#regency feysand

[popjunkie42]

Regency Feysand by Millyillus

I just don't have many words besides I LOVE THIS SO MUCH.

@millyillus/millyillus painted this absolutely amazing Regency Feyre and Rhysand for me and I haven't been able to stop staring. Do you see Rhys's cloak? His cheekbones? Feyre's gorgeous curls?

Meant to pair with my Regency fic The Thief and the Rake and now I have to make them even hotter to match...

Happy AU day @officialfeysandweek!!!

[c-e-d-dreamer]

I had to come here and say how much I loved the Elucien sequel to your regency series so much! All these ACOTAR men are such simps for their wives and made for regency 😍 is there any chance we'll get Feysand next? I would love to see Rhys and his non traditional courting methods 🤭

If I tell you what happens in Regency Feysand, will that count? 👀

Unfortunately, the chances of Regency Feysand escaping what is just my daydreams for now and becoming actual written words are low. And the chances of me taking those written words and actually publishing them with my name attached to them? Even lower.

But here's what happens in my head and daydreams...

Now that Nesta and Elain are married, it leaves just Feyre in the house with their parents, and unsurprisingly, she's like get me the fuck out of here. I cannot be around Mama anymore. So, she decides she's going to go visit Nesta in Glasgow!

Now, Rhys is of course like Feyre, darling, you can't travel all the way to Glasgow alone. I will accompany you. Like the gentleman I am.

And then shenanigans ensue.

For example, at the second coaching inn they stay in, there's only one room and one bed. And Feyre is like aren't you going to offer to sleep on the floor like a gentleman? And Rhys is like didn't you spend the last 2 days calling me a prick and not a gentleman? Didn't you say you want a man who views you as a partner? Why don't you offer to sleep on the floor? Or better yet, why don't we share the bed? And we all know Feyre is stubborn, that she'll never back down. So of course she shares the bed with him. And she swears she hates it!

Also, they're attacked by highway robbers. Because of course Rhys brought his flashiest carriage to impress Feyre but that's now back fired! Meanwhile, Feyre is fighting off these robbers like a badass and Rhys is like seriously. Marry me. I'm in love.

But they eventually make it to Glasgow in record time! Feyre is like after spending days with this man, get me as far away as possible. So she's stalking through the house looking for Nesta desperately. And Rhys is like I wouldn't do that if I were you, we arrived earlier than expected. But Feyre scoffs and swings open the study doors only to find Nesta and Cassian in a compromised position because it's Nessian. What did you expect? It's awkward for everyone except Rhys who's like I told you so.

But it's really seeing Nessian that starts to soften Feyre. In case you didn't pick up what I was hinting in the epilogue of But I'm Only Looking At You, Nesta is pregnant. But even more than that, Feyre is just shocked to see her sister like this. Her cold, stubborn sister, who would only marry for power and never for love is happy. She's wearing her hair down. She's glowing and not just from the pregnancy. She's smiling and laughing. Cassian dotes on his wife hand and foot. Very clearly adores her. Also, he's made her a partner at the MacLeod factories. Feyre is confused by this but Cassian is like Nes is the smartest person I know, of course, she does all the factory books. Feyre is just very much surprised Pikachu at the whole thing and is like is this what a marriage could actually be??? And meanwhile Rhys is in the corner there like yes. Now marry me lol

I haven't reached the point in my daydreams to know what the resolution would be exactly but hopefully reading all that was still fun and gives you the fix you were looking for 🥰

[cauldronblssd]

I’m particularly intrigued by the entrapment to companion option

the 'how big is your english vocabulary' test dropped new ship dynamics

[officialfeysandweek]

Thank you to everyone who participated in Day 7 of Feysand Week!

We did our best to keep track of all of the tumblr contributions below, but if we missed anyone or made any mistakes please assume best intentions and kindly reach out to one of our mods! ✨

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📝Fics, drabbles, and poetry:

Within a Mountain Dark by @whisperingmidnights

Now That It's Done by @secret-third-thing

double vision by @throneofsapphics

The darker the fruit, the sweeter by @lady-bluebird-luv

Safe in your arms by @legionofshaza

The Archer's Paradox by @zencetera

Out of the Woods (3/3) by @rosanna-writer

birds of a feather (we should stick together) by @belabellissima

Our Girl by @starfall-spirit

Fitting in a Piece of Art by @deaiquiri

🎨Art:

Regency Feysand by Millyillus by @popjunkie42

Feysandweek Day Seven - Prick the Cat by @shallyne

Home so soon? By @whatishowedyouinthedark

Feysand Halloween by @climbthemountain2020

Feysandweek Day 7: AU by @colorlesschristmastree

Guilty As Sin Fanart by @the-lonelybarricade

The Other Side Of The Apocalypse Fanart by @the-lonelybarricade

Mermaid Feysand by @shallyne

Amber Skies Fanart by @velidewrites

Alien AU by @shallyne

Artwork by sam.rosariio by @popjunkie42

Treasure Hunter Feyre x Mafioso Rhys by @shallyne

Baulder’s Gate 3 Feysand commissioned by @separatist-apologist from artist @velidewrites

🎶Misc:

FeysandWeek Moodboards by @littlest-w01f

We Can Learn to Love Again by @romanticatheartt

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If we missed one of your contributions, kindly reach out to one of our event runners!

Header art by @witchlingsandwyverns

[rosanna-writer]

Hello again gorgeous, Secret Santa calling! 💖📞✨️

Hope your day is going well. Are you doing good? I love our talks.

But darling, I MUST know - what are some of your favourite fanfic tropes, especially when it comes to our dear Feysand? Any favourite fic recommendations? I'm chomping at the bit to know.

Until tomorrow, lovely.

- Secret Santa 🎅😘✏️

HELLO MY DEAR I'M GOOD HOW ARE YOU

Favorite tropes: canon divergence, role-reversal, shifters and monsters, all the goofy "what if you can't see color until you meet your soulmate"/"first words your soulmate speaks to you are tattooed on your body"/etc soulmate AUs, "missing scene" fics

OK SO FEYSAND FIC RECS TIME TO GUSH THE REAL GIFT IS TALKING ABOUT THESE FICS

Poltergeist Darling by @thesistersarcheron is the spooky gothic romance AU that speaks directly to my inner 12 year old self who just discovered Phantom of the Opera and had her entire world changed

You know when you're like "damn, that's a great idea for a fic, I hope someone writes it so I can read it"? That was me with The Thief and the Rake, I swear @popjunkie42 is living in my brain or something (and I know @annaskareninas ALSO has one that's in the tbr list I'm slowly making my way through!)

Tempt My Trouble by @whatishowedyouinthedark because come for the smut (lol pun unintended), stay for the caretaking and art museum heists. Also the scattering of little canon details in a modern mafia AU is just so clever and fun

Queen of Thieves by @the-lonelybarricade because I love AUs where Feyre is born fae but also this might be the hottest Rhys she's ever written??? I still think about that scene where Feyre falls asleep on Rhys's lap after dinner

And speaking of born fae AUs, To Steal A Bride of Spring by @yourstarsmyscars is another favorite of mine, with Feyre knowing a bit more about what's going on than ACOMAF, this is just one of those warm and fuzzy, "what if they didn't have to be so mean to each other?" fics that are so soothing to read

@foundress0fnothing is a legend for making the Pied Piper hot in whistles far and wee like the flute is such a deeply unsexy instrument it should not work but she's a witch and the fic is so good and Rhys is seductive af!!!!

Your Eyes Whisper Have We Met literally has EVERYTHING you could possibly ask for in a feysand fic. @climbthemountain2020 is serving swoony regency balls and dream conversations and fun OCs and Under the Mountain suspense, she is doing it ALL, it's insane just go read it

I re-read Spirit in Disguise by @witch-and-her-witcher the other day, and it's another one of those "huh I wish someone would write this AU, OH LOOK SOMEONE DID" fics because damn do I love anything where Feyre meets Rhys before he's High Lord, and all the worldbuilding and the way the plot just dovetails to seamlessly with the main Nessian fic it branches off from are so, so good

Hot for Teacher by @beesays goes SO HARD on the school setting, it's just delightful. The emails, the gossip, Feyre handing Superintendent Rhys his ass in front of everyone, it's like Abbott Elementary but better and also Feysand

There are a ton I'm probably forgetting, but I'm so bad about actually bookmarking things so I'll stop here so my night doesn't devolve into tracking down fics I only remember the plot of but not the title or the author!

everyone go leave all these authors nice comments on their fics!!!

[the-lonelybarricade]

TheLonelyBarricade Feysand Masterlist

All works excluding drabbles are avilable on AO3

🌶️= Smut/Works with explicit content

A Court of Faded Dreams Masterlist🌶️ - acotar rewrite/timetravel fic. (WIP)

Darling, Let's Run 🌶️ - Cat!Rhys and his general trickery (Completed)

As the River Flows Masterlist 🌶️ - Regency Feysand with a magical fated mates twist (completed)

Till Death Do Us Part Masterlist - A slice of life chronicalling the adventures Grim!Rhys and his reluctant wife Feyre (WIP)

Queen of Thieves Masterlist 🌶️ - Con-artist Feyre makes an ill-placed bet with the High Lord of the Night Court (WIP)

Take My Hand, Wreck My Plans Masterlist 🌶️ - Modern AU where Feyre gets pregnant from a one-night stand with a violet eyed stranger (WIP)

We Bleed the Same Masterlist 🌶️ - An acotar retelling where we cut out the feylin love story entirely (WIP)

The Other Side of the Apocalypse 🌶️ - A canonverse AU following human Rhys and Feyre as they journey through all seven courts (WIP)

Canon:

Hate Me If It Helps 🌶️ - Feysand angsty sex pollen fic.

The Most Magnanimous High Lord 🌶️- Rhys gives Feyre a reading lesson

Five Times the Beast Was Subdued (and the One Time It Wasn't) 🌶️ 🌶️ - Part 1 ⟡ Part 2 - Feysand beast form, monsterfucking, breeding kink filth

ACoMaF Wedding Scene - Canon compliant Feysand wedding scene.

The Chains That Bind Us - Feysand are married and Rhysand’s mating bond snaps w/ someone else. 

When The Glass Shatters - Feysand are married and Feyre’s mating bond snaps w/ someone else.

A Conversation At Dawn - Rhys takes a quiet moment to reflect with his mother. 

Just Can't Prove It - Feyre meets a stranger on a flight

All By Design - What if Isaac Hale was Rhys all along?

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AU:

It’s Nice to Have a Friend  🌶️ - part 1 ⟡ part 2 -  Modern AU best friends to lovers/accidental kiss.

Ten Past Five 🌶️ - plotty Feysand NYE meet cute

Snow on the Beach 🌶️🌶️ - Daddy kink, Feysand join the mile high club

Can’t Keep My Hands to Myself 🌶️🌶️ - Part 1 ⟡ Part 2 - Feysand Sugar Daddy AU 

The Music of the Night 🌶️🌶️- Demon!Rhys visits Feyre in her dreams (dub-con)

Violent Delights 🌶️🌶️ - Feysand vampire smut (dub-con)

Be a Doll, Darling🌶️🌶️ - Feyre's Sex Doll comes to life (dub-con)

Cakes & Cupid - Birthday party meet-cute. (Modern AU)

Scaring Is Caring - Halloween themed meet-cute. (Modern AU)

Arrowmusings B-day Present - Lucien x Rhys x f!reader fluff (Modern AU)

Long Story Short - Feyre gets stood up in a restaurant. (Modern AU)

The Dating Game - Modern fake couple AU. (Modern AU)

The Outlier - part 1 ⟡ part 2 - Timetravel fluff / university AU. (Modern AU)

A Letter Never Sent - Christmas fluff (Modern AU)

Caught Up In You - Rhysand Celebrity AU (Modern AU)

Don't Be a Jerk (It's Christmas) - Coffee Shop Christmas fluff (Modern AU)

Down the Water Well - Eldritch Horror Vibes AU

if you ever think you got it wrong - modern hurt/comfort friends to lovers

Good Morning, Darling - Feysand & baby Nyx fluff 

Behind You - Batboy Snowball fight featuring Nyx

Like An Illyrian - Rhys and baby Nyx fluff

No One Has to Know What We Do - vaguely smutty angst

Every Time I Look at You, It's Like the First Time - Feysand fluffy proposal

Guess I’ll just stumble on home to my cats - Feyre drunk at a party

[addicted-to-nothing]

Ok but what if...

Mor as Charlotte Lucas who is resigned to being a spinster but her parents try to marry her off to Mr. Collins (still Isak bc I'm not doing my boy Eric dirty like that) when boom ... Emerie (Mr. Bingley's esteemed sister) offers her a position as her companion

Ensue gay shenanigans

Ok but hear me out ... Pride and Prejudice X Feysand ft.

Cassian as Mr. Bingley

Nesta as Jane (ik ik but like ... Complicated Jane?)

Tamlin as Mr. Wickham

Elain as Lydia

Lucien as Fitzrhysand's friend who rescues Elain from a most undesirable scandal

Azriel as Colonel Fitzwilliams

Alice(???) as Charlotte Lucas

Isak (???) as Mr. Collins

The Weaver as Lady De Bourgh

[acotargiftexchange]

AO3 Collection ・Guidelines ・ Event Masterlist

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Letting Go While Holding On by @freakingata for @kale-theteaqueen

All I Want For Christmas Is Snow by @moodymelanist for @emeriethevalkyriegirl

(Not Quite) Christmas by @emeriethevalkyriegirl for @c-e-d-dreamer

The Humble Art Of Gift Giving by @kale-theteaqueen for @danikamariewrites

Holiday Traditions by @danikamariewrites for @moodymelanist

Holding Out For A Hero by @thesistersarcheron for @witch-and-her-witcher

DnD Fanart by @dustjacketmusings / @dustjacketdraws for @mcseattles

Nessian Moodboard | Regency Nessian Moodboard | Dark Magic Rhysand Moodboard | Feysand Moodboard | Nesta in the Winter Court Moodboard by @mcseattles for @thesistersarcheron

Heavy Is The Head That Wears The Crown by @asnowfern for @azriels-shadows

Could You Love Me While I Hate Myself by @witch-and-her-witcher for @asnowfern

Rest Your Head by @azriels-shadows for @perseusannabeth

Because I Love You(r Cooking) by @perseusannabeth for @talkfantasytome

It's Instinct by @talkfantasytome for @dustjacketmusings

You Love Our Permanent Chase (And the Bite of Our Bark) by @c-e-d-dreamer for @freakingata

Firm and Fragrant Still the Brambleberries by @foundress0fnothing for @whyisaravenlike-awritingdesk

[annaskareninas]

My ACOTAR Fanfiction Masterlist

(Link to my ao3 profile)

Elucien:

All Roads Lead To You = completed, 5 chapters, 31k words, rating E // Five years after the war with Hybern, the world is relatively peaceful, and Elain is relatively bored. When she decides to travel the Continent in search of her purpose, the last thing she expects is to run into her almost-mate Lucien Vanserra at a wine bar in Montesere -- and get very drunk and go swimming. Together. The next morning, she flees in shame -- but wherever she goes, Lucien just keeps on appearing. As if it's destiny.

Phoenix Rising = 140k words and 32 chapters, rating M // It has been twenty-five years since Elain was Made. Ten years since she lost the love of her life, Azriel, defeating Koschei. Eight years since Beron Vanserra claimed the Dread Crown and became High King of Prythian, forcing Elain and her friends to scatter to the four corners of the world. Lost in her grief, Elain works as a nurse in a war hospital in Rask -- until one day, she recognises a patient: Lucien Vanserra, the last free Heir. Charged with healing Lucien's mortal wounds, she finds herself drawn into an adventure -- of dragons, prophecies, allies and magic. But Lucien has secrets too, and as she grows closer to him, it is her heart that faces the biggest test.

Lonely Together = one-shot, 7k words, rating E // Always the odd one out, always the one without a partner -- Elain can't help the loneliness that plagues her immortal life. Until one Starfall, she decides to finally make a move on her mate, Lucien -- one one condition: that he's not gentle.

Feysand:

A Rake By Any Other Name = Regency AU one-shot, 7k words, rating E, the first in my Regency Romance one-shot series // Feyre gets more than she bargains for when she's caught at a political radical meeting by Rhysand, Viscount Velaris.

Nessian:

Burning Bright = Regency AU one-shot, 8k words, rating E, the second in my Regency Romance series // Dissatisfied with her life living off her brother-in-law's money, Nesta finds solace in Cassian, the groundskeeper, who thinks nothing of proper society -- and everything of pleasure.

Azris:

The Tender and Growing Night = Regency AU one-shot, 8k words, rating E, the third in my Regency Romance series // When Rhysand brings Azriel to a new gentlemen's club, he realises this is a place where he can truly be himself, for the first time ever. And the club's owner, Lord Eris Vanserra, has caught his eye...

May The Best Man Win = Killing Eve AU two shot, 17k words, rating E // MI6 agent Azriel Singer is haunted by the one killer he could never catch - Eris Vanserra, who happens to be nurturing an obsession for him.

Elriel:

I Dream About You = one-shot, 5k words, rating E // Azriel returns to the House of Wind to find Elain, alone; it's time for her to tell him what she really thinks.

Other:

In Spring, Becomes the Rose = Elain/Lucien/Tamlin, 82k words, 20 chapters, rating E // Elain volunteers to go to the Spring Court to help rebuild, with Lucien alongside her. She expects to hate Tamlin -- to hate them both, actually -- but the truth couldn't be further from it. As well as rebuilding a court and redecorating a house, Elain finds herself grappling with irresistible feelings for both males -- as well as strange new powers and magic she must learn to use before it's too late.

Two For The Show = Elain/Lucien/Azriel, 25k words, 5 chapters, rating E // Elain runs into two rich, attractive men at a bar. They both want her. And each other. Sex, dating and humour ensues!

This post will be regularly updated when I post more! Enjoy <3

[secret-third-thing]

Hey all, I'm Secret-Third-Thing! You can call me Sarah or STT! I write fanfic for ACOTAR. My writing typically falls into two categories: completely self-indulgent or experimental. I write for many characters/ships, though Eris Vanserra is my favorite to write for at the moment. Currently in my Neris and Azris era.

My AO3 | Art Commissions Under Construction | Eris Week | Blood in the Wine Side Blog

Currently working on Tamris Part 2 and Secret Santa fic.

MULTI CHAPTER FICS

And the Hounds Bayed | Azris/Neris/Nezriel | E | 3/3 Southern Gothing Horror, Dead Dove Eris held an unwavering affection for those Hounds

I Want to Believe | Azris | E | 1/? Alien AU / X-Files AU, Dub/Non-Con Azriel travels to Boston to solve a series of murders.

Wild Nights - Wild Nights! | Emorie | M | 1/2 Canon Compliant, Post ACOSF Emerie and Morrigan fall in love by accident, of course.

Blood in the Wine | Eris x OC | E | undergoing rewrites Canon Compliant, Pre ACOTAR / Post ACOSF Something rotten is brewing in Autumn and Eris is going to find out what.

Tell Me That You Want Me | Tamris | E | 1/2 Canon Compliant, 2-Shot Eris ensures Tamlin doesn’t skip Calanmai.

INTERACTIVE FICTION

Dog Days | Game is T, Optional Azris Scene is E Made for PC; Okay on Mobile You are a dog. Go find Eris.

ONE SHOTS

Requiem For Glass Trapped Spiders | Beron | M Something is wrong with the Forest House. It's Beron's fault.

Never an Honest Word | Gen Eris | T Eris confronts his mother after Beron’s death.

Spring, Again | Gen Tamlin | T Tamlin begins to heal after Feyre’s departure.

Now That It's Done | Feysand | T Even at the end of this world, Rhysand is there.

DRABBLES

A Word Before War: Eris before a Blood Duel | G Just One More: A Nezriel bookstore drabble | E Goodbye, Keir: Emorie Drabbe | T A Cursed Beron Thing | E

2023 WRITING CIRCLE

Heatwave (Elriel) | Unrated (I wrote part 1) The Syren (Gwynriel) | Explicit (I wrote part 2) Fictional (Nessian) | Explicit (I wrote part 3) - Tumblr Only

ART COMS (Under Construction)

2024 Eris Week

Worried Eris Commission

Eris Portrait Commission

Wet Eris Commission

Eris and His Hounds

Armored Eris

Regency AU Eris + Lucien

Modern AU Eris

Horny Eris

2023 Eris Week:

Eris and Hound Commission

Blood Duel Commission

Dancing Commission

AU Eris Commission

Eris, High Lord of Autumn Commission

Eris Voice Acting and Interview the Matthew Bassett

NSFW Eris Late Night Scheming

[popjunkie42]

The Thief and the Rake: Chapter Ten

Read on AO3

The Thief and the Rake

Chapter Ten: You Know I'm Not a Bad Girl

Lucien experiences a morning in the life of Elain Archeron, the ton's new curiousity. Feyre pays a visit to the Viscount's manor and the town of Velaris, seeing an unfamiliar new side to him.

Thank you @witch-and-her-witcher for the beta read!

I've been sitting on this too long, time to throw it out of the nest. Eluciens I am figuring them out - I hope I am doing them some justice!

Read on AO3 and find a snippet behind the cut.

Although Elain missed the countryside; the slower pace, the gentler summers, and the vibrant colors of her wildflower gardens, there were certainly plenty of appealing things about city life.

Like the fine tea and decadent sweets, or the heaping platters at breakfast each morning she didn’t have to lift a finger to make. The vibrant hum of the London streets, even in Mayfair. Early morning sounds of carriages and mail and calling families and friends.

Like the lovely, bright sunlight streaming through the windows of the eastern sitting room, shimmering on red hair.

Lucien - Mr. Vanserra - had arrived just after breakfast. Filling up their doorway with a gentle smirk and an arm full of flowers.

Elain had been the first awake and ready to receive visitors, Feyre sleeping late and Nesta distracted in her room. Probably by a book if the tea tray sent to her door was any indication. Aunt Ripleigh’s social life was bustling and demanding, and she was out on women’s league business before breakfast. Their father took to dozing in the warmer rooms before his daughters took him for his afternoon walk.

It was fine - she thought. Completely fine. Lucien was their friend, all of them, and she had known him for years. He had been so gracious and accommodating as they prepared to come to the city.

Strange, that she didn’t remember that mane of red hair to shine so brightly in the countryside. Elain sipped her tea as she watched the sunlight change its color: orange and scarlet and ruby. Maybe he blended too well into the forests and fields - falling leaves, dancing waves of sorghum grass. Somehow he shined so much brighter here in the ballrooms and dining halls, everything around him dull and drab in comparison, as if all the vibrancy from the room clung to his bright spark.

It was a good thing, a comfort. That she had a familiar face to find amidst the intimidating crowds.

Elain had ignored the odd jolt in her stomach, the prickling goosebumps on her skin as he had handed her the bouquet with a soft smile and the sweep of his hat.

Lucien was their acquaintance, a forgotten son on the outskirts of London almost as much as they were. And besides, Graysen was coming later - she had to focus.

The flowers were lovely - a bit more wild and hardy than the typical hothouse bundles of perfect roses and bright tulips she usually received. Cornflowers and lady’s lace and foxgloves, an armful of blue and white.

He was clever, as always, Elain thought. The flowers were a perfect ruse to come visit Feyre casually and so early, like any other suitor, no one knowing their wild and probably inappropriate friendship forged in the woods. Turning to find a vase allowed her to hide the frustrating blush on her cheeks at his smile.

She invited him to the sitting room, a consummate host, ordering tea and making a whispered request to the maid to summon her younger sister.

Lucien and Elain had sat across from one another, the only awkwardness Elain’s unusual nerves, her guest all smiles and kind words. He poured her tea when her cup was empty, asked after her day, inquired as to the health of her family, the perfect gentleman all around.

She smiled to herself as she remembered him, laughing and tripping up Feyre’s feet as she fumed practicing their lessons. His good cheer filling the room with warmth, darting and dodging skillfully around that traditional Archeron fire.

Unfortunately, this morning, the cozy summer sunshine also glistened off the forehead sweat of one Mr. Fitzsimmons, perspiring on the couch next to Elain.

He had arrived just minutes after Mr. Vanserra - a nervous smile perched on top of bustling ruffled lace.

Lucien frowned, pouring more tea and tipping back the cup as if it were something much stronger.

The grandfather clock ticked loudly in the hall. Susan was in the corner knitting, an awkward stand-in for her lazy sisters who she was cursing every long quiet moment, her father snoring softly in the armchair by the corner.

Mr. Fitzsimmons was tall and lanky, dressed to the nines, shoes shining and cravat swallowing up his face. The man was clearly miserable under all the heavy fabric.

Elain didn’t mind the ostentatious dress, might have even found it charming if it didn’t also accompany a haughty, arrogant demeanor and poor conversational skills.

After the third sip of tea in the uncomfortable silence, her eyes met one of russet brown with a quiet plea. Lucien cocked his head to the side.

“Miss Elain, you simply must come to Bath for the winter - the hot springs will do you a world of good,” Mr. Fitzsimmons finally spoke.

She smiled good-naturedly. “I’m afraid we’ll be headed back to the country after our invitation from our Aunt is finished,” she lied.

If there was one thing all sisters were aligned on: it was never returning to that cold, sad cabin again. No matter what it took.

Elain hoped that wouldn’t have to mean Mr. Fitzsimmons.

“Oh, surely you can spare a few months for some more society…what appeal can the country have?”

A muscle in her eye twitched. It was too early in the morning for all her graces. To word just right her gentle refusal, to not give a hint at their desperate lack of any means.

“Well, I - I always thought the country -”

“I would imagine the country very appealing to you, sir.” Lucien interrupted. “I very much thought your outfit inspired by the cock-of-the-woods.”

The man huffed an uncertain laugh. Elain tensed at his displeased look, even under the smile.

“Clever. Do you, ah, call upon Miss Elain often, Mr. Vanserra?”

“Oh no, I’m waiting for Miss Feyre, as it were. I’m told she can take quite a while to get ready in the morning. Fortunately I wasn’t otherwise engaged today. I could end up spending all morning here. You know these ladies and their fussy ways.”

Mr. Fitzsimmons had suddenly remembered he was late for a cricket match, and left in a flurry of lace.

Lucien watched him bow and leave with no hidden amount of amusement.

“You know, you can ask them to leave,” he said when the man finally left the stoop.

“They come all this way to see me. I don’t want to be rude.”

“Don’t you know, Miss Elain, it’s the ladies that make all the decisions in this game of courtship?” Elain’s brow furrowed in confusion. Lucien smiled. “See how the gentlemen come to perform, to dance like plumed birds for you? You have the ultimate power: that of rejection.”

Elain hummed, turning away from that earnest look and returning to her spot on the couch beside the windows. She certainly didn’t feel in control, in power, navigating the string of suitors and her sisters every waking moment. “I suppose you’re right. We have the power to say no. But it’s short lived, is it not? Only until marriage, then our lives follow our husband’s.”

The fabric of her dress was soft under her nervous fingers. It felt odd to talk about this, so openly. Especially with him.

Her sisters were far from romantic - Nesta fiercely pragmatic about every gentleman, Feyre uninterested in the whole affair. But Elain - Elain had plenty of time to sit and think about her future. Tried on each suitor in her mind, imagining them old and grey together, trying to picture their contentment.

So many had fallen short in her mind. Until Graysen, she supposed.

Lucien had her pinned again under that heavy stare. Curious and bright. She could almost imagine the sunlight on his hair like streaks of white -

“But the choice on who that is, is yours. As is how you spend your time. Don’t let the bores and brutes hog all of it.” He gave her a roguish smirk.

“Mr. Vanserra!” she chided. “They’re not all so bad. And how will I determine which ones are bores and which are brutes if I never give them a chance?”

“Well I certainly wouldn’t take Miss Nesta’s opinion on it.”

She laughed. He beamed at her. In a way that made her quiet again, remembering Susan and her father so close by.

Elain looked away, pulling at the fabric of her skirt. “I’m sorry Feyre isn’t here. She’s probably fussing, getting ready for Lady Morrigan.”

“The Viscount’s cousin?” His usual jovial smile turned to a frown, a crease in his brow.

“Yes they…” Elain fought the urge to tell him everything. He was their friend, who knew what they were and where they came from. And if Feyre was being foolish, as Nesta had said, maybe Lucien could be the one to talk her out of…whatever was going on with the Viscount.

But if Feyre hadn’t told him, hadn’t even told her sisters the details…Elain couldn’t betray her trust. “I guess she’s working for him. Her usual…odd jobs.”

Lucien hummed, drumming his fingers against his thigh. “It’s alright, though. I wanted to see you.”

“Me?”

“Did you think I came for Miss Nesta?”

Elain laughed in spite of herself, face frozen in a nervous smile.

Lucien opened his mouth -

“A Mr. Jones to see you, Miss.”

As Thomas the footman stepped swiftly out of the doorway, Elain watched Lucien - a quick tightening of his jaw, almost easy to miss, until he swallowed and turned back to her with a schooled grin.

She could hear the taunt in his voice, teasing but soft, practically read his thoughts through the gentle curve upward of an eyebrow as Mr. Jones stepped into the room.

If she wasn’t careful, she was going to insult half of her suitors before lunch. Lucien would needle more laughter and drip measured insults like honey from his tongue until the Archeron drawing room was known across the city as hostile ground.

She had to keep her wits about her.

Mr. Jones was not a brute.

He was, however, determined not to let a single awkward silence plague the morning again.

He was short and stout, dressed plainly. The man was a widower of some years, and Elain bit her cheek when she had the wandering thought of if he had talked his late wife to an early grave.

A terrible thought. It must be the influence of Mr. Vanserra.

The man was just launching into a detailed description about his dinner last night when -

“Do you hunt, Mr. Jones?” Lucien asked.

He stuttered, the rhythm of his one-sided conversation halted. “Um, pardon?”

“Hunt? Fox, deer, fowl? I was just trying to imagine you stalking quietly through the forest, so as not to disturb a hare. I found it…difficult.”

Elain bit back her smile. Something in her rose to his challenge. These were her guests after all. She wouldn’t allow him to steal the show. Elain was kind, generous, the perfect hostess. Mr. Vanserra wouldn’t ruin her reputation for it.

She put a gentle hand on the other man’s arm, smiling serenely at Lucien. “Mr. Jones is actually an amateur ornithologist. Quite knowledgeable. Why, just a few days ago he was regaling me with tales of the wood warbler…”

Mr. Jones opened his mouth, a finger up to expand upon the finer points of bird watching -

“Well enough, but I’ve always thought the thing that recommends a man the most is a variety of interests and expertise - able to travel in wide circles, entertain at a moment’s notice, be of use and good cheer. An expert is only needed in the rarest of situations. Wouldn’t you agree, Miss Elain?”

“Well I think what recommends a man the most is a kind heart and gentlemanly behavior towards his fellow man.”

A smirk, his tongue darting out to lick his lips. “A high standard, indeed. Perhaps if the gentleman is lacking, he may make up for it by being exceedingly handsome?”

A snort, from behind the couch, Susan covering her face with a hand.

Elain blinked once, smiling into the blush on her cheek. “Perhaps he may.”

“I do also play whist,” Mr. Jones chimed in.

Lucien coughed loudly, covering his smile, while Elain flitted to her feet.

“Ah, whist! Perhaps another time Mr. Jones, thank you ever so much for your kind call!”

Confused but obedient, the man got to his feet, looking about the room and back to Elain, finally bowing and donning his hat.

The smile on Lucien’s face was uncontained, and he turned to her -

“A guest, Miss,” Thomas said in the doorway.

“Good God, Elain,” he whispered under his breath, “how do you get anything done with your day?”

Elain let out a petulant huff, schooling her face back into neutrality.

“The Grand Duke Nolan.”

Stillness filled the room. A sudden coldness, like a fire banked. And then the Grand Duke strolled into the room, his smile warm, energy high, pulling off his gloves with a quick movement.

He paused for a moment at Lucien.

“Oh, Mr -?”

“Vanserra. We’ve met.”

“Of course, apologies.” His eyes flickered to Elain. “So you and your sisters have recovered from the Hampton ball? Is the old Viscount still pretending he isn’t courting your sister?”

Graysen motioned the maid for tea, sitting down with a flourish of his hat, comfortable and at command.

Elain had to admit she liked the way he was so at ease, so always able to swoop in and smooth over any problem or hiccup with his air of confidence.

Some might call it arrogant, but it was his place in society, and she liked that he moved through it with a smile and general good cheer.

Still, Lucien remained standing.

“Are you staying, Mr. Vanserra?” the Grand Duke asked, sinking in comfortably

into the flowered couch.

Elain turned to him, feeling sick at his newly closed off look, confused at the unsettled feeling rattling around her rib cage.

Graysen required attention, her the host, and she felt some terror at the thought of Lucien tearing into him, how he might react, the two of them swiping at one another…

Lucien looked at her for a moment, his eyes suddenly sad, then stood straight and tall, a hand behind his back. “No, it seems Miss Feyre is otherwise engaged this morning. Thank you for entertaining me in her stead, and give her my regards, Miss Elain.” She started at the cold, impassive politeness, the formal stance, the eye that was suddenly unreadable.

“I will. Thank you Lu - Mr. Vanserra.”

And with a swift bow, he was gone.

• —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– •

[whyisaravenlike-awritingdesk]

I simply cannot cope. I am a puddle on the floor and need to be sent to the seaside to recover my health. This was so perfect!!!!

You Are Not the Kind of Boy (Who Should Be Marrying the Wrong Girl): Part Three

A/N: Happy Day Three of @sjmromanceweek! This is the final part of Regency Elucien, and for this one, there's no prompt squinting needed since there's actually a proposal. Hope everyone enjoyed this little sequel as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Read on AO3 // Previous Part

Lucien Spellcleaver is going mad.

That’s the only explanation. It’s the only way to describe the way his mind has been spiraling, the way his thoughts swirl and swirl around only one singular thought. Only one singular person. It’s the only explanation for the way his heart writhes and throbs between his ribs, a palpable, tangible pain. The only explanation for why he’s pacing back and forth across his study, scrubbing a hand through his hair until it’s a tangle of knots.

“Well, this is a sad sight.”

Lucien rolls his eyes at the sound of that voice, whirling around to find Eris leaning casually against the door jamb. “What do you want?”

“Can’t I come visit my favorite baby brother?”

“Half brother.”

Eris shrugs, straightening and stepping further into the room. “Mother said that you were sulking.”

“I am not sulking.”

Eris raises an eyebrow, looking pointedly toward Lucien’s desk, toward the pile of paper and ink sprawled across the wood. Three letters. He’s written three letters and received not a single answer. Three letters, each one dissolving more and more into a mess of words and smeared ink and desperation.

He should have told her. He should have told her down by the lake before anything else had happened. But he'd been stupid. He'd been selfish and drunk off the way it felt to finally kiss her, to have her in his arms. Addicted to the way her skin felt against his own, what it was like to have her pliant and beautiful beneath him.

He’d been sure she must already know exactly how he feels. How he’d do anything for her if only she said the word. How his heart beats only for her and he’d gladly tear it straight from his chest and place it in her awaiting hands.

But then she’d vanished in the night like some sort of wraith.

He’d tried to give her space at first, thought that was what she needed and wanted to respect that. Then he’d tried to call on her, only to be informed by a neighbor that the Archerons weren’t home, off to the quick and quiet wedding of the eldest.

That’s when he sent the first letter that went unanswered.

He’d tried to catch Elain in town next, practically loitering at all the places he knew she frequented, but that had been just as unsuccessful. And had led to the second letter that went unanswered. Hoping for his opportunity at the promenade had followed, but the entire Archeron family was oddly missing. And his third letter went unanswered. Then, just a few days ago, he was sure his time would finally come at the house party hosted by Kallias and his wife Viviane, but it seemed the Archerons were uninvited from the festivities.

So, now, here Lucien is. Over two weeks removed from that night with Elain. And absolutely losing his mind.

“I don’t understand why you’re still panting after her,” Eris continues, pushing off the door jamb and stepping fully into the room. “You can’t possibly have missed the Archeron family scandal.”

“And yet, if I recall correctly, weren’t you courting the eldest Archeron not long ago?” Lucien fires back, still remembering the ball his father hosted last season, the way Eris had spent most of the evening twirling Nesta across the dance floor. He still remembers the way Eris’s proposal had been denied, Nesta with little interest in moving to Paris.

Eris hums, his face the perfect mask of boredom. “I can’t decide if I dodged a bullet or if I should be offended that she couldn’t be persuaded to warm my bed unwed.”

“Jealous of a Scotsman, Eris?”

“Never.”

Despite the growled tone of his half brother, Lucien doesn’t believe Eris for a moment. Still, he doesn’t have time for this. Doesn’t have time for their mother’s attempted meddling. Doesn’t have time for Eris’s judgment or opinions. He doesn’t have time to keep pacing around his study if he’s being honest.

“Look, I need to… if you’ll excuse me.”

It’s all that Lucien offers before he brushes past Eris and out the door. He doesn’t stop, heading down the main stairs and all the way out of the estate. He forgoes a carriage or even a horse, hoping the walk will help him clear his head a bit, will help him decide exactly what he intends to say.

But the afternoon sun does little to dispel the anxiety churning low in his gut. The late summer breeze only winding through his lungs, swirling with the tension there and squeezing. By the time the iron gates of the Archeron manor come into view, Lucien’s heart is a thunderous beat between his ribs. He just prays it doesn’t show too badly on his face as he makes his way up the front steps and rings the bell.

It feels like years while he waits, but soon the door is being pulled open and Lucien is met with a pair of blue gray eyes blinking as confusedly at him as he feels.

“Feyre?”

“Lucien. What are you doing here?”

Lucien clears his throat, flexing his fingers where they’re tucked neatly behind his back. “I was hoping I might speak with Elain actually.”

“We’re not allowing callers,” Feyre explains, already beginning to close the door in his face before she hesitates for a moment. “Sorry.”

The door closes with a soft snick, and Lucien can do nothing but gape at the wood, stare at it as if it will magically open and Elain will be standing there on the other side. With a frustrated huff, he spins on his heel, scrubbing a hand through his hair while he makes his way back down the front steps.

“Denied as well?”

Lucien snaps his head in the direction of the sudden voice, surprised to find Rhysand Night leaning casually against the wall of the manor, partially hidden in the shadows cast by the tall branches of the trees lining the street. The Duke looks almost out of place in the bright afternoon, with his dark hair, his black jacket and pants. Still, the sight of him has Lucien raising his chin, squaring his shoulders even as he shoves his hand in his pockets to give an air of indifference.

“Don’t tell me you’re calling on Elain Archeron as well.”

Rhysand chuckles, picking a piece of lint off his jacket sleeve and flicking it aside. “Don’t worry, Spellcleaver. No one but you is calling on your Archeron sweetheart. Especially after what Cassian pulled.”

“He’s your friend I thought.”

“He is, but that doesn’t mean I don’t still think him an idiot. Unfortunately, there was no talking him out of that one. Something about Nesta Archeron has had him ensnared for years.”

Lucien glances back toward Archeron manor. “Nesta MacLeod now I hear.”

“And are you hoping for Elain Spellcleaver?”

Lucien snaps his attention back to Rhysand, quick to fire back, “Are you hoping to make Feyre a duchess?”

Rhysand laughs again, shaking his head. “Touche, Spellcleaver.”

“I wish you luck. Feyre and I sometimes had lessons together as children. I remember quite distinctly the way she swore she’d never marry,” Lucien offers, not even bothering to bite back his smirk at the memories. Rhysand will certainly have his hands full if Feyre is who he continues to pursue.

“So she keeps telling me,” Rhysand mutters, rolling his eyes, but Lucien swears it’s not annoyance in the Duke’s expression. It’s almost excitement at the challenge brewing beneath that violet gaze.

“Is your plan to lurk in the shadows here then? Until she changes her mind?”

“What can I say? I’ve never been one for more traditional courting. Perhaps you might consider the same.”

Lucien scoffs, turning away from Rhysand and walking out of the Archeron manor gate. He makes his way down the path that leads back to his family’s estate, but Rhysand’s words continue to ring in his mind. Like a small, needling voice prickling along the back of his mind, scraping and digging their claws in. It’s stupid. It would be stupid. Possibly the most stupid thing he’ll ever do.

But isn’t idiocy what got Lucien into this mess in the first place?

He waits until the sun starts to dip low in the sky, shadows growing across the grass and purples and blues bleeding through the world around him. He waits until the flicker of candlelight casts the windows of the manor in glowing orange. Thankfully, he remembers enough from his conversations with Feyre, finding the balcony she often mentioned using when she’d sneak away in the night.

It’s more difficult than he anticipated, finding the right stones and bricks to use as hand and footholds, his grip slipping a few times. But soon, he’s pulling himself up over the railing and onto the balcony, more scrapes and bruises than he wanted but still worth it. Just like in Feyre’s stories, the door is unlocked, and Lucien is able to slip inside with ease.

He has to be quick, but he has to be quiet too. He tiptoes down the hall, pausing at each door and pressing his ear against the wood to listen for voices. He even dares to open a few, just a crack, to peek into the rooms beyond. Finally, on the fourth door he tries, Lucien is greeted with the sight of long, beautiful curls of golden brown hair.

He darts into the room, closing the door quickly behind his back. Elain whips her head around at the sound, brown eyes widening in surprise and her brush clattering against her vanity table. She’s on her feet in a second, and for a moment, Lucien feels struck dumb. Her hair is a beautiful curtain of gold where it falls along her shoulders and down her back, her night dress lacey and white. Her warm, brown eyes draw him in as much as the pink beginning to dust across the constellation of freckles on her cheeks.

“Lucien,” Elain exclaims, snatching up her robe and tugging it on. “What are you doing here?”

“I am going insane,” Lucien explains exasperatedly, stepping closer to her. “You have made me insane, Elain.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“You’ve been avoiding me. And do not say that you are not because I know you are.”

Elain crosses her arms across her chest, not quite meeting his gaze fully, and Lucien knows that he was right all along. Knows that her sneaking out of his room, that this silence between them, was fully intentional. He dares to step even closer to her, until they’re practically toe to toe, until he can fully track the way her bottom lip finds home between her teeth. His hands reach up, skating a hair's breadth away from Elain’s arms before he hesitates, dropping his arms back to his side again.

“Did I do something wrong?” Lucien asks gently, practically pleading. “Did I hurt you our night together?”

Elain opens her mouth before seeming to think better of whatever she was going to say. She swallows hard, and when she finally speaks, her voice is quiet enough that Lucien almost doesn’t hear it. “I missed my monthlies.”

“Oh.”

It’s all Lucien can think to say, the only word, the only syllable he’s able to push past the pressure suddenly squeezing in around his throat. It’s certainly a turn of events. Certainly not how he expected this night to go. But there’s no denying the spark that flares to life in his gut, fanning the embers glowing warmly between his ribs.

“I’m so sorry,” Elain says, turning away from him completely.

“Why are you apologizing?”

“You’re going to be a Duke after your father. I am sure you do not wish there to be any bastard children. But don’t worry. I’ll speak with my mother. Perhaps, there is somewhere far away I can go. Then no one will ever know.”

“Go away?” Lucien splutters, reaching for her shoulders and trying to turn Elain back around to face him. “Elain—”

Elain steps out of his grip, but she at least whirls back around, brown eyes misty with unshed tears. “And I won’t tell anyone. I swear it. I will lie if I have to.”

“Elain…” Lucien feels near hysterical, finally giving in to the desire twitching through his fingers and cradling Elain’s face between his palms. “Marry me.”

Elain huffs, tugging his hands away from her face. “Don’t be stupid, Lucien. I did not tell you to trap you into wedding me. You’re going to be a Duke. You’re meant to have a respectable wife.”

“And who says you are not? Who says you are not everything a gentleman could ever dream of in a wife? Who says you are not everything I could ever want?”

“You’re crazy. What will your father say? Marrying an Archeron after everything that’s happened?”

“Let him try and stop me. And if he does, I will give up my title. Gladly.”

“Lucien!”

“Dammit, Elain. I love you.”

Elain rolls her eyes, and if Lucien wasn’t so exasperated, he would be more endeared by the gesture. “You are not thinking straight. I know our night together was… pleasurable… But I didn’t think—”

“You think this is just because of that night?” Lucien asks with a frustrated huff of his own. He grabs Elain’s hands in his, clutching them to his chest, to where his heart beats solely for her. “Elain, I have loved you for months now. I’m sorry that my poor courting attempts have not made that abundantly clear. For all your accusations about me being a scoundrel, being around you turns me into a fumbling fool. I never know what to say. And oh, I wanted to say it. That night. Before that night… But my love, you were the one who said no talking. The one who promised we’d speak only to sneak away while I slept. I would have asked you for your hand right there beside that lake. I would have asked you that night in my bed. And I am asking you right now. Marry me.”

The tears slip free from Elain’s eyes, and Lucien is quick to reach a hand up, catching them where they roll down her cheeks. “I can’t.”

“Elain,” Lucien begs, his voice almost broken.

“I have not told you everything.” Using their hands that are still joined, Elain tugs Lucien toward her bed until they’re both sitting. “It’s about my family… You know that my father is a merchant, but what you don’t know is that there was an awful storm. It sank all of my father’s ships with everything on them.”

“Okay, but what does that—”

“You don’t understand, Lucien. We lost everything. My family has nothing now. We had to dismiss the staff. Mama has had to sell her nicest jewels just to keep food on the table. It’s why Nesta was going to marry Viscount Mandray, and now? Now, we’re nothing.”

Lucien squeezes Elain’s hands in his. “You think I care about that?”

“But you should! You’re going to be a Duke someday.”

“Elain,” Lucien starts, leaning close until his forehead rests against hers. “Do you love me too? Do you want to marry me?”

“It’s not that simple,” Elain whispers, already beginning to shake her head.

“It’s a yes or no question, my love.”

Elain sighs softly, sliding her hand across Lucien’s cheek until it’s cradled in her palm. “You already know the answer.”

“Then that’s all I need to know.”

Lucien closes the breath of space between them, pressing his mouth to Elain’s. She makes a quiet, contented sound into the kiss, parting her lips under his ministrations, and it feels right. It tastes like coming home. It takes everything within Lucien to will himself to pull back, to not allow himself to sink and drown in the feeling of Elain’s soft, golden hair threaded between his fingers, of her body pressed warmly against him, of her lips slotted firmly and perfectly against his own. But he does all the same, pulling away from Elain and pushing up to his feet to stride back across the room.

“Where are you going?” Elain asks, jumping up to her own feet.

Lucien pauses with his hand curled around the latch to the door. He turns over his shoulder back toward Elain, offering her a smirk and a wink, before he yanks open the door and slips out into the hall. It’s easy enough to retrace his steps, back out of the balcony, to climb over the railing and jump down onto the grass. He takes a moment to brush off his pants, straighten the cuffs of his sleeves, and then he’s stalking back around the manor and right to the Archeron’s front door.

He has to ring the bell twice before the door is finally pulled open. Lady Archeron’s face is pinched in annoyance, but Lucien watches the exact moment her eyes widen in recognition, realizing just who is standing on their front step. In an instant, her face morphs into a polite smile, and she dips into a small curtsy.

“Your Grace. To what do we owe the pleasure at such an hour?”

“Lady Archeron,” Lucien greets, dipping his head politely. “I am actually hoping to speak with your husband.”

Lady Archeron’s eyes glance away, further into the house, before meeting his gaze again. “Forgive me, your Grace, but we are not currently accepting callers or visitors.”

“I must press, my Lady. It is quite urgent.”

Lady Archeron’s attention darts away again, and Lucien can see the conflict playing across her expression, but finally she appeases. She pulls the door open fully, gesturing for Lucien to step inside. His footfalls echo across the floors, through the silence of the front hall. He glances around, spying Elain standing at the top of the stairs, one foot raised as if she’s about to step down. He waits until her mother’s back is turned before sending her another wink and following Lady Archeron further into the manor.

“You’ll have to forgive our home, your Grace,” Lady Archeron offers, leading Lucien down the winding halls. “A terrible sickness has torn through our staff. We had to send them away tonight.”

Lucien hums in understanding, not correcting her or letting on to the fact he knows the real reason for the lack of staff in the manor. Lady Archeron comes to a stop in front of a door, but she doesn’t even bother knocking before pushing it open, revealing a study on the other side. Lord Archeron sits behind the large desk in the center of the room. Papers are spread across the wood around him, but judging from the glass of amber liquid at his elbow, the way his head is cradled in his hand, Lucien suspects little work is actually being completed.

Lord Archeron looks up in surprise at the intrusion, practically jumping to his feet when he takes in exactly who is stepping inside his study. “Lucien Spellcleaver. I must say I am surprised to see you in my study.”

Lord Archeron shares a pointed look with his wife, the two sharing some sort of silent conversation, but Lady Archeron doesn’t seem to back down from her husband’s ire. She merely closes the study door and walks around to stand at her husband’s shoulder. Lucien takes it as his cue to settle into one of the open seats on the other side of the desk.

“I do apologize for the intrusion,” Lucien begins, leaning back casually. “But I simply could not wait. I’m here to ask for your daughter’s hand. For Elain’s hand.”

Lord Archeron clears his throat a bit awkwardly, turning to share another look with his wife. “We are, of course, honored at such a proposal, your Grace…”

“I am well aware of your family’s financial situation, Lord Archeron, if that is your concern.” Neither Lord nor Lady Archeron are able to cover their surprise, their panicked expression, but Lucien merely chuckles quietly. “Don’t worry. I have no intention of informing the gossip mob of the ton. But I do wish to marry your daughter. I will write for a Special License. We can keep the ceremony small and private if you’d rather avoid your family being the center of the gossip ring any more than it already is.”

“You’re a mad man,” Lord Archeron scoffs, shaking his head.

“Maybe I am.”

“If you’re aware of our financial situation, then you know we have nothing to offer. You’d really marry my daughter without a dowry?”

“I will. Feel free to draw up the contract right now,” Lucien offers, leaning forward and meeting Lord Archeron’s gaze head on. “But I will have Elain move into my family’s estate tonight. You’ve dismissed your staff, and I will not have my wife living in such conditions.”

“Your Grace…”

“Do we have an accord?” When Lord Archeron doesn’t answer right away, Lucien stands up, leaning over the desk. “Do we have an accord? I can assure you, you will not receive such an offer from any other gentleman of my status and title.”

Lord Archeron considers for a moment, eyeing Lucien, but then he’s turning back to his wife. “Gather Elain.”

Lady Archeron nods her head, vanishing back out of the study and closing the door behind her with a soft snick. It doesn’t take Lord Archeron long to draw up the contract, even with the way he pauses in bewilderment each time Lucien demands the conditions be most favorable to Elain, with the way he practically balks at the pin money suggestion Lucien makes. But the ink has barely dried before Lucien is taking the pen and signing his name.

There’s a knock at the study door, and when the door swings open, Elain is standing there with her mother. It takes barely three steps for Lucien to stride over to her. He takes her hand in his, bringing it up to his lips and pressing a kiss to her knuckles.

“Lucien…” Elain whispers, peering up at him in confusion.

“Pack your bags. I’m going to go get a carriage from my family’s estate, and then I’m going to come back for you. Wife.”

~ * * * ~

Lucien all but sprints up the gravel walkway to his family’s estate, yanking open the large front doors and rushing inside. He quickly glances around the front hall, spying one of the house maids with a bundle of linens in her arms. Her eyes widen at his slightly frazzled state, the way he all but burst through the doors, but she seems to come back to herself quickly, dipping into a low curtsy.

“Have you seen my father?”

“I believe he’s in the east drawing room, your Grace,” the house maid offers quietly.

With a nod of thanks, Lucien starts to head in that direction before another thought occurs to him and he turns back around. “Oh, and can you inform Mrs Baxter to have one of the room’s in the west wing made up? My betrothed will be arriving at the estate tonight.”

Lucien doesn’t wait for the house maid to confirm she understands or to say anything else. He continues down the halls, his strides hurried and determined until he comes to the door for the east wing’s drawing room. Thankfully, his father is indeed there when he steps inside, lounging in one of the large, comfortable chairs, a book opened in one hand and tea still steaming on the small table at his elbow.

“Lucien,” Helion greets, his smile slipping away after he takes in the state of his son. “Is everything alright?”

“I’m getting married,” Lucien explains, deciding not to bother with beating around the bush. “To Elain Archeron.”

Helion closes his book and sets it aside. “I see…”

“And there’s no point trying to protest or stop me. I’ve already signed the marriage contract with her father.”

“Well, then I—”

“Lucien Spellcleaver,” Aurelia’s clipped tone precedes the door swinging open again, his mother’s pinched face coming into view. “What is this I hear from the staff about you being engaged?”

Lucien winces at his mother’s expression, but he refuses to back down. “Because it’s true. I just came from the Archeron manor, and Elain will be moving into the estate tonight.”

Aurelia huffs, her exasperation clear. “And you didn’t think to tell your mother what you were planning?”

“Weren’t you the one who taught me that love makes you do crazy things?”

“You do then? Love her?”

Lucien thinks of the honey strands of Elain’s hair, the way they curl around her face and cascade down her shoulders and back. He thinks of the deep brown of her eyes and the way they spark beneath the afternoon sun. He thinks of her kindness, of the beautiful sight of her smile and the melody of her laugh. He thinks of the sweetness of her kiss, and the adorable expression that takes over her face when she calls him a scoundrel.

“I do,” he breathes, unable to fight down a grin. “I really do.”

His mother steps closer, reaching a hand up and lovingly patting his cheek. “Well, alright then. I best go make sure everything is ready for the future duchess.”

Everything seems to happen in a whirlwind after that. His mother vanishes back out the drawing room door, and his father helps him to ready a carriage. Then, Lucien is off back to the Archeron manor. The footmen work to load all of Elain’s trunks and bags onto the carriage while Elain takes the time to hug her younger sister goodbye.

When everything’s secured, he holds out his hand, Elain’s fingers curling around his palm as he helps her into the carriage. He slips into the carriage as well, closing the door behind them and signaling out the window to the driver. The carriage jerks forward, and Lucien turns his eyes back on Elain, watching as she curls and twists her fingers through the fabric of her skirts. He reaches across the carriage, capturing Elain’s hands in his own, squeezing and tracing his thumbs across her knuckles soothingly.

“What if your parents hate me?” Elain whispers, worrying her bottom lip between her teeth.

“That’s impossible,” Lucien assures her, moving to wedge into the space beside Elain. “They will love you as much as I do.” He reaches forward, pressing his palm against her stomach. “Love both of you as much as I already do.”

Elain reaches her own hand down, covering Lucien’s and lacing their fingers together. “I overheard some of the other ladies talking at the market. Apparently, even if you miss your monthlies, it’s still possible it will merely come late.”

“Then we will just have to try again,” Lucien explains, moving his free hand up so that his fingers curl around the nape of Elain’s neck, his thumb tilting her chin up. “And again.” He brings her mouth to his, kissing her. “And again.”

When Elain pulls back, her lips are parted, eyes slightly glazed over before she blinks and comes back to herself. “You truly are a scoundrel.”

“Get used to it, my love.”

“People will talk, you know,” Elain sighs softly, fiddling with the laces of his shirt like some sort of nervous tick. “I’m sure the whole ton will have something to say about… the speed of everything.”

“Let them. Let them be green with envy over my beautiful wife.”

Lucien pulls Elain into another kiss, all but hauling her against his body. He presses her back against the walls of the carriage, until she’s laughing breathlessly into his mouth. It’s his favorite sound, one he much prefers to her worrying. He pulls back but doesn’t go far, settling his forehead against Elain’s. Even in the low light, it gives him the perfect opportunity to count every eyelash where they kiss her skin, to count every freckle dotted across her cheeks. She reaches a hand up between them, fingers gently tucking the strands of his hair behind his ear.

“Lucien Spellcleaver, you are something else.”

“And you are everything, Elain Spellcleaver.”

—

Taglist (let me know if you’d like to be added or removed): @moodymelanist @nesquik-arccheron @sv0430 @talkfantasytome @bookstantrash @eirini-thaleia @ubigaia @fromthelibraryofemilyj @luivagr-blog @lifeisntafantasy @superspiritfestival @hiimheresworld @marigold-morelli @sweet-pea1 @emeriethevalkyriegirl @pyxxie @dustjacketmusings @hallway5 @dongjunma @glowing-stick-generation @melonsfantasyworld @isterofimias @goddess-aelin @melphss @theladystardust @a-trifling-matter @blueunoias @kookskoocie @wolfnesta @blurredlamplight @hereforthenessian @skaixo @jmoonjones @burningsnowleopard @whyisaravenlike-awritingdesk @ofduskanddreams @rarephloxes @thelovelymadone @books-books-books4ever @tenaciousdiplomatloverprune @that-little-red-head @readergalaxy @thesnugglingduck @kale-theteaqueen @tarquindaddy @superflurry @bri-loves-sunflowers @lady-winter-sunrise

[starsreminisce]

It can be quite challenging to justify the notion that Elain's initial discomfort with Lucien is a valid reason to dismiss the potential of Elucien's relationship. It seems evident that SJM is guiding them toward a trope that many people find appealing. This aligns with the polite "I-don't-want-to-deal-with-you" vibe reminiscent of "Pride and Prejudice" and the current surge of interest in regency romance.

It's a regency setting, and SJM is purposefully placing them in a popular trope. SJM emphasizes that Lucien is a High Lord's son and that Elain enjoyed being a part of High Society until it was taken from her.

This discomfort is set up for a potential twist, much like when Darcy asked Mr. Bennet for Elizabeth's hand in marriage, which surprised many of her family, including her.

Elain as Darcy and Lucien as Elizabeth. It’ll be the mating bond instead of the proposal.

Continuing where they left off at the end of ACOWAR, with Elain blurted to Lucien to live in Velaris and him agreeing, wouldn't create the gripping, tension-filled, and angst-ridden story that many fans crave.

Lucien has shown that he can walk away from more challenging situations and manage his instincts, making it perplexing why Elain hasn't rejected the bond.

Lucien has given Elain plenty of chances to do so, all while maintaining a respectful distance to allow her to make a decision without pressure.

The argument that "she's uncomfortable with him" is invalidated when considering the other couples in the TOG, Feysand, Nessian, and Quinlar, all of whom had uncertain or rockier starts.

We understand the reasons why Elain and Azriel are intentionally avoiding each other, and we know it's a choice they've made.

However, the mystery lies in why Elain and Lucien are keeping their distance. This appears to be a deliberate decision on the part of the author and she has planned an entire book to explore and explain this particular aspect of their relationship.

Considering the content available in the book accessible to the general public, it's apparent that Lucien continues to regard Elain with longing, even when he attempts to conceal his feelings. His decision to attend Starfall, which Elain would also be attending, three months after the Solstice implies that she's not so uncomfortable in his presence as to avoid being around him entirely.

[ofduskanddreams]

A Drabble Game, to celebrate 600 followers ♡

NO LONGER ACCEPTING REQUESTS :)

First, let me say how grateful I am for all of you. When I joined the fandom a year and some months ago, I never imagined that I would become part of such a vibrant community. It's been a great time, thank you.

To give something back to all of you, I made this game. The rules are simple:

➀ Choose a Pairing*

Azris ✦ Gwynriel ✦ Nessian ✦ Feysand ✦ Elucien ✦ Gwynlain ✦ Emorie ✦ Morlain ✦ Helion x LoA

*for non-shipping drabbles, feel free to request characters that do not appear on the pairings list but please make sure that at least one of the characters from the pairings above is included in your request. I'm also more than happy to write poly ships involving the characters above—just ask.

➁ Pick a Setting

Canon ⁓ or ⁓ Alternate Universe

AU Options: Modern AU ✦ College AU ✦ Regency AU ✦ Werewolves and/or Vampires AU ✦ A/B/O ✦ Royalty AU (these are just what I feel most comfortable writing on short notice)

➂ Drop your choices in my ask box and include at least a few sentences detailing the request.

Need some inspiration? Check out this masterlist of writing prompts by @creativepromptsforwriting.

Given the occasion, my target length is 600 words for each drabble request that lands in my inbox. For the sake of this game, let's keep things relatively PG-13 in the spice department. Also, I will not be killing any characters (unless you make a very good case for it or it's a canon baddie.) I'll accept requests through Sunday, July 30th and I will begin writing drabbles as soon as requests start coming in :)

Knowing myself, there is a good chance that some of these drabbles will be longer than 600 words but I will attempt to keep myself within the limits I've set. I'll do my best to fulfill every request in roughly the same order I receive them. I look forward to seeing what you guys come up with. Thank you again 💕

[shallyne]

All Our Lives - Feysand Writing Circle

Hello,

I'm Shallyne and a few days ago I posted that I'd like to create a Feysand Writing Circle, and I'd like to a explain a few things.

How did this idea form?

A few months ago, I posted a little poem for an incoming fic called "All Our Lives" but maybe some of you realized I didn't continue this idea. The reason wasn't that I disliked the idea then but I had so many ideas and the overall idea has so much potential and my brain created half a fic and then jumped to the next idea. A few weeks ago I started playing with the idea to start a writing circle and when I stumbled upon All Our Lives again, I thought this was an amazing opportunity.

What is the original idea of All Our Lives?

The original idea was to create a fanfiction which chapters were pretty much just oneshots. Every chapter is Feysand in a different universe. The idea was that all the oneshots are Feyre and Rhysand in a different lifetime, their souls always finding back to each other.

How can I participate in this Writing Circle?

You got an idea and want your story to be part of the All Our Lives writing circle? That's amazing, I'm so glad! It's not hard, you just click on the title of this post or -> here <- and you will be transferred to the AO3 Feysand Writing Circle collection. There you can add your fic to the collection.

But you don't have an AO3 account or want to stay anonym? This is not a problem at all! You can send me your fic in my ask box or send me a message here on Tumblr, where I will give you my email-address to send me your fic. I will then post it on my account but of course I will mention you, or say that it was send by an anon, to post.

What are the rules?

The rules are simple!

Every fanfiction in this Writing Circle will be a oneshot

There is no time limit

The word count is up to you

Every oneshot will play in a different universe

Stay respectful to other participants! You don't have to like every idea but that doesn't mean you need to tell them.

What do you mean with "universe"?

When I say different universe I mean that the fics are supposed to play outside of the canon acotar universe. You are free to chose from almost any universe, as long as it's not harmful to any group of people. For example: Book Universes (Throne of glass, Howls Moving Castle, Classics, Shatter Me, The Cruel Prince, etc.,), Show and Movie Universes (MCU, Gilmore Girls, Peaky Blinders, Burlesque, 50 first dates, Back to the Future, Wizard of Oz, etc.,), different time periods (Medieval, the Renaissance, Victorian, ancient Greece) or decades (20's, 50''s, 60's, 80's, 90's 00's), or even universes that you don't have a name for but so not play in the canon acotar universe (Modern AU, Regency AU, Angels, Demons, Mermaids, etc.,)

What is not allowed?

Canon acotar Universe

Multichapters

Another main couple (see something else?)

Something else?

Yes! So, you can include every other character, from the acotar or SJM universe, and any other ship but the main couple will always be Feysand. The whole story is about them and finding each other in all their lives, so writing around another couple would be pointless for this Writing Circle.

When will the Writing Circle begin?

Technically, you can already post whenever your ready. I would not take your fic down if you want to do that, it's allowed but if you want a direct date, I'd like June 1st as a starting date

I can't tell you when I will be able to contribute but I will be so excited to see your fics, my friends! Everyone is welcome and I hope you will participate!

Your question wasn't answered yet?

Then please don't shy away from sending me an ask or send me a message so we can find an answer

You can always find this post linked on my pinned post

[shadowqueenjude]

I was tagged in this game a long time ago by @positivelyruined

Things you'd like to know about fellow writers:

Last book I read: last book I FINISHED was House of Flame and Shadow. Currently we're struggling through The Cruel Prince.

Greatest literary inspirations: Suzanne Collins, Rick Riordan, JK Rowling, and Jane Austen (please note this is ONLY for their writing, not their beliefs outside of their works)

Things in my fandom that I want to read but I don't want to write: honestly having trouble writing long fics these days, have been sticking to one-shots, but Nesta having a relationship with Ember and Bryce and Tamlin slowly recovering from his trauma post-ACOSF are top of the list. Why I want to read this? I think Nesta could benefit a lot from having a good mother in her life; her life was molded by her abusive mother, and she has so few people in her life who stand up for her. And Bryce humbling the shit out of everyone IC and being Ember's daughter? Bestie potential fr. Tamlin recovering from his trauma post-ACOSF? Because I think he has been done dirty by SJM and I would like to feel his struggles first-hand. I don't feel like I'm qualified enough to write about this though (not the skill of my writing, but it's a heavy topic). Also, I have too many WIPs.

Things in my current fandom that I want to write about but I don't think anyone will be interested but me: honestly i THOUGHT my Azriel-Beron mating bond idea would be unpopular, but it is getting a SURPRISING amount of traction recently so guess who's writing it for sjmvillainweek???

You can recognize my writing by: I'm a very emotional writer first and foremost; I like writing emotionally charged scenes and allowing you inside the character's head so you can really see how powerful their emotions are.

My most controversial takes:

Some time ago I would've said it's that Feysand-Nessian-Elriel are the absolute worst ships in the fandom, but I don't think that's a controversial take anymore; the people are realizing.

So maybe my most controversial takes are:

Azriel ain't all that, he is infantilized too much by the pro and anti side of this fandom and it's ridiculous that he gets so much love for literally doing nothing. He's like that mediocre guy who nobody expects shit from so the one time he actually DOES do stuff he is treated like a celebrity. He is whiny when most of his problems are self-made, which is highly irritating. He's a total creep and he's got a LONG way to go before he is in any way worthy of Gwyn.

Tamlin should no longer be a High Lord. I was honestly surprised this was such a controversial take, but I think I've surrounded myself with loads of pro-Tamlins. Obviously I want him to ensure the future of Spring before he abdicates, but being a High Lord is something that truly made him miserable, especially as of ACOSF. We might not have been having this conversation had he remained as he was in book 1, but the truth is he is no longer the same guy he once was and I simply don't see how SJM is going to bring him back. I'd rather he live in peace than be SJM's plaything.

Favorite tropes:

Black cat girlfriend-golden retriever/doberman boyfriend

Literally anything regency-related

Forced Proximity, rivals to lovers (enemies to lovers is a bit much for me I think)

Current writing mood: 5 because I can write loads of short snippets but actually putting together a story is rough for me rn

Fandom frustration:

Honestly, fandom hierarchies. Some people are obsessed with follower count and catering their content to appeal to a wider audience and while I think that's fine to an extent, we have people trying to lord themselves over others because they have a couple hundred more followers. Like...at the end of the day, we're all just fucking nerds, tf do you mean you think you're superior?

Also, butting into the opposing side of the fandom. Like, it's different if a post asks for friendly discourse, but when the post is clearly not meant for you, why tf are you trying to make your opinion known? Know when your opinion is wanted.

Also the current threat to fanfiction. Stop trying to buy and sell fanfic tf? We write this shit for free.

Everyone has probably already done this, but...

Tagging: @crazy-ache @sonics-atelier @simmanin anyone who wants to do it!