I’m gonna need someone to send me the best eris and Lucien fics my way - need my red heads
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I’m gonna need someone to send me the best eris and Lucien fics my way - need my red heads
“sorry if this fic is long i hope you enjoy it though—”
that’s never the problem babygirl 😋
Have you read this:
https://www.tumblr.com/vintagegirl01/810225777630199808/as-long-as-youre-mine
Thank you anon!! I have now and it was really good! I love these kinds of fics 🥰
Monarch - Lucien Vanserra
...a monarch butterflies’ wings as it crawls across crooked knuckles...
Summary: an afternoon in the spring court.
A/N: I would've chosen Lucien honestly. Also, I'm really enjoying this entire series as a whole, its so easy to write for new characters that I've wanted to write for without feeling any pressure to be perfect.
<- Orange Juice | Orange Magic Masterlist | Lava ->
"I should've known I'd find you here," Lucien's voice came from behind you, warm like Autumn even on a crisp spring day. You always thought he looked so out of place among all the greenery, his red hair and sun-kissed skin, even the gold of his eye felt too warm and handsome for the spring court.
"Don't give away my hiding spot, they're likely to drag me back to the kitchens," you replied, twisting to look up at Lucien. Technically, he was well within his rights as an emissary to Sping to order you back to the kitchen, but you trusted enough that he would let you hide in the garden for a little while longer. Whether because your whereabouts weren't any concern of his or because he seemed a little softer with you than some of the others who worked in the manor (or so you liked to let yourself believe in all your daydreams about Lucien).
"Your secret is safe with me," he replied, letting himself take in the scene before him. Lucien had been heading for the stables when he'd seen you pass the walkway, heading toward the southern gardens. He had redirected the path of his feet, following after you from a distance far enough that he didn't startle you. But then he found that he couldn't watch from afar any longer and, as usual, gave in to the temptation to talk to you, hear the soft cadence of your voice, and admire your beauty.
In the time that it had taken him to catch up, you had laid out a small blanket, a book and a small jar of macaroons pilfered from the kitchen set atop it. You sat before a butterfly bush, purple flowering clusters hanging heavy on brown branches as you watched various butterflies flit around. It was your favorite place in the garden to go, undisturbed by those who took the natural path but able to enjoy the nature of the court.
"What exactly are you doing?" He asked, stepping closer, his boots brushing up against the edge of the blanket you were sitting on.
"Here," you reached up, taking his hand in yours and guiding him to sit beside you. Once he had, you kept hold of his hand, brushing his knuckles against one of the flowering clusters on the bush. "Watch," your excitement was infectious, Lucien nearly forgetting his usual indifference for a soft smile as a monarch settled on his fingers.
You kept on holding his hand as the monarch crawled across his knuckles, feeling for the flower but finding only the pollen that you'd smeared there. A bit of trickery on your part at the expense of the butterfly, but worth it for the opportunity to lean closer into Lucien, taking in the warm cider of his scent and feeling his breath against your neck. You were watching the butterfly, and Lucien really wanted to; he wanted to share in your wonder at something so simple, but he couldn't stop himself from watching you instead. Watching the quirk of your lips into a smile, the way your eyes squinted against the light from the sun, and how gently you held his hand, even as the butterfly abandoned him.
"You're catching butterflies?" he finally asked when you had turned toward him, face so close he imagined himself leaning in to kiss you.
"Not catching just...holding momentarily. They're beautiful creatures. Gemma said, for being 200, I shouldn't be so happy to see something like a butterfly because she figures I must've seen plenty in my lifetime, but...they never stop being beautiful."
Lucien nodded, "I know something about that."
"I'm sorry to keep you from what you were doing," you said, eyeing the path beyond the two of you where Lucien had been heading when you'd first seen him.
"You aren't," he promised. He thought of adding to that sentiment that doing this was far more important. As Gemma might say, he was nearly 500 years old, he had been on countless afternoon hunts through this forest and the forest in Autumn, how exciting could they be. Though in the same vein, he was certain he could spend another 500 years sitting in a garden watching butterflies with you and never grow tired.
You finally let go of his hand to reach behind you and take the jar of macaroons, unscrewing the cap and offering him one, "I swiped them from Gemma, they're strawberry."
"Ah, is this why there are never any sweets at dinner?" Lucien joked, taking a light pink macaroon and eating it in two bites. Gemma had hinted that someone was stealing the sweets she made for each meal, suggested that perhaps it was an inside job, but neither he nor Tamlin had cared much about the whereabouts of treats.
"I've only taken a couple, I don't know anything else about any others disappearing," you replied, "though if you want anymore I might know where to find them."
"I think one was plenty, they're too sweet for me," he replied.
"You don't like them, they're my favorite," you said, leaning closer to him.
Lucien swallowed his nerves at your proximity. He'd been close to someone before, was no stranger to flirting and intimacy and yet his head felt empty. Or better yet, full of the fluttering wings of the monarchs, nothing left but butterflies and the look in your eyes as you smiled at him and he took another macaroon from the jar.
"Mine too then, I suppose."
As Long As You’re Mine
Lucien Vanserra x Spring Court female reader
Summary: After spending Calanmai together, you and Lucien discover that you two may be spending more than one night together.
A/N: Mentions of intimacy (18+). Also, the themes from Wicked: For Good’s As Long As Your Mine played great inspiration to the creation of this story. Therefore, for anyone who is a fan of ACOTAR and Wicked, this fic is for you.
Keep in mind that this fic takes place in a time where Feyre and her sisters never make their way to Velaris (or Prythian as a whole). As a result, Lucien’s true origins aren’t known or discussed by others.
The first thing you noticed when you woke up this morning was the fact that you were not in your room.
As a matter of fact, the room before you incorporated themes of oranges, reds, and gold into the greens, browns, and ivory of the Spring Court. Specifically, of your High Lord’s estate.
Looking down at some weight that you started noticing against your stomach, you noticed that what was against you was a hand. A sun-kissed hand with scratches. Scratches that looked very similar to the ones that Lu…
“Lucien,” you accidentally said aloud.
You stayed still. Hoping that you haven’t awoken the Spring Court’s Emissary. After hearing his gentle breathing not breaking, you relax.
Giving yourself a few more seconds just to be sure that Lucien won’t be awoken by you, you turn to your other side to face your bedmate from last night.
The male before you was shirtless, maybe even naked still from the previous night, with his fiery red hair splayed out onto his pillow despite sleeping on his side.
Taking the opportunity to take in Lucien’s current form, you take note of how relaxed he looks. So, at ease from his usual charismatic and somewhat sarcastic demeanor that he presents to everyone else. Mainly court officials as he’s always been super polite with staff members at the manor including yourself.
Still, you never would have thought that the polite interactions that occurred between the two of you would lead to you being Cauldron-blessed by allowing you the opportunity to share his bed with him for Calanmai.
The night prior…
Lucien has you in his arms as he attempts to open the door to his chambers.
“Shit, shit, shit,” the fiery headed male repeats, causing you to giggle.
“Hardy, har, har,” Lucien says sarcastically. “Laugh at my misfortune of not being able to open and close the door properly with you in my arms.”
You frown at him. “Are you saying I weigh a lot? If not, you can put me down and--”
Before you can jump out of his arms, Lucien is finally able to open the door.
Once he walks over the threshold of his room, Lucien walks you over to his bed and gently sets you down before heading to the door once again to lock the door.
As you wait for Lucien to come back, you couldn’t help but take notice of his muscular backside as well as admiring the way his ass looks in his trousers.
Must be from all that training he does in the courtyard, you think as your mind wanders to those afternoons where he trains shirtless and you simply just happen to be walking as you take your usual afternoon tea.
Before your mind can wander further, the little rational voice inside you reprimands yourself for looking at the male before you, The Spring Court Emissary for that matter, in such a way.
This is probably a form of treason, you think to yourself. If anyone finds out, who knows what the High Lord will do to me for associating myself with his Emissary and friend.
You must have been in your head for quite a bit because the next thing you know, Lucien is at your side again and is making himself to your seated position on his bed by getting on his knees.
“Is everything alright, my lady?” Lucien asks, voice filled with concern. “Are you having second thoughts about our evening together? If you are, I completely understand and won’t be offended.”
Touched by his words of concern, you shake your head. Also, you are surprised by how he addressed you as if you were of equal status to him rather than a maid for the Spring Court.
“It’s not that, sir, I…” you struggle to voice your opinions.
He holds your hand in comfort. “There’s no need for formalities between us. Especially with what we are about to do. Please, call me Lucien and share what’s on your mind.”
Once again, moved by his words and actions, you tread carefully through the thoughts that are running through your mind. “I’m just worried that us being together in this way will lead to consequences. Particularly, for me.”
As you finish, you notice the neutral look he has on his face. Thinking you have ruined the mood for this evening, you are about to apologize and make attempts to leave when he gently stops you.
“Please, my lady,” he starts. “You are welcomed here with me unless you wish it otherwise. In which, I’ll respect your wishes. Just know, I wouldn’t be here with you if I didn’t want it. Nor would I put you in a position where your reputation would be at risk. You have my word on that.”
“… By the way, I detest your comments on your body. You are most certainly not heavy. Not for me. It’s just… I was a bit frustrated by the fact that my attempts at having you swoon for me were thwarted by my lack of not being able to open a door properly.”
You were shocked to hear Lucien’s voice about his concerns regarding his actions just a few minutes ago. In your opinion, you thought it was a bit cute how frustrating he was over something that wasn’t a big deal to him. As you were merely happy to simply be experiencing this moment with him. A male whom you’ve always admired from afar as well as secretly wish that he could be yours in all the ways that matter. Though, you suppose physically is better than not at all.
Involuntary, as if by instinct, you bring a hand to touch Lucien’s cheek. Nuzzling himself into your wrist, Lucien takes a deep inhale before he kisses your wrist and eventually kisses up and down your arm.
Already feeling overwhelmed by his ministrations, you attempt to hold in your moans by biting your lips. Afraid that the noises that may escape your lips will sound unladylike, leading to the moment between you two being ruined.
You must have been in your own thoughts for a while because now you have noticed the lack of lips against your wrist. You then open your eyes to see Lucien looking at you intently.
Ever so gently, Lucien takes your cheeks into his hands as a smile graces his face. “What’s the matter, sweet one? Is it already too much? Am I hurting you? I…”
You shake your head. “No. Everything you’re doing feels wonderful. I just figured you wouldn’t want to hear me make the most unladylike noises and turn you off.”
Lucien smirks. “Nonsense. Letting me be able to hear the evidence of the pleasure that I’m giving you is an honor. Especially if it were to come from you.”
As if his words were intended to make you blush, what he says and does next ruins you.
“Command me, my sweet (y/n),” he says, accentuating the moment with a kiss to your hand.
The rest of the night was spent with sweet kisses, caresses, and feelings you haven’t encountered. Though, the feeling you hadn’t expected to experience during your night with Lucien was a snap that had occurred within your body, mind, and soul.
Lucien is my mate, is the last thought you have as your eyes finally close for the night as Lucien’s face was nuzzled into your bare chest. Clinging to you as if you were his life line. The thing that mattered most to him. When in reality, this night would probably be the only thing you two shared despite the incessant tug you felt towards him now.
Coming back to your senses, your hand subconsciously makes its way towards Lucien’s cheek. Particularly, the one where he was scarred by Armantha (along with losing his eye).
Gently caressing him, you think about how much it must have hurt him to lose a vital part of himself. Sure it was only one eye that he was easily able to replace using an artificial mechanical eye made of gold, you couldn’t help but wonder about the pain he went through simply for speaking up for his High Lord and friend.
“It’s an awful sight, isn’t it?” A voice breaks through your thoughts.
_________________________________________
“Lucien!” The beauty in front of him replies to him in shock. “Did I wake you? I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to touch you… I…”
Lucien gently pressed a finger to (y/n)’s lips as he shifted himself sideways, putting a hand behind his head for support. “I see no issue with it. Especially since you and I are mates.”
The look on (y/n)’s morphs to confusion. “You know?”
Lucien nods. “Have for a while now actually.”
“Why…why didn’t you tell me?”
“It wasn’t my place,” Lucien starts. “Besides, wouldn’t it be cruel of me to sentence you to look upon my ugliness for the rest of your days?”
“I think being your mate involves myself having some say in it, does it not?” You asked him with genuine curiosity and confusion. “Unless…this is just your nice way of…”
“No,” Lucien says instantly. “Don’t you dare even think that when I’m at my most content in your presence.”
Your silence urged him to continue. “Every conversation we’ve had, though small, has been one of the best parts of my day. Hel, sometimes even my week or month. Yet every time I gather the courage to ask to court you, I take one look in the mirror and see my scars. Not just on my face but within myself… and I can’t bring myself to do that to you. Sentence you to a life with a scarred man. You deserve someone who’s not me…”
Not only is Lucien surprised by the tears that escaped his eyes by the time he finished his speech but the fact that your hand was already there wiping them away.
Of all the scenarios he had expected, this wasn’t what came to mind. While you weren’t cruel by any means, Lucien had figured that you would thank him for the night you shared and find an excuse to leave as he felt he was too much to deal with. That didn’t need his trauma onto your own life and—
“Lucien,” you cooed sweetly to him. “You’re beautiful.”
Lucien responds with a humorless laugh. “You don't have to lie.”
“I’m not lying,” you say intently. “It’s looking at things another way.”
While Lucien looks into your eyes to see if there’s any chance of you, you continue to speak to him.
“What I mean by the latter part of my statement is that what a person may see as embarrassing or shameful within themselves, someone else may see as the opposite.”
You continued, touching his scarred cheek.“These scars that you think make you ugly only show everyone that sees you that you are stronger than what tried to destroy you. If others can’t see past that, it’s their loss but my gain. That is… if you decide to accept me as your mate. I understand if you’ve changed your mind—”
Before you can finish, Lucien brings you in for a hug and presses a kiss atop your head. “I would gladly be your mate. Although, I have one condition.”
Your eyes look at him curiously. “What’s that?”
He smirks. “Let me court you properly.”
_________________________________________
Hearing those words leave Lucien’s mouth causes you to smile. “Court me properly? Even though we are mates?”
Lucien nods, tucking a strand of hand behind your ear. “Figured it would be good for us to spend time together to get to know each other better. That way you can decide if you really want to be with me or not.”
“I’d like that,” you replied, shifting closer to him (as if it were possible considering the little space between you two). “Though you should know that I want you just as much as you want me. Mind, body, and soul.”
Lucien then has you both sit up so that he can lounge back in his bed with you lying against his chest, enjoying the sunrise together. The same sunrise acts as the physical symbol to the beginning of what is to come in Lucien and your relationship.
Taglist:
@11pinkblue @gretavankleep37 @bryandechartisasmolbean @alicenchanted @illyriassweetheart @pangolin22 @myheartfollower @katie-the-author
Lucien Vanserra Rec Masterlist
⊶⊰ Navigation ⊱⊷
🀢 Aching for Autumn - He’s homesick and you do the usual fall activists and turn your house into a mini autumn court to make him fell better. 🀣 Comets - Spending Starfall in a different court, learning all of the traditions.
🀢 A Courtier’s Promise - (II) - Reader owns a book shop in Velaris. It is a famous cozy bookstore.
It's Been a Long Time Coming
Lucien Vanserra x Reader
@sjmromanceweek - Day 3: Forced Proximity
TOG Masterlist | Romance Week Masterlist | AO3 | Moodboard
Summary: Your brother, Tamlin, decides to send you to the Autumn Court for trade negotiations, with Lucien as your escort, much to your dismay. You demand a vacation before venturing into the unwelcoming court.
Warnings: mild angst
Words: 4k
Author's Note: this one was so much fun to write! I hope you all like it 🫶 oh and the title is inspired by Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince by Miss Swift
18+ only pls
The sleeves of your dress clung to your arms, the heat and humidity leaving a sheen of sweat on your skin. You fanned your face, attempting to cool yourself down with little success.
"You were the one who insisted on going to the coast," Lucien drawled, his own sleeves pushed past his elbows, a hint of his biceps peeking out. It took everything in you to draw your eyes to his face, to not stare at the muscled arms you sometimes think of in the middle of the night.
You narrowed your eyes at him and kicked his shin gently, nearly smiling at the fake moan of pain he let out. "I insisted because I haven't been out of Spring in years, Lucien. And if I'm going to deal with your father and also be charming even if incredibly offended, I need to have a bit of freedom for a while," you said simply as you crossed your arms.
"We at least could have winnowed instead of taking the carriage all the way here." You aimed another kick at his shin, which he dodged this time. "But no, you wanted to have a scenic journey," he said, eyes rolling dramatically.
"If I recall correctly, you didn't say one thing against my idea, if anything I would have thought you agreed," you shot back, your annoyance with him surging again. "Tamlin would have listened to you over me if you'd insisted we winnow, and you know it." You turned to look out the window, watching the vibrant scenery flash by. Tamlin always listened to Lucien over you for some reason, even when it came to the one thing that made you sick without fail.
The carriage fell silent as you pouted, your mind mulling over what Tamlin had said before you left.
"You're to visit Autumn as my emissary."
You blinked at him in confusion, unsure if you'd heard him correctly. "Why?"
He frowned at your tone, sensing your annoyance more quickly than usual. "I need to repair our relationship with them, and It's been long enough since Lucien arrived here that Beron is willing to negotiate our trade deals again. However, I am not able to go for the foreseeable future," Tamlin said, sighing when you raised an eyebrow. "No, Lucien cannot go in your stead, though he will be accompanying you as your guard."
"Absolutely not," you hissed, moving to turn away from your brother before a hand grabbed your arm. You shot a venomous look at him and continued, "I refuse to travel with him, Tamlin. He hates me, and I hate him." The lie was ash on your tongue, a knife to your heart. It was easier to claim you detested him than to confront how he'd rejected you years ago, the heat of his lips rivaling the bonfire at your back, then the anger in his eyes burning your heart to nothing.
"I know you don't... get along, but I need you for this, Y/N." Green eyes searched yours, the plea and guilt within them shattering your resolve.
“Fine, but I want to visit Taven for three weeks,” you demanded. “And I don’t want to winnow, it still makes me sick.”
“Two days, and winnowing is your only option.”
“Two weeks, Tam, and no winnowing! I feel sick for an entire day after a short distance, and if you want me to go, you’ll let me take a carriage.” Lucien appeared in the doorway of your room, leaning against it as russet eyes looked between you and your brother. You glared at him before looking back to your brother.
Tamlin crossed his arms, his frown deepening. “Fine, you can take a carriage, but you’ll only stay in Taven for one week. That’s as much time as I can offer before Beron’s patience wears thin.”
“Beron’s patience is thin regardless of if we arrive tomorrow or in three months,” Lucien said, pushing off of the doorframe and approaching you. “I don’t see the harm in taking an extra week.”
Tamlin glowered at him, opening his mouth to protest before changing his mind. “Fine, but you will both be on your best behavior. I don’t need you tearing each other apart before you even reach Autumn.”
Lucien smirked at you, that irritating glimmer shining in his eyes. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”
“What exactly will I be negotiating for?” You asked, still looking out the window. Just because you were in close quarters didn’t mean you had to look at the male. You’d done a fair job of avoiding him and his typical teasing over the past four days by staying silent and ignoring him, as hard as it was.
“Tamlin didn’t bother to tell me before we left, so we’re both in the dark on that account.” Your head whipped so you were staring at him, a question already on the tip of your tongue. “Beron has the list of what they agreed to discuss, so I suppose we’ll find out once we arrive. I suggest you enjoy your little vacation and not worry about the specifics.”
Lucien’s eyes wouldn’t meet yours as he spoke. Liar, you hissed at him silently. There was no use in pestering him over it though. If Tamlin had told him to keep the truth from you, he would do it without question.
Even if you would look an utter fool, once you arrived at the Forest House with no idea of what you’re to do there.
You scowled and turned back to the window, watching as the tree line thinned and the sparkle of the sun off the ocean was visible. Only another hour to Taven, if you remembered the distance correctly from your childhood trips to the small coastal city. Soon the edges of the forest disappeared entirely, letting you gaze at the clear blue waters that you’d soon be swimming in. Adriata was a few days ride away, but you’d always preferred the quiet of Taven compared to the bustle of the capitol, unless you wanted to do a considerable amount of shopping.
Lucien’s indifference that bordered on hatred towards you did nothing to impede the lightness in your heart as you watched the ocean, the city coming into view. The feeling of his eyes on you went ignored until the carriage slowed to a stop at the stables at the edge of town, and when you finally looked at him his gaze flicked to the window.
You were both silent as he exited the carriage, and Lucien extended his hand to help you down. Which you ignored. Him being chivalrous after all these years still pissed you off, as if it could make up for the way he’d shoved you away that night. But you wouldn’t let his presence ruin your first trip outside of Spring in over a decade, and your first one without Tamlin in… well, ever.
In no world would you let the youngest son of Autumn sully your mood.
🧡🤍🌊🤍🧡
Three days into your vacation, Lucien had finally agreed to let you swim in the ocean rather than wading in only as high as your hips. The waves were gentle enough that you were floating on your back, eyes closed as you let the sun and the surf soak into your very soul.
“You really shouldn’t close your eyes.”
Your eyebrows pulled together and your lips fell into a frown. “Can’t you leave me alone for a half an hour?” you groaned before you began treading water again, eyes narrowing at your chaperone.
“No, I can’t. Tamlin would kill me if you drown, or have sore eyes from how much salt water you get in them.” So he had noticed how red your eyes were last night after a wave had knocked you on your ass and burned your eyes.
“Just go back to the beach. Unless you want me to splash water in your eyes and make it so you can’t supervise me.” You didn’t wait for his response as you swam out further from the shore, ignoring the way that he followed you.
“Do that if you want, princess, but I won’t let you swim alone.”
Rage filled you at the title he’d only called you since shattering your heart, and you spun around to kick Lucien in the shoulder as hard as you could. In water, it was barely enough to make him wince before his hand wrapped around your foot, holding you in place.
“Let go of me,” you hissed, kicking against his grip, but it didn’t falter. “Lucien.”
“Y/N,” he taunted, the fingers of his other hand brushing over the arch of your foot, and you kicked his chin on accident when your leg twitched. “Ouch, fine,” he grumbled, letting go of you. You whacked him on the back of his head when you swam past, thoroughly annoyed and wanting privacy in the one place you were afforded here with Lucien as your personal watch fox.
You stormed out of the water and slipped your arms into your chiffon cover up. It was almost worth it to not rinse your feet in the spigots at the edge of the beach, but the grit of sand between your toes made you pause long enough for Lucien to catch up to you. Your heart thumped harder against your wishes when his toned, golden chest came into view, eyes quickly lowering to watch the sand wash off your skin. Thankfully the red of your cheeks could be explained by the heat, but the arousal pooling between your legs at the mere sight of him would not be, if you lingered any longer.
The trek back to the cabana you and Lucien shared was quick, the male following close behind but wisely keeping his distance from you even after you were inside. It was only once you’d sank into the tub in your ensuite that you relaxed, the freezing water sucking the heat from your core. You stayed soaking as the water went from ice cold to chilled to lukewarm.
At least you weren’t feeling like killing or throwing yourself at Lucien, both of which would be… Not good.
It was easy to lose yourself in one of the many books you’d brought with you, another benefit to taking the carriage. You were so enthralled by the adventure the characters were on that you jumped at Lucien’s knock on your door.
“Did you still want to go out for dinner?” he asked, waiting a moment for your reply before continuing, “If not, I can bring something back for you.”
“Going out is fine,” you said softly, finishing the page you were on before closing the book. “I’ll be out in a few minutes.”
Footsteps led away from your door as you stood, stretching before opening the armoire and debating your choices. Half of the clothing you brought was suitable for the chilled temperatures of the Autumn Court, while the other half was filled with bikinis and one pieces and the short sundresses that Tamlin always demanded you change out of into something more ‘appropriate.’ But Tamlin wasn’t here right now, your hand picking out a dress with tiny roses embroidered on white. It only took a moment for you to slip out of your dressing gown and into the dress and a pair of low heels.
Lucien was waiting for you in the living room, dressed in a white linen shirt with three buttons undone at the top and a loose pair of dark pants. He looked divine, far better than he should when all you wanted was for him to be ugly enough to ignore. But after fifty years of knowing him, he was still as handsome as the day you had met him. You walked out of the cabana without a word, heading up the street and taking the first right turn to head into the heart of the city.
His footsteps matched yours once he was beside you, long legs slowing to accommodate your slower pace. You scowled when his arm brushed against yours, only smiling when a passerby looked at you strangely. Reaching the restaurant district only took a few minutes, and even less time for you to find a food cart. Lucien didn’t say anything when you ordered multiple dishes, only adding his own feast to the order.
“Go get a seat, I’ll bring everything over when it’s ready,” Lucien suggested softly, placing the glasses of fresh juice in your hands before tapping your upper back and setting you in motion. It was easy to follow his instructions, and you took the time to watch his back as he struck up a conversation with the cook. Or rather, his backside. Even in loose pants you could tell how toned he was, your teeth biting your lip absentmindedly as you enjoyed the view, averting your eyes with a rush of heat to your cheeks when he brought the first wave of food over. The small amount of shame did nothing to stop your eyes from travelling south once he’d turned around once more- you just couldn’t help it.
You’d never been able to help your attraction to him, which was precisely why he hated you now. Sometimes you could still feel the press of his lips on yours from when you’d drunkenly kissed him on Calanmai thirteen years ago, as pathetic as it was. And even more pathetic were your persisting feelings after he’d thoroughly rejected you, shoving you away from him before telling you in no uncertain terms that nothing would ever come of your feelings. It was only when he returned with the rest of the food that you were able to shake free of your thoughts and focus on the array of noodles, dumplings and sauces.
“I thought you might want the spicy dipping sauces and extra pepper flakes,” Lucien said as he moved them to the middle of the table, two of each. “One is for me though,” he warned sharply, eyes darting to your hands as if he might smack them before had a chance to steal them.
“Thank you, it’ll be fun seeing you cry when you can’t handle the spice.” You’d seen him do it before, the first time you visited Summer with him. Half of the pepper flakes went into the noodles with beef, the other half into the cold peanut noodles with shrimp. It was rare that you had food that was actually spicy in Spring due to Tamlin’s inability to handle it, and with Taven’s surrounding pepper fields there was no better place to indulge.
“That was once and forty years ago. And I breathed in pepper flakes,” Lucien grumbled before shaking the flakes over his own food. You chuckled at the excuse while digging into your food, closing your eyes at the flavors. Each dish was delicious and exactly what you’d wanted when you spotted the vendor that Tamlin had never let you order from.
Lucien, however, liked spice just as much as you if not more, and had let you drag him into whatever restaurants you’d always wanted to eat at the first two nights of your stay. Mealtimes were the most peaceful between you, your mouths occupied long enough to make you think about what you were going to say, and tonight was no exception.
You managed to eat a little over half of your food, pushing the rest to Lucien. Your eyes were bigger than your stomach, as your mother used to say, but Lucien could eat a ridiculous amount of food before he felt full. While you waited for him to finish, you wandered around, still in his eyesight, peeking at the various foods and drinks being peddled before deciding you would make Lucien stop for cones of mango sorbet on the way back to the cabana.
🧡🤍🌊🤍🧡
A week in to your stay, and something had… changed, with Lucien. He could hardly meet your eyes and walked behind you instead of at your side, the behavior he’d adopted for two years after your mistake. He’d also begun to stay in his room the majority of the time that you were in the cabana. You hadn’t done anything inappropriate aside from ogling him when his back was turned and pleasuring yourself silently when you couldn’t sleep at night, and you couldn’t think of another different reason for him to avoid you.
You gently rapped your knuckles against the door to his room, nearly turning away when he didn’t respond. “I’m going out for dinner in a moment, and if you still insist on accompanying me everywhere you should come out now.” There was a slight rustling from inside the room and water running, then Lucien opened the door.
He stalked out of the cabana without waiting for you, gripping one of your wrists when you caught up to him. You were dragged into the back of a quiet restaurant and pushed into a booth, Lucien settling into the one in front of you.
This was a new level of hostile from Lucien, and you had no idea what to say when the waitress arrived and he ordered a few things off of the menu and sent her away.
“I’m not supposed to tell you the reason you’re going to Autumn,” Lucien said, a quiet rage filling the space between you. “I can’t tell you, but I can tell you what it’s not.” Russet eyes stared at you not with anger, but grief.
You raised a brow at him. “Do you mean to tell me that I am not going to Autumn for trade negotiations?” Lucien nodded. “So what would Tamlin possibly need me there for?”
“I can’t tell you.”
“Does he want me to steal something?” He shook his head, red hair shining under the lights. “Does he… want me to kill someone?” It would be an odd request, and one you weren’t sure you could complete, but who knew what your brother was thinking anymore. Ever since your parents and brothers were killed, Tamlin had been different.
“No,” Lucien sighed. His hand shook and he brought it to yours, tapping the fourth finger on your left hand. What could Beron possibly want with your finger?
A chill swept into your bones when you realized, pure dread and horror at what your brother had done, had promised you for.
“He wants me to marry one of your brothers?” you screeched. “The brothers that you have said, time and time again, are monsters?”
“I’m sorry.”
“Sorry won’t save me from your family, Lucien,” you hissed, standing and storming out of the restaurant to find somewhere to cool down and think about how you were going to get out of this. An arranged marriage was one thing, something that you’d expected would happen, but to a Vanserra? Aside from Lucien, they were dreadful and sparked fear in your heart.
Lucien let you walk a few blocks before he tugged you into an alley and pushed you against the wall, his hands pinning your arms when you tried to scratch him.
“I’m telling you this because-” Lucien paused, a wild look in his eyes. “I… regret the way I treated you, that night. And Tamlin- he only told me the reason for this trip only so that I could tell you right before we arrived at the Forest House, and commanded me to not warn you before then. He knew that I would do whatever I could to free you, anything to keep you from such a cruel fate.”
“But you hate me,” you said bluntly, making him wince.
“I don’t hate you, Y/N. Tamlin told me to never pursue you, regardless of how I felt. I couldn’t betray the friend that had given me everything, even if it hurt me to reject you.”
The words he was saying were so at odds with the events of the last thirteen years, and completely unbelievable.
Lucien growled when you didn’t answer, and you had half a second to register what he was doing before his lips were on yours, just as warm and intoxicating as you remembered. You stopped fighting him when one of his hands slid to grip your hip and the other to your hair, his touch leaving a fire in its wake. Your arms circled his neck and you pulled him closer, letting his tongue slip inside your mouth. He tilted your head back and deepened the kiss, groaning when you tugged on his hair lightly.
A cough sounded to your left and you snapped your head back, pain radiating through your skull when you hit the wall. “Fuck,” you whined, your gaze looking to the source of the noise to see an older male walking down the main street.
“Are you alright?” Lucien asked, fingers gently stroking the spot that you’d bumped.
“I’m fine, but-” Your words were cut off when Lucien scented your neck, sharp fangs scraping the gentle skin of your throat. You nearly collapsed then and there, his own scent washing over you, cinnamon and apples and flame and pure need. Lucien nipped your skin when you bared your neck.
“We should talk about this in private,” Lucien whispered in your ear, laughing softly when you shivered in anticipation. He pulled away, his hand lacing with yours as he pulled you from the alley and into the main street again, and you reached the cabana in record time.
You hesitated once you were truly alone. What if he didn’t mean it? What if he left you to his family’s whims? What if-?
“I love you. I’ve loved you since you jumped in the pool of starlight after your father told you not to, and you came back up with the biggest grin on your face, even while he yelled at you. I’ve loved you since the day I took you riding for the first time and I had to help you back onto your horse. I wanted to say yes to you on Calanmai, to be with you, to love you in the way you deserve. I was a coward, and have been a coward since that day. But I cannot- I refuse to let you marry one of my brothers. They will destroy you, destroy the sweet princess that I’ve fallen for,” Lucien said, holding onto the couch to keep himself from rushing to you. And even though he said the nickname you’ve hated for years, the way he said it now…
You bit your lip as you approached him, heart thudding in your chest as the distance between you closed. “I don’t want to marry one of your brothers…” you said softly, a hand reaching up to cup his cheek. “But I do want to marry a Vanserra.”
The handsome grin you’d missed so much spread across his lips. “Oh really?” he purred, his hand on your lower back pulling you flush against him. “Are you asking me to marry you?” The words were teasing, though his eyes were anything but.
“Are you saying yes?”
“Yes.” One single word, and your heart nearly burst, a beaming smile on your face.
“Then yes, I’m asking you to marry me.”
Lucien’s lips were on yours in an instant, sweet at first but soon you were dragging him to your bedroom, ready to give yourself to him in the one way that would make you useless in Beron’s eyes. You undid the buttons of his shirt as quickly as you could, pushing it off his arms just before the back of your knees hit the bed and Lucien was hovering over you.
“Are you sure? This- Tamlin won’t be-”
You cut him off with a kiss before saying, “Don’t talk about my brother, and of course I’m sure, Lucien. I’ve waited long enough.”
“Then I shouldn’t make you wait any longer, should I?” Lucien asked lowly, a hand snaking under your back to undo the silk ties of your dress. Just what you’d always wanted.
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Day 3 - Forced Proximity: It's Been a Long Time Coming
Your heart thumped harder against your wishes when his toned, golden chest came into view, eyes quickly lowering to watch the sand wash off your skin. Thankfully the red of your cheeks could be explained by the heat, but the arousal pooling between your legs at the mere sight of him would not be, if you lingered any longer.