cassian isn't sure why this is his life. he isn't sure why that he's the one foisted into marriage. only that azriel had been offered, and even rhysand -- but rhysand deserved to marry for love, so did azriel. cassian? well, he'd never planned to marry, much less for love. he'd never planned on kids - he'd just... wanted to exist, in the weird peaceful bubble he'd carved out. he'd lived so long, the world had changed so much.
but what hadn't changed was a woman who was caught in a web not of her making, and cassian was afraid - that rhysand had woven that web. ever vigilant he'd seen the glances between the wolven women, the three of them -- then the sisters who he scented as still human. cassian was no threat to them, he didn't wish them harm - he just wanted this war to end. and if this was what it cost? then? he'd take it.
and so there was no forced pressure during the carride to his place, he'd chosen one of the more remote estates in the foothills so that when the moon rose she could have her pack near her. it had been a split second decision when he'd gotten in the car, but he'd typed the address into the GPS so that from where she sat, she could see. she could tell her friends if she felt the need or desire.
but when they arrived and she stormed inside, he hung back only long enough to gather her bags and bring them in. he'd added her to the deed of all his properties two days after he'd discovered her name. everything he has, it's hers.
the string of profanities gains a low whistle as he sets her bags down in the foyer, there's a long hall that leads to the bedroom wing of the house ; she'll have plenty of space all her own. ' that's impressive -- i feel like you could teach me a few new ones. ' there's clearly no malice in the words, but he isn't anticipating it going over well.
when she spins to dig at him, he shakes his head.
' no. i knew i was to marry a woman named nesta archeron. i knew she had two sisters. and that my name and rank would protect them as much as her. i was told this union would bring peace. i assumed, that it would be with a human. i was just as surprised as you were when i -- scented the difference. but it changed nothing for me. i meant the promises i made, the contracts i signed, the words at the altar. but -- i will not expect nor demand anything you do not explicitly wish to give. '
he feels the need to clarify so he takes a step forward, hands raised slightly showing in body language at least that he means no harm.
' i have several properties, this estate and the surrounding acres -- a town home in the city, and a house on the beach -- your name is on all of them. you are on all the banking accounts and in your room, there is the banking and routing information and accounts of everything. you are welcome to invite your friends, your sisters, whoever you wish -- i will only stay here for as long as it takes to stabalise our peoples. i do not want war. not between our species, and not between us. but no, to answer simply, i did not know. but i suspect my friend who arranged it did. '