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chairofchaos · 6 months ago

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Letters of Love: Part I

Pairing: Azriel x Eris

Summary: “The love story of Eris and Azriel Vanserra is a tale for the ages. Their story is best told through their letters to one another and their family in the first year of their mated union. In this new newest edition, their letters are joined by excerpts of Eris Vanserra’s journal entries, as newly released by the Vanserra family.” - from the summary, “Letters of Love”

A work in which Eris and Azriel’s slightly tumultuous love story is explored through interviews, letters, and journal entries.

Rating: Explicit (not in this chapter so much, but in later parts definitely)

Word Count: 8.5k (roughly)

A/N: Got an idea, had a breakdown, bon appetit! We’ll call this my contribution to @azrisweek for Contact Day. If formatting is messy, it’s because I wrote and edited this entire thing on mobile in the span of 24 hours.

A HUGE thank you must be extended to @ninthcircleofprythian, to whom I dedicate this part of Letters of Love. This is entirely owed to her ideas. Thank you especially for accepting my all-caps freak outs that have spawned 8,500-odd words in the last 24 hours. I couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you for your ideas, and your support of my insanity. Enjoy, have a gold star, and enjoy the extra thousand words of Eris’ journal at the end!

Letter from the Editor

Eris and Azriel Vanserra, the famed High Lords of Autumn, were not always the lockstep, solid foundations we now think them to be. This new edition of Letters of Love is the story of two great tacticians, strategists, and politicians from two previously antagonistic courts, and their journey from enmity to long-lasting marriage. The new inclusion of journal entries recently released by the Vanserra family adds a new dimension of personal thoughts by the Heir of Autumn.

The compilation of letters and anecdotes contained herein were requested by Eris Vanserra toward the end of his life. He wished to have something to pass on to his children as a reminder of the great love that he and Azriel had shared, and all that had transpired in the first year of their life together. It is no doubt that the volume was also of some comfort to him at the end of his life. The loss of his mate some hundred years earlier had significantly weakened the Vanserra heir. Their three children acknowledged after Eris’ passing that the loss of Azriel had been one from which their father never truly recovered.

Other volumes will contain details of the years following their mating ceremony and the immediate challenges they faced upon being mated, but it is this one that their eldest son Carmine assembled at his father’s request. The letters, generously provided by the courts of Autumn, Night, and Day, continue to paint a vivid picture of the High Lords in the tumultuous years following the war with Hybern, the birth of the Cauldron-born Archeron High Ladies and their own mates, and the defeat of Koschei. It was in that final conflict with Koschei that Eris Vanserra became High Lord of Autumn. Whether it was a blow dealt by the heir or by the death god himself, we will leave to you to decide, as its relevance to the subject matter contained within is only passing.

It is our hope that this new edition of Letters of Love is as enthralling as the ones which have come before. May your fires be warm, and your shadows a comfort.

***

Introduction from the First Edition

By Carmine Vanserra

Dear Reader,

Within the pages you hold are the proof of my fathers’ love for each other. Their life together was a happy one, though it was frequently troubled. It is no secret that for a great many centuries they were no more friendly than two bucks fighting over some perceived slight in the forest. The love that grew between them with maturity and age gave significant weight to that excellent phrase of Ms. Sellyn Drake: “The line between hated and love is a fine one, indeed.”

I would be remiss not to acknowledge the origins of this book. It was my father, Eris Vanserra, who requested its compilation just three years before his death. Greatly weakened by the loss of his mate some years before, he found himself more prone to reminiscing about the events of life. The love he had for my father Azriel was, to him, the greatest of all the happenings in a centuries-long life. It was their story which was told to my siblings and I at bedtime; their tales of misadventures and romance which in turn encouraged our own hearts to love.

Despite these joys, the truth must out. Their life was not always a happy one. This small volume tells but one fragment of their story. Perhaps other writers and historians will have opportunities to explore the full history of their life. It will not be me. This assignment, which my father set me to centuries ago, inspired a great many works and my own life’s work of the exploration of the true romances of history. It was this initial work which inspired the birth of my own publishing house, Leaf Bridge, and to write my many books. I would find it the greatest personal failing if, as I now depart from the ink scented office of my printing house, I did not publish the work which inspired this building and the work we do in it.

With the full consent and understanding of my siblings and other relevant parties, I am thankful to offer you at last the full story of my fathers’ love.

I must extend my gratitude to Lord Nyx Moonbeam, whose initial hesitation easily gave way to understanding and even joy upon hearing what we sought to do with this published edition. Nyx, my most beloved friend and confidant: as these letters and this story have graced our personal libraries and lives for centuries, I hope it will so grace the homes and hearths of your court. May it bring them the same joy and richness of life that it brought us.

I must thank also my cousin, Lady Flora, whose permission of access to the libraries and records of Day Court has been indispensable. I am especially sorry that your mother did not live to see the volume in its published format, as she was instrumental in the early research and saving of the letters contained within. It is very likely she saw me write this letter some time ago. Only she could know, so thank you, Aunt Elain.

One last thank you to the living must be extended to my eldest sister. Lady Arbora, without your arduous notes, Symphonia recordings, and truly obsessive nature for details of the smallest order, we would have no record of many of Papa’s thoughts and feelings of these early years. The transcripts of your thorough interrogations of both Father and Papa made it possible for this volume to tell a complete story using their words. Annoying as I may have found your obsession when we were young, I now realize that we all owe you the deepest debt of gratitude, and none more than I.

To the deceased: Aunt Feyre, Uncle Rhysand, Uncle Lucien, Aunt Elain, Aunt Nesta, Uncle Cassian, my brother, Ash, and to all of those whose names have been forgotten to time and ignorance, we the living offer you our heartfelt gratitude for all you made possible for Eris and Azriel.

Eris and Azriel, my fathers. To you, we offer the greatest debt of thanks. May this collection bring you honor and peace.

***

LETTERS OF LOVE

Day One

Letters:

Dear Lord Eris,

You are cordially invited to visit Rhysand and I at our home in Velaris this week-end. There will be a small tour of the city, if you wish it. Dinner will be provided. Please arrive at 4.

Sincerely yours,

Lady Feyre

***

Dear Lady Feyre,

I look forward to attending. What further details can you provide? And please, stop calling me Lord.

Sincerely,

Eris Vanserra

***

Transcript from Interview:

Arbora: What did Aunt Feyre say when you asked her that?

Eris (amused): Arbora, I have told this story before.

Arbora: It’s not funny, Father.

Azriel: It’s a little funny, sweetheart. Go on, Ere.

Eris: Well, she told me that dinner would be at 6 in the River House. It would be my first visit where I was allowed to see where your aunt, uncle, and cousin actually lived.

Arbora: That would be Uncle Rhysand, Aunt Feyre, and Nyx.

Eris: Yes.

Arbora: Anything else?

Eris: Yes. She let me know that Cassian and Nesta would be out of town, though Azriel would likely be in attendance along with their immediate family. She also provided some details about where exactly to winnow, though I can’t say I really remember those.

Azriel: You were to winnow to the outskirts of Velaris near the base of the House of Wind stairs. Rhys was supposed to bring you the rest of the way. I changed it to see how you would react.

Eris: I’m sure you’re right.

Together, Azriel (normally) & Arbora (mockingly): I usually am.

[all laugh]

Azriel [with affection]: Smartass.

Arbora: Sorry, Papa.

Eris: We love you. Though that’s all the time we have for tonight, I’m afraid.

[End Interview]

Day Two

Letters:

Dear Azriel,

I’m sorry for writing, though I will admit I was hesitant to wake you. My powers are drained, as are Rhys’. We’re fine here, but we’re going to need to do some more work in Windhaven before returning and I doubt we will be home in time for dinner. It’s unfortunate, since Eris is expected, but Rhys and I don’t want to share with him exactly what’s going on.

Will you take over the dinner? Nuala and Cerridwen have the meal fully in hand. He’s to winnow to the base of the House of Wind, though you could write to him with other arrangements. I also offered him a tour of the city, which I planned to do myself. Perhaps the Rainbow would be a safe bet?

I don’t want to put you under any stress. Delegate your other things, please. We’d like this relationship to continue between Night and Autumn, so consider this your top priority until the end of the night.

Thank you, Az.

Love,

Feyre

***

Dear Feyre,

Not to sound too much like your son, but, do I absolutely have to? Will it be just the two of us for dinner? You do remember the first time you saw Eris and I go at each other’s throats, yes?

Love (though I’m not happy about this),

***

Dear Azriel,

You do sound remarkably like Nyx when you ask things like that. Though it could be said he sounds a bit like his father, though don’t tell Rhys I said that.

Yes, it will just be the two of you. Nesta and Cassian are still on the continent. Amren’s visit with Varian began today, and since they haven’t seen each other in a month, I would suggest avoiding the apartment at all costs. I’m not sure why you would care for her backup with Eris, but just in case you were desperate? Don’t go to her. Everyone else is here, as you know, and very needed. If it wasn’t for Eris coming, I’d have you here, too. As I said, Nuala and Cerridwen are taking care of the meal, so you’ll just need to handle the tour and making sure you’re back in time for dinner.

I remember that meeting well, thank you. Do me a favor and let’s try not to have a repeat. I promise you a huge favor when we get back. Name the price. I’ll even see if I can get Rhys to leave Nyx in your care for a day without interruption. Exercises in trust, and all. Speaking of, let’s attempt to not repeat history. Please keep in mind the importance of this visit for the relations between our court and Autumn.

With love, even when you aren’t happy with me,

Feyre

P.S. - Brother, I owe you. Though I can’t say I’ll hand over my son for a whole day, no matter how much I love and trust you. I love him more. I’d miss him. Be civil. Send us a report once it’s over. And whatever you do, don’t hit him first. - Rhys

***

Dear High Lord and High Lady,

It is with great pleasure- fuck it I’m not writing this formally. You both know I don’t like writing these. If you hate it, give the writing job to someone else. I’ll train them if it means I don’t have to do this anymore.

I changed the location of pickup to see how he would react. It didn’t seem to bother him one bit. Probably because he knew I was just trying to annoy him a bit. I picked him up at the border of Night instead, and teleported him to the River House. I figured we could start a tour from there.

From the River, we walked through all four palaces. I gave explanations of why they were called what they were, and their wares. He called the bridges “unique” and “beautiful,” and couldn’t seem to stop staring at the cliffs. He seemed almost enamored with them.

He had very little to say about Velaris otherwise, though he asked any shopkeeper we came across questions about their wares or other things to engage them in conversation. He almost seemed like he was genuinely curious. He bought one or two little things in the Rainbow.

Dinner was uncomfortable. With just the two of us, the River House dining room felt opulent, but we persisted. We kept conversation to a minimum. Nuala and Cerridwen excelled, as usual, and he spoke to them briefly following the meal, in which he sang their praises.

When dinner had finished, I offered him a look at the portraits in the main hall or the gardens outside. He chose portraits, so I let him wander the entryway. He stared at them. For some reason, mine seemed to be of particular interest. Feyre, it occurred to me that he may actually make a good subject for a portrait if relations are ever good enough and you could convince him to sit for you. My shadows had nothing to say in his favor or to his detriment, though they did seem to like swirling around his chair during dinner.

I took him outside the city again, and he winnowed home. Nothing notable. He seemed peaceful. He didn’t mention your absence- thank you for not leaving that explanation to me.

I’ll see you soon.

Azriel

***

Dear Azriel,

Thank you for the visit today. It was delightful to see the city in the evening, and to be able to walk its streets for the first time. Please extend my thanks to Rhysand and Feyre. Their home is lovely, fitting for a city like Velaris. It truly is, as my brother said, a Court of Dreams. I am grateful to have been able to experience all of its beauty in the evening light.

Thank you also for your courtesy in sharing the history of the the city and the previously secret history of the Night Court. It was a privilege to hear, especially since you clearly have extensive knowledge on the matter.

Sincerely,

Eris Vanserra

***

Lucien,

I have a matter of urgency to discuss with you. Please come tomorrow morning.

Eris

***

Eris,

My mate is days away from giving birth. Forgive me this frankness, but I’m not leaving her for a minute and I don’t want you here until this is all over. Write to me instead. Whatever it is can’t be that bad or you would have just showed up.

Lucien

***

Lucien,

I had a visit to Velaris yesterday. It went perfectly, from a diplomatic standpoint, though the only one present was Azriel. Everyone else had been called away to an emergency in Windhaven. I received no explanation for the extent, or the nature of the issue, but I believe it to be extensive. I was invited to explore the city. Azriel was beside me, or close behind, through the whole city. To his credit, he spoke well of the city and its history.

At one point, I was in awe of the cliffs and mountains- you’ve been there, so you know how impressive they are. The way the city is built into the hills is truly incredible. I was looking up while walking, and I tripped on a cobblestone. (I wouldn’t tell you that unless it was incredibly important, and trust that given the circumstances, you will never mention it again.) Azriel caught me by the wrist and the upper arm and hoisted me straight again.

I cannot believe what I am about to say, but I believe Azriel is my mate. The second his hand was on mine, I felt a tug in my sternum pulling me towards him. He gave no indication he felt it.

Luc, my hand burned when I pulled away from him. It was like his hand had lit me on fire- and not the kind that can be controlled, not even by us. I had to flex it to get the feeling to go away even a little. It grew in awkwardness from there. I had the good fortune to be able to hold my tongue, unlike you, so if I hid it well, he won’t know.

I do not know what to do. Please, I have never asked you for anything more valuable to me than this.

Eris

***

Eris,

Elain says to come over. We have tea. Apparently babies like drama too. Helion is aware you’re coming, but not why. Pack a bag so you can stay the night. And Elain says to be nice to me or she’ll tell you something horrible that may or may not be true.

Lucien

***

Luc,

I’ll be there in ten minutes. Please ask your mate to never do that again. The last horror was enough to keep me awake for two days.

Eris

Transcript from Interview:

Azriel: The shadows brought me the letter. At the time, the standard was for one or two of them to place letters on the counter for me to deal with them. But this one, not marked as urgent or hasty, arrived in the morning the day after Fath - I mean, Eris, had visited Night.

The shadows had brought me his letter from the night before as well. I chalked it up to it being a professional correspondence and after reading it, sent it to Rhys and Feyre to pass on his gratitude at their hospitality and the loveliness of their home. The shadows did seem uncharacteristically eager.

[End Interview]

Day Three

Letters, Part I:

Dear Azriel,

You are invited to join me in Autumn this afternoon at 3 for a tour of my orchard, with dinner to follow. The orchard is the source of the fruits for the cider you enjoyed on your last visit. I thought you may enjoy seeing it, and wanted to return the hospitality you offered me in Velaris.

Please let me know if you are able to come.

Sincerely,

Eris Vanserra

***

Dear Eris,

Thank you for the invitation. I will come.

Sincerely,

Azriel

***

Rhys,

I’ve been invited to Autumn for a tour of Eris’ orchard. I accepted because I knew you would tell me to. I’ll be gone this evening.

Azriel

***

Azriel,

Good. Keep us updated. And please wear something nicer than leathers.

Rhys

***

Rhys,

I have just returned from Autumn. You’ll be pleased to know I wore sensible boots with a nicer pair of pants and a crisp white shirt. Not that it really matters.

I have no words for what happened. Please understand this is only being sent to you because I may have royally fucked up and wanted you to know in case it affects court relations.

I went to join Eris for the tour of the orchard. It was exceptional. Beautiful. Well organized. We were walking side by side down the rows. Eris was explaining the trees, the cultivation of their apples, and the importance of keeping the varieties separated. We moved into a neighboring field with smaller trees, and the rows were closer together. It got so narrow I moved to let Eris walk in front and his hand brushed mine. Well, really his signet ring brushed my hand, and I jolted and almost fell into one of the trees.

Rhys. I don’t even know what to say but… it felt good. It felt like warmth wrapped around my heart and PULLED. I don’t know how else to explain it. I didn’t know what to do. I balked and immediately shot into the air then let my shadows carry me back here. I don’t think I know what to do. Fuck, I said I wanted a mating bond. This feels like a cruel joke.

But what if there’s a reason? What if it’s good? What if I just ran and fucked things up so badly that he never wants to speak to me again? I don’t even know if he noticed what made me run- he didn’t look surprised. He just looked stoic, even as he watched me fly away.

What the fuck do I do? Why HIM? I don’t know where to go from here. I’m sorry if this creates problems for you.

Azriel

***

Azriel,

Unfortunately, you have to go fix this. I don’t know what he felt, whether he felt it or not. I care, but as High Lord, you know I can’t put this over the court relations. You abruptly leaving a diplomatic exchange is something I can’t explain away or excuse. Go fix it. Tomorrow at the latest. We’ve spent years working with Eris in order to improve our relations. I’m sorry, Azriel, but I cannot allow this, no matter how personal, to interfere with that tenuous bond.

Rhys

***

Azriel,

Rhys shared your letter with me. I helped him write his letter, but wanted to add a few things. Do what he said though. I agree we need this connection of courts. You will need to address this.

To the personal aspect: I won’t say congratulations, though I can’t say I’m entirely surprised. Nesta is always commenting on how the line between love and hate is razor thin or something of that nature. I think it’s a quote from one of her books. It’s proved to be true a few times, I think.

Azriel, you have to try. If the Cauldron thinks Eris is the best one for you, you owe it to yourself to try. You’ve frequently noted to Rhys and I how happy we all are. Offer yourself that same chance. If you don’t try, you will likely come to regret it. I hope you will go to him, not just to fix things for us, but to see for yourself if there is the chance of affection and love.

All my love,

Feyre

***

Feyre,

Tell Rhys I’ll go. After all the things I’ve said to Eris, how could he love me? How could he forgive me that? I cannot see how it would be possible. I will fix what I can. I also won’t pretend to have any hope here.

Azriel

***

Azriel,

You do remember how my courtship with Rhys started? I despised him. I hit him over the head with a shoe. He had done things with and to me under the mountain that he regretted deeply. We got over it. If we could, so can you two. I also notice that you are concerned only with what you have done, not what Eris has done to you. From my understanding, your relationship to this point has been equally antagonistic. I wonder if he may be having the same self-deprecating thoughts?

Feyre

***

Feyre,

Yes, I remember. But throwing a shoe at someone is a little different than telling someone you have proof of his efforts to kill his father and you won’t hesitate to use it if it means Beron removes Eris from the equation. Not to mention the knowledge that I threatened him with exposing his mother’s affair with Helion if he stepped out of line not long after that.There’s no coming back from something like that.

Azriel

***

Az,

All you can do is try. Go. Fix it. You can do this.

Feyre

***

Lucien,

He found out. We were walking to the dinner table- I hadn’t mentioned the bond yet, or that we’d eat dinner in the orchard. Our hands brushed and it must have snapped for him. He nearly took out one of the trees. I think if he hadn’t stabilized himself with his wings he would have.

He flew away. I’ve never seen such a look of panic on his face. One or two of his shadows lingered reluctantly- I wonder what they know, if their will is separate from their master’s or if there was some part of him that wanted to stay and that will kept them there a moment or two longer. He glanced over his shoulder as he left. I couldn’t even see his face.

Regardless, he is gone. I don’t expect him back. I can’t push him to return. I can’t imagine after these years of enmity that he would bother. I can’t even blame him for it. We’ve said despicable things to one another. I’ve threatened his family more times than I can count. I’ve dressed his brothers down publicly, decade after decade, sometimes to their faces, sometimes behind their backs. It’s a tenuous starting point for even court relations, let alone a mating bond.

I cannot imagine that this would work.

Eris

***

Eris,

Elain says you deserve to try. I am inclined to agree. You meant to talk to him, so invite him, clearly this time. Clear intentions. You do still have dinner on the table, don’t you? You never ate well when you were nervous.

Lucien

***

Lucien (and Elain, apparently),

I suppose it can’t hurt. He’ll probably show up at some point anyways. Might as well try to temper the reaction however I can.

Eris

***

Dear Azriel,

I am writing to inform you that I was aware of the revelation you have just experienced. The bond snapped for me yesterday when you kept me from falling in Velaris. I wasn’t sure how you would react, or if there was any possibility of affection. I also knew it would be easier for you to leave from here, as you just did, than it would be for me to walk out of Night without you.

If you would like to discuss this, I will be in the orchard. I had planned to share what I knew with you at dinner, and had dinner waiting on the table here in the orchard. It is just a few rows away from where we were. If you would like to join me to discuss this, I will be here until midnight. If you decide to join me some other day, please write first. I’d prefer to have this conversation in private, to allow us to speak freely without concern of courts or politic.

If I may be so bold, I hope you will come.

Yours,

Eris

Entry from the Journal of Eris Vanserra:

He left. I hadn’t realized how hopeful I was until he was flying away. I couldn’t see his face except in that one last glance over his shoulder- not granting me even one last look at the beauty contained within. It was too much to hope for. I suppose 24 hours of hope is all I could have hoped for. I’m sitting at the table now, wishing he was across from me. Lucien was right. I haven’t touched a bite. I feel too sick to even try.

It was foolish of me to dream of him last night. I stood on the balcony before I even retired, thinking of the way he had looked at me before he realized. Did he notice the unguarded open stares I couldn’t help but look at him with?

I can’t say it hadn’t occurred to me before: the way he might look leaning in to kiss me, the way he would have held me. It is not a possibility I had even considered until last night.

Last night, walking in Velaris, it was all I could do to focus on the people around us, the city noises. He was beside me, calm and less menacing than usual. He was a good guide. He knew the answers to every question I had. But the bond snapped and I found that I wasn’t surprised at all. I hadn’t realized how much affection had grown on my part in these last years, how much I admired the way he is.

If walking around Velaris was hard, dinner was agony. I could look across the table and see him, see his shadows swirling around him. I could feel them watching me, feel them darting around my chair as if they were nervous to get too close. But Azriel seemed calm, unaffected. He hadn’t seemed to notice any change in me.

Lucien convinced me to invite him today. I agreed. I’m going to kill my brother for that. What an idiotic idea. Here I am, alone.

The shadows lingered as Azriel left. They curled in my hair and around my wrists and ankles, and brushed against my cheek. They had never been so brazen with me. They were cool, like little brushes of a breeze against my skin. I can’t bear it. I couldn’t bear it when they disappeared with him. It was a loss I didn’t expect. It hurt more than I have the words for, losing that lingering fragment of him.

I was going to tell him. I didn’t know what else to do. So I’m sitting here at the table where I had hoped to confess. If I had held it in I could imagine the rage he would fly into when he found out. It would not have helped for there to be secrets. Not about this. This table, this entire meal is pointless without him here. It’s no use pretending I’m not breaking at this loss of a chance. The bond is eerily still. I do not dare touch it in case it shatters to pieces.

I will wait. Just like I said. Likely for longer than I said. I don’t know what else to do. I don’t know how to let this go. I just hope he will forgive me for loving-

Transcript from Interview:

Azriel: The note he sent me made it easier to go back. I felt better knowing he knew. Somehow that made it easier than if I had had to break the news to him myself. I didn’t hesitate long after getting it. It was probably half an hour before I got the courage to show up. It was nearing sundown and I didn’t want him to give up.

Arbora: How did you feel?

Azriel: Anxious. Mostly because it could go so sideways for so many reasons. I didn’t know what to expect.

Arbora: Walk me through the evening.

Azriel: I teleported to where I had left from. Since I was right back where I was before, I just had to follow Eris’ footprints through the trees to find where he was. He was sitting with his back to me, scribbling furiously in his journal. I didn’t know that at the time, of course. But I noticed he was writing like it would kill him if he didn’t.

It wasn’t easy to walk up to him. The second he heard me he slammed the journal shut and stood. I don’t think I had ever seen him this disheveled. His hair was unbound, and he looked shocked I had even come.

Arbora: Who spoke first?

Azriel: He did. I didn’t know what to say. He seemed to regain some control and he asked me to sit. I think of the two of us, he was more worried about the personal. I had come with the intention to repair court bonds. He didn’t seem to care about that as much as the personal.

Arbora: How did the conversation go?

Azriel: I think he started. He told me how he had realized. I interjected to talk about-

Arbora: [interjecting] Papa. Details, please.

Azriel: Right. Sorry, sweetheart. [sighs] He explained the way the bond had snapped when I had grabbed him to keep him from falling. He told me he knew it was a surprise, but that he didn’t mind. He started to let me know he didn’t expect anything from me but that he wanted to be clear he was open to exploring it and I just… exploded a little. He seemed too calm, too steady. It was as though he was suppressing everything just to control what he could. It unsettled me.

I couldn’t understand why he didn’t seem interested in talking about what this might mean for his court, and I told him so. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the look he gave me. He hadn’t met my eyes since he started talking, and in hindsight, I think he was probably fidgeting with his jacket cuffs under the table. You know how he does that in meetings when he’s anxious.

But he looked at me, really looked at me. He paused, and just said, “You cannot expect me to put my court first in this conversation. Not when you’re sitting in front of me. Not when I haven’t breathed easily since yesterday.”

It… [lengthy pause] It broke me, a little bit. He had never been so open, so directive in such a vulnerable way. It shook me. I don’t think the night would have gone the way it did if we hadn’t had that moment.

Arbora (quietly): Keep going.

Azriel: He waited while I gathered some thoughts and pieced together a sentence or two, telling him I was sorry I had left the way I did. That I was surprised, and alarmed. I told him what Rhys had said, that I had to come back to mend things between the courts, to repair anything that had been broken. And when I saw how it seemed to hurt him, this implication that I was only there to fix things, I admitted that I had wanted Rhys to force me back.

It was true. I did. I didn’t want to admit it to myself, but if Rhys hadn’t have forced me back I would have run and kept running. But I admitted it to Eris. Somehow it was easier to admit to him than to myself, and to tell him how it scared me because I recognized what a monumental thing this was. It must have been the right thing to say, because he looked more relieved than hurt after that.

He asked me frankly if I wanted the bond. I told him honestly that I thought I did, but also that I was nervous about what it may mean. I asked him if he wanted it, and he just pursed his lips and looked away. I waited him out. I thought it was the only way he would answer me. But he didn’t, verbally.

Instead, he shoved about a million emotions down the bond- relief, anger, pain, desperation, sadness. So much sadness. It wasn’t mournful, it was more… desperate. He’ll hate that I said it that way, but that’s what it felt like to me. It was agonizing, to sit there, feeling what he was feeling. I was taken aback by the strength of his emotions, and found my own deepening in kind.

“I want this. I want you,” he finally said. His voice was so quiet, I almost didn’t hear him.

“Are you certain?” I asked him. He said he did, and I think I nodded in response. Your father hardly told me anything after that. He asked me if I was willing to try, to give it a shot. Then he offered me dinner.

I didn’t think about it before accepting. I didn’t even consider that this meal could be acceptance of the bond. I’ve wondered since if he knew what he was doing. He insists he didn’t, but I am not entirely sure I believe him.

Arbora: Would that be something he would have done?

Azriel: It’s not out of the question. I’m sure you’ve noticed your father is a tricky male, Arbora. It’s one of the things I continue to be surprised by- and amused. Make no mistake, I love his trickery. It’s endearing. It always has been, if I am truthful. Something about the way he schemed to make his court a better place…

Anyway, his argument is usually that since he didn’t make the food and he didn’t intend it at the beginning that this would be food to offer as an offer to accept the mating bond that he didn’t even consider what might happen, but I wouldn’t put it past him to have at least hoped.

Arbora: How did you feel when you realized?

Azriel: I felt peaceful. I think that’s what made me realize most of all, that he seemed pleased but surprised, and nervous about what I would say. I just felt peace. It was as though I knew it was right, even in the face of all the challenges it might present.

There’s no denying I’d considered what he would be like before. You’re an adult, I’m going to say this even though it’s a bit… risqué. But I’d considered what it would be like to bed him. And there was always more to that than just fantasy.

Arbora (sarcastically): Thanks for that.

Azriel: No problem. I’ll spare you the details. The realization was like making a breakthrough in training- the way you’ve fought to gain a skill, and then all at once, it clicks and you realize you can do it. It was like that. I didn’t see my feelings until all at once, they were there, big and powerful.

Arbora: Following that realization, what did you do?

Azriel: Arbora, after you just thanked me for holding details you may wish to rephrase that question.

Arbora: Ah- Okay. Um.

Azriel: Don’t worry. I’m teasing. We went to Eris’ private residence. He winnowed us. We took a couple of minutes to just let the people we needed to talk to know that we would be unavailable for the next few days. And we talked. A lot. Admittedly, probably more than most newly mated couples. Though I assume most of them would have had head conversations before hand.

Arbora: What did you talk about?

Azriel: The past. We discussed the things we had said to one another. The insults we had traded and threats we made. We also did typical newly-mated things. Again, I won’t lie to you. You asked for unabridged honesty. So we rotated between bed and living room, dining room for brief meals before sitting on the couch and talking, then moving back to the bedroom. It was six days of torture, because we had so much to talk about but it wasn’t what we really wanted to be talking about or doing, but it was things we had to get out of the way first. We wanted to enjoy it.

Arbora: Can you expand on that?

Azriel: Well, the things we talked about were unpleasant. They were emotional. Highly charged. Occasionally, Eris would step out for an hour, though he swore it was the last thing he wanted to do. With Lucien unavailable to help, he wanted to keep things under control in the court and since he hadn’t given the full reason for his absence, he didn’t want to draw too much attention, so there were a few meetings he said he absolutely couldn’t miss. It was a bit brutal.

Arbora: What was the reasoning behind keeping it quiet?

Azriel: I was spymaster of Night Court. He was High Lord of Autumn, and in the grand scheme of things, relatively recently crowned. Night and Autumn historically did not have a good relationship, and our immediate families had been the poster child for that dysfunction. It could have been a disaster if we had publicly stepped out in those first few months.

Arbora: How did your families take it?

[End Interview]

Letters, Part II:

Feyre,

I’m going to ask you to share this with Rhys. I can’t do it myself. I don’t know how to explain the events of the last 4 hours.

I’m mated to Eris. It was quick, and sudden. I’m happy about it. I need a few days. I won’t disclose anything that could put Night in danger- I hope you both know I would never do that. I’m sure he’ll be equally careful with Autumn. And we’ll need to talk about all of this. I know it complicates things. I’m sorry about that. But I can’t say I’m sorry we’re mated. It wouldn’t be true.

Thank you, and Rhys, for pushing me to come. I’m very grateful that you did.

Love,

Azriel

***

Azriel,

Well. I suppose now I can say: Congratulations! I’m glad you’re happy. I’ll let Rhys write you himself once I tell him. He’s with Cassian now. I’m assuming you’ll want to tell Cassian yourself, so I won’t trouble you with that.

Enjoy your time. I’ll make sure no one bothers you. And say hello to Eris for me.

Love,

Feyre

***

Cassian,

I wanted you to hear it from me. I’d appreciate it if this could stay between us- Rhys and Feyre know, and you can tell Nesta once she promises not to tell the other Valkyries.

I’m mated. It was almost as much a surprise to me as I’m sure it will be to you. My mate is Eris. Yes, that Eris. Yes, I am aware that he is High Lord of Autumn, and that we have had several very public fights. Yes, I do remember what Helion said about “being his new fantasy” and I also remember you teasing me about it afterwards.

I am sure you have about as many questions as I do right now, so let’s just leave it at that for now. I’ll be gone for the next few days. When I come home, I’ll answer as many questions as you want.

Azriel

***

Lucien,

Thank you for your advice these last few days. I’m going to take a few days off. Write if Elain has the baby. I’ll be otherwise occupied, but I’ll come when I can. Azriel and I will be at the Acorn in case of emergencies, but if anyone asks, you have no idea where I am.

Details to follow.

Eris

***

Dear Eris,

You forgot to include me in the salutation again. Don’t forget, I see things you don’t. It’s your duty as my brother-in-law to keep me informed, especially while I’m on bed rest. It doesn’t matter how much I see, I still want to hear every detail from you when you two are done with your little getaway. How you ended up going from pining agony (don’t bother pretending otherwise) to very near mated bliss in three days will be a tale for the ages. And a vespertine confession of feelings? Very romantic.

Lucien says congratulations. I’m sure he’ll write later. Feel free to ignore him. It can be his turn to be ignored, for once. He’s running himself to the ground trying to keep me comfortable when all I really want is to have him next to me until I have this baby. Anyways, tell Azriel we say hello. You’ll have to come for dinner soon and introduce him to the baby. I’m sure he or she will be here by the time you two can make it to us.

Affectionately,

Elain

***

Dear Elain,

I’m assuming you’ll have heard from Lucien, but if you have no idea what I’m talking about, don’t worry. It’s nothing serious.

Love,

Feyre

***

Dear Feyre,

Oh I know very well what you’re talking about. Not to mention, I knew before they did. Pesky stubborn males. I told you to keep Cassian and Nesta away. Aren’t you glad you did?

Elain

***

My tricky sister,

You’re just as bad as them when it comes to being pesky and stubborn. Don’t forget the promises you made me in order to convince me to keep C & N away. Thought I can’t say I’m disappointed with the result. Azriel wrote me- he seems glad.

Love,

Feyre

***

My equally tricky sister,

I won’t forget my promise. You were always going to be a godmother, though, I don’t know why you didn’t consider that I would make you one in the first place. Of course, with Azriel now mated to Eris, the godfather is now up for debate…it might please Lucien for his brother to be involved. (Kidding. That was already decided, too. It’ll just be one more way to keep Eris close and involve him in the family. Be happy. And don’t tell Rhys yet.)

Azriel is more grateful than he has likely let on. Don’t bug him too much if you can help it, and once your powers are recovered, don’t let Rhys egg him on.

Love you more,

Elain

Entry from the Journal of Eris Vanserra:

My god, he is a good lover.

***

Day three since we were mated. I love him. I love him so much. It’s been agonizing, and beautiful. I wish I had known how much I would feel from him down the bond. The bond is alive. It’s spinning, twining us closer at every moment. I told him I had a meeting, which is true. I just am taking ten extra minutes to write, to remember this feeling.

Azriel is everything I hoped my mate would be. Male, for one. But he’s gentle. He’s kind. He’s passionate about his family, and his court. He’s protective of them, too, and already that protectiveness has extended to me.

I went to get a new glass of water last night after he had fallen asleep, and when I turned from the sink, he was standing in the doorway looking concerned as he scanned the room.

“Are you alright?” He asked. His brows were furrowed, and I found myself admiring the wrinkle that made between them. When I nodded, he relaxed, but huffed grumpily. “I was worried when you were gone,” he admitted. He crossed to hold me, pulling me against his bare chest. Azriel apparently likes to be naked. A lot. I don’t mind. Not at all.

I told him I was fine and that I was sorry to have worried him. He just tangled his hands in my hair and pulled my head from his shoulder to kiss me. And what a kiss it was: firm, gentle. Teasing, then sweet. This male is addictive. He should be illegal. And he’s mine. My mate. My love.

I told him yesterday that I had been in love with him for longer than I could say. He admitted he hadn’t acknowledged it until the bond snapped, but part of the reason he ran was because it was forcing him to confront things he already knew. He apologized extensively for the threats, but seemed even more apologetic about the antagonism he had displayed. He blamed it on an abundance of feelings he didn’t know what to do with. I would say that it was a bad excuse, but since it’s the only one I can think of to excuse my own behavior, I said nothing. We always did rile each other more than anyone else.

Still, each conversation, each apology, each remembrance of ways we had wronged each other brought up things we weren’t proud of, and with it, floods of emotions we had to handle. I don’t think either of us were expecting to burst into tears when Azriel confessed how a few months ago, he had started having nightmares about the way he threatened me at that High Lords’ meeting and the look I had in my eyes- “as though you expected it. As if you thought you deserved it,” he said.

We’re falling apart a little bit. But we’re also putting each other back together. That’s not to say I don’t feel awkward half the time. I don’t know him, not really. Every kiss, every whisper of affection comes with the knowledge that I don’t know what his favorite color is (it’s yellow) or that I didn’t even know until this morning that his mother was alive and a part of his life. He wrote her a letter, telling her he would come visit in a couple of weeks. He didn’t mention whether he wanted me to come with him, or if Rhys would even allow me into Night. Frankly, I wouldn’t know if Azriel even knows if he wants me there.

Still, every kiss… When I winnowed us here two days ago, I winnowed us to the outskirts of the Acorn house lawn. He looked at it and understanding rang in his eyes: this was a place I kept quiet. His wings tucked tight into his back as he looked at me, waiting for me to lead. So I did, walking across the lawn as leaves crunched beneath our feet, disturbing the serene silence of our stowaway.

We reached the door, and I found him hovering over my shoulder as I opened the door.

He choked my name, and I spun, worried someone was there, that we would be disturbed before we had even had the chance to know each other. Azriel was looking at me, heat in his eyes. His jaw twitched, and he opened his mouth to say something before slamming it shut again. He looked so beautiful- the darkness of night falling around him, the last hints of light peeking through the leaves and the membranes of his wings.

How had I never noticed how beautiful his wings were? I stared at him openly, admiring him, and found myself thankful for the fact that this male stood with me, on the doorstep of my home. I almost said so, but he moved first.

His hands cradled my head so gently I wondered if he was scared of breaking me, and then he kissed me. His hands didn’t stray as he tilted my head to deepen our kiss, guiding me backwards with little pushes of his chest against my hands (I couldn’t help but let them wander- how he kept it together I have no idea) until we were inside. He pulled back, wild hazel eyes darting between mine as he reached back to close the door without even looking.

I don’t know if it’s the wings that make him so aware of his surroundings. Regardless, his eyes didn’t even leave mine. “May I?” He asked softly. It took me a solid ten seconds to realize his hand had come to settle over the buttons of my shirt. I nodded silently, and he lost no time in removing it, kissing me with renewed vigor.

I could hardly breathe, finding myself completely at a loss for words. Simply kissing him is addictive, but this complete contact, the sounds he made, the slow stroke of his hands down my sides was taking all I had to not collapse completely into him. The loss of his lips from mine was like losing air, like drowning in need. All the while, his desire, his love, poured down the bond. When he pulled my shirt all the way off I nearly died at the way his eyes roamed over me. He reached for my hands, stilling their wandering over his shoulders and back.

His groan and the way he pulled me back into him made me nearly feral, and I didn’t wait for him to protest before I made easy work of removing his shirt. I am sure I was less than gentle. He didn’t seem to care.

And he is a good kisser, but like I said yesterday… he’s a damn good lover.

#azrisweek2024 #azris fanfiction #azris supremacy #azris #azriel spymaster #azriel shadowsinger #eris vanserra #eris x azriel #Vanserra supremacy #Azris week day 3 #Azris fanfic #fictionalchaos #my work #my fanfic #letters of love by chaos #letters of love universe

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chairofchaos · 6 months ago

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Letters of Love: Part II

Pairing: Azriel x Eris

Summary: Azriel and Eris contend with nosy family members and not having enough time together. (If you have not read Part I of Letters, you will not understand what's happening! You can read Part I HERE.)

Rating: Explicit (18+ only. Minors, do not interact)

Word Count: 8.5k

Warnings: 18+ for: Violence typical of ACOTAR canon, graphic depiction of violence, graphic sexual content, language, and if I forgot anything please let me know!

A/N: Well, this one earned that Explicit rating. Due to that: Minors, do not interact. Everyone else: If you want to follow along with this story you can follow the tag "#letters of love by chaos" or request a spot on the taglist.

LETTERS OF LOVE

Part II

Transcript from Interview:

Arbora: What thoughts were running through your head when Azriel flew away from you in the orchard?

Eris: I was certain he was rejecting the bond. Rejecting me. It was agonizing.

Arbora: Were there any specific thoughts you remember?

[A lengthy pause of silence]

Arbora: Father. Answer the question, please.

Eris: Yes, my most beloved daughter. There are a good many thoughts I remember. [Pauses] You want the full truth?

Arbora: Yes. And nothing short of that, please.

Eris: Very well. I was High Lord, in a court with very few to no real friends, falling in love with the spymaster of my reluctant ally. I did not handle it well. I had hoped – foolishly, perhaps – that I would be able to tell him before he realized on his own. I cannot say that was a good plan, because he likely would have punched me and called me a liar, or run away, just as he did when he realized on his own.

I stood there for a number of minutes, watching where he had disappeared. I was a mess, in part because I thought nothing could come of a mating bond I had hated to hope for in the bad times, but had begun to look forward to. The other part was that I had realized that I actually was in love with Azriel. I hated myself, pure and simple, for all of the vitriol I had ever thrown at him. I didn’t ignore that we had said similar things, traded similar insults.

I went into a brief state of mourning. I froze. I watched, and waited, and hoped briefly that this wouldn’t be what happened, that it wouldn’t be the end of the mating bond I had only recently begun to allow myself to hope for. And then I mourned the twenty-four hours where I had begun to hope specifically for the mating bond that Azriel and I had.

Arbora: How well did you know Azriel?

Eris: We worked very closely together during the war against Koschei. It was close quarters. I think your uncle Rhysand was operating under the “keep your friends close and your enemies closer” philosophy, with the addition of “keep the ally you aren’t sure if you trust or not under the watchful eye of your spymaster at all times lest he kill his father at an inconvenient time.” There wasn’t a lot I did without Az when I was on the continent during the short period I was there. Why my father allowed that, I have no idea. I came to know Azriel fairly well. After Beron died, though, I was High Lord of Autumn. Any and all interactions we had were official, and the relationship grew to be distant again.

Arbora: So how did you know you loved him?

Eris: That’s a very good question. If love was easy to explain, I don’t think it would be nearly as powerful. There are admirable traits in a person you love, but they aren’t why you love them. You just do. You can find someone attractive without loving them. You can find aspects of a person you love unattractive, and still love them. Love is its own entity. It’s enigmatic. If I knew how to explain love, my dearest Arbora, I would explain away. But unless - until you experience it… nothing can compare.

Arbora: You wrote him a letter to ask him to come back. What was that like?

Eris: Oh, that was my least favorite part of the entire night. I was dejected. I felt rejected. I hated myself for groveling. I hated myself for letting him know I wanted that chance without knowing exactly how he felt first. It was a vulnerability. It terrified me. Yet I knew it was an important piece. Elain and Lucien were rather insistent. I asked her later if she knew something, but she never said. She did insist I return Lucien’s letter to her, though I’ve never understood it. It was an odd request, though one I obliged happily, given her role in convincing me to try to speak with Azriel.

Arbora: How did you come to accept the mating bond?

Eris: I had had dinner set out in the orchard. It was how I planned to tell Azriel about the bond in the first place, and it was still there, just waiting. With me, I suppose. I figured it would help us to eat. We had to talk about so many things. I had just asked him if he wanted to try. He had said he did. I didn’t think for a minute that it would snap, solidify like that. I hadn’t touched it at all. The staff made the meal; the staff took it out to the orchard. Azriel even served his own plate. I don’t remember if I served my plate or he did. I was too wrapped up in my thoughts and observing him, I think.

Arbora: So you didn’t know it would solidify when you offered him dinner.

Eris: [snorts] Despite what your papa might say, no. I had no idea. Why he thinks I had any control of that, I will never understand.

Arbora: How did you feel when the bond solidified?

Eris: Relieved. I don’t believe you can accidentally accept a mating bond. Still, part of me has wondered in the centuries since if neither of us had really accepted anything at that point. Maybe the Cauldron knew we were both too stubborn to make that last jump without the confirmation that the other was in just as deep as we were.

Your aunts could tell you a bit about human arranged marriages if you asked, and while they can and certainly do go wrong, occasionally great loves have been born from them. It’s not entirely the same thing, but I think without that push for us to talk and get along, we may never have spoken of all the hard things we needed to in order to be together. I’m stubborn. So is Azriel. It’s a fault, at times, and certainly one we share. In this case, we had everything to lose, or everything to gain. We had to choose which way it would go.

Arbora: Once it solidified, you went for a week to the Acorn House. What was that first week like?

Eris: It was beautiful. It was very challenging. We hadn’t gotten the chance to talk about anything. It took us nearly the entire first month talking of the past to be able to start to think about the future. It would have taken much longer if we hadn’t spent that week together, alone. It was wonderful, as well. I’ll spare you the more sensual details, but the intimacy, the getting to know each other truly, as we were at peace and not at war, was the most beautiful thing of all.

[End Interview]

Letters:

Dear Azriel,

Congratulations on the mating bond! I will admit I am surprised, but Feyre said you seemed as grateful as you were perplexed. I’m not entirely sure what to make of that. But she’s happy for you, and since you’ve answered more of her notes than mine recently, I’m going to assume that’s a good sign. And I have to ask- did you two mess around when I had you bunked together? I wonder how I would have missed it, though I suppose there was enough going on that it’s possible.

When you can, come home for a little. I don’t want to push - we’ve divided your responsibilities, and things are still fine, but we should talk about what this means, and also what happened in Windhaven. And I think you should talk to Mor before she finds out from someone else. This may be a blow for her.

Rhys

***

Dear Azriel,

My darling mate has informed me she thinks it’s odd that I would want to use my powers to contact you while you’re likely fucking Vanserra. I haven’t the slightest idea why. I’m going to indulge her for now and stick to the letters.

Anyhow, she also told me to tell you to ignore the last letter I sent, except for the congratulations. In case you haven’t opened it yet, congratulations! Feyre says don’t read it. I hope your joy is as great as she seems to think it is.

Let us know when you think you might get home. You are missed here. If I don’t hear from you soon, I may just have to ignore my mate.

Rhys

P.S. Az, I watched him write this one. I’ll do my best to keep him from bothering you, though you know how tricky that may prove. Don’t worry about us. We love you, even if my petulant mate has a funny way of showing it. - Feyre

***

Dear Eris,

I’m going into labor. Don’t worry about me, or the baby. We’ll both be fine. Lucien may be a bit of a wreck though. I don’t know yet.

I wanted to take one more chance to tell you how happy I am for you. I am so proud of you for writing that letter to Azriel. It’s changed your life. And I hope you’re as happy as I’ve seen you in my visions. Don’t be afraid to cry.

Love, your sister,

Elain

***

Eris,

Elain is in labor. I am finding myself suddenly terrified. She’s assured me it will be fine, and she hasn’t been wrong before. Regardless, I wanted to let you know. If you see this, don’t worry about us. I’m just too tired to pretend to be any more put together than I feel right now.

Lucien

Entry from the Journal of Eris Vanserra:

I’m mortified. I mentioned to Azriel this morning that I enjoyed how much he liked being undressed. He laughed, then blushed a little. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him sheepish. His shadows even ruffled the hair at the back of his neck as if they were trying to cool the skin there.

He admitted after a moment that he isn’t usually this undressed all the time, but that he only had the clothes he wore the night he came to the orchard. I hadn’t even thought of it. I didn’t even notice. But his boxers had been changing (I knew that much anyway) and he noticed my noticing because my gaze had dropped to his boxers he was wearing. He’s been wearing my boxers. Mine. For days. He smirked, and said he was surprised it took me this long to notice. He said he felt fortunate I preferred my boxers on the looser side because they were snug on him, and he’s right. The reason I didn’t recognize them is that, on me, they’re comfortably loose.

On him? They stretch across his ass and thighs like they were made to compress his lower body. We may be the same height, but Az is pure muscle. And the thighs and ass? There’s a reason I didn’t notice the lack of available clothing. I’m too distracted. And I love every minute of it.

But I was mortified, and he noticed, because he didn’t hesitate when I dragged him to my closet and started rifling around for anything that might fit him. Literally, anything. I’ve never damned my love of tailored clothing before, but I did when I realized there was nothing in my entire closet that would fit him. I tried insisting that he go get clothes from home, but he was adamant he wasn’t going anywhere. And then, just for a kicker, he added, (so slyly. Cauldron, I love this asshole mate of mine) “I thought you said you liked my body?” So I dragged him to bed. Again. To show him, once more, just how much I like that body of his.

I need to go buy him some clothes.

Letters:

Dear Eris,

I am writing to let you know that Elain has given birth to our daughter, Flora Andras. They’re both doing very well. As godfather, I wanted you to be the first to know. Elain is writing to Feyre for the same reason. Feel free to tell Azriel. We’d love it if you both came to visit and meet her soon, though we understand if that isn’t possible at the moment. Let us know.

Best,

Lucien

***

Dear Lucien,

Congratulations to Elain and to you! Azriel says congratulations, as well. We are both excited to meet Flora. And your tribute to Andras is rather moving. Well done.

We discussed coming. I don’t think either of us are ready to leave just yet. I’m sure you understand, since you took a good two to three weeks away with your mate a few years ago.

You’re my brother. She’s his sister-in-law. Actually now we’re all related in some way, which is a thought I’d rather not dwell on too long. Still, we don’t think we can show up publicly, at least not yet. If only specific people were coming, or if no one else would be there, we would. If there is a time in a few days, maybe, where we could come and have it be just us, you, Elain, and Flora, that may be ideal. I am looking forward to meeting my goddaughter.

Do me a favor and don’t mention to your sister and her family that we’re intentionally ignoring their letters.

All my love to you, your mate, and your daughter,

Eris

***

Dearest Azriel,

Elain wrote and asked me if we’re sure we can’t come separately. She was hoping I might meet Flora with Feyre, but Feyre is coming with the entire Night Court reticule (minus yourself, of course) and according to her, you wouldn’t be able to escape the excuses made on your behalf to show up for this.

Eris

***

Eris,

Are you writing me notes while you’re in your meeting? This probably could have waited until after.

Azriel

***

Dearest,

Of course I am. I miss you.

Eris

***

Eris,

It’s your court. Far be it from me to tell you what to do in your meetings.

I understand if you want to go. She’s your goddaughter. He’s your brother. Though I must admit, I am loath to be separated from you, especially considering we haven’t had more than a day uninterrupted this entire week.

When you write them again, please tell them again how excited I am.

Love,

Azriel

***

Dearest,

I’m glad you agree ordering me around when we aren’t in the bedroom isn’t the smartest idea in Autumn.

I do want to go, but frankly I’m not sure I would be able to tolerate your absence. Not to mention the fact that you would just be sitting in my home, waiting for me to return. And yes, I’m rather looking forward to being home this weekend.

Did I tell you what your request for me to write congratulations from the both of us did to me? Never mind the “love” at the end of your last note.

Eris

***

Eris,

I’ll leave it up to you. And you didn’t tell me, no. Though I find myself increasingly intrigued.

All my love,

***

Dearest,

Let’s just say the gentle domesticity of writing congratulations from the both of us left me in a state very unbefitting for a High Lord sitting in the meeting he is currently in. I’ll be sure to show you exactly what I mean when I get home.

Love,

Eris

***

Eris,

I’ll be waiting.

Until the end of time,

Eris’ Journal:

Azriel went to fly, to stretch his wings in circles around the Acorn House, and I’m sitting on the stairs watching him swoop overhead. I can’t say I wasn’t disappointed to see him putting on the clothes I bought him yesterday, but him asking me to come watch him with that mischievous joy in his eyes was too beautiful a chance to say ‘no’ to.

This morning, he woke me with all the drowsy, insistent desire I’ve grown accustomed to being woken with. I think these have been some of my favorite moments of the last few days- his hands pulling me closer until our legs are tangled together and I can’t tell whether the vibrating at my throat when he kisses down my body is from his moans or mine. Being with him is like no other sex I’ve had. And I think that’s the difference- sex versus being.

Have I ever been this way before, with anyone? I don’t think I have. Being with him, being loved by him (and also being fucked by him - that’s an experience all it’s own) makes me fall apart just for the chance he will put me back together. He always does. He looks at me, and it’s like he can hear the thoughts in my head (though I know he can’t- he assured me that power is only Rhys’ and Feyre’s when I asked him yesterday) or see the reasons for every choice I make.

When I look at him, I can see him. Really. It’s as though I’m looking at him in a whole new way, in completely different lighting. Which is fair- I’ve never spent this much consecutive time with a male ever, and I’ve seen him morning, noon, night, and midnight for the last three days. I can’t keep my hands off of him, either. I knew his wings were sensitive- but when he showed me exactly where to stroke them this morning, I wasn’t expecting him to come immediately, his perfect control shattered to pieces all over my stomach. He didn’t hesitate to collapse on top of me. He didn’t seem to care that his release was all over my skin, just that he wanted to hold me.

Oh yeah- he’s a cuddler. He’ll kill me if I ever tell anyone, I’m sure. But since the other night when he followed me to the kitchen, I’ve hardly been without his hands on me, or his arms wrapped around my waist. He stepped around me in the hall earlier, tracing his hand along my waist as he did, and I pulled him into the bedroom just for the fire it set in my stomach, my soul. The way he looked when I shoved him backward onto the bed and knelt before him was enough to make me groan. He answered me with a groan of his own as I took him into my mouth. He’s gentle, when he wants to be, but when I squeezed his thigh, and guided his hand to my head, he let go entirely. I’ve never had a male thread his fingers through my hair like Azriel does. Maybe it’s because I never let them. But Azriel…

He tangles his hands in my hair often, mostly when we’re curled together, slumped in a post-sex haze. I don’t know why yet- he just smiled when I asked him what his obsession with it was, and no amount of prompting, or teasing, or begging him to tell me while I stroked him (I’ve tried EVERYTHING) will get him to tell me. Watch it be something mundane, like “It just reminded me of this candy,” and he’s just being stubborn. Regardless, he seems to be enjoying himself.

I was worried about that. We’ve had less hard conversations today, just one as we ate lunch.

I wanted to know what made him accept the bond. He told me he had needed Rhysand to force him back here to even speak to me. I hadn’t told him yet how much that had hurt.

So I did. Then I asked him outright why he accepted, and if he would have come back on his own.

He didn’t take it poorly. He furrowed his brows- when he does that, I die a little bit. Honestly, it shouldn’t be fair for him to be attractive while he broods. Or pouts. Oh, cauldron. That pout is wicked, and he knows it. He woke me yesterday by dragging his teeth from the lobe of my ear to my collarbone and then pressing kisses along my collarbone to my arm. When I grumbled a little bit (no matter how much I love him, I can’t help but be a little grumpy when I wake up) he pulled back, propping himself on an elbow to stare at me with a pout. It made me laugh. He smirked then, as if he already knew that it would get me to give in. And it did. I did. Four times in the span of an hour. I don’t think I knew that was possible.

But he explained. He said the second he flew away, he regretted it. He didn’t think I would be able to forgive him for what he did. He also admitted it was more Feyre’s notes to him (which he promised he would bring from Night to show me one day) telling him if she and Rhysand could get over their many issues that he and I probably could, too. He also said something about having to see me, having to see if there was any inkling that I wanted him in return. He added, softer than I had ever heard his voice, that he would have come back. That he would have come back even if it had been three minutes to midnight and he had had to dive from a mile above me to make it in time to ask me if I could ever forgive him.

I cried when he said that. I couldn’t help it. I just started bawling. I hated it, as I’ve hated every tear I’ve cried these last few days. I hated it until he stood up from his chair and knelt in front of me before burying his face in my stomach. I didn’t realize he was crying too until I felt my shirt getting damp. I told him how sorry I was that I hadn’t been fast enough to tell him before he flew away. He told me he was sorry he had gone in the first place.

It seems we’re going to spend the first week of mated life apologizing for all the things we’ve done wrong. We’ve done a lot of things to each other, and to our families. Every minute is worth the apologies. Az is swooping down to me now. I can see him showing off a little bit, little loops and his shadows flirting with the air around him. I love him. More than I think either of us even know.

Letters:

Dear Azriel,

Congratulations. Cassian shared. Your news is safe for now, though Gwyn and Emerie are wondering why you haven’t checked in on the newest Valkyries-in-training. They all miss you very much, apparently.

I’m not sure if you heard, but Elain had her baby. A little girl. Her name is Flora.

Enjoy your time together. We’ll all see you when you get back.

Nesta

***

Dear Azriel,

We need to talk about this. I want to say congratulations but I want to be sure you’re really happy about this first. You already accepted? I don’t distrust you, Az, but that was a big decision to make in such a short time. Don’t try to lie to me and say you’ve known for a long time, but if you’re happy, I suppose I’ll learn to tolerate him. I am always your brother, no matter what. Just let us know you’re okay.

Cassian

***

Dear Azriel,

I’ve already said congratulations in two other letters. I’ll risk not saying it a third. I was going to stop writing, but you’ve said nothing for six days, so as your High Lord, I am now requesting PROOF OF LIFE. PLEASE. Hopefully you’ll see that, if nothing else. Good grief, brother. Enjoy the frenzy. At least congratulate Elain - she had the baby.

Rhys

***

Dear Elain,

I told you we were all getting concerned?

Well apparently Rhys was more worried than he let on. He snuck off and wrote Azriel this morning asking simply for proof of life. I don’t know if Azriel and Eris have been reading the letters and then ignoring them, or if somehow they just knew this one mattered.

Either way, I was in Rhys’ office with him when a shadow dropped a sloppily folded piece of paper on Rhys’ desk. The shadow disappeared immediately, seeming as though it was angry it had been sent in the first place. I’ve never seen them move this fast. The paper had “I’m alive. Leave us alone” scrawled across it diagonally in what look to be very hurried letters. It was definitely Azriel’s handwriting. I can’t wait to tease him about this. You know he’ll be mortified when the frenzy is over. It is going to be so ridiculously fun.

Love,

Feyre

***

Dearest Az,

This meeting is going very poorly. I’m afraid I may have to stay here. It’s an internal issue, so I’m afraid I can’t say much. If I do, will you return to Night? I know you’ve been away for a week, and I’m sure with whatever crisis was going on up in Windhaven you may be needed, though I hate to admit it.

I wish I could come home to you, my love.

Eris

***

Eris,

I understand. For now, this time spent together was more than I could have hoped for. You are more than I ever hoped for, and I love you with every part of my being.

I wish I could say I would be able to stay on the off chance you could come back to the Acorn House, but you’re right. If you are staying there, I should head back to Night, at least for a day or two. Rhys isn’t being subtle with his hints he wants me home, and no matter what Feyre thinks I believe it’s because I’m needed. Very astute observation.

I wish you could come home to me tonight.

All my love,

Azriel

***

Dearest,

I’ll miss you. If there’s any chance I can come home tonight, I’ll write.

Eris

***

Eris,

If you do, I’ll find a way to come. In the meantime, I’m going to head back to Night.

I’ll miss you, my love,

Azriel

***

Rhys,

I’ll be back within the hour. Let me know when you want me to take a look at things.

Azriel

***

Azriel,

So soon? I’ll admit I’m surprised after your last note. Trouble in Autumn paradise?

Meet me at 3.

Rhys

***

Rhys,

Don’t be a dick, and mind your business. We knew we wouldn’t get much time. I’ll see you then.

Azriel

***

Dearest,

Elain wrote me again. I may have to go alone this first time, just to indulge them. Would you be hurt? I know it’s a disappointment for me, but the last thing I want to do is to have Lucien breathing down my neck for disappointing Elain.

Eris

***

Eris,

Go ahead. I just got a look at what Rhys had waiting for me and frankly I’m not sure I could leave now anyways. It’s a disappointment, but not a surprising one. There will be other chances.

I love you,

Azriel

***

Dear Feyre,

Can you describe my job to me? Like a list of what you think I do?

Azriel

***

Dear Cassian,

Can you describe my job to me? What is it you think I do?

Azriel

***

Dear Azriel,

Please explain further. I am rather confused by this question.

Feyre

***

Az,

You spy. You capture who we need, and interrogate them, sometimes violently. You look menacing and complain about writing reports when Rhys actually makes you do them. Beyond that, I’m not entirely sure. I guess I assumed much of what you did was hidden for a reason.

Cassian

***

Feyre,

Never mind. Don’t worry about it.

Azriel

***

Eris,

How is your court’s "internal issue"?

I miss you,

Azriel

***

Dearest,

It’s boring. And frankly, the most boring thing I’ve had to mediate in a good while.

How is your mess?

Eris

***

Eris,

It’s bad. I don’t think anyone but Rhys truly knows what I do. I didn’t realize how frustrating that was until I returned to find the approximation of what everyone thought their delegated section of my duties were. I think it’s good I came back when I did or we would have a bigger crisis on our hands.

Love,

Azriel

***

Rhys,

We need to talk about finding someone to take on some of what I do. The mess made by having you all trying to do my work was much worse than I anticipated.

Devlon’s replacement needs to be discussed. I know by blood it goes to his nephew, but I’m not sure that’s a replacement we can afford.

Azriel

***

Dearest,

Anything I should know? Is there any way I can help?

Eris

***

Eris,

No. Nothing I can share. Your letters are the best help you can give.

Thinking only of you,

Azriel

***

Dearest,

Then I’ll write to you as much as possible.

One of the lords just spat at the other and I had to separate them like children. Honestly, I’m not sure I’ve had to do that since Lucien and our other brothers were actual children. If it makes you feel any better, you could be dealing with that. I’ll write again when I can. I think I should attempt to prevent murders from occurring in my office.

Eris

***

Eris,

I have to admit I think I’d prefer that to what I have to fix here. I’ll be absent the rest of the afternoon. I won’t be able to have letters coming to me, but send the shadow I sent to you with anything you want me to see when I get back.

Remind me to kiss you for each note you’ve sent me next time I see you.

You are dearest to me,

Azriel

***

Dearest,

You’ve just set me to a truly exciting task. Maybe I’ll make each note one or two sentences, just for fun, now that I’m out of my meeting. They managed to not kill each other. Though I’m afraid they may have killed my patience for today.

Eris

***

Dearest,

Did I tell you about the dream I had last night? I don’t think I got the opportunity.

Eris

***

Dearest,

I miss you. It was the most delicious dream. We were in Hewn City, and this time I was dancing with you.

Eris

***

Dearest Azriel,

You slipped us out of the room as Rhys grabbed everyone’s attention. We found a little alcove. We were very preoccupied.

Eris

***

My dear,

You made the most delicious noises. It was rather tempting to pull off… well, I’ll tell you the rest when you get home.

Eris

***

Eris.

***

Are you back safe? I love you.

***

Eris,

If I wasn’t, I wouldn’t be writing. Though I will admit, I was surprised I only had five notes waiting.

Do I get to hear the rest of the story now? It sounds a lot like the plots of the books the Valkyries enjoy.

Azriel

***

Dearest,

I’m sorry, you must have misunderstood. Unless you’d like your home to stay in Night…

Eris

***

Eris,

I have one last thing to do. It’s important or I’d be there already. I’ll come as soon as I can. I do owe you five kisses. But I’ll have to come straight back in the morning. It really is a mess.

I love you.

Azriel

Declassified Excerpts from Windhaven Report:

Incident Report Report written by: [redacted] Lord Devlon was found dead at eight fifty three this morning two miles north of Windhaven. Body run through with a sharpened training sword, apparently one stolen sometime in the last week. The thief is still at large with no suspects. See report made last Thursday (file number [redacted]) for further details of armory robbery. The discovery was made by [redacted], a daughter of [redacted]. She discovered the body while walking to retrieve herbs for a poultice. Her arm is broken. It is highly unlikely she would have been able to murder Devlon herself due to her injury, which was confirmed by her father to be one from roughly two weeks ago. Interviews with [redacted] and [redacted] completed the evening after the event. The discovery of the body began a revolt, seemingly over who had killed Devlon and who would inherit the title. Devlon had not named an heir. The heir apparent would seem to be his nephew, Burim. Burim is a known dissident, participating in uprisings at at least two other camps. His whereabouts are unknown. He should be considered a suspect. The revolt led to the death of fifteen Illyrian males and seven Illyrian females. No children were harmed. Injuries range from mild to severe, with over one hundred injured. [Redacted] Windhaven is now considered a top priority due to volatility. News reached Velaris two hours after the discovery. [Redacted] responded to the situation. Eight were detained for questioning for participation in the revolt. Those among the injured to be questioned as able in the coming days. Situation is ongoing. Further reports to be filed under file number [redacted]. Find further details [redacted].

Transcript from Interview:

Arbora: You only spent a week together after you were mated. Why was that?

Azriel: We were both needed by our courts. Eris was dealing with an internal issue between traders who didn’t like their contracts. Rhys needed me to look into an uprising that had happened in Windhaven which resulted in the death of a Lord. It was a blow for all of us, and I didn’t even know it had happened. I was needed to help organize the response.

Arbora: So what did you do after the week was up?

Azriel: We wrote letters. A lot of them.

Eris: Some were more useful than others.

Azriel: They all served a purpose. I don’t think we wasted paper.

Eris: You might not have. I seem to remember writing you five notes in a row to trade for kisses once.

Azriel: Well. That is a purpose.

Eris: It was the best purpose, my dearest.

[brief pause. Arbora chuckles]

Arbora: When did you next see each other?

Azriel: We met briefly a few times.

Eris: The next time we had more than a few moments was when Feyre and Rhys had us for dinner. Nesta, Cassian, Lucien, Elain, and Flora came.

Azriel: We all kept it quiet. We didn’t want to involve anyone prematurely. None of us knew what to expect.

Eris: It caused some problems with the others later, but it was worth it.

[End Interview]

Letters:

Mor,

Can we have lunch today? I need to talk to you about something.

***

Of course. The quiet restaurant in Salt and Bone?

***

Mor,

Let’s meet at the House. Nesta and Cassian are occupied elsewhere. I’ll see you at two.

***

Expecting a fight?

***

Two o’clock. It’s just a big thing to talk about. Please.

***

I’ll be there.

***

Eris,

I just finished lunch with Mor. It went about how I expected.

Love,

Azriel

***

Dearest,

I’m sorry. Is there anything I can do?

Eris

***

Eris,

Unless you can heal a black eye on the spot, I don’t think there’s anything. She seemed to feel better after she punched me. I think it was a bit of a shock but she recovered quickly.

Love,

Azriel

***

Dearest,

That seems understandable. I won’t pretend to be anything but hurt by the fact that she punched you simply for being with me.

Do you want to talk about it? I know she matters to you.

Eris

***

Eris,

Your offense is noted, but I think it is unnecessary. The shock got to her. There was no easy way to tell her. I even had her come to the House of Wind so that she could react however she wanted. She didn’t yell. I told her, and she got quiet, which is, as you know, much, much worse. Then she punched me.

Before I actually told her, I had told her she could ask me whatever she wanted. She proceeded to ask me a lot of things- how long it had been going on, whether I was sure about you and being with you, if I had given any thought to what this would do to our family.

I answered them all as best I could- it had been a week, I hadn’t wanted to keep her in the dark. I was sure, completely and entirely. I had given it a good deal of thought.

I don’t know if my answers helped or hurt. She stayed quiet. The last thing she asked was if I loved you.

I couldn’t help but tell her how much I loved you. I didn’t think she would believe me if I just said “yes,” and I didn’t want to upset her any more. So I told her why I loved you, and a few of the little things from the past week that had been swimming around in my head since they happened. She mostly nodded and said “okay” after that, then left.

I know we talked about this last night, but I’m not sure she’ll want to see you anytime soon. Despite the fact that it was all your father’s doing, she remembers your face hovering over her. She knows you sent for help as soon as you could. She knows that- and so do I. But yours is the face she remembers and associates with the pain of that day.

Regardless, I think it was the right thing to do. She may not talk to me for a month. But following the same logic as what you tried to do in the orchard (I am still sorry about leaving. You were doing the right thing. Every time I think about it, my heart sinks) she needed to be told, and quickly.

I hope she can understand. I think she will. She and Emerie’s bond was strong, so she would understand that part, at least. I don’t feel entirely hopeless.

I do miss you. Very much. I know when she left, she went to Emerie’s side. I wished I could do the same. You are missing from me. Even my shadows seem to be angry at me for having left your side. I don’t think they’ve ever been so forlorn.

I miss you. (I would say it a third time if I thought it would do anything to alleviate the feeling.) I know you have too many things this week to get away, and having me around too much increases the chances that we get found out before we are ready. I can’t help but long for you. My heart squeezes every time I think of you, lying in bed alone, trying to sleep. I wish you could be curled next to me, your hand on my waist, legs entwined with mine.

My love, my heart. Need for you to be with me coils around my very bones. I think it may rend me in two to be away. Just hearing your peaceful, easy breaths last night, feeling your exhales against my collarbone: after all we’ve talked about, never being able to sleep without seeing the horrors of our lives, you were a dream come to life.

You have all of me,

Azriel

***

My dearest,

I hope she appreciates you and what you did for her. It was no small thing. I’m sure in time, she will come to see it.

I miss you as well. I wish I had more than your words to keep me company. If it wasn’t for tonight’s dinner with the eastern lords, I would find a way to be with you. But for now, I’ll hang on to what I can.

I will write when I’m home. I think I’ll go back to the Acorn House, if only to have your scent on my pillow.

Do you secretly write poetry?

Eris

***

Eris,

I have never written a poem in my life.

Forever yours,

Azriel

***

My dearest,

Then you should. You have a very descriptive style. It’s rather compelling.

Eris

***

Eris,

I don’t believe I would do well as a famous writer.

I love you,

Azriel

***

Dearest,

Who said you’d be famous?

Eris

***

Eris,

I would be. I’m infamous already. Poetry would only add to the mystique.

Of course, if you wish me to write you poems, all you have to do is ask. I would be more than happy to spell them across your body with kisses.

All my love,

Azriel

***

My dearest mate,

I’m tempted to winnow to Night Court to make you do just that. If it wouldn’t cause a stir with my own courtiers who I’d be leaving at the dinner table. Or a war with Rhys. Do me a favor, dearest, and hold that thought until I’m with you?

Eris

***

Eris,

Are you writing to me from a court dinner?

Azriel

***

Dearest,

Of course I am. When you’re writing to me promising poetry from your lips, do you blame me?

Eris

***

Eris,

I miss you. It will never be enough. Never.

All my love, no matter how distracted it may make you at this dinner, is yours. I’m yours. Forever. Don’t ever let me let you forget it.

Your dearest,

Azriel

***

Azriel,

I’ve gathered a list of contenders for your delegates. Will you be able to interview them, or would you like me to pick for you?

Rhys

***

Rhys,

I’ll do it myself. Can you set up the times? Make it next week so I can look into them and their references.

Azriel

***

Done. I’ll send you the lists and schedule.

Rhys

***

Dearest,

I’m going to see Flora in the morning. I’ll pass along your well wishes.

Eris

***

Eris,

I’m sorry I’m only seeing this this morning. You had a late night- I didn’t get to bed until nearly 2. Is everything alright? How was your visit to meet Flora? How are Lucien and Elain?

Please take care of yourself,

Azriel

***

Dearest,

Flora is adorable. I’ll hold details until you get to meet her. Lucien is proud, but he looks worn. I think his stress is getting to him.

Yes, everything is fine. It was a late night. Some of my lords have a few thoughts on everything I could be doing better. Some made good points and I got distracted outlining them.

It doesn’t help that you’re gone. Not much incentive to get to bed at a decent time.

Eris

***

Azriel,

You have to come for a visit. At the very least, to meet Flora. But Eris was just here, and he told me nothing. Absolutely nothing. Not one salacious detail.

He bores me. Do me a favor and send me something? I did just give birth, you know. The least you can do is entertain me with stories of your time together. Please? I’m even asking nicely.

Love,

Elain

***

Elain,

You can’t have expected him to spill everything. And neither will I, for that matter.

I’m very happy for you and Lucien. I may be able to come in a few days. I will keep you updated.

Azriel

***

Azriel,

Any detail. Any at all. Do me that favor?

Your desperately curious friend,

Elain

P.S. Don’t forget I’m mated to his brother. If Eris is half as good in bed as Lucien, I’m certain you have plenty you could share.

***

Elain,

You would scandalize your sisters if they knew how demanding you were for details of my sex with Eris. That is what you care about, isn’t it?

Azriel

***

Azriel,

If you make me ask again I will deliver the next letter myself, court politics and my recovery be damned.

Elain

***

Elain,

So much for asking nicely. Is there something specific you would like to know? I would hate to disappoint you.

Azriel

***

Azriel,

Tell me everything.

Elain

***

Elain,

Let this paragraph serve as your warning: you have asked for everything. I’ll indulge you but keep in mind that if you wish to read further, I take no responsibility for what you read. You understand. I do feel as though I’m returning a favor and perhaps a curse. Your letters from your trip after your own mating ceremony would have been scandalous enough to put a blush on Rhys’ face. I swear I didn’t show him. Just a hypothetical. Last chance to put this away.

Eris is delicious. Watching him while he sleeps feels like it's stitching me back together. He quivers when I run my fingers over his skin. He whimpered the first time I took him in my hand. I nearly spilled into my trousers at the sound. We take turns, usually. He is demanding. In the mornings, he lets me take him gently. The afternoons devolved into fucking. Hard. The nights are sweeter, but no less rough.

One afternoon after he realized I was only half naked because I only had the pair of clothes I wore to the orchard, he tried to get me to fit into anything of his. He looked so distressed by the fact that I hadn’t had a choice about my state of undress that I felt like I had to do something. I teased him about making me feel like he didn’t want me this undressed, and maybe he didn’t like my body.

He dragged me back toward the bedroom so fast I thought he may have turned into one of my shadows. We barely made it to the doorway before he was pinning me to the wall. He's lithe but strong. I don't think I've ever enjoyed being pinned. I've never experienced it this way, letting him restrain and command me as so few have been able to before, and never in this way. You can never tell him I told you this. Never. I would never forgive you, not because I care if it’s shared, but because I don’t think Eris would ever survive the mortification. So this, all of this, stays between us. One day maybe he’ll stop caring, but I don’t believe today is that day.

The second he had me where he wanted me he pinned my hands above my head with one of his and growled. Truly growled. I will admit I was struggling to keep up with the speed and intensity of his kisses. When he is truly insatiable, he’s like flame - there and gone again, flickering wherever he can be before finding a new piece of me to consume. He palmed me through my boxers and I couldn’t help but beg. I begged, Elain. This male reduces me to incoherence.

He growled an order to keep my hands where they were before he dropped to his knees before me. I’ve never been fond of fire. But the consuming fire in his eyes as he takes me in his mouth would be enough to drive anyone insane with desire. I swear, I tried to keep my hands where they were. He always seems most pleased when I listen. But he dragged his teeth lightly over the underside of my cock and I moved without even thinking. I pulled the tie holding his hair back out as quickly as I could and buried my hands in his hair. We never did find that tie afterwards. I gripped his hair in my fist so hard he yelped.

I asked him if he could take me. I would hardly remember it except the whine he let out shot through me like an arrow. He panted his ‘yes’ as his eyes changed from that devious, claiming fire to molten magma laced with pure need.

Eris at his most dominant is awe inspiring. Eris when he submits? I would worship him until he screamed if he let me. It does something to me, watching him pant and moan and writhe under my hands, my mouth. So when he looked at me with those pleading, molten eyes, gasping through parted lips, I snapped.

I fucked his mouth. Frankly, if it had been anyone else I might have worried I was being too rough. He was shaking - I could feel his hands on my thighs quivering with every thrust.

One of the earlier days I had all but ordered him to keep his hands off himself until I told him he could touch, and it seems he remembered, because the second I thought of it I told him to touch himself and his hands flew to his trousers. Once they were out of the way, he brought his hands up to me and pushed his head back against my hands to pull off of me. He ran his hands over me twice before lowering them to stroke himself, palms glistening with everything he had gathered from my cock as he let me guide him back to my cock.

We came together. I’ve never seen anyone look as beautiful when they fall apart. His rosy lips wrapped around me; his eyes not leaving mine except when they rolled back in his head with pleasure. His body jerked and his eyes finally fluttered shut. His moans killed me.

I’ve been entirely ruined by this male. Every minute is worth it. Every tear. I’ve cried more this week than I care to truly admit. I’ve never cried this much in my life. He said the same to me yesterday. I doubt either of us will cry like this again. I can tell he hates it as much as I do, but it seems to be helping us somehow.

I think that’s enough detail. Just recalling it is making me need him. Some friend you are. He isn’t even here.

Azriel

***

Azriel,

I may be “some friend” but don’t tell me you didn’t enjoy sharing every salacious detail of that. I can’t tell you how delighted I was to receive such a thick letter with my name written in your hand. Let’s just say that the second I’m able? Lucien is in for it.

Thank you!!

Love, and best of luck with your little problem,

Elain

***

Eris,

I need you.

Azriel

***

Dearest,

What’s wrong? The lack of your typically sweet signature is alarming.

Eris

***

Eris,

I need you. As soon as possible. Let me know when you can get away.

Azriel

***

Acorn House. I’m out of this meeting in 15 minutes. I have an hour.

Eris

***

I’ll be there in ten.

***

Dear Eris,

I am writing to extend an invitation to dinner for Thursday. Rhys and I want to make up for our absence during your last visit. It would also be good to have you here as Azriel’s mate. It would be a small group. Nesta, Cassian, Lucien, Elain, and Flora are also invited. We want to welcome you to the family.

Please let me know as soon as possible. I do hope you will come.

Most sincerely,

Feyre

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