#viviane acotar

[really-fanny-longbottom]

a song of darkness & ice

summary: azriel finally found the one for him but some things never go as planned. the good news? happy endings are real.

warnings: fluff, mentions of death, grieving

pairings: azriel x reader

words: 3.5k

"azriel."

azriel was doing it again. 

he was looking at you once again like he had for the past two years.

but it wasn't his fault.

"azriel."

how could it be his fault?

how could he not look at you when you were the most beautiful female his hazel eyes had ever seen? 

"azriel."

how could he not look at you when every time you smiled at him or laughed at something he said his heart erupted? 

how could he not look at you when you were his first thought when he woke up and his last before falling asleep? 

"azriel!"

"huh?" azriel asked with his eyes still focused on you.

rhys and cassian couldn't contain the chuckles that escaped them.

what they were seeing was a rare sight. they had never seen their brother act this way.

not once.

rhys and cassian were well aware of how hard azriel could be on himself, how undeserving he felt he was of genuine love and true happiness.

even though the two of them had assured azriel multiple times that he was more than worthy — that his past didn't define him — he still had some trouble believing it. 

since they were children, azriel has always been the quiet, reserved, and introverted one.

with the exception of his relationships with the inner circle and now with the archeron sisters, all his other relationships had been only in passing — mainly with females.

cassian and rhys knew how much azriel wanted to find his mate, especially now that both his brothers had theirs.

but his interest in females never lasted. It never went beyond the interest of a casual night. there was never anyone who made him wish for something more.

until now.

until you show up. 

you turned azriel's world upside down along with his perspective on life.

before, the simple and basic things in life didn't impress him — for him they were nothing more than futile things. 

but now. . .since you came into his life, azriel has found himself appreciating those same things that he thought had no value or importance not so long ago.

it's as if you were the missing piece in his puzzle.

and now that he found you, his life had more color, more life and more meaning.

he couldn't be more grateful that the Mother guided him to meet you. the only thing he was sorry for was that it had taken so long.

"azriel." cassian said, placing a hand on the male's arm.

finally, azriel removed his hazel eyes from you and met his brother's "what?"

azriel saw that both of his brothers were looking at him with big smiles on their faces and with looks that he knew all too well. "what is it?" 

"i'm afraid you're in love, brother." rhys told him as he took a sip of his whiskey.

"what? what the hell are you talking about?" he questioned with his eyebrows furrowed.  

"oh please, don't act like you don't know, az. you spent the whole night looking at y/n." cassian said with amusement in his voice.

"i don't know what you're talking about, cass" azriel ignored his brothers' laughter and got up from the sofa to approach the table to refill his glass.

as he drank from his glass, he felt the alcohol burning his throat as his eyes searched the room for you again. 

but truth to be told, his eyes didn't even have to scan the room to find you. 

you had changed seats since the last time he looked at you, now, you were at the foot of the appetizer table while talking to your brother.

he finally had the perfect view of your dress and as always you looked beautiful.

just like the first time he saw you.

the day he met you was without a doubt in second place of his favorite days — he was saving the first place for the day he would gain the courage to ask you for a date and you would say yes. 

azriel met you during a meeting — a meeting he didn't even want to go to but changed his mind at the last minute. thanks to the mother for that. 

rhys, along with cassian and azriel, went to the winter court for a meeting with your older brother — kallias.

the night court was trying to strengthen their alliances with all the other courts after the events of under the mountain. 

the courts were still fragile and their high lords were suspicious, especially kallias and his court, but no one could judge them. after all, they were the ones who suffered the greatest loss of all.  

kallias took advantage of the meeting to give them a guided tour of his court. 

the visit began in the ice palace with the colors blue, white and gray predominating, large diamond chandeliers hung in the throne room and ballroom, snowflake-shaped faelights illuminated the rooms and sofas covered in soft fur offered comfortable seats.

then they went to the frozen garden with its frozen lake for skating and a greenhouse with its flowers preserved by the cold.

next it was time for the cold forest where they saw several foxes, wolves, reindeer and rabbits with their white fluff and people moving by sleds on the path that led to the city and finally the polar bear caves.  

the caves were a thirty-minute walk from the palace and their entrances were located on the wall of the mountain and had to climb a path to get there. 

down here, they had a large area of land for the bears to roam around with an unfrozen river on the northside that provided them with unlimited fish for food. on the far side, near the trees, there was a hut where the bears' armor was kept. 

azriel counted more than twenty bears that were there when he and his brothers arrived, not counting those that were still inside the caves. 

his favorite part was the cubs playing with each other and the ones trying to catch fish in the river. 

he also saw some people — no doubt soldiers by their uniforms — training bears who had their copper armor on. 

kallias was in the middle of explaining the bears' armor, saying that those who wore copper were because they had just begun their training when a loud and powerful roar sounded through the air which made the trees vibrate and the ground shake. 

silence fell around the place and after a few seconds, azriel heard a guard shout "it's the princess!"

guards began to run towards the gate that was located on the opposite side of the river to prevent intruders from entering and began to pull the levers.

in the distance, a large white figure emerged, getting closer by the second — it was a bear in silver armor and a matching helmet — and on top of the bear, was you.  

the gate was still being opened by the time you got close to it and without wanting to wait, the bear jumped through the gate making a perfect landing on the inside and scaring the guards into falling to the ground in the process. 

"always showing off" kallias murmured at the entrance that his little sister had just made. 

rhys, cassian and azriel were too busy looking at you and the bear to laugh at the high lord's words.

everybody was. all eyes were on you. the guards had stopped, the soldiers had stopped, even the three members of the night court had found it impossible not to look at you.

especially a certain shadowsinger. when he saw you and your bear, a shiver went down his back. 

this bear was incomparable to the others. it was the biggest bear they had ever seen and without a doubt it was the strongest. 

the bear's legs were about the same size as an adult male. It was amazing.

azriel noticed the insignia that was stamped on the bear's helmet. "what does that mean?" 

"that's mal. she is the leader of the bears and the insignia marks her as such." kallias replied with a smile directed at you. 

the four males had to take several steps back to allow the bear to pass and they both had to look up to see you with your own armor that matched the bear's. 

they saw you dismount from the bear and she lowered herself to allow you to reach the ground.

when you landed safely, you turned around to come face to face with your bear and when she lowered her head, you placed a kiss there followed by a "good job, mal. take a rest, i'll see you tomorrow."  

mal made a small grunt in response and nuzzled her head against you before moving forward and going to the guards to have her armor removed. 

you started walking towards the males while taking off your gloves and kallias giving orders for everyone to summarize their work. 

as soon as you got close enough, you greeted them "brother. handsome illyrian males that i never seen before." 

kallias rolled his eyes at the same time as the three males laughed "don't you mean 'hello, high lord of the night court?"

you smiled at your brother's words and held out a hand for rhys to shake, "hello, handsome high lord of the night court."  

and for the first time in prythian history, rhys blushed. cassian and azriel widened their eyes at the sight of their blushing brother, never had they witnessed such a thing.

"princess," rhys greeted after clearing his throat a little embarrassedly "this is cassian, my general,"

"princess," he shook your hand and gave you a small nod of his head with a smile.

"handsome general” your smile widened at the laugh he let out. 

"and this is azriel, my spymaster."

when you moved to stand face to face with the hazel-eyed male, his breath caught in his throat.

you were unbelievably beautiful. as if you were sculpted by the mother herself. 

you looked a lot like kallias. the same hair, the same eyes and the same nose but you had something that he didn't have — gracefulness.

the moment your eyes met each other, they locked and neither you nor the male in front of you dared to look away.

"what's going on?" kallias asked in a whisper, not liking the way you two looked at each other. 

upon realizing what exactly was happening, rhys placed a hand on kallias' shoulder and the two males walked away with cassian right behind them with a smile on his face. 

you could hear rhys in the distance asking more about bear armor to keep your brother busy. 

without ever breaking eye contact, azriel took your hand and said to you "my princess," before giving you a kiss on it.

"pretty azriel," you replied back with your eyes still locked on the male's.

azriel blushed so much that he could feel his cheeks warm. 

you cleared your throat and assumed a relaxed expression again and with an ironic smile you asked the blushing male "so you are the famous shadowsinger," with a nod from him, you continued "do you sing?" 

"what?" he felt taken by surprise. never in the five hundred years of his life had anyone asked him such a thing.

"you are a shadowsinger. do you sing to your shadows?" 

azriel didn't know what to say.

"for example, if you want them to bring you something, you sing a melody, but if you want them to attack someone, you sing a melody. . . more aggressive?" 

there was a minute of silence, two and then. . . azriel's laughter filled the air around you.

azriel still remembers how much he laughed that day. no one had ever made him laugh like that. he laughed until his stomach hurt and some tears escaped his eyes. 

that's how it all started.

he could hardly believe that two years had passed since that day.

one of the happiest he's ever had.

what Azriel didn't know was that at the sound of his laughter, rhys and cassian exchanged looks, knowing exactly that you were the one for him. 

after asking him those questions, you invited him to drink iced tea, which, to azriel's surprise, he really liked. 

azriel visited you a few times after that until you were the one visiting the night court when your brother finally relented.

when you found out that cassian was training the valkyries, you joined the group.

the day after you joined training, the spymaster volunteered to help train the valkyries. coincidence? of course not. 

you stayed at the house of the wind, giving you and azriel the opportunity to build a beautiful friendship. 

a friendship that azriel always wished would become something more. 

you flirted with each other, you went out just the two of you, you always sat next to each other and you were the first pair to dance at last year's starfall. 

there was just one problem.

a few nights ago, after a night of games, you and azriel remained in the living room while the others retired to sleep.

the conversation flowed while you drank wine and laughed, but it was then that azriel decided to take the next step, whether it was the wine that gave him courage he doesn't know.  

when he approached with the intention of kissing you, you moved away.

you quickly apologized and fled to your room, leaving a very confused azriel.

since then, azriel had gone through every moment with you in his head trying to understand what had gone wrong.

did he misread the signs? could it be that there weren't even signs and he imagined them? 

he drank his whiskey in one gulp and turned to refill it, when azriel turned around again, you were no longer there.

kallias was now sitting next to viviane with one hand on her growing belly. 

when searching the entire room, azriel didn't see a single sign of you. 

it was then that he walked forward and caught your figure on the balcony enjoying the stars and the gentle night breeze. 

azriel wanted nothing more than to join you but with your behavior the last few days, he didn't want to exceed your limits. 

it was at that moment that azriel realized. if he really had crossed your boundaries that night when he tried to kiss you, then he needs to apologize. 

when his hand grabbed the handle of the door leading to the balcony, azriel noticed that it was shaking and had to take a few deep breaths to calm his pounding heart. 

without further hesitation, azriel opened the door and closed it behind him again.  

when you didn't move, not even to look back, azriel approached the balcony wall until he was next to you and as soon as he did he hid his shaking hands in his pockets.

the two of you remained silent for a moment, enjoying the view of the city that shone under the stars and the gentle breeze that traveled through your bodies.

azriel was the first to say "i wanted to apologize for the other night," at the sound of his voice, you turned to look at him and he did the same "i shouldn't have tried to kiss you. i overstepped your limits and i'm sorry." 

you remained looking at him and without giving him an answer, you turned your attention to the city again.

assuming you weren't going to talk to him, azriel turned his back and started to make his way back into the house.  

"you didn't do anything wrong." your voice intertwined with the breeze and made the hazel-eyed male stop in his tracks. 

with his back still facing you, you proceeded "i wanted to kiss you and that's what scared me" your voice was shaking and azriel noticed that, which was the reason he faced you. 

you took a deep breath and after calming your heart, you finally revealed the truth "these last few days," you took a step forward "i wasn't ignoring you and I'm sorry if it seemed like i was. i just needed time to be able to think about how to tell you."

"tell me what?" the male's voice came out just a little louder than a whisper. 

you hesitated and your heart started racing again, reaching azriel's ears, but you didn't let that stop you from continuing.

"i'm not your mate, azriel," pain and suffering appeared on your features in the face of this new revelation "and a bond will never snap between us."

"how do y-"

"because i lost my mate fifty-two years ago," tears came to your eyes but you didn't let them fall, "he died to save me."  

azriel approached you and took your hands in his, encouraging you to continue. 

"his name was malik." 

"malik?" azriel asked you, "like mal?"  

a weak smile appeared on your lips "yes. mal was my nickname for him. he was fascinated by polar bears and his dream was to one day be able to see one." 

the smile disappeared, and you moved your eyes away from azriel's before speaking again "i met him one evening when i tried to sneak out of the palace so that i wouldn't have to attend another ball. when i tried to climb down the ice wall of the palace, i ended up slipping and falling right on top of him." you laughed at the memory, azriel joined you.

"he was a soldier in training and was on patrol when i fell. a rumor spread that he had saved me from an 'accidental fall' and kallias appointed him as my personal guard as a thank you." 

"we fell in love and a few months after we started our relationship, our mating bond snapped," you began to caress your ring finger and for the first time azriel noticed a barely noticeable ring mark "after i accepted the bond, it didn't take him long to ask me to marry him."

"i'm so sorry." azriel told you while passing a hand through your hair to give you some comfort.

your face became sadder and your voice weaker and quieter "he's the reason i didn't die when amarantha's creatures invaded my court. he was the one who got me out of the palace and took me to viviane safely." 

"when we were arriving at the camp that viviane established, a large group of those creatures appeared. without thinking twice, he pushed me into viv's arms and ordered her to get me out of there." your voice cracked and you needed a few seconds to compose yourself.

"i tried to get viv to let go of me but she didn't. a few moments later i saw him fall," your eyes returned to azriel, "he didn't get up."

tears now flowed freely down your cheeks "i felt the bond disappearing and my heart splitting in two. when the creatures were gone, i went back there and buried him," you wiped away some of the tears, "he never saw a polar bear." azriel's heart ached in hearing your words. 

"after him, i never had any interest in being with anyone again. until you show up." 

Surprise flashed across azriel's eyes, he wasn't expecting to hear this. 

"what?"

"i tried so hard not to fall in love with you these last two years but failed completely." 

a smile formed on the shadowsinger's face and he moved closer to you with his hands finding their places on your cheeks. 

"what made you hold back?" he asked quietly.

"your job," seeing the shock on his face, you rested your hands on his wrists and explained, "your job is dangerous, azriel. i already lost the male i loved once and i refuse to go through another pain like that." 

azriel's heart tightened knowing that the reason you didn't like his job wasn't because of what he had to do but because of the fact that it could cost you the most important thing to you — him.  

"you won't lose me." azriel assured you.

"you don't know that." 

"you're right. I don't, but i promise," he held you a little tighter to let you know how honest he was being, "i promise that whenever i leave for a mission, i will always and i mean always do everything i can to come back to you. i promise."

you both smiled at the feeling of the tattoo being formed on azriel's forearm and on your rib. 

6ou were too involved in the moment that you weren't even curious about the shape of the tattoos that linked you for the rest of your lives.

a promise that azriel would do anything to never break it.

as concern filled your eyes, azriel caressed your cheeks with his thumbs before asking you what was bothering you. 

"what about your mate? i know how much you want one." azriel could hear your heart beating unevenly.

the smile returned to his lips and in a long time, azriel finally knew what he wanted "i don't want a mate. i don't want a mating bond. i just want you."

the rush of his heartbeat reached your ears and it comforted you to know that you weren't the only one nervous. 

"then i'm yours."

and with a kiss beneath prythian's brightest stars, your love was sealed.

a/n: thank you for reading!

masterlist

general taglist: @emryb @fantasyandshit @azrielover @shadowsingercassia @brieflyclassymortal @lilah-asteria @lure-of-writing @pruvii @olive-main @mybestfriendmademe @anuttellaa @lively-potter @meul-a @mrsjna @avajustreads @littlelou22 @talesofadragon @circe143 @starswholistenanddreamsanswered @dark-chaos-314 @tequilya @scoliobean @saltedcoffeescotch @charlotteintumbleland

the beautiful dividers belong to @cafekitsune

[ladydeath-vanserra]

Kallias and Viviane let Rhysand off the hook a little too easy about the Winter Court children. They're just supposed to believe it was another Daemati when Rhysand was tormenting them all UtM and Rhysand couldn't even provide the name of this other Daemati? All this evidence against him and they just believe his word? just like that?

[bookbitchx]

Beron not believing Rhysand for a second about those Winter Court children at the HLs meeting...

You're despicable, sir, but I agree.

[shadowdaddies]

Hello girly, there is so little fics about Tarquin, so can I please request a Tarquin x mate!reader. Where she is a quiet and kind female, it would be cool if she was a "lesser fae" (like she has a tail or horns). She loves him and doesnt really want a role in court, she just wants to be there for him. Maybe the high lords dont know much about her, and there is a High Lords meeting and she randomly appears (maybe pregnant) and just some fluff, and Mor, Feyra and Viv being happy because there is another female to be frainds with

ahh I love this, there's definitely not enough fics for Prythian's Most Eligible Bachelor™. Thank you for the request!

Less is More

Tarquin x Reader

warnings: this does get a little steamy at the end

Taking practiced, steady breaths, you forced your pounding heart to slow and plastered on a confident smirk as you took long strides through the open doors.

Your hand was slick with sweat against Tarquin’s, your mate giving a reassuring squeeze while he guided you to walk slightly in front of him. Were you a weaker faun, you would have been smothered by the table’s gazes burning into you, but you were not weaker. You were a “lesser faerie” - or so that was your title given from the old High Fae - but you were High Lady of the Summer Court, and remembering that put the strength in your spine you needed as you took your seat.

Tarquin took his place next to you, turquoise eyes swimming with pride as he drank in the attention from the room. He feigned nonchalance, pressing a kiss to your knuckles before resting your hand atop his against the table. “Ah yes,” he laughed softly, raising your joined hands in display for the group of High Lords and Ladies. “Allow me to introduce my mate, the High Lady of the Summer Court.”

You smiled, unable to control the blush that bloomed upon your cheeks as Feyre gave you a polite smile and nod, Rhysand and Kallias both granting quiet congratulations. 

It was Viviane who smirked, reclining back in her seat as she loosed a dramatic sigh. As the second High Lady in Prythian’s history after Feyre along with what you’d heard of her, you liked the female already. “It’s nice to have another High Lady at the table. Perhaps soon enough, each court will recognize their females as equals.”

Her icy blue eyes sparkled with amusement at the sight of flames on Beron’s fingertips, the High Lord of Autumn’s focus having never moved from the horns on your head, perfectly framed by your royal crown.

Conversely, Tarquin’s own stare never faltered, watching Beron with a predator’s gaze. He knew better than to bait the other High Lords - Tarquin found it better to rule as himself, a kind yet firm leader - and you admired him impossibly more for it.

“Welcome, High Lady. Let us begin,” Helion purred, his smooth voice emanating a deep power that seemed to bring Beron out of whatever anger-filled haze he was lost in. Murky brown eyes whipped to Helion, who returned the acknowledgment with a slight arch of his brow.

“Beron, if there is something you wish to lead the meeting with, please do so,” Helion drawled, his demeanor remaining cool despite noticeable efforts not to look past Beron to where the Lady of Autumn was seated. You made a mental note to ask Tarquin about that later, focused on keeping your chin high for the moment.

Beron’s eyes flicked between you and Feyre - the lesser fae and former human at the table - but wisely he remained silent. “Continue, Helion,” Beron ground out, and you had to bite back your smile at Rhys and Feyre’s wicked grins, darkness recoiling from where it had been ready to strike.

You sat through the meeting, listening to male egos battle each other over petty squabbles, only interjecting as you and Tarquin found necessary. It was easy to find where you would fit in with this group. While it was clear Autumn would never accept you and Dawn was ambivalent, you felt a fast kinship towards Night and Winter - unsurprising, given those courts were who your wise mate was most drawn to.

As soon as the meeting ended, Beron quickly cleared, leaving the Lady of Autumn to scurry behind him. Your heart hurt for her, her eyes tired as her eldest son seemed to be the only person who paid her any mind. The other High Lords dispersed, only Night and Winter lingering behind with Tarquin and you. 

“Finally, that’s over!” the Night Court’s emissary, Morrigan, practically squealed as she maneuvered around the table to you, enveloping you in a warm hug. 

A surprised laugh escaped you at her kind and gentle touch, the dichotomous nature of the Night Court’s leaders jarring despite Tarquin’s advance notice.

“So, would you tell us the story of how you and Tarquin met?” Viviane pressed, her arm looping through yours as Feyre fell into step alongside the both of you. You were surprised at how easy it was to talk with them - both High Fae from such different backgrounds - but you felt beyond blessed by the Mother for not only allies, but new friends through your role.

The crescent moon was high in the sky, stars twinkling impossibly bright when you felt the heavy need for sleep weigh upon you. You hadn’t even noticed your eyes struggling to stay open until familiar hands draped a jacket over your shoulders, and you stirred to see Feyre, Morrigan, and Viviane all slowly rising. 

Bidding each of them a good night, you leaned into Tarquin’s warmth, savoring the calming scent of coconut and sea spray while he pressed a soft kiss to the top of your hair. He led your to the shared room in which you were staying, closing the door gently behind before peeling his jacket from your shoulders.

A whine escaped you at the sudden cold, and your mate chuckled, arms wrapping around you fully this time. Enveloped in his warmth, you settled against Tarquin’s chest and swayed to a silent melody, the rhythm of the ocean.

“You were incredible tonight,” he murmured against your neck. “You are always incredible, and yet you always blow me away with your grace and wisdom.” 

He pressed another lingering kiss to your shoulder, working his way up to hover near your ear. Teeth tugged lightly on the skin of your earlobe, your mind growing dizzy with the sensations when he whispered, “I am so thankful, and honored, to have you as my mate and High Lady.”

Feeling the weight of the crown against your horns, you couldn’t help but tease him. “Horns and all?” but Tarquin’s eyes grew darker, turquoise eyes like a brewing sea storm. 

He pulled your head to his toned chest, tongue flicking out against one of those sensitive horns. You mewled at the motion, the scent of the room changing with the fervor of arousal growing. 

“Especially these,” he breathed, hoisting your legs around his hips before turning to toss you onto the mattress. You bounced against the silken sheets with a giggle, watching your mate lift his shirt over his head while his gaze raked unabashedly over every inch of your figure. 

“Every part of you is perfect,” Tarquin whispered, white hair aglow in the light from the window, eyes shining with mischief as his body slid sinfully against your own. 

“I love you,” you whispered, legs wrapping around his waist as you pulled him in for a passionate kiss. He once again kissed his way down your body, this time peeling away the fabric of your dress as he did so. Your consciousness drifted away at his touch, carnal feeling and deep emotion invading your senses while the only thought you could manage was that “forever is not long enough with this male.”

[dawneternal]

What I think the acotar characters smell like

Emerie - woodsmoke, herbal tea

Gwyn - honeysuckle, warm rain

Clotho - sweet mint, parchment

Tarquin - sea salt, lime, coconut

Eris - brown sugar, whiskey, smoke

Helion - vetiver, saffron, magnolia

Thesan - apricot, sage

Kallias - vanilla, cedar, snowdrop

Vivianne - violets, sugar plum, fresh snow

Tamlin - moss, lily of the valley, blackberry

Lucien - Leather, bergamot

Lady of Autumn - clementine, clove, amber

Beron - tobacco, cider, oak

Nuala and Cerridwen - moonflower, peach, sandalwood

Rhysand's mom - cardamom, moonflower

[mika-no-sekai-blog]

Part IV

Word count: +4300

Warnings: angst (the scene with father made me cry while I was writing it), mentions of blood and frostbites, not properly proofread (sorryyyy)

Part III | Part V

An hour later, I was still standing in front of the mirror, calling his name and trying to open the passageway to no avail. Clearly, this was the reason why I didn't need to know how to get to Kallias' chambers that Millie mentioned before, but how - for the love of Mother - was I supposed to open it? I tried pressing ornaments on the frame, I even touched the glass like Kallias did and nothing. Did he block it? Or.. did I need magic to open it?

At last, I gave up, sitting on the edge of mattress, thinking. If it could only be opened with magic, then I wouldn't be able to use it - not that I wanted to bother Winter prince in his bedroom. After I had my one and fortunately only outburst of fire magic as a child, I did everything I could to extinguish the flames within me and suppress any powers I had. I had no idea how to summon even the smallest bits of it nor how to wield it.

Eventually, I crawled under the warm blankets, mentally and physically exhausted. Yet sleep kept eluding me and I spent the rest of the night tossing around. It gave me enough time to think about, well, everything. By the time morning came, I had made several important decisions.

I thought a lot about Kallias and his feelings for Viviane, and I realized that I didn't want to stand in his way. For some reason, I already liked him quite a bit and cared for him. If possible, I'd like to be his friend and support him, maybe even help him be with the one to whom his heart belonged.

That also meant that I couldn't fall in love with him in the process, which was probably the hardest part of my plan as he was too attractive and nice. I couldn't imagine a person who wouldn't like someone like him. The fact that he was also my husband, made it even worse. While my head was clear about it, my heart kept whispering. I had no claim on him nor his feelings and I knew it. Demanding such things from him just because we were forced into marriage, wasn't right.

I was in the middle of contemplating how to refrain from falling in love with him when a knock sounded on the door.

"You can come in," I said as I sat up and hissed when a sharp pain shot through my head. Exhaustion wasn't a strong enough word to describe how I felt. After not sleeping at all, I felt weak and nauseous. I definitely wasn't in state to get up, but today was the day my father would return home and I wanted to spend as much time with him as I could.

Millie peeked in. "I saw young master and thought you might be up, milady." She frowned when she noticed the mostly untouched bed, but the dark circles under my eyes were convincing enough.

"How.. how did he look?"

"Like he didn't sleep much, I'd say." She opened the curtains, letting in the rays of morning sun. I squinted, my headache getting instantly worse.

"Uhm."

"Is something wrong? Should I get you a healer?" Millie hurried to me with worry.

"It isn't necessary," I pushed through clenched teeth. "I just need- uhm.."

"Headache, right?" Millie was immediately on her feet, running to what I guessed was walk-in closet. "I think I saw it somewhere around here," she mumbled as she searched one of the dressers inside. "Ah, there it is."

After getting my medicine, the pain subsided to a bearable level and soon I was able to stand up and change. Millie was so kind that she brought the breakfast to my room, and I wobbled to the sitting room.

"Milady, your father would like to visit you, but if you're feeling unwell, I'll tell him that you can't-.."

I put my tea down, surprised. "No, please. I'd like to talk with him, too."

With a bow, she left and soon my father appeared at the threshold. I was so relieved to see him. This was our last chance to spend some time together for a while. Both of us knew it and we both wanted to make the most of it. Father was quite worried when he saw my face, asking me a lot of questions. Unfortunately, for many of them I couldn't provide an answer. With every question I couldn't answer, his brows furrowed more.

"So at least tell me - is the young prince good to you?"

"Yesterday, he was really kind and mindful. I think we will get along well once we get to know each other better. Did you speak with him?"

"I had the pleasure. He appeared in the High Lord's office before the ceremony. When I finished speaking with his father, he offered to show me around and asked me all sorts of questions about you. I didn't tell him about your powers - that's something I will leave up to you and your judgment - but I made sure he knows about your health issues. He seemed like a good male to me. And surprisingly, so did his father."

"Yeah.. I have a similar impression," I mumbled weakly.

"He reassured me that we can see each other any time we'd like. So if something happens or you need anything, just send me a message and I'll come. If necessary, I will take you back home, my sweet girl." His eyes were gleaming with tears and I also had a hard time holding back mine.

Then we talked about anything that came to our minds, just as we usually did. It was nice to be able to do so, yet it saddened me even more. Back home, we did this almost every day. Knowing that from now on, he would be too far for maintain our tradition, hurt. After having lunch together, a servant stopped by to announce that the sleigh was ready. As we descended to the ground floor, the feeling of uneasiness I had felt last night reappeared, making it hard for me to draw a full breath.

Kallias and his father were waiting in the foyer, kind smiles on their faces. Again, I couldn't but notice how similar they were in appearance as well as behavior. Their goodbyes were so shockingly warm, as if they were bidding farewell to a dear friend and not to someone they had just met the day before, making sure my father knew that he was always welcome to come again. However, when Morena appeared, their behavior was rather reserved and aloof.

While my new family exchanged farewells with the old one, my attention moved to Kallias, whom I hadn't seen since the incident last night. Just as Millie told me, he looked tired and pale, maybe even a bit uncomfortable. His gaze was focused solely on the leaving guests. I hoped I would have the chance to talk with him later. I wanted to explain events of last night and reassure him that it wasn't his fault.

I followed my father down the stairs to the waiting sleigh. Millie, who trailed after us, stayed near the doors, giving us privacy to say our goodbyes. Morena dryly recited the parting words and got into the sleigh. Father raised a brow, experiencing her coldness toward me for the first time, but I only shook my head.

"Are you sure you can't stay here longer?"

"I'd love to, my little girl, but I need to return to the borders. Solstice is getting closer and I have to ensure every village is prepared and stocked with enough food," he caressed my cheek.

"I will miss you," I sobbed, unable to hold my tears back.

"Me too," he pulled me into a hug, protecting me from cold wind.

"I have a bad feeling about it," I admitted for the first time.

"No need," he rubbed my back. " I will write you a letter as soon as we arrive and then every day after."

"That's not the same."

"I know, believe me, I know. Without you, our home will feel so lonely and empty."

"Please, take good care of yourself."

"You too, Y/N. Be a good girl as usual and don't be afraid to let others know when you need help. Don't suffer alone. If anything, trust at least young Kallias, your husband. He swore to take good care of you and I hope he'll keep his word. Be happy."

With a last squeeze and a kiss on my forehead, father released me and got into the sleigh, taking a seat next to visibly displeased Morena. I instantly felt so cold and lonely without his presence.

The sleigh slightly jerked as it began moving, taking my only family away. Even though I was shivering, cold biting into my body, I stood there watching them until they passed the gate and disappeared into the labyrinth of streets and even long after that, until the sound of jingle bells faded into the distance. I waited a bit longer, hoping that wind would bring their distant sound multiplied by an echo in the gorge as they traveled down the narrow road to the gates, but the only things I could hear, were distant sounds of life in the city.

I tugged my fur cloak closer and slowly turned back to the castle, admiring its tall towers, so different from the castle where I grew up. My new home. My heart sank at that thought. Could I really call this place home?

The icy-cold north wind brought a few snowflakes, swirling and freely dancing in this open space, and I shivered, already losing feeling in my fingers, tears freezing on my face. The headache was growing stronger again, pain coming in waves. I took maybe three steps before I felt something warm and wet coming out of my nose.

Oh my, how embarrassing, I thought, trying to cover it with hand.

Honestly, I thought it was just snot, but when I checked my fingers, they were stained red. After that, everything happened too quickly. It wasn't my first nosebleed nor did it scare me. At that moment, my only concern was to get in quickly and find the closest bathroom. I managed to reach halfway up the stairs leading to the castle's entrance when my body swayed, my legs buckling, and world started to tilt to the side. A sharp pain blinded me and the last thing I remembered was the feeling of falling.

I was groping in the darkness, freezing and burning simultaneously. Later, I wasn't sure about it, but I thought I had dreams, flashes of light when I saw Kallias leaning over me, brows knitted together, his lips moving without making a sound. Sometimes he just sat there, watching me, sometimes he reached for something I couldn't see or gently touched my cheek.

In that state I completely lost track of time. The sense of feeling was the first of my senses to awaken. I was surrounded by warmth, comforting yet heavy, pressing on my chest and pushing me into something soft beneath me. After a while, I cracked my eyes open, blinking away the pain. This place was so bright, light pouring in through the open curtains. As my eyes adjusted, I recognized my new bedroom. How did I get here?

I search my memory, but last thing I clearly remembered was rushing up the stairs outside because my nose was bleeding. Groaning, I pushed the heavy blankets aside and sat up. Carefully I checked on myself. The dress had been replaced by soft cotton nightgown and I felt tired, but headache was gone for now as was the nosebleed.

"Thank the Mother, you are awake, milady," Millie's a bit high-pitched voice snapped me out of my thoughts. She had just come in from the bathroom, wiping her wet hands on her white apron, and she rushed to my side. "We were so worried when you suddenly passed out on the stairs. If it hadn't for young master, you could have seriously hurt yourself."

She hopped up, sitting on the edge of mattress and pressed her cool hand to my forehead and my hands. "Thankfully, the fever is now completely gone and you aren't freezing anymore. You really had us worried. Even the best healer in the castle couldn't say what was going on."

"I don't understand," I blinked in confusion. "Didn't I just pass out because of a migraine?"

"Well, you probably did, but I wasn't here the whole time and didn't hear everything the healer said. I had to leave to bring blankets and other things she ordered me to fetch. The young master spoke with her. I returned in time to hear her explaining to him that your body was burning with fever while freezing and that she had never encountered anything like that. To be honest, I don't understand much to that."

"I see.. I'm sorry for worrying you, Millie."

"It's nothing, milady. I'm happy you feel better already."

I fiddled nervously, unsure how to ask about the certain thing that caught my attention, my cheeks heating up "Millie.. umm.. You mentioned that Kallias caught me?"

Her eyes grew bigger, a wide smile adorning her heart-shaped face. Her expression conveyed a pure adoration. She placed hands over her heart, leaning closer. "You should have seen it, milady. I saw something wasn't right with you, but I knew I couldn't get to you in time. I was so scared. I already pictured you hitting the stairs, breaking a bone or even worse when suddenly, the young master appeared, right next to you. He caught you mid-air and scooped you into his arms. It would have been so romantic, if you hadn't been bleeding so much," she retold the events enthusiastically, gesturing about. It certainly wasn't the first time she had told this to someone.

"And then the young master stayed by your side all night, taking care of you completely alone until early morning when finally your fever went down," she concluded her story with a dreamy expression.

I hated to admit it, but my heart was hammering in my chest as her story unfolded. Adding random small details, she vividly described how Kallias carried me to my room, took me to the bathroom to stop the nosebleed, and then carefully placed me on the bed when the healer arrived. It was hard to imagine he would go such lengths for someone like me, but apparently he did.

I sat there, speechless, trying to convince myself that he did such things solely because he was a good person and because of the promise. Who knows, maybe father somehow tricked him into taking an oath. I knew his heart already belonged to someone else, so why didn't mine want to accept it, whispering sweet lies?

"Are you okay, milady? Perhaps you should lie back down," Millie gave me a worried look, again checking my temperature.

"I'm fine," I tried to smile. "Actually, I'd like to change and go down for breakfast."

As expected, Millie protested and I had to convince her to let me get up. An hour later, I walked into family dining room, much smaller than the one where the wedding party took place, yet impressive in its size and decor. Sets of round and long tables were randomly placed around the space, each chair and bench inviting one to take a seat and eat the delicious-looking food arranged on plates and trays in the middle of tables. Several spots were already taken by importantly looking lords, but aside from Lord Isen who delivered High Lord's message, I didn't recognize anyone.

My eyes wandered to the long table in the back of the room, near the window, and there, sitting on the bench, I spotted him.

Dressed in a uniform that seemed to be his usual attire, Kallias looked even more tired than the last time I saw him, but his posture was relaxed, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He was immersed in conversation with Viviane, who sat next to him and was currently laughing at something.

I hesitated. Maybe I should let him enjoy those moments and try to thank him later.

Yeah, that would be for the best.

I was about to leave when Viviane looked up, her shock immediately replaced by a bright smile.

"Y/N! Come! Come and sit down, dear!" she called, making space between them for me. Kallias quickly looked me over and then looked down, that sweet smile gone. I bit the inside of my cheek. Now that they saw me, it would be strange to leave.

"Hi, Viviane.. Kallias."

Viviane patted the bench between them, her brows knitting slightly together. "How are you, dear? We all were so worried when we heard what happened. Do you feel better?"

"I'm fine now," I smiled and stepped to Kallias' other side. Surprise flashed across his features, but he moved closer to Viviane to make room for me on the end of bench. "I'm sorry for worrying you."

Viviane pouted her full lips, her gaze darting to Kallias in silent question. He slightly shook his head, his shoulders a bit tense. It took a few minutes, but at last, conversation had picked up again, with Viviane cheerfully leading it. I took it as a good sign when Kallias relaxed and continued with his breakfast, matching our pace and occasionally adding something to my plate. When it happened for the first time, I was more than surprised. He mumbled something about me needing to eat properly to get stronger and returned to his meal.

Viviane's attention focused solely on me, asking me random questions, completely ignoring Kallias. He seemed content watching her expressive face, flashing a grin here and there, though I could say that he often felt awkward and lonely, sitting between us like an invisible wall. That's why I tried to turn the conversation to him at every opportunity.

We were almost done with the breakfast when, out of nowhere, I felt an urgent need to look up. The unpleasant feeling of being watched made me turn to the doors. The person I saw there.. I didn't expect that..

My stepbrother Zima just walked in with arrogant smile, his gaze burning holes into me. All the blood drained from my face, the contents of my stomach threatening to return. This couldn't be... He was supposed to leave, so why?

Dipping his chin in acknowledgment, he headed to the table where Lord Isen was seated, his eyes still on me.

"Y/N.. What's wrong?" Both Viviane and Kallias watched me warily, probably expecting me to faint.

"W-what is he doing here?"

I didn't need to say his name. They exchanged glances. Viviane was the one to answer me.

"I heard he is so worried about you feeling lonely in your new home, that he decided to stay. Aren't you glad he's here?"

I couldn't answer. I had such a bad feeling about this. I'd never felt safe around him, but I had confidence in my father's protection as if it could hold him back from seriously hurting me. But here..? I was stripped of the only security I had in my life. What could keep him on chain here? This place was huge, full of strangers who couldn't care less about me. If he pushed me into some dark corner in a deserted part of the castle, who would bother looking for me?

The more I thought about it, the less I could control the tremor of my hands, so I put down the fork and hid them in my skirt, hoping that my companions hadn't noticed. Thankfully, they seemed to be fully focused on cleaning their plates.

After they were done, Kallias was the first to leave. Not wanting to stay in the same room as Zima alone, I hurried after him, focusing on my previous plans.

I caught up to him in one of many corridors.

"Kallias? Would you have a minute?"

He stopped but didn't look at me.

"I'd like to apologize for what happened t-that night. You have been avoiding me since then, even though it wasn't your fault."

"I hurt you," his voice was distant. Under the thick layer of ice that was protecting him from outside world, I heard hurt and remorse. "It won't happen again. I assure you."

As he said what he needed, he was ready to leave me behind. I wouldn't allow that.

"Kallias! Please, listen to me!" He froze in mid-motion, finally looking at me over his shoulder with a raised brow. Now that I had his full attention.. I lost my courage and with it, the whole speech I had prepared for this occasion vanished.

"I-.. You already know that I'm not like others. Honestly, I'm weak.. What happened that night.. if it had been someone else, they wouldn't even have noticed.. So don't blame yourself for my.. incompetence.."

He said nothing, but it was clear he didn't believe me. Well.. I had to prove my point then. Before he could stop me, I yanked the closest window open and grabbed the thick icicle blocking the view. The pain of burning was immediate and I hissed. In the blink of an eye, Kallias was next to me, pulling me away from the window.

"Are you crazy?" He kept his voice low. He checked if we were alone and then carefully opened my hand. The entire skin of my palm and fingers was red with small blisters here and there. He was mad now for sure. "Such recklessness!"

He pushed me into the empty sitting room and warded the door. Placing an armchair closer to the hearth, he bid me to sit down. The Winter prince dropped to one knee in front of me, closely inspecting my palm. He let out a shaky breath.

"I'm sorry. Thinking it's for the best to keep my distance I caused.. this," he sighed. He was having a hard time, looking for the words. "I meant to give this to you sooner, but I didn't know how-" He pulled a small container from his pocket and opened it. The well-known smell of herbs tickled my nose and I hummed, knowing what it was. He dipped a finger into the cream and with feather-light touches, he began spreading it over the irritated skin. The relief was immediate.

"Thank you, and thank you also for yesterday. Millie told me.."

"Millie?" he halted, thinking. "Ah, you mean your maid.."

He again scooped a bit of cream on his finger and continued his careful treatment.

"Would you-.." After a while, he broke the silence, mumbling. "How is it even possible that you are this fragile? I've never heard of this. It's - to be honest - hard to believe that one can get this hurt just by briefly touching a piece of ice. All the halflings I know, inherited at least some resistance to cold."

He said it calmly, without any taunts or prejudices. I wondered whom he was talking about and where he had met them. Halflings, as he referred to someone like me, were rare in seasonal courts and were always looked down upon. We were seen as a mistake of nature, something that shouldn't even exist. Solar courts, on the other hand, were quite welcoming and didn't care for one's origin - or so I read in the books my father had in his library. As a Winter prince, Kallias certainly had many opportunities to travel. He probably met them while visiting other courts.

I bit on my bottom lip, thinking how to explain my handicap without revealing the real reason - thus that it was caused by suppressing my fire magic, my true nature. "Well, it wasn't always like this," I started hesitantly. "I remember playing outside in the snow as a child, touching it even without gloves. I used to spend hours outside and my parents had a really hard time getting me inside to at least eat."

Kallias' lips curled into a small smile. He was focused on my hurt hand, but he was listening intently.

"It happened shortly after my mum died and father-.. They were mates. My father was disappearing before my eyes. I was scared I would lose him, too," shiver ran down my spine and I tugged the fur cloak closer with my good hand. Just remembering that brought tears to my eyes. Kallias sat back on his heels, his gaze narrowed at me.

"I gradually got weaker. At first, I had just less energy than before. After some time, I had to stop going out without proper clothes. Years later.. I got this weak. Fevers, migraines, nosebleeds, this," I waved my slowly healing hand.

"I see," was all he said. I could literally see that he had something on the tip of his tongue. He didn't say it aloud, though. I grew scared that I revealed too much and that he guessed the real cause. A lump rose in my throat, my pulse quickened.

He closed the container he still held, and taking my healthy hand, he placed it on my palm. "Thank you for.. your honesty," he smiled kindly, but it did nothing to settle my fear. "If you run out of this, let me know. I'll get you a new one."

I just nodded. As if sensing my unease, he reached up and cupping my cheek, caressed me. "You can trust me. No need to be hesitant or scared. I'm your husband, after all. No matter what, I'll protect you from now on."

Taglist: @tenshis-cake

[xfic]

Viviane > Feyre for HL.

Viviane held down the Winter Court for 50 years, protected as much of her people as she could, AND was trying to find a way to free Kallias from UTM.

Feyre quite literally fucked her way into the title.

One of the many hills I will die on.

[a-court-of-lust-and-stardust]

I couldn't care less about most of the ACOTAR side characters but if there are two people whose story I would absolutely devour, it would be Kallias and Viviane. The way they were friends before lovers. The way she defended and protected his Court while he was gone. The way he reached out to her with his last shred of power to tell her he loved her before going UTM. The way she immediately kissed him when he winnowed back to her after 50 years. The way he immediately proposed to her and they were married an hour later, and THEN found out they were mates. THIS is the side story I'm interested in.

[thecw-unicorn]

༉‧₊˚🕯️🖤❀༉‧₊˚.

“𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚, 𝙝𝙚’𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙙 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝙎𝙝𝙚’𝙙 𝙠𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙠 𝙖 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙙. 𝙃𝙚’𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙡𝙩 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙨𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙛𝙚. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙬𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙖 𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙫𝙤𝙬𝙨. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩—𝙙𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪-𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬, 𝙑𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙖𝙣𝙚 𝙜𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙩 𝙈𝙤𝙧—𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙩 𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙨𝙣𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚.”

༉‧₊˚🕯️🖤❀༉‧₊˚.

✮♱✮ art by @emartsemi

✮♱✮ commissioned by me

༉‧₊˚🕯️🖤❀༉‧₊˚.

Viviane & Kallias are my favorite side couple in the ACOTAR series, and I’ve been wanting to commission them ever since I began, and now thanks to @emartsemi i, this beauty is done! When I read their story in ACOWAR, this instantly became a top favorite and their story always makes me soon! I’ve always loved winter and the holiday season, and what better way to capture that than with one of the most underrated couples in the series?

༉‧₊˚🕯️🖤❀༉‧₊˚.

✮♱✮ quote is from A Court of Wings and Ruin

✮♱✮ characters are Viviane & Kallias.

༉‧₊˚🕯️🖤❀༉‧₊˚.

✮♱✮ likes, saves, and shares are always appreciated!

✮♱✮ no reposts allowed.

༉‧₊˚🕯️🖤❀༉‧₊˚.

[jadedbugart]

Hello, How are you doing ? I saw that you were taking art requests and since I really love your art style and how unique it is, I was hoping if you could draw Kallias and Viviane drinking hot chocolate while they're out in the snow ( or anything that you want tbh, I'd be grateful regardless ).

I also know that you might have heaps of requests waiting so there's absolutely no pressure and if you're not able to draw this I completely understand. Have a great day / night / evening / afternoon / dawn / dusk <33

i adored this idea!!! please enjoy viviane & kallias in the snow with hot chocolate (and reindeer!!!) ☕️❄️

p.s. their clothes are inspired by the traditional clothing of the Sámi people!

[ennawrite]

read ACOSF three times. Somehow missed every single time that Viviane is PREGNANT???

I will never make fun of someone else’s reading skills again😭

[thisblogisaboutabook]

Solstice Tree Farm

(Christmas Tree Farm)

Azriel x Reader

A Taylor Swift inspired ACOTAR fic

This can be read as stand alone but is a follow up taking place on the solstice before the epilogue of this one shot: Part 1: Ivy (Covered in You)

warnings: sexual content, suggestive language, language, alcohol

Az held my hand tightly, warming the chill of my freezing hands. “Holidays can be hard. Five hundred years later and I still get hit with pangs of sadness when memories of my childhood creep their way to the forefront of my thoughts.”

“Yeah,” I frowned. “That makes sense. Trauma never really disappears, we just learn to cope with it.”

He nodded, giving me a soft smile that didn’t quite meet his eyes. “I’ll always be here to help you through the hard times, Y/N. Whether you need a listening ear, space, or words of understanding.”

My eyes lined with silver as I leaned my head gently against his shoulder “I love you, Az.”

He brushed a kiss to my forehead, his plush lips warming me from the inside out. “And I love you. Always.”

My steps halted as I spotted a new wine bar lit up with the sound of its patrons friendly laughter rolling out the front doors. “Oh, I need to get Mor a bottle of wine and I hear they have a perfectly spiced mulled wine here that is imported from Winter.”

Az put his hand on the small of my back, guiding me toward the door. I browsed the selections, snagging the wine Mor had raved about. We had started an annual tradition of wrapping gifts together while each downing a bottle of wine. It was no surprise that the more gifts we wrapped, the sloppier our wrapping jobs became. The special tradition between my friend and I both filled Az’s heart with warmth and…. made his eye twitch just a little bit. Ever the perfectionist, my mate. His wrappings were always the neatest of the inner circle.

As we browsed the aisles of the wine bar’s shopping section, something caught my eye. A Chardonnay imported from Vallahan - the same wine that was shared between my former husband and I at our wedding.

Nausea roiled in my stomach, the room suddenly feeling too hot. “Az, I… I need to get out of here.” His brows furrowed with concern but he asked no questions as he quickly stepped with me out of the store.

My heart raced. I loathed my husband, his death at my hands was deserved, and I did not miss my life in Vallahan at all. However, there was still blood coating my hands and I was not a violent person.

Az looked to me and I knew that his shadows, my favorite one in particular, noticed the wine too. “Do you want to talk about it?” he asked gently.

“No, I just needed air. I can find mulled wine for Mor elsewhere I’m sure.”

Az offered to go back into the store to get it but I gripped his hand tightly, needing his presence to keep me grounded.

Digging through my mind for any other topic, I asked, “Have you ever seen the bears from the Winter Court?”

Az smiled as we resumed our walking, “I have several times over the centuries. They were also a valuable resource during the war with Hybern.”

I thought for a moment. “I’d like to see them some day.”

We walked for another fifteen or so minutes before I finally asked to return home, fatigue overtaking me. Az swooped me up in his arms and flew me back to the townhouse. We’d occupied it as our personal residence for years now, thanks to Rhysand and Feyre’s generosity.

We could have purchased another house in the city but this one held so many memories to Az, memories of our family, staying there made me feel like I had been a part of their lives for much longer.

~~~~~~~

The next morning, I slept in longer than normal. Azriel had to leave early for a meeting with Cass and Rhys. He left a note stating he’d be home with pastries from our favorite bakery in a few hours.

He’d been so busy recently with work. I had been busy too. I’d taken to assisting Feyre and Ressina at the studio. The children warmed my heart and while I was not good with painting, I loved working with my hands. Each year at solstice, I’d taken to offering crafting classes for the littles to make gifts. It filled my heart with even more joy than I thought possible.

I stretched, as I awoke from bed. My body aching from whatever odd position I seemed to fall asleep in last night. Az and I had every intention of “heating things up” after we’d shopped but I fell asleep while he rubbed my back. He must have sensed that I needed the rest - the reprieve from the depths of my mind - as he let me be.

While I definitely appreciated his thoughtfulness, part of me wished he would have woken me. Tiredness aside, I was hungry for his touch, every nerve in my body screaming out for him. Just thinking about it made my breasts heavy and aching to feel him on me, my thighs squeezing tightly together to relieve the ache if only slightly

I thought about taking the time to scratch that particular itch myself but I had to get ready for my afternoon class.

~~~~~~~

The class went well. Feyre had stopped by to see the children and do some painting in her office. She’d squeezed me tightly, placing a kiss on each cheek in greeting. Gratitude filled me for how accepting she’d been of me when I first came to Velaris from Vallahan. The whole family instantly made me feel welcome, we’d grown so close over the past 10 years.

After the class, Feyre and I decided to visit a nearby tea parlor - chatting about everything from art and politics to Nyx and holiday plans. I laughed as she shared a story of Rhys sneaking off with Nyx to “attend court business” with Kallias and Viviane - but instead it was just to have the pair and their children train Rhys and Nyx on the latest snowball fighting techniques. Anything to gain a competitive edge for their own annual fight at the cabin.

After a while, Feyre reached across the table to squeeze my hand. Her blue-gray eyes meeting mine as she asked if I was doing okay. Daemati abilities aside, she was naturally very perceptive of emotions. I finally confessed to her that I hadn’t been in the holiday spirit this year when normally it was my favorite time of the year. She’d offered comfort in return and shared her own stories of times that she had struggled during the season as well, adding that Rhys had especially struggled after returning from under the mountain

It was reassuring to hear that my family understood the underlaying feelings of melancholy that could rise to the surface during such a joyous season.

When I arrived back to the townhouse, I was greeted with a box of pastries and a note from Az apologizing that we’d missed eachother.

I definitely needed the visit with Feyre but felt a bit guilty for missing him. In true Azriel fashion, there was an arrow pointing to the back of the note:

“Don’t you dare feel guilty for not being home. I’m glad that you and Feyre spent time together.”

Momentarily confused by how he knew where I’d been, the glazed look Feyre had gotten at one point during our tea time came back to me. Gods, daemati powers would be convenient.

~~~~~~~

Azriel didn’t return home until late that night. I’d dozed off while reading on the couch, waking up to him carrying me back to our bed. I gave him a sleepy smile and informed him there was food from our favorite take away spot in the kitchen.

The strong hold of his muscled body pressing into me reignited the fire that had burned inside of me that morning. Clearly scenting my arousal he gave a feline grin. “I’m hungry for something else.”

Our joining that night was hard and fast. I came quickly which only fueled his male pride, by the time he was through with me I was completely and utterly satiated. I all but fell asleep on my mate before he lifted me off of him, curling into me. I awoke briefly in the night to find his wings encompassing us - the warmth and darkness quickly soothing me back to sleep.

~~~~~~~

Once again I woke to an empty bed. I couldn’t help the frown that formed at his departure. We always had an understanding of the unexpected absences that occurred with his work. Selfishly, I had just hoped to spend the morning in bed with him.

I leaned to my side of the bed to find a note reading,

“Don’t hate me for taking off so early. You just looked too beautiful, I couldn’t bring myself to wake a sleeping angel.

Rhys needed Cassian and I at the Hewn City, I promise I’ll be home soon.

I love you.”

I was loved and I was grateful. To go from a loveless marriage to a mated pairing so full of love that the only hint of sadness came from the absence of his presence. And then, even in his absence, he still made his love known. The thought made my stomach flutter.

The fluttering quickly went away as nausea rolled in. I’d forgotten to eat the take away food I brought home last night, falling asleep full of Az instead. I hadn’t eaten since scarfing down a pastry when I returned home from tea with Feyre.

I ran to the bathroom, dry heaved, and then made my way to the kitchen - instantly feeling better after reheating the leftovers from last night.

I took a bath and got ready for my afternoon class when I heard the door open, shadows greeting me before I even heard Azriel approach. He gave me a mischevious look, eyes gleaming.

He was up to something.

I smirked. “That look means trouble. What did you do?”

He just smiled, taking my hand and nodding his head toward our bedroom. “Come here.”

We entered the room and he snapped his fingers. Shadows taking it as a cue, they began swirling into a funnel of darkness. They cleared and two suitcases appeared in their absence. Mine had a gorgeous knee-length cobalt blue wool coat hanging next to it along with a matching scarf and hat, and lined leather gloves.

I looked to Az, filled with excitement and confusion. “The coat and accessories are absolutely gorgeous, and in your color! I couldn’t love them more. Thank you.” I nodded toward the suitcases, “What about those though?”

“We’re going on a trip.” He smiled. “I talked to Feyre and she’ll cover your classes while we’re gone.”

“You packed my bags?” I asked.

“I’m your mate. I know what you like.” A playful look of arrogance masking his face.

“Alright, Spymaster, I’m at your disposal.”

Before I could follow up with questions the luggage disappeared and Azriel took my hand launching us into a winnow.

~~~~~~~

My jaw dropped. Before me in a snow covered clearing surrounded by large mountains and spruce trees of all sizes was a barn transitioned into a home. It was absolutely stunning with twinkling fae lights outside, a warm glow shining from within. The house was decked with spruce and evergreen branches, boughs of holly, each window and door donning wreaths.

“Az? Is this where we are staying?” I marveled.

“Welcome to the Winter Court, my love. Kallias and Viviane are letting us use their evergreen farm as a getaway.” His smile shone brighter than any of the twinkling fae lights. He gestured toward the door, “Come, take a look around.”

Once again, my jaw fell as I took in the inside of the barn turned lodge. A fire warmed the room from the massive stone fireplace, illuminating the reclaimed wood accents filling the place. Huge fur rugs blanketed the floor of the open loft. In a corner of the space, situated in front a wall of windows was a spruce tree that had to be twenty feet tall, decked with ornate trimmings.

“This is……. It’s incredible, Az. I don’t know what to say.” I leaned into him, sending waves of adoration and gratitude down our bond, to which he sent back a surge of love.

Taking my hand, he walked me to the plush sectional couch in front of the fire where warm mugs of cocoa, mints, and a tray of various Winter Court delicacies for grazing awaited.

“I’m sorry…” he sat, pulling me down into his lap before continuing, “for leaving this morning. I know the past few weeks have been difficult for you and after our excursion into the city the other day,” he cut off, eyes filling with empathy. “Well, I thought maybe we could use a pre-solstice getaway. I came here to prepare everything for us beforehand. There’s no better place to get into the holiday spirit than the Winter Court.”

My eyes teared up as emotions flooded me. Gods, I am such a sap. But this male, he never failed to amaze me. His love and devotion to me was euphoric. Nothing in the world could match the high of being with him.

“I love you, Az,” I choked up. “Thank you. This is incredible.”

He wiped a lone tear that fell onto my face and replaced it with a kiss.

The single kiss relit that flame smoldering inside me as I straddled his lap, pressing my mouth to his, tongues and teeth crashing into eachother. In between breaths he managed to get out “Do.” kiss. “You.” Deeper kiss. “Want to” a kiss to the column of his neck. “Go out t-.” a nip to the neck and a heated kiss to take away the pain. “Fuck it.” he ground out before ripping my top off and pinning me underneath him. I snapped my fingers and the rest of our clothes disappeared completely.

~~~~~~~

One hour? Two hours? Three, maybe? blissful hours later, he carried me to the bathroom where a hot bath awaited us. My body ached for it. Az stepped in, setting us both down and situating me between his legs. He rubbed my tense shoulders, a particularly deep knead making my eyes roll back into my head and an involuntary moan escape my lips. “Fuck,” he cursed. “That moan.” He repeated the motion on the opposite shoulder, garnering the same involuntary response. “So. pretty.” He said, voice low, dripping with lust.

Those words alone caused me to rest my head back on his chest, looking up into his eyes. His renewed arousal incredibly evident against my back. He firmly placed a calloused hand on my neck, leaning down to kiss me. Hard. Before I could turn around, he gripped my hips. Strong arms lifted me up before sinking me down onto him, inch by torturous inch bringing the sweetest pleasure back to my body.

~~~~~~~

After a long bath that may or may not have needed to be reheated not once but twice, and sliding into the most comfortable bathing robe to ever grace my skin, we padded to the bedroom.

This room was the type of room that one could enter and be totally content never leaving. A massive four poster bed situated on top of a fluffy white rug called to me. Its blankets and pillows could swallow myself, my large Illyrian mate, and his massive wings. A fire warmed the space and the floor to ceiling window overlooked a hillside at the edge of the clearing, city lights burned brightly down below as coin sized snowflakes fell lazily from the sky.

Candles were lit around the room and fae lights softly illuminated the space. A knock from the outside door interrupted my moment of awe. Az pointed toward a box on the bed, stating he would be right back.

Not sure who could possibly visiting us, I padded over to the bed and opened the gift wrapped box. Inside lay a silken robe and matching sheer night gown. My heart fluttered as once again, the gown was dyed a gorgeous cobalt blue. I dropped the heavy robe I was wearing to dress myself in the see-through gown barely reaching below my ass, the new robe, and matching thong. I sighed at the luxurious feeling of silk lightly caressing my more intimate areas.

“Gods.” Az spoke lowly from the door behind me. “You’ve always been devastating in my color, but this…. I’m starting to think that this is YOUR color. You’re an absolute goddess.”

I turned as he carried in a tray of steaming food. “I had this delivered from the city’s Solstice Market.”

My stomach rumbled at the sight of the stuffed bread, potato pancakes, and sausages on the platter before me.

“Oooh, Az, this is incredible! You’ve really thought of everything.” I looked at him intently. “Thank you, my love, truly.”

He smiled and placed the tray on a table for two set up in the room. I grinned as the smells of the food wafted toward me, “let me run to the kitchen and see if there’s a wine cabinet!”

“Sorry darling, it seems that is the one thing that I didn’t think of. But we do have hot apple cider.” He motioned to a kettle on the large tray that I’d somehow overlooked.

“That’s perfect!” I reached to the kettle and poured a mug of it. The absolutely divine smell of it filling my nose.

~~~~~~~

I awoke the next morning in Azriel’s arms. His wings cocooning us protectively. I turned around to face him, peppering kisses to his lips, nose, and cheeks.

His eyes slowly fluttered open and my heart nearly stopped at the sight of his gold-flecked hazel eyes and long, dark eyelashes. Nearly ten years in and the full effect of him never failed to awe me.

After dinner the previous night, we had cuddled on the bed as his fingers lifted up the hem of my nightgown. He traced lazy circles and lines up and down my waist, the dips of my hips, my abdomen, he spent extra time and attention on my breasts: tracing, tweaking, and gently pulling my nipples, as if he’d never touched them before. I, of course, encouraged the behavior by arching back into him and letting out an occasional soft moan.

At one point, he just stopped all motion, staring deeply into my eyes. Wonder and adoration shone as he stared, as if he too had never lost his awe toward me. We had eachother three more times during the night. Something about the intimate getaway felt like accepting the bond all over again.

I snapped from my thoughts as Az playfully nipped at my ear, retracting his wings from around us.

I looked toward the outside, snow capped mountains gleaming under the sunlight. “What’s on your agenda for us today?”

“That is a secret for me to know, and you to find out later.”

Running a single finger down the length of his chest, torso, lower - I cooed. “I hear that I can be quite convincing, Spymaster.”

His only response, a smack to my ass, “Come on, greedy. That would spoil the fun.”

Begrudgingly I got out of the bed, the warm rug beneath feeling like heaven on my feet.

~~~~~~~

After a delightful breakfast at a cafe in the city, Azriel led me toward a massive building on the outskirts of it, on the opposite side of the palace grounds. Several males posted themselves outside of the structure - one of which recognized Az immediately.

“Azriel, it’s good to see you.” The burly white haired man boomed. “Is this your lovely mate that I’ve heard so much about? I heard that your High Lord and High Lady are quite smitten with her.”

Az greeted the male politely, “Hello Klaus, yes, this would indeed be the exquisite Y/N.”

I smiled as the male shook my hand. “A pleasure to meet you Y/N. Did Azriel tell you what you’re here for today?”

I rolled my eyes tossing a mock glare at Azriel. “No, this Spymaster seems to be quite full of secrets.”

The male laughed, a loud jovial sound. “Let’s not waste time then! Come and see my pride and joy.”

I stepped into the building and my eyes filled with wonder. What was already a massive building outside was truly enormous inside, clearly some kind of glamour hid the true size from onlookers. What really caught my eye, however, were the acres upon acres of training, feeding, and sleeping quarters, along with the armory - none of it on the ground level designed to house or clothe fae, but for animals. Throughout the building were soldiers and animals training side my side, working in unison. White foxes, antlered deer, and there…. Toward the back of the building, my heart skipped a beat, giant white bears! Some wearing armor, some lazily lounging along indoor pools, trainers even brushed the creatures to which they seemed to enjoy the feeling of bristles running through their thick fur.

Klaus spent hours walking us through the grounds of the facility. I teared up when given the opportunity to brush one of the bears. I felt like a child next to such a large creature. I was aware of the danger they posed, but how could anyone resist the opportunity to spend time with a creature with cute little ears like that. They couldn’t be THAT much of a threat to me…. so long as I wasn’t an enemy. The bear seemed to agree as it tilted its head toward me in a pleading manner, as if to say: “Ah yes, right there. Scratch behind my ear just there. That’s the spot.”

It turned out that Klaus was the head of the Winter Court’s animal forces. A highly revered position in their armies, essentially a step below Cassian’s rank in the Night Court. When we were leaving, Klaus told me to come back anytime, kissing my hand in parting. Azriel instinctively sidled himself closer to me, if Klaus noticed, he didn’t show it.

Fae mates. So territorial.

~~~~~~~

After our tour of the training facility, Azriel took us on a reindeer drawn sleigh ride through the remainder of castle grounds. We cozied up together under a blanket, sipping hot cocoa and taking in the beauty of the court.

It turned out that Mor pulled strings with Viviane as such tours were a rare privilege. I teared up yet again, thinking of the effort my mate and best friend put into making this Winter Solstice so special.

I was sure to thank Azriel thoroughly that night. Five times to be exact.

~~~~~~~

The next morning came too quickly, Azriel and I refusing to leave the bed until our stomachs grumbled in unison.

We headed to the Solstice Market for the remainder of our gift shopping. I found a gorgeous bracelet for Amren, the gems mined from a frozen over cave in the heart of the Winter Court. For Feyre, I purchased paints with unique pigments inspired by the terrain of the court. I continued checking names off of my gift list, until all that was left was Mor.

It may have been strange, but what were boundaries between two best friends - I was able to acquire a similar set of lingerie to the one Azriel had purchased for me in a shade of red that would perfectly compliment her features. Azriel rolled his eyes at me in amusement.

I’d also found a particularly smutty sapphic novel for her thanks to the recommendation of a friendly shopkeeper - I picked up a copy for myself too.

Azriel and I then strolled to the wine vendors - this was where the trip took quite a turn.

I bought several bottles of the mulled wine Mor adored along with boxes of decadent chocolates. The vendor was kind, and rather chatty. We talked for twenty minutes or so and were about to leave when he offered us complimentary glass mugs of the spiced wine to warm us on our walk back toward the lodge. Az quickly declined…. For both of us. I playfully huffed stating that I had no objections to such a kind offer. Azriel’s expression grew concerned as he once again waved off the offer.

The male working at the stand watched as I stood disregarding Az’s strange objection. I kept my hand held out waving Azriel off with the other. The vendor clearly knew better than to deny a lady who was clear about what she wanted and handed over the glass.

Azriel then growled. GROWLED.

I turned around to walk away, Az on my tail. I lifted the glass to take a sip when one of his shadows, not just any shadow, my FAVORITE one - restrained my wrist.

Little traitor.

“What the hell, Az!?” I asked. Quietly enough to not cause a scene but loudly enough to convey my frustration toward him. He paused for a moment - a rare show of conflict troubled his face. “We…. We need to talk.” he said and winnowed us straight back to the lodge.

~~~~~~~

Upon arrival, I stormed into the lodge. “Do you think I have a drinking problem or something? What is it, Az? It’s so unlike you to act like this. First the territorial bullshit when Klaus kissed my hand, now taking away my choice in what I want to drink?” My traitorous body let tears slip.

Az said nothing. He stared at me for a moment, before walking up to me and grasping me into his arms, his warm embrace enveloping me. I wanted to pull away but couldn’t. His scent and warmth were intoxicating, placating me.

He kissed the top of my head, his arms still embracing behind me and moving upward, brushing his fingers through my hair before pulling back. His arms released as he took my face in his hands, hazel eyes filled with an emotion I’d never seen before.

“Baby.” He got out. Voice cracking.

“Yes? What?”

“Baby.” His eyes rimmed with tears.

“What Az? What is it? Just tell me.”

His face cracked into a smile full of wonder, the tears spilling. “You’re pregnant.”

Oh?

Oh!

“Ohhhhhh.” I managed to get out. Everything clicking into place. The emotions, the random bouts of nausea, fatigue, the mild aches in my body…the constant need to have Azriel buried inside of me.

“Gods.” I muttered next. “This explains so much! How did you figure it out? WHEN did you figure it out?”

Azriel maintained his composure, resting a hand on each of my arms while running his thumbs soothingly up and down them. “I think my body knew first. I was waking up with my wings around you protectively - normally that only happens intentionally but this time it was involuntary. And then, you started showing signs similar to those when you’re approaching your cycle but… it’s been less than two months since the last one. I couldn’t sense the shift in your scent yet but something deep within me kept telling me to observe.”

Running a hand through his hair, he continued: “Then we came here and it felt like the mating bond snapped into place all over again. The night that we were laying in bed and I was tracing my fingers along your body… your curves felt just slightly more enticing - I don’t… I don’t know how to explain it, but when I ran my fingers to your breasts they were so full, so heavy. Initially I closed my eyes and took a deep breath in trying to stave off my arousal, to allow you to rest but then it hit me. The softest hint of rose. The same scent Rhys described when Feyre…”

I cut him off. “The look, the one you gave me of wonder and awe - that’s when it hit you, isn’t it?”

“Yes.” Az replied. “Are you upset?”

“Upset? No! Never! Azriel,” I choked out. “This life with you is the most incredible gift. Having you as my mate, our chosen family, and now this life growing inside of me - this beautiful life created of the love you’ve so wholeheartedly given me. It’s so much more than I could have ever dreamed of.”

Words evaded Azriel as he embraced me, sobs wracking his body- pure joy and unconditional love flooded from him through me. As his sobs settled he pulled back to look at me, eyes filled with promise. “I swear to love and protect the two of you until the end of time. My heart was already wholly yours but now, somehow it’s been filled so much more than I knew possible. Our child will know only love from us. A beacon of hope shining from the darkness of our own childhoods.”

I looked up to him, reciprocating the feelings of joy and love through our bond.

“I love you.” I vowed.

“Oh baby” he kissed my lips.

“Oh baby” he knelt down to kiss my still flat abdomen.

“Happy Solstice. I love you.”

[darklove9314-blog]

You’re mine: A Viviane and Kallias Fanfic

Day 5 of SJM Romance Week, Pronpt: Favorite Trope.Reunion. Hurt/Comfort

Synopsis: Kallias returns to the Winter Court after the events of Under the Mountain to find out someone is there waiting for him.

It had been fifty years since Kallias had seen the sunrise, had soaked up its rays as he lifted his hands, soaking in the suns warmth for the first time in decades,He had been used to the cold, it was something he had always had to deal with in the Winter court, but being Under the Mountain, being in that prison conjured by that twisted fae queens cruel mind had been anything short of deplorable.

After a minute or two of allowing himself a small symbolist of peace Kallias opened his frosty blue eyes, taking a deep breath of the fresh air he had been denied for so long as he let it expand his lungs before making his way back to his court, ready to embrace whatever his life had waiting for him.

When he made it to the Winter Court, the walls he had known all his life were now enforced with the harshest of all ice. He only knew one water user who could have done this with her water and ice manipulation powers, a female who could have protected his court as best as she could while he was away saving his home so he had something to come back to. His heart beat for her and he hoped she could hear his in answer.

Pressing his hand to the ice barricade, hoping it would set off whatever wards were inside the city, he heard the shouts from the other side of the barricade, the bellows of “There’s someone at the wall!” before he heard the guards who protected him all his life approach. Weapons at the ready to defend the court that was theirs.

Kallias lifted his icy blue eyes to them, holding each one of their gazes as they halted, their eyes widening as if they had seen a ghost. His commander's spear dropped, taking a small step forward as if she could hardly believe her eyes her lips dropped as she covered her lips in surprise.

"Kallias." Wren whispered, almost in disbelief. He did not blame her, he had not expected to make it out from under that mountain, had almost had his fight snuffed out of him, extinguished forever, before he felt some pull begging him to keep fighting. had it not been for the love of his court and for his people he would have not been standing here now.

He took a step forward ready to address his commander, ready to ask about-

"Kallias!" Her voice called to him as lyrical as any song he had ever heard as she parted the crowd that had gathered around them, guards chasing after her as she halted in front of him just as beautiful as the day he had been taken from her.

"Viviane." He whispered realizing her name was the first thing he had uttered ever since he had walked out from under that mountain.

He felt like he had been holding his breath since he had left, ready for this to be all an illusion, a prison of his own creation, a trick of the mind, but now with her...he felt like he could finally breath.

"Lady, you can not-" Wren started when Viviane tried to make her way to him, a flicker of anger rising in him at the command.

He was not sure what triggered it, he and Viviane had been best friends since childhood. He had trusted her so much that he had trusted the task of overlooking of his court to her, and of course he had been protective of her then, but now-now it felt like something more. Like a primal urge to protect her always.

"She can do whatever she likes." Kallais argued as Wren and Viviane both turned to him.

"Whatever my High Lord commands." Wren replied taking a step back from Viviane as she turned fully to him, looking like a vision in silver walking towards him with her white hair blowing in the harsh cold winter wind, furs in her hand as she threw it over his shoulders to shield him from the cold.

"Come inside. You must be freezing." Viviane instructed him as his royal guard tried to follow, but he whirled towards them, finding his commandar as he instructed.

"Leave us. I am safe with Viviane."

Wren looked reluctant as if she were about to argue before Cato coughed sparing her a glance before the sigh fell from Wren's lips.

"As you wish, My Lord." She conceded, giving him a bow before her and his royal guard dispersed leaving the two alone.

"Would you like me to escort you to your rooms?" She asked him as he shook his head not wanting to go to the Winter Palace. that would entail putting on a brave face and a front that he was not ready for.

Right now he did not want to be High Lord of the Winter Court, for now he wanted to just be Kallias and there was no one else he could be just Kallias with than with Viviane.

"What do you wish to do?" She inquired. Snowflakes falling on her eyelashes as he longed to stroke them.

"The cabin. I wish to go to the cabin."

She nodded, grasping his hand so she could intertwine her fingers with his, the warmth of her hand thawing the cold that had seeped deep into his bones these past fifty years and he never wanted to let go of the fire within her again.

When they got into the cabin, shutting the outside world out from around them. Kallias glanced down at the coat she had brought him realizing she had not been wearing one in return.

“You’ll catch a cold.” He stated glancing around the cabin to see if there was a fire place around, but Viviane did not seem bothered and just shrugged it off.

“I haven’t lived here all my life to be bothered by the cold Kallias.”

His hands fidgeted at his sides, he needed to move, needed to do something after being trapped for so long.

"Well then you won't mind if I get a fire started for us. It's been a while since I've felt warmth."

A haunted look passed over her features, anger seeping into it as she said,

"I would kill that witch if she were still alive." She muttered, a dangerous edge to her voice. One that Kallias knew all too well.

He fully turned towards her, drinking her in, starved from being deprived of her presence for so long as he made his way towards her, tilting her chin so he could gaze into those icy blue eyes.

"I have no doubt that you could." He mused, his gaze flickering to her lips, not sure why they did so, but feeling the urge to see how they tasted.

He had to stop this. This wasn't the time to be doing this. They had things to do, other things to focus on, but he couldn't get her out of his mind. He hadn't been able to since she was taken from him fifty years ago. She had protected this court with her life, and she had done well in spite of everything that that witch had thrown at her. His warrior, in every sense of the word.

"Thank you." He said, those eyes of hers leaving his lips and flickering up to his own gaze as her eyebrows bunched together.

"For what?" She asked.

"For protecting this court when I could not."

Pain and sorrow flickered across her gaze as she took a step back from him, walking over to the baby blue couch over in the corner so she could sit.

"Can you start a fire?" She inquired throwing Kallias off with her change of subject.

He knew there were things Viviane could not speak about. Had been there when Amarantha had given those orders to send that plight. They still haunted him but he knew deep down that the loss of those children had haunted the members of his court the most. Viviane especially.

When he had some time to himself to get settled he would go to them, go to every house no matter how long it took and sit with those families to ease their sorrows. Even though he knew it would never be enough he had to do something.

He walked over to the fire, grabbing some logs and placing them into the fireplace so he could stroke the flames, the fire alight as he glanced back at Viviane bathed in firelight. The dancing flames reflecting off her white hair as she looked at the fire lost in whatever memory was haunting her.

Despite Kallias’s worry, Viviane always looked stunning, like an avenging queen who would fight and die for her court, someone with such a fierce devotion who he always would want by his side.

"I should have tried harder to save them." Viviane mused as Kallias knelt down before her, she was the only female in existence that he would ever kneel for.

He cupped her face in his hands their eyes meeting as he swore he heard her sharp intake of breath at the touch, her throat bobbing in response as he said,

"There was nothing that could have been done Viviane. Not with the kind of power she possessed. Not even the seven High Lords combined were enough to defeat that kind of power. You must not blame yourself for our failures.”

Viviane turned away, her teeth gnawing on her bottom lip as regret still lingered in her gaze, Kallias staying knelt beside her.

"I just don't know what we could do. For them and our people. Everything is such a mess."

He turned her face back to his,

"We'll do the best that we can. Together."

Viviane nodded, as Kallias glanced at her, the woman who held his heart and his soul. Who had loved this court so fiercely that no one could compare, a queen in her own right who let others know it and didn’t back down from a challenge. A queen he wanted by his side..always.

"Marry me." He proposed as Viviane's gaze turned to him, shock in her features as she fully took in what he had just proposed ,

"But I am not royalty.. your court will-"

"My court will be led by someone who has stuck by my side even when i was not there. A female who loves it just as fiercely as any royal could. there's no greater honor I could have then to have you by side."

He braced himself for it, for the rejection, what he had not expected was for her lips to crash into his. For their souls to connect with one another, recognition in their gazes as she pulled away, a smile bursting from those lips he would recognize for the rest of his life as she whispered,

"Yes."

@sjmromanceweek

[theoracleofwessex]

Speaking of the winter children that got killed, a good re-write would be if Nyx had done it if we’re not going to make Rhysand be the daemaeti that had done it.

Bending the whole space and time continuum to make sure Winter gets involved in the final war at the end of book 3. Make it so Nyx lives in a timeline where Winter didn’t get involved and how Hybern won or whatever. Or maybe even to help get rid of Amarantha.

I don’t know, just anything to fix that irritating plot hole.

[shadowqueenjude]

For @wintercourtweek

Moodboard for our lovely High Lady, Ms. Viviane

[dawneternal]

Viviane // my tears are always frozen, I can see the air I breathe