I just love the idea of reader being someone’s sister! Have you thought about writing Rhysand x sister of Eris/Tamlin? Someone he hates I mean, and someone who was raised to hate him
so like…..i really went way overboard with this. perhaps the longest piece i’ve ever written. idk if this is even what you were hoping for but….here it is 😅
The Enemy of My Enemy: Rhysand x Reader
Warnings: Violence, Light Smut, 18+, Non-gory depictions of battle, longggggg
***
“No,” you said, carefully brushing out your hair as you looked in your mirror.
“Not even for the good of the Court?” Your brother pushed back, crossing his arms in frustration.
You glared at his reflection behind you. “You cannot ask such a thing of me. Regardless, he will not go for it.” You set your brush down, reaching for a subtle gloss for your lips.
“You do not know that,” Eris said, suddenly becoming rather interested in his cufflinks. “Besides, he’s already been invited.”
Your movements stilled. “Tell me you’re playing a cruel joke.” You turned in your chair to face him head on, eyes narrowing. “Surely you aren’t this dumb?”
His eyes shot up to yours, the classic fire back in them. “I’m doing what is best for this Court, for you.” He took a step closer, lowering his voice. “You know Father is getting more and more drastic in his actions. We cannot let this go on. We need the Night Court.”
You rolled your eyes. “And this requires me to throw myself at none other than Rhysand? You know we do not get along.” That was an oversimplification, really. Your encounters with the High Lord of the Night Court weren’t plentiful, but they were all memorable. It was no secret that he did not agree with the way the Autumn Court ran, and he certainly didn’t hide his disdain for your father or brothers. On the few occasions he had visited you were banned from the meetings, always seen as the delicate little princess. It irked you to no end.
Eris was the only one who truly saw you. He helped you learn to fight in private, keeping you strong and protected. He made sure you were up to date on all Court doings, never really left out of anything. You’d grown calloused in recent years, sick of the constant belittling from your father and other brothers. After Lucien left, you really stopped caring. Eris had to keep you from running after him, holding you in your room as you cried. You hated that Lucien had left believing you were all just as bad as your father. You hated being seen as another one of his precious children.
“You do not need to ‘throw yourself’ at him, sister. Simply talk to him,” he states, as if it’s the easiest task in the world. “I’m having several custom gowns made for you.” He delivers the sentence like it’s the greatest gift, and you have to use all your self control to not throw something at him.
“Can’t wait,” you respond flatly, “always to happy to be the Autumn Court whore.”
Eris groans, running a hand over his face. “Please. That is not what I am asking of you! All i’m suggesting is to try to get on his good side, whatever it may take.”
You shot to your feet, anger taking over. “What you are suggesting, Eris, is for me to mislead him. I do not wish to do this. What good is in it for me? I’m tired of the constant lies and games.” You knew you were acting rather juvenile, throwing a fit over a relatively simple plan.
Your brother sighed, reaching out to take your hands in his. “We need him. Perhaps once you get through his walls, get to truly know him, you will rather like him. He will know the truth eventually. If we have any hope of taking down Father, we need allies. And Rhysand is the best chance we’ve got.” You chewed your lip thoughtfully, trying to think of a way to argue.
“Why not Tamlin? Lucien is already there, surely he will be easier to go after.”
Eris shook his head. “Perhaps, but we run the risk of Lucien sounding an alarm before we get close. Besides, Rhysand is willing to come to us. And he’s leagues more powerful than Tamlin ever will be. We have to move carefully, and choose who can help us the most. Convincing one High Lord is the best chance we’ve got.”
You squeezed Eris’s hands before letting go, shoulders sagging in defeat. “I suppose you are correct. That doesn’t mean i’m happy about it, though.”
***
The night of the Autumn Solstice came far too fast for your liking. No one wanted to see your father fall more than yourself, but you hated the sacrifices you had to make. You were dreading spending the entire evening around Rhysand, your patience already thin from your brother’s incessant reminders of the plan. You stared at yourself in the closet mirror, palms running over one of the gowns Eris had chosen. You hated to give him credit, but Mother knows that male could make dirt on the ground look good.
The deep brown velvet held snug to your body, with long sleeves that reached down to your fingers. The neckline was off the shoulder, allowing the gold and ruby jewelry you had chosen to shine. The skirts flowed out slightly, offering room to dance and move comfortably. You loved it.
You raised your hands to straighten the tiara on your head, admiring the way the gold looked against your hair. You were every ounce the perfect Autumn Court princess. A knock at your door interrupted your thoughts, all joy at the way you looked dissipating as you remembered the reason you were dressed like this.
Rhysand.
You sighed, walking over to the door and opening it to find Eris. He smiled as he looked you over, nodding once he had decided everything looked correct. “You okay?” He asked, noticing the downturn of your lips.
“I’m dreading this, I won’t lie. The weight of everything feels crushing most days. Now I am to go down to Court, play with that male, and pretend to love it here?” You shook your head, the waves of your hair cascading over your shoulders as you did. “I wish we were not cursed with such a life.”
Eris wrapped his arms around you, holding you tight. “I’m sorry, dear sister. You know I feel it too,” he whispered into your hair, “but if we have any hope of this ending, we have to get through tonight.” He pulled back from you with a fake smile on his face, extending his arm for you to hold on to.
You took it, forcing yourself to smile back. “Together?”
“Together.”
***
Rhysand wasn’t here.
Eris was getting more anxious by the second, every moment he had to stand by your father wearing him down. You had already been made to dance with several unfortunate males, all who seemed to think you were their way to become favored in the Court. You had finally managed to sneak away from the crowd, hiding behind a grand pillar on the edge of the room. You were angry at the whole situation. All of your planning, just for the male of the hour to not show?
If you didn’t already hate him, you certainly did now.
You peeked out from your hiding spot, checking to make sure no one was looking for you. Not that anyone typically cared where you were. Your father pulled you forward at the beginning of the night, to show off his perfect little daughter. He only ever spoke highly of you in front of a room of eligible bachelors, immediately passing you off to the first male who approached. Your nose crinkled as you recalled the way he smelled like wet dog, and stomped on your toes more than once.
“Looking for someone?” A smooth voice asked, causing you to whip around in fear.
“And why should you care?” You leaned back against the pillar, once again shielding yourself from prying eyes. You took in the male in front of you, hating the small part of your brain that rather liked the way he looked.
“Who said I did? I am curious, though, why the only daughter of Beron is hiding on the edge of the room instead of enjoying the devotion of her guests.” You didn’t miss the sarcasm lacing his words.
“Shove off, Rhysand. I do not need to explain myself to you.”
A smirk played on his lips, the violet in his eyes seeming to glow as he took a step closer to you, caging you against the stone. “Indeed you do not.”
You glared up at him, refusing to break eye contact or be intimidated.
“Is there something you need? Or do you have nothing better to do than bother me in my own home?”
He cocked his head as he looked at you, as if you were nothing more than a plaything. “Can’t think of anything i’d rather be doing.”
You scoffed, pressing your hands against his chest and pushing him away from you. You ignored how solid he felt beneath your touch, the way your palms tingled at the barest contact with him. If you hadn’t been looking down at them, you would’ve noticed the way Rhysand’s eyes widened, his hand coming to rest against where you pushed him. “It’s improper to corner an unwed Lady,” you chided, acting as if nothing had happened. “Or do you need a refresher on Court practice?”
He had reclaimed his cool facade by the time you met his eyes again. “Is it not improper to be hiding away from Court duties?”
You rolled your eyes. “As if you’ve always been the perfect High Lord. I recall those days in which you were just the Prince, sneaking around hallways you weren’t given access to.”
“How long have you been spying on me, then? At what point do we call it,” he paused, reaching a hand out to push a strand of your hair behind your ear, “obsession.”
You recoiled from his touch, fighting to hide the way your skin burned where his fingers touched. “Get your head out of your ass, Rhysand. It is my job to know the comings and goings of my Court.”
“Is it? Last I checked, it was your father who was the High Lord. Do you not agree?” Your blood ran cold at the accusation, the hidden meaning behind his words. There was no way he knew about the plot you and Eris had to overthrow your father.
You stood up straight, pretending to adjust the band of your sleeve around your middle finger. “Can a girl not be simply curious? You never snuck around your home as a child?” You looked back up at him, hoping you were coming off as calm. “Now, if you excuse me, I believe i’m being called to dance.” You moved to go back to the crowd, intending to find Eris. You were stopped by Rhysands hand wrapping around your wrist, pulling you back to him. He leaned down to whisper in your ear, his breath running down the side of your neck. You fought back the shiver that tried to escape at the feeling.
“No one has called for you. Do not lie to me, Princess.” He straightened up, releasing your arm before extending his own. “If it is a dance you wish, then it is a dance we shall have.”
You wanted to kick him in the shin and tell him to screw off, but that wouldn’t do for your plan. You forced yourself to smile politely at him, taking his arm. “It would be an honor to dance with the High Lord of the Night Court,” you cooed, resuming the facade you were bred for.
A facade you were certain Rhysand saw right through.
He led you out to the floor, placing a hand delicately on your waist as you joined the dance. You spotted Eris over his shoulder, an expression of pure glee on his face. You really had to fight to not stick your tongue out at him.
“Now,” Rhysand said softly, drawing your attention back to him. “Care to tell me what scheme you are running?”
Your mouth went dry. “I am not sure what you mean, my lord. Is it a crime to wish for a few seconds to oneself during a night such as this?”
His hand tightened on your waist, pulling you ever so slightly closer. You were beginning to despise the way your body kept reacting to his touch, the slow need that was burning inside of you. “It will be in your best interest to not lie to me.” He spun you out wide once, twisting you back in until your chest rested against his back.
“There is no lie here,” you responded as he spun you out and back again, his hand resuming that cursed spot on your waist.
“We both know that is not true,” he leaned closer to you, lips brushing your hairline as he spoke. “What is Beron planning?”
You couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled out of you. Rhysand stuttered in his steps, pulling back to look down at you in confusion. “You think I am allowed in on his doings? You are sorely mistaken, I fear.”
He didn’t say anything for a long moment, letting the music fill the silence between the two of you as you danced around the grand ballroom. You were enjoying this, truthfully. It was more fun than you expected it to be, and as annoying as Rhysand was, he was a far better partner than any of the males your father chose.
The song ended and he let go of you, disappointment at the loss of his touch churning through you. “I do not believe you,” he said finally, leading you off the dance floor under the guise of getting drinks. “You know something.”
You accepted the glass of wine he offered, taking a thoughtful sip. “Do I?” You teased, smiling at him over your glass.
His eyes flared. “You should know better than to play games with me. Do you not understand the power I hold?”
Ah, there it is. That arrogance you know and hate. “Oh please, Rhysand. You will not come into my home and speak to me in thinly veiled threats.” You set your glass back down on the table, walking away from the male. You needed to find Eris, to tell him you couldn’t do this ridiculous task. Rhysand was impossible.
You felt his hand wrap around your wrist once again, annoyance rising in you. You barely had a moment to pull away from him before he was dragging you out of the ballroom, grip so tight you were sure it would bruise. “Excuse me? Where are you taking me?” You tried to dig your heels into the ground, but it didn’t even phase him. He stormed down the hall like he owned the place, you following like a helpless puppy.
“Where is a private room?” He demanded, still trudging forward.
“Why would I tell you? Let go of me!” You tried to break out of his grip, using your other hand to claw at his. He showed no signs of slowing down.
“Private room. Now,” he growled, and for the first time true fear slid down your spine. Rhysand had always been nothing more than an annoyance, a ridiculous High Lord who walked as though he was better than everyone else. You had heard tales of his power, of the destruction he can cause in the blink of an eye. This was your first time feeling it.
“U-up the stairs. To the left,” you stuttered out, ceasing all attempts to escape him. He said nothing as you directed him to your rooms, the only place you knew was absolutely secure. You chose not to think about how it would look to an outsider, seeing you dragged into your room by the High Lord. Alone.
When the door was shut and locked behind you, he finally released his grip. You cradled your sore arm against your chest, knowing the imprints of his fingers would be left there.
He faced away from you, looking slowly around your room. You felt a tinge of embarrassment as you followed his gaze, likely realizing how small and dull it was. You had a bed just big enough for yourself, a closet, a private washroom, and a vanity. Nicer than an average fae, for sure, but certainly not what would be expected of a princess. It was nothing compared to the rooms your father gifted your brothers. Just another reminder of how little you mattered to them.
“Will you tell me why you felt the need to drag me through the manor like a great big brute?” In hindsight, you should’ve known better than to speak to him like that. He turned on you before you could blink, caging you against the wall as his hands came to rest by your head.
“You know something. And you will tell me what it is. I am not here to play games with a snotty little female brat. You hold no power over me,” he said, looking to the side. “In fact, it appears that your family couldn’t care less about you.” He brought his gaze back to yours. “They hide you up in these rooms, only pulling you out when your father thinks there’s something in it for him. How long would it take them to realize you were missing?”
You felt tears spring up behind your eyes, the dirty truths falling from his lips hurtful. “You do not scare me,” you lied, raising your chin.
“No?” He leaned down, nose running against the length of your neck. You choked on your gasp, the sensation foreign to you. “Your scent says otherwise.”
Eris, please. Help me! You screamed in your mind, knowing he would never hear you. You were certain he would notice you were gone, but it would be much harder for him to sneak away to come find you.
“Your brother can’t help you now,” Rhysand said softly, lips next to your ear. “Last chance. Tell me what you know.”
You were shaking, tears beginning to stream down your face. None of this was supposed to happen. You should’ve known better than to go along with this, to try to pull one over the deadly Night Court ruler. He was as wicked as they say, as cruel. You were no match against him. Your mind raced as you tried to figure out what to say, whether you should be honest about your plan or lie.
“Tik tok, dearest. Do not try to lie to me, it will not go well for you.” You let out a sob as he pulled back slightly, wiping your tears away mockingly. You hated him more than ever in that moment, solidifying your decision. Your bloodshot eyes met his, anger sharpening them.
“I have nothing to say to you.”
And then you spit in his face.
He shouted as he shot back from you, hand wiping his face clean. You immediately ran for your door, hoping you could at least call for help before he recovered.
A fools chance.
His hand wrapped around your throat, pulling you tight against him as he cut off your oxygen, stopping you from making any noise. “Wrong choice, princess,” he murmured in your ear, before an endless blackness invaded all your senses. In your mind you screamed, utter terror taking away all rationality. You felt like you were yelling for Eris, but you couldn’t be certain.
That was the last thing you remembered.
***
You woke up in a dark room, completely disoriented. Your head swam as you tried to sit up, nausea forcing you to lay back down. You took a few deep breaths of air, trying to calm your mind enough to focus on your surroundings. From what you could feel you were on a soft bed, and you weren’t tied up in any way. The room started coming into focus as your eyes adjusted, and you realized you were in a rather opulent bedroom. Certainly not the place for a prisoner.
Is that what you were?
You played through the memories of your last moments with Rhysand, trying to make any sense of what had happened. You could easily figure he had taken you somewhere, as none of this was familiar to you. You carefully sat up again, feeling slightly better. You stood shakily, gripping on to the bedposts for dear life as you made your way towards the windows. You stumbled a little when you let go, body weak. You don’t know what Rhysand had done to you, but it wasn’t anything good.
You were relieved when your hands grasped on to the large velvet curtains, pulling them open quickly. Your eyes widened as you took in the view. Stars shimmered in the sky, bright in a way you’d never seen. You were high on a mountain, emptiness lingering far below. Your heart raced as you realized what this meant, where you were.
“Welcome to the Night Court, my dear Autumn Princess.” You turned toward his voice, fear twisting in your gut. “Now, may we talk?”
You stared at him. “I don’t know, are you going to try to kill me again?”
He sighed, sitting down on the bed and patting the spot next to him. “I did not try to kill you. I needed a cover.”
That caught your interest. “A cover?” You asked, moving slowly to sit beside him.
Rhysand nodded, looking down at his hands. “I had to get you out of there before anyone realized what I was doing.”
You blinked. “You had planned to take me the whole time?”
“Yes.”
You wondered if Eris had known, if he had yet realized you were missing. How long had you been missing? “Why? You should know I was not lying, before. I do not know the inner workings of the Court. What my father does is without my knowledge.”
He looked at you then, eyes piercing yours. “Perhaps he keeps it that way, yes. But Eris does not.”
Your heart stopped. “W-what?”
He sighed deeply, as if he were tired. “I know. I know that you and Eris are working together, that he makes sure you know what is going on. I know that for some reason this involves me, and I need to know what exactly it is that you are working on.”
Oh. “How do you know?” You asked quietly, understanding there was no use in denying it.
“I have my sources. What I also know is that you are not safe there. Whether Eris realized or not, I could see it the moment I walked into that room. You’re nothing but prey to those Autumn Court males. Do you not see it?”
You recoiled from him, eyes wide. “Excuse me? That is my home, Rhysand. I have always felt safe there.”
He looked at you for a long moment, unblinking. “Have you?”
Oh, how you hated him. The way he seems to know everything. The hot and cold of his personality. The arrogance he carries himself with, as if he is not responsible for the deaths of thousands. He acts better than everyone, when he is just as dirty as a street rat.
And he was always correct.
“Maybe not,” you admitted, focusing your attention on your lap. “But Eris would never let anything happen to me. He isn’t like you would think. He isn’t like our father.” It felt like a betrayal to say it out loud, especially to Rhysand. This was bordering on treason against your Court.
“How do you mean?”
You picked at the skin around your nails, thinking carefully about how to answer. “My father is not a good male,” you said slowly. “I know that. Lucien knows it.” You raised your eyes to meet his. “Eris knows it.”
“Does he? Or is he using you too?”
You shot to your feet at the accusation, angry once again. “You know nothing, Rhysand of the Night Court. You do not know my brother, not really.” Your hands turned into fists, nails digging into your skin. “He is doing what he can to stop him! To take him down! What is happening in our Court is evil. Eris is working to dismantle it.”
“How can you be so sure? You are only fed the information he gives you. Who’s to say he isn’t lying to you?”
You heard the slap before you even realized you moved. Your hand stung from where it had connected with the side of his face. “You. Know. Nothing.” You seethed, “It was Eris who thought we should ask you for your help. It was Eris who invited you to come to the solstice. It has been Eris who has been working behind our father’s back, at great personal risk, to make sure his evil isn’t as widespread as he thinks. He has sacrificed more than you could ever imagine trying to help. You think he is bad because that is the point. Our father can never know what we are doing.”
The silence echoed with your words, the truth ringing in your ears.
“You hit me.”
You were going to scream. “That is all you have to say?”
“You believe him.”
“Of course I believe him. He is my brother.” The fight ran out of you as quickly as it came, your body still weakened from Rhysands power. You sunk back onto the bed, exhausted mentally and physically. “It’s always been Eris and I. And Lucien, for a time,” emotion clogged your throat, your words hard to speak. “We didn’t let him in on what we were doing, out of fear he was too young. We now know that was a mistake.”
Rhysand placed his hand soothingly on your arm, moving closer to console you. Thinking of your youngest brother was always hard, especially now. “I apologize, for my assumption,” he said slowly, “as you well know, the view we have of your brother is not, well, good. But-“ he held up a hand, halting you before you argued, “I understand the secrecy. Believe me, I know it better than anyone else.” He paused, as if to keep himself from saying too much. “You must understand, though, why I must take precautions with you.”
You pulled away from his touch, as much as your very soul seemed to disagree. “Why bring me here, Rhysand? Why tear me from my home?”
He stood, hands locked behind his back. “As I said, it is not safe for you there. I will send word to Eris that you are here with me, and he will come speak to me if I am to be in your plan.”
You were too tired to be angry any longer. “So i’m a bargaining tool?” You asked, dejected. Of course, it was all a trick to lure Eris here, so the High Lord can make his demands on his home front.
“I would not say so. Rest, now. There is much to be done.”
He was gone before you could ask anything else, leaving you to sink into the bedcovers once again.
***
The next few days passed with little to report. Food was delivered to your room around mealtimes, along with clothes and shampoos. You took a long bath the first day, enjoying the different scents of the Night Court. You were quite taken aback by the clothing options that had been selected for you, certainly nothing like the ones you were used to back home. Here, less was more. You adorned a cropped blouse with long sleeves, and a pair of flowing pants. The exposure of your midriff was new, but you weren’t entirely objecting to the way the midnight blue fabric looked on you.
You hadn’t seen Rhysand since the first day. In fact, you hadn’t seen anyone. You had tried the door the second day, finding it (unsurprisingly) locked. You’d taken to investigating every inch of the rooms you were in, trying to find something to do. When you grew tired of that, you moved out to the balcony. This is where you spent most of your time, watching the stars at night and the clouds by day. Thinking.
Eris had not yet come. You didn’t know if he had missed Rhysands message, if he was lost, or worse-if Father had figured out what was going on. You were back to angry today, thinking of how Rhysands intervention could have ruined everything.
That’s when you started screaming. You yelled his name as loud as you could, trying to force him to come to you. You needed an explanation. You screamed until your voice went hoarse, and then you screamed some more. You started punching the marble railing on the balcony, wanting to just feel something.
He never came.
You laid curled in bed that night, tears falling steadily from your eyes as you cradled your bruised and bloody hands. Your throat was on fire, every swallow feeling like it was full of razor blades. You felt betrayed, belittled. Used as yet another pawn in someone else’s game. You were almost thinking that Rhysand was not as bad as the stories say, that maybe he was secretly good like Eris.
Now you were certain he was the monster they all said he was.
***
“What happened to you? What have you done?”
You struggled to open your eyes, body sore from the freak out you had the day before. You gasped in pain as your hands flexed automatically, the intake of air only reminding you of the pain also in your throat.
“Look at me!” Came that panicked voice again, arms wrapping around you and forcing you to sit. You winced at the movement, finally pulling your eyes open. You blinked a few times at the brightness in your room, trying to figure out who was speaking to you.
“Here, drink. Now”, it commanded, forcing a liquid into your mouth. You gulped it greedily, sighing as it immediately dulled some of the pain. It was then you realized it was Rhysand who was fussing over you. “Good. Care to tell me what happened to you?” He seemed furious, a fact that made you a little bit happy.
You shrugged, as if it was totally normal to wake up with a mouth full of blood and hands that were black and blue. “I got angry.”
“You got angry.”
“Yep.”
“At yourself?”
“No.”
“At what, then? Dinner not to your taste?”
You glared at him. “If this is how you will be, feel free to leave. Lock me away in your precious little tower and pretend I do not exist.”
He looked shocked by your words, eyebrows furrowed. “I did not lock you away.”
You rolled your eyes, crossing your arms tight in front of you. “Okay. The door just locked on its own then.”
“The door-“ he shot a glance over to it, confusion all over his face. “No. You have free rein of my home while you are in it. I would not trap you in one room.” He seemed genuine, and that only upset you more. You were constantly unsure of him, how he truly was. You were so certain that he was evil last night, only to have that certainty ripped apart again.
“It was locked. I tried to leave.” You dropped your arms, sighing deeply. “I do not understand you, High Lord.”
He looked at you again, gaze tracing over your body from where he sat by your side. You were sure he was checking for more injuries, but that traitorous little part of you was thrilled for his attention. “I do not understand you, either. Why do you wish to stay in a Court full of those who wish to do you harm?”
You blinked. “It is not. The ones who wish harm upon me may be the one in power, but that is not the good majority of fae. The Autumn Court was once a lovely, beautiful, rich place. The High Lord welcomed any who came his way, thrilled to share the bounty of our land with any. Beron has poisoned it. That is why Eris and I must stop him. Don’t you see?” You had reached out and grabbed his hands in yours without realizing, pulling him slightly closer. “I love my home. That is why I must fight for it.”
Rhysand was quiet, one of his thumbs drawing circles on the back of your hand. He stared at you with that dark intensity, the violet of his eyes seeming to read your very soul. “I do see. How am I to help?”
You smiled brightly, sliding close enough to him that your thigh pressed against his. “You are the most powerful High Lord of our time, if not of all history. We need support to take our father down, but it is risky to try to build an army against him.” You lowered your voice, making sure your words were only for the male in front of you. “We knew we had to choose someone who would be most likely to help. Someone who hates Beron as much as we do.” You leaned closer, your lips nearly brushing his ear. “And that is you, my lord.”
Rhysand stilled at your words, hands squeezing tight around yours. You weren’t prepared for how close you truly were to him when he turned his head to face you. Your noses brushed, your breath hitching as you stared deep into his eyes. The violet of them was glowing bright, his pupils blown wide. He was beautiful, in a deadly way. You knew the polite thing was to pull away, to give him space. You were trying to ask him for help, for Mothers sake, and this was quite unprofessional of you.
But as his eyes dropped down to your lips, you did not care. There was a magnetism about him that you couldn’t quite fight, a need to be around him. “You truly trust me to help?” He murmured, one hand letting go of yours to rest on your waist. “You do not know me.”
You tilted your head slightly to the side, ignoring the fire rapidly burning across your skin. “Perhaps.” You moved closer to him, allowing your lips to brush against his jawline. “Yet the same can be said for me, High Lord. And still, here you are.” You pressed a kiss to his skin, reveling in the noise he let out.
“Who are you?” He whispered, fingers tightening against your side.
You hummed against him, kissing up towards his ear. “I’m the Autumn Court princess, didn’t you hear? Whisked away by the big, bad, High Lord of the Night Court.” He groaned as you nipped at his skin, hand traveling up and down your body. The rational part of your brain was screaming at you to stop this, that this was so far from proper you weren’t sure you’d ever go back. You couldn’t help yourself, though. Every touch of his skin against your lips was addicting, pulling you back in for more. You needed him in a way you’d never needed anyone, and you didn’t even know it.
“Do you have any idea what you’re doing to me?” He growled out, pulling back from you. He let go of your other hand and moved to grab ahold of your jaw, forcing you to look at him. His thumb danced across your bottom lip, teasing you. You sucked it into your mouth, sighing at the taste of him. You don’t know what compelled you to do it, to act so brazenly, but the deep throated groan he let out was worth the risk. Your tongue roved over the digit as he stared at you, the hand on your waist falling to your thigh. “Fuck, princess,” he said, pulling his thumb from your mouth. You pouted at the loss of him, entirely unlike yourself.
Then his lips were on yours. You moaned into his mouth, arms twining around his neck. You needed him as close as he could get, as much as he would give. His touch burned through the thin fabric of your pants, every inch of your body on fire. You had never been kissed like this before, never been touched like this. In fact, you’d rarely ever been this close to another male.
You forgot everything when he opened your mouth with his, deepening the kiss. His hand slid down between your legs, pressing gently over your clothed core. You gasped into the kiss, body alight at his every touch. “Rhysand, I-“ you stumbled out, arching against him as his hand pushed harder against you. “I’ve never, I don’t-“
He was gone as soon as the words were out. You fell forward slightly, surprised at his sudden absence. Your eyes caught on him, on the opposite end of the bed. His lips were swollen, cheeks flushed, breathing heavy. He was everything.
And he was staring at you like he had seen a ghost.
“Your brother is here.”
Your brain blanked out at the statement, already too hazy for its own good. “W-what?”
“Eris. He’s arrived to the palace.” Rhysand stood, straightening his clothes and clearing his throat. You watched as he struggled to regain his composure, eyes drifting back to you as soon as he’d calm down. “Fuck,” he groaned again, hand running over his face. “You can’t look at me like that.”
You cocked your head innocently to one side, widening your eyes and pouting your lips. “Like what?”
Rhysand debated how much trouble he would be in with Eris if he walked in on him fucking you deep into the bed.
Too much, he decided, choosing instead to help you to your feet. “Do you not wish to see him?”
Your heart did soar at the thought of seeing your brother again, of reassuring him that you were okay. Of hopefully making sure he was okay. The thought of what your father may have done to him sobers your lust-filled mind. You smooth your pants down and place your hand on Rhysands arm, nodding. “Let us go.”
He lead you through the halls of the palace, each one cold but beautiful. The soft sunlight shone through every window, lighting the delicate interior. You couldn’t help but think how lonely it all felt, how sad. Surely this wasn’t how Rhysand lived, was it? The Autumn Court may be full of evil, but it was warm. It was loved. Your castle home was rich and inviting, a wonderful place to explore as a child. Your heart ached for the High Lord next to you, unable to imagine a smaller version of him ever running through these corridors.
You finally reached a large set of double doors, opening for you as if they knew you were coming. You couldn’t hide the smile when your gaze found Eris, seemingly in one piece. You let go of Rhysand to run to him, arms wrapping tight around his neck as he wrapped his around you. “You’re okay,” he breathed in relief, holding you as if he couldn’t believe you were truly there.
“And you’re okay?” You asked hesitantly, pulling back enough to look him over.
He shrugged, a half smile on his face. “Father was not pleased, but i’ve had worse.”
Tears filled your eyes once again as you hugged him close, anger and sadness warring in your mind. “Oh, how I hate him,” you whispered to him. Eris ran a soothing hand through your hair, shaking his head.
“As do I, dear sister. As do I.” As if remembering the task at hand, he let you go and faced Rhysand. “Can we trust you?” He asked, face cold as ice.
You wrapped your arm around his, squeezing gently. “I do believe we can,” you said, smiling softly at Rhysand, an action Eris definitely noticed.
“What have you told him?” Your brother asked, focus back on you. You recapped your discussions with the High Lord, acting as if the decision wasn’t fully made due to Eris’s arrival. He did not need to know all that had happened.
Eris nodded along as you spoke, turning to Rhysand when you were done. “Well?” He asked, holding out a hand. “Will you help us?”
It felt like an eternity passed before Rhysand moved, clasping your brother’s hand in his. “I will,” he said, “as long as you promise to lead better when you are High Lord.”
A silent conversation seemed to pass between the two, Eris standing a little taller when it was done. He shook his hand once and nodded. “I love my Court with everything in me. I’ll die before I see it treated so terribly again.”
And so it was, that the deal was made. They discussed when more detailed planning should take place, and Rhysand told you of his friends he thought may help. For the first time in a long time you felt truly hopeful in this silent fight against your father.
“Should we be going? Father is ready to send armies out if I do not bring you back unharmed,” Eris said, holding his hand out to you.
Your feet were suddenly lead, your heart screaming to stay with Rhysand. How could you tell that to your brother, though? “Is he worried?” You asked, surprised that he even cared you were gone.
Eris shrugged. “I think he just wants to fight,” he admitted, eyes soft. It shouldn’t have hurt you, not after all this time, but you couldn’t help the way your chest ached.
“Maybe I should stay,” you said slowly, refusing to look at Rhysand.
“Stay?” Eris asked, brows furrowed.
“To work on the plan,” you rushed out, “you can make up a lie to Father. Tell him i’m here finding out the Night Court secrets, that i’m not in danger. In truth, Rhysand and I can figure out the best ways to take him down. I can meet with his soldiers and ensure we are all in agreement about how this shall go.”
“She’s right,” Rhysand agreed, shocking you enough to finally look at him. “Your father clearly doesn’t truly care about her, just what she can offer him. You can convince him that she can hold her own here, can’t you?”
Eris said nothing for a long moment, looking suspiciously between the two of you. “I suppose he would go for that. He desperately wants to best you, High Lord of the Night Court.” He fidgeted with the sword at his side, thinking. “I do believe he will wish a guard to be here with you, though. I can attempt to convince him to send me, but I do not think he will want me away from him for too long. How do you suggest we get around that?”
“Tell him it would raise suspicions of the High Lord too much. Send one of your hounds if you must, or tell him you can do regular check ins with me.” You did genuinely agree with your plan, getting extra time with Rhysand was just a benefit. If you wanted this to work you’d need to be able to trust him and his men, and make sure that nothing would go awry. A single moment unplanned for would be your greatest downfall.
Eris nodded in agreement. “I can bring Theron on my visit back, if Father agrees to it. I’d suggest getting to work immediately on our plan, in case he demands I bring you back.”
“We will,” you replied, chancing another look to Rhysand. “Are the males you speak of available to discuss this?”
“I’ll send for them immediately.” He bowed his head slightly to your brother. “I will not betray your trust.” He left with that, on his way to get his warriors here as soon as possible.
You tried to ignore the way your brother was practically bursting at the seams with laughter. “You like him, sister!”
“I most certainly do not! I just think he will be greatly beneficial, is all.” You tried to play off the embarrassment in your tone, a clear sign that he was correct.
“Oh, of course, of course,” he said, raising his hand in surrender. “Though if even a hint of trouble arises, do not hesitate to call me. Theron will be able to signal me from here, and I will come immediately.” He placed his hands on your upper arms, squeezing gently. “Stay safe, Sister.”
You smiled softly at him, laying your hands on his forearms. “You too.”
So it was that the plan to take down Beron officially went into motion.
***
“This is Azriel, my Spymaster, and Cassian, the General of my armies. Anything you can trust to me, you can trust to them.” You looked warily at the two large males flanking Rhysand, aware of the tales of their power.
“Thank you, for helping me,” you said, nodding to each of them. The long haired one on his left-the General-laughed coldly.
“We do what Rhys here says, not you. You may have gotten your claws into him, but I do not trust you or your snake of a brother.” Your chest tightened at his words, and for the first time you wondered if this was all pointless. It would be nearly impossible to convince anyone that the atrocities from your family weren’t connected to you, and even harder to prove Eris wasn’t bad.
Though as you watched Rhysand glare at the male, you wondered if that was true. After all, you had been told of how evil he and his Court were for centuries, and now it appears not all is as it seems. A truly evil High Lord would not have shown you as much respect as he has, and certainly would not agree to taking down a fellow High Lord who they should, on paper, get along well with. And an evil male most certainly wouldn’t make your stomach flutter with every look. Not when you were raised to see people for who they truly are.
“Forgive my brother, Princess. He is a rather stubborn mule.” Rhysand said, shooting him another look. “We know what it is like to try to work behind the backs of those in power, and the sacrifice that entails. What you and your brother are doing is honorable.” He moved to stand next to you, leading you to a large war table in the next room. You gazed upon a map of Pryrhian, little statues depicting different armies scattered about. “We believe the best time to strike will be upon the Winter equinox, when Autumn comes to a close.” He leaned over from behind you, arms loosely bracketing you against the table. “Your father will be at his weakest, having just spent the season celebrating and leading his own battles around. The focus will shift to the Winter Court, leaving the least amount of eyes around yours.” You nodded in agreement, studying the map carefully.
“I can get you in, easily. The question is how do you do it?” Your voice quivered, the seriousness of it all hitting you at once. You despised Beron, and what he has done is unforgivable. Yet at the end of the day, he is your father, the one who sired you. Even knowing what you were doing was for the good of the Court, you couldn’t shake that feeling of deep betrayal.
Rhysand made a soothing sort of sound, gently wrapping his arms around you. You sunk back into his chest, eyes never leaving the plans in front of you.
“Do you truly wish to know?” he murmured against your ear, fingers tracing your upper arm lightly.
“I’ll find out in the end,” you responded, voice sounding far less certain than your words did. “Perhaps we should discuss that part more with Eris. I am certain he wishes to be at the head of it all.” Your heart grew cold again, remembering all the reasons your father deserved what was coming.
Rhysand hummed in agreement, letting you go and stepping to your side as Azriel and Cassian came to join you. You tried to not let it hurt, the distance he placed between you when others were around. It is what made sense, after all. You were just the Autumn Court girl, someone here to discuss treason with. A potential enemy. No one knew what had happened between the two of you, and no one could know. Already Cassian had expressed his suspicion of you, worried you were tricking Rhysand. They could never see the longing you felt for him, lest it destroy any hope you have of them backing you.
The weeks that followed were much of the same, endless meetings of strategy and ideas. Theron stayed dutifully by your side since Eris brought him over, the shadowhound bringing you a sense of familiarity. He had taken a liking to Azriel, helping to create a sort of bond between the two of you. He started walking the halls with you in the morning, offering little conversation, but the silent support was what you needed. While you trusted Rhysand, you weren’t certain of his Court. From what you had seen it consisted of this cold, moonlit palace, built high above the citizens of the Night Court. Something about it confused you, the discord between the way this place seems and how their High Lord acts. You often find yourself wondering what he may be hiding. He is able to understand your and Eris’s feelings about your father, but he is the High Lord here. Can he not be the change his wishes? If the whole Court is the same as this forsaken place, how did it create him?
You had also noticed he didn’t seem to live in his palace. He had rooms, yes, an appearance of what should be. Though at night, when you grew restless and wandered, he was never around. You had only peeked into his room once, curiosity beating out proper manners. You immediately noticed how empty they felt, clearly not a place he stayed. The thought of him having a lover and staying with them crossed your mind more than once, but you shoved it aside out of jealousy. No, there had to be another place. One you were not privy to.
The matter of the High Lord himself was something else entirely. There had been no discussion of what had happened, and you’d almost convince yourself it was all in your head if it weren’t for the way he acted around you. Anytime you entered the room, his eyes found yours instantly. When you studied the war table, moving figures to different positions, he would stand directly next to you with a hand resting on your lower back. You knew he watched you whenever he could, enjoying the way he blatantly admired your body in Night Court attire.
He was driving you insane.
There was not much to do to distract yourself from him. The only other fae you saw were Cassian and Azriel, with the occasional visit from your brother. Cassian had yet to warm to you, and Azriel seemed content to not speak to you. You had explored the entire palace by this point, discovering a small library and countless balconies. You spent time going through the filled closets in your room, observing all the differences from your home fashions and here. Much of the day was taken up with discussions about your father, but any downtime was a curse.
You spent many a night sunk deep in a warm bath, hands between your legs. Sighing the High Lords name as you came, a temporary relief to the raging fire he has built inside of you. It felt ridiculous, to be this lost over him, when you were here to discuss overthrowing your father. As it drew closer to the Winter Solstice, the meetings gradually became shorter. The Night Court soldiers spent more time training, preparing physically for what was to come. Rhysand spent more time with Eris, discussing what was going to happen after it was done. Your other brothers posed a threat to his claim, so it was long debated on what to do with them. Ultimately Eris had chosen to leave them alive for now, and he will handle them as High Lord if he needed to. Your brothers were possibly as bad as your father, yes, but they would always respect the rulings of the Court. And a part of you knew Eris wanted to deal with them on his own, for himself, for you, and for Lucien.
You were currently working on a map of your home, trying to add as many details as possible. You tried to highlight the places you assumed would be important, such as Berons rooms, the armory, any secret tunnels, and where the guards typically reside. While your part in the physical battle seemed small, this map would be the backbone of everything. Without it, the entire plan would fall apart. Naturally this left you in a very relaxed, calm space, not at all internally panicking that you were misremembering everything and would end up getting your brother killed.
You threw down your charcoal in frustration, eyes going bleary from staring at the parchment all day. “Trouble?” Came a familiar voice from behind you, your body tensing at his presence.
“Not at all, my Lord,” you responded smoothly, not looking at him.
“Mmm,” he said, and you felt him move to stand behind your chair. “Is that so?” His voice was low, teasing. You had opened your mouth to respond when his fingers pressed into your shoulders, relief seeping through your tense muscles. You snapped your jaw shut to swallow the moan that threatened to escape, sinking into the High Lords touch. His hands moved closer to your neck, soothing your flushed skin under them. “You are so beautiful,” he murmured, working out a particularly rough knot. You hummed at his words, only half listening.
It was then you felt his lips press into the space under your ear, one hand slowly sliding down. His touch was a burning iron pressed against your skin, leaving your mind blank aside from thoughts of him. His hand teased the top of your blouse, fingers dancing hesitantly under the neckline. You angled your head slightly, inviting him in. He nipped at your neck as his hand slid under your shirt, cupping your breast gently. You whimpered at his touch, needing more. “Oh, my sweet,” he whispered against your skin, thumb rolling over your nipple. You sucked in a harsh breath at the sensation, pushing your chest against his hand in a silent plea for more. “So good for me.” He repeated the motion again, his other hand slowly tracing down your body until it reached your waistband. “Let me play with you, please,” he asked, his voice rough against your ear.
“Rhysand,” you gasped out, body electric from his touch. He gave a slight pinch to the nipple he was working on, fire burning down your spine. “I need you.” He growled at your words, kissing and sucking down your neck as his fingers slid under your pants, lightly brushing you over the lace covering you wore. You cried out as he sunk his teeth into your shoulder, a way to mark you as his.
“What magic have you placed upon me, that I cannot go a single day without dreaming about you?” He asked as he found your clit over the fabric, pressing just enough for you to feel, but not enough to bring you anywhere. “We are planning the greatest treason Prythian has ever seen, and yet all I can think about is this.” He groaned at your low moans, adding more pressure to his touch. “How badly I want to feel you, hear you, taste you,” each word was punctuated with a kiss against your heated skin. You turned your head slightly to look at him, heat burning even hotter in your core at the sight.
His pupils were blown, focused directly on to you. His lips were swollen and slick, cheeks flushed. He looked wrecked, a male who needed you as desperately as you needed him. He looked like this, and he hadn’t even fully touched you yet.
You rocketed up in your seat, his hands falling from your body as your lips pressed against his. He grabbed you like he wouldn’t survive a second more without you in arms, your chair clattering to the ground, forgotten. The kiss was harsh, teeth and tongue fighting for more, more, more. Rhysand moaned at the taste of you, moving to set you on the edge of the war table, his body slotting between your legs. “So perfect,” he said over and over, hands gripping your waist tight enough to bruise. You curled one hand around the back of his neck, bringing him as close as possible. You needed him more than anything. He was the world, the sun, the moon. He was the air in your lungs, the blood in your veins. There was nothing before this moment, and there would be nothing after. It was simply here, now, him.
He pulled away from your lips, a whine coming from you that would be embarrassing at any other moment. You reached out to drag him back to you but he had already fallen to his knees, hands gripping the band of your pants. “Please,” he whispered, voice broken, looking up at you.
You wanted to remember this moment until the day you died.
The High Lord of the Night Court, the deadliest male to ever walk this land, on his knees for you. Begging you to let him touch you, to taste you, to please you. You were done for as you nodded, eyes wide when he ripped the fabric from your skin. You had no time to marvel at the desperation the torn shreds on the floor resembled, his mouth finding you instantly.
One of your hands tangled in his hair as he feasted upon you, the other supporting your weight on the table behind you. He licked and sucked against your clit like it was his lifeline, pulling out every moan and cry he could. You watched him in awe, getting closer every time his eyes connected with yours. “Oh, Rhysand,” you groaned loudly, head falling back as the pleasure began to rise. He moaned against you, hands holding your thighs wide open for him. You couldn’t held the way your hips ground desperately against his face, every sensation your undoing. His tongue explored deep inside you, moving in ways you didn’t know were possible. Your breaths were coming in staggered gasps now, pleasure threatening to rip you apart. He sucked hard against you, the pressure building in you ready to explode. Tears pricked at your eyes at the need to finish, your body shaking with need. As if reading your mind, Rhysand swirled his tongue around you, ripping your orgasm from your soul. You screamed his name as you came, arm buckling behind you as you fell flat against the table. You were floating, you were burning, you were drowning. You were everywhere and nowhere at once, suspended in this bubble of pure pleasure. He worked you through it, prolonging the feeling as much as possible. He kept going until you were a blubbering mess under him, legs shaking in his grasp. He pulled away with a gentle kiss to your thigh, crawling up to hover over you.
And oh, how he loved what he saw. “Are you alright, Princess?” He murmured against your lips, taking in the tear stains on your face. You nodded, slowly regaining control of your breathing. He hummed as he traced your face with the back of his hand, the touch almost loving. “Was I too much?”
“No,” you said, “no. Mother, Rhysand, you are-you were everything.” Then you were kissing him again, welcoming the taste of yourself on his lips. You were insatiable when it came to him, needing more already. You were reaching for the button on his pants when a loud laugh from the hallway shattered the moment you were in, your blood turning cold.
You shoved him off of you in an instant, sitting up and looking at him in panic. There was no hiding what had happened, not when your trousers lay in pieces on the ground. He wasted no time in pulling you down and pushing you under the table, kicking your clothes as he went. You hid behind one of the thick, heavy legs, trying desperately to slow your pounding heart as Azriel and Cassian entered the room.
“Rhys! We have some thoughts-“ You barely dared to breathe as Cassian stopped speaking, silence ringing loud in your ears. “What were you doing?”
“What was I doing? Standing here, studying the table, as one should days before a major attack.” You can’t see him, but you imagine the cocky look on his face. “Did you have something to add?”
There was a small grumble as two pairs of boots walked to meet Rhysand, mere inches from where you were hiding. “Thought something smelled off, if you know what I mean,” Cassian said, laughing. “Probably that Autumn Court whore.”
“Oh please, Cass. That is not how we speak about our guests,” Rhysand chastised, though anyone could hear the joking tone behind it.
“Of course, My Lord. Forgot we have to be kind to the sister of my greatest enemy.”
“Eris is far from your greatest enemy,” Azriel said softly, poking fun.
“Fair, fair.” He laughed again, loud and bold. “I still cannot believe we are working with him! To take down Beron, of all things.”
“Why is it so hard to believe, Cass?” Rhysand asked. “After all, my father was no winner either.”
“No, but you didn’t try to kill him.”
“Hmm. Luckily for me he died without that step then, yes?”
“Why are you so dead set on defending them?” Cassian asked angrily, taking a step back. “You’ve never liked the Autumn Court a day since i’ve known you, since Beron took over. Do you truly believe his children are so different? The girl, maybe, but Eris? Do we not forget what he did to our own, to Mor?”
You bit hard on your lip to keep from gasping. You wanted to scream that it wasn’t him being cruel, that if he had married her things would’ve been so much worse. Your heart ached when you heard about what was done to her as a result, but you knew anything under your father would be significantly worse. She’d be a prisoner in her own body.
You were not very fond of Cassian.
“We do not know what he was told that made him decide that. Do you not see, brother, how cruel Beron is? He let his only daughter be kidnapped, and then just accepted that she was to live with us?” There was rising anger in Rhysands voice, though he kept the volume low. “Do not forget, in their eyes it is I who is the evil one. The Night Court has a reputation, does it not?”
A moment of silence. Then-
“She is not so bad.”
Emotion clogged your throat at the Shadowsingers words.
“Excuse me?”
“The girl. The princess. She is not bad, Cassian.”
“And you know this, how?”
You could hear him shrug. “I walk with her most
mornings.”
“You walk with her.”
“I like the dog.”
“You like-oh Mother, Az. The dog?” Cassian was incredulous. “Eris’ dog? Tell me you are joking.”
“He is nice. The shadows like him.”
You could almost see the blank stare Cassian was giving Azriel, mouth slightly open in shock. “The shadows. Right.” You listened as he took a deep breath. “I do not trust them, Rhys. They sell us this story about how evil their father is, but who is to say they are not going to do worse once he is gone? After all, you know of their court’s reputation.”
“And what of our court’s reputation?” Rhysands voice is quiet, but you can hear every word.
“Well, that’s different, you know.”
“Is it?” You heard him straighten, gesturing around the room. “Look at this. They have asked us for our trust in a plan that could easily result in getting them killed, or worse. At any moment I could send a letter to Beron and tell him what they are planning.” Your heart stopped at that, fear pricking at the back of your mind. “This is not without extreme risk, Cassian. If they were as evil as he is, they would not be sacrificing their safety in this way.” You listen as he picks up a figure from the table above, setting it down in another spot. “They trust us with that, and we still lie to them every day. It is wrong. We need to be truthful with them.”
Lie?
“You know it is not the same, Rhys! Have you gone out of your mind?” Cassian was incredulous.
“Perhaps I have,” Rhysand responded softly, almost too low for your ears. “But that does not mean I am not correct. Last I checked, General, I am the High Lord of this Court, not you. I believe it is up to me to share my secrets, don’t you?”
The tension in the room thickened, the boots belonging to Cassian moving to sit flush together. “Of course, Rhysand,” he said coolly. “I just want to make sure we are keeping our home safe, is all. If you trust them, then I will trust them.”
You watched the shoes as Rhysand stepped close to Cassian, the sound of his hand cupping his shoulder ringing through the room. “I do not wish to fight with you, brother. Not today. Come, let us discuss more over some food and wine.”
There was a grunt in response as you watched the three pairs of boots walk away, a sinking feeling in your stomach. Clearly Rhysand knew you were there, listening, and all he did was tease his secrets. There was more to him, something you were so blatantly missing, something that worried you. How fragile was this partnership you had made? Under the guise of lust it felt strong, powerful. Now?
You were left with more questions than anyone could have the answers for.
***
The Winter Equinox had arrived.
The morning started much the same as any other day here, cold and slightly dreary. Breakfast was delivered to your room at its usual time, but the food upon it was heartier than normal. Something to prepare your body for what you were walking in to later today.
You had not spoken to Rhysand outside of final meetings. You refused to look at him, always feigning more interest in the plans. He could not bring it up without raising the suspicion of his friends and your brother, and you made yourself scarce when he was around after. Thankfully, preparations for today were taking up much of his time. At the last meeting he explained how his Illyrian soldiers were ready to fly into the Autumn Court at a moments notice, with clear instructions to only harm the High Lord and his companions.
“Though they do not always listen well,” Cassian had warned, eyes meeting yours for a brief moment. “The ideal plan is for us to get in and do it without them, but they are there in case Beron tries to fight back.” He gestured to you, pointing down at the map of your home. “You remember the plan if they are to be called, yes?”
You nodded, going over your responsibilities in your head. If the Illyrians were to be called in, it was up to you to get the innocent citizens out of harms way. You know that the soldiers had been trained extensively on who exactly to target, but there was no telling what they would do to any other Autumn Court fae they saw. You were to lead them down a back hallway, with a tunnel that emptied out deep into the wood. The knowledge of this hidden path had been kept from the armies, hopefully allowing you time to get the fae you cared for out.
“Remember,” Rhysand had said, voice booming. “The goal is not to take down the Autumn Court. We want to leave it as unharmed as possible, our only focus being Beron and his cronies. Understood?”
You would be lying if you said you weren’t scared. So many things could go wrong.
And what of if everything went right?
Whatever happened today, the fate of your life would be greatly changed.
A soft knock at your door broke you out of your thoughts. You opened it to find Eris, holding a rather large ball gown.
A traditional Autumn Court gown.
You helped inside, grabbing half of the heavy fabric. You’d adorned many of these dresses, but this one was truly exquisite. Your favorite deep, rich, browns, hints of gold scattered about. Layers and layers of skirt and tulle, all meant to show you as the perfect princess. The Equinox was a large event all on its own, but your father never shied away from making a party bigger. He had told Eris that today would also be a coming home party of sorts, to welcome you back with the honor of the court. In reality, he was going to pretend to make a great deal about you coming home, and then immediately shuffle you off to the most promising marriage match he had found.
You were thrilled that it would be his last chance to do such a thing.
“Are you ready for this?” Eris asked you, eyes watching you closely.
You thought for a moment, running your fingers over the soft material now strewn across your bed. “How can I be?” You responded softly.
He nodded, understanding. “It seems an impossible task now that it is here, does it not?”
You slipped your hand into his, squeezing tight. “Quite.” You took in a deep breath. “We say we must do right, we must protect the Court. Yet in turn we will make murderers of ourselves. A dark stain on our very souls, to taunt us forever.”
“A murderer of me, not of you. Besides, it will not be my first time. I’ve fought in many a battle at his side.” Eris dropped your hand, clasping them behind his back as he spoke.
You shook your head. “It will be on me as well. I am complicit in all this. You may deal the blow, but it is I who drew the weapon.”
The two of you stared at each other, taking the moment to grieve what was to happen. You’d been planning for so long, suffering at the hands of your father, and tonight that will end.
Mother help you to not fail.
***
Stepping onto the polished marble floors of your home felt like a death sentence. Your nails dug slightly into Eris’s arm as you took note of your father, perched coolly above the crowd on his throne. Always a chilling sight, it was particularly heavy tonight.
You adorned your face with a polite smile as you reached him, bowing slightly. “Father. How good it is to see you.”
“Hmph,” he grumbled, swirling the wine in his glass. “I send my only daughter all the way to the Night Court, and she comes home without nary a marriage proposal?” He looked at you with disgust. “An alliance with that place would bring us great power. Do you not even care for me? Are you not thankful for all I have done?” You do not react to his words, to the lies that spill from his tongue. Though you wish you could gloat about your very own alliance, how he has not won this time.
He waves his hand as if dismissing you, standing up and calling for a toast. Gone is the disappointment in his voice as he yells out that you have returned. You curtsy politely to the crowd as they applaud you, and your father has attached you to a much older male before the noise has even stopped.
You walked away from the throne, feigning interest in whatever it is the fae next to you is saying. All you can think is how that was the last time you would speak to your father.
***
You danced and drank and made pleasant conversation until the midnight hour hit, the clanging of the bells sobering you up. You glanced up to Eris, and he gave you a slight nod.
The plan was to commence.
For a moment, nothing happened. You worried that an error had been made, that something catastrophic had happened.
Then the first scream rang through the room.
More followed as dark mist crept across the floor, shadows seeming to grow out of it. Your heart beat rapidly as your father stood, outrage clear on his face. “What is the meaning of this?!” He yelled out, “Show yourself, Rhysand!”
In half a moment he was standing in the center of the room, smiling broadly up at Beron. “No invite? I house your daughter, feed and clothe her, keep her safe, and you take her back without a word?” Rhysand tsked, the cocky High Lord persona back on. “Not very thoughtful of you, Beron.”
You could almost swear you saw steam coming out of your father’s ears. “You are not trusted. Not here, not anywhere. How was I to be certain I could keep my Court safe from you?”
Rhysand sighed, as if your father was missing an obvious piece to the puzzle. “Ah, but do you keep them safe?”
The room went silent.
“I beg your pardon?”
“Well, no offenses meant, old friend, but it does not seem like you take good care of your citizens. After all, you didn’t even notice your precious only daughter missing until Eris alerted you.” Rhysand spoke as if they were merely discussing the time, like this conversation was of no importance to him.
“You are out of line. Remove yourself from my home before I must!” Your father yelled, signaling his guards to surround the other High Lord.
“Ah, do you really wish to attack me?” Rhysand said, pushing your father even more. “After all, can your little guards handle the power I hold?”
“Perhaps not,” Beron answered, a touch too calmly. “That’s why I have sons.”
You screamed a warning to Rhysand once you realized what was happening, the noise swallowed up by the crowd as chaos descended. Several of your brothers raced towards the High Lord, fire blazing at their fingertips.
You watched in horror as they all stopped running, bodies shaking against some unknown force. A strangled noise came from your throat as you watched Rhysand destroy their minds, leaving their limp bodies to rot on the ground.
The tunnel. Go to the tunnel.
The tunnel. The tunnel. The tunnel. The words raced around your mind, but you weren’t comprehending any of it. You were staring at the deceased forms of three of your brothers, lying on the ground of your family home. They may have been evil, and nothing but terrible to you, but it was still a shock to see your family ended in such a way.
Princess. The tunnel. NOW, commanded the voice inside your head. You realized now that it was not your own thoughts, but seemingly Rhysands?
The tunnel. Yes! Your body finally caught up to your mind, quickly ushering those closest to you towards the hallway that will take you there. The Autumn Court fae followed you without question, their darling princess, who just watched her brothers be slain in front of her eyes. They knew to trust you, that you weren’t the same as your father. Many of those who live here have suffered under his reign, and the ones who love him were too distracted with Rhysand to notice most of the court disappearing.
You lead them to the tunnel, instructing on where it would let out and to wait for you there. You knew you were supposed to go with them, to safety.
Your heart called for you to go back.
You ran back down the hallway, skirts swishing quickly around your legs. You pulled out a small dagger you had hidden away in them, knowing it would not next to nothing to protect you. But you couldn’t. You couldn’t leave him.
You burst back into the room, coming to an abrupt halt as you took in the bloodshed around you. Illyrians fought against Autumn fae, blood slick on the floor. Rhysand battled your remaining brothers, Cassian racing to help him.
And Eris.
He stood in front of your father, fire engulfing his hands. Azriel stood behind him, shadows tight around your father’s neck and arms. “We always must do what is best for the Court, yes, Father?” Eris admired the fire dancing between his fingertips. “I’d lay down my life for this Court, for my home. Yet that is not what is needed, is it?” He turned his gaze back to Beron, fire in his eyes as well. “You have done great harm the fae who live here. You have used everyone who has come through these doors, making life better for no one but yourself. You’re a coward, Father. You have been so focused upon making yourself seem great, that you didn’t even notice you were raising your own enemy.” The shadows seemed to tighten around his body, your father making a garbled sort of noise. “Do not waste your energy. I am done listening to what you have to say.” Eris kneeled down in front of him, lowering his voice. “Just know, I will be the High Lord that goes down in history. Not you.”
You turned away as Eris stood, power glowing bright as he concentrated directly into your father, into his heart. Your hands clasped over your mouth, muffling the scream that involuntarily came out of you. Your ears rang as his power took over the room, ceasing the rest of the fighting. It was known, then, that their High Lord was dead. Autumn court fae fled, though you were certain Eris would find them later. The Illyrians were called off, sent back to their homes in the Night Court. And as the light dimmed, it revealed your brother, standing tall. Looking at a pile of ash that you used to call Father.
It was done.
There was no movement for a moment as everyone realized what happened, Cassian breaking the silence with a loud cheer. You laughed, in a weird way, at the absurdity of it. Your plan had worked. The reign of terror Beron had bestowed upon your home was over. Eris could take the throne, Lucien could come home, and you would be free to do as you wish.
You looked up at him, watching the way Azriel laid a comforting hand upon his shoulder. While you guys had been planning, training, for this, it was still a grave undertaking. What your brother had done today was a true act of love for his Court. He had sacrificed a piece of himself to ensure the happiness and peace of this place.
You felt like they would never be able to repay him.
He caught your gaze, giving you a small smile as he raised a fist in the air. You applauded, slightly delirious after all that happened. It was truly over. You would never be pushed aside again, used only when it benefited your father. You could live, dance as you please, with whomever you please, whenever you please.
You were freed from your role as a pawn in his never ending game.
Your eyes dropped to Rhysand, who was clapping his General on the back. You were overcome with sudden emotion, a sudden need to claim him as yours. You were running again, running through the carnage, through the death and destruction, right into his arms. He wrapped them tight around your waist, lifting you and spinning in a circle. His hold, which felt like light, like life and hope.
And the you were kissing him.
Kissing him like he was your life, as if you would shrivel up and die without him. So much had changed in such a short time, your entire life demolished and rebuilt. Your hands held his face as he kissed you, and for a moment nothing else mattered.
“MY SISTER, RHYSAND?!”
He pulled only slightly from the kiss, turning his head to look at your brother. Your brother, who had just killed one High Lord, looked ready to do it again. “Uh, yea,” Rhysand said, looking back at you. He brushed loose strand of hair out of your face, pressing a soft kiss to your lips. “Your sister.”
***
It had been several years since Eris had killed your father. The Autumn Court was thriving in a way it never had before, fae constantly flocking to your borders in search of a safer home. You welcomed all, Eris personally greeting every one who came in.
Lucien had returned, unsure at first. You had wrapped in a tight hug when you first saw him, tears streaming down your face.
It took him a little longer to warm up to you.
You, him, and Eris spent night after night talking, explaining why things had happened the way they did. There was anger, grief, anger again, and acceptance of all that had happened. Without the shadow of Beron over them, your other three brothers became more manageable, willing to work with Eris. You’d never really be a loving family, but it was leagues better than it had ever been before.
And Rhysand.
Oh, Rhysand.
He had taken you home after that night. Not to the moonlight palace you had grown used to, no. He took you to Velaris, his magical home in the stars. That was where you now resided, but you had weekly trips back to the Autumn Court. You felt lucky, in a way, to get to live in two beautiful places.
You felt luckier when Rhys came behind you, arms folding you into him. His lips kissed your neck, forever insatiable when it comes to you. You hummed happily, sinking deep into his chest. Your fingers rolled over the ring on your hand, tracing down to the matching one on his.
Rhysand, High Lord of the Night Court.
Dark, evil, untrustworthy.
The most powerful High Lord of all time.
Arrogant and annoying.
The one male you were warned to stay away from.
Rhys, to friends, to lovers.
Your husband.
***
