Elain’s garden had never looked more beautiful, not to her at least.
She peered out from the tallest window of the townhouse, the same one that Azriel used to watch her through. For so many days and nights, for so many hours Elain would toil in the garden and pretend that she did not know he was there, watching her. She planted his favorite hydrangeas — the kind that bloomed in brilliant blues, pale pinks, and soft purples, the colors of a dusk sky — all along the perimeter of the garden. Shrouding her garden in the colors that reminded her of them.
A iron arbor canopied with roses was the centerpiece of the garden, and aisles of elegant chairs all faced the arbor where Azriel stood. Shadows swarming him as he stood in the center of attention, his hands gently tugging at his formal wear — he stood with his back facing her, speaking to Cassian. Azriel’s wings folded tightly to his back.
Cassian stood by his side, wearing his formal Illyrian leathers, looking every inch the decorated general. His hair was combed and slicked back for the occasion, a brilliant and broad grin spread across his face as he spoke to his brother.
“You look beautiful.”
Elain turned and saw Feyre standing in the doorway of the room, looking absolutely stunning in a sparkling cream dress that gleamed as if someone had sewn stars into the fabric. Nesta stood behind her in a gown of midnight blue.
“Thank you,” Elain said, fingering the lilac silk of her dress. Cobalt flowers were embroidered throughout the dress, and matched the ribbon that wrapped around her softly curved waist — the sleeves were made of chiffon that flowed loose and elegant until it collected around her wrists. “You both look lovely.”
Elain took a deep breath, trying to tamper her excitement. She could feel the light weight of her rose necklace resting against her chest.
“Are you ready?” Nesta asked, peering around Feyre’s shoulder. Her blue eyes were warmer than Elain had ever seen.
“Yes.” Elain said with a shy smile.
She slowly walked towards her sisters, and the three of them walked down the two flights of steps — excitement buzzed through the air as the sisters exchanged glances that only they could decipher.
Rhysand stood by the back door in an elegant black suit, his violet eyes sparkling as he watched the sisters approach. He leaned down to give Feyre a kiss on the cheek, careful not to smudge her lipstick, and he raised his fingers to signal the music to start — where that music came from Elain didn’t know, but an enchanting melody played through the air.
Feyre picked up one of the rose bouquets which was placed in a vase by the back entrance. She gave Elain a tranquil smile before walking into the sunlight.
Nesta followed suit, giving Elain’s hand a comforting squeeze before grabbing her own bouquet and walking gracefully outside.
Rhysand held out an arm to her, and Elain gingerly placed her hand in the crevice of his elbow. He smiled down at her — not the cool and calculating grin that he had perfected for when he performed in front of the High Lords, and not the lovesick smile he would show Feyre, and not even the soft, contented grin that graced his face when he saw Nyx playing with his family. It was a broad, unrestrained grin that Elain had never seen before.
“Ready, sister?” Rhysand asked, his hand coming up to rest against her in a brotherly fashion.
“For anything. For everything, actually.” Elain replied, her smile matching his own.
Rhysand looked at her, his hand leaving hers to adjust the white lily in her hair. It was the one flower that Azriel had managed to grow in her garden — Elain had dedicated a small patch in her garden for Azriel’s lilies, and she melted just a bit every time she saw him tending to them.
“Beautiful.” Rhysand said, kissing her cheek as he reached for her bouquet.
Elain accepted the flowers he handed to her, and quietly admired the way the sun glinted off of her ring as her fingers wrapped around the stems of the roses.
Slowly, Rhysand led her into the outside — all of the guests let out a gasp as Elain stepped into the golden sunlight. There were friends that Elain had made throughout Velaris: some of the older fae that she had gardened for, Nuala and Cerridwen sat in the front row next to Azriel’s mother (a beautiful fae who brought herself out of seclusion just for today), and Nyx kicking his feet against the iron chair.
Elain noticed none of them.
It was impossible to look anywhere that wasn’t Azriel.
His golden eyes lit as he took in Elain on his brother's arm, walking down the aisle towards him. His shadows completely vanished the second his eyes landed on her, leaving him exposed. Bare for her eyes to devour.
The adoration that shone on his face settled any nerves that were buzzing within her, and a glorious calm spread through her.
Somehow, she ended up in front of Azriel and was vaguely aware of Rhysand gently taking her hand and placing it into Azriel’s outstretched one. The callouses that had become so familiar brought back a sense of reality, reminding her that she was here with Azriel, the male she loved — the love that they had both chosen.
“Hello.” Elain breathed, her fingers curling around his.
“Hello,” Azriel whispered, a smile gracing his lips, showing off his white teeth and dimple that only Elain knew about. It was one of her favorite features, that and the little eye freckle that she loved to kiss. “You look beautiful. Perfect. Immaculate.”
She blushed at his words and felt her smile grow, causing her cheeks to plumpen.
“You are more handsome than ever.” Elain said, delighting in the way his cheeks turned red.
From the corner of her eye, she saw Cassian lean forward.
A teasing grin on his face as he whispered, “Are you ready to get married?”
Azriel had surprised her the fifth time they were in the garden.
Elain was on her hands and knees, spreading mulch around her roses when two hands wrapped over her eyes and a silky voice whispered, “Guess who?”
She bit her lip as a smile spread across her face.
Azriel had been away on a mission for three days, and Elain had been missing him and thinking of him the entire time. She missed the warmth of his strong body at night as it wrapped around her, she missed the shadowy softness in his voice as he whispered in her ears, and more than anything she missed him — his presence, his everything.
“Warms, sticky hands? Must be Nyx.”
Elain gasped as Azriel nipped at her ears, the ridges of his teeth playfully tugging at her lobe.
She leaned back onto her haunches, pressing herself into Azriel.
“Sticky?” Azriel asked with fake outrage. His hands slipping from her eyes to wrap around her torso, he pulled them back until they rested in the bed of flowers — Azriel on his back with Elain laying on top of him. Her green dress tangled in their legs.
Her golden curls cascaded down around his face, creating a veil between them and the rest of the world. Her brown eyes were bright and mirthful and loving as she gazed down at him.
“Mmmmhm.” Elain murmured, leaning down to press her lips against his. The lush sound that came from her throat went straight to Azriel’s head.
Azriel’s hands tightened around her hips, pulling her closer to him.
He was so lost in her — in the softness of her mouth, in the teasing way her tongue ran along his lips, that he didn’t notice the way she shifted over him. How her knees completely straddled his hips.
Elain pulled away gently, her forehead resting against his. Azriel was too absorbed in the afterglow of the kiss to notice the impish grin on her freshly kissed lips.
“Sticky, and dirty.” Elain said softly, her lips brushing hers.
“Hhhmm?” Azriel hummed, his brow furrowed.
“You have a little smidge of dirt,” Elain said in a breathy voice. “Right there.”
She brought her hand up delicately to his face, and smeared dirt straight across his cheek.
His hazel eyes widened in surprise, half from the dirt and half from the delightful laugh that Elain let loose as she tried to run away from him. However, as she tried to propel off of him, Azriel turned them so that she was on her back beneath them. Her hair fanned out across the ground, her chest heaving as he pinned her two hands above her head with one of his.
“I haven't seen you for days, and this is how you greet me?” Azriel asked, playfully taking her bottom lip between his teeth.
Azriel reached to the side, gathered a handful of dirt, and raised his closed fist over her chest.
A silent dare shined in Elain’s eyes. Her golden hair spread on the grass around her.
Azriel slowly unclenched his fist, watching as the dirt settled over her skin. He tsked at her as he slowly shook his head, “Gardening is a dirty hobby, Elain.”
As soon as his hands ran out of dirt, he dropped his hand to her chest and slowly started to rub the dirt into her pale skin. Azriel inwardly shuddered at the sight of it, of his dark, scarred hand massaging the dirt into the swells of her pale breasts.
“You make it sound,” She said in a low voice, breathless. “Indecent.”
The dirt streaked her perfect skin, from the line of her bodice to the elegant column of her neck.
Azriel leaned down, peppering her beautiful face with delicate, feathery kisses. From her ears, to the hollow of her neck, beneath the bone of her jaw. He showered her in adoration, an imitation of what he felt in his heart.
“Azriel,” Elain sighed, her eyes shut in pleasure. “I love you.” The words slipped through her lips in a whisper, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
Azriel jerked back, gazing down at her in disbelief.
A rosy blush stained her cheeks as she peered up at him, nervously chewing her lip.
“You don’t have to say it back,” Elain whispered, a nervous flutter in her voice. “But I wanted you to know how I feel. My heart belongs to you, Azriel.”
She looked so vulnerable, so trusting underneath him. Her hands pinned above her head — pinned by him. Dirt streaked on her skin, marked on her, because of him.
“Say it again.” Azriel said, dropping his lips to hers. Moving over hers slowly, almost reverently.
He pulled away with a gasp, and Elain took the opportunity to say, “I love you.”
He kisses her again, hectically and sloppily, and stopping only to let her say his new favorite words.
Their lips were bruised and plump and their breathing was coming in short, exasperated pants when Azriel pulled away.
“I love you too, Elain,” Azriel said, his heart expanding in his chest. The entire world seemed like a dream, tinted in a rosy hue. “More than anyone has ever loved another.”
“Azriel?” Elain whispered, her eyes sparkling.
“Yes, my love?”
“I would really like to touch you right now.” She said, her grin splitting her face. Her grin was so wide that it plumped up her cheeks.
Azriel grinned back at her before moving his hand — they both reached for each other. Their limbs intertwined as they rolled through the grass, accidentally rolling over Elain’s tulips.
Elain let out a surprise laugh as a petal tickled her cheek. Azriel took the opportunity to love her neck, raking his teeth over her thrumming pulse.
She let out a heartfelt moan at the movement, arching to give him better access.
Their senses were dulled by the perfume of the flowers, their bodies overstimulated and frenzied as they moved together, and their minds too caught up in the pleasure, the rapture that they were bringing each other that they both failed to notice someone else entering the garden.
Elain had awoken twice that morning: the first was when the symphony of Azriel’s body had rocked her back to sleep, and the second was to see Azriel propped on one elbow, his black hair mused and his golden eyes heavy from sleep, as he stared down at her with a secret, contented smile on his face.
“Good morning.” He said in a lazy voice that caused warmth to spread through her relaxed body. His hand came up to gently push back some golden strands that had fallen over her face, his callouses gently scraping over her skin. He tucked the hair behind her pointed ear so tenderly that Elain couldn’t stop a smile from forming on her lips, or a blush from spreading on her cheeks.
After a few slow kisses Azriel managed to pull himself from Elain, who looked deliciously rumpled so early in the morning, and walked across the chilled floor to the door. He looked over his shoulder to see Elain sitting up, her weight resting on one hand as the thin cotton of her nightgown slid over her shoulder — exposing the creaming skin that Azriel desperately wanted to kiss — and smiling shyly at him.
It took all of his power not to crawl back into bed and show Elain all the ways she should be loved.
They had made plans to meet in the garden, so that was where Azriel went after changing for the day. The rest of the house was asleep as he moved through it, so Azriel was surprised to see another person sitting with Elain at the small bistro table which was full of fresh fruit, toast, and coffee.
Nyx sat happily on his aunt's lap, facing out and grabbing a piece of melon with his bare hands.
“I hope you don’t mind that we have company for breakfast?” Elain asked with laughter in her voice.
The early morning sunlight shimmered around them in yellow ribbons, illuminating them in golden light. Elain’s hair was loose and flowing, as if she could barely be bothered to comb it this morning, and her day dress was a simple buttery yellow that brought out her beautiful dark brown eyes.
The sight of Nyx on her knees, his little wings fluttering behind him and almost clipping Elain on her delicate chin, caused Azriel’s throat to tighten. It looked so natural, her caring for an Illyrian child. There was something so beautiful about Elain in the early morning sunlight, in her garden, caring for her nephew — She was in her element. Nurturing…Caring…Loving…It all came to her so easily.
“Are you going to join us?” Elain asked, laughing lightly at his stupor.
Azriel slowly made his way towards her, grasping the iron chair at the table and moving it so that it was right next to her. His arm stretched along the back of her chair, and his fingers brushing across the soft skin of her arm — he smirk as he saw her eyes darken at the contact.
Without breaking eye contact, Azriel picked up a fork and stabbed a piece of melon. He brought the fruit up to Elain’s plump mouth and watched in fixation as she opened herself and accepted his offering, her pink lips wrapping around the fork.
He watched as a small line of juice ran down from the corner of her mouth.
Elain’s pink tongue came out to catch the juice, and she released a little moan as she chewed.
“Here Lain!” Nyx exclaimed as he brought a piece of green melon to his aunt's lips, his chubby hands squeezing the fruit so hard it almost popped out of his hand.
Elain didn’t have time to think, she just opened her mouth and let Nyx feed her. His little finger catching on his teeth.
“Good?” He asked in a high voice, his blue eyes bright and hopeful.
“Very.” Elain replied, her eyes crinkling in the corners from her smile. She reached forward, leaning around her nephew, and plucked a piece of toast from the table and brought it to Nyx’s mouth.
Azriel watched as his nephew took a massive bite out of the toast, crumbs falling all over his little body and Elain’s dress — Without thinking Azriel reached over and brushed away some of the crumbs. He brought his hand up and wiped away the butter and bread that collected by his mouth, Nyx’s cheek squished under his hand.
“Isn’t this cozy?”
Azriel jerked, as if caught doing something forbidden, and looked over his shoulder to see Feyre walking towards them. Still in her pajamas, which consisted of a pair of silk pants and one of Rhysands old shirts, and she looked surprisingly happy at the scene in front of her.
Everything within Azriel was telling him to remove his arm, that Feyre would see how close they were, how he was touching her, and somehow figure out where he had slept last night.
Or maybe their scents would give them away.
Azriel realized that he should probably glamoured them, or used his shadows to hide their scents — but he didn’t want to. There was a small part of him that begrudged Feyre for interrupting the peaceful morning that allowed Azriel to pretend that things were different.
“It’s a lovely morning,” Elain said, beaming with happiness. She planted a kiss on Nyx’s cheek before letting Feyre take him from her lap. Azriel expected her to sit back into her seat, or grab some of the coffee from the table. What he did not expect to happen was for her to lean into him, so that her back was practically leaning against his front, and rest her hand on his thigh. “Don’t you think?”
Feyre looked at them, her blue eyes sparkling as she held Nyx to her chest, who was still chewing on his piece of toast — crumbs flying from his mouth.
“Yes,” Feyre said smiling, gently rocking her son. “Everything is exactly as it should me.” She strolled to the opposite end of the iron table, her attention fixed on Nyx. A knowing grin tugged at her lips.
Elain peered up at him, her face unbearably beautiful from the happiness shining in her features, her smile plumping up her cheeks.
“Would you like some coffee?” Elain asked in a low voice, almost a whisper, as if she was asking him for something more indecent than a cup of coffee.
“Please.” Azriel replied, a smile forming on his lips without his consent.
He watched as Elain leaned forward and prepared his coffee, to Azriel’s surprise she added the exact right amount of sugar and cream.
“Here you go.” Elain said as she handed him the mug, she watched as Azriel brought the mug to his lips, their eyes meeting over the brim.
“Perfect,” Azriel said, his heart jumping at the pleased expression on Elain’s face. “Would you like some?”
Elain’s cheeks pinked as she nodded.
Her hands reached out to grasp the mug, expecting his hands to fall away, but Azriel kept a hold of it. Her hands rested over Azriel’s as they brought the mug to her lips, letting the warm liquid wash past her lips.
Azriel slowly brought the mug away, and felt his heart flutter as Elain licked her lips before settling back against his chest.
The fourth time Elain and Azriel were in the garden they weren't alone. They spent the entire morning whispering to each other, locked in an embrace as Feyre played chaperone. Bouncing little Nyx on her knees, and pointedly ignoring the lovesick couple across from her.
Ahhhh i was giggling so hard! Oh how I love elriel domestic fluff! And feyre the og elriel shipper giving her approval and playing chaperone! And again baby nyx is the most adorable little thing!
Yes!!! Feyre is the OG Elriel, and I know she is going to be shipping them hard in acotar5 😌. Awww, I love little Nyx so much. Especially with his Auntie Elain and Uncle Azriel.
Gifting this fic to by beautiful bestie @sakurakittypeach
The third time they had met in the garden was under the watch of the moon and the cover of shadows.
Elain had tucked Nyx snuggly into bed, kissed him on the cheek, and then silently dashed down the steps and out back — silently sprinting passed Nuala and Cerridwen, who gave each other sly grins as their friend rushed past.
The cool night air kissed her warm skin as she stepped barefoot onto the patio.
She spotted him immediately.
Her nightrail whipped behind her as she ran towards him, standing by the night-blooming jasmine that grew along the length of the fence, she could feel the concrete of the patio turn into the soft grass of the garden as she ran towards him.
His tall frame twisted towards her just in time to catch her as she propelled herself at him. Her fingers lightly brushed wings, causing them to twitch and shimmy, and as Elain wrapped her arms around him she didn’t think twice as she lowered her lips to his.
Soft.
They were so warm and soft and molded to hers perfectly.
One large hand settled on her rounded bum, while the other laid flat against her back, pressing her closer into his chest. And Elain could feel the roughness of his calluses through her thin cotton nightgown.
Elain wrapped her legs around his hips more firmly, and let her fingers tangle in the silky hairs at the nape of his neck, her nails gently scraping against his sensitive skin.
His lips answered hers in earnest, as if Azriel wanted to taste more and more of her. His fingers dug into her backside, gripping as if he never wanted to let go.
When they finally pulled away, Elain was not prepared for the sight of a kissed-senseless Azriel: his cheeks were flushed from desire, and the heaviness of his eyelids just barely showed the molten churning of his golden eyes, and his kissed-bruised lips were parted as he breathed in short puffs of air.
“Good evening.” Elain said, her lips brushing over his.
Azriel opened his mouth to speak, and closed it again. Once, then twice, before finally saying, “Is that how you greet your friends?” His voice was dazed, as if he was removed far from reality and was struggling to come back.
“It is how I greet my special friends.” Elain whispered with a smile, slowly untangling her legs and falling down his body until her feet were planted on the soft grass. His hands never left her body, they simply grazed along the length of her curves with the fabric of her dress gathering above his hands.
Something flashed in his eyes as a low growl came from his throat.
Little goosebumps formed on her arms and legs.
“I hope you don’t have any other…special friends,” Azriel said, his voice dark. He nipped at her bottom lip. “For their sakes.”
“Only one,” Elain said, her hands coming up to cup either side of his face. Some of the tension in his strong jaw faded at her words. “I think you might know him, he’s a bit broody and moonlights as a bat, sometimes he lets me use his dagger.”
Elain felt the chuckle rolling through him, and something warm curled in the base of her stomach.
His lips landed on hers, moving gently, as if savoring the feel of her before pulling away, and Elain watched as his blissful expression turned guarded.
“Elain,” He said gently, his thumb rubbing back and forth over her waist. “I think I owe you an explanation for that night.”
Her heart stuttered in her chest at the words, and she slowly nodded her head as she fought off the sudden onset of shivers that racked through her.
Azriel quickly straightened her nightgown and tucked her snuggly into him as his wings came up to cocoon them away from the chilly spring air.
He took a deep, steadying breath as he said, “You looked like a dream that night,” His eyes flicked down to her thin, cotton nightgown. “Much like you do now, and I couldn’t believe my luck, that we somehow ended up in the same place, in the dead of night. That we both had gifts for each other, Gods Elain, I was so nervous to give you that necklace. I thought — I thought it would have revealed everything I felt, that you controlled my every waking thought, that you had taken complete ownership of me without even trying. And when you let me put my hands on you, when you leaned into my touch, when you offered yourself to me, I thought I would finally learn what paradise tasted like,” His lips brushed over hers once more. “As it turns out, paradise tastes a bit like honey. And then I heard this voice in my mind,” Azriel paused for a moment, as if fighting something off. “It was Rhysand, ordering me away… so I left. And when I went to his office,” His voice was strained, and a small bead of perspiration trailed down his forehead. His entire body tensed, and Elain gently massaged his temples and then his neck, whatever she could to ease some of his pain. “And he ordered me away from you, indefinitely, he was upset that we were so intimate with Lucien in the house. He was worried Lucien would call in the Blood Duel and upset the peace.”
His body relaxed, but it shook as if he had broken through some spell.
Elain let the information sink it, let it settle in her mind.
Azriel never rejected her.
She wasn’t a mistake.
“That’s why you haven’t been around,” Elain said slowly, watching as something flickered in Azriel’s eyes. “You were ordered away from me, but you — you would have kissed me that night?”
He slowly nodded his head, which was still cradled in Elain’s hands.
“You didn’t leave me?” Elain asked, her voice shaking. Azriel tugged her closer into his chest as tears slid down her face. “I thought you left me — I thought you rejected me.”
“Fuck, Elain,” Azriel said, his voice breaking over her name. “I hate myself for causing you pain. I never should have left that night — I’ve been wanting to kiss you for forever, and you wouldn’t believe how many night I’ve stayed up agonizing because if Rhysand had never interrupted us, then maybe,” He broke off with an audible swallow, Elain watched his throat bob as he worked through his emotions. “Maybe we wouldn’t have lost so much time.”
A stray tear fell from the corner of Azriel’s eye, and Elain wiped it away with her thumb.
She buried her face in his chest.
Hot tears streamed down both of her cheeks as relief swept through her body with knee-wobbly ferocity.
Azriel supported her as her knees gave out.
“Please,” Elain whispered, clinging to his strong form. “Don’t go,” She sniffed as his hands calmed her shaking form. “Stay here tonight. With me.”
A small tremor racked through Azriel.
“Of course.” Azriel rasped, gently holding her as they walked through the garden.
They slowly made their way through the house, stopping once to check on Nyx’s sleeping form — on his face with his wings and bum up in the air, a small fist in front of his open mouth — and Azriel left her only briefly to change into his sleeping clothes. When he entered Elain's room she had already tucked herself into bed, Azriel could see her golden hair splayed on her white pillow and a cute lump snuggled under a pink quilt, which was gently moving with her breaths.
A fire heated and illuminated the room as Azriel slowly padded across the hardwood floor to her, he met her wide brown eyes as he reached for the blanket to pull it back. He settled onto his side, his wings relaxed behind him, and grasped her hands.
There was enough space between them for a small child, but their joined hands met in the middle.
Softly, they whispered their good nights and stared into each other's eyes as they heard the front door open and close below them. Cassian's drunken, booming laugh carried easily up the flight of stairs and into Elains bedroom, as did Feyre’s drunken shush. They vaguely heard Rhysand whispered scolding directed towards them, and Mor didn’t even try to be quiet as she laughed at something Cassian had done.
It must have been Nesta who was walking up the stairs, the click of her heels on the wooden steps.
Elain held her breath as her sister passed the door, and gently let it escape her once she heard the opening and closing of a door. Nesta’s even steps were the only indication that she was the only sober one.
Elain wasn’t sure who fell asleep first, but she was the first one awake the next morning — one of her legs thrown over Azriels hips, and her head pressed into the crevice where his neck met his shoulder. The steady thump of his heart was in her ears, and even gentle rise and fall of his chest lulled her back to sleep.
The second time Azriel had met Elain in the garden was exactly a week later.
He had been coming to more dinners, much to everyone’s surprise. Feyre had quickly brushed away her shock when he showed up to dinner one evening and quickly offered him a place to sit, Rhysand blinked in surprise to see his spymaster already sitting at the table when he came to join them, and Elain couldn’t stop the smile that overtook her face as she saw him sitting and waiting politely at the table.
Azriel started to stand when he saw her walking towards him, but Elain lifted hand with a warm smile.
Elain smiled the entire night. She couldn’t help it.
She smiled when she noticed that his appetite was back, she smiled when she noticed that the purple smudges had subsided under his eyes, and she smiled every time his hazel eyes locked onto hers.
Azriel didn’t attend dinner every night, but every night Elain hoped that he would.
“You know,” Elain said, walking towards the dark shadows that gathered in the far corner of the garden, far away from any windows or peering eyes. “If you told me what days you plan to come for dinner, then I can plan more appropriately. Rhysand started raising eyebrows when we had your favorite steaks pies three days this past week, and you missed two of them.”
He let out a soft, dark laugh at that. Some of his shadows drifted away as she got closer, and he took a step backwards with every step that brought her forward. He didn’t stop until they were hidden behind a lilac bush.
The lovely scent enveloped them, and Elain felt her senses being lulled by their perfume.
“You did that just for me?” Azriel asked, his hand coming up to gently grasp hers.
Elain felt her heart stop as he intertwined their fingers.
“Of course,” Elain said, marveling at how perfectly her fingers fit with his. The gentle scrap of his calluses and scars intrigued her, and she wondered how his hands would have felt on her bare arms, her soft stomach, her full thighs… “Do friends hold hands?”
Azriel didn’t so much as blink at the question, in fact he smiled teasingly at it.
“I don’t have very many friends, so you’ll have to forgive me if I don’t know the proper etiquette.”
Elain narrowed her eyes at him as he deliberately dragged his thumb along the length of her skin, causing shivers to scurry down her spine.
“Do you hold hands with Rhys and Cass?” Elain asked, tilting her head so that a couple of curls bobbed along her face. She watched as his eyes immediately traveled their golden length.
“No.” Azriel said, still smiling. Gods, he was handsome when he smiled. Small little crow's feet crinkled by his eyes, and his lips curved in the most delicious way.
“Feyre?”
“Never.”
“Nesta?”
“Nope.”
“Nuala? Cerridwen?”
“That would be inappropriate, I’m their boss.”
“Amren?”
“She’d kill me, but…” Azriel drifted off, not finishing his thought. His lips pressed together in amusement.
“But what?” Elain urged, squeaking his hand.
“She propositioned me once.”
Elain felt an all consuming rage curdling in her stomach. That puny little…fae.
“Lainy,” Azriel said softly, his free hand coming up to settle over hers. “You’re hurting my hand.”
“Oh,” She breathed, instantly loosening her grip. “I’m sorry — What did you say?”
She peered up at him, her eyes unblinking as she awaited her answer.
He simply raised a black eye brow at her.
“To Amren, what did you say?”
“No, of course,” Azriel said, his eyes bright. “There’s no need to get jealous.”
“I’m not jealous,” Elain responded a little too quickly, and a little too angrily. “Why did you say no?”
Azriel’s amusement drifted away, and his features settled into their usual stoicism. Except for his eyes. Elain could see his wariness as he contemplated his next words.
“Does it matter?” Azriel asked, his voice soft and steady.
Elain silently mulled over the question.
Who knew how long ago Amren had asked him, and now she split her time between the Night Court and Summer — Wherever Amren went Varian wasn’t too far behind. Azriel had said no, for whatever reason that had been his answer. And he had most likely been with countless females, but they were nameless and faceless to her. Amren was very much a living, breathing female.
“No, I suppose not,” Elain admitted, her eyes still studying his face. “But I am curious. You don’t have to tell me, it isn’t any of my business. It won’t affect our friendship in anyway.”
Hazel eyes looked into hers, and Elain would have given anything to know what was going through his mind to have him looking at her with such gentle trepidation. Those beautiful features that have struck fear in the hearts of so many looked down at her as if she was the key to his happiness.
“I was worried that if anything had ever happened with Amren, then nothing could ever happen with Mor.” Azriel said, his voice just above a whisper.
“Oh,” Elain said, feeling her heart drop to her feet. Her hand loosened its grip on his. “Of course, Mor,” A heavy silence fell between them, and her brown eyes dropped to where their hands connected. They looked so perfect together, so perfectly complementary in every way that it hurt to think he might rather be holding someone else’s, wishing that she was something else. “I think she will be back from the continent in just a few days. I’m sure you’ll be excited to see her. She’s probably dying for everyone to go to Rita’s.”
“Would you join us?” Azriel asked gently, taking one of his hands away to capture her chin, tilting her head to look into her eyes.
Elain felt a light buzzing spread throughout her body.
“I’ve never been,” Elain admitted. “I’ll probably have to watch Nyx, depending on how long Amren decides to stay in Summer…Would you like me to go?”
“Yes,” Azriel said immediately, not having to think about his answer. “Although, I should warn you, I’m protective over my friends.”
Elain raised her eyebrow at that.
“Would you even notice me if you were dancing with Mor?” Elain asked in a tart voice. The bitterness of jealousy chipped away at her heart.
Maybe it was better if she didn’t go. The Mother only knew how many fae would be clamoring for Azriel, and Elain didn’t exactly blame them — She was one of them.
“Elain,” Azriel said in a deep, guttural voice. “I will always notice you. And you should know,” He paused, his thumb gently brushing along her lip. “That there is no way, no possibility, that I would dance with anyone else when I could be dancing with you.”
Elain felt her jealousy melt into something much more pleasurable as heat spread through her body.
“Oh,” She breathed, all of her attention divided between his golden eyes and where his skin touched hers. “You’re very — that’s very — You certainly know how to make a friend feel special.”
His thumb dragged over her lip, Elain was aware of the movement, but she couldn’t look away from his eyes.
“I think,” Azriel said, leaning forward so that his lips hovered right over hers. “That we are going to have a very special friendship.”
Elain felt herself moving forward, like some type of magnetic field was pulling her in.
“Special how?” Elain whispered, peering up at him with large eyes.
He smirked at her, and suddenly she became increasingly aware of where he touched her. As if her skin had become extra sensitive, or his had become exceedingly hot.
Azriel leaned closer, until his warmth breath misted over her face, until she could practically feel his lips on hers, and then he tilted her chin, so that his lips landed on her cheek. The press of his lips were soft, and burning hot, and completely overwhelming.
She was so completely full of Azriel — His scent tinged her nose, his caress electrified her skin, his lips seared all the way to her soul — and then he pulled away.
Elain was left in a breathless daze, staring up at him with her mouth agape.
“I’ll meet you here instead,” Azriel said, his voice wavering. As Elain blinked away the fog in her brain she became aware of how his fingers shook against his skin. “When everyone else is going to Rita’s, we’ll be here instead.”
“It’s a date.” Elain muttered.
She watched him walk away, it was as if roots had sprouted from the ground and wound around her feet, but she stayed hidden behind the lilac bush as he walked into the shadows and disappeared from sight.
The first time they met in the garden was an accident.
Elain was tending to her roses, the kind that perfumed all of the townhouse, when a shadow crept over her. It was blocking the sun that was beating down on her — Despite her floppy hat the sun was still blistering hot and managed to stream through the cracks in the straw.
The shadow that shaded her felt like a cold drink.
Elain instantly relaxed, basking in the shade it provided her. She leaned back onto her calves, wiping her dirty hands on her apron and looked around.
Everything was exactly as she expected it to be, but the shadow above her was instantly recognizable as Azriel’s. It wasn’t the first time he had done this for her, in fact he did it almost every time he was at the townhouse — never mentioning it, just acting as if it never occurred. But he hadn’t done it for her since that night.
The solstice.
Ever since that night he had become distant and withdrawn. Elain had only ever seen him at family dinners, not even eating, just moving the food around on his plate. She always tried to prepare his favorites, as an apology and as a way to entice him to eat, but it didn’t work. He simply gripped his fork and moved the food around, and when Elain was cleaning the dishes that night she knew which fork was Azriel’s — it was the only one that was bent in half.
Elain peered up at the window above her, the only one that had a direct view of the garden. It was all the way up towards the top of the house and she saw a tall, dark figure through the glass.
Azriel.
She lifted her arm in a wave, and before she could stop herself she motioned for him to come join her.
His features were shadowed, she could really only see the outline of his broad shoulders and impressive length of his wings. He didn’t move, however, at her motion. The shadowsinger just stood there, looking down at her from afar.
So, Elain motioned again. Her hand spinning frantically in front of her, little pieces of dirt flying from her hand.
And when he still didn’t move, Elain did the only thing she could think of.
She picked up the gardening shears beside her and stabbed herself in the leg.
——
What the fuck was she thinking?
Azriel didn’t think. He reacted.
He rushed down the flights of stairs, practically throwing himself down them, and ran out to the garden. He didn’t think about the fact that it would have been quicker and easier to winnow, he didn’t even stop to assess the situation.
Elain had fucking stabbed herself.
In the leg.
With shears.
Fury and concern roiled through him as he threw open the door leading to the garden. Shadows blurred his vision as they swarmed him — no fear however shown on Elain’s face as the Shadowsinger bathed in darkness approached her.
Azriel immediately dropped to his knees next to her, his hands coming up to grasp her thigh, moving and shoving the thin layer of her dress around to find the wound. She must have already taken the shears out — he couldn’t find the damned wound.
All he could feel was a warm, soft thigh.
Azriel blinked as he looked down and saw the shears planted firmly in the ground next to her, not lodged into her thigh like he had thought.
“I — I saw—” Azriel stuttered, looking into her beautiful brown eyes.
“I know what you saw,” Elain said delicately, a bashful smile on her lips. “I wanted you to see it.”
He stared at her, letting the words sink in. His hands still cradling the softness of her thigh, his fingers creating little divots in her lilac dress as the fabric bunched under his large hands.
Plush. That’s how her thigh felt.
Her face was as beautiful as always. The delicate slope of her nose pointed up towards the sky, as if it wanted to kiss the sunshine, and her plump cheeks were red from toiling over her garden, and little curls of gold escaped her braid to frame her face.
She looked so…alive. Like a beautiful Spring day.
“You made me see it?” Azriel asked, unmoving.
She shrugged a delicate shoulder, the blade of her collar bone disappearing with the movement, drawing Azriel’s attention to the little droplet of sweat that rested on the bone.
“I’ve been practicing my abilities,” Elain said, her pink tongue coming up to wet her lips, her eyes flickering between his hands and his face. His face which was just a couple inches from hers. “And I’ve learned that I can make people see things, if I try hard enough. It’s like I can project an image from my brain into theirs.”
Azriel was so stunned at the revelation that he almost forgot he was touching Elain Archeron’s thigh. Almost.
And she was letting him. She made no move to dislodge his hands. Her palms were firmly planted on the grass, and if anything she spread her legs ever so slightly to give him better access.
Azriel swallowed as he squeezed her soft thigh just a little before reluctantly pulling away. He thought he saw her pillowy lips frown just a hair before settling into a polite smile.
“It was the only way I could think of to get you near me, I’m sorry, I know it wasn’t right of me to play with you like that, “ Elain said, her voice wobbling. “I’ve missed you so much, and I never see you anymore, and I hate myself for ruining our friendship —”
“Elain,” Azriel said, cutting her off. Her eyes widened at the use of her first name, the first time she had ever heard him say it in his lovely voice. “I’ve missed you too, but you haven’t ruined anything. You don’t have it in you to ruin anything. There are things about that night that you don’t know, that I can’t tell you, but I hate myself for hurting you.”
They stared at each other for a small eternity.
Azriel tried to be a gentleman.
He tried not to notice the way her breathing turned heavy, how her chest strained against the bodice of her dress, how the two pale globes threatened to break loose of the constraining garment — and he wanted to help free them. The way she leaned back onto her palms made the fabric tighten over her breasts, and it was easy for him to see himself crawling on top of her and settling his hips between her legs and kissing her until they had fallen into the flowers behind her.
“Are you doing it again?” Azriel asked, snapping himself out of his thoughts.
A small furrow appeared between her blond brows as she said, “No.”
No, of course not, it was just his imagination, as usual. In vivid, painstaking detail.
“Elain,” Azriel said, clearing some of the gravel from his voice. “That projection is very similar to daemati abilities. We should talk to Rhysand.”
Elain bit her lip and nodded slowly.
“I’ve been meaning to,” Elain started, her voice suddenly very small. “It’s just that I don’t want anyone to worry, and I’m afraid they’ll think I’m a freak or something,” Elain said, her short-trimmed nails digging into the dirt. “Which is completely unfair of me, but” She sighed a heartbreaking sigh. “I hate to be thought of as something else yet again.”
“Something else?” Azriel asked gently.
Her brown eyes looked up from the ground and Azriel couldn’t stop the devastation that coursed through him at the loneliness that shone in them.
“As anything other than Elain.”
The words pummeled his heart, like tiny furious fists.
Azriel opened his mouth, but was unsure of what to say.
“You’ve,” Elain said gently, nervously. “Always seen me, I think. You’re the only one that has ever truly seen me for who I am, and then you just left me, and I was all alone.”
A single tear ran down her cheek.
“Elain, I’m so sorry.” Azriel rasped, his hands coming up to do…something. Tug her so that she was on his lap, in his embrace, or maybe even to wipe her tear away. But they just kind of stopped, suspended in mid-air, waiting for permission.
She sat up straighter and gently clasped both of his hands, bringing them so that they settled on her lap. Her thumbs running over the scars on the backs of his hands
“Would you,” Elain said, cutting herself off by swallowing her emotions. Azriel tracked the delicate bob of her throat. “Would you consider being my friend again?” Elain asked, her red rimmed eyes looking through his eyes and into his soul.
“I would be honored.” Azriel said, his voice scraping against his dry throat.
“We could meet in my garden,” Elain suggested, smiling brightly. “Once a week, if that works for you?”
“Of course.” Azriel said, and then he did something that he hadn’t planned. That he hadn’t even thought about. Had convinced himself it was never possible.
He picked up Elain’s hands, their beauty enhanced by little streaks of dirt and thin white scars, and planted two soft, open-lip kisses on the backs of them.
The magic that Elain had managed to summon sewed the wound shut, leaving nothing but some blood smeared on Beron's frail chest.
Elain stared at him, watching as a grotesque shadow lifted away from Beron’s body — It took the shape of a skeleton-man and stared deeply into Elain’s eyes, as if taking in every detail it could find, before slowly vanishing.
She took a deep, shaking breath. Her eyes locked back onto Beron’s lifeless body. Somehow he looked more alive in death than when she had seen him yesterday, when his body was being used as Koschei's puppet.
Elain said a silent prayer to the Mother before summoning Azriel’s shadows. Letting them sweep her back to her room where Azriel was waiting for her.
“It’s done.” Elain whispered. Her voice steady, but her heart was shaky.
Azriel slowly engulfed her in a hug, taking the dagger from her hand and pulling her in close, so that her cheek was pressed against his chest. He placed a delicate, calming kiss to her hair before ushering her into bed.
He took in her nightgown and noted that there wasn't a speck of blood on the white fabric.
“I’ll clean this and then join you,” Azriel said, pulling a rag from his shadows to wipe the blade clean. “And tomorrow someone will alert you about the assassination of the High Lord and find you in bed with the Spymaster of the Night Court,” His eyes followed Elain as she hunkered down in the blankets. “No one will suspect us of the assassination, and it will give Lucien reason to free you from the bond.”
Elain nodded her head slowly, waiting for Azriel to join her. Waiting for the peace and comfort that she only felt in his arms.
——
The next morning the Autumn Court was draped in black, all of the trees had shed their leaves so that the entire world lost its luster — the brilliant colors gone, the fire of Autumn extinguished. The people masked their happiness with a facade of mourning.
Elain and Azriel hid themselves in the library, figuring it was best to not interfere with the Autumn Court’s traditions. They sat in front of a large window, Azriel's strong arms wrapped around her and Elain’s back was pressed against his front, his legs cradling her hips, and they gazed at the barren trees.
“It’s old magic,” Elain and Azriel turned their heads to see Eris walking towards them, his hands in the pockets of his black trousers. He was entirely outfitted in black, which was surprisingly becoming on him. “The leaves grow and die with the High Lord, and once the next one is crowned we will see the start of a new cycle.”
“That’s poetic.” Elain said, settling further into Azriel’s chest. Her hands placed tenderly over his. Her fingers locking with his.
Eris smirked at their position, but said nothing.
“How did you do it?” Eris asked, walking until he stood on the opposite side of the window, leaning against the frame.
“Do what?” Azriel asked in a cold, polite tone. His voice reverberating through her body.
Eris cocked a red brow at them, his smirk growing ever so slightly.
“Indeed,” Eris said, crossing his arms. “It’s probably best if I don’t know, anyway,” A beat of comfortable silence passed before Eris grinned at them and said, “I don’t blame you, by the way. And I appreciate your flair for scandal,” His gaze raked over them. “And anyway, Lucien would never be able to appreciate such…beauty.”
Azriel growled slightly, and Elain gently patted his hand.
“We intend to break the bond, as soon as we are home” Elain said in a strong, clear voice. “And this gives Lucien an understandable out. This frees us both.”
Eris inclined his head.
“I’ll expect an invitation to the wedding.”
“Won’t you be busy with your High Lord duties?” Azriel asked, almost mockingly.
“I can make the time,” Eris grinned with a wink, slowly walking towards the exit. “After all, I have you two to thank.”
——
Elain and Azriel sat in front of a smoldering fire in the study of the town house. In the same exact position they held when Elain was scrying — when she saw the vision of their future together.
They held Truth-Teller in their hands, a bridge of connection between them. Both of their hands clasped around the cool hilt of the dagger, a lavender-like glow emanating from it, pulsating like a heartbeat. The buzz of power hummed through the room.
The ribbon of lavender light wrapped around both of their hands, the color of the sky at dusk.
“I promise myself to you, Azriel,” Elain said in a soft voice. “My body, my heart, and my soul — there is no better part of me than the one you hold. I love you, Azriel. I choose you.”
“I promise myself to you, Elain,” Azriel said, his voice full of emotion, his eyes churning and golden. “My body, my heart, and my soul — it is yours to do with what you will, and I will spend the rest of my days cherishing you. I love you, Elain, and I choose you.”
The lavender light seeped into their skin, binding them together.
Their tattoos vibrated as the magic ran through them, before spreading through the rest of their bodies. The color of their tattoos slowly faded into the softest shade of violet, with a metallic sheen when caught in the light. Just wispy ribbons of shadows that stretched from their hands to their elbows.
They slowly lowered the dagger so that it rested on the floor, and Elain waited all of one second before throwing herself in Azriel’s arms. Peppering kisses over the handsome planes of his face, one hand in his hair while the other — the tattooed on— rested over his heart.
“A bond of our own.” Elain whispered, her lips moving frantically over his face.
“Yes, my love,” His strong arms came up to hold her. His lips meeting hers. “A bond of our very own.”
“This is a reconnaissance mission only,” Azriel said, his arms folded tightly across his chest, his voice oozed confidence. His shadows swarmed his large frame, and Elain got a glimpse of the powerful Spymaster — and she sent a silent prayer to the Mother that no one noticed the headiness in her scent. The raw strength that radiated from him was as attractive as it was charming, and a small part of her loved knowing that the fearsome Spymaster was soft and tender with her. “We are to get information only,” His hazel eyes landed on Lucien, his face a mask of icy indifference. “I realize you’re…close to the target.”
“My father?” Lucien leaned against a tree, one hand propped on his hip. “I won’t compromise the mission, Shadowsinger. My mate and I will be most welcome — You on the other hand…”
Azriel bristled at the word ‘mate’. Elain could see his hazel eyes darken and cloud and she wanted nothing more than to take him in her arms and remind him of the promises they had made — of the future and bond that they would create together. They didn’t need a mating bond, their bond would be one of love and choice and freedom.
“Lucien,” Elain said in a clear voice, she could feel his attention turn towards her. “You should know that my intentions have not changed. I don’t plan on accepting the bond,” He gave her a wooden nod, his ginger hair almost orange in the sun. Elain pivoted towards Azriel, aware of the secret smile in his eyes. “Now, I believe we have a mission.”
Azriel's lips turned into a smile as his shadows slowly unfurled and surrounded them, lifting them up in a cool air as the earth moved from under their feet. As the shadows cleared away Elain was greeted by vibrant orange and red leaves. The entire world looked as if it was on fire.
A palace of pearly white shining stone stood in front of them.
Somehow Azriel had appeared next to her during their travels, the backs of his fingers brushing against hers.
They slowly walked along the leaf strewn cobblestone path that led to the elegantly carved marble door. Elain watched as it slowly opened to reveal a smirking Eris, his red hair falling over his forehead.
“Welcome to the Autumn Court.”
——
“Are you prepared for tonight?” Azriel asked, slowly stepping out of a shadow.
Elain blushed, realizing that she was just in her shift. There was something exciting about it, she had to admit, Azriel sneaking into her room while everyone was preparing for her engagement ball to Lucien.
She sat on a cushioned stool in front of the vanity in her room, gently setting down the ivory comb she was using. Her brown eyes met his hazel ones in the mirror, and she watched as he slowly walked up behind her and laid his broad hands onto her bare shoulders.
His warm, strong fingers slowly started to work her muscles, the tension easing from her body at his touch.
“Yes,” Elain replied, her head slowly rolling back, her hair cascading in golden curls down her back. “I even have your present.” She spread her legs slightly, pulling up her shift to expose the ivory blade against her thigh.
A lusty hum came from Azriel’s throat.
“Have I ever told you how magnificent your thighs are?” Azriel asked, bending over her slightly so that Elain could feel the heat radiating off of his powerful body.
“I don’t think you have,” She peered up at him, his hazel eyes burning in the soft darkness of her room. A little smile appeared on his kissable lips. “Although now seems like a good time to start.”
Azriel groaned as his hand moved towards her neck, his fingers maneuvering her so that he could easily kiss her.
And kiss her he did.
His lips crushed hers, moving against hers so frantically that it captured all of the breath in her lungs. Everything about the kiss confounded her — how his lips were both strong and soft, erratic and calming, completely new and so completely right.
How was it possible, that she had never truly felt alive until he was claiming her.
Azriel pulled away from her and rested his forehead against hers, their breaths coming in pants.
“Tonight,” Azriel rasped. “I’m coming for you tonight.”
——
Elain had to admit that the ball was lovely.
The colors of autumn blazing to life around them, as if the colors were somehow enchanted to give off an iridescent sheen.
The pale lilac dress that she wore seemed out of place, even more so than Azriel, who was glowering at everyone in his Illyrian leathers. He strolled into the room at her side, daring everyone to say something about how closely he stood, at how his shadows seemed to wash over her on their own accord. A small cloud of black followed Elain, and Azriel felt smug at how gorgeous she looked in his shadows — at how unafraid she was of the darkness.
They strolled to the two thrones situated in front of a fiery stained glass window. The thrones were carved in stark relief from pure white marble, both depicting the enchanted forests that lived beyond the walls of the palace.
The Lady of Autumn was perched on the smaller throne, her delicate hands clasped over her lap. Her hair coils of scarlet that were accentuated by her sage dress — the same sage that permeated her skin and caused her to look sickly. Her husband sat on the large throne next to her, a shell of a male — he looked like the gray on a damp, rainy morning. Lifeless.
The dagger on her thigh seemed to buzz in his presence.
Elain and Azriel stopped just shy of the dais. Azriel’s siphons thrummed slightly.
Elain inclined her head politely as Azriel stood still.
“Welcome.” The High Lord of Autumn droned, his voice dull.
“Enjoy tonight's festivities.” The Lady of Autumn said in a small voice, her frail hand raised and gestured to the rest of the room.
As if commanded, the musicians started playing some type of jaunty country dance. The dance floor flooded with people and Elain was aware of Lucien walking towards them, looking every inch in his element. As if he had never gone away from his home court. Lucien wordlessly raised his hand and Elain accepted his silent offer to dance with a bland smile.
Azriel spent the rest of the night in the shadows, watching as Elain danced in the arms of her mate. And when the time came he walked towards Elain's side and offered his arm to her as the music dimmed and the lights flickered. Lucien's eyes narrowed as he watched Elain place her hand in the crook of Azriel's elbow, his eyes trained on their backs as the Shadowsinger led his mate out of the ballroom.
——
"Are you ready?" Azriel asked as they stepped into her room. The door shut quietly behind them. The dim faelights cast the room in a soft, golden glow.
"Yes." Elain whispered, standing on her toes to press a kiss to his cheek.
She took a step away from him and relaxed as shadows bloomed around her.
——
Elain wasn’t surprised by how easy it was for her to shadowwalk. She had remembered it from her time on the battlefield.
The ivory dagger glowed in the dead of night, illuminating Beron's face.
His face didn’t change as she plunged the dagger through his heart.
“Are you ready?” Azriel asked, his strong hands gently holding hers.
Elain looked to their joined hands, hers small and pale in his. She loved the roughness of his skin, marveled at how his skin felt against hers every chance she got, and she loved the beauty of his hands — how gentle and loving they were as he showed her the proper way to use a dagger, how beautiful his scars looked with hers.
“Are you?” Elain asked, threading her fingers through his.
“I don’t relish the thought of being around Lucien,” Azriel admitted, his thumb rubbing along the back of her hand. “Of smelling and seeing your bond,” His hazel eyes churned at the words, but his expression softened on his handsome face. “But that will be over soon.”
“And then we will have a bond of our own.” Elain said with a smile, the dread easing in her just a bit at the thought.
They looked towards Vassa’s residence, a utilitarian looking building made from grey stones with large windows scattered throughout its walls. Not at all the beautiful palace that Elain would have thought the queen lived in, but sturdy and potentially cozy on the inside.
“The sooner we start, the sooner we finish.” Elain said. Azriel nodded along, but neither of them moved. They stood rooted in place.
“I’ll make sure to sleep in the room next to yours,” Azriel said, his voice breaking the lull that had settled between them. “Or I could also shadowwalk into your room.”
Elain could feel a grin teasing at her lips.
“At night?”
“At night.” Azriel said, his smile turning wicked.
“Well, I suppose that’s only fitting for a spymaster. It is a little exciting, isn’t it?” Elain whispered, a thrill lacing her voice. “Just the two of us, meeting in the middle of the night, while everyone is asleep? Maybe,” She paused for a beat, her teeth working her bottom lip, but the corners of her mouth were upturned into a grin. “Maybe a stolen kiss or two.”
Azriel rested his forehead against hers. Their breaths mingling between them.
“Elain,” Azriel groaned, his eyes falling shut. “It’s not stolen if it’s given freely.”
“How right you are,” Elain whispered, her free hand coming up to wrap around his neck. Her fingers twined into the curls at the nape of his neck. “What if I kissed you now?”
A small hum sounded from Azriel.
His free hand came up to settle on her waist, pulling her closer.
“My little spy,” Azriel said, swallowing audibly. “Do you think you’d be able to walk through those doors without everyone knowing you’ve been kissed within an inch of your life? Do you think you could hide how thoroughly I’ve made love to your mouth? From your mate? Your flushed cheeks can be explained from our travels. But your lips? How would we explain your bruised lips? Because when I kiss you Elain, I intend to do it properly.”
Elain gasped at the words, at the way his hand tightened around her waist.
“Maybe we should wait…until tonight?” Elain asked, peering up at him with large eyes.
“Until tonight.” Azriel confirmed, slowly untangling their bodies. All but his hand, which pressed against the base of her back, leading her out of the woods and into the manicured lawn of the palace.
——
“Did you have good travels?” Vassa asked, a polite, warm smile adorned her face.
The five of them sat in a beautiful drawing room, one that was tastefully decorated and completely at odds with the exterior of the building, sipping tea while an awkward tension filled the room.
“Yes, thank you,” Elain replied with a kind smile, trying to ignore the way Azriel’s thigh pressed against hers on the settee. As soon as Vassa offered her a seat, Azriel immediately took the spot next to her. Ignoring the glare from Lucien, who more than obviously wanted to accommodate his mate. Jurian sat silently by himself, laughing at them all. “This tea is exactly what we needed after traveling so far, and thank you for seeing us on such short notice.”
Vassa nodded her head, ignoring the way Lucien was glaring at the Shadowsinger.
“I will do my best to be helpful, but I’m afraid there’s not much I can say that I haven’t before. And the spell, well, it’s not that I’m forbidden from saying anything, but every time I try my mind goes fuzzy. And I can’t distinguish between fact and fiction, between dream and reality.” Vassa explained, her brilliant blue eyes dimming.
She looked every inch a queen, Elain thought. Vassa’s vibrant red hair was fashioned around a crown full of emeralds, and the cream gown she wore was made of silk — She looked different from the other human queens… Vassa looked like she cared.
“We have thought of something, Azriel and I,” Elain started, stopping when a soft growl came from Lucien. She briefly considered her mate and noted how his lips curled in a sneer, but she continued on. “We have been experimenting, and I think if I use you as a conduit, I might be able to see Koschei, or at least see something that might be useful.”
Vassa’s red brows furrowed in curiosity.
“How would that work?”
“We’ve discovered that if I am touching someone —”
“You’ve touched him?” Lucian sneered, his voice sharp as a sword.
Elain slowly, confidently turned towards him and said, “Yes.”
A dark chuckle cut through some of the tension, and all eyes turned to Jurian.
“You’ve certainly touched the Queen.” Jurian said, a mockery of amusement in his voice.
“Jurian.” Vassa chided, her face almost as red as her hair.
“It is none of my concern whom Lucien touches,” Elain said, smiling at the queen. “He is free to touch who he wishes, as am I.”
Elain watched as some of the tension left Vassa, and a thankful smile formed on her lips.
“Perhaps,” Azriel said in an icy voice. “We should start now,” He tilted his head accommodatingly towards Vassa. “If it pleases you.”
“It’s splendid,” Vassa exclaimed, she clapped her hands and her servants carried away their refreshments. “Maybe it would be better if you two left,” She gave a pointed look to Lucien and Jurian, both of whom looked slightly offended. “So there are less distractions. The handsome one can stay.” Vassa waved an elegant hand towards Azriel.
As soon as the room emptied, Azriel sent his shadows to dim the faelights.
The three of them gathered on the floor and Elain took one of Vassa’s elegant hands in both of hers, and settled them onto her lap. Letting her eyes drift shut just like she did in her training sessions.
The world turned fuzzy around her, and she saw a glorious firebird behind her eyes in a blaze of brilliant blue and vibrant orange — a chain of shadows around its neck that connected her to a man made of bone. A man of bone that stood behind a High Lord of Leaves.
With a gasp Elain opened her eyes, dropping Vassa’s hand in the process.
Azriel’s firm hands rested on her shoulders, grounding her.
“Well,” Elain took a deep breath. “Our suspicions are correct. Koschei is using Beron as his puppet.”
She knew it was silly, but she couldn’t help herself. Azriel didn’t get any of the dinner she was preparing last night, so she decided to make a small breakfast for him: some bread and poached eggs, fried potatoes, slices of bacon, and a small bowl of fruit. Elain had set a small table in the room that they had been using the day before, and she even had small bowls of nuts set out in case he got hungry later on. And a charmed tankard of coffee was waiting for him.
“I hope the bacon is to your liking,” Elain said, her nervous hands straightening the silverware on the table. She could feel Azriel as he winnowed into the room. “It’s a little fattier than usual, but it’s what we had.”
She turned and spied Azriel stepping out of his shadow, and watched as they silently fluttered away.
His hazel eyes looked towards the table and then back to her, shining brightly.
“You did this for me?” Azriel asked in an even voice.
Elain simply shrugged and hoped he didn’t notice the blush that coated her cheeks.
“You didn’t have any dinner last night,” Elain started, grabbing the tankard of coffee and bringing it to him. Their fingers brushed as she handed it to him. “At least, not any of the dinner I prepared. And I wanted to make something. For you.” She silently cursed her fumbling mouth and her rapidly beating heart. “I hope you like it.”
The burning of Azriel’s gaze never strayed from her face, not as she rambled or gestured to the table behind her.
Time seemed to slow as Azriel leaned forward and pressed his lips into her cheek. How could something so soft, so gentle, cause flames to erupt in her heart?
“Thank you, Elain,” Azriel whispered, his lips brushing her cheek as he spoke. The warmth of his breath sent shivers through her. She was somehow freezing hot and burning cold at his touch. “It’s incredibly thoughtful.”
And then he was gone.
Elain blinked and he was sitting at the table, fork in hand, and taking a bite of potatoes. She was not prepared for the deep moan that he let out — it reminded her a little too much of his moans in her vision.
“Have I ever told you,” Azriel said, his attention almost entirely on the food in front of him. “That potatoes are my favorite food?”
“You didn’t have to,” Elain said, walking over to him and taking a small potato from his plate. His eyes darkened as she brought it to her lips. “They’re my favorite too.”
They chatted while Azriel ate his breakfast, and Elain tried to ignore the gratification that spread through her as they enjoyed the morning together. The domesticity of the scene wasn’t lost on her — preparing breakfast for a male that wasn’t her mate, and more than once Elain had the urge to take the fork from his beautiful hand and bring it to his mouth. She wanted to take his siphons off and massage the places in his hands that the leather rubbed against, creating angry red indents. She wanted to ease the tension coiled in his muscles — in any way that she could.
Maybe Elain couldn’t kiss him the way she wanted to. Maybe she couldn’t touch him the way she wanted, freely and often and with love. Maybe they couldn’t be together the way Elain dreamed about.
But she could make him breakfast. She could do something that made his day a little easier.
“Good?” Elain asked, trying not to stare at the way he wiped his mouth with a napkin. How did he manage to make that look attractive?
“Delicious,” Azriel said, his eyes warm as he looked at her. “I have something for you, Elain. I was going to wait, but…” He trailed off as he called forward one of his shadows, his hand disappeared for a second before pulling out a long, thin velvet box.
Her heart was stuttering in her chest as he gently grabbed one of her hands and unfurled her fingers, placing the box within her grasp. She tried in vain not to think about the solstice.
With shaking fingers, Elain opened the box.
An ivory dagger was laid upon a plush bed of velvet. The dagger had a luminous quality to it, almost as if it emitted light, and the handle was a smooth, sturdy metal with a cobalt gemstone nestled into the hilt.
“It’s lovely,” Elain whispered, her fingers lightly brushing over the smooth blade. “Thank you so much. Where,” She swallowed her suddenly dry throat. “Where did you get it?”
Azriel cleared his throat before saying, “I had it made for you. There is a piece of my old siphon in it,” Elain’s heart jumped into her throat as he explained. “You’ll be able to channel some of my power when you use it.”
“How is that possible?” Elain asked, her voice a mere breath.
“When you tapped into my power before, on the battlefield, I was shocked,” Azriel admitted, and Elain watched the way his throat worked. “So I looked into it,” His bright eyes met her. The rest of his expression was carefully stoic, but his eyes were vivid with emotion. “It’s not common. It shouldn’t even be possible, Elain, for two people without a bond to share their powers. I thought maybe,” His voice broke. “Maybe it was possible there was a bond but,” His eyes flickered to the table, to the empty plate of food she had offered him, and back at her, the light flickering out of them. “There might be other types of bonds that could explain how you can tap into my powers. Or maybe it had to do with Truth-Teller”
Elain took a deep, shuddering breath.
“Every time,” She whispered. “Every time I’ve cooked for you I’ve hoped that maybe,” She swallowed the emotions that were building in her throat. “Maybe something would finally snap into place. And I’ve never understood why it hasn’t,” She felt a small, warm tear glide down her cheek. “I’ve never understood why you aren’t my mate.”
Azriel fell to his knees in front of her.
The chair crashed to the floor behind him.
Elain’s gaze was fixed on the gift on her lap, but she felt the warm pressure of Azriel’s hands as they settled onto her knees.
“I’ve wondered the same thing, love,” Azriel said in a rough, broken voice. “Every night I’ve questioned myself, the cauldron, the Mother — everything. Because I don’t understand it. I don’t understand how we can exist and not be made for each other.”
A ragged breath tore through her throat.
“I don’t want to be mated to him.” Elain said, sniffing as her fingers fiddled with the velvet box.
“After our mission I’ll help you break the bond, if that’s what you want.” Azriel offered, an intense vulnerability shining in his eyes.
“Yes, please Azriel.” Elain said, one of her hands moving to settle over his.
“All we have to do is get through this mission, Elain,” His hands squeezed her knees. “And then we’re free. You’ll be free,” Azriel picked up her hand and pressed a kiss to her sensitive palm. “You should know that there’s more to your gift.”
“There is?” Elain asked, her mood lightening at the smile that appeared on Azriel’s face.
He pulled some leather contraption out of the shadows, and it took Elain a moment to realize it was a harness.
“May I?” Azriel asked, and Elain nodded. Not exactly sure what she was giving permission for, but trusting him all the same.
She held her breath and his fingers gently pushed up her dress, the purple fabric slowly bunching together — Elain gasped as one of his hands gently grasped her left ankle and led her foot through the harness. His hand was unbearably hot, even through the silk of her stocking. Slowly, he raised the harness up her leg. The coolness of the leather at odds with his warm fingers.
Elain looked away from his ministrations long enough to see his tongue running over his lips.
“There are buckles,” Azriel said in a hoarse voice. Elain watched his face as he watched his movements — he was transfixed, enchanted even at the creamy skin exposed to him. At seeing his hands in so intimate a place, doing so intimate a task. Elain shifted just slightly, giving him better access. “So we can adjust it to your liking.”
“Thank you,” Elain said, her hand coming up to brush away the hair that had fallen over his forehead. “For everything,” Her hand dropped from his hair to his jaw, her thumb brushing over the smooth, freshly shaved skin of his cheek. “Maybe, once all of this is behind us, we can form a bond of our own?”
“I thought you were going to teach her how to scry,” Rhysand said, dropping into the leather chair behind his wooden desk. “Not hold her hands as you stare lovingly into her eyes.” His violet eyes locked onto his brothers with an accusatory stare.
“We were scrying,” Azriel said, standing on the opposite side of the room. His arms crossed as he stood in front of the closed door, ready to leave at a moment's notice. The bliss of Elain’s presence, the thrill of touching her skin, had all melted away the second Rhysand ordered him into his office.
“Well,” Rhys said, obviously not believing any of Azriel’s words. He sighed as he ran a hand across his chin, not bothering to hide his weariness from his brother. “At least her mate isn’t in the house this time.”
Shadows darken every inch of the room.
Rhysand cocked his eyebrow, a self-satisfied smirk on his face. He raised his hand when Azriel opened his mouth to speak.
“I’m not going to scold you,” Rhysand said, his voice suspiciously calm. “I realized I overstepped my bounds that day, but,” He cut himself off with a sigh, running his fingers through his midnight hair. “I was surprised. I’ve seen the way she’s looked at you, how she’s made you laugh, but I never — Fuck, her mate was in the house, Azriel. If it was any other time I would have just walked away, but I couldn’t take the risk of him finding out like that. I,” Rhyand looked ragged as he dragged a hand over his face. “I hope you’ll forgive me, but I have a mission for you. For you and Elain, both.”
Azriel couldn’t stop his shadows from darkening and swirling around him.
“What kind of mission?” Azriel asked, his body on edge. The thought of Elain near any type of danger pushed him precariously close to murder — who his victim would be, Azriel had no clue, but the urge thrummed through his veins.
“We need to learn more about Koschei,” Rhysand said, his voice weary and authoritative. “I want you and Elain to go to the human realm and learn everything you can from Vassa, and then after that,” Rhysand paused, his bright violet eyes looking into his brothers. “The two of you are set to travel to the Autumn Court,” Azriel could feel thousands of pins pricking at his skin. “Eris suspects that Beron is planning something with Koschei, and we need to learn what. We have contacted Lucien and he has offered to allow you and Elain a ruse to get entrance into the Autumn Court — Eris has been whispering in Beron’s ear that it’s time to meet Lucien’s mate. Lucien has agreed to—”
Rhysand was cut off by his brother's growl.
“Have you talked with Elain?” Azriel asked through clenched teeth.
“Not yet —” Rhysand started, but Azriel cut him off yet again.
“I won’t have her pressured into accepting the bond.” Azriel stated, his knuckles white as he clenched his fists.
Rhysand stared at him for a beat, his face unreadable.
“Neither will I,” Rhysand said, slowly rising from his chair. “That’s why you’re going to be there.”
Azriel let out a controlled breath.
The two brothers stared at each other, both silently aware that this was the longest they had been alone in each other's presence since the solstice.
“I’ll let her know.” Azriel said, turning to leave.
“You leave in two days,” Rhysand called. “You’re to spend four nights in the human realm, and then a week in Autumn. It will be just you and Elain, Azriel. And while I may have overstepped my bounds before, Elain is my sister. I won’t have you playing with her heart. We’ve all sacrificed too much for you to throw it all away — If you’re going to cause political unrest and start another war, at least make sure you love her.”
Azriel felt his heart tighten in his chest at the word ‘love’.
He gave his brother a slight nod before shutting the door behind him.
——
Azriel found Elain in the kitchen, a flour covered apron over her day dress, elbow deep in a mound of dough. He watched her as she silently worked, noting how golden strands fell around her beautiful, content face, the small dusting of flour that lined her nose, and the little peak of white as her teeth bit into her lip. Azriel didn’t blame her — he thought about sinking his teeth into her plump lips every time he saw her.
Nuala and Cerridwen sat at the window, humming while they peeled potatoes for dinner.
“Elain,” Azriel said, his voice carefully soft. She didn’t so much as blink at his voice, but her doe eyes flew to where he stood. “May I have a word.”
She looked at him curiously before nodding. She wiped off her hands with a dish towel before following him into the hall.
“Is everything all right?” Elain asked, her voice a hushed whisper. She took a step closer to him, hesitating before placing her hand on his scarred one. Azriel didn’t even notice that his arms were crossed. “I didn’t cause any trouble for you, did I?”
She nervously worked her lip, and Azriel wanted to run his thumb over her soft skin to stop the abuse.
“No,” Azriel said, shaking his head. He fought the urge to take her face between his hands. “Elain, any trouble you cause me would be well worth it,” His eyes devoured the blush that stained her cheeks. “But Rhysand has a mission for us,” A small frown appeared between her brows and Azriel wanted to ease it with a kiss. “In two days we are to travel to the human lands, gather as much intel as we can on Vassa and Koschei, and then we travel to the Autumn Court,” Azriel worked his throat, trying to fend of the invisible, constraining noose that wrapped around his neck at the worry in her eyes. “Where Lucien will introduce you as his mate,” The word tasted like acid on his tongue, and he decided against his better judgment to capture the delicate hand that was placed over his. “Nothing will happen, I promise, Elain. I’ll be with you the entire time. You won’t be forced into anything,” He tilted his head towards hers. “If anyone so much as looks at you the wrong way —”
Azriel was silenced by three fingers pressing against his lips.
“I’ll be with you, I’ll be safe,” Elain said gently. She pulled her hand back, but not before gently tracing over the soft lines of his lips. “What must we do to prepare?”
“Get a good night's sleep tonight,” Azriel said, squeezing her hand. “Tomorrow we’ll go over the basics, and even though you’ve proved yourself handy with a dagger I’ll show you a few more tricks. And we’ll continue with our training from today,” His thumb caressed the soft skin of her hand as his voice dropped. “I trust that Nuala and Cerridwen have been giving you lessons?”
Elain softly nodded her head.
“Good,” Azriel said and let go of her hand. “I won’t be able to make it to dinner tonight, but I’ll be here tomorrow morning. 8:00 am.”
The small frown that appeared on her lips begged to be kissed.
Instead, Azriel just raised his hand and dusted away the flour on her nose.
“Tomorrow.” Azriel said.
“Tomorrow.” Elain replied, silently taking a step back. Her hands crossed over her chest as she watched shadows spirit Azriel away.
“Why won’t it work?” Elain asked, slumping in her chair. She brought her hand up to rub her aching lower back.
They had spent the last three hours trying to scry with nothing to show for it.
The bones told her nothing. The tea leaves had been a bust. She had thought that she saw something churn in the misty crystal ball, but nothing appeared to her.
“What if I can’t channel it, or control it at all?” Elain sighed, the hot shame of failure swirling in her gut. There was no reason for her not to be able to do it. She had managed to track down the Suriel, but that had been different. Easy almost. She had a goal, a purpose, but now she just felt lost.
“Elain,” Azriel said, her name still new on his lips. It unleashed a million butterflies whenever he spoke her name. “We just have to figure out what works for you. There’s no reason for you to be an expert right away,” He gently placed his hand on hers, which was nervously working the fabric of her dress. “There is something else that we can try.”
He got to his feet and held out his hands towards her, silently asking her to trust him.
Elain immediately placed her hands in his.
They both stared at their hands, Elain’s small and pale in his. Tiny scars ran along the length of her hands, and Elain watched in fixation as his thumbs gently traced along the thin lines.
“Beautiful.” Azriel breathed.
He gently led Elain to her feet, and then clasped her hands as he led her towards the fireplace. Their hands still connected as they sat. His shadows were long gone, disappearing soon after they started their session, and Elain watched as the faelights dimmed into nothingness and the only light in the room was the glow of the dying fire.
She tucked her legs underneath her, her hands laying in his with her palms up.
Azriel looked unbearably handsome. The sharp lines of his face were highlighted by the glow of the fire, Elain found herself fighting the urge to take his head between her hands and trace the perfect planes of his face.
“I need you to relax.” Azriel said, his voice low and lush. “Close your eyes and take deep breaths. Try not to think of anything,” She could feel her tension melting away as his voice warmed her body. “Just focus on your breathing for now, quiet your mind.”
Elain followed his instructions, her hands still cupped in his. Her breathing turned slow and steady, and she concentrated on the cool air filling her lungs and the warm air leaving her on the exhale.
An image appeared before her, she could see a golden mass moving, but it was clouded behind a fogginess in her mind. She refocused again on her breathing, and soon the mist cleared and the image solidified in front of her.
…A bronze ass was thrusting before her eyes, and then she heard a breathy, “Azriel” moaned from the large, four poster bed in front of her.
She thought she recognized the mewling voice, but her thoughts were interrupted as Azriel grunted and said, “Elain.”
Her blood turned molten in her veins as she realized what she was watching. A pale leg wrapped around Azriel’s trim waist, causing him to thrust in deeper. His wings twitched in reaction, and Elain found the movement oddly endearing.
It couldn’t be — but…
The male was definitely Azriel, his brown skin glistening as he thrusted deep into whomever ever was beneath him — into her.
“Yes, Az,” Elain heard herself moan loudly. A tiny hand came up and grasped the edge of his wing.
Elain watched as her hand slowly started to work the leathery wing, and then slowly moved towards the ivory claw at the crest of his wing, her delicate fingers slowly started circling it —
And then they moved.
Azriel flipped them so that he was on his back, and Elain was perched on his lap. She could see her sweaty form, pale against his dark skin, and Elain saw the way Azriel’s hungry gaze devoured her heavy breasts.
–-
“Elain?” Azriel asked, his voice distant and fuzzy. Not the Azriel in front of her then, not the one she was riding.
Elain blinked the haze away, their sweaty forms drifting away and their breathy pants were nothing but echoes in her mind.
The warmth of Azriel’s hands still held hers, and offered her a sense of grounding comfort as she readjusted to reality. She blinked, trying to see clearly, and looked at his concerned hazel eyes that gleamed in the flicker of the fire.
“Are you ok?” Azriel asked, his thumbs grazing over the sensitive skin on her palms. “You look flushed.” His voice dropped a bit as his eyes landed on her pinkened skin.
“I, um, saw something.” Elain said, her throat parched.
She suddenly became aware of the wetness that had pooled between her thighs, and the headiness that perfumed the room.
Azriel’s face, however, was nothing short of gentlemanly — completely polite with just a touch of concern, but the small gleam in his eyes told Elain that he was aware of her physical reaction, aware of the desire that was coursing through her.
She leaned closer towards him, remembering all of his dark skin that stretched over his lean muscles, until her nose was a hair's breadth away from his. His carefully controlled breathing skirted over her lips.
“Would you like to know what I saw?” Elain asked, her tongue coming out to wet her lips, and she watched as his eyes followed the movement.
He leaned forward slightly, his scent almost completely overwhelming her, and she fought to not let her eyes drift back into her head.
His thumbs pressed firmly into her palms, and Elain felt her fingers curl around those digits.
“Yes.” He said almost breathlessly.
“Then find out,” Elain challenged, fighting not to throw herself at him. Azriel blinked, slightly stunned as he processed her words. “See if you can get through my mental shields.”
His grip on her hands tightened, and his eyes darkened with lust.
Elain saw his lips curve into a smile. If he wasn’t holding her hands, then she would have brought one up to trace the lines of his mouth, and the small lines that hugged his smile. Her hands twitched slightly in his, and she watched as his smile took on a knowing quality.
She saw his shadows reappear and felt as they slowly started to graze lovingly against the curves of her body, winding their way up to run along the length of her face in a delicate caress.
She could feel her body relax into the blooming shadows, ready to let the shadows envelope her completely, and just as her eyes started drifting shut the door to their room burst open.
The shadows scattered and skittered away, as if caught doing something that was forbidden.
Azriel still held her hands, but she became aware of the tension that filled his body even though her eyes were locked onto the door.
Rhysand leaned against the door frame with arms crossed over his chest, his body language was relaxed, but Elain could see how hard he was working to appear that way. A strained smiled flicked over his lips as he looked at them
“Are you ready?” Azriel asked from the shadows. His tall frame leaned elegantly against the wall in the study, shadows licked and swirled around him as if shielding him from Elain’s gaze.
It made her heart cry, seeing him hidden around her. There was a time when his shadows would vanish completely when she entered a room. When he would look at her and smile, but now, ever since the solstice, something had changed. Elain had foolishly thought he wanted to kiss her, but she had misread the situation. The feel of his rough, calloused hands just felt so perfect — so right — along the skin of her neck, and she had thought that the air had changed, turned headier.
Living with Feyre and Rhys, Elain knew what it meant when the air turned heavy and the two gave each other a certain look — it normally ended with Elain showing Nyx the newest developments in her garden while Feyre and Rhysand disappeared into their room.
But she was wrong.
“Yes, although,” Elain said and cleared her throat as she firmly closed the door behind her and stepped further into the room. Even though it was mid-afternoon the room was dark, windowless with only a few faelights glimmering. The table was set with everything Elain would need to scry, and a sudden rush of anxiety filled her. “I’m afraid I’m a bit unprepared. I don’t know how — I don’t remember anything. And I’ve never really had control over it, my visions.”
She could feel the burning blush staining her cheeks under his intense stare. She knew she was rambling, but their easy conversation had left with him on the Solstice.
After a heavy pause Elain said, “But I’m ready to try.”
Her hands fisted into her cornflower dress as she waited for him to acknowledge anything that she said. A gentle smile. A nod of this head, or even a small eyebrow raise. Anything.
“You don’t have to do this,” Azriel said in a low voice, and Elain felt it settle over her skin like her favorite blanket. “No one would blame you if you didn’t.”
“I would blame me.” Elain said, meeting his stare.
No one had wanted her to find the fourth trove item, in fact everyone had been against it. Feyre had told her that it wasn’t her duty, Nesta had warned her off of it, even Cassian had said that it wasn’t a good idea. Azriel had been quiet, but Elain knew he didn’t like the idea of her searching for the trove object, and when Elain had turned to him, pleading for his help, she saw his eyes shutter before graciously nodding his head.
Rhysand had scowled at them, but didn’t fight it.
Azriel gave an understanding nod of his head and gestured to the table in front of her.
She pulled out the seat and nervously sat on her hands.
“Are you going to join me?” Elain asked hopefully. She hated that he had been keeping his distance. The only times she had seen him since the solstice was during family dinners, or when they would accidentally run into each other at the River House. She remembered the first time she had run into him after that night, she was walking from the kitchen with a plate of rolls, and Azriel had appeared out of nowhere, causing her to gasp, and before she could say anything he had taken the plate from her hands and brought it into the dinning room for her.
This was truly the first time he had ever willingly been alone with her.
She longed for their first Solstice where they had spent the entire night talking.
“I think it’s best that I stay here,” Azriel said in a cold voice, and Elain felt herself deflate as her hopes drifted away from her. “Now, tell me about the last vision you had.”
His voice had gone from cold to coolly indifferent, and Elain didn’t know which was worse.
“I was sleeping when it happened,” Elain said, trying to match his tone. “At first I didn’t even realize it was a vision, I thought it was just a dream, but it was of this wrinkled old man with skin worn with unnatural age and he was working at a station. It looked as if he was carving something out of bone, and then he looked over his shoulder at me with these pale, milky eyes and grinned. He was about to say something when Nuala and Cerridwen woke me up.”
His heavy dark brows snapped together.
“They what?” He asked in a carefully controlled voice.
“I was thrashing, rather violently they said, and they woke me up.” Elain explained, the creeping feeling of having made a mistake set her on edge.
Azriel stared at her intently before saying, “I didn't know. They never told me.”
“I imagine they were just trying to be good friends — to me,” Elain said, feeling as if she had just tattled on her friends. “Please don’t be angry with them. I really do cherish their friendship. They were the first friends I made here in Velaris other than…” Her voice drifted off, but they both managed to fill in the blank.
Other than you.
“I don’t like that they hid this from me,” Azriel admitted, his jaw working slightly. “But I don’t fault them for being your friends, I’m very glad you have them. However, I will ask that they report any troubling behavior in the future,” Azriel took a deep breath. “I don’t like that this happened when you were sleeping, and vulnerable. It might be a good idea to ask Rhysand to give you lessons, so that you can work on strengthening your mental shield. Or,” He paused, contemplating his next words. “Or I could help you.”
Elain felt her eyes widen.
“You’re a daemati too?” She asked breathlessly.
“Not exactly,” Azriel said, straightening up. “But the shadows allow me to know things I shouldn’t, to get a glimpse into the mind of others. We can work on that at a later date, if you wish.”
“Yes,” Elain said immediately, her face flushing as his brows raised at her rapid response. “I would like that very much. When — You may come back tomorrow, if you are free. Perhaps we could make these daily training sessions,” Her mouth turned a bit dry and her palms a bit clammy, but she had missed him too much to care. “Although,” Elain felt her excitement dwindling. “With the Valkyries training and your regular duties you probably won’t have time for me,” She turned her attention to the small bones that were on the table, fingering them slightly and hoping Azriel didn’t notice her palpable disappointment. “I suppose we should begin.”
Elain was all too aware of Azriel moving through the room. She could feel the air getting heavier the closer he got to her, his controlled movements reminded Elain of a predator and she felt suspiciously like a doe waiting to be pounced on.
Her stare was firmly on the table in front of her, even as she felt him towering over her.
She refused to meet his gaze, but she didn’t resist when his fingers came up to clasp her chin and gently turn her head to his.
He was far, far too close for Elain to think clearly. For her to be aware of anything that wasn’t the press of his fingers on her skin, or the smoldering of his eyes as he looked at her. He was crouched next to her, his large frame bent at the knees so that he was almost eye-level.
“Elain,” His brown thumb delicately traced along the length of her chin, her breath stuttering out over his hands. “I will always have time for you. I’m sorry I’ve been…kept away from you for so long. But I’m here, for as long as you need me.”
Somehow her hand settled over the hard length of his wrist. His soft hair curled under her touch.
“I’ve missed you,” Elain whispered, her eyes watching something churn in the depth of his hazel ones. “So much, and I’m sorry for ruining everything. I just thought you —”
“Elain,” Azriel rasped, his finger tightening ever so slightly on her chin. “You could never ruin anything,” He audibly swallowed, and Elain could see the rapid thumping of his pulse in the veins of his neck. “You were right. Whatever you were thinking that night, you were right.”
“Oh,” She breathed, trying to make sense of his words. “Oh.”
“I’m afraid,” Azriel started, his hand snaking up the side of her face, gently tucking a lock of golden hair behind her pointed ear. “That this,” His eyes flickered to where her hand laid on his forearm and then to the table. “Is all I can give you right now.”
There was so much meaning in those words. Meaning that Elain didn’t fully understand, but she understood enough that it set her heart fluttering.
“Then it is enough,” Elain said, gently rubbing her thumb along the sensitive skin of his forearm. “Shall we begin?”
“How did you find us?” Azriel asked, stepping into his pants.
“It wasn’t very hard, brother,” Cassian replied, tossing the core of his apple out the open window. “This is one of the few Inns you would let Elain step foot in.”
Elain had hurriedly slipped into her shift and dress — which Azriel had thoughtfully laid out the night before — and her arms were angled awkwardly behind her back as she fumbled with her buttons. Her frustration was mounting to new levels before Azriel finished fastening his pants and went to help her.
“You can look now.” Elain mumbled to Cassian's back, he had been gentlemanly enough to avert his gaze and turn around when he realized Elain was naked in the bed.
Azriel didn’t seem to care about the fact that he was shirtless in front of his brother.
Slowly Cassian turned around, an amused grin on his scruffy face.
Even though he didn’t act it, Elain knew he was exhausted. She could see the little purple smudges under his eyes from riding all night, and his shoulders were slightly more slumped than usual, as if it took effort to just stand up straight.
“You should know that everyone was worried,” Cassian said, crossing his arms over his broad chest. For once his perpetual lightheartedness was gone and replaced with a disorienting seriousness. “People worried when you disappeared Elain.”
“No one was worried when they thought I would be trapped in a loveless marriage.” Elain replied, holding her chin high.
Elain watched as Cassian deflated, and she almost felt bad.
“Lainy,” Cassian said, rubbing a hand over his tired face, exhaustion coating his voice. “It was a good match.”
“He didn’t even ask me,” Elain replied almost waspishly. “And if you’re here to take me back, then it will be as Mrs. Averill, the Viscountess Blackburn.”
Elain didn’t even realize she was on the verge of hyperventilating until Azriel settled his large hands on her shoulders and was whispering words of comfort in her ear.
“I’m not here to bring you back,” Cassian said. “We figured you might need a witness, maybe. Not sure what they require up there in Scotland. But if you get set upon by a group of highwaymen you could use the extra brawn,” He gave them his easy, crooked Cassian grin. “Although, if we stumble upon any of Vanserra’s men, then the official story is that I’m here to bring Elain back.”
“Vanserra’s men?” Azriel asked in an icy voice.
Cassian gave a slow nod.
“Lucien was not happy you absconded with his fiance.”
Elain could feel tension rising in Azriel’s body as he registered the words. She took a deep breath before saying, “Well, then we best be off after you rest, Cassian.”
——
For the next three days they traveled at breakneck speed.
Stopping at less reputable lodgings to thwart any of Lucien’s men that might be following them. They figured with both Azriel and Cassian they would provide more than enough protection for Elain, and she spent the night cuddled into Azriel’s side while Cassian snored on a cot brought to them by the Innkeepers. Elain offered to sleep on it the first night they were all together, but Cassian laughed at her offer and told her that Azriel would much rather have her as a bed companion with a wink.
The nights got chiller the more northern they traveled, and Elain was grateful that Azriel seemed to turn into her own personal furnace. Keeping her warm as she shivered against his side.
“Your feet are cold.” Azriel mumbled, his voice was warm and sleepy. His lips brushed against the shell of her ears and he tugged her closer into him.
“You’re warm.” Elain whispered, not yet ready to open her eyes. She snuggled her face further into the crook of his neck.
“Well, I’m freezing,” Cassian broke in. “And today’s your wedding day, so rise and shine Love Birds,” A strong tug pulled at the blanket which caused Elain to huddle under Azriel’s large arm, which was protectively wrapped around her — shielding her from Cassian’s amused gaze. Azriel glared at his brother as he hid Elain. “I’ll get us some breakfast and then,” Cassian grinned at them. “It’s time for a wedding.”
——
Little butterflies fluttered in Elain’s stomach.
She and Azriel stood hand in hand in front of the blacksmith. The sun just rising over the horizon, casting everything in a golden sheen as it streamed through the small windows of the shop.
Two golden rings were placed on their fingers, and Elain watched as the blacksmith raised his hammer and brought it down onto his anvil with a loud clank.
Elain vaguely heard the blacksmith say the words “husband and wife” with a thick accent, but the words barely registered because Azriel had taken her into his arms and placed his lips against hers. She thought she heard Cassian whooping and the burly blacksmith chuckling, but the entirety of her attention was focused on the way Azriel’s lips frantically moved over hers. How the ridges of his teeth would scrape over her plump lips, how his tongue teased along the seam of her lips and barely waited until she had opened to him before plundering her mouth.
He was kissing her as if he had never done so before, as if he would never do so again.
The kiss only ended when a large hand slapped Azriel on the back. The newlyweds broke apart, both wearing dazed smiles as they turned to look at a scruffy, grinning Cassian.
“Are you going to congratulate my wife and I,” Azriel said, his grin so broad it showed the little lines around his eyes. Azriel pulled Elain into his side, his arm wrapping tightly around her waist. “On our marriage.”
His hazel eyes were brighter than Elain had ever seen them, and she took his left hand in hers. Her fingers tracing along the gold band she had placed on his finger. Delighting in the fact that he placed its twin on hers.
“My husband and I,” Elain said, feeling Azriel’s hand tighten on her waist at the word ‘husband’. “Are happy you could join us, brother.”
Cassian’s grin broadened at the word.
“Aye,” The blacksmith said, smiling fondly at them. “There is breakfast waiting for you up at the house. There’s nothing my wife loves more than making a wedding breakfast.”
——
“So what’s next?” Cassian asked, lifting himself into his saddle. The sun shining brightly behind him and illuminating his shaggy brown hair.
They had eaten their breakfast in pleasant conversation with the blacksmith's wife, all of them enjoying their fleeting time together before traveling back to London.
Elain and Azriel stood by their carriage, unable to keep their hands off of each other.
Azriel gazed down at his wife, nothing but pure adoration on his face as he looked upon Elain. His wife. His Viscountess. He peered up at his brother and said, “After we arrive in London and settle all of our affairs, I think we’ll travel to Rosehall. And make that our permanent residence.”
Cassian’s eyes widened in response.
“All the way out in the country?”
“Yes,” Elain responded, her hand resting flat over her husband's strong stomach. “We’ve talked it over and that’s where we want to start our life together," His large, warm palm settled over her stomach protectively. "And our family."
Cassian's eyes widened in realization, a massive face-splitting grin broke out over his face.
"Well," Cassian said. "We can always take the short way home. Give you two as long as possible before facing the music. Although, I don't think Feyre will be too happy about you two moving away. She'll want Nyx to be close to his cousin."
Elain smiled at the thought.
"We'll have to travel slower, knowing my beautiful wife is in such a delicate condition." Azriel said, pressing his lips into his blushing brides cheek.
They said goodbye to Cassian, who would ride along outside the carriage. After Azriel slid into the carriage next to her Elain immediately placed her head against his shoulder, a soft smile on her face as she dreamed of their future.
~~
Thank you so much for reading!! This was my first time writing a historical au, and I'm not going to lie it was a bit of a struggle for me, but it was still a lot of fun to write. Thank you all so much for reading, and I can't wait to hear your thoughts! I can't see what everyone comes up with for week two! <333
Hello everyone! I'm back with my second @elriel-month fic. This one was so much fun to write. Probably one of my favorites I've done. 😂 I got inspired by this IG reel and, well, here we are. Going to keep this short today. Happy reading! 💙💚💜
My fanfic account: @tswaney17fics
My ao3 account: tswaney17
Please let me know what you think about this update. I love getting your feedback. Constructive criticism is always welcome. 💕
Trigger warnings: language, some adult descriptions
Word Count: 3,442
Azriel was annoyed.
He was annoyed because Rhys was dragging him to dinner and game night at his girlfriend’s place and he now had to suffer through at least four hours of close encounters with her gorgeous sister who was apparently, “off-limits.”
Elain Archeron (was there ever a name more elegant than that?) was sinfully beautiful, wickedly smart, generously kind, and all around the perfect woman. Az had been head-over-heels for her the moment he laid his eyes on her. Which, was disappointing considering she was in a trash relationship at the time they met.
Her then-boyfriend was a manipulative piece of shit that he, on more than one occasion, had to restrain himself from strangling the man for the things he said to her in front of them. It made him wonder what kind of callous things he said to her in private if he was so careless about what he said to her in the presence of others. The demeaning nature that he knew always struck home with how her posture would change, the way her shoulders would curve inward in a slump. How she would remain quiet for the rest of the night.
He tried to broach the subject with her once—after they had an argument and Graysen had stormed out, leaving her stranded at her sister’s place. But Elain plastered on the fakest smile that he saw right through and he dropped it, not wanting to upset her further.
When they met, they instantly connected, becoming friends. He had been devastated to find out she was in a relationship. A long-term one at that. But it seemed like she took to him too, finding his Instagram account and following him, asking for his number after dinner one night so they could text. She’d send him funny memes that she thought would make his day—which they did—they’d occasionally get coffee or dinner. Somehow, in the two years that he had known her, this Archeron woman had managed to worm her way into his heart to become one of his best friends.
And the only woman he ever found himself falling in love with. As pathetic as it was. Poor Azriel; doomed to fall for the girl in a long-term relationship that he could never have. Yup, it was pitiful, he knew it.
So, when he found out she was single again, he was ecstatic. It was finally his chance to make his move.
Until Rhys pulled him aside tonight and forbade him from going after her. How he knew what he was planning on doing tonight, Az had no idea. Maybe it was the crisp shirt he donned. Or the fact that he actually ran a brush through his hair. Either way, the conversation was a fucking mess.
“She just got out of a nasty breakup and doesn’t need you chasing after her,” his brother argued.
“Elain is a big girl and can make that decision herself.”
“She’s been through enough. You shouldn’t be trying to swoop in right now.”
His eyes flared. “What the fuck does that even mean? What do you think I’m going to—”
“They broke up because of you!” he hissed.
Azriel started, face falling. “They…what?” Because of him? She hadn’t said anything to him.
His brother sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Elain asked us not to tell you. She didn’t want you to think that her breakup was because of you, but technically you’re the reason they broke up.”
“How could I be the reason?” He hadn’t done anything to act on his feelings, and Elain never gave him any indication that she had anything other than friendship on her mind. Az had thought, in the beginning before he knew she was in a relationship, that maybe she might have been into him, but he could never quite confirm those feelings once he knew she had a boyfriend.
“Graysen snooped through her phone. Went through your texts, and her photos. He gave Elain an ultimatum: she had to stop seeing you, stop being friends with you or their relationship was over. She refused.”
His heart pounded in his chest. Did she, perhaps, feel the same?
“No. Get that look off your face. Elain is in an emotional, vulnerable place right now and she doesn’t need you taking advantage of her.” Rhys growled, “She is your friend and nothing more. So, allow me to make one thing very clear. You are to stay away from her.”
“You can’t order me to do that.”
“Oh, I can, and I will. You work for me, let me remind you. Don’t push me Azriel or you may find yourself looking for a new place of employment. She is not some fuck toy for you to play with and toss aside.”
Azriel snarled.
“Snarl all you want, but you will leave Elain alone. If I see you going after her, I will make you regret it.”
The conversation was so unusual, so unlike their typical relationship, that it knocked the rage from him.
His chest hollowed out until he felt empty inside.
Over the last two years, he had to watch both of his brothers fall for Archeron women, and he hated the envious feeling of it. Not that he belittled them for their happiness, he didn’t. But because he wanted that too. And he thought he might have that with Elain one day. He had never formed a bond with another person as he had with her. Azriel crossed his arms. “I’m not going.”
“Like fuck you aren’t. If you don’t go, Elain will know I told you and it’s only going to upset her even more. So, put a smile on your face and get in the car. Because you’re fucking going.”
The front door blew open as Cassian breezed in. “Hello, my brothers.” He froze in the living area, took in the two males ready to go to blows, and questioned, “Problem, gentlemen?”
Violet eyes challenged him, practically dared him to mouth off. Rhys knew he wouldn’t—Azriel wasn’t known for airing out his grievances with an audience. Instead, he grumbled as he shouldered passed a very confused-looking Cassian out the front door and to the car.
It was going to be a long fucking night.
~~~
Ten-thirty. It was ten-thirty, four beers, and a glass of whiskey in, and Azriel was slowly dying inside. Every delectable sound out of Elain’s beautiful lips was both an arrow to his heart, and a dagger to his gut. The sweetest of tortures.
They were currently sitting around Feyre’s kitchen table playing Do or Drink, a card game guaranteed to make you lose all inhibition if you weren’t careful. And embarrass the fuck out of you.
His previous card was to demonstrate how to do a rim job on an empty bottle. Cassian called him a pussy for choosing to drink. Being in the mood he was in, he changed his mind and went for it. Azriel worshiped the ring of that bottle like it was Elain’s sweet, voluptuous ass; as he imagined all the things he wanted to do to her. Tongue swirling around the top, he gracefully dipped it in, licking deep into the glass neck, devouring it. Az would be lying if he said he didn’t know how to pleasure a woman—he’d been with plenty, experimented in nearly everything imaginable. But to tongue fuck a glass bottle was an all-time low even for him.
It did not, however, stop the entire room from going deadly quiet as they watched him.
“Good, fucking lord,” Cassian said, eyes wide in disbelief.
Azriel set the bottle back on the table and picked up his glass of whiskey. “Don’t call me a pussy again.” There was a slight edge to his voice as he faced his brother down. A challenge that not even Cassian dared to cross. Az had a vicious competitive streak and when he got in these moods, good luck to the rest of them.
And then, gods help him, he glanced at the female sitting next to him.
Elain’s doe eyes were as large as saucers, cheeks sporting a deep blush that he could see ran down her neck, over her chest, to the swells of her gorgeous, plump breasts.
He couldn’t read the look on her face. Was it awe? Was it shock? Fuck, was it horror? Oh, gods, please don’t let it be horror.
She swallowed hard, blinking dazedly like she needed to clear the fog that had settled in her mind, then shot back the rest of her drink. “I, um,” she stuttered, looking at her now empty cup. She rose out of her chair. “I need to get, um, another drink,” Elain announced and practically bolted for the kitchen.
His panic set in. She was running.
Fuck, fuck, fuck! Azriel started to rise out of his seat with every intention to go after her when a firm hand was placed on his shoulder. He whipped his head around to find glaring violet eyes looking back at him, silently ordering him to stay put.
“I’m out of my drink too,” Mor announced chirpily, following Elain towards the kitchen. She sent him a pointed wink as she passed.
One that seemed to say, I’ve got her.
He was so grateful for Mor; for her ability to read a room, a situation, and determine when to step in and when to butt out. Az, however, wanted to strangle his brother.
She disappeared into the kitchen.
Rhys leaned forward, “Down, boy.”
Azriel nearly rocked back into his chair. “I didn’t fucking do anything,” he hissed, low enough so only his brother could hear him.
“You’re panting. And she’s upset—”
“Don’t speak for her,” he snapped. “And mind your fucking business. I’m done talking about this.” He grabbed his glass of whiskey and dumped the rest back, ready to pull out his phone and call himself an Uber. He had to get out of this house; get away from his brother. From her. Every second he spent here his control slipped a little bit more. It was a losing battle of wills and Azriel didn’t know how much longer he was going to be able to hang on.
He had just requested his ride when Elain and Mor returned, fresh drinks in their hands, and feline-like smiles on their faces.
Her perfume, that honey and jasmine scent that drove him absolutely wild, wafted up to his nose. He had to physically choke back his moan by clearing his throat. Fuck he had to get out of here. “I think I’m going to head out,” he announced as casually as he could.
Elain’s head snapped to him, hand hovering over the stack of cards. “You’re leaving?”
Did she—was she disappointed about that? His heart hammered in his chest. “I just called an Uber. Should be here in about five minutes.”
Her eyes flicked to Mor’s briefly then returned to his.
What the hell was that about?
“Can we keep playing until your car gets here?” She swallowed nervously.
Why was she nervous? Azriel glanced at the blonde across the table, but she only flashed him an innocent smile. Which, coming from her, wasn’t innocent at all.
“Come on, Az!” Cassian pleaded.
He rolled his eyes at his brother’s antics. “Fine, but only because Elain asked me,” he said, leaning back in his seat. He could endure this.
She beamed, a lovely pink color dusting the high arches of her cheeks. Gods, she really was beautiful, but when she blushed, she was devastating.
And he desperately wanted to see where else that pinkened skin traveled to. How far down it went.
Elain drew a card and began reading it out loud. “Touch noses for 30 seconds with the person…” her lilting voice trailed off as she quickly looked at him and then back at the card in her hand, her face growing an even deeper shade of red. “With the person on your right or both of you finish your drink.”
If Azriel thought his heart was beating fast before, then he was definitely on the verge of going into cardiac arrest now. Fuck, fuck, fuck! He repeated the mantra in his head. He couldn’t do this. He couldn’t be that close to her. His self-control was wafer-thin now, but if he touched his nose to hers, it’d be shredded into ribbons.
She let out an airy chuckle. Tucking her hair behind her ear, her gaze found his. “Do you mind?” Elain looked up at him with those beautiful, round doe-eyes, knowing very well that there was literally no way in hell he could say no.
No fucking way. He was such a goner for her, it was utterly pathetic. She could ask him to rip out his own heart right now and he would. He didn’t care, it was already hers anyways, even if she had no idea.
Realizing she was still waiting for an answer, Az threw on what he hoped was a soft smile to hide his internal demise. “No, I don’t mind.” He scooted his chair towards hers as Elain shifted in her seat, leaning forward.
“Wait!” Mor shouted. “I need to film this because it’s going to be too hilarious.”
“Morrigan, don’t you fucking dare,” he hissed. Azriel had no desire to see his humiliation for years to come. Thirty seconds of utter misery and then he was going to bolt out the front door. He’d make up some excuse and avoid Elain for the next month. He wouldn’t be able to face her after this. Time to lick his wounds from the dagger his brother put in his heart.
“I’ll time,” Feyre announced. “Ready.”
They leaned in.
“Set.”
Closer. He could feel her breath on his lips.
“Go.”
Their noses came together.
Elain’s skin was as warm and soft as he imagined it would be. It was both heavenly, and hell. Her gorgeous brown eyes flicked back and forth between his. At this close, Az noticed that she had bits of gold woven into her irises. Fuck, they were stunning.
She giggled softly. “This is so weird,” she whispered to him like they were the only ones in the room.
He chuckled. “I think that’s the point of the game.”
“Ten seconds down,” Feyre called out.
Good lord, it had only been ten seconds. He swore they should’ve been done already. It felt like minutes now, maybe hours. Az could nearly taste every breath she breathed. The touch of her legs against his was enough to bring him to his knees.
She huffed out a puff of air, brushing his lips. Her head twisted just slightly as her eyes dropped down his face towards the direction of his mouth and then popped back up, pupils darkening.
He swallowed. He could do this. He could do this.
“20 seconds down,” Feyre announced.
He couldn’t do this.
Elain’s tongue darted out to lick her lips, brushing lightly against his.
Azriel’s control snapped. “Fuck it,” he murmured, and then he was on her. Rising out of his chair, he slid one hand to her jaw, firmly gripping it as he crashed their mouths together in a desperate, hungry kiss. His back strained at the angle, but he didn’t fucking care. Not even as he tipped her chair back more, having to catch them on the wall behind her with his other hand and holding them there, his bicep flexing next to her head.
Elain mewled into his mouth, clutching at his shoulders. Those delicate, pale fingers holding on tight as she pulled him impossibly closer.
When his tongue traced the seam of her lips, she opened for him, granting him full access to that delectable mouth of hers to taste. To consume. And gods did he. Az tilted her head up just that much more, angling her the way he liked it and devoured her. His tongue stroked into her mouth, tangled with hers that was sinfully erotic.
It had her moaning into him, back arching as her hand slid into his thick hair. Her other arm wrapped around the backside of his neck and across his shoulders, securing him to her.
He vaguely heard the sounds of their family cheering, but his primary focus was on her. On the sweet taste of her nectar from her kiss, the hushed whimpers she was trying to stifle. Fuck, he wanted to get her alone and see what other sounds he could coax from those plush lips.
When they finally broke apart, panting heavily, Elain’s eyes fluttered open, revealing heavy-lidded, dazed-filled irises. The strands of gold glimmered like rays of sunshine peeking through a storm. A smile cracked across her face, one that would bring kings to their knees, and if he didn’t have a firm grip on the wall behind her, he would’ve fallen right then and there. Begged her for everything and more. Another kiss, another touch. Anything she offered him he’d greedily accept and worship.
“I’ve been waiting a very long time for you to finally do that,” she breathed.
The corner of his mouth quirked up. That made two of them. “Do you want to get out of here?” he inquired instead.
Elain leaned forward and brushed her nose against his again. “Like you have to ask.”
Azriel set her chair back on all fours and offered her his hand.
“Well,” said Mor, smirking from behind what was clearly a recording phone. “It’s about damn time.” She winked, and he had a feeling it meant different things to both of them.
He tugged her around the table as their family whooped and hollered, but Elain paused, right behind Rhys’s chair.
She ran her hand through his brother’s hair, gripping it hard enough to leverage it, and tipped his head back to whisper something in his ear that nobody else could hear.
His brother’s eyes went wide with fear and he twisted to look at her.
Elain just raised a challenging brow, lightly kissed his cheek, and then continued following him out the front door.
“Do I want to know what you just said to my brother?” he asked, chuckling.
She shrugged, smiling sweetly. “I simply told him that if he ever interferes with my love life again, I would be more than happy to inform both Feyre and Nesta and let them handle it.”
Azriel burst out laughing. “You fight dirty.” He brought her hand up to his mouth to kiss her knuckles. “How’d you know Rhys did something?”
“Because you were acting weird all night. I knew something was up. And after your little…performance,” she shot him a sly grin, one he reciprocated, “I anticipated you coming after me in the kitchen. So, when Mor showed up instead, I asked, and she said Rhys physically restrained you from coming for me.”
He pursed his lips at the innuendo and instead asked, “Tell me, was that card truly on the top of the deck?”
Now it was her turn to laugh. “Sly bastard.” She shook her head. “No, Mor gave it to me in the kitchen. She accidentally grabbed two one round and kept it because she knew it would be the nudge you needed to finally cross that line. She handed it to me on the way out. I truly had no idea what was on it till I read it out loud to the group.”
Fucking Mor. He hated and loved her meddling. He was going to send her a bottle of some expensive champagne for this.
They were standing on Feyre’s front porch, waiting the final minutes until Az’s Uber showed up. The warm summer day had cooled off nicely, and he was reveling in the breeze that flitted through her loose curls. He tugged on one, unable to help himself, letting the golden-brown lock slip over his damaged skin.
“So,” Elain began, clearing her throat as she looked up at him. She had on a mischievous, little smirk. “Do you plan on doing to me what you did to that bottle?”
Azriel was grateful that he didn’t have any liquid in his mouth because he probably would’ve choked. Composing himself as best he could from the question, he asked her, “Do you want me to?”
The sound of his Uber pulling up to the curb told him it arrived, but neither of them dared to look away, the intensity of their gaze too magnetic to drag from.
A devilish smile curled up the corner of her mouth. “Yes.”
Stomach tightening in anticipation, Azriel grinned, grabbed her hand, and down they went.
~~~~~
Remember, sharing is caring! Please reblog if you liked the fic. It helps spread my work and I truly appreciate it. 💕
I’m not doing a tag list anymore because they’re really more trouble than their worth. For notifications, you can follow and subscribe to my fanfic account where I will be reblogging updates and snippets only. You can also find me on ao3.
The chilly early morning air nipped at Elain’s cheeks.
The sun hadn’t even begun to rise yet, but Elain found herself wrapped in her warmest cloak as she stood on the corner of her street — Her eyes staring at the bend in the road as she waited for Azriel’s carriage to arrive.
A leather satchel that contained one change of clothes and some food rested by her feet.
As soon as the ball ended, just past two in the morning, Elain ran to her room and immediately left a note for Nuala and Cerridwen. Later that morning, instead of Elain sleeping soundly in her bed, they would find a note informing them that Elain and Azriel would be traveling to Gretna Green — Elain also asked them to cover for her, to tell her family that Elain had an aching head and to not reveal her whereabouts to them until long past noon.
The note was left on her bed alongside her engagement ring and the Vanserra emerald necklace.
The sounds of hooves clicking brought Elain back to reality, and her excitement was so fierce that she didn’t even wait for the carriage to slow down before throwing open the door and tossing the satchel on the floor and climbing into Azriel’s lap.
She didn’t waste a second before taking his head in her hands and kissing him desperately.
His hands grabbed at her, as if he couldn’t believe that she was truly sitting on his lap — that she was here in his arms.
“I have something for you.” Azriel said between kisses, his lips traveling to her neck, brushing against the chain of her rose necklace.
“I can feel it.” Elain giggled, pressing down on his lap and rubbing herself against him.
Azriel let out a strangled laugh at her movements before firmly grasping her hips and setting her onto the seat next to him.
Elain’s heart skipped a beat as she took in his appearance. His hazel eyes were shining bright and his black hair was deliciously tousled, and he wore a simple white shirt and black overcoat. It suited him, this simple clothing. Free from restraining cravats and waistcoats. A little sliver of his tan chest greeted Elain, her brown eyes devoured it.
A scarred hand reached into a hidden pocket of his overcoat and pulled out a small velvet box, the same kind of box that held the rose necklace currently sitting on Elains neck.
Her breath caught in her throat as Azriel opened the box to reveal a brilliant sapphire set between two smaller, pink stones.
“Beautiful.” Elain breathed, her hand shaking as she extended it towards him.
Azriel gently raised the sleeve of her cloak and slowly undid the pearl buttons of her glove, his callouses scraping against her skin. He gently tugged the glove off, exposing her pale hand.
With trembling hands Azriel slowly slid the ring onto her finger. The tips of his fingers lovingly brushed against her soft skin — Elain found herself overcome with emotion as she gazed at the beautiful ring on her finger, and the beautiful hand that was cupping hers.
——
“Fiance,” Azriel said, shrugging off his overcoat. “I like that.”
Elain sat on a bench by the smoldering fire, slipping off her shoes and tucking her feet underneath her.
The Inn that they stopped in for the night was clean and cozy. No where near the elegance of Rhysands estate, but Elain found it suited her just fine.
There was an intimacy, Elain found, in traveling as an engaged couple. Or maybe it was just the fact that they weren’t hidden in the shadows and constantly looking over their shoulders, scared someone would see them. But as they were talking to the man behind the desk, Elain found a certain sense of freedom when she slipped her hand into Azriel’s and when they took their supper in the dining room Elain hesitantly raised her fork to Ariel's lips, and was enchanted by the way he grasped her hand and wrapped his lips around the silverware. Her sapphire ring catching the glow of the candle light.
There was something about sharing a meal with him, freely, that caused a flutter in her stomach.
It made her think about all the breakfasts they would share over the years, maybe on a lazy morning in bed. All the lunches they would make time for in the middle of the day, even when life was rushing forward around them. All the dinners that they would have as a family, with their children gathered around them.
Azriel slowly walked towards her, taking both of her hands in his as he guided her to her feet. He gently untied her cloak before tossing it to the side, and then he turned her so that he could undo the buttons of her gown. Elain could feel the warmth of his fingers branding her through her cotton shift.
“Pretty soon I’ll be your wife,” Elain said in a low voice and Azriel pushed the dress off of her shoulders. He scorched her neck in kisses as the dress pooled at her feet. Her body instantly warmed at his touch, pleasure radiating through her. “And then we can do this every night.”
Every time his lips touched her skin a spark ignited in her heart.
“Well,” Azriel whispered, his breath coasted over her dampened skin. “I don’t plan on spending a night away from you, now or ever, so tonight is the first night of our forever.”
A shiver shot through her from the decadence in his voice.
His strong fingers nudged the straps of her shift from her shoulders.
Elain stood bare before him, small little goosebumps pebbled on her exposed skin.
Azriel’s rough hands ran along the length of her arms, over the curve of her hips, and across the soft roundness of her stomach.
“My beautiful fiance,” Azriel said, his voice laced with possessiveness. He kissed along the slope of her shoulder. “Go and bathe while the water is still warm. The tub isn’t big enough for two, otherwise I would join you. Although, maybe you’d give me the honor of washing you. I’ll be very thorough.”
Elain twisted in his arms and stretched to give her soon-to-be-husband a slow, lingering kiss.
“Only,” She whispered between kisses. “If you allow me the same honor in return.”
“It’s a bargain, fiance.”
——
Elain couldn’t remember the last time she had slept so soundly.
Maybe it was because the bed was surprisingly comfortable. Maybe it was because she was more exhausted than she thought after traveling all day. Maybe it was from the way Azriel had made love to her so passionately and vigorously the night before. Elain had whispered in his ear, a secret for him only. Her eyes clouded with tears as she saw the love shining through his face — His eyes brightened and his lips pulled into a soft, endearing smile. Azriel whispered words of love in her ear as he worshiped her body with his. Or maybe it was just the simple pleasure of sleeping in Azriel’s arms that caused her to sleep so soundly.
Maybe they were both too addled from their love that they had finally known what true peace was.
Azriel must have also been just as affected as Elain because when she awoke he was snoring softly next to her. His dark eyelashes casting shadows over his cheeks.
They were both sleeping too deeply to notice that someone else had snuck into the room.
It was the crunching of someone biting into an apple that caused Elain to shriek and sit up, clutching the sheet to her.
Azriel jerked awake next to her, lunging for the dagger that he kept with him at all times.
“Good morning, lovers.”
~~
HEHEHEHE, I wonder who had found them 👀. This fic is almost coming to an end, but Elriel Month is just beginning!! I can't wait to hear your thoughts on this chapter! :'D
Elain could still feel the dampness between her legs from her and Azriel’s love making fifteen minutes later, when she was sitting across from Rhysand with Azriel standing protectively behind her. His large hands possessively and comfortingly rested on her shoulders, which were shaking slightly.
Eris stood by the fireplace, his elbow propped on the mantle with a shit-eating grin on his face. His red hair was vibrant in the night, he looked like a flame come to life.
“How long has this been going on?” Rhysand asked through clenched teeth. His black hair fell over his forehead, it was one of the few times that Elain had seen him look less than perfect. He had been running his hands through his hair and over his face ever since he sat down.
“I too would like to know,” Eris purred, and even though she was facing her brother-in-law Elain knew that Eris was grinning from ear to ear. “As would my brother, I’m sure.”
Elain took a deep, steadying breath.
Azriel’s hand tightened on her shoulders, as if he could transfer some of his strength to her.
Rhysand’s violet eyes narrowed as they focused on Azriel’s touch.
“Months.” Elain said, her voice surprisingly strong, her chin held high.
Rhysand let out a curse while Eris chuckled, as if he was loving every second of this. Elain wondered what was going through his head — he and Lucien had never gotten along, and ever since Lucien became friends with Tamlin, the Earl of Spring, they could barely stand to be in the same room together. However, the longer she sat there, the weight in her chest lightened. This could be it. This could be her escape from the engagement. This could be her chance for freedom, her chance to marry for love.
Elain watched as Rhysand took a deep breath, his jaw clenching. Frustration and power radiated off of him, and Elain wondered how much of it was natural and how much of it came from his dukedom.
“I must say,” Eris said, causing all three heads to swivel in his direction. “Your honesty is refreshing, Elain.”
A growl sounded from Azriel, and Elain could practically feel it reverberating through her body.
“I don’t believe the lady has given you leave to use her name.” Azriel said in a deadly cold tone, Elain could feel tension stiffening his fingers which were digging into her shoulders.
Eris’ grin turned wicked as he said, “I believe after what I’ve seen, Elain and I more than familiar enough to warrant the use of her given name.”
Eris let out a decadent laugh that filled the room as Azriel charged at him.
Elain reacted just in time to stop any bloodshed. Her hands pressed into Azriel’s chest, his rapid heartbeat slamming against her palms, and she could see the veins straining in his neck.
“Eris,” Rhysand said, his polite tone was sharp and cutting. “That is my sister. You will give her the respect she is due.”
The redhead preened at the words, delighting in the chaos he stirred.
“A beauty willing to fuck with the entirety of the ton in the next room? The lady has nothing but my respect.” Eris said and winked at her.
An oily feeling started bubbling in her stomach, but she pushed it to the side.
She wouldn’t feel shame. Not for what she did with Azriel. Never.
Elain wrapped her arms around Azriel’s center and pressed her face against his chest, his heart beating powerfully against her cheek. His large hands came up to grasp her and press her closer, his body coiled with tension.
“If your life was worth anything, then I’d demand satisfaction.” Azriel said, possessively pulling Elain closer. If Rhysand or Eris thought anything of their embrace then Elain didn’t know, she was too snuggled into Azriel’s arms to care or notice. Azriel let out a haggard breath. “What is your game, Eris? What do you want?”
A heavy pause filled the room.
Elain peeled herself away from Azriel’s strong body just enough to peer at Eris, who was smiling so loudly it was practically a sneer.
“Nothing.”
A creeping, sick feeling settled and grew in Elain’s stomach.
“Nothing?” Rhysand repeated. Elain didn’t have to look at him to know his expression mirrored the disbelief in his voice.
“Nothing,” Eris shrugged lazily. “I’ll be more than satisfied when Lucien lays eyes on the child and wonders why the hair is black and the eyes are hazel,” Nobody said a thing, but the tension in the room took on a life of its own. “I’ve always been more than a little observant, especially around such beauty,” His eyes raked up and down Elain’s body, and from Eris’s smile Elain knew that Azriel had taken the bait — he showed Eris exactly how much he cared for Elain. Was probably baring his teeth at the redhead, and mentally shredding him into a pulp. “And I noticed when my favorite pair of breasts started to grow.”
“Just because your life is worthless doesn’t mean I won’t take it.” Azriel spat, and if it wasn’t for Elain’s hold on him she was sure there’d be blood on his hands.
Rhysands voice was strained as he asked, “Elain, are you—”
“No.”
“Really?” Eris asked, his eyes dropping in an attempt to look at her breasts, which were pressed into Azriel’s chest. “You still have my silence, regardless. I’m not one to interfere with love,” The word held such mocking derision that Elain herself wanted to strangle him. “And I’m definitely not one to interfere with a good fuck — that’s why I let you both…finish,” Eris grinned as he walked towards the door. “So, I shall keep my beautiful mouth shut. At least until after the wedding.”
All the hope that sparked and sputtered to life in her heart were extinguished with his words — the ring on her finger was extra heavy, and the same pressure she felt before solidified in her chest.
Eris gave them one more smile before leaving, the door clicking in his wake.
All three of them stared at the heavy wooden door, as if they had all just witnessed the same fever dream.
“You are to stay away from her.” Rhysand said, his voice blank.
“What?” Azriel asked, his voice the embodiment of surprise.
“She is engaged, Azriel,” Rhysand said. His violet eyes burning with fury as he took in their embrace, their closeness. As if he was waiting for Eris to leave before letting his mask drop. “You’ve almost started a scandal and ruined her reputation — It's her engagement ball, Azriel, and you had her against the fucking wall. Is that how you treat someone you love? Someone you respect? You are to stay away from her.”
“You can’t order me to do that.” Azriel said, his hands gripping Elain tighter than ever before, as if he was afraid Rhysand would rip her away from him
“I’m just as responsible for this as he is,” Elain said in a strong voice, one that hid her unsteady breath and hammering heart. “More so. I’m the one that’s engaged and I chose Azriel, to give myself to him. And I would do it a hundred times over.”
Rhysand stared at them, taking steady, controlled breaths.
“Yes, I am more than aware of your engagement seeing as we are at your engagement ball. But in exactly three days you will be walking down the aisle and marrying Lucien Vanserra. The papers have been signed, the only thing left is for you to say I do,” Rhysand let out a harsh, bone clanking breath. “If you had come to me before, Elain, I would have helped you,” He looked at her with such sadness that wrenched her heart. As soon as Rhysand had married Feyre he thought of Elain as his sister, and he had taken her and Nesta in immediately and made sure that her father got the best care until he passed — But he never even questioned her engagement. Had never asked her if she wanted out of it, or if she thought she deserved a love match like the one he and Feyre have.“I’ll give you some time to say goodbye, but after this,” Rhysand slowly walked towards the door, stopping once his hand rested on the knob. His violet eyes staring at his brother. “Azriel, you are to stay away from her.”
~~
Ahhhhh, I love Rhysand so much, I really do. Eris was so much fun to write... and he might make an appearance in another fic for Elriel Month 👀. Please let me know your thoughts on this chapter!
I hope you're all having an amazing time celebrating @elriel-month <333
