exams to study for. Him being there could have absolutely nothing to do with her. True, sheâd never seen him study in here before and also true sheâd recently let it slip that she worked here during her free period but that wasnât proof of anything. Eris Vanserra was NOT here to see her.
âRidiculous.â She sighed, on her tiptoes, struggling to slip a thick volume back onto a high shelf. Her heart raced as a pale hand reached out to help, his skin so warm against hers.
âThe book, or you hiding from me?â Erisâ velvety voice teased from behind her. She turned to find those warm amber eyes on her again, and she found that she didnât mind it. Not his eyes fixed on her, or the dusting of freckles across his nose and cheeks, not his smug smile or the way he leaned against the shelf, towering over her.
âHiding? From you?â She scoffed. âI didnât even notice you were here.â She lied with a smirk that drew a matching one from Eris.
Beautiful, she was absolutely beautiful, Eris thought. And though sheâd played it shy earlier, she was clearly feeling playful now, and he loved her like this.
âBut since youâre here, make yourself useful?â She asked, motioning to the cart of books.
âSince you asked so nicely.â He grinned, following her with the cart, watching her every graceful move. He wasnât sure how it happened, how heâd let himself fall for someone so out of his reach but he didnât regret it. She might, for wasting her time on someone like him but he knew heâd never regret her.
âCan I help you find a book?â She asked, daring a glance over her shoulder before replacing a few more books on the shelf.
âNualaâŚâ She could hear the smile in his voice, and the warning. It made her heart flutter in her chest. He was feeling bold today and it inspired a bit of boldness in her too.
âVanserra.â She smirked, turning to face him, arms crossed over her chest.
His grin widened, brows raised in surprise as he closed the distance between them. One of them would back down, they always did when there were other people around.
Nuala didnât turn away, not as his hand threaded through her hair and cradled the back of her head, not as he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. Erisâ heart thundered in his chest as she tipped her chin up and returned the kiss, silencing his fears and doubts as she always did. Worth it. She was worth any obstacles heâd have to deal with to stay in her life.
Nuala didnât flinch when the books she held thudded to the floor, her hands now steadily moving up Erisâ chest. She didnât care that anyone could have walked by and seen them. Sheâd already made up her mind that Eris was worth the risk and if her family found out, she would tell them so and they would deal with it together.
#sjmcrackshipmonth23#sjmcrackshipmonth#shadowfire#nuala x eris#eris x nuala#acotar crackship#crackyatch#eris vanserra#nuala
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Perfection!! Theyâre gorgeous! NUALA! đ
This man is done for, itâs over for him.
"Well, I can tell who trained you..."
Eris has a tendency to know when he's being watched đ
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