After a devasting head injury leaves Azriel with amnesia, he wakes to find himself living a life he doesn't recognise with everything he has never allowed himself to want. Now he must work to reconcile with his mate, who is a complete stranger to him, as they prepare for the imminent birth of their first child.
Part One âȘ Part Two âȘ Part Three âȘ Part Four (in progress)
"You have such pretty eyes," Azriel's thumb dragged your lower lip down, his husky baritone stoked the fire of arousal coursing in your veins. "I can't wait to see you looking up at me, with my cock in your mouth."
Submission (in progress) - Smut, sub!Az, what do you get your mate for his birthday when he says he has everything he could ever want?
I'm hoping to get it out next week, but I am working Christmas and New Year so will be juggling that and celebrating the Christmas period with friends/family đ
Through a series of miscommunications, Azriel's family is under the impression that you're more than friends. Playing along seems like the most reasonable course of action, right?
Part OneÂ
Word Count: 1700
Warnings: None
Your POV
You sighed, surveying the destruction of your bedroom. Drawers pulled out; wardrobe doors open with clothes littering every available surface. Youâd already shoved more clothes than you would possibly need over the next few days into a bag, along with half the contents of your bathroom counters, but you felt as though you were forgetting something. Another bag sat on the table in your living room, this one full of brightly wrapped gifts that youâd spent the last few days hunting down.
You ran through your mental list again as you ticked off the necessities youâd need for your few days away in the Night Court. You planned to pack for every possible occasion, familiar with Rhysâ ostentatiousness. You eyed a particularly provocative dress hanging against one of the wardrobe doors, a treat to yourself purchased decades ago that youâd got on a whim and never had a chance to wear. It could barely be considered a dress, with its thigh-high slits, plunging neckline, and missing back youâd never felt comfortable wearing it to any of the functions youâd attended here in the Day Court. But it was certainly a dress that wouldnât be out of place in Rhysâ Court of Nightmares. You added it to the bag before heading to the chest of drawers to begin digging through your undergarments to try to find something that you could wear underneath it.
A throat cleared behind you. Turning quickly, fists full of brightly coloured lace, you took in Azriel standing on the threshold to your living room. He leaned one shoulder against the doorframe as he took in the chaos of your bedroom. Hazel eyes tracked the trail of destruction youâd left before settling on you, flickering over the lingerie that hung from your fingers before settling on your face. He quirked a dark eyebrow at you, plump lips curling in a small smirk.
âYouâre early.â You huffed, moving back towards the bed to dump the contents of your hands into the bag. You pressed everything down as you attempted to close the zipper.
âWe said ten,â Azrielâs steps were slow and deliberate as he crossed the threshold into your bedroom, the thud of his heavy boots softened slightly by the thick carpet. You saw him stop at the edge of the bed out of the corner of your eye. âItâs three minutes past.â You couldnât help rolling your eyes. This close you could hear the squeak of his tight leathers as he bent down, a scarred hand adorned with a siphon edged into vision as he plucked something off the floor.
You grabbed the bag by the handles and faced Azriel again. His imposing stature and wings, talons almost brushing the ceiling, made the room feel smaller than it did moments before. You shoved the bag towards him, closed fist hitting the tight muscles of his abdomen. He reached to take the bag, his mask of faux seriousness breaking into a small smile at your reaction to his taunting.
âItâs not too late for me to make other plans,â you warned as he retreated from the bedroom. He scoffed as you followed him out, doing one last check before closing the bedroom door. Azriel made to grab the other bag on the table, shadows already writhing over the wrapped packages that poked out.
âHey!â They retreated as you huffed. âThatâs not in the Solstice spirit.â Azriel had the good grace to look sheepish as he reigned the shadows in. He shifted both bags into one hand as he offered the other to you. You closed the distance between you, gripping his bicep through the warm leather and you linked your arms together. Shadows coiled over your feet and up your legs as the world warped and you disappeared through the darkness.
Azrielâs grip on you was firm as your feet hit the manicured grass outside the River House. Frost coated the blades, crunching under your feet as you found your balance. You could smell the brine of the sea as it drifted in from where the Sidra met the wide expanse of the ocean.
The House was bright, pale fae lights adorning the alcoves of the windows. You knew if you turned towards the city youâd find the residences there similarly decorated, the ones nearest the Rainbow were always the most spectacular, boasting outlandish colour combinations and ambitious structures. You couldnât wait to see how the city looked after the sun had set.
The front door opened revealing Rhys, followed closely by Feyre who carried a wiggling Nyx in her arms. Their smiles were warm and welcoming as they descended the steps to meet you. You released Azrielâs arm from your vice grip, moving forward to pull Rhys into an embrace and brush your lips to his cheek in greeting.
âWeâre so happy that you could join us, Y/N.â Rhys gestured as he spoke, and the bags in Azrielâs hands disappeared.
You turned to Feyre, repeating the gesture before letting Nyx grab hold of the hand youâd had around his mother. He squeezed his fist around two of your fingers and gifted you with a smile, chubby cheeks flush in the cool air. You couldnât help smiling back at the young heir as he waved his fist in the air, allowing him to drag your hand along with it. Â
âThank you both for inviting me, itâll be just like old times.â Youâd spent many a Solstice in the Night Court before the war, before Amarantha, after youâd struck up a friendship with the Inner Circle. Travels for your thesis had brought you to the doors of the library at the House of Wind, where the priestesses there had offered such hospitality while you worked towards the mammoth task. Mor had invited you out to drinks one evening on a whim after finding you surrounded by dusty tomes, sitting on the floor on one of the lower levels. Youâd fallen into an easy friendship with the rest of them after that. Though the war and the loss of your family had driven you further into your work, into the pleasure of your solitude, you were excited at the prospect of spending time with old friends over the festive period.
âShall we?â Rhys inclined his head towards the House as he began climbing the stairs. Feyre fell into step beside you, Azriel on your other side, close enough that your arms brushed with each step.
âIâm planning on doing some last-minute shopping,â Feyre leaned closer as she spoke, her voice low as she eyed her husbandâs back. âDo you want to join me?â Youâd already hunted down gifts for everybody but doing a bit of window shopping, with a hot chocolate wandering the streets of Velaris, sounded very appealing.
âThatâd be nice.â
âGreat, Rhys and I have a meeting with Clotho soon. Weâll go after lunch?â You nodded as the High Lady eyed you, a wry grin on her face. âI canât wait to catch up with you, it seems we have a lot to talk about.â You werenât entirely sure what she could mean, nothing much had changed in your life since your last visit. You didnât say that though, just continued up the steps and into the foyer of the House. The inside was already beautifully decorated, with a large tree in pride of place in the living room next to the fireplace. Youâd expected to find the House bustling with people as the family converged for the holidays, but it was quiet as you entered.
âWould you both mind watching Nyx for us?â
âOf course not.â You shrug as Feyre sets him down gently with a kiss; watching as he totters, tiny wings flaring with each step, towards a play mat in the living room laid out with brightly coloured wooden toys. You moved to follow him, but Rhys words stopped you.
âI sent your bags to Az's room; he can show you where it is.â Your brows furrow in confusion as you look at Rhys. You were about to open your mouth, about to offer to find other accommodation in the city if room was so tight here that youâd have to share, when Azriel's hand slipped into your own. He squeezed gently, callouses rubbing against the softer skin of your palms as he laced your fingers together. You looked at your hand clasped with his at your side, before following it up to look at his face. He purposely avoided your gaze as he locked eyes with his brother and nodded.
âWeâll see you in a few hours.â His hand squeezed yours again as you tried to school the shock on your features. He turned to face you, his features softer and more affectionate than you expected them to be. âItâll be nice to play with Nyx for a bit, right sweetheart?â But his eyes were pleading, urging you to play along with whatever strange situation youâd found yourself in.
âRight, yes.â You tried to smile back at him with the same level of emotion. You felt heat rush to your cheeks as he held your gaze. Clearing your throat, you looked away. Back towards where the High Lord and Lady of the Night Court watched you both intently. Rhysâ eyes darted between you both playfully as he smirked. Years of friendship braced you for a suggestive comment, but none came as Feyre squeezed his arm, unspoken words passing between them. A moment later they both disappeared.
Wrenching your hand from Azrielâs grip you backed away from him.
âWhat the-" fuck, Azriel? You cut yourself off before you finished the sentence, eyes catching on the toddler engrossed in his toys mere feet in front of you. Azriel held his hands up in placation.
âI can explain.â Â
A/N - I'm hoping to have part three out next week, but I think it's unlikely I'll get this finished by the new year so it might have to run into January.
Besides why would elain just follow someone to azriels house? And then let herself in? Girl who do you think you are? đđđđ
Hi!
I actually had been toying with writing a little part where reader met the IC after all the drama, but the story was already 5,000 words so I cut it - but there have been a couple of requests for a second part so it's something I'll add to my WIP list.
Yes I felt a little bit guilty actually, I definitely took some liberties with Elain's characterisation for the sake of dramaâą đ
hi! i hope your having a good day đ you said you were taking requests so i have one if you dont mind! could you do something were az and reader are interrupted after they accept the bond by someone, maybe elain and she's upset and it causes issues? thanks!
Hey,
This is my first request so please be gentle with me if it isn't exactly what you were looking for. Also I'm sorry this sat in my inbox for so long, I wasn't sure exactly how to go about writing this one; I eventually decided on making it as dramatic as possible. đ So in true form, this is written mostly from our drama king Rhys' POV but there is some Reader POV fluff at the end. I wasn't sure where you stood with smut, so I've kept it relatively open to interpretation at the end.
Get Out!
Maybe being so secretive about your relationship with Azriel wasn't the best idea after all.
Word count: 5,090
Rhys POV
Rhys adjusted his grip on the blade in his hand as it clashed with Cassian's, the keen of metal against metal filled the training room. Sweat burned his eyes as he heaved air into his lungs. Cassian's grin bordered on feral as they separated, circling each other. Rhys hadn't realised how long it had been since he'd trained properly, but he could feel it in the ache of his muscles.
"Fatherhood making you soft, Rhys?"
Rhys rolled his eyes, hoping that Cassian didn't notice he couldn't muster more of a response between gasped breaths and fending off his attacks. They'd been at it for hours. Cassian was right, in between High Lord duties and trying to spend every possible moment with his son, resolute on not missing a single milestone, Rhys had certainly neglected his training regime. And now his brother was making him pay for it.
A blade whistled dangerously close to his face. Rhys managed to bring his own up in time to stop the blow as the force of it reverberated down his arm. He ducked out of Cassian's reach, staying firmly on the defensive while his brother eyed him with mirth. Cassian made a show of surveying Rhys slowly as he began to advance again, eyes trailing down his body and settling for a moment on the tight muscles of his abdomen. He clucked his tongue in disapproval.
"Just because Feyre loves you, doesn't mean you can let yourself go so much." Rhys dodged as Cassian swung towards his side, levelling him with a strike of his own which was blocked with ease. Cassian smirked at him as their blades locked, Rhys bared his teeth in a snarl as he forced Cassian's blade back.
A gentle caress against the fortress of his mental shields stole his attention away from his brother for a moment. Cassian smacked the flat face of his sword against Rhys' thigh, a strike that would likely leave a nasty bruise. Rhys opened the antechamber in his mind, built like a house of worship over the foundations of his mating bond with Feyre. He managed to send a small, gentle caress in return before he was drawn back to avoiding Cassian's blade.
Rhys, where are you? There was an undercurrent of worry flowing down the bond to him. It took his attention immediately. He signalled to Cassian, lowering his blade and taking a deep breath.
Training with Cass at the House. What's wrong? He was already moving as he answered, racking the blunted practice sword and retrieving his shirt from where it had been tossed earlier in the session. Cassian mimicked his movements before heading to the pitcher of water to pour two glasses.
It's Elain, something's happened.
What?
She's inconsolable. She says...that Y/N attacked her. Surprise sparked in Rhys.
Are you sure? It didn't make any sense. You were so gentle. A junior healer under Madja's tutelage, brought in to assist with Feyre's pregnancy. You'd been visiting the River House regularly to do milestone checks on Nyx. During that time, both he and Feyre had struck up a friendship with you. He'd never seen you so much as raise your voice.
It's all she's said to us, Nesta is furious. Rhys' eyes drifted to where Cassian stood, gulping down his glass of water.
"We're needed at the River House."
Cassian raised a brow at the seriousness of the tone as he moved across the training room towards his brother.
"What happened?"
"Honestly, I'm not sure. But we should get back before Nesta goes on the warpath." Cassian considered for a moment before taking to the skies, seemingly spurred by whatever he felt down his mating bond. Rhys launched himself after his brother before sending a reassuring message to his own mate.
We're on our way.
Elain sat nestled next to Feyre on the sofa. She dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief as her sister rubbed soothing circles on her back. Nesta was pacing in front of the fireplace, the swish of her dress and hard clack of her heels against the hardwood felt too loud in the otherwise silent room. Rhys stood for a moment in the doorway, assessing the scene in front of him as Cassian passed him to join Nesta. She ignored him, continuing to pace.
Rhys approached his mate and Elain, settling himself on the arm of the sofa at Feyre's side. He casts an assessing gaze over the middle Archeron sister. Her other arm, the one not wiping at her face, was laid in her lap as Feyre held a compress of ice over the wrist.
Rhys let out a low sigh, running his hands through his hair as he worked through possible avenues of action. He reopened his mental connection with Feyre.
Has she said anything else? Feyre turned away from her sister where she sat staring into space.
No, Madja's on her way though. It's strange, she said she hasn't seen Y/N in days, she was supposed to be visiting her family in the Day Court. None of this makes any sense, why would Y/N do this?
Unease sat heavily in Rhys' stomach. Could something have happened to you on your travels? He thought of Braillyn and the manipulation the crown had afforded her over the minds of others. The Dread Trove was safe, was this a different horror Koschei was responsible for? Was he trying to target his family through you? It would make sense, you visited the River House regularly and both he and Feyre had left Nyx unattended in your care on more than one occasion.
He felt Madja's approach as she let herself in, inclining her head towards himself and Feyre where they sat. She settled herself on Elain's other side, reaching for her arm. Feyre moved her hand and the compress away, revealing a slight bruising and swelling on the skin underneath.
"We need to find her, she can't just attack Elain like this." Nesta's voice cut sharp as a blade across the room, Elain's tears starting fresh at her words. Madja lifted her gaze from where she was assessing Elain's wrist, tilting her hand in gentle exercises to assess the range of movement.
"Perhaps you can continue this discussion outside?" Rhys caught the pointed look the healer gave him. He nodded, standing and placing his hand on the small of Feyre's back as she did the same. Nesta watched them for a moment before stomping towards the door; disappearing into the foyer.
Feyre shot him a look, grey-blue eyes filled with worry as they moved to follow her out. Nesta continued to pace outside the room as they shut the door, the low sound of Madja's soothing voice travelling through the wood.
"We have to do something."
"Nesta, we shouldn't do anything rash." Feyre's voice was firm as she addressed her, switching smoothly from comforting sister to High Lady of the Night Court. "Not until we have more information."
"Well she," Nesta gestured towards the closed door and her distressed sister, "isn't saying anything. So I say we find Y/N and get her to tell us what happened."
Rhys was inclined to agree, but held some reservations as to what exactly Nesta deemed an appropriate method of finding out information when it pertained to the middle Archeron sister.
"Feyre's right, we shouldn't be hasty about this." He met Nesta's eyes, filled with burning silver fire. "You're too close to this," he continued. "Why don't you go back to the House, blow off some steam and we'll discuss this later when we know the full story." Cassian moved closer to Nesta's side, a comforting hand on her arm as she stared Rhys down. He watched as she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, then another. Rhys recognised the mind-stilling technique she favoured to keep her grounded.
Her eyes were still bright with anger when she opened them again, but she seemed calmer than she had been before. She gave a small nod. Cassian tucked her under an arm as they made their way to the front door.
"We'll send for you when we know something." Cassian nodded to Rhys over his shoulder but Nesta didn't turn back to look at either of them. The door closed with a thud behind them.
Feyre looked at where her sister and brother-in-law stood a moment before. She turned, making her way down the hall Rhys study.
"What do you think we should do?"
"I'll search the city for her, we could send a note? Ask her to meet us both?" Feyre nodded in agreement.
"We should make contact with Az." Rhys considered, reluctant to disturb his brother when he'd asked for a rare week off to visit his mother in Illyria. The request had been sudden and abrupt. Az had sent word close to midnight a few days prior. He hadn't written much, other than he needed some time away from his duties and that he'd reach out to Rhys later on in the week. He had been concerned at the out of character behaviour, apprehensive that something serious must have happened. Azriel had evaded requests for more information; saying that he'd brief Rhys on his return.
"When we know more," he paused with Feyre on the threshold of the study. "I don't want to call him back when it may turn out to be nothing serious."
Feyre hummed in agreement.
"I just...I don't understand, why would she do something like this? We gave her access to our son, Rhys. She didn't seem..." Feyre trailed off. Before she could continue the sound of a throat clearing came from the kitchen door. They turned in tandem, both sets of eyes fixed on the twins that appeared out of the shadows there.
"We...We think this may be our fault." Nuala's voice was quiet as she spoke for both of them, hands clasped together tightly as they stood before their High Lord and Lady.
"How could this possibly be your fault?" Feyre didn't hide the surprise in her tone. Their dark eyes were unreadable but Rhys didn't miss the glance they both gave towards the closed door where Elain still sat with Madja.
He opened the door to the office, gesturing in invitation to the twins to follow Feyre and him in.
Rhys sat in the high-backed chair behind the desk, Feyre perched on his lap as they listened to Nuala and Cerridwen's tale.
"Azriel instructed us not to tell anyone where he was when he sent word. She saw us putting together a basket, asked us who it was for. We didn't see any harm in telling her we were making it for him," Cerridwen's face was grave as she spoke. "Elain wanted to help, so we baked the bread together. She went to the garden after that, and Nuala left to deliver it."
"I know she didn't follow," Nuala cut in, her voice shaking. "I would have noticed if she had."
"Perhaps she saw where you went in one of her visions?" Feyre supplied. She bestowed her a small comforting smile, Rhys could feel her sympathy for the twins through the bond. They cared about Elain; even without his daemati powers you could read the guilt they shared.
"But it was here? In Velaris?" Rhys asked. Nuala looked at her twin, a silent conversation happening between them, before she nodded her head. Rhys' stomach turned to lead. Azriel had lied to him about where he was. Rhys knew that Azriel had his secrets, maybe more than anyone else in the Inner Circle. But he'd never known him to be overtly dishonest, not with his family.
"What happened after that?" Feyre's voice was gentle as she pushed for more information.
None of this makes any sense.
I know. Feyre squeezed his hand, the one that she had clasped between both of her own beneath the desk, as she sent reassuring waves down the bond.
"We were both preparing lunch after that. We didn't see her again, until you did." Feyre had shown him the memory as he'd flown towards the house. Elain bursting through the front door, arm clutched to her chest and tears streaming down her face. She hadn't said anything as Nesta had taken her into her arms, demanding to know what had happened.
"Would it be possible that Elain met Y/N on the way to...where Azriel is?" Feyre addressed the question to the room but it was Cerridwen that answered her.
"I don't think so, my lady. It's...out of the way, you wouldn't stumble upon it by accident." Rhys didn't miss the look Nuala sent her, dark eyes on fire. Cerridwen sunk back into her chair, realising that perhaps she'd said too much. Rhys pressed though, he couldn't leave it.
"So that would mean that either Y/N followed Elain from the house on purpose or she was there? With Azriel?"He suspected it was the latter, and the twins certainly knew more about it than they were willing to share. They both looked down, pointedly avoiding Rhys' gaze.
"We promised, my lord."
"We could do it together if you want?" Feyre's hand toyed at his neck, tracing the Illyrian tattoos etched into the skin. They'd dismissed Nuala and Cerridwen back to their duties while they discussed the next step to take. They had both agreed that reaching out to Azriel was the best course of action, to follow the lead of his potential involvement before they took any further steps concerning you.
Rhys was torn. He wanted Feyre to be involved, but it felt too personal. Azriel hadn't lied to her. But he had to him, his brother, his High Lord. Azriel, whom he had always trusted. Feyre would moderate his temper, if the need arose, but a dark volatile part of him didn't want that.
A quiet knock sounded on the door. Feyre called out for Madja to enter, already sensing her standing on the other side. Her smile was reassuring as she moved to stand in front of them at the desk.
"A nasty sprain, but no broken bones." Some of the tension seemed to leave Feyre's shoulders as she let out a relieved sigh. "I've recommended she rest it, keep it elevated," Madja continued, "it should be back to normal within a few days."
"Thank you Madja, we appreciate you coming out of you way." Feyre's tone was warm as she spoke to the elderly fae.
"It's my pleasure, my lady."
"Did Elain say anything to you? About what happened?"
Madja frowned, before shaking her head. "Nothing that made much sense. She mentioned a door and being pushed, she didn't say any more than that." Madja took a step closer to the desk, worrying the fabric of the apron she wore between her fingers.
"If I may..." She paused, waiting for further invitation to speak. Rhys gestured with a hand for her to continue.
"I've known Y/N since she was a girl," Madja's voice wavered as she spoke, in all the years Rhys had known her he'd never seen her close to tears before. "She wouldn't do something like this it's not in her nature," Madja paused before quickly adding, "not to discredit your sister, High Lady." Rhys watched Feyre as she caught her bottom lip between her teeth as she listened to the healer.
"This situation is highly unusual, Madja. We need to speak to the parties involved, gather more information." Rhys speech was clinical, playing High Lord rather than concerned brother-in-law.
"I'll take my leave then."
I should see to Elain. Feyre slipped off his lap with a parting brush of her lips against his cheek before following Madja out of the room. Rhys rested his elbows on the desk in front of him and lowered his head into his hands.
After taking a few minutes to collect himself Rhys began using his power to comb through the city, brushing past the minds of his citizens as they went about their daily lives. It took longer than he thought, identifying the distinct signature of his brother, as recognisable to him as his own after 500 years. Cloistered on the outskirts of the city, the surrounding land reserved for farming crops with very few residences. He felt another presence there, one less familiar to him, yours.
Rhys brushed a talon against Azriel's mental shields, a teeming cluster of darkness not unlike the shadows he wielded, and waited. The tick of the clock as the seconds passed by had Rhys on edge, he was considering pushing again, this time more firmly, when the shadows created a small opening just big enough for him to slip through.
Rhys didn't bother with a greeting. His mental voice was harsh, more than he meant it to be, as it reverberated around the dark antechamber.
You have ten seconds to explain why you are not in Illyria, and why my mate is consoling her injured sister before I come and find you, and we have this conversation in person. Conversation was a very polite term to use for what would inevitably become a battle of wills, and potentially blades, between the High Lord and his Spymaster.
Don't you fucking dare, Rhys. Azriel's voice was ice. The hostile rage that bubbled underneath shook Rhys out of his own for a moment. It was like its own living thing, driven by base instincts to defend against a threat at all costs. The force of it almost pushed him out. Rhys bridled his own surprise and rage down.
Okay, Rhys' voice was soothing, carried on a night-kissed wind. I won't do that Az, but you need to talk to me.
The storm of Azriel's emotions seemed to calm a little, Rhys could feel the effort he was putting in, wrestling for control that was usually so militant. He waited for his brother to speak for a few moments before continuing.
Why don't you start with where you are, and why Nuala and Cerridwen are involved?
He thought that Azriel was going to hold fast in his reticence. Instead his voice, missing some of the frigid quality it had before, answered after a few beats.
I own a property on the outskirts of the city, I've been here since I sent word asking for leave. Azriel paused before continuing, Nuala and Cerridwen were just doing what I asked, they don't need to be a part of this. Rhys should have expected this. Azriel always knew how to toe the line between answering what was asked without giving any substantial information.
And what is it that you asked them to do for you? Because they wouldn't tell us, because of some promise they made to you.
They delivered some supplies to me.
Supplies?
Food and other basic necessities.
And is there a reason you couldn't retrieve these for yourself? Why you're sequestered away in some property we're unaware of with one of our healers? Rhys tried to press against the walls of Azriel's mind to see what else he could feel or sense but it yielded nothing. Are you injured Az? Worry bloomed. As out of character as it was for Azriel to lie to his family, if it was because he was injured and didn't want any of them to know, to worry, Rhys could rationalise that.
No. Rhys could feel Azriel's attention, drawn away to whatever was going in outside his mind, still only half maintaining their communication. Is Elain okay?
Are you talking to Y/N? I know she's there with you.
Azriel hesitated before answering. Yes.
Elain is saying that Y/N attacked her, is that true? Did you see what happened?
I did, but it was an accident Rhys. She didn't mean to.
She says she was pushed. I'm not sure how that can be considered an accident, Azriel. Rhys tried to keep a handle on his agitation, but this conversation was going nowhere quickly. Why don't you show me what happened, then we can put this whole thing to bed.
A tidal wave rose, angry and biting as it chased Rhys towards the gap in the barrier he entered from. Rhys retreated back from it, shocked by it's sudden appearance.
No. Azriel's snarled response rebounded around his head.
Fine, I'll take it up with Y/N if this is how you're going to act.
Wait, don't. The emotion receded as quickly as it came, leaving Rhys toeing the edge of the empty chamber. Leave her out of this Rhys, it's my fault.
Oh? She's assaulted a member of our Court, Azriel.
She's my mate, Rhys. Rhys thought for a moment that he hadn't heard him correctly. But it made sense, the instinctual frenzy of emotion that seemed eager to slip his brother's control. We didn't tell you in the beginning, we wanted to get to know each other without any added...pressure.
Az, this is wonderful news...unexpected but wonderful. But we wouldn't have pressured you, either of you, into anything.
I know, I just...I was being selfish, Rhys. And we were so caught up in each other. I said I'd talk to you when I got back, I was going to tell you then. Rhys didn't hide the happiness he felt, letting his brother feel it freely, It was a bit spur of the moment, deciding to accept the bond. That's why I asked Nuala and Cerridwen for help, they knew where we were.
I'm happy for you, Az. Rhys allowed himself to bask for a moment in the joy that he could feel from his brother as he spoke about you. A part of him wanted to leave then, to retreat from his brother's mind and leave him to enjoy this special, if volatile time, as a newly mated male. But there was still a piece of this puzzle missing. What happened with Elain?
It is my fault Rhys, I should have sensed her coming. But we were preoccupied. Azriel's discomfort put Rhys own teeth on edge as he continued. We were in the living room and Elain opened the door, Y/N panicked and slammed it with gust of wind.
Panicked?
We were...indisposed.
You're joking, Rhys barely managed to choke the words out as he tried to contain his laughter.
Its not funny, Rhysand. He could almost see his brother grinding his teeth in agitation. By the time we made ourselves decent, Elain had already left. I was going to come to the house to see if she was okay, but Y/N is really upset that she may have hurt her. Rhys understood what he didn't say, that he couldn't leave his mate like that.
Tell her it's just a sprain, nothing serious.
That's a relief. If we're done here- Rhy's didn't allow Azriel to finish, already taking his leave.
Rhys watched the sun set set over the Sidra as he ruminated on the strange events the day had taken, and how he was going to defuse the tension from this morning before Azriel returned, likely with Y/N in tow.
Your POV
Steam curled into the air from the water of the bath. The heat soothed the ache in your muscles, ones that you didn't even know you had were making their displeasure known, as you adjusted your position to lean back against Azriel. His arm slipped around your middle, pulling you flush against his chest as scarred fingers traced circles over your midriff. You sighed in contentment as Azriel continued his ministrations, feeling his smile against the skin of you neck. He brushed the sensitive skin with a delicate kiss. Neither of you spoke as you sat there, enjoying the comfortable silence and basking in the feeling of the new golden thread that tied you together.
Azriel reached to the edge of the tub where the basket of toiletries lay, filled with your favourite scents curtesy of the shadow wraith twins, and grabbed a soft cloth and a bar of sweet smelling soap. You groaned as he began to gently massage the lather on the cloth into the skin of arms and shoulders, adjusting slightly to give him better access. You turned your head, resting it in the cradle of Azriel's shoulder, looking up at him through your lashes.
Over the few months that you'd known him, you'd come to admire his stoic beauty. Rich hazel eyes framed by thick lashes and dark brows. His sharp features and full lips that erupted butterflies in your stomach every time he gifted you with an alluring smile or tantalising smirk. As your relationship had progressed he'd become more open is displaying his emotions with you, less prone to cloaking himself in his shadows. But you'd never in that time seen such open contentment displayed on his features.
You watched as his eyes tracked the path his hand drew with the cloth against your body. You brought a hand out of the warm cocoon of the water to trace the map of markings across his shoulders, following the trail up his neck with tender kisses. Azriel's chest rumbled his approval. The flare of his wings sent ripples across the surface of the bath as you let a soft breath out against the delicate shell of his ear.
"It appears my little mate is rather insatiable." Azriel sighed, feigning exasperation as he moved the cloth lower, down off your shoulders to brush the top of your breasts.
"I have no idea what you're talking about." The hand on his shoulder reached to brush a single fingertip against the sensitive membrane of a wing as you smirked into his neck.
"Careful." Azriel growled, taking the circles he was tracing on your midriff dangerously lower. Even though the past few days had been filled with nothing but Azriel, the feel of his skin against yours, the taste of him on your tongue, there was a burning pit of desire that demanded more. You felt as though you could live a thousand more years and never tire of the feeling of him holding you in his arms. The thought of leaving the little bubble of bliss you'd created here was like a cold water shock. Thinking of the potential repercussions you'd face of what happened earlier left the sting of bile in the back of your mouth.
Azriel's hands stilled as he sensed the shift in your mood. You buried your face into his neck, closing your eyes and letting his scent calm your racing heart. Azriel abandoned the cloth to place his hand on the back of you head, carting his fingers through your hair. He made a low soothing noise.
"It's okay," he continued to massage his fingers against your scalp as he spoke. "It was an accident, no one is going to blame you."
"Elain will, she probably hates me." Your voice broke as you tried to hold back the guilt that had been plaguing you, such a start contrast to the joy and ravenous hunger.
"She'll understand. The others will too, Rhys actually found it very amusing."
"Oh cauldron boil me." You could imagine it now, the smirking good natured jibes from the high-lord and the likely even less subtle innuendos his general would deal out to you.
"Come on," the fingers dancing through your hair stopped. "Look at me." Part of you wanted to continue to hide as the anxiety and embarrassment coiled inside of you, but as Azriel moved to cup your cheek you lifted your face away to look at him. His eyes were soft as he took in your face, so close that you could see flecks of green and gold constellating around the iris. His thumb rubbed gently against you cheek.
"I just want to stay here for the rest of our lives." Azriel smiled gently and hummed his agreement, leaning forward to press his lips against the skin of your forehead.
"Unfortunately, I think we'll be missed." He considered for a moment before adding. "And I wouldn't put it past Cassian to break down the door and drag me back to civilised society." You loosed a small smile at his attempt to make light of the situation, but it still did nothing to quell the apprehension and doubts.
You'd so desperately wanted to make a good impression. It had all been planned out. After the week was done; once you and Azriel had returned to your normal lives, he would have announced the mating bond to his family. You'd planned to host a dinner, let them get to know you outside your capacity as a healer. Hoped to create the foundations for meaningful relationships. Instead, you'd ruined it before you'd even started, injuring the High Lady's sister and forcing Azriel to do damage control on your behalf.
"I'm just...I'm sorry Az, I know how important your family is to you. I can't believe I've screwed this up."
"They are important to me." He agreed, thumb stroking gently against your face. "But so are you. I've waited centuries to find you, and you're so much more than I dreamed you'd be." Tears welled in your eyes at his declaration. "I love you, and I know my family will love you too." You reached up to capture his lips in a delicate kiss, despite the gravity of the situation feeling his lips quirk into a smile against your own made your heart sing. You parted, and he began to trail kisses across your cheek.
"Rhys and Feyre already like you, they trust you with Nyx. Everyone else will fall victim to your charming smile and witty sense of humour, I'm sure." He murmured in your ear as he traced his nose against the soft skin of your neck.
"We'll face them together when the time comes." He whispered the promise into your skin as he paved a line of tender kisses to a particularly sensitive spot he'd discovered in the last few days, taking extra care to pay it the most attention.
You sighed and arched your back, allowing him greater access to your neck and chest. Azriel's affirmations had quelled the storm within you, leaving heat and hunger in the wake of his lips.
"But, we've got a few days before anyone is expecting us back. And I have plans for you." Azriel's voice turned husky at the end, the heady promise made your toes curl as you pressed yourself closer against him.
"Oh?" You breathed as his lips began to chart a course across your chest, skimming across the tops of your breasts. You felt more than heard as he hummed an affirmation against the delicate skin. "And what would those plans be?"
Azriel's wings flared as your hand found his hair, winding the strands between your fingers. He stopped lathing delicate kisses against your skin to look up at you through dark lashes, eyes light and mischievous. His grin was positively wicked, canines flashing in the light.
Hello! I just wanted to say that I love your writing. I just found your series forgotten and it made me cry. I really hope Azriel gets his memories back and remembers the reader. I want them to have a happy ending and to be one big happy family with their baby
Hi darling,
I'm so happy to hear that you're enjoying the series, it's been such a pleasure writing it for you all. As for Azriel getting his memories back and living happily ever after...
this solstice fic is fine but i just want the next forgotten part
Hey!
I know I keep saying it, but it is coming đ it's a lot of angst to write, so I thought maybe a cute Christmas fic may be a nice palette cleanser for me đ
Eris belly rubbing anon here. Of course it doesnt have to be Eris since u mentioned that reader isnt from prythian. Just thought it would spike something in azriel since they're not exactly friends. Lol. I just thought perhaps it was someone out of the IC just for the angst lol. Ya know we love it.
Gosh, 'Eris belly rubbing anon' has really tickled me đđđ Not sure why I found it so funny but it did make me giggle.
There is a similar situation with Rhys in the chapter I'm working on, he isn't touching the reader's belly though but as I said I might try to incorporate a bit of Eris angst in there if I can. It wasn't part of the original plan, but who can say no to more of the Heir of the Autumn Court?
A/N - This is a cheesy Christmas movie trope Az/Reader fic that absolutely nobody asked for that I just couldn't help myself from writing.
Word Count: 1700
Part Two
Your POV
You tapped your foot in time to the beat, eyeing the patrons as they swept across the sticky floor. You raised a hand to the bartender when he looked in your direction, motioning to your empty glass before turning back to observe the room as he began making you another drink. Youâd only been waiting fifteen minutes, but the room was stifling from the heat of so many bodies packed inside. The bartender set down a glass of wine next to the tumbler of whiskey, ice already beginning to melt, and you slid a few coins across the counter and thanked him, words lost mostly over the raucous music.
Craning your neck towards the open doors of the patio you tried to find seats where you wouldnât be jostled every time someone tried to order a drink. You spied an empty table and began to move, weaving in between the drunken revellers on the dance floor whilst trying to keep the drinks in your hands from spilling. Crossing the threshold into the cool night air was a relief. Solstice celebrations were in full swing, even if the day itself was still over a week away, and most bars and restaurants in the Day Court were packed late into the night. You settled down onto the bench to wait, pleasantly surprised that the magic that heated the bar seemed to extend to where you were sitting. You sipped your wine and watched the fae mingling in the streets under the festive lights.
âSorry Iâm late, I got tied up. Were you waiting long?â The voice came out of the shadows behind you as a gloved hand squeezed your bicep in greeting. You turned, smiling up at Azriel as he moved around you to take a seat on the bench opposite. You nudged the tumbler of whiskey across the table to him as you shrugged.
 âLong enough to be a drink in Az, next round is yours.â He inclined his head, a small smile on his lips as he sipped at the whiskey. Youâd only seen him a handful of times since the war, he stopped by whenever he was passing through on business for Rhysand, if his schedule allowed it. Youâd enjoyed the opportunity to rekindle your friendship, almost fifty years of no contact during Amaranthaâs reign had left you missing the shadowsingerâs company.
Azriel gestured to the table and the glass in front of you. âIâm surprised you didnât just get a bottle, no plans of dancing on tables this evening?â You rolled your eyes at the jibe but couldnât help the smile that bubbled to your lips.
âI blame Rhys for that.â
âAs you should, heâs always been a bad influence.â Under the fae light Azrielâs face looked relaxed, something you hadnât seen in centuries. He certainly looked better than the last time youâd seen him, broodier than usual and knocking back whiskies almost as fast as you could pour them. He hadnât said much that evening, just enjoying the companionable silence youâd provided before falling into a deep slumber on the sofa.
âHow is everyone?â
âGood, Nyx is getting so big now, heâs becoming a bit of a handful. Itâll get even worse once he can fly by himself.â He smiled as he recalled some memory of his nephew. Youâd met the babe once, and even though you werenât a fan of children when he fixed you with a toothy smile youâd been smitten. Youâd joked with Rhys that he was going to be even more successful with the females than heâd been in his youth.
âAnd the others?â
âCassian and Nesta are making real progress with the Valkyries, theyâve even got a few of the females from the camp taking part in the training sessions.â You smiled at the thought, Cassian had been championing for an aerial unit of female Illyrians since Rhys had become High Lord, it seemed with Nesta at his side he was finally making the progress heâd always talked about. âMorâs still in the continent, enjoying playing emissary but from her letters it seems sheâs mostly just indulging the sights and local cuisine.â
âThat sounds more like her.â
âSheâs coming back for Solstice, everyone is. Even Lucian and Elain.â You nodded, not sure if you should push on that particular door yet. Heâd told you what Rhys had said, how heâd ordered Azriel to stay away from the middle Archeron sister in the name of Court relations. Sheâd fled the city, after calling him a coward for not fighting for their budding relationship, ending up in the human lands and the waiting arms of her mate.
âAnd you? How have you been?â You knew Azriel well enough to see through his blatant diversion but didnât comment.
âGood, weâve been making some real progress Under the Mountain. Amarantha had all kinds of tomes hidden, some of them not even from Prythian. I enjoyed getting my hands on those very much.â Azriel nodded, draining the last of his drink. âI think weâve finally found the last of it though. Thereâs still so much missing, but it hasnât been as bad as we originally feared.â
âAnd your research?â
You sighed, swirling the last of the wine at the bottom of your glass. The thesis youâd been writing before Amarantha had turned Prythian upside down and the war had come had taken a backseat. Especially with the death of your family, you hadnât found the enthusiasm to continue your work.
âI havenât thought about it much. Thereâs still time though.â Caramel eyes watched your face, always assessing. You didnât sound convincing, even to your own ears. But he offered you the same courtesy and allowed you to change the subject without prying.
âWill you see your mother this Solstice?â
Azriel shook his head; a gloved finger traced the rim of his glass. âHer and Clay have decided to spend Solstice with his family this year.â You knew he was happy for her, to find her partner all those years ago, especially as heâd helped her get out from underneath his fatherâs thumb whilst Azriel had been sequestered away in the war camps unable to visit.
âDo you have plans?â
âIâve got a few offers, nothing concrete yet though. I might just spend the opportunity to get ahead with work.â Youâd had a few invitations from various friends to spend Solstice with them, and an invite to Helionâs annual ball, but youâd struggled with the holiday since the death of your family. It had been easier in the aftermath of the war, everyone still grieving in one way or another, but now that the people of Prythian seemed intent on celebrating with excess at every given opportunity you werenât sure if you could stomach the celebration.
Azriel adjusted himself in his seat, leaning a little closer across the table. His wings flared slightly behind him before he tucked them closer to his back. You considered him, waiting for him to speak but he just continued to watch you.
âWhat?â He opened his mouth, seemingly unable to get the words out. He shook his head, leaning away from you again. You stopped watching him, instead looking over his shoulder and into the street below.
âActually I-,â he paused, noting your empty glasses. âIâll grab another round.â He stood abruptly, shadows trailing in his wake as he headed for the door back into the bar. You watched in amusement as the drunk fae inside scrambled out of the path of the hulking Illyrian figure and his teeming shadows. Heâd certainly have more success getting to the bar than you did earlier.
He returned quickly, shadows brushed against you as he laid the fresh drinks on the table and took his seat again. He gulped down his drink, setting his empty glass down before youâd even clutched at the stem of your own.
âI need a favour.â His face was serious, barely visible through the throng of shadows caressing his form, roiling up his shoulders and coiling like a second set of Illyrian tattoos on the skin of his neck.
âA favour?â You tried to keep the shock from your voice, it was very uncharacteristic of Azriel to ask for anything so openly. âName it.â He pursed his lips, shaking his head. A gloved hand rubbed against his temple.
âYou donât even know what it is.â You leaned forward to snatch at the hand heâd left on the table, squeezing the warm leather underneath your fingers. You were so close that you could see the veins of green that ran through the brown of his eyes.
âDoesnât matter Az. Weâre friends, Iâll always do whatever I can to help you.â He smiled at that, a genuine smile. Something so rare from Azriel that the flash of his teeth in the fae light made your heart clench.
âCome to Solstice with me.â You smiled back at him then, bemused at the request.
âThatâs it? Az, you donât need to call in a favour for me to spend time with you all.â
âItâs not just that,â for a moment he seemed to disappear into the shadows entirely before he reigned in his emotions. âMor and Emery will be there together, Elainâs bringing Lucian. And of course, thereâs the others. Iâll be the only-â his throat bobbed as he swallowed thickly. But you heard what he didnât voice.
âYouâll be the only person there alone.â You understood that, not just the desire for companionship but to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance amidst the festivities. You were searching for that too. You knew that attending the holiday celebrations your friends were throwing would leave you feeling alone, in a room full of people who were something more to each other. Â
The silence before his answer felt like it would swallow you.
âYes.â His eyes met yours. Under his gaze youâd always felt like he saw through every façade you hid behind. Like he could see into the darkest parts of you, that he saw them as was your friend anyway. Because you saw them in him too.
âI suppose Iâll have to do more gift shopping then.â
Please let me know what you all think! I'm planning out part two of probably three but I'm not sure exactly how they'll play out until I'm writing them.
Hey just wondering how you are doing and how Forgotten is going! I think it regularly runs through my head as I imagine different outcomes for it and ways that azriel gains his memory back. Canât wait to see the next part!
Hi!
I'm doing really well and hope that you are too lovely anon đ
Honestly how I'm going to finish the story is all I've been thinking about recently too, I've had so many different ideas and different things I want to write about - trying to nail down one has been very difficult but I think I have it all planned out now (for the most part at least!)
Let me say that I'm in love with Forgotten!! I love me a good angst! Can you add me to the tag list, please? đ„șâ€ïž
Hi!
I'm doing great and hope you are too! đ I'm so glad you're enjoying the story, it's been such a pleasure to write so far đ and I saw you're other message about already being in the tag list, it's absolutely fine you don't need to apologise đ
Forgotten was one of the first series I read when i started reading acotar fics and it hurt so good because i loove a good angst story. I saw that you mentioned you were having a writers block for it. I'm not sure what plans you have for the fic but I did have a small thought. Perhaps a male that Reader has been friends with a while visits her ( I was thinking Eris) and azriel sees the tender moment that Eris reaches for readers swollen belly to feel the baby kick. Its a sweet tender action but also intimate. Idk if youve ever been pregnant but people just love to feel around pregnant womans bellies for any kind of baby movement. Lol. Idk i thought if azriel saw that he may feel some type of way or perhaps remember. Just the idea of another male cupping his hands around her middle, rubbing her belly in well wishes. I hope i'm not overstepping as a reader this is your fic afterall and youve done a wondeful job, I seriously can't wait for the next part. Please take your time. â€ïž
Hi!
Thank you for such a lovely message, I'm right there with you I love a good angsty story! I have written something a little similar to what you described in part four - there's no Eris though. If that's something people would be interested in I'd be happy to incorporate it into the story, everyone loves a bit of Eris to make those stakes higher đ
