#do you know how surprised i was when i found out cassian x eris is NOT a ship???

[yaralulu]

cassian is gayer than eris but no one is ready for that conversation 🤭

I’m so ready for that conversation. Bi cassian is very real to me 🙏🙏.

[danikamariewrites]

Take Them All Down (part 2)

Rhys x reader

A/n: First off, I am so sorry this is months later. I did not realize I wrote part 1 in freaking October until I reread it for a refresher. Like no wonder so many of you asked me about part 2! There will not be a part 3 (so sorry if you have your hopes up for that after reading this).

Warnings: blood, violence, and eventual fluff

The throne room filled quickly. You couldn’t pick out faces even if you wanted to. Looking down you see the unlucky prince you had grabbed in your rage was Eris. The only surprise you showed at his fear was a raise of your eyebrow.

Seeing ghosts scares people. Eris isn’t immune to that.

The crowd parts, letting Beron. When he sees you with a sword to his heirs bleeding throat he pales. “Everyone out!” Beron roars. The room empty’s in seconds. Leaving the three of you alone.

“You,” Beron says cooly, raising a shaking finger at you. “You, are supposed to be dead.”

——

Rhys hasn’t broken his stride or acknowledged his family since the cemetery. Ripping open his closet door and donning his leathers Cassian finally grabs him by the shoulders, pinning him to the wall. Everyone waits with bated breath at the threshold of the bedroom. Azreil stands between the family and his brothers to absorb any fallout.

“Rhysand! Stop! By the fucking Cauldron, what do you mean she is not dead?” Cassian’s booming voice causes even Azriel to take a step back. But Rhys stands strong. Mirth dancing in his eyes. “The bond never broke,” he said with that haunting laugh and even more troubling smile.

“I have felt nothing since Hybern. The bond it…it’s just been waiting for y/n to wake up.” Cassian let go, his face pale. Instead of being angry he wanted answers. He was beyond confused at how you could possibly be alive. They saw your body, watched as your coffin was buried!

“What’s the plan Rhys?” Azriel asked, a slight shake in his usually calm voice. Another haunting laugh leaves Rhys’ lips. “Eris has been screaming in my head for an hour. She went right to the Autumn Court. My vengeful wife, HA!” Azriel and Cassian look at each other. Then it clicked.

Beron had found your body.

He had been the one to alert everyone, even brought Rhys over to you.

As if he was reading their minds Rhys began to voice their train of thought, “Beron saw an opportunity at the end of the war and took it. The instability of everything. He needed to take me out of the equation first before taking out any of the other courts. ‘Killing’ y/n was the way to go. Smart. He wants Prythian. Wants to be High King and for that he needs all the courts to rely on him. He has been creating problems that only he and his court can solve.

“I’ve been in contact with Kallius and Helion over the last few weeks. After Amren’s last meeting with the governors I knew it was Beron. Without us and trying to keep their courts alive it’s been a mess.” “So you are aware the court is struggling?” Amren interjects. Anger rolling from her tiny body in waves. Rhys turns to look at her. His face sympathetic and guilty. “I know you’ve been doing everything I should be. And I am so sorry. I should have never shut down like that. But I couldn’t…”

Cassian claps a hand on Rhys’ shoulder. “We understand, brother.” Had it been any of them Rhys would be doing the same thing his family was doing.

“I’ve reached out to Kall and Helion. They are meeting us in Autumn soon. Get ready to go.” His brothers nod, leaving Rhys to prepare for what awaits him in Autumn.

——

Back in the throne room you stall Beron. You want him to continue his tirade, letting all his anger out so you can deflect it right back at him. When he paused you dug your blade deeper into Eris’ throat. He held back his wince. Knowing the punishment from his father would be worse than loosing his head.

Before you could open your mouth to retaliate the bond in your chest stirred. You felt everything all at once. Anger, relief, love, and grief.

Rhysand.

He knows. He came for you.

Surprise shines in your eyes. Looking down at Eris he meets your gaze, his own amber eyes screaming ‘I did this. I told him. Please let me go.’

Dropping the sword from his neck Eris breathed out a sigh of relief. “Go,” you growl at him. He scrambles off the dias, deciding that leaving you and his father alone would be best. He dashes for the large double doors. Your eyes never leaving his back until Eris disappears from view.

You need to stall longer. Although you can feel Rhys again he’s far. Probably just winnowing to the border of the court.

Making a show of bringing your sword up to your eyes to inspect Eris’s blood slowly dripping down the sharp edge. You wipe it off on the skirt of your dress. Looking down at the swishing black fabric you notice how dirty and tattered it is. You don’t know if it’s from being buried for so long or pulling yourself out of your grave. Maybe it’s both.

The memory of waking up in the pitch black and digging yourself out flash through your mind. You want to drop to your knees and cry until you have no tears left. A pulse of love comes down the bond full force. It gives a you a renewed strength as you stare down Beron. Soon, it promised. Soon you could do all of that in Rhys’ arms.

Lifting your sword you point it at Beron. “We have a score to settle, asshole.” He smirks at you. Reaching out he pulls his sword from thin air. Sweeping into a ready stance. Beron curls his fingers, beckoning you forward. “Let’s see if the dead can fight.”

You run toward him, letting a cry rip from deep in your chest. You are going to kill this motherfucker.

The two of you keep clashing. Metal against metal ringing throughout the throne room. Slash after slash you finally feel the adrenaline wearing off. You’re weak and can feel he’s gaining the upper hand. Beron backs you toward the dias.

With a mighty swing Beron has you down. Your back hits the wooden stairs. Wasting time trying to recover, Beron stomps over, kicking your sword from your hand. Beron pushes his heavy boot against your open hand. You scream at the feel of your fingers cracking between his weight and the wood. He lets out a cruel cackle. “This time, I’m going to kill you for real.”

Beron raises the menacing blade. Ready to strike right through your heart. Closing your eyes you brace yourself for impact. It never comes.

The doors explode. You take a risk and move your eyes off Beron to see who has barged in. Rhys, those gorgeous wings on display. He’s flanked by Azriel and Cassian. Kallius and Viv with Mor at her side. Helion and his general. Beron must’ve done something to really piss off three High Lords while you were buried.

Everything went by in a blur. All you could do was watch. Rhys could’ve easily fought Beron on his own but it seemed like they each wanted a piece of him. Near the end Eris comes racing in, his neck bandaged. It’s an easy fight in the end.

Eris brings his father to his knees. Broken and bruised, he surrenders. Eris takes control, ordering Beron to be sent to the dungeons and watched at all times. His execution would come soon. Eris didn’t want him escaping.

You feel arms around you. Jumping, you look to your side and see Rhys. You almost didn’t recognize him with the beard. There was hope twinkling in his eyes. Silver lining them as he stares at you in disbelief.

A loud cry escapes your lips as you put all your weight on your mate. Rhys says something that you don’t hear, your ears are still ringing from the explosion. Darkness consumes your vision as the throne room falls from you. You cower into Rhys��� chest hoping the light comes back.

When you feel a floor beneath you again you pull away from his chest. Looking around you find you’re back in the Town House. Home. You are finally home.

You see the family behind you, not wanting to scare you. Tears fall freely down your face. When you woke up in that box you never thought you would see them again. By some miracle the Mother decided you weren’t done living yet and gave you back.

“I knew you weren’t dead.” Rhys whispered, kissing your forehead. “I could never leave you.” You say softly, looking up at him. He smiles at you. Tears falling down his face into his beard. Bringing a hand up you run your fingers through his beard.

For someone who has been depressed it’s very well kept. “I like the beard.” Rhys laughs as he pulls you into a hug. After embracing on the floor for what feels like hours Rhys shifts so you are looking up at him again.

“I want Madja to look you over, then we can get you into a bath my love.” He rubs the pad of his thumb across your cheek. Wiping away dried mud and blood. You won’t argue with him. You can tell he just wants to take care of you. “Sounds perfect.”

[profound-imagination]

Matching Wounds - Reader x Azriel x Lucien Vanserra

A/N: So I started this fic with the full intention of it being Azriel angst with a happy ending, but now I'm not sure if I want Y/N to end up with Azriel or for her to fall for Lucien. Let me know what you guys think?!❤️

T/W: Alcohol, fighting, Azriel and Elain being the worst.

W/C 2.4K

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"Y/N! Have you seen Azriel?!" Cassian looked frantic as he threw open the door to your dress shop, you raised an eyebrow at him, "Hello Cassian, lovely to see you again." You weren't in the inner circle but they all knew of you and were all friendly enough after they'd figured out that you were Azriel's mate, not that he'd bought it up to you, you knew he knew and he knew you knew but no mention of it had been made, let alone accepted.

You'd known Azriel for years before the bond snapped, his favourite hideaway is what he called the apartment above the dress shop you lived in, the one place his family wouldn't find him when he needed a break. You'd loved him long before the bond and part of you always would, even if he rejected you, which was seeming more and more likely by the day since Elain had entered the picture. You wanted to hate her, every instinct in your body told you to hate her, but she was lovely, gentle and kind and it wasn't her fault, you had been nothing but nice to her and just like her sisters and Mor, she had free reign to take anything she liked from the shop.

"He's probably with Elain, have you checked the gardens?" Cassian nodded his head, "We checked there first, we can't find her either." You hummed in response, "They've probably just snuck off somewhere together, is that so surprising?" You asked him, he sighed, "I can't imagine how much it hurts, Y/N, to see them together, to smell her on him whenever he's here." You shrugged, "He's hardly ever here anymore, Cass, so it doesn't matter, if they're happy, they're happy, it's none of our business." He opened his mouth but you interrupted him, "Cass, you and I both know if he doesn't want to be found, he won't be, I'm sure he's fine."

It was later that evening, when Rhys winnowed into your apartment, you got worried, "There's something you need to see and hear." He stated, the power of a High Lord rippling off of him, something had angered him and you had a feeling you were about to find out what. You stood and nodded at him as he took your hand in his, in a blink your apartment was left behind and the sitting room of the River House came into view.

Azriel was the first one your eyes landed on, his eyes focused on Elain, then you saw the others, all looked uncomfortable and then finally, Lucien, who stood rigid, silent, like someone had frozen him in place. You stepped up to him and touched his arm, he flinched away from you instantly, "Luc, what's wrong?" Everyone in the room tensed at your question. Rhys cleared his throat, but it was Elain who said, "I didn't do it to hurt you, Lucien."

You swallowed the lump that had formed in your throat and cast a thought out to Feyre and Rhys, "I recommend getting Eris here, now. Whatever happened is going push him over the edge and Eris is the only one that'll be able to pull him back." Rhys gave the slightest of nods and Mor disappeared. Since becoming High Lord of Autumn, a new side of Eris had emerged, he and Rhys weren't so different and he'd explained himself and his actions to not only Mor but all of them and they were all trying to move forward as not just allies but friends. You took a step closer to Lucien, who had said nothing back to Elain as if he hadn't even heard her. You waited for the words that were about to tear you apart, staring at Azriel.

"Well, go on." Rhys encouraged the two of them, "Tell them what you've done." Elain straightened her back, Azriel took a deep breath and ran his left hand down his face, the gold ring on his finger snagged your attention and you stopped breathing as Elain said, "We got married." It was then that you looked at her properly for the first time since you'd arrived, the dress she was wearing, the one you'd made for yourself, to wear to a mating ceremony that wasn't ever going to happen, the dress you'd made to wear for Azriel.

She wouldn't have known why you made it, but it was the finest dress you'd ever made and it had been tucked away in the back of the shop since you'd lost hope of your mate accepting you. She looked like a vision, the chiffon skirts danced around her legs like they'd been caught on a phantom wind, the bodice, shimmering blue in certain lights, and even as she was facing you, you knew without a doubt the cobalt buttons that ran down her spine would look just as beautiful on her as the rest of the gown. "Married?" You choked out and then four things happened at once.

Lucien lunged at Azriel. Shadows exploded, covering Elain from head to toe. Eris and Mor appeared. Lastly your knees gave out. Eris lunged at his brother and hauled him back by his collar just before he reached Azriel, pulling him against his chest, an arm wrapped around his neck to keep him there. The shadows around Elain faded, and Eris stepped backwards towards you, dragging Lucien with him.

"We'll be going, would you like to come with us?" He asked offering a hand to you as Cassian hauled you back to your feet, your eyes lined with silver as you looked at Azriel and you let it all flow down the bond, every tiny piece of pain and betrayal you'd kept locked away, he flinched ever so slightly as it all hit him at once, Elain placed her hand on her husband's arm to comfort him. Husband. Elain's husband.

You looked at Lucien, fighting against his brothers grip on him, then at Eris and nodded, giving him your hand. Azriel took one step forward, almost as if he was going to reach for you but you were already gone.

When you hit solid ground you were in a clearing in autumn, Lucien pushed away from his brother and raged. You doubled over and threw up and fell into the waiting arms of the High Lady of Autumn, April, your best friend. Eris had quite literally run into her in Velaris and had known that she was who he was meant for and she didn't shut up about him for weeks, until he'd come back and swept her off of her feet.

"It's my right to challenge him!" Lucien shouted at Eris who took his youngest brother's face in his hands, "You'll die, Luc, you're good, but he's better and believe it or not, I'm rather fond of you baby brother, I won't allow it, please don't make me pull rank." You took shaky steps towards them, "Is there even any point in fighting for them? They've made their choices and we both deserved better than what they did." Lucien whirled on you, "That dress! You knew!" You took a step back and Eris growled at him in warning when he got too close to April. "I didn't know, Lucien, I swear! Yes, I made the dress, but I didn't make it for her, I made it for me, but I completely forgot about it when I lost hope in my mate wanting me back." He nodded, "You're a good male Lucien, one of the best I've ever known, you didn't deserve what she did, you didn't deserve her treatment of you at all, I'm sorry for that." He sighed, "You didn't deserve that either Y/N, Azriel never deserved you."

Two weeks later, a letter arrived, it just appeared on your night table with a gentle thunk. You instantly recognised the handwriting on the envelope. Your hands shook as you opened it.

Dear Y/N,

I know I don't deserve any of your time or attention but I need you to know I never intended to hurt you. You're my best friend, my other half, my twin flame and I won't deny that but I'm a married male now.

Elain taught me the human way of following your heart and that's what I did, the only thing I've ever done for myself. I hope you can understand that. It was never that I didn't love you, I do, greatly. I know you need time, I know you're hurting, but please, when you're ready, write me back, I need you, I need my friend.

I know it will never be the same between us now, and that we have yet to break the bond, but I promise I won't do that until you're ready. Until I know you can handle it.

Elain is worried that Lucien will come back and issue a blood duel. Rhys needs to know if that's going to happen so he and Eris can stop it before he does. I don't want to kill him Y/N, but I will if it comes to it. Don't let it come to that.

Azriel.

Tears lined your eyes as you read the letter again and again. Lucien, you needed to talk to Lucien, which was easier said than done these days. To say he'd gone off the rails was putting it lightly, you sighed, folding the letter and putting it in the pocket of your dress, you headed off to find the wild son of Autumn.

You could smell the whisky before you even opened his chamber door. You almost tiptoed through the door, closing it behind you with a gentle click. Lucien's room was a mess. The curtains were half drawn across the windows, empty bottles and glasses on every surface and some on the floor, his bed was a mess of crumpled sheets and pillows strewn about and then your eyes landed on him and your heart broke for your friend. He'd fallen asleep on the floor, you knew he'd likely missed the sofa by the fire when he stumbled in last night and just slept where he fell. Bruises had blossomed on his face, you knew there would be more on his body, dark splotches covering the old yellow ones and his knuckles were cracked and caked in dried blood.

Eris has tried to outlaw the fighting rings in Autumn but many of them had gone underground and you knew if there was something to find, Lucien of all people would be the one to find them and he had. You knew he did this to feel something, knew he let the males with far less skill than he had land punches on him so he could punish himself for losing his mate, something that wasn't even his fault, you also knew he was punishing himself for the pain you felt as well.

As quietly as you could you closed all the curtains in his rooms, re lit the fire and made your way into his bathing chamber, and began running him a bath. As the tub filled you returned to his rooms and stripped his bed, remaking it with fresh sheets and ensuring the pillows were plump. When the bath was full you tiptoed over to him and knelt next to him. "Lucien, wake up." You kept your voice low as to not startle him and gently moved a stray piece of hair out of his face. He stirred but only slightly so you gently shook his shoulder.

Lucien cracked his eye open, his metal one began to whir, "What do you want?" He mumbled, barely awake. You smiled down at him as gently as you could. "I want to help you, Luc, it hurts me to see you this way, come on, I ran you a bath." He let out what you thought was a snort. "I can look after myself." You ran your fingers through his hair again, "I know you can, but you don't have to, come on." This time he let you pull him up with you, when you let go he stumbled so you placed his arm around your shoulder and guided him to the bathroom.

He stared at you, mouth agape as you started to unbutton his shirt. "What are you doing?" You raised an eyebrow at him, "You'll fall over if you do this yourself and if I leave you'll likely drown in the bath." He couldn't really argue with you there. "Don't worry, you won't scandalise me, Lucien Vanserra, you aren't the first naked male I've seen." He didn't make you leave but he did insist on undressing himself, he only fell once when his leg got stuck in his breeches.

You watched as all of his muscles visibly relaxed as the hot water covered him. You approached and pulled his shoulders back so you could reach his hair. He said nothing while you cupped water in your hands and poured it over his head, he shuddered as you massaged the shampoo into his hair and washed it out again. "Please stop hurting yourself Lucien, this isn't the way." He sighed but said nothing. "I can't lose you as well, you're all I have, fox boy." The corner of his mouth twitched up momentarily at the nickname you'd given him when you'd first met him in the Spring Court. When the water began to cool you offered him a towel and let him get himself out the bath while you went through his draws to find him something comfortable to wear. Once you had found what you turned to head back to the bathroom to find Lucien already in the bedroom, sans towel. Gods he was beautiful. Elain was a fool. Your heart clenched as you thought this was the wrong male you were caring for at the thought of Elain caring for Azriel like this.

Lucien was swaying on his feet by the time you'd gotten him dressed in a pair of loose cotton trousers designed for sleep. You gently guided him towards the bed and tucked him in like you would a sick child. "Get some sleep, Luc." You told him quietly. You turned to leave as his big hand wrapped around your wrist and you were pulled down next to him. "Don't leave me." He all but whispered, half asleep already. "You're all I have." He mumbled, pulling you into his side. "I won't leave you, Lucien, I promise, I'll be here when you wake up."

Later. You'd ask him about the blood duel later.

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[tortillamastersblog]

꧁ Angels Don’t Cry - Part 6 | Mor ꧂

Pairing: Mor x reader

Warnings: Mentions of torture, injuries, blood, kidnapping, vomiting and explicit language

Summary: After Hybern’s defeat, the Inner Circle makes a grave discovery in the late King’s dungeons. . .

Next Part | Masterlist

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When Feyre and I get to the House of Wind, the Starfall celebrations are already in full swing. Rhys even went so far as to hire a band to play some live music.

The drinks are flowing and people are dancing, excited for the spectacle later tonight, but as my eyes roam over the crowd I don’t spot the one person I’m anxious to see.

Feyre, ever the observant friend, notices my searching gaze and says, “She’s here. I talked to her earlier, but I don’t know where she went.”

I hum in acknowledgment and smile when she excuses herself to find Rhysand.

She’s probably just getting a drink from the wine cellar or something.

I start mingling, sticking to the people I know and am comfortable with until Elain appears, yanking me to the side of the room.

“Whoa, hi! Hello to you, too,” I say steadying myself with a hand on the wall so I don’t crash into her.

I haven’t even had a drink yet. . .

Elain smiles apologetically but her eyes dart around with urgency in them, her entire body tense. “Have you heard?”

“Heard what?” I ask, smirking when I notice the way her baby blue dress matches Azriel’s shirt. It’s an unusual color on him since he usually prefers to wear dark colors, but it goes to show how much he is willing to do for his mate. “You look nice by the way.”

She ignores my compliment and stands on her toes to look over my shoulder. “That,” she says, her lip curling in disgust.

I turn around and blink in surprise. “What the fuck?”

Walking into the room, shielded by Cassian on his left and Rhysand on his right, is Keir, Steward of the Court of Nightmares and Mor’s father.

I knew he and his people would be allowed into Velaris tonight, but I wasn’t expecting him to be here, celebrating amongst the Inner Circle.

“What is he doing here?” I seethe, glaring daggers at Rhysand when our eyes meet.

He ignores me and averts his eyes, saying something to Keir before getting whisked away by Feyre who looks as appalled and shocked as Elain.

“Azriel said Rhysand is bringing him here to express his gratitude for ordering the Darkbringers to help in the war against Hybern,” Elain explains, bitterness seeping into her voice. She takes a sip of her drink and offers it to me.

I take it and down it in one big sip, shaking my head in disbelief. “Allowing him into the city is showing enough gratitude. This is just pointless and borders on ass-kissing.”

And just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse, a red-headed male steps out from behind Keir. Eris Vanserra. He left Mor in the woods to die after her father nailed a note to her stomach.

No wonder Mor is nowhere to be found.

An indescribable rage bubbles up in the pit of my stomach and before I can stop myself, I’m pushing through the crowd, making my way to Keir and Eris.

I don’t know what I’m going to do or say, but I don’t want them here and I don’t want them anywhere near Mor.

My wings are tucked in tight and my shoulders are squared, ready to fight, but then a familiar figure steps in front of me, effectively blocking my path.

“Move, Azriel.” I all but growl, trying to get past him, but Azriel doesn’t budge. He just raises and eyebrow and watches me carefully as something akin to realization flashes across his face.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” he says calmly, his shadows curling around him. “Whatever it is you were planning on doing, that is. Starting a fight isn’t going to help anyone. . . Especially not Mor.”

At the sound of her name my eyes narrow, but I don’t try to get past him any more.

He’s right. I don’t know what I was thinking, but seeing them here, in a place Mor treasures so much, on this special night. . . It set something off in me.

“Where is she?” I ask, deciding to focus my attention on her instead of them.

“Upstairs.” Azriel steps aside just enough for me to get to the staircase.

I don’t spare him or Eris and Keir another glance as I skip up the stairs. The first place I go to is the guest room she usually uses whenever she’s had too much to drink and is too lazy to go home.

It’s empty though, so I look through all the other guest rooms as well. One after the other, I come up empty handed. That is until I open the door to my old room.

I almost overlook her in the darkness, but she’s there, staring out of the window with her back turned toward me. Her heartbeat is erratic in the silence even though she’s perfectly still.

I step into the room and close the door behind me, noticing how she freezes for a moment. She turns her head to the side ever so slightly and listens, relaxing visibly when she realizes it’s me.

Keeping her eyes on the view outside the window, she exhales shakily. She doesn’t tell me to leave, so I take that as an invitation to join her side.

I wordlessly cross the room and step up next to her, looking outside as well. The sight of the city and the Sidra below us is familiar and comforting. I couldn’t count how many times I looked out at the city after waking up from a nightmare.

While the muffled sounds of the party downstairs surround us, we stay completely silent. We don’t move or acknowledge each other’s presence until Mor’s finally had enough. She turns and throws her arms around my shoulders, burying her face in the crook of my neck.

She doesn’t cry, but her heart is still beating too fast, so I wrap my arms around her waist and pull her closer, hoping to provide her with the comfort she needs.

“They’re here,” she whispers after a couple more moments.

I press a kiss to the crown of her head. “I know.”

She tightens her grip on me and moves one of her hands to the back of my neck. “I hate them.”

I nod and brush my thumbs along her ribs over the fabric of her dress. “Me too. I think if it wasn’t for Azriel I would have punched them by now.“

That elicits a weak laugh from her. “And then what? Rhys would have you kicked out for threatening the alliance.”

I scoff and rest my cheek against the top of her head. “Rhys can kiss my ass, I don’t care about that.”

I just care about you.

That realization would have sent me spiraling a week ago, but now it brings me nothing but clarity.

I care about Mor. More than a friend and even though I doubt this is what it feels like for the bond to snap into place, I can finally admit that I want this. I want her, and I want us, and as soon as the bond snaps into place for me, I will accept it.

“Maybe, but I do,” she says quietly, “if he kicked you out you wouldn’t be here with me right now and I want you here.”

My heart soars hearing her admit that and I tighten my hold on her even more, breathing her in and pressing a kiss to her temple. “Mhmm. I want to be here, too.”

Mor nuzzles my neck and runs her fingers through the hair at the back of my neck.

I concentrate on her heartbeat and exhale in relief when I hear it has returned back to normal. “So, what do you want to do now? Do you want to get out of here?”

She shakes her head and pulls back so she can look at me. The room is dark, but it’s not dark enough for me to miss the defiance burning in her eyes. “No, if I run, they win. I don’t want them to know they’re getting to me.“

I raise an eyebrow at that and squeeze her waist playfully when she starts fumbling with the top buttons of my shirt. “So. . .?”

She huffs and stands up straighter, placing her hands on my chest. “We’re going to go down there and enjoy the night with our family and friends.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.” There’s no hesitation on her part, but I’m still not sure about this.

“But what if they try to talk to you?” I ask. I can’t stop the concern from seeping into my voice and Mor’s eyes soften as she cups my neck with her hands.

“Let them. As long as you’re with me, I don’t care what they say.” She sounds so convinced, I can’t help but give in.

“Alright, but we’re leaving as soon as you feel even the tiniest bit uncomfortable,” I state, leaving no room for discussion.

Mor chuckles, but nods with a smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

I raise my eyebrows, needing her to be serious for a moment. “Okay?”

“Yes, I promise.”

I grumble. I still don’t like the idea, but I’m not going to tell her what she can or can’t do. Never. So, I let her step out of my arms and grab my hand to lead me out into the lit hallway where I get the first proper look at her dress.

For once she’s not wearing a red one, but rather a forest green one. It hugs her body perfectly and compliments her lipstick. The slit up the side of her leg exposes most of her thigh and the sight of so much skin makes me swoon.

“Close your mouth, Love, or you’re gonna catch flies,” she teases with a knowing smirk and when it registers what she just called me my wings flutter involuntarily.

I clear my throat, embarrassed that I was caught staring, but I don’t look away. “You’re unbelievable.”

She throws her hair over her shoulders and lets go of my hand to link arms with me. “I know,” she quips confidently before dragging me back downstairs.

After returning to the party, Mor and I managed to avoid Rhysand, Keir and Eris. We ate with Amren and Cassian (whom I’m once again on speaking terms with), shared a drink with Elain and Azriel, and had a little chat with Feyre.

She told us inviting Keir and Eris to the party was a split second decision on Rhysand’s part because he bumped into them in the city on his way here. They challenged his trust in them in front of his people, so in order to save face, he invited them to the party.

It makes sense why he did it, I would have done the same in his shoes, but it doesn’t change the fact that I don’t like it.

A finger poking my jaw makes me snap out of my thoughts. “You’re going to get a headache if you keep clenching your jaw like that.”

“Right. Sorry.” I try to smile at Mor who’s looking at me with soft brown eyes, but it falls flat.

She squeezes my biceps and tilts her head. “Why are you apologizing?”

I frown. “I-I don’t know.” Why am I apologizing? “It just feels like the right thing to do?”

Mor huffs and brushes a strand of hair off my forehead. “We’ll have to work on that.”

Huh? Who is we? And why is that something that has to be worked on?

Before I get the chance to ask any of that, I notice someone approaching from the corner of my eye and when I turn my head, I’m right back to clenching my jaw.

Eris.

“Good evening.” He stops in front of us and bows his head respectfully, but I don’t miss the conceited glint in his eyes.

Mor turns her body and returns the greeting with a polite nod. “Good evening.”

I don’t say anything, and as though she senses my reignited anger, Mor places a hand on my stomach to keep me from stepping between her and Eris.

“Are you having a good time?” he asks with a smug smile, his eyes darting to Mor’s hand on my stomach for a moment. Then he looks at me and something in his expression changes. His smile turns unsettling and a knowing look crosses his face.

He knows who I am. . .

“Yes, we are.” Mor is quick to regain Eris’s attention. She subtly shifts even closer to me and pats my stomach ever so slightly to remind me not to do anything stupid. “Are you?”

Eris takes a sip of his wine and smiles again. I swear if we were alone right now I would have already beat the shit out of him. “Very much so, yes. Velaris is beautiful. It’s a shame you kept it hidden for so long.“

Mor doesn’t bristle the way I do, but the way her hand twitches on my stomach reveals she’s just as agitated by Eris as I am. “Yes, well, you know what they say, you’ve got to protect what you love.”

Eris hums and glances at me again. “I suppose that’s true.”

My wings flutter and I shift forward, wanting nothing more than to see this smug piece of shit bleed for everything he’s done to Mor, but the hand on my stomach, once again, keeps me from acting on my desires.

Seemingly satisfied that he got under my skin, Eris grins and excuses himself, wishing us a nice night and vanishing back into the crowd.

It’s only when he’s completely out of sight that I scoff and tuck my wings in tighter.

“Hey, calm down. He’s gone.” Mor’s voice makes me relax slightly and when I look down at her I find her smiling softly.

The sight makes my heart flutter and it’s in that moment that I realize she still hasn’t taken her hand off my stomach. The warmth of her palm through my shirt makes me shiver and my stomach tenses.

At my reaction, Mor’s smile goes from soft to cheeky and I look away nervously. I simultaneously hate and love the fact that she has this kind of effect on me.

Before I can dwell on it though, the lights are turned off and Mor grabs my hand, pulling me to a nearby balcony where Elain and Nesta are already looking up at the sky.

“Have you seen anything yet? Where are the others?” Mor asks and Nesta shakes her head.

“No, nothing yet, but Cassian said it’s about to start. He and Azriel just left to grab some drinks. They should be back in a second,” she explains and as though summoned, Azriel and Cassian step out onto the balcony with smiles on their faces.

“Oh hey, you two,” Cassian says when he sees Mor and me. “Didn’t know you’d be here, too. Do you want some drinks?”

I decline politely and Mor shakes her head. “No, thank you.”

“Very well then.” Cassian smiles again and hands Nesta her drink before wrapping his arms around her from behind.

It makes my eyes widen and when I look at Mor I see she’s just as surprised about this new development. Neither Elain nor Azriel seem to be fazed by it, so Mor and I don’t comment on it either.

We just share a look before Mor pulls me closer to the far left corner of the balcony for some privacy.

Music starts playing and people start dancing all around us, but all I can focus on is Mor. The way her face glows in the moonlight makes me swoon and if I’d had more than just one drink tonight I would have written it off as a side effect of the alcohol.

And then. . . The stars start falling and a smile lights up her face. Her eyes sparkle and when they meet mine, something inside of me snaps.

The tug on my insides disappears and I’m suddenly overcome with a warmth that seeps into every single part of my body.

I gasp and my hand tightens around hers, making her eyes widen in realization.

The bond just snapped into place for me.

________________________________________________

Only one more part to go <3

[autumnshighlady]

I’ve Always Liked to Play With Fire (part 6)

NESTA ARCHERON X ERIS VANSERRA X FEMALE!READER

summary: a certain someone runs into you in the Spring Court

warnings: mention of r*pe, the usually IC slander

word count: 4.4k

DO NOT REPOST ANYWHERE

a/n: sorry this took so long! Needed to make some big decisions about the fic that would affect this chapter, hope you enjoy! Also yes I copied and pasted some parts from ACOSF because i was too lazy to rewrite

feedback is appreciated, just no hate pls! these are just my opinions, i’m more curious to see how you all like the writing and characterization and storylines!

part 1

part 2

part 3

part 4

part 5

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You gulped nervously as the Autumn Court prince approached, unsure of which approach to take. Meeting Eris was not something you had expected would come up so soon – did you take a gamble and ask him for help now, or play it cool and build his trust over time? Eris had always been a slippery male, never letting anyone know what side he was truly on. As much as you knew he likely wouldn’t cause you deliberate harm, you also knew there was a reason Nesta and Tamlin both gawked at the idea of trusting him.

“A surprise indeed,” You said after a few seconds. “May I ask what you’re doing skulking about here, Eris?”

A chuckle sounded from the redhead. “No, you may not.” He said. “But I certainly did not expect to see anyone this far out. Did the mighty High Lord not let his court be swept out from under him? I heard half of it was abandoned.”

You cocked your head, meeting his gaze evenly. “The Spring Court is in the process of rebuilding. Is that what you came to see, prince? Nothing to do with a meeting with the Night Court?”

Eris’s blink was your only tell of his surprise – the male had gotten so good at wearing a mask you had found it impossible for him to slip up. He remained still as ever, narrowing his eyes at you. “What makes you say that, darling?” He asked smoothly.

It was now or never, you realized. You had the advantage here, catching Eris by surprise. If you played your cards right, you could use this. “Cassian met with you here, didn’t he?” You kept your voice steady, sitting down on the rock behind you. “I do not know why, only that he did. So I assume that means you’re working with the Night Court, am I wrong?”

Eris smirked, clasping his hands behind his back. He made no move to deny it, nor did he seem uncomfortable at being found out. “And how did you come by this information?”

“Nesta Archeron.”

“Ah, the lovely female who conquered death itself when she came out of that cauldron.” Eris casually plucked a flower from the bush next to him, studying its orange petals.  “I’m impressed that you know her, all the way from here. And how did that come to be?”

“I met her when I was taken prisoner by the Night Court.”

Eris’ head snapped up towards you, the most reaction you’d manage to elicit from him. His lips pursed. “What?”

You stood up, walking over to him. The male stared at you, brows furrowed in confusion. “Eris, I need your help.” You began. “But before I explain anything I need your word that I can trust you.”

“And how do you know that I will keep my word? I’ve made no promises to you, darling.”

“You will.” You said, grabbing the flower from his hand. His pale skin was warm as a raging fire as your fingers brushed it. “Because it’s in your best interest. And because if you don’t, I will die. You may not care about my life, but Lucien does. And I know that deep down you care about him too.”

“(Y/N),” Eris growled in a demanding tone. “What in the Mother’s name is going on here?”

“I need your word first,” You pressed back. “Your assurance that you will help me and not betray me. Got it?”

“Pretty bold of you to ask me for help when I do not know what I’m helping you with.”

“How about bringing the Night Court to its knees?”

Eris did not respond right away, simply picked another flower and walked over to where you were sitting before. He sat down on it, twirling the rose a few times in his hands before looking up at you again. “I’m listening.”

*********************

You sat next to Eris and explained everything – how Lucien brought you to the Night Court, only for them to lock you in the House of Wind and use your circumstances against you. How you and Nesta had found common ground in wanting to be free rather than in service to the Inner Circle for the rest of your lives. The bargain, the plan, all of it.

“I know this is a lot to take in,” You said after you finished. “But we need to get out. Rhysand fears Nesta’s powers and wants to keep her locked up and mould her into his good little soldier so he can use her for whatever he wants. He and Feyre locked me up for being angry for what she did to my court, then sent me to spy on my own people to fulfill my debt to them. I can’t live like this, with the shadow of the Night Court behind my back. We both want out, but we need your help to do so. I don’t know what they’re planning, but we want no part in it. And I fear we will be dragged into it if we don’t get out soon.” “And you think I am your way out,” Eris said simply, his tone unreadable. “Why me?”

“Because you hate them, and the enemy of my enemy is my friend.”

Eris laughed heartlessly. “Even if that’s true, do you think you’d be safe in Autumn with my father? Beron will kill you and do exactly to Nesta what Rhysand wants to do, probably worse. And then he will kill me for scheming behind his back. So I will ask you again, darling. How is this in my best Interest?”

“No, I do not think we’d be safe with Beron,” You snorted. “But you know that, and I’m guessing you want him gone and that’s the reason you’re working with the Night Court.”

“You do realize you are accusing me of treason?”

You ignored him. “But you don’t need them to help you overthrow Beron, nor will you need their support after we’re done with them. Because Nesta and I will help you overthrow him.”

Silence overcame the clearing once again. Eris still seemed composed, but his fiddling with the flower was the indication of his dilemma. Your heart raced – Eris could easily winnow away and go tell Rhysand everything, and then your plan would be ruined. But the fact he did not immediately do that gave you hope. Perhaps it was stupid, false hope, but it was a light at the end of the tunnel nonetheless.

“That spell you mentioned,” Eris said slowly. “May I see the mark?”

You wanted to make a snide comment about him suggesting you remove your clothing for him, but you bit your tongue and turned towards Eris. Your hands grasped the neckline of your dress and you pulled it down enough to reveal the eight-pointed star on your sternum. Eris’ eyes widened, and he learned forward. Your already racing heart pumped even faster as you felt his hot breath caress your newly exposed skin. Fighting the flush that was surely rising in your chest, you bit your lip as the Autumn prince reached out and gently touched the mark with his slender fingers.

You both gasped as a warm, electric sensation spread through your bodies at the touch. At first you thought that maybe it was repelling Eris’s touch, but you felt him lean in further, as if some spell was drawing him in.

“Magnificent.” He muttered, green eyes filled with wonder. His finger brushed down the tattoo a bit, sending a shiver down your spine. Having him so close to you, touching such a delicate area, it was almost too much. Normally you’d be worried that Eris would make a sly comment about your lack of composure with him so close, but the heir to the Autumn throne seemed too captivated to notice.

“Have you seen anything like this before?” You asked. There were few things that Eris was this impressed by, and you had a feeling he knew more than he was letting on.

Eris only hummed, blinking away the awestruck look and sitting back. Huffing, you pulled your shirt back up. “That’s not an answer, Eris.”

“So let me get this straight,” Eris said, clasping his hands back together. “You and Nesta want out of the Night Court since the prick of a High Lord wants to control you. Tamlin knows you were sent to spy but have other… arrangements. And if I help you by giving you sanctuary, in return you will help me overthrow my father and support my claim as High Lord?”

You laughed humourlessly. “Yeah, I guess that’s pretty much it.”

Silence overtook the clearing once again. Eris fiddled with another flower he had plucked from its stem without you noticing. It was impossible to read his expression, as always, and your heart raced. You had laid your plans out bare for him, leaving yourself vulnerable. Not only did you risk him telling Rhysand and ensuring your execution, but you risked further imprisonment for Nesta. The High Lady would never allow her sister to be executed, but Nesta would never know freedom for the rest of her immortal life. Rhysand knew Nesta was too valuable to lose, but you weren’t. He wouldn’t bat an eye before misting you into bloody rain if he found out what you planned.

“I should remind you though,” You said carefully. “Nesta has not yet agreed to help overthrow Beron, and I have no powers. It would be a gamble for you, but you already know that.”

“I see.”

“But think about it, Eris. How much is the Night Court’s allegiance worth? Rhysand has ensured his court is loathed by the other, so aside from his oh so powerful abilities, he offers you nothing. Half of his army has the right to refuse his orders anyways. What does he really offer you? Gaining the favour of the other courts would be more beneficial, and diplomatic, than risking everything just to have the most hated court as your ally. And if the other courts knew, you’d quickly join them as the second most hated court.”

Eris hummed, kicking his feet up and resting them beside you on the rock. Those polished leather boots shone in the sun, and you noticed there wasn’t a scratch on them.

“Since honesty is the theme for this afternoon,” Eris said. “It appears the Night Court hasn’t told you a thing, have they?”

You shook your head, and Eris snorted.

“Unsurprising. Well, my darling, yes Cassian and I met here and yes, I am working with the Night Court. Turns out the human queen, Braillyn, has a bone to pick with Lady Nesta Archeron. You see, the Cauldron punished her for what Nesta stole from it. The wench came out as a withered crone rather than a beautiful High Fae. She wants war, a war that my father is willing to aid her in. I’ve been meeting with Cassian to keep him updated on my father’s movements, and to make sure they uphold their promise of supporting my removal of Beron from the throne.

“They believe Braillyn is after the Dead Troves, which I assume you’ve heard stories of. She seeks the Crown, the Mask, and the Harp. We already know she has the Crown, since she used it to control my soldiers and set a trap in the Bog of Oorid. Not entirely a tragedy though, since the Night Court now possesses the Mask.”

“I’m sorry, what?” You blurted out in shock. “The Night Court has one of the Dead Troves? How? What?”

Eris chuckled, eyes gleaming like a fox. “Courtesy of your Nesta, my dear. She went with Cassian and Azriel to the Bog for whatever reason, and word has it she was snatched up by a kelpie. Sucked underwater and nearly drowned, but apparently whatever gifts the Cauldron gave her allowed her to call the Mask to her. She put it on, rose the dead, and came out alive.”

Your head was spinning. Nesta had been snatched by a kelpie and worn the Mask? Your heart raced at the thought of it – everyone knew how predatory kelpies were, how they preferred to rape their victims before killing them slowly. The thought of Nesta being subjected to that made your blood boil, but then something clicked.

“The water…” You thought aloud. “That’s what that was…”

Eris cocked an eyebrow, so you explained. “A few days ago I was in the gardens and the tattoo started glowing, which apparently happens when the other person is in danger. Then it felt like I was drowning, I vomited up black water and fainted. When Tamlin found me he said he knew where that water came from…”

“Ah, so you felt Nesta in the bog’s water.” Eris said. “It is likely you fainted when she put on the Mask. How peculiar.”

“Mother above, Eris, if you know something just say it.” You snapped.

“I know nothing for certain,” He shrugged. “But I will look into what you told me about the spell. There are things about it I am very curious about.”

The birds sang overhead, oblivious to the weight of the conversation taking place below. The thought of another war made you feel nauseous, as did the thought of Rhysand possessing a Dead Trove. You had thought the worst of it was over with Hybern, but apparently you were wrong.

“So here we stand,” Eris said. “I now have information on your plans that could put you in a cell within a heartbeat if dear Rhysand found out. And you now have information on my plans that could put my head on a chopping block if my father found out. What do we do now, my dear?”

You gulped. ‘Help me, Eris.” Your voice choked up. “Please. I cannot go back there, I just can’t. It sucks the life out of me, and of Nesta. We’ll help you with Beron if we can and support your claim. Just help us get free of Rhysand, I’m begging you.”

Eris sighed, standing up and brushing the pollen off his trousers. You stood up too, biting your lip with worry. If Eris chose to just winnow away without giving you his word you’d swear you’d kill him. Instead of doing so, the Autumn prince stepped closer to you, angling his chin down. Your legs felt like jelly underneath that piercing gaze, but you held your ground.”

“There’s more to your plan, I can see it whirling in that pretty head of yours.” He murmured, tapping your temple with a finger.

“Yes.” You admitted.”

“And are you going to tell me?”

“Not yet. I’ve given you a big part of my trust, Eris. But the rest of it you have to earn by keeping this information out of Rhysand’s hands.”

He chuckled. “I knew I always liked you.”

“So I have your word then?” You demanded. “I need you to swear to me, Eris.”

To your surprise, Eris took a step back. Before you could demand again, the redhead got down on his knees, sitting back on his heels. He looked up at you, emerald eyes calculating as he took your hand in his own.

“I promise, my little fox.” He purred. “That I shall keep your secret for as long as you shall keep mine. I swear before the Mother herself.”

Your throat was dry at the sight of Eris on his knees before you. Strands of his red hair framed his sharp face, and a smirk played at the corner of his lips. It made your blood sing, especially when a slender thumb stroked the top of your hands.

“Good.” You croaked out, shaking slightly and trying to keep it together. Eris looked so pretty kneeling before you, and the bastard knew it based on his smirk.

“Then it is sorted.” Eris said, standing back up and releasing your hands. “I meet with Cassian again at the end of next week. If you play your cards right, I can get you back to the Night Court.”

“But I don’t want to go back there,” You blurted out. “Eris I can’t.”

For a split second, Eris’ voice softened. “I know, darling. And I am sorry. But getting you to my court will take time and maneuvering. “As much as I want to, I cannot simply just whisk you away. Not while you work for Rhysand. He needs to think your debt is paid, and then we can meet easier in the Night Court. Work together and find out more of what they know, and I shall take you to Autumn when the time is right.”

You whimpered, eyes filling with tears at the thought of going back there. You didn’t want to see the Inner Circle ever again. They were vultures, waiting to exploit whoever didn’t agree with their agenda. You’d be a prisoner again.

“Hey,” Eris said softly, taking your chin in his hand and forcing you to look at him. “I need you to be brave. Do not let them break you. If you stay in Spring for too long they will think it suspicious, and that you have abandoned them in favour of Tamlin. Then you’ll for sure be killed. If you pretend you’ve been found out by Tamlin, I have an excuse to bring you back. Okay?”

You sighed, nodding. Eris was right – the longer you stayed in Spring, the more the Inner Circle would grow paranoid that you had switched sides after being reunited with your homeland. You had to go back to Night. At least you’d see Nesta again.

“Okay.” You said.

“Good.” Eris let go of you and turned to leave.

“Thank you.”

Eris faced you once again. “I like you, little fox. You amuse me. And I am trusting that you hate the Night Court enough to keep my secret. But know that if I hear any whisper that you are going to sell me out, I will inform Rhysand of your plans before you can even think about your next move. Got it?”

“Just as I will do to your father if I hear any whisper that YOU are going to sell ME out.” You declared, crossing your arms.

Eris simply chuckled again before winnowing away.

This was going to be fun to tell Tamlin.

*********************

A week had passed since your meeting with Eris, and still you heard nothing from Nesta. Tamlin rolled his eyes when you told him that Eris had agreed to help you, but said he’d let you go. You formed a plan – you’d run to the area where Cassian, Nesta, and Eris would be meeting and pretend like you were panicking that a guard had discovered your practice note to Azriel. Tamlin would follow you and pretend to be shocked by your betrayal, and Cassian would whisk you and Nesta back to Night.

Part of you was sad to leave Spring. The manor was bustling, refugees flooding in every day for shelter. The gardens were being tended to again, more sentries picked up training, and there was finally life in the Court again. You were proud of what you had accomplished, and would be sad to leave it. Maybe you’d return one day, after everything else was dealt with.

Hopefully after Braillyn there would still be a Spring Court.

Finally, the day came where it was time to leave. You made sure to pack your things to make it look like you had quickly shoved everything in the bag and made a break for it. Your heart ached at leaving your home once again – you had grown fond of the fae living in the manor, getting used to daily tea times and lunches with everyone. You hoped they’d continue on bringing in people who needed help, maybe it could set an example for the Night Court – showing them change is possible, no matter how many centuries of ‘tradition’ had been standing.

At noon, you took one last look at the manor – its white walls had been repaired, stain glass windows casting colourful beams of light. The bushes were neatly trimmed, the vines arranged neatly and the flowers blooming brightly. Children played by the river, guards smiling nearby as they shrieked in joy. You didn’t allow yourself a second glance as you turned away, heading down the path towards the overgrowth in the direction of the border. It took you a few hours, but you didn’t mind. The sun warmed your skin, and you cherished it while you could – this court, so full of life, would be missed as you were thrown back into the palace that sucked the life out of you.

Your fae hearing picked up voices in the distance, and the tattoo on your sternum began to warm, proving Nesta was with them so it wasn’t a trap. Taking a deep breath, you ran your hands through your hair to make it look messy from hours of running. You grabbed a thorn branch, gritting your teeth as you scraped your arm across it, drawing blood. It stung, but you had to look like someone who was fleeing for their lives.

Taking a breath, you ran, crashing through the bushes. It took only a few seconds to reach the clearing, and you burst through the ferns, and nearly crashed into Cassian.

The Illyrian general stood next to Nesta, siphons glowing and ready to attack what he must have assumed as a perceived threat. Those wings flared behind him, one curling around Nesta as if protecting her.

Nesta.

The eldest Archeron’s grey eyes widened as she saw you, and you noticed her face was less hollow than before. You could no longer see her collarbones jutting through, and her arms were fuller with muscle. Training had put life back in her body, and she looked beautiful. Her golden brown hair was braided in its usual style, and you wanted nothing more than to wrap your arms around her.

But you couldn’t.

Eris stood a few feet away, blinking in feigned surprise. He was dressed much more formally than the other week, fingers clad in expensive rings that matched his robes. His red hair was tied half up half down, your favourite style of his.

“(Y/N)?” Cassian said, brows furrowing. His siphones dimmed. “What are you doing here?”

“A guard…” You panted, feigning breathlessness. “He found me out. I couldn’t get to him fast enough. He’ll tell Tamlin.”

“What does he know?” Cassian demanded, staring you down.

“That I was sending a letter to Azriel,” You willed tears into your eyes, acting as the desperate girl from Spring Court they believed you to be. “The rest of the writing was too smudged to read but he saw Azriel’s name. I’m so sorry, I failed.”

Cassian huffed, annoyed. “Shit. This isn’t good.”

“If you don’t mind me asking,” Eris piped up. “Would someone mind explaining to me what’s going on here?”

“We mind.” Cassian snapped. “It’s none of your business, Eris.”

“I object, brute.” Eris said calmly. “She’s from Tamlin’s court, and she’s seen me here with you. I see that as a problem.”

“If you’re implying we kill her, I’ll rip your throat out.” Nesta growled at Eris, who only blinked in response.

Cassian threw a puzzled glance at Nesta’s sudden fierceness, then looked back to you. You shifted your gaze to the floor, acting embarrassed.

“We have to take you home.” The general said, ignoring Nesta and Eris. “If you’ve been found out, we’re in deep shit.”

“That you are.” A growl sounded from the lily bushes behind you. Tamlin burst from the bushes in golden beast form, green eyes assessing and marking each one of them.

Tamlin snarled, low and deep, and Cassian’s Siphons flared. “We were just leaving,” Cassian said with steady calm, hand reaching for Nesta’s. You froze at the action, unable to stop your eyes from going to Nesta’s. Hers were wide, lips pursed.

I can explain later. Her familiar voice sounded in your head. You resisted the urge to snort, pissed she had ignored you for weeks.

“With a traitor? I don’t think so.” Tamlin growled, guttural and harsh. “You will come back with me, (Y/N).”

“You will not touch us.” Nesta’s eyes glowed as she spoke.

“I have every right to kill trespassers in my land.” He responded, but didn’t move forward.

“Are these still your lands?” Nesta asked coolly, stepping out from behind Cassian. “Last I heard, you don’t bother to rule them anymore.”

“Watch your mouth.” Tamlin hisses.

Nesta ignored him and said, “I suggest you keep your maw shut about this.”

Tamlin bristled, hackles rising. “You’re exactly as nasty as your sister said you were.”

Nesta laughed. “I’d hate to disappoint.”

You watched as she held his emerald stare, knowing silver flames flickered in her own. “I went into the Cauldron because of you,” she said softly, and you could have sworn thunder grumbled in the distance.

“Elain went into the Cauldron because of you,” Nesta went on. Her fingertips glowed, and you saw silver embers flaring there. “I don’t care how much you apologize or try to atone for it or claim you didn’t know the King of Hybern would do such a thing or that you begged him not to do it. You colluded with him. Because you thought Feyre was your property.”

Nesta pointed at Tamlin. The ground shook.

Cassian swore behind her, and your body trembled as it felt her power. The tattoo sang, mirroring the power of silver fire. It made your bones shake, and you gritted your teeth to contain your reaction. Eris glanced over at you, a flicker of concern crossing his face.

Tamlin shrank from her outstretched finger, claws digging into the earth. “Put that finger down, you witch.”

Nesta smiled. “I’m glad you remember what happened to the last person I pointed at.” She lowered her arm. “We’re going now.”

She stepped back to where Cassian was already waiting, arms open. He wrapped them around her waist. You stepped forward too, cringing as Cassian’s other arm wrapped around you. Nesta glanced to Eris, who gave her a shallow, approving nod, then vanished.

“I’m sorry, Tamlin.” You said, voice shaking as you told him exactly what the two of you planned. “I never meant for this to happen.”

“I am your High Lord,” Tamlin growled. “And you betrayed me by telling on me to the Night Court. Get back here at once and answer for your crimes.”

“She will do no such thing.” Nesta said to Tamlin before they shot into the skies, “Tell anyone about any of this, High Lord, and I’ll rip your head from your body, too.”

Cassian launched the three of you into sky, back in the direction of the Night Court. You squeezed your eyes shut, not wanting to see how the Spring Court grew smaller and smaller beneath you.

------------------------------

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[wishfulwithwine]

Twin Flames : Chapter Four

Eris Vanserra x Archeron Sister Reader

“You are a peace and a flame, you steady me and stir me all at once” - butterflies rising

“I don’t want to just love you.  I want our souls to merge and burn brighter  than any star found in this universe”  - Lola Lawrence

The youngest Archeron sister, loved and protected by all her sisters and the Inner Circle, is mated to the hated heir of the Autumn Court. Will they find peace, or burn in the flames?

Warnings: series will have cursing, smut, violence, ptsd, alcohol, and other possible triggers. PLEASE DO NOT READ IF MINOR. 18+ ONLY

Series Masterlist

(photo from pinterest)

Azriel’s POV

We all watched from the windows as Eris leaned down to kiss her lips, before winnowing away. I was shaking with pure anger, my siphons glowing, with the news of Y/N’s mate. Fists clenched, I watched as she stared briefly to where he had left her. 

“He’ll kill her” I said, anger dripping from my words as I looked at Rhys.

“He cannot. He made a promise tone, as I did to him for her protection” Rhys said, as it became a deadly silence once again when she opened the door to the living room area. Looking around at everyone, Y/N scanned all of our reactions, focusing largely on Mor’s.

“I-I’m sorry, Mor” Y/N said, looking down at her feet.

“It’s not your fault. Mates are not chosen by us, they are decided by fate” Mor said, with a sigh, going over to hug Y/N, surprising us all. Her words were true, but I was just so angry I couldn’t bare to be in the room any longer. I turned around swiftly, going outside and flying away.

Anywhere would be better than being in the same room as the one I loved was mated to my enemy.

Y/N’s POV

After Azriel’s abrupt departure, everyone sort of stared around awkwardly.

“Well after tomorrow, we probably won’t see you for a while, if Beron has his way” Feyre said, as she brought me into a hug. I sighed, leaning into her side.

“I’d say let’s get drunk, but hangovers tomorrow wouldn’t be a smart idea” Rhys said.

“Who wants to tell Nesta?” Cassian brought up, and everyone shivered in fear or groaned. 

“I probably should. And Elain…” I said, sighing. “Can someone come with me to make sure Nesta doesn’t kill me?” 

“I’ll come” Feyre volunteered. 

“I don’t know if having me there would anger her more or less, but I’ll come. I owe you” Cassian stated, looking over. I shook my head.

“You’ve become a brother to me, Cas. You owe me nothing” I said, walking over and giving him a hug. “All of you really” I said, looking at the larger group, who all had sad faces on.

“We know. You’re our family. Always” Rhysand said, and everyone else seemed to nod in agreement. I couldn’t help but glance at the door that Azriel had walked through. 

“Why are you all here?” Nesta asked when we arrived. She was sitting and studying as usual, since she decided she’d be going to the meeting tomorrow. “Did we get more information?” 

“Well, not exactly” Feyre said, looking to me.

“You know how much I love and appreciate you, Nes. You’ll always be my older sister. I’ll appreciate everything you’ve done for me” I said softly, nervously, looking at her before the floor.

“What happened?” Nesta said, in a low scary octave of her voice.

“I-I met my mate and will be leaving tomorrow after the meeting probably” I said, and there was silence. A deadly silence.

“No. You’re not leaving us. No. I forbid it” Nesta stated, standing up, as I looked at her. Feyre and Cassian moved closer to me, in a protective stance.

“She doesn’t have much of a choice, Nesta. Her mate’s father will demand her to go with them tomorrow” Feyre tried to explain.

“No. She’s not leaving. Rhysand is the most powerful lord, right? He can’t take her. Y/N isn’t leaving” Nesta said. If steam could come out of her ears, it would.

“If she does not go, there will be a deadly war before we even try to defeat Hybern” Feyre tried to reason.

“Who is her mate?” Nesta asked.

“Eris Vanserra, the heir to the High Lord of Autumn, Beron” Cassian stated, sneering. I looked over to him, and he just rolled his eyes. 

“Eris?! You’re handing her over to the guy who left Mor for dead? No. My sister will not be handed over to those monsters like a piece of meat on a platter” Nesta said.

“He was just here and made a promise that she will be protected” Feyre said, although it felt like she was forcing herself to convince herself as well.

“No. She’s not going” Nesta said. “You’re not going” She said, looking straight at me.

“It’s not your decision Nesta” I stated shocking her, as well as everyone else. “He is my mate and he’ll be my husband. I love him, and he has promised with a bind to Rhys that I will be protected. If I do not leave willingly tomorrow, there will be two wars, which we will not win. We need Beron’s support, and that definitely will not happen if I do not go with them tomorrow if they demand it” 

Nesta stared at me, coldly. She couldn’t argue my points, but as everyone else, no one else was happy about this. Her eyes felt like they were burning through my soul. 

“You’re leaving me” Nesta said, a few moments later, a tear streaking down her cheeks.

I walked slowly to her, wrapping my arms around her. Cassian watched cautiously, prepared to attack, as tears fell down my face.

“Yes, but you have Elain, Feyre, and everyone else. You will not be alone. I realize that I will be leaving all of you for a bunch of strangers and be forced into hiding in the shadows of a political game I hope to survive. We were forced to leave the mortal life behind, and now I’m forced to leave my family behind to be utterly alone. I found my mate and this should be the happiest time of my life, and yet it feels like a death sentence. But we are Archerons, we will survive this too” I admitted, holding her tighter as she squeezed me back.

“It’s going to be okay” Feyre said, coming closer and wrapping her arms around me as well. Surprisingly Nesta didn’t shake her off. “As you said, you love Eris and from what I saw, he loves you too. You’ll have him there, and worst case scenario, Rhys and I will find a way to get you back” Feyre reminded me, and I sighed.

“Can we just, sleep together like when we were little? I-I’ll have to be strong tomorrow, but tonight, I just want..” I said, trailing off as I sniffled.

“Of course. We’ll extend the bed and be all together” Feyre said, before looking at Cassian. “I’ll tell Rhys. You can go. We’ll see you tomorrow” 

After telling Elain, which caused her to cry of course, she joined us in the bed, all of us huddled together again. 

The next day wasn’t an easy one.

My dress for the meeting looked very similar to a wedding dress, which I guess was part of the point. I had to alter a dress Mor bought me last night when she heard the news - one that she knew would appeal to Beron to reflect my innocence. Mor had spent all morning going over with me what she knew about Beron and how I was expected to act if we wanted to win Beron over. 

“You look beautiful” Feyre said, as we all waited to be taken to the townhouse before going to the meeting. Elaine was to stay at home, but Nesta, Feyre and I were dressed up.

Compared to them, I looked so innocent…naive. 

“I look like a virgin bride sacrifice” I said, trying to lighten the energy, shuffling my dress around. It was a pure white with embellishments, cap shoulder sleeves, and pearls around the tight bodice. 

“Pretty sure that was the point” Nesta stated, and I smiled softly at her, shaking my head lightly.

Rhys and Cassian brought us to the town house, and there I saw the rest of the inner circle.

“Definitely a virgin bride” I muttered, looking at Mor and Amren’s dresses.

“That was the point” Rhys said, and the group laughed awkwardly, well besides Azriel who just stayed away in the corner. I could feel his glare from across the room. 

As all of our masks were put on, we headed to the meeting location. The more people we met, the more antsy I got. The anticipation of seeing Eris was getting overwhelming, as well as the unknown of how his father would get the news. 

I was barely paying attention to the conversation, when I heard Feyre say my name.

“They threw her in the Cauldron, along with Y/N and my other sister Elain. After the High Priestess Ianthe and Tamlin sold out Prythian and my family to them” Feyre stated, as everyone’s gaze shifted from her and Nesta to me. 

One of the lords, I could feel his stare over my body, and when I met his eyes, there was a twinkle. I felt detached from the conversation, uncomfortable with everyone’s stares, and looked down away from their gazes. 

“Absolutely beautiful. Radiant. A Star of the Night Court” Helion said, when he walked over to me. I couldn’t help the blush that fell upon my cheeks, curtseying properly, before moving myself closer to Feyre and Nesta’s side. Nesta all but glared harsher at Helion for his wandering eyes on me.

It took a long amount of time before I heard that Autumn was arriving. I pressed my nails into the heel of my palm to calm my nerves, as my face was still painted in a doe-like fashion. I did my best to not look extra nervous, but I could feel some of the glances from the inner circle watching my reaction. I looked over to Mor, as she would be also affected by their arrival. She looked back at me, and I took a deep breath. 

Everyone stared at them as they walked in, and I took in all of their appearances. Beron seemed to pay no attention to anyone but the High Lords, but his sons all glanced over with sneers…except Eris.

It was like time stopped again when I locked eyes with Eris. He stared back at me, stiffening abruptly, and I knew we had a performance to show.

“Enough” Eris said to his brothers, halting their antics, before he walked over to where I was - surprising everyone in the room.

I held my breath, as I looked down, avoiding eye contact with Eris, who was walking over close to me. Now, Beron was paying attention to his son, as well as everyone else I could see out of the corner of my eye.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Rhysand stated, as him, Cassian and Azriel came over as a protective barrier, standing in front of me to block his path. 

“I want to introduce myself to my beautiful mate, Rhysand. Do you have a problem with that?” Eris stated, with a bit of a growl, before looking at me. Beron had raised an eyebrow, crossing him arms with a smirk watching the scene unfold, undoubtedly planning something. I remained with my eyes downwards, shifting awkwardly in place. 

“Congratulations, my son! Rhysand, who is this beauty you bring with you?” Beron asked, walking over to us. The boys didn’t move an inch. “Let us meet my son’s mate” Beron added, and reluctantly, Rhysand move forward, gesturing for the Illyrians to move so I could meet them.

I stood fairly awkwardly, keeping my gaze downward, as Mor had instructed me it was best to not look in their eyes as a sign of respect. Eris crossed the final few steps towards me, taking my gloved hand in his and giving it a kiss.

“This is one of my sisters, Y/N Archeron” Feyre introduced, as I gave a polite curtsy, still not looking into their eyes.

“Well you certainly look like a dream. Stunningly beautiful. Good job son. You seem seemingly polite as well, though you don’t know with Night Court” Beron said, analyzing me as well as making any digs he could to the Night Court. I kept my posture and didn’t change as I felt the other members stiffen. I could feel his gaze analyzing me like an animal on display. “You’ll come sit with us. We’ll let the two mates get to know each other” Beron stated, as more of an order while the other members of the inner began to move closer to me, when Rhysand put his hand up to stop the other members. 

“Mates are a sacred bond” Rhysand replied, all but stating that they would let me sit with Autumn. Beron smirked widely, gesturing me over, as Eris offered his elbow, and I placed my hand gently on his bicep and let him lead me to where Autumn had their seats arranged. Due to the surprise of it all, there wasn’t a seat sorted for me, so Eris situated me on his lap, placing me on one of his spread thighs with my legs both on the inside of his spread thighs. I felt like a doll for show, as he placed his arm around my back, holding me there. Beron grinned almost wickedly at the image of us. His wife gave me a sympathetic look.

I’m sorry for this, he said in the bond.

Let the games begin, I replied, glancing over at Night Court who were all glaring angrily at Beron.

As the meeting started, I tried not to show how uncomfortable I was, until Tamlin arrived. I played into the “naive girl” character, shock clear on my face before leaning back into Eris’ chest. Beron raised an eyebrow seeing my expression, before smirking widely, looking directly at his son who sported a similar smirk. Eris wrapped his arm visibly tighter around me, rubbing his hand down my arm in a soothing manner. 

“I’m sorry, this isn’t appropriate of me. I just - he, he and his men, they took us in the middle of the night from our homes, and gave us to Hybern. They- they threw us in the cauldron, and I was unconscious for days” I explained shakily in a soft whisper, just loud enough for only Eris and Beron could hear. Eris’ fists clenched. 

“Don’t worry, little mate. I’ll protect you” Eris said, with a smirk on his face, before he glanced over to his father, who had indeed heard what I had said. Beron raised an eyebrow and  smirked again approvingly, although I did not see it. 

You’re playing the part so well. Father loves it, Eris complimented through the bond, as he looked visibly pleased with my actions.

I am actually quite scared of Tamlin. What I just said is true, I said.

I know, and I promised to protect you and I will, Eris reminded.

“We were not expecting you, Tamlin. Fetch the High Lord a chair” Thesan stated, as Tamlin’s eyes wandered over the gaze of the Night Court.

“I will admit, Tamlin, that I am surprised to see you here. Rumor claims your allegiance now lies elsewhere” Beron stated, not bringing Tamlin’s gaze off from where it was on Feyre, until Tamlin’s chair had been placed next to Beron’s sons and Helion’s entourage. Tamlin had yet to notice me, and even without the act I was putting on, I was relieved.

“Let’s get on with it, then” Helion stated, waving a hand.

As everything began discussing, I drifted out of conversation, looking upwards at Eris’ face, in admiration. I could feel other people’s glances, especially Beron’s, but this was part of the act. Eris’ eyes shifted down to me, as I shifted my look away, faking embarrassment at getting caught. Playing his part, he gave a smirk before taking a finger, and tracing the bottom of my jaw, tilting it upwards so I could meet his eyes. 

“Hello, little mate” He whispered, and both of us could feel the stares of Beron.

He’s enjoying this, Eris said.

That’s good, right? I asked.

I think so, Eris replied, before we both felt the room tense more, and we turned our attention to  everyone’s discussion. 

“Who knew that a cock could be so persuasive?” Beron stated.

“Father” Eris warned, but Beron took that as a warning because of his mate’s innocence. He glanced at me, seeing my shocked and flushed face, putting a hand on my shoulder before leaning down to talk softly to me. Eris looked at Beron’s hand on my shoulder, trying not to show his confusion. 

“Sorry for my crudeness. A lady shouldn’t hear those things, although I would be surprised if you didn’t hear similar things in the Night Court” Beron said, staring at me, almost creepily, although I didn’t meet his eyes. I smiled softly in appreciation, and nodded.

“Thank you” I replied, in as meek in voice as I could muster.

As tensions rose between Tamlin and Rhysand, I felt as much comfort as I could respectfully get from Eris. The hand that was still on my shoulder from Beron hadn’t been removed, surprisingly, and with his thumb placed on my back, away from the view of everyone including Eris, Beron rubbed almost unnoticeable circles with his thumb. I didn’t tense, in fear of what Beron would do in retaliation, but this is better than the alternative - right?

“Hybern turned my sisters into Fae - after your bitch of a priestess sold them out!” Feyre said. I stiffened, gulping loudly as I felt both Beron’s and Eris’s hands tighten almost protectively on me.

“Perhaps Ianthe’s mind was already in Rhysand’s thrall. And a tragedy to remain young and beautiful! You’re a good actress - I’m sure the trait runs in the family” Tamlin said, looking at Nesta, before Eris growled, bringing Tamlin’s attention to me. I started shaking, as I felt his eyes on me, turning my face to hide in Eris’ chest.

“You watch what you assume about my mate” Eris stated, flames all but burning in my eyes. Tamlin looked surprised, almost regrettably looking at me, which didn’t go unnoticed by Beron or Eris. 

“If you want someone to blame for all of this, perhaps you should first look in the mirror” Nesta let out a low laugh, shifting attention back to Night Court. Tamlin snarled.

“Watch it” Cassian snarled.

“Seems like other preferences run in the Archeron family, too” Tamlin stated, before realizing what that also implied about me and looked over, wide eyes and regret again, as he caught Eris’ standing form, causing me to stand up as well, with his hands encircling my body. 

“You’re on thin ice, Tamlin. You insult my son’s mate again…” Beron said, as everyone seemed to notice the hand of Beron’s that remained on my shoulder.

“My apologies, Y/N” Tamlin reluctantly said, before turning his attention back to Feyre.

Beron won’t stand for any act of public rudeness to his family, only his family. I guess we’ve succeeded, Eris said through our bond, as we resumed our seated positions.

I wasn’t paying much attention until Beron mentioned something about Lucien.

“Helping to guard our city” Feyre had replied, a question no doubt about the whereabouts of Lucien. While it wasn’t a lie, we knew the truth.

Eris, who I realized was also playing another game, snorted and stared at my other sister Nesta.

“I see you didn’t bring the final sister as well. I’m not the only Vanserra with an Archeron as their mate” Eris stated coldly. 

“You still certainly like to hear yourself talk, Eris. Good to know some things don’t change over the centuries” Mor stated, and although I looked nervously between the two, Eris’ mouth curled into a smile.

“Good to know that after five hundred years, you still dress like a slut” Eris replied, leaning over. Azriel got up and walked over quickly, with just enough time for Eris to lift me out of the way. I shrieked, before I was pulled in between Beron’s legs now, who put his arms around me protectively, while Eris was tackled backward, and a blue wall surrounded them. Beron’s arms wrapped around me, holding me close and turning me away so I couldn’t see the fight. He stroked my hair, watching his son getting strangled but not intervening. 

What I didn’t know, was that comment had tipped over Azriel’s scale of tolerance - between Mor’s past and myself becoming Eris’ mate, his anger couldn’t be controlled.

“Enough” Rhys ordered. “Enough Azriel” 

“Call off your overgrown bat” Beron ordered Rhys, motioning to me in his arms, who Rhys looked at. I looked over and saw the brutality, my heart aching. I could feel through the bond Eris’ pain, and I pulled to go over to help him, but Beron held me tightly against him. 

“Azriel stop!” I shouted, unable to hold back my voice, and Azriel stopped surprisingly. Everyone looked surprised, at me who looked worried for her mate, who managed to get the shadow singer to stop fighting. Beron looked at me curiously, and I made sure my eye contact was on Eris, not Azriel. 

“Come Azriel” Feyre said, interrupting the silence, to bring Azriel back to them.

Azriel had whispered something in Eris’ ear that made him grow pale, and once the shield had dropped, I tried to rush over to Eris’ side, but Beron held me back tightly, while he shot flames at Azriel. However, these were bounced off by a barrier Feyre produced.

Feyre glared at Beron, looking like she wanted to say something, but stopped herself as she looked at me and took Azriel’s hand and took him away. I couldn’t help but rush to Eris’ side, ignoring my sister and Azriel completely, as I took Eris’ face in my hands.

“Are you okay?” I asked, softly, as I reached out my hand and helped him up as gently as I could. I could feel the stares of everyone, as I looked over his bruises with sad eyes, as we went back to his chair, seating as before. I cusped my hand lovingly on his face, unable to reel in the emotions of what just happened.

“He only stopped because my sister is your mate, but if anyone else insulted my friend” Feyre threatened, and Eris looked down at me, before looking over at Night Court.

“Apologies, Morrigan” Eris stated, surprising not just myself but everyone including Beron, who had distaste all over his face. Beron glanced at the surprise on my face, but also saw the approval on his wife’s. 

After that, I couldn’t pay attention to the meeting, rather I looked at the bruises that were appearing on Eris’ skin.

Do you want me to heal them now? The Cauldron gave me powers to heal, I told Eris, and I could see his eyes dart over to me, from where he was trying to focus on the meeting conversation. 

No. We need to keep that information to ourselves for now. We cannot tell Beron or let anyone else know. He will abuse your powers. Does Night Court know? Eris asked, and I settled into his chest, unable to do anything. 

Yes. I healed Cassian and Azriel when their wings were almost destroyed by Hybern’s guards, I explained, showing him the memory of my healing.

We’ll discuss this later, my little flame. Thank you for sharing that, he said, before I could feel the conversation end as he focused on the meeting.

[raspberrysunshinebby]

Two Choices

(I’m gonna change the name I promise. Please send suggestions.)

Chapter 4

Pairing: Eris x reader x Azriel

Summary: The future wife of Eris never cared much for mating bonds, she had spent years in love with Eris and when Beron finally died they could be together. He has full intention to make his love into his High Lady until at a party meant to celebrate Eris’ reign the girl finds herself finding her mate, Azriel.

Warnings: Slight smut, angst, azriel is literally toxic/manipulative and i was going to say kind of abusive but he literally is lol. Depressive behavior

Word Count: 3792

(Theyre playing monopoly, I’ve never played monopoly.)

After that the only time I’d seen Azriel was right before he left for his little mission when decided to say bye to me before leaving. I hadn’t talked to or even seen him before that.

I tried to seek him out a day after to try to settle this like adults but I couldn’t find him, I even resorted to finally talking to one of the members of the Inner Court to see if they knew. I asked Cassian, who was the first person I saw if he knew. He said he didn’t know and the conversation ended there.

Food was still brought up to me every day, but I only stayed in my room the whole time. By the second day, the isolation really began hitting me. It took me hours to even get out of bed before I ended up just sitting on the floor ignoring the plate of food next to me. 

I mentally beat myself up for not just following Azriel, I wouldn’t be sitting here alone if I had. Around four in the afternoon was when Azriel came to say goodbye.

I hated how excited I’d gotten when I saw him, especially knowing he’d be gone for three days, knowing I'd be left alone. I wanted to cry when I watched him leave after not even being here for a minute.

By the third day, I couldn’t even tell you anything that had happened, I was in bed all day and only moved to use the bathroom. I didn’t eat even a bit of food.

The first half of the fourth day went the same until halfway through my brain decided to work again. I didn’t want to stay in the house any longer.

As I stood up I realized how weak my legs had gotten and had a little trouble walking myself to the bathroom to bathe, which I hadn’t had the energy to do in days. 

I soaked myself in the hot water with different soaks I had found in the room that ended up smelling like grapefruit. I smell I really enjoy. I soaked myself for around thirty minutes before fully washing my body and getting out.

In my room, I picked out a simple grey button-up and skirt that went right above my ankles before bringing myself downstairs.

I noticed quickly that no one was home. Which I was grateful for as part of me was scared they’d try to stop me from leaving.

Just in case, I quickly got myself out the door with my wallet in my hands and immediately went into the crowd of the city. I followed the path Azriel took to the shop we’d gotten to before we fought, wanting to get some books from the Autumn Court section just to have. The thought of having them in my room brought comfort to my mind.

When I’d found my way into the shop I made a bee-line to get to the section, the shop was basically empty like usual so I had no trouble getting there. I got on my knees to look through the big books of different tales and stories I’d loved as a child.

I sat there for maybe 15 minutes before I heard a voice. “Do you need help with anything?” a soft voice asked me, I turned to see our waiter from the last time I was there.

I shook my head, “No thank you.” I told her politely. She knelt down to look at what book I was looking at, and let out a giggle when she saw the book. 

“My mother loves Autumn Court tales so I grew up on them, that one is a really good one.” She told me.

I smiled at the girl, “I grew up and lived there.”

She looked surprised, “Wow really, did you move here or something?” She asked me.

“Mhm, I moved here about.” I counted on my fingers, “about a month now I think.” 

She rested her head on her hands, “Really? Why did you move here?” 

“My mate lives here,” I told her.

“Wait is it Azriel?” She asked and I nodded, “Oh that makes a lot of sense. He used to come here a lot but he stopped for a while and then he took you here. He usually only came for to-go things though, I kind of felt bad we didn’t have a bigger chair for him.”

“He was fine don't worry,” I told her. I wanted to move on from the conversation of him, but I didn’t want to seem annoyed.

“Oh yeah!” She started, “Since you are new here you don't know a lot of people yet.” 

I nodded, “Okay so, tomorrow I and some of my friends have this little game night thing we do here every week, it's always on a Saturday, and it's super fun. We had someone who had to leave so we’re looking for someone else to come, we start at five okay.” She told me

This made me so excited, I was happy to see more people than just Azriel now, “Of course I’ll come.” I said with a smile.

She looked really happy, “Okay amazing! What's your name?” She asked me excitedly.

“(Y/N), yours?” I asked.

“Primrose.”

Primrose ended up giving me the books I’d gotten half off, I got four books, three being folktale books and the last one being one of my favorite fantasy ones I found. I basically skipped out of there with glee.

I realized how hungry I’d gotten which lead me to quickly get food at a random restaurant where I sat at a table alone and skimmed through my books.

After the food had arrived and I was still skimming while eating I heard someone enter the restaurant. I didn’t care to look up until I saw a shadow looming over me, “What are you doing? Azriel said you're not supposed to go out alone.” I looked up to see Cassian, Azriel’s brother of some sort.

I lied without even thinking about it, “Azriel never said that.” I told him.

Luckily Cassian spoke in a hushed voice, “You know damn well that's a lie, if he told the entirety of his family this, then he told you.”

My heart was pounding in my chest, “He didn’t.” I lied again.

Cassian rubbed his temples, “Just finish eating, I’m taking you back home.” 

I put my book away before he could see the very clear Autumn Court-like cover and shoved it into the bag I’d gotten from the shop and finished eating quickly. Scared if I took long he’d grow more irritated. 

I finished and quickly grabbed my bag and walked out with Cassian, I felt like I was taking a walk of shame as we walked to the house.

Once we’d gotten there I refused to talk to anyone, quickly making my way to my room because I was scared they’d question what I’d gotten. I was scared they’d make me get rid of it.

I hid the books under my bed because now I also had to figure out how to get out of the house to go to that game night, I knew if I asked they’d say no.

I doubted now I could just walk out the front door so my thoughts went to my windows. They were push-out windows with a slight balcony that looked out to the garden, as I looked I realized the drop wasn’t that far.

I grew up with only brothers, so this wouldn’t be my first time jumping out of a window. The windows at home were much farther away from the ground and I did it with no problem, I knew I’d be fine.

I smiled as I went over to my wardrobe, I wanted something nice but not too nice to wear. I noticed I really didn’t like my clothes, they were all Night Court clothing which I didn’t enjoy. As I continued digging I found my old Autumn Court dresses, all of which were red or pink with white and brown accents. 

I quickly pulled out one of my favorite red dresses, one that I’d planned to wear to go on a trip with my brothers before I’d get married. Clearly, that wasn’t happening though. 

I folded the dress in the corner of my wardrobe to be worn tomorrow. I hadn’t felt this excited in so long, there were a few times in this past month I’d felt genuinely happy and I was relishing the moment.

I moved myself to my bathroom to really look at what I had, I always had just used the stuff already out to simply bathe myself but today I realized there was a lot more in there.

I saw hair rollers and skincare things like facemasks in there that were just never mentioned to me. I looked more and saw more soaks, some hair straighteners, hair masks, and lotions of different scents. I’d been using the nonscented ones that were laid out on the counter. I decided to have a little self-care night to myself, especially after how I’d felt the past couple of days.

As I looked through the different scented things, in the lotion pile one caught my eye. A brown bottle, as I looked at it I read ‘Apple and Cinnamon’ causing my heart to sink.

Against my better judgment, I opened the bottle and smelled it.

Eris.

Eris.

I sniffed it again, god it smelt so much like Eris. My body relaxed at the scent, my heart rate went down as I sat on the floor. 

I hated how comforted I felt, I hated how I felt at home, I hated the love in my heart and I hated even more that smelling this made me want to cry.

I looked through the perfumes next to it and quickly realized each lotion had a matching perfume and found the matching brown bottle. Before I could do anything with it I heard a knock at the door, I quickly hid the two bottles behind some towels and went to answer it.

When I opened my door I saw Highlord Rhysand standing there, clearly annoyed.

“We’ll have to tell Azriel what you did today, you know that right?” he told me.

I wasn’t stupid, I knew he’d tell them. “I didn’t know I wasn’t supposed to.” I was looking down at the floor. I felt like a child.

“Your lying and we all know it, don’t play games (Y/N).”

“I didn’t even do anything bad,” I whispered.

“I know you didn’t, but this is what Azriel wants you to do so you do it,” Rhysand said which ticked me off.

“I’m not a child,” I said looking up.

“Well, you are clearly acting like one.” 

My chest tightened.

“Your sitting here lying about what Azriel told you and you sneak out, what was the purpose of sneaking out anyway? You could’ve asked any one of us and we would have gone to do whatever.” He said.

“I didn’t sneak out, I literally walked through the door,” I said snarkily.

“Watch your tone,” Rhysand said, “you truly are acting like a child.”

I looked away to shut my door. I was done being yelled at by someone I had no care for. I brought myself back to my bathroom and started running a bath, I really needed this now. I grabbed one of the face masks and put it on before stepping into the bath.

Once I was finished I put in some hair rollers and put on a nice nightgown and lay down to sleep.

As I tried to sleep I couldn't. This wasn’t like previous nights where I fell asleep out of pure exhaustion or in just a need to so I would have a time passer. The thought of that perfume entered my head, and before I could really think about what I was doing, I stood up to go into the bathroom and searched behind the towels to see the two bottles sitting there.

I grabbed the perfume and walked into my room to spray the pillow I planned on cuddling with it. Not overdoing it but not underdoing it. I placed the perfume on my bedside table and fell onto my bed taking in the scent.

The scent relaxed me as it helped me drift off the sleep.

In the morning I’d woken up refreshed and went to the bathroom to take out my hair rollers and was filled with glee when I saw the bouncy, curly hair on my head. I washed my face and put on a face mask.

I spent the day reading, cleaning up my room, and getting my things ready to go to the game night. At around three-thirty, I started to get ready and finished around four-thirty.

I pushed my ear to my door to listen for any sounds, the house sounded almost completely quiet except for the voice of Elain talking to who I assume was Nesta. Based on this, it was only them here.

I quickly opened my window and jumped out, landing safely. I went toward the back of the house in order to get out without anyone noticing me. Once I’d gotten into the crowded city I made sure to keep my head down while staying in the crowded parts to avoid anyone from the Inner Court.

After around 25 minutes I had made it due to moving slowly from the crowds.

I walked into the shop to see several girls sitting at a table. Well, three sat down and one stood setting up a game board, I quickly noticed Primrose was the one who stood. She looked up and saw me, her eyes lightened.

“Aw! (Y/N)!” She walked to me and grabbed my arm, “Come! Sit, sit!” She said excitedly. I sat down in the chair she pulled out for me.

“Okay everyone, this is (Y/N),” Everyone said their hellos with a smile on their face, “And (Y/N) this is Leilani,” Primrose pointed to a dark-skinned girl with curly black hair. She had sharp features but as she smiled her face softened up.

“Arella,” A girl with scales around her arms and pale skin that almost looked blue, her hair was curly like Leilani’s but longer and it was a blonde color that turned red at the bottom.

“And Edith,” A brown-skinned girl with straight black hair raised her hand as a hello, she wore red lipstick that made her features pop.

“We also have Ophelia coming, but she's late which means she’s going to show up drunk,” Primrose said, kind of making me laugh.

The five of us chatted while Primrose finished setting up the board, thankfully Primrose said nothing to them about my mate and I planned to not tell the girls about him.

The four of them explain the game was a real-estate board game for two to eight players. The player's goal is to remain financially solvent while forcing opponents into bankruptcy by buying and developing pieces of property. Bankruptcy results in elimination from the game. The last player remaining on the board is the winner.

I kind of understood it but when we started Primrose had to help me some, thankfully she didn’t mind.

We played for around an hour before we heard someone crashing into the shop, the girls and I turned our heads to see an almond-skinned female with messy brown hair with purple highlights. She fell onto the floor and laughed, there was no way this wasn’t Ophelia.

“Oh my god Ophelia, get the fuck over here.” Edith laughed, I giggled into my hand as Ophelia stumbled over to us.

We quickly realized Ophelia was way too drunk to play with us, leading her to drunkenly chat with us while we played.

I quickly realized how much I adored these girls. Each was of them was so kind and funny I couldn’t help but love them. They also told me about Thea who was in their group but had to stop coming to the game nights due to work. They invited me to a dinner hangout with them on Monday where I’d get to meet Thea and hopefully Ophelia wouldn’t be drunk.

We chatted for hours together, I didn’t keep track of time like I should’ve as I was having too much fun to notice or care.

My wake-up call that not keeping track hit me when I felt Azriel pull on the bond, I ended up looking over to the windows to see him.

I looked back toward the girls, trying not to panic.

“Hey what time is it?” I asked.

Leilani looked at the clock beside her, “Oh shit it's ten.” 

Thankfully that was enough of a reason to excuse me, “I have to go, I’ll see you guys Monday okay?” I hoped I wasn’t lying.

I gave each girl a hug for goodbyes before exiting the building, I wasn’t ready to face Azriel. The second I walked out and the door closed he started speaking.

“Who the fuck are they?”

His tone sent a shiver down my spine, “They’re friends that I made, Azriel.” I spoke softly while looking at the ground in front of me.

“Friends that you snuck out to see?” He spoke sharply.

Part of me didn’t know how to respond, but the over part just didn’t want to respond. I started walking down the alley to head back to the house.

“Don't fucking walk away from me.” Azriel marched toward me, grabbing my wrist to stop me.

He forced me to look toward him but I didn’t have the energy to look up at him.

“I mean seriously, what the fuck are you doing?” He started, “You snuck out two nights in a row, two fucking nights.”

“I didn’t sneak out at night. It was board daylight.” I responded.

“That's not the point!” He yelled, “I told you that you couldn’t and you still did and then lied that I never told you.”

I bit my lip.

“I mean shit, if you wanted to go out you could’ve told anyone and they would’ve taken you.”

“I don't want to go out with them,” I said.

“Why?” He questioned.

“Because I don't want to go out with people who don't fucking like me.” I barked at him.

“When have they ever said they don't like you?” He asked me.

“They don't have to,” I said, “They treat me like a fucking child and the only time they ever look at me is to give me the most disgusting look I’ve ever seen.”

“You're being over dramatic.”

I felt my fists clench at this, “Fuck you.” I turned to walk away as he called after me.

My cheeks felt cold as I realized I was crying, I quickly whipped them away and continued walking as Azriel followed behind me.

I entered a busy street in hopes that I would lose him for even a little bit but I felt him grab onto my shoulder.

“We are going home and we’re finishing this discussion there.” He whispered into my ear, at this point I didn’t have the energy to protest against him wrapping his arm around me as we made our way to the house.

The living room was thankfully empty as we walked in allowing me to break from Azriel’s grasp and bolt to my room.

Once I’d gotten there it wasn’t long before Azriel entered. I was so tired and I just really didn’t want to fight anymore.

“I am trying so fucking hard to be a good mate for you but I can't if you keep doing this shit.” He told me.

I was beginning to space out at this point, just looking at him while he continued talking, him picking up the perfume on the bedside table was what snapped me out of it.

He smelled the perfume by spraying it onto his arm before moving toward my bed and picking up the pillow I’d sprayed it on.

He dropped the pillow, “You have to be fucking kidding me (Y/N).”

I didn’t even care enough to yell back at him, I was so tired and just wanted this to end.

I swallowed my spit, “I’m sorry I snuck out.” I whispered just loud enough for him to hear. He scoffed.

“I’m sorry about the perfume too.”

“Yea you should be fucking sorry about spraying a perfume that smells like your ex on your fucking pillow.” He increasingly got louder, I was starting to get scared.

I started picking at my cuticles, “I’m sorry.” I muttered.

Azriel ran his finger through his hair, clearly more pissed off now. My cuticles started to bleed.

“Grab a sleeping gown or whatever you fucking use.” He barked at me, “You're a fool if you think I’m letting you sleep in a bed that smells like that.”

I was shaking as I went into my wardrobe to grab a nightgown before following Azriel to his room.

The bed was bigger than mine. Clearly for him to stretch his wings, he basically pushed me into his bathroom to change.

I ended up taking a long time, I really didn’t want to leave the bathroom and have to face him possibly yelling at me again. I honestly felt like he only brought me here to continue to be mad at me.

Eventually, I had to leave, only really doing it so he didn’t have another reason to be mad at me. I walked out with the red dress in my hands.

“Took you long enough,” He walked toward me and put his arms out, I slightly flinched as he did, “Give me the dress.” I obliged.

As he took the dress into his arms he started walking toward the lit fireplace, before I could say anything he threw the dress into the fire.

He said something about Autumn Court but I didn’t hear him fully, too immersed in the fact he’d burnt one of my favorite things from home. He burnt the dress I’d picked out with my brother, that I was going to wear with my brothers.

I let out a sob and tried to stop myself from crying but that only made it worse, causing me to fall to my knees while I sobbed into my hands.

Azriel quickly knelt behind me to hold me as I sobbed, saying he was sorry as he placed several kisses on the top of my head.

He picked me up from the floor and carried me to his bed, he sat up on his headboard before pulling me into his chest to sob myself to sleep.

[yazthebookish]

Hi Yaz!! I jus wanted to let you know that you were the first tumblr account I’d ever found and I’ve loved it ever since! 💕

I wanted to ask, what do you think about the Gwyn lightsinger theory?

Also what do you think the main plot point will be for Azriels book?

Thank you my love Sue🤍 it means a lot x

As for the Lightsinger theory, I made this post before that goes into more details.

I read some of the "Gwyn is a Lightsinger" theories before which to me can come off very convincing to readers that haven't reread ACOSF, but plenty of the *evidence* is manipulated to imply something that isn't really... there.

Can I say Gwyn is not a Lightsinger 100%? No and neither can I say Elain is not suspicious at all because I can come up with evidence to prove otherwise. But all are weak pieces of evidence.

Lightsingers are mentioned in one chapter out of 80. The context of when they are brought up is important because they never get mentioned until the trio went to the Bog. Cassian explains to Nesta what kind of creatures dwell in the bog and that's when he mentions Lightsingers.

It's been established that Gwyn is a quarter River Nymph and that Lightsingers drown their victims. Both River Nymphs and Lightsingers are aquatic creatures I guess?

But it's been clear Lightsingers appear as a friendly face to lure their victims and then drown them. That's only it. They do not glow. They do not sing. They do not push a random image into someone's mind, if they could do that which is close to a Daemati's power, they wouldn't need to change their physical now do they?

It's pretty easy to frame the evidence in the text as if it's indicating Gwyn is a Lightsinger:

"Nesta's powers react to hers!" maybe to hint on her possible Autumn Court flame powers? Because Lucien can detect Nesta's silver flames and Eris even senses there is flame in the dagger forged by Nesta which surprises Feyre as they offered it to him as a family heirloom. She isn't the first nor the last person where characters' magic and powers react to each other.

"She planted her image in Azriel's mind and her singing drew him to the library" one, he would need to hear the actual singing for it to work on him, which he did not hear—and two, the image came to his mind when Clotho specifically thanks him for the gift as it will bring joy to Gwyn, the mention of Gwyn's joy by Clotho is what made him imagine it.

"His shadows sing and dance for her!" that's a good sign though because we have seen the shadows recoil from three things: the cauldron, Koschei, and Elain. Skitter means a quick movement and they moved back quickly from her, that to me is them recoiling.

As I said, it's easy to manipulate evidence and pass it as fact because for some weird reason, I'm seeing many people speak of it as a fact rather than a theory and accept no other possibilities. And come on people? Shadowsinger x Lightsinger?

I think at this stage it's hard to know predict what will be the plot of Azriel's book (ACOTAR5) because it depends on how CC3 will play out. I still stand by what I said before: Illyria and the Autumn Court are going to be very important in the next book.

Hope these answers are the answers you were looking for🤍 and good timing because I just got me iced coffee 🤣

[onceupona-chaos]

How Elain is connected to the plot

(Includind the Autumn Court situation)

A while ago I made this post right here, where I talked about the next plot. I divided it into the main plot (for Koschei, The Trove and the queens) and subplot for the Autumn Court situation. 

However, I’ve seen some comments about Elain not being connected to the Autumn Court. So here goes a post where I try to explain a little better why I think Elain is the most connected to the plot, including the Autumn Court. So differently from that post, this one will be focus on Elain.

NOTES: I had to repeat somethings to make sense, so I apologize. I won't be taking about any ship here, this is exclusively about the plot. As usual, English is not my first language, forgive me for any possible mistakes.

Elain and the main plot

I promise I'll try not to repeat everything.

We know there's a fourth object of the Dead Trove. I've seen people theorizing about who is going to located it, but let me remind you that the Trove has a sentience:

“Made objects tend to not wish to be found by just anyone,” Amren cautioned.

“You say that as if the objects have a sentience,” Cassian said.

“They do."

It's not a coincidence that Nesta couldn't see or locate the fourth trove. It didn't want to be found by her, therefore she couldn't see through the shadows. The same thing happened when Elain couldn't See the reason why Vassa was sold to Koschei:

Elain studied the table. “No. No—that is all mist and shadow.”

This fourth object will be found when it wants to be found, so it will call for someone (keep that in mind). So if it didn't present itself to Nesta, I think we can assume SJM is… saving it for another book. Specially because we don't know what this fourth object does.

You could argue that anyone could go looking for it, but as I said before, to locate a Made object, you need to be Made as well:

“Like calls to like,” Amren countered. “You were Made by the Cauldron. You may track other objects Made by it as well, as Briallyn can. And because you are Made by it, you are immune to the influence and power of the Trove. You might use them, yes, but they cannot be used upon you.” A glance to Elain. “Either of you.”

Therefore, Azriel won't be able to get close enough, he is not Made so he can be under the Trove's influence. The only characters now that can find and not be manipulated by the Trove are the Archeron sisters. That's why I think one of the POVs of the next book will be Elain's. We already know Feyre and Nesta won't have their POV, and Amren:

Nesta asked Amren, “You’re not Made?”

“Not as you were,” Amren said.

She wasn't Made in the same way. 

Elain and the subplot

Before anything, let me make something clear that I didn't in my previous post: it's all connected. I've seen people talking about how Elain is not connected to the Autumn Court situation and only to Koschei, but Beron is not acting alone. It's all connected.

My father is furious that his ally is dead, but he’s not deterred. Koschei remains in play, and Beron might very well be stupid enough to establish an alliance with him, too. I hope that whatever Morrigan is doing in Vallahan will counteract the damage my father will unleash.

Also, we know Vallahan doesn't want peace and didn't sign the treaty for a reason. They have their own expansion plans. Throughout the book we can see SJm hinted that Fae people may be interested in human lands, so it's not a coincidence. Vallahan wants war: just like Beron. 

I wouldn't be surprised with an alliance between Beron, Vallahan and Koschei. Think about it: Sarah already told us a war is coming, but Koschei is still bound to his lake. Bryllian is dead, but she had a deal with Beron. Beron made this deal because he wants to expand his territories and so does Vallahan. They all have a goal that can be achieved by starting a war.

A war that we already know is coming.

Sarah didn't made every antagonist to have the same goal for them not to join forces.

Therefore, those are not separate plots, it's all connected and will end in a war with two opposite sides (Koschei, Beron, Vallahan x The Night Court and other courts).

And what is worst: the humans queens are not done. We don't know what they are planning, SJM didn't give us much in ACOSF because they were "away", but they are the same ones that sold Vassa to Koschei, who planted words in their courts - just like he did with Bryllian.

“Because those stupid human queens are stirring—their army still isn’t disbanded."

“But know that Briallyn and the others sold me to him not through their devices, but his. By words he planted in their courts, whispered on the winds.”

The humans queens, Bryllian, Beron, Vallahan, Koschei... it's all connected somehow.

Side note: this explains why we didn't have a civil war in Illyrian and why SJM killed this plot line in two chapters. We need the Illyrians just like they are now: at peace and ready to fight again in another war. We don't have the luxury to afford a civil war among the strongest army in Prythian.

Now let's go back and remember: Koschei still wants to be freed from his lake, so he needs the Trove. There are only two ways of finding a Trove: 1) You need to be Made to locate it or 2) The Trove needs to call for you

The forth trove is lost for so long that the legends of today only count three. So it's most likely that the object itself will call for someone rather than someone go look for it, since the object is forgotten. Maybe it will call for Koschei, but maybe it could for someone else. Eris already told us that this is possible:

But if the Trove has a sentience like you suggested, if it wants to be found … I fear that it might also be reaching out to others as well. Not just Briallyn and Koschei.” Beron in possession of the Trove would be a disaster. He’d join the ranks of the King of Hybern.

But the true is: it doesn't matter for whom the Trove will call. If it's Koschei, Beron or the queen of Vallahan.

Because, either way, aside from Nesta and Feyre, there's only one person who can located and not suffer the influence of The Trove:

... Elain, who is more than capable of defending herself against the darkness of the Trove, if she chooses to. Don’t underestimate her.”

[bookstantrash]

A/N: Shoutout to all of those beautiful, incredible supportive and awesome people who encouraged me to write this Emeriel (Azriel x Emerie) one shot. I really like this crackship, and I’m hoping we see more of Emerie in the next acotar books.

With this, I’m officially in ghost mode till acosf and for some time after its release (probably a month). My askbox and dm are open for prompts tho! So feel free to send me any writing requests!!

Falling in Shadows

Azriel was lost.

Not lost as in ‘I don’t know the Cauldron where I am’. Not in the physical way lost.

No, Azriel was lost in the emotional way. Lost as in ‘What the Cauldron I am feeling?’

If he was to be honest with himself, he had been feeling like that for quite some time now. Ever since Cassian had asked him to go to that wooden building and spied a certain female through the clothier’s window.

Azriel was usually uncomfortable around other Illyrians. He sometimes forgot he too was one, his hatred for his people in some occasions being so unbearable he found himself a youngling once again, locked in that dark cell, denied the skies.

How could he be an Illyrian, feel like one, when his own people had cast him aside? Had tried to strip him of his heritage?

That was one of the motives he avoided going to Windhaven. But after that day he visited Cassian and Nesta — he was surprised to see how their relationship was going, despite the circumstances that had made Nesta go to Illyria — Azriel found himself looking for reasons to be in Windhaven.

All because of her.

Because of Emerie, the fierce owner of that clothier.

Once he had gotten inside the shop, Azriel had willed his shadows to fade — few were the Illyrians and Fae not afraid of them, afraid of him and his job in the Night Court — and tucked his wings tight. He knew how the Illyrian females were treated. How they were supposed to look down and not talk back when in the presence of a male. He didn’t want any other reason to scary the shop owner.

To his surprise, however, he was met with a different scenario. An Illyrian female who didn’t look down, was not afraid to speak her mind and didn’t cower in his presence.

Emerie didn’t even bat an eyelash at him or his shadows, not even glancing at his scarred hands when he handed her the money — an act he was already used to.

Azriel was in and out of the shop in less then five minutes.

He met her again some time later, having tea with Nesta when came back to Windhaven. They exchanged a few words and he got even more curious about her.

And then, before he had even noticed how, they had become friends.

Azriel would pass by her shop whenever he went to visit Cassian and would chat with Emerie, sometimes joining her and Nesta for tea — Azriel dragged Cassian with him when that happened, a little scared to be beneath the sharpe of gaze of both females by himself.

Not that he told Cassian, or anyone else for that matter, the truth. He’d rather swim naked in one of Windhaven’s deathly cold lakes.

Azriel had female friends, so it was not like he was embarrassed around Emerie because of that. Feyre was his friend, as was Elain — although Feyre seemed to think there was something between him and her sister, they were only on friendly terms. Elain was still processing what had happened to her, being Made and losing everything she had, not to mention Graysen. The man was one of the finest pricks he’d ever met, but love was not rational.

Azriel and Elain understand each other in some level, her being a seer and him a shadowsinger. But nothing more.

And then there was Morrigan. He’d been in love with her. Once. And he knew she didn’t see him like that.

His feelings had faded over time, leaving only respect and brotherly affection towards her. Azriel knew he sometimes overreacted when it came to Eris, but it was not due to a lover’s anger. No, he felt guilty of what Mor had been through, years ago. He was her friend and couldn’t help her when she needed the most.

His love towards Mor may have changed, but it still hurt to see that she was keeping something from him and flirted so shameless in front of him as to keep him away. Whatever it was that she had to say, he’d understand. So he’d wait, until she was ready to talk to him.

When it came to Emerie, however, he felt something. Something different. Something he could not quite place.

Azriel also felt fear.

Fear of what that feeling may represent. Of what Emerie thought of him. He had to keep himself in check around her, least he loose control of his shadows, who always seemed to get agitated whenever they were together.

Sighing, he shook his head to try and rid himself of these thoughts. He could feel an headache coming, and he had to wake up early to met Cassian and the Camp Lords for a meeting regarding the Blood Rite. He needed sleep.

His feet, on the other hand, had other ideais. Before he knew what he was doing, they had taken him on the way to the small craftsman center of the camp, where Emerie’ shop was.

Maybe he could say he had thought of saying a quick hello, see how the things were going with her sells.

“It’s not that late yet. And I didn’t come today to see her. So a late night tea won’t hurt, right?” Azriel thought, trying to calm himself down.

He sent one of his shadows ahead to see if there was any light on the clothier, just in case. If it was off, he’d take it was a sign to leave it alone and go rest.

But when it returned, Azriel felt his blood run cold, and he quickly moved through the shadows to get there faster. And the scene in front of him made his heart stop.

The shop windows were broken, as was the door, and he could see some of the clothes thrown on the floor by the door.

Azriel heard screams.

Heard Emerie screaming.

He entered the shop to find her being restrained by a male, while two others ransacked the place.

Azriel did not fail to notice how the male holding her looked pissed. Maybe due to his bloody nose and black eye.

Azriel smiled internally. His girl would not go down without a fight it seemed.

“And just what do you think you’re doing” he said, announcing his presence.

Four pairs of eyes looked in his direction, and he got smug satisfaction at the clear fear that shined in the males’ eyes.

Specially when they saw Azriel unsheathing Truth Teller and gave free rein to his shadows.

However, in Emerie’s dark brown eyes he only saw relief.

“Close your eyes Em” he said.

And then Azriel exploded.

He had the two males pinned down by his shadows in no time, bounding their wings and squeezing their throats strong enough to leave them breathless.

And a little purple.

But the one that held Emerie... that one he would take his sweet time.

Appearing behind the male — which quickly released Emerie in hope to attempt an escape — Azriel slammed him down in the polished counter.

“What should I do with you” he snarled, bringing Truth Teller dangerously close to the male’s throat, making a thin cut in his skin.

“P-please,” the male whimpered “have mercy”

“Did you show mercy to her? Did you?!” Azriel shouted, pressing the knife harder “I should Clip you. I should Clip all of you and take my sweet time doing it”

He heard the other two males struggling against his shadows, trying to get away again. Azriel only whiled them to tighten their grip, and he swore he heard one start to cry.

“You will never appear here again. You will not bother Emerie any longer” he leaned down to whisper in the male’s ear “You will tell that to your other friends. To anyone who has ever messed with her. And if I hear that you came back — and trust me, I will — I will hunt you down myself”

“Are we clear?” he added, letting his threat sink.

“Y—yes sir” the trembling male managed to gasp through Azriel’s hold on his neck.

“Go” he said, freeing all three, who quickly left the place, running for their lives.

Azriel then turned to find Emerie with her eyes open, staring at him.

He froze. She had seen him. Had seen him act as the High Lord’s spy master. Had seen him being territorial and scary and—

“I think I’ll have to redecorate” was all Emerie said, her voice trembling a little.

Azriel couldn’t believe it. She had been attacked, her shop destroyed and she had time to make a joke.

He shook his head in disbelief and stopped in front of her, holding himself back to not touch her to see if she was hurt anywhere.

“Are you—”

Her knees gave out before he could say anything else, and he quickly caught her in his arms.

“You put your arms around me and I literally felt my kneels buckle, this is so pathetic” she scoffed, looking at the floor.

“Em...”

“I usually can handle it on my own” she shook her head “Nesta taught me some self defense moves. I can’t leave the shop to go for the training ring and I have no desire to be a warrior”

“This...this was the first time that more than one came” she added in a soft whisper.

Azriel felt a calm rage settle in his bones.

“This is not the first time something like this has happened,” he wanted to shake her until she got some sense in that stubborn head of hers “and you didn’t tell anyone about it”

“As I said, I usually can handle it” she snapped back, finally meeting his eyes “I was closing the shop when they appeared. I tried to fight back, but I only managed to punch one before he restrained me. If you hadn’t appeared I—”

She didn’t finish that sentence, bitting her trembling lip to keep herself from crying.

“You are one headstrong and fearless female, you know that?” he said, daring to hold her closer.

“I was scared”

And to Azriel’s surprise she buried her head on his chest, gripping his leathers for her dear life, her body shaking with silent sobs.

“I know Em” he murmured, one hand caressing her hair in comfort.

His shadows closed the door and gathered the clothes on the floor, putting them on the counter.

“I’m going to take you upstairs, okay?” he asked softly, and Emerie just nodded her head.

Gathering her in his arms, Azriel climbed the stairs to the upper part of the shop, where Emerie lived.

He decided to place her on the sofa. He didn’t want to invade her personal space and walk into her bedroom.

He carefully sat on the sofa, adjusting Emerie in his arms so she’d be comfortable. By the looks of it, she wasn’t letting go of him soon.

Not that he was bothered by that.

“Em...it’s okay. You’re safe now” he tenderly raised her head, both hands cupping her cheeks and brushing away her tears.

“Thank you. For arriving when you did” she sniffed, but then reality seemed to fall on her “Why where you around here at this hour?”

Azriel felt the tip of his ears getting hot, and he almost faded back in the shadows.

“I wanted to see you” he mumbled, so low he hoped she had not heard him.

“What was that?” she asked, and by the way she was trying to suppress a grin Azriel could tell she had heard him loud and clear.

“I’m not repeating it” he said, feeling his whole face getting hot

Emerie laughed, and the sound of her laugh was enough to put Azriel at ease.

“I wanted to see you too” she confessed, looking deep into his eyes.

Azriel could swear his heart skipped a beat at her words.

“You did?” he softly asked, afraid this was all a dream and he’d soon wake up.

“Yes” she said, and tenderly took one of his hands on hers, not flinching at the scars on them “I wanted to hear your voice”

She kissed his fingers.

“I wanted to see you trying to come up with topics to talk with me”

She kissed palm.

“I wanted to see your shadows acting all agitated and you trying so hard to control them thinking I’ll be bothered but,” Azriel took a sharp breath when she kissed his wrist “they’re not a bother. I’m not afraid of them. I like them”

Azriel was falling. He was spiralling down into himself, all the way to his shadowed heart.

“You like them?” he asked so quietly, fear lacing his every word.

“I do. They’re part of you Azriel” she interlaced their hands “What is there not to like?”

Azriel felt like crying. He felt like crying because for the first time someone outside of his family had looked at him and actually seen him.

Not a monster who killed and spied and tortured for his High Lord.

Not an Illyrian who was a traitor to his own race.

Not the quiet friend who was satisfied to be in the shadows.

Not a protector doing his duty.

Emerie saw him.

She saw all the good, the bad and the awkward Azriel so desperately tried to conceal.

And she was not afraid.

“Can I hope then?” he dared himself to ask, resting his forehead against hers “Can I hope you feel this? This feeling that I can’t quite place?”

“You can” she answered “Because I hoped you felt the same thing”

Azriel still did not know how to name this feeling between them yet. But he was sure of one thing.

He was dying to know what it was.

And Emerie would help him in every path of this discovery.

•

Emeriel Tags: @julemmaes @angrypotatofairy @illyrianwitchling @moe8 @thewayshedreamed @ko0mbayamylord @rosegoldannie @fourshizzle149 @arin1030 @elide-lochan-salvaterre @the-bookish-deer

Fixed Tags: @sayosdreams @thewayshedreamed @sjm-things @perseusannabeth @arin1030 @caotica-e-quieta @vidalinav @swankii-art-teacher @ireallyshouldsleeprn @duskandstarlight @greerlunna @thegoddessaltenia @dayanna-hatter @verypaleninja @awesomelena555 @courtofjurdan @allilal @sensitiveillyrian @moe8 @illyrianwitchling13 @silvernesta @bri-loves-sunflowers @queenestarcheron @imwritingthesewords @vasudharaghavan

{I ended up creating an Emeriel tag list, so please let me know if you want to be added in either the Emeriel or my Fixed Tag list}

[wisteriabookss]

My ACOSF Review (2/5 Stars)

Please respect my opinions. Not everything I say will be praiseful or nice. While I liked a lot of this book, a lot of it frustrated and bothered me. 

This review contains spoilers. Read at your own risk. 

This review will be more of an overall impression, and I will get more in depth about certain characters in future posts. 

I eventually got into the plot of the book, but I don’t think it was as great or creative as it could’ve been. I feel like SJM recycled ideas she’s already used to create the storyline. A quest to find a magic object that can stop a war and save the world? That sentence applies to both ACOWAR and ACOSF. It’s even more disappointing when you know there were other routes the plot could’ve taken but were eventually scratched. It was the perfect set up for an Illyrian mountain setting, it was written in canon, and, unsurprisingly, SJM retconned and changed it. 

The Valkyrie plot was cool, if a bit forced and out of place. Nesta barely starts training, and all of a sudden she wants to recreate a powerful band of female warriors that we’ve never heard of in the context of this world? Honestly, it feels like SJM watched Thor: Ragnarok, and was like, “Yes, that’s what I’m gonna do.” I thought Helions winged horses would come into play with that, but I guess we’ll have to see.

I thought the Blood Rite plot was gone, but we got it in the end, even though it was rushed. The most beautiful parts of the book happened during the Rite, so I’m glad we got to see those.

The ending of Briallyn was so swift I literally had to go back a page to make sure I read it right. Literally one page, and she’s killed. I expected more. I can’t say I'm surprised by how rushed her death was when I knew the Feysand trouble was approaching, and the number of pages left was getting smaller. There wasn’t a doubt in my mind that SJM would save Rhys, Feyre, and their baby. Out of the entire ensemble in Kingdom of Ash, she only had the heart to kill Gavriel, who wasn’t too much of a main character. There was no way in hell she would do that to Feysand. 

I’m sorry, but I do not like the name Nyx. Imagine calling someone Nyx? Did she originally have it as Nick, but just needed to put an X? My eyes were rolling so hard when I read it. Just put an ‘O’ in front of it and end our misery, though I still would’ve rolled my eyes at that name too. The name just reminds me of all the blogger moms who put X’s in their child’s names for dramatic effect that ends up looking like they can’t spell.

I also didn’t appreciate the out of touch colloquialisms in this book either. Prythian doesn’t have a name for anxiety, depression, or PTSD, but they know what lactic acid means?

The amount of sex in this book was something we had been warned to expect, and I think due to the fastness of me reading this book (finished in two sittings), it made it feel like the sex was happening every other page, which it basically was. I’m not going to be mad though because a) it was well written, b) I didn’t feel like it harmed the plot too much, and c) this is the only Nessian smut we’re going to see in canon. But that threesome line with Az. . . y'all know which one I’m talking about. . . the one with the details about certain positions. . .  chile um anyways let’s move on. 

I called it months ago that Emerie would either be Mor or Azriel’s love interest, and looks like it’s going to be Mor. SJM’s writing is fairly predictable, especially when it comes to romantic ships, and she couldn’t have been more obvious about the two of them. I will write about Gwyn and Azriel in Azriel’s chapter review (cause that monstrosity needs a post of its own).

Now about Nesta’s healing arc. Some of it was satisfying and others were saddening. I’m happy that Nesta was able to find purpose in her life, and not believe herself to be worthless or pathetic, but strong and powerful. I’m happy she found Gwynn and Emerie; I love their friendship. I love how they stuck by each other no matter what, and saw the good and potential in one another.

However, even by the end of the book, Nesta still thinks herself as undeserving. Of Cassian, of love. She knows she has it, and she's so grateful for it, but she still believes she is undeserving of it, that Cassian is just so much better than her. A part of learning to love and live with yourself is knowing what you deserve, so why SJM took that from her character, I don’t know. I was continuously disappointed when said she was undeserving of anything, even after she had learned and grown from her mistakes. 

Maybe SJM thinks the belief of being undeserving of one's partner is romantic. I’m telling you now, it’s not. All that does is give unnecessary power to a person you believe you are undeserving of, and this leads to unequal power dynamics in a relationship. Rhys was the exact same with Feyre, so I’m guessing it's a theme.

Speaking of romantic themes, the repetition of the “your mine-im yours” line in this book was nauseating. Your going to make Nesta say the exact same thing her sister said when they had sex? Is there nothing else SJM could’ve come up with? It’s just so weird. And I swear to god if I see Elain do the same thing I’m gonna vomit. 

Nesta apologized to Cassian about what she said to him on Solstice in ACOFAS as if he never called her unlovable. As if he never said he didn’t understand why her sisters love her. He never apologized for that. There was so much apologizing from Nesta to Cassian about her calling him a brute, as if Cassian didn’t say he was “shackled” to her after she clearly explained how she feared she would lose her humanity if she accepted the word mate. Not if she accepted him, but the word. 

For Cassian to routinely tell Nesta to, “shut her fucking mouth,” when she used some attitude against Rhys was comical. Rhys has been bad mouthing and disrespecting Nesta this whole time, and when she shows some warranted attitude in return (not even an insult), Cassian rips into her. It doesn’t matter what he did for you, babe. Not everyone has the same experience with Rhys, so Cassian getting angry when Nesta showing anger at the way she was being treated was wrong. Her experience with him does not become invalidated just because Cassian has a good relationship with him.

There wasn’t a character arc for Cassian, which was one of the most disappointing parts of the book. He thinks of himself as inferior and undeserving as well, and by the end of the book it’s not even clear if that stance has changed. We saw him grow into the courtier persona in the meeting with Eris when Tamlin shows up, but we never see it again. I know there were instances in which he stood up for Nesta, but he also very quicky after that became silent in other moments when they were insulting her. The next book isn’t in his pov, but I’m hoping we see him become more confident in himself and make a firmer stance to protect Nesta (although I doubt he’ll need to seeing as how Rhys kisses the ground she walks on now).

Now onto Nesta’s apologies to the IC. I think Nesta apologizing to Feyre was expected, and I’m glad the sisters had that moment. I am, however, upset that there was never a moment where all the sisters sat down, and hashed it out. Talked about what they’d been through, how it affected them, and how it affected their feelings toward each other. After everything that happened between Nesta and Elain, all that hurt, you’re telling me all it took was Nesta to make Elain laugh by saying “fuck you,” and we’re good? It’s lazy writing. 

Elain telling Nesta that she only cared about how her trauma affected her did not sit right with me. Nesta sat by Elain’s side for weeks when she was in the thick of her struggles, and refused to leave her alone for fear that her struggles would eat her up alive. She constantly looked for anything that could help her sister, and never left her unprotected. Nesta and Elain didn’t communicate after the war, for reasons that we now know was because of Nesta’s guilt for Elain being kidnapped. It is not abnormal when a family member has been traumatized by things that have happened to another family member. That’s expected. Ask any family who has lost a child or had a relative go through something horrible.

Elain is acting as if Nesta has only ever been concerned with herself when she’s spent her entire life concerned with Elain. I made a post long ago about how the IC only wanted Nesta to heal for their sake rather than her sake, and there’s so much more evidence for that than for Elain. Elain’s healing process was able to be understood and encouraged by the IC, whereas they had no idea what to do with Nesta. So for Elain to come at Nesta for not caring about her trauma, a second after Nesta was trying to protect her from further trauma by telling her she didn't want her seering for the Trove, was unwarranted.

Speaking about Elain looking for the Trove, what happened there? Elain had this whole speech where she said she wanted to do something and no one could stop her and then we just. . . don’t hear anything about it again? SJM had a perfect opportunity to do something powerful with Elain there, and completely threw it away. 

Nesta’s apology to Amren was extreme, dramatic, and honestly, unnecessary. Amren called Nesta a “pathetic waste of life,” constantly demeaned and degraded her anytime her name was mentioned, and said she did all this because Nesta used her as a shield against her problems and the IC. Seriously? Nesta using Amren as a shield does not warrant that kind of verbal abuse. It doesn't make her a pathetic waste of life. Amren’s been alive for how long? And reacts like that to an obvious side effect of extreme trauma? No ma'am. Nesta getting on her damn knees was too much, and obviously just another moment, like a lot of moments, that SJM felt the need to make dramatic. And then having the audacity to let Amren say to Nesta that, “the struggle with the darkness is worth it,” when she was one of those people who contributed to that darkness is disgusting.

I didn’t like Rhys at all in this book. Even after he saw inside Nesta’s mind about her experience in the cauldron, he was still wary and rude with her. Literally anytime Nesta showed that she was changing, Rhys didn’t change anything about his attitude or behavior towards her. A moment of regret, and then he’s back to being arrogant ass Rhys. Him not telling Feyre about the baby was also extremely stupid. It’s her body, her life, her baby’s life, his life, and she had a right to know what was happening. Not telling her because you didn’t want her to be “upset,” is a dumb excuse. I thought you always promised to let her make her own decisions, Rhys? What happened to that promise? The one that was a hell of a lot better than the stupid bargain ya’ll made? Though Nesta told her out of anger, good on her for telling her sister. Should’ve happened way sooner. His apology to Nesta was the only one that warranted the dramatics. That is what you get on your knees for.

That whole scene about him becoming High King had me throwing the book. Amren telling Rhys that the swords were some sort of mother-mary-cauldron-blessed-hallelujah sign that he was supposed to be High King had me fuming. It’s Nesta’s power. It’s Nesta’s sword. That should have never been a discussion. Not everything is for Rhys. These people are so blinded by their love for him they can’t even see how arrogant he is. To write Nesta giving back Ataraxia made me so angry after we just had a whole moment where we find out it means inner peace. I just hope that all of this is not foreshadowing Rhys becoming High King. I know you love him Sarah, but please don’t.

All in all, this book wasn’t too bad. There were some great moments and some bad moments. I think SJM’s biggest issue in her writing is that she doesn’t outline, or at least doesn't seem to outline, not thoroughly. I feel like she uses plot devices willy nilly whenever it’s the easiest solution. There was never a moment where I said, “that was clever!” A lot of it was cool, but not clever. Not creative. She also has a tendency to write very dramatically, in staccato type sentences where everything is made into a big moment, which bugs me a lot. 

I love Nesta. She’s still my fav, and will probably always be my fav. This book doesn’t change that, and as you can tell in my review, most of the issues I had weren’t with her behavior, but with the behavior of other characters. I still love Cassian, even though he made me want to rip my hair out sometimes.

Will I read the next books? Probably. I can’t seem to stay away from these characters or these books, so kudos to SJM for writing them. I know a majority of people have given this book 4 or 5 stars, but I can’t bring myself to give it more than 2/5.

[thespianbooks]

A Court of Nightmares and Starlight //Chapter 16//

Masterlist

(tags: @thron3ofbooks, @df3ndyr, @courtofjurdan, @art-e-mis, @herondamnn, @the-third-me, @im-still-trying-here, @emikadreams, @paytin77, @mis-lil-red, @sleeping-and-books, @lucieisabooknerd, @amandaraey-sunshine, @easy-p-lemon, @azymondias05) *bold tags don’t work ;-;

Happy Winter Solstice everyone! In honor of this day, and our girl Feyre’s birthday, here is chapter 16 to celebrate! I hope you all have a fantastic week celebrating the holidays! Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, and an overall Happy Holidays! ❤️

X

"Rhys?"

My soft whisper was met with silence; my mate remaining in the depths of slumber, an arm draped over my waist as we lay entangled in our plush sheets. It was still dark outside, only a couple of hours having passed since we turned in for the night and yet I awoke; overcome with an urge I had never felt so intensely before.

"Rhys?" I whispered again, touching his cheek gently and saw a flicker in the muscle of his jaw.

"Rhysand…" I pressed, my heart racing in hopes I could coax him into consciousness as tenderly as possible.

"Yes…?" He muttered, voice thick with sleep and eyes remaining closed.

"Rhys…" I hesitated, moving in a little closer to him as I murmured sheepishly. "I'm...hungry,"

His dark brows pulled together in confusion, "Hungry?" he asked.

I nodded, my head rubbing against his shoulder with the motion. "Starving, actually," I admitted as I traced circles along the dark whorls of his tattoos.

I grinned as he opened his eyes, still perplexed as he turned to me. "You didn't eat at dinner?" He asked, concerned, and I giggled.

"I did. You were there remember?"

"That's right," he closed his eyes again with a sigh of relief, the hand on my waist drifting to my rounded stomach pressed against his side. "We went to Sevenda's with the others and you had the prime rib special."

My stomach growled at the memory, and I choked back a rising sob. "Yes…"

He opened his eyes again, alarmed at the sound of unshed tears in my voice. "What's wrong, Feyre?" he asked, fully alert now as he shifted onto his side to look down at me.

I felt my eyes burn, suddenly overcome with guilt for making him worry and for waking him up, but I couldn't resist the ache in my stomach.

"I want more," I whispered.

He blinked, taken aback as he stared at me. "Of the prime rib?" He clarified.

I nodded with a hiccup. Cauldron damn these hormones. "I need it Rhys. We need it." I said, placing my hands on my stomach.

Rhys breathed a sigh of respite, laughing breathily as he dropped his forehead against my collarbone. "Oh Feyre, you scared me."

"I'm serious, Rhys, I'm so hungry and that prime rib was so good. I need more of it, or else-"

"Of course, my love, whatever you want," he hurriedly reassured me, kissing my cheeks before pulling back to meet my gaze.

I sniffed as I stared into his violet eyes, sparkling with amusement. "Really?"

My heart lifted at the feline grin on his lips, "Yes. Would you like everything that came with it too?"

I brightened and nodded, "Yes. Please."

He chuckled and pressed a chaste kiss to my lips before pulling back and climbing out of bed. "I'll be right back, then."

I beamed as I pushed myself up slowly, a month of growth on my abdomen now weighed me down and I required a little more effort when rising from any laying or sitting position. In the month that passed since the summit, since Eira's birth, we had all fallen into a sense of ease. Prior to the summit, Rhys and I did our best to compose our nerves over the rising coup, but now with the full support of our friends at our back, we finally felt a sense of solace. We were still in a period of waiting—of gathering more intelligence on Keir, Kallon, and now Beron. Thanks to Azriel's continued spy work, we were assured that no advancements were being made on either front, so we all allowed ourselves to breathe easier—for now at least.

The only wild card that remained was Eris, but after a brief meeting with him at our moonstone palace above the Court of Nightmares, things seemed...placated, for the time being. The eldest of the Vanserra sons, and heir to the Autumn Court, assured the earlier theory Rhys had—that the male wanted our support in overthrowing his father. What surprised me, however, was that it was all he wanted. He swore he played no part in his father's plans with Keir, and to prove it he provided us with detailed, secret, reports from his father's general; whom he had rallied to his side as well. The reports accurately lined up with the intel Azriel's network of spies had collected, and as of recently divulged a lack of movement as well.

It seemed the trio of traitors were biding their time, presumably attempting to adjust their plans now that the entire continent was aware of my pregnancy. We knew better than to assume they would reel back on the coup because of this; instead deciding to strike before my child had a chance to be born. The threat still haunted us all, but until we had news of any change in plans, we had to wait. In the meantime, Rhys, our family, and I were making the best of it. True to the promise I made myself, having seen how curious and eager Cassian had been in learning about my pregnancy, I spent as much time with them as I could. To aid in our efforts, Rhys and I hired a personal assistant to help balance our workload as High Lord and High Lady; agreeing that we needed the help while we transitioned into preparing for parenthood. That assistant was Clotho, the mute priestess who served in the library of Velaris, and one of the only other fae Rhys or I could trust outside of the inner circle. The priestess humbly agreed and now split her time between our estate and the library. Despite not being able to outwardly express herself, Rhys assured me that she was ecstatic to hear of my pregnancy and wanted nothing more than to help us balance our work between ruling and parenting.

In the month that passed, not only were we able to de-stress a bit and enjoy leisure time with our family, but I had also observed a notable change in myself. While my belly, now an impressive, rounded mound that was pronounced no matter what I wore, continued to grow with the promise from Madja that our son was still as healthy as ever; I noticed a myriad of developments in my emotions. While I did find myself with more energy than I had in the early days of my pregnancy, that frequency in fatigue now seemed to trade places with erratic mood swings. One minute I would be as happy and content as ever, and in the next beset with unexpected gloom. However, everyone seemed to take it in stride—especially my mate, who simply smiled and listened to me rant or just held me when I needed to cry.

Along with my renewed energy, my appetite returned with a vengeance. The same three meals I ate everyday no longer sated me, and I found myself snacking on various things throughout the day. There had been an incident a few weeks ago where I watched in total envy as Azriel snacked on dried meat in between training with Cassian and Rhys—something the brothers had picked back up in part due to the looming threat, but also as a means for entertainment. It wasn't until Cassian noticed me on the verge of tears and snatched the meat from Azriel, casually offering it to me, that I realized I had officially started with pregnancy-related cravings. The cravings hadn't been so intense; until tonight, when I had been ripped from sleep by my growling stomach and the desire to have another helping of dinner had me waking my mate from his sleep.

"Do you think she still has those leftovers?" I asked as I watched him dress.

"I'm sure she has plenty left reserved for you, Feyre darling. She saw how much you loved it," he replied with a knowing grin.

My face warmed as I recalled how the restaurateur offered to pack up extra servings for me to bring back to the estate, but I had been too embarrassed at the extra helpings I already consumed during our stay and politely refused.

"I didn't want to look like a glutton," I admitted sheepishly.

He walked over, resting his hands on the bed as he leveled our gazes. "No one would think that. You're pregnant and feeding the heir to the Night Court. They know he needs to eat, even in the middle of the night," he said and gave me another chaste kiss before stroking a hand along my stomach affectionately.

I smiled. "That's true. It's just hard to keep up when I feel absolutely ravenous every few hours."

He smirked appreciatively as he rubbed my stomach again, "Is there anything else my son wants?"

"Strawberries," I answered quickly. "With chocolate, or whipped cream."

Rhys laughed and pressed a kiss to my forehead. "Whatever you want, my love," he repeated and stood upright.

I waited for him to return as patiently as I could, pacing between our bedroom and balcony every few minutes before finally pacifying myself by sitting with a book on the cushioned bench of the balcony. In order to keep myself distracted, I read a book of plays aloud in hopes that my growing baby would be patient in his insatiable appetite. The sound of my voice must have appeased him, because as I continued to read, my hunger seemed to dull a bit. However, after a few minutes passed, I felt his kicks of protests and rubbed at the spot.

"If you have such a problem with my reading, then talk to your father. He's the one that taught mama how to read," I said, and my heart warmed at the memory of my lessons with Rhysand in my early days at the Night Court. "Maybe he'll teach you to read too."

"We both could," I heard Rhys say from behind me and I whipped my head around to see him holding a bundle of food.

I pushed myself up unceremoniously, eager to eat as the smells hit my nose. "That's so much food!" I exclaimed as he walked over and placed the bundle on the small table we kept on the balcony.

"Sevenda might've given us some more food she thought you might enjoy," he answered with a laugh before snapping his fingers and the food instantly displayed out before me.

I gasped in admiration before Rhys pulled out a chair for me and I happily sat, digging into my meal immediately and moaned with relief as the savory juices of the prime rib hit my taste buds.

Rhys sat next to me, casually grabbing a strawberry from the bowl he had also laid out and snacked on it as he regaled me while I indulged myself. "You truly are a sight to behold, Feyre darling."

I felt my face warm and dread filled my chest as I swallowed a mouthful. "Do I look like a pig?" I asked, that dread beginning to ebb into shame.

"No, no." He quickly reassured me, moving closer until our knees were touching. "I meant the sight of my expecting mate enjoying herself, of nourishing my growing child, is one I never dreamed I'd see," he explained. His hand came to rest on my stomach again as those beautiful amethyst eyes grew tender.

I squeezed his hand gently, "You deserve it Rhys. This child is a culmination of everything that is good about you; of all the good you've done in your lifetime."

His eyes were lined with silver as they met mine, and I moved my hands to cup his face. "He will be all the best parts of you, Rhysand."

"And of you," he swore. "You brought out the best in me Feyre. Everything that I am, that I have now, including this child, is all because of you."

My heart pounded with joy as I beamed and pulled him in for a kiss. He returned it with just as much fervor and heat began pooling in my core. When he pulled away too soon for my liking, I kissed him again-slowly, and nipped at his bottom lip.

I felt the fiendish smirk of his lips on mine as he muttered, "I thought you were hungry?"

"I'm hungry for something else now." I whispered, staring at him with half-lidded eyes.

I shrieked with a laugh as he scooped me up in his arms, my legs easily hooking around his waist as the food from the table suddenly disappeared and he carried me over to the nearest wall.

XXX

The following morning, I was pleased to see Rhys still in our bed and even more delighted to still be wrapped in his arms. He had a tendency to wake before I did these days and often got a head start on his work, allowing me the opportunity to sleep in and get the rest my body needed. However, after the night we had, I wasn't too surprised to see him needing the extra sleep. I smirked mischievously as I lightly traced along the tattoos on his chest with my own tattooed fingers, relishing in his scent as I recalled the details of our night that extended into the early hours of the morning.

It was a welcome change of pace after the stress that weighed on us; one we needed now more than ever with a youngling on the way. The days of just the two of us were set to expire in a few months; soon to be filled with a new life we would have to work together to sustain—all while balancing our duties of presiding over the Night Court. I often tried not to let the weight of that responsibility stress me out; knowing we had our whole family to rely on, but now that I was nearly halfway through my pregnancy, I wanted more of this time alone together.

I felt dark talons gently caress my mental shields and I smiled as I lowered them enough for my mate, who kept his eyes closed despite now being conscious. I allowed him into my thoughts; letting him know of my yearning for the quality time we had just experienced together as a lazy hand caressed my stomach.

"Let's go to the Cabin for a few days," he said after a couple of minutes passed.

I pushed myself up on an elbow, staring down at him as his sleepy violet eyes met with mine. "Really?" I asked, already keen on the idea.

He nodded in affirmation. "Cassian and Azriel are keeping the appropriate tabs on everything, and Clotho is set to meet with Mor and Amren today to go over some paperwork from the Palace Lords in Velaris," he explained.

I nodded. "My sisters also have their own agenda," I added. "Elain plans to drag Nesta to the market, or one of the palaces, today."

"So, we can get away," Rhys said. He brushed a stray lock of hair out of my face and I nodded again.

"Let's go now." I said, eager to escape with my mate.

It had been months since we set foot in the Cabin together. There were times he or I visited alone to let off some steam, sometimes meeting each other by the end of the day, but it was the first time we would go together since Winter Solstice; the first time since I fell pregnant, and I couldn't help but feel a little nostalgic.

Rhys smiled languidly. "Right now?"

I nodded and pushed myself up carefully, staring down at him with a grin. "Right now," I confirmed.

His smile shifted from lazy to determined as he sat up in the bed. I reached over to pull on my silky dressing gown and robe as he climbed out of bed and dressed. I laughed as he scooped me up in his arms and I wrapped my arms around his neck.

"We'll have to bring the baby too," I said in mock disappointment.

He chuckled as he walked over to the balcony. "That's all right. We'll consider it our first trip as a family."

The next thing I knew, we were in the sky, Rhys's powerful wings easily propelling us from our balcony and into the air in a matter of seconds. I held onto him as I felt the warm breeze encircle us and whoosh through my hair as he took us to our destination. I watched his wings as they moved; strong and beautiful, and felt a kick from inside my stomach.

"Do you think he can tell we're flying?" Rhys asked.

"Maybe," I said as I felt another swift kick and rested a hand on the spot. "It's okay baby, daddy won't drop us."

"Never," Rhys affirmed.

I looked up at him, "Do you think he'll have wings?"

The corner of Rhys's lips twitched upwards. "Of course he will. Maybe not at birth, but they'll come."

"Were you born with your wings?" I asked, admiring how the sun reflected off the iridescence of them as they moved in unison.

He shook his head. "My mother was hopeful they would develop as I matured, and a day after my eighth birthday they appeared," he said.

"Just like that?" I asked with a smirk.

"Magic."

I laughed and traced a finger along the membrane of one as it moved within my reach. He stiffened at my touch and I grinned playfully.

"Illyrian baby," I teased.

"If it weren't for my son in your belly, I would demand you fly us to the Cabin and see how you fare while I stroke your wings," Rhys taunted.

I giggled and pecked his cheek, keeping one arm draped around his neck while the other rested on my stomach. I paused as realization struck.

"Is that when your mother brought you to the mountains?" I asked.

Rhys nodded, already knowing what I referred to. "I think she was going to bring me regardless, but she was eager for me to fly and learn the Illyrian traditions."

The silver in his violet eyes flecked with a hint of sadness as he recalled the memory of his mother. The current status of our relationship with the Illyrians put a strain on his heart. He grew up with them, found his brothers amongst them, and their participation in the coup was the last thing he ever wanted. I laid my head on his shoulder in order to provide him with some comfort, not wanting either of us to dwell on that heartache during our little getaway.

His fingertips brushed the side of my stomach lightly as he held me closer. "I want him to learn, to train, like I did," he said.

Although he didn't ask, I heard the question in his words and I nodded. "He's Illyrian, just like you."

He pressed a kiss to my temple and landed on the steps leading to the Cabin, setting me on my feet carefully and I smiled reassuringly at him before taking his hand as we both walked to the entrance. As soon as we walked in, the fire in the hearth ignited and the rest of the house sprang to life with a wave of Rhys's hand, immediately accommodating us. A second later, platters of food appeared in the kitchen and I beamed.

"I love it here," I said as I strolled over to the counter, picking up a piece of perfectly crisped bacon and took a bite.

Rhys smiled roguishly as he joined my side, taking a slice of bacon for himself. "It's just what we needed, especially after your ravenous cravings kept me up all night. In more ways than one," he said with a wink.

I threw my hand up in a vulgar gesture. It's not like you were complaining. I said through the bond.

Indeed not, my love.

I sat at one of the raised chairs beside the counter, looking over the paintings I had filled in the room all those years ago—when I escaped here for the first time after learning he was my mate. I ate as I reflected on the last decade; at how it had brought us here, with our son now growing inside of me.

"I want to give birth here," I said after a comfortable silence had befallen us.

Rhys paused. "Really?" he asked.

I nodded, resting a hand on the apex of my belly. "It feels right. This is where I accepted our mating bond; where we decided to start trying for a baby, and I'm pretty sure this is where he was conceived too," I said with a smile, having done the math in my head. By the time I realized I was pregnant, on Starfall, I was already a couple of months along; meaning our attempt to conceive on Winter Solstice—as we did every year, had been successful

He smirked in return at the memory; it was somewhat of a tradition he made of bringing me here on my birthday. "My mother gave birth to me, and my sister, in this cabin," he said. "With the help of some Illryian midwives and some camp-mothers."

"Then it's perfect," I said softly.

He reached down to stroke my stomach gently. "I want to be there," he said. "In the room, while you give birth. Through all of it actually. I know it isn't traditionally done, my own father waited outside the room both times, but I want to be there and hold your hand when my son comes into the world. Just the thought of you going through labor, of enduring all that pain alone," he shook his head as if to erase it from his mind. I squeezed his hand reassuringly.

"I wouldn't want you anywhere else, Rhysand." I said, not at all surprised at his declaration.

A week after Eira's birth, Viviane and Kallias had both sent us letters-informing us of their daughter's arrival, fawning over her beauty and detailing how infatuated they already were, but also informing us of their own accounts of what the birthing process had been like. At the summit, Viviane expressed that she knew what to expect, but in her letter, she elaborated just how excruciating it really was. Luckily, Kallias had also been there with her, providing her with whatever support she needed and relieving as much of the pain as he could through back massages, also letting her clutch onto him for dear life as she suffered through pain after pain. I wasn't sure what Kallias had told Rhys in his letter, but shortly after my mate had summoned Madja and asked the healer to guide us through exactly what to anticipate.

"Are you nervous?" He asked.

I chewed on my lip in thought, recounting the gruesome details that both Viviane and the healer had laid out for me. The pain alone would come in constant, violent waves, and could last as long as a day.

"A little," I admitted. "But I know I'll be much more comfortable here; with you there."

"I'll be there every step of the way and do whatever I can to ease the pain." He promised, taking my hand and pressing a lingering kiss to it.

I smiled. "It'll be just the two of us, Madja, and the midwife."

The healer had told us that she worked with her sister, who served as a midwife for just as long as she had been a healer, when delivering younglings. Rhys and I readily agreed to have her along and made a plan to meet with her once I came closer to the end stages of my pregnancy.

I squeezed the hand that held mine, staring at the new tattoo that had formed from his renewed vow he made at the beginning of my pregnancy—when he promised not to let his male-bonded instincts shelter me unnecessarily. I ran my thumb over the crescent moon design.

"Do you think," I hesitated, mulling over my words. "Do you think...I'll be good at it?"

He paused. "At what? Giving birth?"

I laughed humorlessly, "No, not that. At...being a mother?"

I avoided his gaze, feeling the weight of those smoldering violet eyes as I continued to stare at the blue-black ink of his tattoo. After a few seconds of silence, his other hand came to grip my chin gently, tilting my head up so that I could meet those beautiful eyes.

My heart skipped a beat at the sincerity in them. "You will be an amazing mother, Feyre," he swore, his voice earnest.

My eyes burned as I thought of my own mother; of how imperious and cold she had been towards her daughters. I often wondered how she had felt when she was pregnant with us, because once we were born, she hardly bothered caring for us at all. Did she ever love us? She worshipped my father, her "one true love," but how could she not dote on the fruition of that love? Perhaps she had loved my father for what his wealth provided her instead, and the lavish lifestyle she lived-before she died.

"You are not your mother, Feyre." Rhys said, his hand moving from my chin to my cheek. "I already see the love you have for our son in your eyes, in your actions, every day."

I sniffed as I looked down at my stomach, heart swelling as I thought of my son—of how eager I was to hold and cherish him, and I couldn't fathom pushing him away. I nodded lightly as I wiped at the few tears that managed to escape.

"I just worry sometimes," I admitted.

Rhys nodded in understanding. "I worry about myself too," he said, and frowned. "I worry about being like my father; that I might be too hard on my son, and that I might age as cold and calculating as he did."

I shook my head, taking hold of the hand still on my cheek. "You could never Rhys," I said with the same smile I had given him last night—the same emotions in my eyes as I reminded him what this child meant for us.

I felt the tension leave as he sighed in content, resting his brow against mine as we both stared at my stomach; our thumbs caressing either side of it, holding our baby. I felt him move, sending kicks at both our hands, and we laughed; my chest swelled with hope that perhaps he could feel the love between us—at the love we shared for him.

[creampuffqueen]

Feyre x Rhysand baby headcanons

Alrighty! First one for acotar kiddos! 

-Alright alright alright here we go kids

-Feyre and Rhys are clearly the first to have kids. It's just a fact

-Unlike in the ToG world, however, it takes wayyy longer

-In the acotar world, it's been about thirty-ish years since the war with Hybern

-Things have happened. Eris has taken over his father's spot as High Lord of the Autumn Court. Tarquin found his mate. Helion realized that Lucien was his son and took him in.

-And yet, the Inner Circle has remained the same

-The first few years after the events of acofas were kind of hard for Feyre. Even though she knew it would take a while, she was still disappointed when she didn't get pregnant immediately

-Then life got busy, and their focus was elsewhere

-Which is why, nearly thirty years later, Feyre finds herself.. not feeling too great

-The thing is, none of her symptoms scream 'PREGNANCY' that much

-She was nauseous for a few days, no throwing up

-Had an odd craving or two

-Was extra tired for a while there

-So neither Feyre nor Rhys is too concerned

-The real surprise comes when Feyre starts gaining weight

-Now that's odd

-Feyre's been training for three decades. She's like, swole

-But then her breasts start to get sensitive

-And her stomach starts to get pudgy and soft

-The final clue is when her scent starts to change

-Rhys wakes up one morning and smells his amazing wife, only to find... she doesn't smell quite the same

-Feyre feels fine, but because Rhys is Rhys and must be overprotective, he instantly calls for Madja, their healer

-Madja knows what's up right away

-Because she's just cool like that

-"I am pleased to inform you that you are about three months pregnant, Lady Feyre."

-At first neither believes it

-They haven't been trying, but then again, they haven't been preventing it either

-As soon as the healer leaves, making sure that Feyre promises to show up regularly at the clinic, the couple literally just sit and squeal with excitement for like a solid five minutes

-They are freaking ecstatic, like seriously. Feyre has never seen Rhys so happy before. They're both over the moon

-Because Feyre's already three months pregnant and her scent has changed, they decide to just tell everyone

-Rhys drags Cassian, Azriel, Mor, and Amren down for dinner. Nesta and Elain, being sort of married to some of those people, obviously tag along

-When they're all gathered, Cassian is being all 'what is this even about'

-And Feyre pretty much just jumps up and down and says 'I'm pregnant!'

-Like, she's still so freaking excited

-Of course, the whole Inner Circle pretty much loses it

-Cassian is yelling and patting Rhys on the back, Mor and Elain are both crying, Nesta is actually smiling and so is Azriel. Even Amren seems mildly less annoyed with them for once

-Basically everyone is just so happy for them

-And because Rhys can't keep a secret, almost the entirety of Velaris knows within the week

-Which means that the Court of Nightmares is also aware

-And the Illyrian camps

-And... other Courts

-The citizens of Velaris are all so kind. Feyre gets tons of handmade gifts and lots of food, which is good because she is mostly just hungry and tired all the time

-The Court of Nightmares is... another experience. They give congrats, mostly so they don't seem rude

-But otherwise they don't bother them too much

-Some of the Illyrian camps are hostile, but most are also at least semi-polite

-It's the other Courts Rhys is worried about

-He doesn't think most of them will try anything. But he is concerned

-He doesn't want anything to happen to Feyre or the baby

-So he makes Feyre always keep someone with her just in case. He just wants a buddy system

-Feyre is annoyed at first, but she doesn't want anything to happen either, so she's fine with it. Besides, she likes spending time with her friends and family

-When Feyre is about six months pregnant, Nesta finds out she's pregnant, too

-Which Feyre is ecstatic about, because it means she gets to experience pregnancy with her sister

-Nesta's pregnancy is, unfortunately, a lot harder

-Which means Feyre can't spend as much time with her as she'd like

-But still, it's fun

-At nine months pregnant, Feyre is irritable and uncomfortable

-Rhys spends a few nights in guest bedrooms because Feyre needs the whole bed to sleep

-And some nights she can't sleep at all, so she wanders around the River House aimlessly

-They have a nursery, toys, and so many clothes they don't know what to do with them all

-All they need is a baby

-One day after her due date, Feyre wakes up suddenly in the middle of the night in a pool of water

-She goes to take a bath, trying not to wake up her mate, when she feels it

-A contraction

-It's not that bad, though, so she takes the bath

-She thinks it's just a false alarm, since it was only one and nearly half an hour later there weren't any more

-But when she wakes Rhys up to change the sheets, she feels another

-Again, Rhys being Rhys, gets Madja

-Poor woman, she was probably being called to the River House twice a day because Rhys is an anxious mother hen

-But, guess, what

-Feyre's in labor!

-As far as Fae births go, hers is pretty easy

-Afterwards Feyre doesn't want to know what a hard labor feels like

-Because she was in labor for eleven hours and was in so much pain she couldn't feel her legs halfway through

-Madja nearly had to pull the baby out herself

-Rhys was there to support her the whole way through, and was honestly the only reason Feyre did so well

-If it weren't for him she thinks she wouldn't have been able to do it

-But after everything is said and done

-A little baby boy is asleep on Feyre's chest

-His name is Cirrus Beddor Archeron

-After Clare, the girl who was an unknowing sacrifice to Amarantha

-Cirrus has a head of night-black hair, and tiny little wings wrapped around his body that are nearly translucent with how thin they are

-For Illyrians, they don't gain much body weight soon after birth because all the muscle and fat goes to strengthening the wings

-Which is true for little Cirrus. He's a tiny little bit underweight until he's about a month old

-But damn is he cute

-When he opens his eyes, Feyre nearly gets her breath taken away. He looks exactly like the boy the Bone Carver showed her

-As he gets older, Cirrus is a good kid

-A troublesome toddler, but hey, what can you expect, really? Have you seen his relatives?

-Every now and then he'll say something very weirdly wise for someone so young

-And it's incredibly obvious how powerful he is

-Like, he's got powers from all the Courts, plus extra Night Court powers, PLUS Illyrian genetics and powers

-This kid is crazy powerful

-Which is why Rhys and Feyre train with him relentlessly

-If Cirrus can't expel his powers properly, he could seriously injure someone else. Or even himself

-He's a smart kid, and a strong one

-By the time he's six years old he's got a handle on his powers

-Not enough to properly use them, but enough to control them

-Which is good

-Because Feyre finds herself pregnant again

-This time she's pregnant at the same time as Elain, which is fun again

-And just like last time, her pregnancy is smooth sailing

-Cirrus will practice his reading by reading books to Feyre's belly

-And Rhys is again, overprotective doting mother hen

-This baby is a girl

-And she's the exact opposite of Cirrus

-Feyre's gold-brown hair and violet eyes

-Wings, but not as much power as her older brother

-Her name is Camille Alis Archeron

-Camille's powers are sort of strange

-She has a tiny bit of each power, but her most prominent is not Night Court powers. It's Summer, Day, and Spring

-Camille is a quieter kid

-Cirrus loves her to bits, but sometimes he's just too much for his introverted little sister

-She does, however, get along strangely well with Mor. Even though Mor is her opposite, she's definitely Camille's favorite aunt

-And this little girl also ADORES books

-She spends almost all her time in the library

-When Camille is four years old, another addition joins the Archeron family

-A second baby girl, with hair blacker than the night, and violet eyes

-She looks exactly like Rhys

-Her name is Caliphe Feyre Archeron

-And she's the most troublesome of the three

-It's because she's the baby

-So she gets away with everything

-Cirrus and Camille love their little sister, but she's kind of... ruthless

-Too much time with aunt Amren

-Caliphe is obsessed with jewelry and all things shiny, and is also obsessed with flying and fighting

-She loves to fly more than anything in the entire world

-And Cali also has the strongest Night Court powers of all her siblings

-Her Daemati powers are out of this world. It's completely insane

-She doesn't have any other powers besides those from her father. Nothing from any other Court

-But still, she's freakishly strong

-Feyre and Rhysand have got three of the strongest Fae on their hands

-And you know what?

-Their kids are their joys

-The reason they get up in the morning

-And yeah, maybe Camille is reading instead of doing schoolwork, and Cirrus is causing trouble in the markets, and Caliphe is stealing jewels

-But they wouldn't have it any other way

-The story Worlds of Fire and Darkness takes place when Cirrus is 20, Camille is 14, and Caliphe is 8

[ughthatimagineblog]

blush

cassian x (fem) reader

warnings; language, a very suggestive moment oml, acowar spoilers?, azriel and the reader were a thing for 2 seconds bc its canon azriel has had past lovers

prompt; reader is a princess at dawn but cass didn’t know lmao

requested; this prompt was an idea given to me by the lovely @sippy--sippy

word count; 5656

a/n; legit i spent two hours on this until 2 am and i got just a little carried away. 10 pages worth. love yall. sorry its so long also i have only read like the first two chapters of acofas that they offer at the end of acowar so bear with me

      Living without a wall was hard. Humans were still terrified of Fae. And to be fair, they had a good reason. Just not four months ago, Prythian had defeated Hybern. Feyre and Rhysand had defeated Hybern. Everyone had taken hits, Rhys the worst of all.        Rebuilding was hard as well. Even on the Fae side of things. Feyre was running non-stop meetings with other High Lords. Even some lesser fae to try and help volunteer for physical assistance. Hybern had destroyed a lot of land that needed physical rebuilding and she felt it was her task to help with that as well. Only occasionally Rhys would attend with her to help as well but he had his own High Lord things to do.        Cassian occupied himself with helping Feyre rebuild and sometimes accompanying her with more ‘official’ meetings. The ones that didn’t talk of reconstruction of people’s villages or homes, rather the reconstruction and editing of a certain treaty. She frequently went to meet at the Dawn Court as Feyre found Thesan the more neutral High Lord. Until today, she had gone alone, sometimes taking Mor. But today would be different.

      Today was a special meeting, Feyre would bring everyone with her, feeling their presence was needed. That included Rhys, Amren, Azriel, Mor and Cassian.           “Now, I think Thesan and I can come to an agreement we will share with other High Lords when we get the chance, but it may take a while to organize the logistics of my idea so we will be staying in Dawn Court for a few days. We arrive today, get rest and the meeting starts tomorrow.” Feyre instructed everyone who was gathered in the town house kitchen.          “What could be so important that you needed all of us there?” Amren spoke up, crunching on an apple. She winced a little. It appeared that regular food was still a very new concept to her.        “Amren, you’re coming because you are much wiser than I am. And older. I have a feeling your opinion one what’s best, what technicalities to look at will be highly valued. Rhys is coming as another consultant. He’s also High Lord and has been a High Lord of Prythian for longer than I have been. Azriel, I need you to scout the Dawn Court before we arrive.” He nodded and vanished leaving little more than a cloud of smoke to dissipate behind him.           “Cassian, you’re coming for protection. And Mor, you can work with Amren to help fact-check.” Feyre finished as everyone processed their new tasks.         “Why would you need protection?” Cassian piped up. “I thought you trusted Thesan?” He asked. It wasn’t like him to question orders. He wasn’t really, just curious. Although, he did have some plans. A night on the town. He hadn’t gotten a break and the next few days he had nothing planned. Up until now.       “Well, Thesan has told me Beron might arrive as well.” Everyone’s facial expressions changed. Everyone understood now. Feyre trusted Thesan. She was still wary of Beron. Mor was thankful she was given the task of ‘fact-checking’ with Amren. It would allow her to busy herself away from Beron or even Eris if he decided to show.        They left the moment Azriel had returned with news that the palace was safe. Bags packed, each winnowed into the palace, the beautiful court looking as stunning as it did when they had their meeting just months ago. Before Hybern.         Thesan greeted them. “Feyre. Good to see you again.” He smiled and welcomed her with a hug. He had grown warmer since the meeting. Feyre had seen a lot of Dawn Court in these past months, finding a new friend in Thesan, his Peregryn lover, his army and almost everyone residing at the palace.

      Once inside, Cassian overheard Feyre inquiring about a princess and Cassian found it odd he had never heard of a princess in Dawn before. What was more shocking is that Rhys, Azriel and Mor were also concerned about where this ‘princess’ was. How was he the only one to not know?       “Oh, she’s retired for the night. She’s spent all today preparing the palace for your visit and the day before, running around with our aerial legion helping out with citizens. She told me to inform you that she is terribly sorry she couldn’t greet you.” He informed them and Cassian noted Mor’s shoulders sagged a bit.       “Well, that’s alright. She sounds like she needs the rest. She will be attending the meeting tomorrow, yes?” Rhys asked and Thesan smiled. “Yes of course, though, my money is that if Beron does show, she starts a fight with him within the first five minutes.” Mor giggled at this.        “She does dislike the man greatly.” Feyre commented and Thesan laughed. “Yes, she is a handful. Amazing at being a princess for politics but when it comes to personal things, she tends to forget etiquette.” Thesan laughed and everyone else joined in.        Their talk of the princess didn’t last much longer and therefore it lost Cassian’s immediate interest. He trudged his way back to his room and stared at the ceiling for a good while before drifting to sleep. Princess of Dawn Court. The words ran around his head, confusing him to no end. Even Mor knew. How could she not tell him?

      He dreamt of her that night. He didn’t see her, though. She was always just out of his sight. Causing him to turn around just as she would run by and escape his peripheral. He was in the throne room of the palace. She hid behind one of the thrones. The one, Cass was sure, that belonged to her, only the faintest of a blush pink gown peeking out from behind the legs.        He smirked, thinking he had caught her and would finally meet this mystery, but just as he reached her, there was nothing but a cloud of light pink, orange and lavender in her wake. A sunrise.      He jolted when he heard laughing from the doorway. Azriel. Almost mocking him. This made Cassian even more annoyed.       His brother. Keeping a secret from him? Now Cassian was jealous of Azriel. Like an odd twist of fate. Cassian began walking towards the shadowsinger just as he noticed the similar gown poking out from behind the warrior. Cassian touched Azriel to move him but just as he did so Azriel turned to shadows and the princess turned to that cloud. They floated away and intertwined and circled Cassian.

      It made him spin as pink and black swirled around him. He remembered Bryaxis and his black and red cloud of nightmares. And of course, as the subconscious is the minds worse enemy, the cloud turned into just that, it’s darkness, Bryaxis’ evil, making an awful shushing noise.       Cassian began to crouch as the shadows engulfed him, his heartbeat reaching an alarming rate. It was then he realized it was not making a noise, but words. “You will find her. Today.” It said, over and over. “Foolish warrior.” The words slipped and swirled around him overlapping to make the horrid noise he first perceived it to be.      It was enough to make the war prince collapse to the floor, hands over his ears.

      He woke up in a sweat, his sheets tangled around his naked form. He had kicked the comforter off of the bed, seemingly a while ago as he felt that they were cold. Stark contrast to his soaking, nearly steaming thin sheets.       He shook his head, nearly ashamed to still have nightmares about Bryaxis. He was gone, no, he was on the loose, and clearly nowhere near this palace. But something inside him, something deep in his bones made him remember the thankful cries of the people in Velaris after the war had ended.       They had called him fearless. And that small, deep part of him, wished he truly was.

       Shaking his head, he strapped on his Illyrian leathers going for a little early morning training. It was nearly dawn. He decided now a better time than ever to get all worked up and sweaty. Well, more so than he already was. He just needed to blow off the nerves he had.        He found the gardens soon enough, not bothering to wake anyone up to ask where the training room was. He began to swing at nothing, practicing upper cuts, balance, stance, etc. A few kicks here and there, using his wings to balance them out.       Bryaxis, no, dream Bryaxis said he would meet her today. Which was nothing special. Of course he would, she was going to be at the meeting and so was he. He knew that already. He rationed this to himself in his mind, scoffing at how stupid he was to have been frightened by a dream.        It was just a dream after all. He soon came to the explanation that Cassian already knew he would see the princess later today and therefore his subconscious was telling him not to worry. “Crazy fucked way of telling me not to worry.” He muttered to himself as he prepared for another kick.      “I haven’t said a word, let alone tell you not to worry.” A voice came from behind him, surprising him enough to where his kick was botched, caused him to lose balance and fall flat on his back. He winced, trying to regain the air that just got knocked out of his lungs.      Light, airy chuckling that made Cassian’s stomach flip sounded out behind him and he groaned as a young girl came into line of view. If he had to estimate in human years, she looked a few years younger than him. She was wearing training clothes. Tight pants of a russet color with mesh stripes of merigold, boots that reached the top of her shins of a similar color. They had slits up the sides, most likely for stylistic purposes and under them he saw gold. Her top was form fitting with a neckline similar to a halter but did cut low enough to show her bare collar.          Well, it wasn’t exactly bare. There was a gold body chain that wrapped around her neck like a choker and ran down her midsection and separated in several sections. The top itself was that same gold, marigold color but this time it shone in the small light of the retreating moon and the sun that hadn’t even kissed the horizon yet. Similar plates lined her humerus in layers for protection.            A cape of sheer light gold and orange draped off of one shoulder, nearly touching Cassian’s chest as she leaned over to offer a golden wrapped hand for assistance. Her arms were snaked in more gold, similar to his tattoos but he could tell these were temporary. They were sharp enough to be weapons yet didn’t cut her skin.        “Y/N. You must be Cassian.” She laughed a small bit. He grinned, trying not to look so confused. His body’s reaction to her smile, that is what was confusing to him. It made his heart lunge and render his brain useless. She was stunning. Fae were supposed to be beautiful but she really was ethereal. He even noticed she was slightly sweaty. She was training.        “I am. Nice to meet you. You’re up this early to train?” He asked and she smiled. “Yes, it is Dawn Court. Everyone here is kind of a morning person.” She joked and he found himself letting out a breath in a way of chuckling.       She looked around, towards the East mainly. “We still have a few minutes before sunrise. Want to have a look around?” She offered and he nodded, feeling like a gentle giant next to her small form.

      She showed him the palace’s vast gardens, weaving through the bushes and flowers and weeping willows on a small pathway. She told him of how she was the commander of their army. Their grounded army. One of the Peregryn’s commanded the aerial legion. She spoke of how she was constantly around sadness and fighting and pain so the gardens were her favorite part of living at the palace. So she lived there? Maybe she knows the princess.        “Do you know the princess?” Cassian asked as sound of water in the distance reached his ears. She stopped smelling a flower to look at him, barely noticing the sun. A sliver of it was looking out beyond the horizon. “The princess?” She asked and he nodded. She smiled to herself.      “I know the princess.” His eyes lit up at Y/N’s words and he asked more of the Princess. “Well, she’s very beautiful. But she doesn’t think so sometimes.           Honestly, shes very smart but Thesan doesn’t see it. She can also be a little ditsy sometimes, kind of hating the role she has to play. I’m very close with her.” The young commander spoke.       Y/N thought that if she hadn’t been the princess, she would have been sad to see Cassian’s obvious interest. But nonetheless, she was the princess and he would see in just a few hours.      “Why are you so concerned?” Y/N decided to ask. She wanted to know if Cassian was more interested in title rather than personality.

     “Well I never knew there was a princess! I just found out yesterday and I have been racking my mind non stop to try and think if I ever saw or heard of a princess before. So far I’ve come up empty. No one has told me.” He told Y/N and she believed him. He seemed genuinely baffled.        “Well, you’re in luck,” She dove into the conversation again. “She has a type. She likes tall men with long hair and hazel eyes. You’re right up her alley.” She told Cassian and watched as his cheeks turned into the color the clouds were going to be in a few minutes.       “I’ll put in a word for you.” She said, turning to face Cassian, only this made her look at the sun beyond him. It was a quarter of the way up. Her eyes flared and she gasped, grabbing his hand and turning to run.

     “We have to go!” She shouted as Cassian found himself recovering from the whiplash of the moment. “You’ll miss it!” She shouted behind her to the big lug she was dragging by the hand. Cassian shouted back, chuckling. “Miss what?”         He asked, getting distracted by her hand around his. It was small compared to his hand. He felt something warm start to form in his heart when he found the source of the water.       It was like a giant pit in the ground except instead of dirt it was layers and layers of stones. Both rare and common. Water poured from the crevices in between each layer allowing the growth of the flora that nearly covered all of the rocks. Dozens of flowers that showed colors similar to a sunset were closed, waiting to bloom in the morning sun.        A stone path led all the way to the bottom where there was a circular walkway of clean granite surrounded by the water that spilled into the bottom.

The water ran off in three different directions, Y/N explaining an underground watering system that helped water the rest of the garden from underneath. She led him to the center which was small. The pathway was wide enough for two Dawn Court people side by side. Cassian was not of the Dawn Court. He was large and burly.  So he walked the circular path in awe at the waterfalls and flowers around him. He had not seen so many different kinds in his life. In the center of a circle there was a marble center that could only hold two at once. Y/N attempted to say something from the other side but Cassian couldn’t hear her. They silently worked out to meet in the middle. In theory it would work. In practice, they almost fell. Cassian caught Y/N just before she fell and chuckled as she held onto him seemingly for dear life. He smiled down at her, loving the way she seemed to smell of all of the flowers around him. As if their scent had all clung to her as she descended the path down and embedded itself into her skin, altering her natural scent to be that of those around her forever.

     “I was going to say,” She said as she noticed their proximity. He was so close she felt his breath on her face. She knew, as a princess, it was inappropriate to be this close to him. But he didn’t know, and for once she was allowed to be herself without any preconceived notions. “That I helped plant most of these myself, helped them grow.” She left out the part where she used her royalty given magic to literally make them grow, but she did explain some of the flowers there.        “Most of the green you see is Sedum. They are immune to heat and drought, but obviously they don’t have to worry about that here. They actually grow bigger each year on their own and require little care.         “While we tried to even out the amount of flowers, the most popular planted are Delphiniums, Daylily’s and Asiatic Lily’s.” She told him and he smiled to himself. She loved flowers. “Now, I know I sound like a major green thumb, but really I wasn’t always like this. My mother actually loved to plant flowers and she used to want me to help her. Growing up, I wasn’t a huge fan of the outdoors and therefore never wanted to help her. But now that shes,” Y/N took a moment and Cassian saw the look in her eyes change. She looked up shyly at him before continuing.       “Anyways, I keep this garden well cared for, for her and I’ve loved growing ever since. Some other flowers are Dianthus’, Bearded Iris’ and Peonies. They all bloom in the sunlight.” She told him with a large smile, gesturing around her. Cassian made a joke about her getting along with Elain. She explained she had not met Elain, even though she had, and how she had only heard of Feyre and Rhys. The sun was just fully above the horizon now, the bottom barely kissing the Earth, sending the sky into hues of blush, lavender and gold.         The water reflected off of the sky. Cassian realized the bottom of the pool was made of mirror and some broken bits of mirror were also embedded into the rock around them for this reason. It turned the water the color of the sky.        He understood why she loved it so much. They stood there and spoke for nearly another hour. She is beautiful. There is no one else more stunning than her. He thought to himself as they stood there. He thought that she should have been princess just on her personality and laugh and beauty alone. She spoke of palace guards and some of the other royals she knew, sometimes talking badly about them but this made her real to Cassian.        She wasn’t a friend to everyone and wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. He was just about to ask her if she was seeing anyone when they heard shouting in the distance. People calling her name.        “Shit!” She cursed and checked the sky. Cassian’s eyebrows raised but nonetheless he chuckled. It seemed she was late for something. “I’m sorry. I have to go. I would stay here forever if I could. Maybe I’ll see you later?” She offered, speaking frantically. “Will you be at the meeting later?” He asked and she smirked a little, seemingly less frantic for a moment. “Maybe.” Was the only answer she offered him before standing on her toes and pressing a kiss to his cheek and running off, ascending the way they came.         She got about half way up when she stopped, confusing Cassian, and she ran back down. “Oh, and don’t come after me. Wait until you think I’m far enough away from the gardens.” She instructed him, gave him another kiss, and ran all the way back, disappearing behind the ledge at the top. She heard her yell out, “Coming! I’m coming!” Before her voice faded completely.        Cassian’s hand touched his face where her lips had been, somehow mesmerised that he had spent an entire morning with this stranger. Not so much of a stranger anymore. After waiting for about five minutes in a trance, he ascended the walkway all the way back to his room, hoping he would see more of Y/N.

        Cassian got ready for the meeting alone. He spent the entire shower contemplating what he believed in. Was love at first sight real? He already knew he liked her. Wanted to court her. Would she feel the same? When would he tell her? Cassian brushed these thoughts out of his mind by running his hands through his hair and shut off his shower with a forceful push.           Cass arrived early, meeting up with Azriel, Feyre and Rhys right outside the meeting room. “Where were you this morning?” She asked. “I was out exploring the gardens with someone.” He smirked and Rhys looked nearly astonished. Azriel looked at him with a quizzical expression but said nothing.              “Really? Who is this mystery girl?” Rhys inquired. “She’s the commander here. Not of the aerial legion. The ground army. If she’s here I’ll introduce you.” Cassian gave an innocent smile.          Rhys gave Feyre a look and Azriel found it hard not to smirk himself. Cassian began to look puzzled which cued Feyre to shake the look off of her face. “I’m thrilled to meet her. She sounds like an interesting girl.” She took Cassians hand and patted it with her own. Rhys agreed and clapped Cassian on the back and Azriel just nodded. The trio prayed Y/N would play along as well, as she was approaching them now.           Cassian turned just to see her in time to notice she had changed out of her fighting armor, had showered and had light makeup on. A thick, gold choker that pointed to her sternum and reached her shoulders hung around her neck. Sleeves did not attach to her dress but instead occupied most of her arm, stopping just below her armpits as the skin tight sangria colored fabric faded into gold that swirled and faded up her arm.        That same dark purple-red color turned darker as it descended her forearm and stopped at her wrists. The dress itself was gorgeous. Strapless, that sangria color shone in the daylight and was tight and only reached her hips similar to a corset. The only odd part about it was right around her midsection there was a shield shaped opening that revealed the rest of the dress’ fabric. It was more of a neutral blush, slightly beige colored fabric that flowed and split down the sides.

      The slit was as high as her hip and was more suggestive than Cassian would have suspected. Her feet were adorned in heels that snaked up her calves like golden snakes. Her hair was done to fit the type of cut and on one ear was a gold feather, accented to the small gold stud in her other one. She smiled at everyone, winking at Cassian, who literally tripped on his way to greet her.       Azriel’s eyebrows shot up at his stumble as he brought Y/N over. “Hello, Cassian.” Y/N said, smiling up at him, her eyelids low. Cassian choked at the sound of his name on her sultry lips. She looked like a predator who’s prey was tripping in it’s own trap. Her eyes never left him even as his eyes could barely look at her without his cheeks turning red. Feyre and Rhys both had never seen Cassian so flustered.          “Everyone,” Cassian began after regaining himself, clearing his throat and fidgeting with his siphon. “This is Y/N.” Cassian introduced the young woman and finally her eyes tore from his face. God, she knew she wanted him.         When Y/N was sure Cassian wasn’t looking at her, she winked before ‘introducing’ herself to everyone. Feyre was willing to play along. “I am Feyre. High Lady of Night Court. This is my mate, Rhysand, High Lord of Night Court. This is Azriel,” Feyre introduced the shadowsinger Y/N had already met a thousand times and he smirked as he leaned forward and kissed her hand.              He smirked under the dorsal side of her hand, knowing he was going to get a couple bruises from her for that later. Y/N and Azriel were actually quite good friends and a long time ago, hundreds of years, had been lovers for a singular night. She had seen Az loved Mor, also one of Y/N’s closest friends, and settled for being Az’s best friend instead. In her eyes, she enjoyed his company more that way.

       Mor had walked into the hallway at this point and her eyes shone at the sight of Y/N the moment their gazes connected. Feyre must have sent her a message through her mind because Mor’s eyebrows went back down and she walked over, asking who this is.        “Y/N. Commander of the ground legion here at Dawn.” She introduced herself. Mor shook her hand skeptically and looked to Cassian. Quickly putting two and two together, Mor’s eyes seemed to say ‘Oh!’ before smirking and introducing herself. It was a wonder Cassian hadn’t caught on by now, but he didn’t have time to dwell.        Two guards emerged from the room chosen and informed everyone that the meeting would begin soon. Cassian had begun to filter into the room with everyone else but stopped when he noticed Y/N wasn’t following. “Y/N?” He asked, walking towards her, noticing more officials walk down the hallway. They were aways away and Y/N looked as though she was waiting for someone.       “Go inside, I’m alright. I’m supposed to, uh, be here when the princess arrives. She’s always the last to show.” She explained and kissed Cassian on the cheek before he nodded, worried, but relented and went into the room. Cassian could have sworn he heard her arguing with someone just before the doors closed and Cassian took his seat.        Cassian noted Beron and his sentries. No Eris. He was relieved. Mor didn’t need him to be here. The meeting began with Thesan. “As you all know, we are here to discuss a new idea for the treaty. Now there are many, many details to be worked out. We have brought Beron here because he is the closest to where the wall was before right next to Tamlin, who has declined to come.” Cassian saw Feyre fidget, just for a moment, in her seat.          “If we come to a conclusion, we will share it with the other High Lords. But of course, not everyone is here yet. Please rise and welcome my cousin, Princess of Dawn Court,” Cassian rose with everyone as the doors opened behind him. Thesan’s arm extended to point behind Cassian and Azriel. Harps begun to play as the royal entered the room. Cassian turned around just as Thesan finished speaking. “Y/N.”               Y/N entered the room, her fingers intertwined with each other as she walked through the room, her dress trailing behind her, as she took the empty seat next to Thesan. This time, her head was adorned with a small crown she had not been wearing moments before. Gold racing in between each other like vines, coming down to a point. No gems. Elegant but simple. Cassian swore he heard his jaw hit the floor. Seated not but three feet in front of him was the commander he met that morning, her hair sweaty in the dim light.    ‘I have to be with the princess when she gets here’ my ass. She is the princess!

         The meeting continued, charts splayed across the table sometimes finding new homes on the floor. Beron barely spoke and when he did, he wasn’t speaking from his ass but giving good advice. Cassian was too distracted to notice anyways. She had flirted with him. Opened up in front of him. Cursed in front of him. Kissed him and at one point, literally burped in front of him. Kissed him, albeit on the cheek, but kissed him nonetheless. Acted the opposite of a princess. Yet, here she was acting as poised as ever, as if she was a cut and press copy of a fairy tale.         He watched her seemingly delicate hands cross over the maps, the papers, rough drafts as though they were glass. Be he knew how hard they could grip. How sloppy they could move. He knew how her soft lips felt when they were chapped on his cheek. Azriel leaned over and explained everything when he felt the meeting was beginning to wrap up. No conclusion but ideas were flowing. A proposal was made that Cassian didn’t hear.        Azriel explained of him and the princess’ past and how it was over before it began. Cassian was angry at him for this but cooled a bit when Az explained she had never looked at him the way she did at Cassian. Azriel instructed him to go to her when it was over. She wasn’t untouchable and was single and could court people from other Courts. Cassian mulled this over that night, knowing now she would definitely be at dinner later.           He really liked this beautiful girl. She was an angel. She was funny. She was kind. She wasn’t afraid to be judgemental and real and truthful. She wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. How could she find a partner in Cassian? Runt-of-the-litter, grown-up-in-a-dirt-camp Cassian? She had grown up in the palace, learning how to keep her elbows off the table during her three meals every day while he learned how to hold a spoon to efficiently get enough soup into his mouth while he was still caked in mud and rain?

        At dinner, she had saved a spot especially for him next to her and Thesan had whispered his approval, making her blush. They talked again all night. She had felt no one else was at that dining table but them. At some point she had gotten food on her cheek and Cassian had reacted by instructing her to stop moving. This caused her to stop giggling, as well as the chatter of most of everyone else at the table.         Thesan, Thesan’s lover, Feyre, Rhys, Azriel, Mor and Amren all watched as Cassian leaned in extremely close to the princess, took his thumb and wiped a bit of sauce that had somehow ended up on the side of her cheek. She looked up at him, her heart rate increasing at the intimate touch he had just given her.       His thumb was still very close to her mouth. The whole world stopped around them as she carefully placed his thumb on the edge of her lips, closing her mouth around the finger tip and licking lightly.      Cassian felt a shiver go down his spin as her tongue lightly brushed the pad of his finger, forgetting they, in fact, were not alone. Her eyes were dark looking up into his hazel ones, but the moment her lips released his thumb, she gave him a bright innocent smile and said, “All better.” She then returned to her food, frantically trying to use her powers to keep the burning sensation from reaching her cheeks.       She had never been that bold. With anyone.     Rhys had coughed and muttered something about the two of them needing a room as Thesan continued to pick at his plate uncomfortably. She had known Y/N since she was merely a child and to see her do that, something very adult like, he had been whipped with the realization she was not that child anymore. It was a very difficult thing to grasp, yet, he was doing his best to do so.

    Cassian did not spend the night in his room. But in Y/N’s. They did not sleep together in a sexual sense, however they did spend most of the night talking about their lives. They shared their first real kiss that night and while they didn’t go all the way, Cassian woke up without a shirt the next morning. He remembered the last night as the princess, still in asleep in his arms, stirred.      He had revealed small parts of him even Feyre did not know yet, and wouldn’t unless she decided to raid his mind. She fell for him that night and Cassian brought up the idea of courting her. She had decided that would be an amazing idea and the next day, Y/N told Thesan she would be visiting the Night Court when Cassian and the others would leave. Not forever, she had clarified. Just for a visit.

     And visit she did. When in Velaris, Cassian flew her over the city at night. Showed her the House of Wind and the Rainbow of Velaris. He showed her what the sky looked like in the darkest part of the city and she had stared in awe at how beautiful it was. Cassian made a comment it wasn’t as stunning as her which caused her to cackle and eventually snort which in turn made Cassian burst out laughing.        Normally it was embarrassing for her, but with Cassian, it felt normal. She felt at home. Suddenly Y/N recalled how Feyre felt at home in Velaris as well and she wondered if that was just an effect the city had on her. One look at Cassian told her it wasn’t Velaris that made her feel like she was home, but Cassian. Cassian was her home.