SJM Crackship Month : Historical AU
SJM Crackship Month - Day 15 - Historical AU
Crackship: Nuala x Eris
The ball was a smashing success, every prominent family for miles was in attendance and Beron Vanserra stood watching the whole thing proudly. His gatherings were always the talk of the season as he spared no expense, each gathering more grand than the last. Perhaps the most satisfying thing, was knowing that those who hated him were as desperate to receive an invitation as those he called friends.
Beron surveyed the ballroom, noting each of his sons entertaining ladies of exceptional breeding and wealth. His name and legacy would live on, he’d made sure of that, and if his sons were as ruthless as he’d taught them to be, they would amass even more power and wealth than he’d managed to do in all his years.
Eris, his eldest, also stood scanning the crowd. As Beron’s heir, he knew he was always being closely watched. As heir, he had to be most discerning of the female company he kept, at least in public. Whispers and gossip made no secret that the Vanserra sons, arrogant and wicked as they could be, were exceptional lovers.
“See anything you like?” Eris’ youngest brother Lucien asked, joining him to look over the crowd.
“Same faces we see at every other ball.” Eris answered, not looking away from the crowd. “Though I suspect that suits you quite well. Have you had your requisite dance with Elain Archeron yet?.”
“Her sister is here, if that’s what you’re asking.” Lucien smirked, not denying that Elain Archeron had captivated him from the very moment they met.
“I’m not.” Eris said tightly. It was true that Nesta Archeron had fascinated him for a time, but her venomous ways had grown tiresome quickly. He had enough misery dealing with his father, he wasn’t looking to marry into more no matter how pretty a package it may come in.
“Right, well if you don’t dance with someone soon, father will have words.” Lucien reminded, clapping him on the back.
“Father can-” The insult died on his tongue as he watched an absolutely breathtaking woman enter the ballroom. Hair shining and black as night, skin a rich umber and the grace of a Queen.
“Can what-Eris!” Lucien laughed, taking the drink Eris shoved at him before descending the grand staircase. He wanted to see what or who had captured his brothers attention, but a certain doe-eyed Archeron was looking quite lonely and in need of a dance partner and he wouldn’t keep her waiting.
Quickly, Eris made his way through the crowd, weaving through guests until he reached the mysterious new beauty in the lilac gown. Against all reason and propriety, he reached out and grabbed her gloved hand. She whirled on him instantly, both of them startled and stunned into silence. She had the most stunning grey eyes he had ever seen.
“I’m sorry.” He said, recovering first and quickly releasing her hand.
“It’s quite alright.” She said with a nod before turning to leave again. Eris' hand quickly found hers again. Slowly, she turned, looking at him apprehensively.
“That wasn’t a dismissal.” He said, a small smile playing at his lips. Did she not know who he was?
“Nor was it a proper introduction.” She said, her tone light even as she scolded him. “Are you always so familiar with women you don’t know?” She asked, brow raised.
“My apologies, lady.” He gave a bow, not mocking, though there was a mischievous gleam in his eye that didn't go unnoticed. “Please, allow me the pleasure of a dance so that I might further apologize for being so forward.”
Eris extended his hand, holding his breath while she appeared to consider his offer.
“I don’t dance with strangers I’m afraid.”
“Eris Vanserra." He offered quickly. "My father is hosting this ball.” He said smoothly. If she wanted to play games, he would be more than happy to oblige her. “And you are?”
“Very pleased to make your acquaintance, Eris Vanserra.” She smiled, placing her hand in his and allowing him to sweep her into a waltz.
“That was only half an introduction, you know.” He reminded her, desperately needing to know her name.
“Perhaps you could guess it.” She smiled up at him, her grey eyes seeming to see straight through to his soul.
“The only name that comes to mind is Aphrodite.” He smiled, her answering laugh like music to his ears but she offered no name to soothe his burning curiosity.
“Who are you here with?” He asked, approaching from a different angle to solve this mystery.
“Well I’m here with you, my lord.” She smiled, twirling under his arm.
“Are you always so vexing?” He asked, extending his arm to twirl her out before watching her flutter back to him.
“Oh no. It’s never quite this much fun.” She laughed and Eris couldn’t stop himself from smiling.
“I will find out, you know. I have my ways.”
“I don’t doubt that for a second, my Lord.” She admitted, joining the other ladies in the center of the room. Eris watched her graceful turn, searching for any hint that she might know the other ladies but he found none before she rejoined him.
“I could order you to tell me.” He said, having absolutely no intention of doing so.
“But then our little game would be over.” She smiled, knowing he wouldn’t.
“You must give me something.” He insisted, positively charmed by her.
“Rose.” She answered.
“Too common.”
“Peony.”
“Lovely, but I don’t think so." He decided with a shake of his head.
“Mildred.”
“Liar.” He scoffed.
There was that laugh of hers again. He would hear it all night if he could, if she would allow him to jeopardize all her attention this evening. Panic was already beginning to set in as they reached the end of the waltz and he bowed to her again.
“Another dance?” He asked before one of his brothers barreled into him, trailed by a few others. He was clearly drunk and rambling on about challenging someone to a duel over a game of cards, one he’d likely cheated at.
“Aiden, you idiot.” Eris frowned, helping keep his brother on his feet.
“Get him to his room in one piece and make sure he stays there.” He ordered his younger brothers, handing Aiden back into their care. They muttered apologies, taking him away, but when Eris looked back, his Aphrodite had already vanished.
He searched the entire ballroom, even returning back to the top of the stairs but she was nowhere to be found. All night he searched for her, only engaging in conversation to enquire if anyone had seen the beauty in the lilac gown but no one had. It was as if she were a figment of his imagination, a dream he’d been forced to wake from and couldn’t seem to find his way back to.
Eventually, he’d given up and lost all interest in the goings on downstairs, instead electing to retire early. He’d get an earful from his father tomorrow for not entertaining the right ladies, or making the right connections, but he couldn’t be bothered to care. So lost in thought was Eris that he didn’t notice the discarded gown until the lilac fabric was at his feet. He snatched it up, immediately recognizing it as Aphrodite’s gown and frantically began searching for her.
Eris didn’t have to search for long before a figure darted from the shadows of an adjacent hallway, crashing into him with such force he was nearly knocked off his feet.
Stunning grey eyes met his before the lithe beauty shoved away from him and darted off, dressed in black clothes that clung to her like a second skin.
“Aphrodite.” He breathed, tearing off after her, her gown still clutched tightly in his hand.
She was fast, but he was determined, reaching her just as they heard shouts from the corridor ahead. She didn’t resist, not when he grabbed her hand and pulled her in the opposite direction, or when he ducked into a narrow hallway his dark coat shielding them, his hand pressed over her mouth. His wild amber eyes scanned the hallway, his body tensing as the guards rushed by without glancing in their direction. Her eyes, however, remained on him. Quietly memorizing the lines and angles of his handsome face, his dusting of freckles and the subtle hint of a dimple on his cheek.
He was helping her, but why? Surely he would change his mind once he realized why she was there. Slowly, his gaze shifted to meet hers and she realized she’d been clinging to his sides. There were questions burning in those amber eyes of his, but he knew better than to ask them here. They’d been lucky not to have been discovered, she wouldn’t ruin her luck now by arguing with her savior.
“Why are you helping me?” She finally asked as she allowed him to lead her through the manor.
“You know, my father doesn’t like being made a fool of.” He said, ignoring her question. No wonder she hadn’t revealed her identity earlier.
“And you-
“Love making him miserable.” Eris cut in, holding up a beautiful necklace of glittering rubies and diamonds. She patted her neck, where the necklace she’d purloined from Beron’s safe sat only moments ago.
“But this does not belong to you, my lovely little thief.”
She reached out, fast as lightning but he was quicker, tucking the jewels into the pocket of his waistcoat.
“How?” She frowned, now following him of her own free will. "How did you slip that off without me noticing?
“You’re not the first lady I’ve liberated from her apparel.” He answered with a smug smirk she’d have liked to wipe from his face. She had plotted and planned carefully for weeks only for things to go horribly wrong as soon as she’d snatched that necklace.
She opened her mouth to return a venomous barb when they both stopped, the exit blocked by more guards. Eris hissed, grabbing her hand again and leading her deeper into the manor, taking servants hallways and stairways to help remain hidden.
“They won’t cause a scene, not while the ball still goes on. My father would have their heads if they did.” Eris assured her, handing the rumpled ball of lilac fabric back to her.
“Sneaky as you are, a woman in such a state of undress is sure to be noticed. You’ll want to put that back on before you go.”
“But it’s so hard to move around in.” She offered with a dramatic sigh, once again letting him pull her out of the hallway and into a dark room.
“For a gentleman, you really are quite scandalous you know. Taking a lady into a darkened room like this.”
A lantern flickered to life, illuminating his handsome face and part of the room. His hair was like fire, even more so in the flickering lamp light. Quietly, he made his way to another lantern, lighting it as well.
“What an ostentatious room.” She said, nose crinkling as she looked around, her lilac gown carelessly left on the floor. “What preening peacock must rest his head here.” She teased, knowing exactly whose room she was standing in.
“If you’re so put off by it, allow me to help you take a leap from the balcony.” He said sourly, leaning against a chest of drawers, arms crossed as he eyed her carefully.
“Oh, don’t be so offended.” She said, waving a hand in his direction as she slowly made her way around, examining the decor more closely. “Is any of this really to your taste anyway? Looks more like your fathers.”
“There is only my fathers way here.” He answered. “Why are stealing from him?” He asked, shucking off his coat and tossing it onto a nearby chair.
“And you don’t enjoy things here?” She asked, ignoring his question.
“The eldest son of a wealthy Duke.” She observed, picking up baubles and books, carefully examining them before setting them back down.
“A handsome rake with quite a reputation.” She could feel him watching her every move.
“Tell me more." He said. "And do start with how handsome you find me.” He answered, watching as she slowly made her way around to him. Truly he had never met a woman so beautiful, nor one who intrigued and fascinated him so thoroughly.
She laughed and he thought his heart might burst at the sound of it, paired with seeing her this way. Every tempting dip and curve on full display. Her lips parted and he waited for whatever answer she might give. Not a doubt in his mind that it would continue to fan this flame between them. Instead, their flirtation was interrupted by a sharp knock on the door causing both of them to freeze, looking wide eyed at one another.
Before she could utter a word she was tackled onto the bed, a protest on the tip of her tongue when the door flew open.
“Your grace-“
“GET OUT!” Eris ordered, voice full of command. “Can you not see my attentions are quite occupied?
The guard glanced at the discarded dress on the floor and Eris’ coat, haphazardly strewn on the chair.
“Of course your grace, apologies." He stammered. "But there’s been a theft-
“Whatever it is, you won’t find it here.” He said, his tone clipped. “Nothing stolen here but the virtue of this delicious little minx.” Eris all but purred, looking down at the gorgeous female under him.
She couldn’t stifle her laugh, reaching up to run her fingers through Eris’ soft, red hair for effect. He leaned into her touch, for effect or purely out of pleasure, neither was sure.
“Out.” Eris repeated, turning his burning gaze to the guard, the door quickly slamming shut. Neither of them moved, not until the guards footsteps disappeared down the corridor.
Slowly, Eris rose from the bed, offering a hand to the lovely thief. She took it, rising and looking up at him as if he were a mystery that she too was trying to solve.
“Things could be worse,” He said in answer to her earlier question. “But life here certainly has its moments.”
“So you’re not just a poor little lord in a gilded cage?”
He scoffed, tipping her chin up. “Any pity would be wholly wasted on me, Lady.”
Gods, he was so tempted to kiss her, he could swear he saw the same need in her eyes but neither made a move.
“You still haven’t told me why you wanted that necklace.”
“Not me, my handsome Lord. I am but a humble servant to those who pay me.”
“And who paid you for that piece?” He asked, his voice quiet, softer than she’d heard before.
“I think you know, my Lord.” She said, slipping a small envelope from her pocket.
Immediately, Eris recognized the elegant script of his mother. The mother who’d been forbidden from seeing her sons after she fled her abusive husband and married one who loved her instead. The mother he’d only seen a few times in passing, forbidden to even acknowledge her lest he be thrown into the streets, leaving his brothers behind.
“She bade me give you this, though I will require a small payment first as you’ve prevented me from completing my job.”
Eris only raised a brow in answer.
“One kiss, to make up for all the trouble you’ve caused me tonight.” She said, waving the small envelope at him before hiding her hand behind her back.
“Is everything a game to you?” He asked, stepping toward her, one warm hand cradling her cheek, the other reaching for the envelope behind her back.
“I only play games when there’s something worth winning.” She whispered, moving to meet him halfway, pressing her lips to his.
She practically melted against him, letting him pull her closer as he deepened the kiss. He was like fire, wild and unpredictable but warm and comforting at the same time. Everything about him was carefully crafted, a mask and a half truth but not this. This kiss was all Eris, truth and passion and for just one moment, she wasn’t a liar or a thief, she was just a woman. The kiss wasn’t chaste or vulgar, but somewhere in between where passion and yearning intertwined.
She was the first to pull away. He’d have kissed her until he ran out of breath, but he remained, eyes closed as her delicate fingers threaded through his hair and caressed his cheek.
“You should lie down.” She said softly, taking him by the hand. Eris opened his eyes and realized he was swaying on his feet. Still, he was confused by the look of concern on her face as he allowed her to sit him on the edge of the bed.
“I’m afraid I dosed you with a sedative earlier when you grabbed me." She explained, the smallest hint of guilt in her voice. "You didn’t feel a thing, such a big, strong man.” She smiled, guiding him back to lie down even as he reached for her, grabbing her hand.
“You’re going to sleep, Eris.” She explained, her voice soft and soothing as she easily slipped her hand from his weakening grip. “Just long enough so I can slip away without you giving me anymore trouble.”
His brow furrowed, his body betrayed him as he fought to speak, but the words wouldn’t come. Heavy lidded eyes followed her hands as she slipped the sparkling necklace from his waistcoat pocket and replaced it with the letter from his mother.
Eris watched helplessly as the woman of his dreams slipped through his fingers, likely never to be seen again. She gathered the mass of lilac silk and lace, stopping to look over at him one last time, his pleading eyes stopping her in her tracks. Slowly, she made her way back over to him, leaning in and pressing a soft kiss to his lips.
“Nuala.” She whispered to him, noting his subtle smile and the sweetest dimple in his cheek as he let his eyes close at last. “My name is Nuala.”
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