#rhysand x reader

[sleepyhumanhere]

[glimmerfics]

You're a servant. He's the Prince. Despite your differences, what happens when you are both each others' fated mates in this Choose Your Own Adventure?

Kaelan (ACOTAR OC) x Fem!Reader Choose Your Own Adventure

🔗 READ/PLAY HERE 🎮interactive fanfic "The Cauldron's Fate" by Katastrophe 📖 Episode 1 of 3

[in-my-feels-probably]

acotar requests? 👀

[bruisedkissesxx]

Baby, It's you; Part Three

Pairings - Rhysand x Fem!Reader

Summary - billionaire Rhysand hires you to babysit Nyx as he is having difficulties balancing work and personal life.

Warnings - Angst and kind of fluff?, my version of x reader, Rhys is lowkey a dick/asshole, swearing/sarcasm, smut mention, slow burn, and start, single dad.

Divider cred: @pixopix

Somehow, he got me to agree to staying for dinner. My mind said no, but before I could speak that into existence, I nodded and agreed to stay. Maybe it's the way he looked so… hopeless? Like if I said no, that it would be the straw to break him. Like he needed a friend now more than anything. Who knew a two-letter word could hold so much weight?

Or maybe it was because there was something about him that I wanted to fix. As if I had the tools to fix this. I was not in the proper state to fix anything; I couldn't even fix myself. But a totally successful CEO? Sign me up! Yeah, I was delusional. I should work on my own problems rather than worry about his.  “I am glad you said yes by the way. It’s the least I could do after you came all this way on your day off. Do you travel far?” Rhys asked as he got out the ingredients to make dinner. Well, truthfully, it should be lunch, but I also wasn't going to correct him. He was being nice, and so I would play along. 

A small smile formed on my lips as I sat at the counter barstool, watching him in this big massive kitchen. It amazed me that he was doing the cooking when he no doubt paid for chefs and workers. Why was he cooking when he paid for them to make food? I shook myself from my thoughts as I replied.

“It's about an hour by taxi every day, so it's not that bad. Also, it's not a problem; you are already paying me extra for today. You don't have to do more. Seriously.” 

At those words, Rhysand looked up at me and our eyes locked. With the sun shining into the kitchen, reflecting in his eyes, they did indeed almost look Violet. I had never met someone who had eyes that hit that shade in the sunlight. During the time he had asked me the question, he had slipped an ‘I love cooking’ apron on over his abs, hiding the fact that he was still very much shirtless. He looked like a mess but…he did seem a little hotter?

“Ill have my driver come and pick you up for now on.” He spoke as he began to cut the veggies that he just washed, my eyes widening at the suggestion. A limo coming to my shitty, run-down apartment? No thanks. 

“Uh..I appreciate the offer, but its really okay.” I spoke, anxiety coiling around me. He was my boss, why did I care what he thought? Why did I care if he sent a driver to my apartment? It would save me on so much time and money; this should have been a blessing but here I was seeing it as a curse.

Rhysand looked back up at me, furrowing his eyebrows as he didnt speak right away. The male was clearly assessing me and why I would have such a negative reaction to such a kind gesture. The air in the room stiffened as I held the eye contact, not able to simply look away. 

“It wouldn't be an issue, I insist. I pay my employees very well, and they would be more than happy to help. Plus, you are the only babysitter in the past month that has been able to put my son to sleep in mere minutes.” 

My cheeks felt hot at the compliments and just..the way he spoke. All the confidence he had and the way the words he spoke just reassured me. I now knew why he was a successful CEO. He had such a way with words that even now, I wanted to reject his offer, but here I was accepting it. 

“Okay, if you insist.” God I was thinking with my other head right now, what was wrong with me? Usually I was able to stand my ground. I would cuss guys out at the bar for sport. But now? I just agree and nod my head like an idiot. 

I was an idiot. 

~~~~~~ Rhysand had spent the last hour cooking, completely focused like he has never done this sort of thing before. Yeah he had made jokes or done something stupid here and there, which had def earned a giggle from yours truly. But for the most part he seemed…scared? 

Yeah, the big bad confident CEO was scared. Dont make me laugh.

Sitting down at the edge of a twelve-man dining table, I waited for him to plate up the food and bring it over. Well, I was shooed here by him and was told that I was his guest and that he would serve it to me. 

So I was sitting here, waiting for the shoe to drop. Waiting for him to show me that dickheaded side of him. But secretly? I wished that it would never show back up. 

“Okay, if its bad, please lie to me.” Rhysand called as he walked into the room, he had lost the apron and was showing off his abs again.

The first thing that hit was the smell, it was the kind that made your mouth water. I had never smelt something so good in my life. And the sight of him? I felt like I was being tempted by a god, like this was a test and I needed to run away from it. If he was a god…I would definitely worship every inch of him. 

Oh, I am so going to hell for this. Snap the fuck out of it bitch. He is your boss and he already knocked one girl up; don't let yourself be the second baby momma. I mentally spoke to myself, because right now if I didnt I would probably do something I regret.

The male set the plate down in front of me as steam rose up and disappeared into the room. It looked just as good as it smelled. But…I had never seen anything like this. Yeah I was over here surviving off of tv dinners and breakfast sandwhiches, not a real meal. Nothing…like this. 

Rhysand must have seen my confusion written on my features, because the male spoke up before I could ask. “Its creamy Tuscan Chicken in a sun-dried tomato sauce, with sautéed veggies on the side.” The description alone made my mouth water.

We had been sitting at this table, the sounds of silverware scratching against glass filling the silence. The food was so good and I needed more. I could get used to eating something so... juicy and flavorful. It was so addicting and I wanted more. Okay…are we still talking about the food?

“Nyx, mom? Why is she not in the picture?” I blurted out, attempting to break the silence. Why did I ask that of all things? One will never know. 

Rhysand's body flinched at the question, his eyes looking back at mine. I could see all the pain behind those pretty bluish violet eyes. A pang rippling into my chest at just the sight. I instantly regretted asking, but before I could take it back. Before I could apologize for my words, he looked away and exahuled a sigh.

Fuck I had ruined everything. Ruined this dinner. Ruined his mood. And I am probably jobless. Fuck why did I have to-

“She died during childbirth.” He admitted, sadness and pain lacing his words. His response broke me from my racing mind. No wonder why he was a drunk. It was as if the substance was holding him together. 

“I….Im so sorry. I didnt know.” 

“Its okay, just…its hard to talk about.” The male leaned back in his seat, using a napkin to wipe the sides of his mouth as he did so. Even in this..emotional state, he was being so proper. 

“It must be hard. Taking care of your son after…something so tragic.” I didnt know why I was still talking about this. He just said it was hard for him to talk about and here I was adding salt into the wound? But when the male just nodded in response? I knew I should change the subject.

“What's the name of your company?” 

“Huh? You really don't know?” He looked baffled. Like I just told him I was a mass murderer and he was my next victim. Maybe I should know more about someone I was working for…but truthfully I didnt care. I just wanted to be paid enough for rent. 

So why did I care now? Maybe it was because of how…sad he looked. I wanted to do anything in my power to take his mind off of his loss. To make him feel better. 

“No-, should I know?” 

“I just thought…nevermind.” He paused, shaking away his dazed expression. “Aztechnology.”

Now it was my turn to look dazed at him. His company was one of the biggest tech companies in the world. Everybody was buying his products and wanted to work for him. His company had amazed so many people and they even donated to charities and gave back to the communities in such a big way.

“Yep, the same look I always get when I talk about my company.” He sounded almost…disappointed? But the truth was, this was a big accomplishment for someone around my age. He should be proud. 

“I just…last I heard, an older guy ran it.” I was trying not to sound so…flabbergasted. Blinking a few times as I just watched the male. 

“That was my father. The company has been in my family for generations.”

That... made sense. My lips parted as I was about to respond, but I was cut off by my phone ringing. Who could be calling me? Taking my phone out of my pocket, Amren cute little face popped up on my screen. Fuck…she probably wanted to come back over again. And…it was getting kind of late. I did not want to overstay my welcome. 

“Uh…its getting kind of late.” I admitted, standing up to grab both of our plates when Rhysand grabbed my hand before I could reach it. 

“Its okay, I can handle the cleanup. Thank you..for tonight. I'll see you on Monday?” I nodded, agreeing as I stood up and walked to the door. Leaving behind such a great night to go back to my apartment and wallow. Amren was def going to enjoy hearing about this. But one thought kept racing into my mind, even on the limo drive home. 

Was my boss secretly a sweetheart?

A/n: I know its been forever. I want to write I just get so self concious about my writing ahahahaha. But, I hope you guys like it!! 🖤🖤

Ko-fi If you want to buy me a coffee 🖤

Tag-list: @madamechrissy @misty--lillies @batgirlieee @cardiganconfessions

[blessthecomeandstarefamily]

acotar fic recs

> azriel, cassian, rhysand, nesta

how to read:

> title | gender / sex of reader ; pov used to refer to reader (first person = i, second person = you, third person = they/she) ; word count / length ; sfw or nsfw ; any additional contents of note ; @/author

azriel

> shadows and sunlight | fem!reader ; third person pov ; 2.5k words ; sfw ; @sweetpeaaquarius

> and the dreams are answered + our happiness | fem!reader ; second person pov ; two-part series ; sfw ; pregnancy ; @chillinini

cassian

> being mated to cassian | afab!reader ; second person pov ; headcanons ; nsfw ; @jeannineeeee

> oddities | afab!reader ; second person pov ; 1.4k words ; nsfw ; sex pollen ; @alicenchanted

> reader who’s native language isn’t english | gn!reader ; second person pov ; drabble ; sfw ; @ellecdc

> moments + part 2 + part 3 | fem!reader ; second person pov ; multi-part series ; sfw but nsfw references ; @tunetales

> size kink with cassian | gn!reader ; second person pov ; drabble ; sfw ; @ddejavvu

> different person | tagged as fem!reader but can be read as gn (i think) ; second person pov ; drabble ; nsfw ; wing play ; @inkedinshadows

> snow on the beach | fem!reader ; second person pov ; 4k words ; sfw ; @flickering-chandelier

rhysand

> murmurs of the abyss | afab!reader ; second person pov ; drabble ; nsfw ; mind control ; @velarisdusk

> moments + part 2 + part 3 | fem!reader ; second person pov ; multi-part series ; sfw but nsfw references ; @/tunetales

> the house loves to meddle | fem!reader ; second person pov ; 1.1k words ; sfw ; @/ellecdc

> grumpy rhysand | gn!reader ; second person pov ; drabble ; sfw ; @/ddejavvu

> this tempest, ours | fem!reader ; second person pov ; 11.7k words ; nsfw ; @/velarisdusk

nesta

> take a look at my girlfriend | fem!reader ; second person pov ; 4k words ; nsfw ; @daycourtofficial

> soft library moments with nesta | fem!reader ; second person pov ; drabble ; sfw ; @diluted-calico

[anonymously-writings]

Vulnerability is Hard

Summary: An ACOTAR universe fanfiction where the female reader is rather…. Stunted in showing vulnerability and allowing others to care for her.

===============================================

You huffed a laugh at whatever Cassian had said, before Mor took your attention.

“You’ll never guess what I heard at Rita’s last- oh bless you, sweetheart,” the blonde practically cooed. You opened your mouth again to thank her, but your breath caught at the last second and you pitched forward into steepled hands again. “H’htschoo!”

A chorus of ‘bless you’s’ filled the room, tinting your cheeks pink. You sniffled thickly and thanked them. Mor resumed her talking and it was only after that conversation finished and you reached for your wine glass that Azriel, seated next to you, leaned ever so slightly toward you in his chair.

“You alright?”

His deep voice was enough to make your heart beat faster. You’d had a crush on the shadow singer for as long as you could remember. Well, you’d only been in Velaris for about a year, but it had become home quickly.

You nodded. “I’m fine.”

You had watched him so closely for nearly a year that you could see the subtle scrunch in his brows, as though he didn’t believe you. You blushed further under his scrutiny. You hadn’t caught a cold since moving to Velaris- your new found family had practically seen you sneeze only a handful of times- and you weren’t well-versed in showing vulnerability, growing up in the court of nightmares and all.

And it really felt like the start of a cold.

Conversation continued, wine glasses were refilled, and Cassian had just spewed his wine across the table at whatever joke Azriel had made when your breath caught again. Everyone in the room was annoyingly observant, and eyes flickered in your direction. They all politely looked away, though you knew even as conversation restarted that everyone was paying attention to you.

“Huh.. h’tschioo! H’tsch!”

“Bless, darling,” Rhys drawled.

“Cauldron, sweetheart. Bless you,” Mor murmured.

“Bless,” Amren and Cassian muttered at the same time.

“Bless you,” Azriel nearly whispered.

“Thank you,” you replied, clearing your throat a touch.

“You okay?” Feyre asked. You nodded, picking up your wine glass.

Conversation restarted, though eyes occasionally glanced your way. You were just hoping no one noticed you were catching a cold.

Once the last plate was cleared, Cassian stood and made his way to the living room, claiming he was going to get the cards out and a bottle of ‘Rhys’s finest.’ Feyre followed, rolling her eyes and grabbing some fresh glasses. Rhys and Azriel weren’t quite ready to leave yet, finishing their drinks and discussing a possible threat from the south. Amren had already disappeared to find a new book from the library.

“Come on,” you begged Mor, “it has literally the prettiest things ever.”

“We’ve been there three times this week,” Mor huffed, standing and unceremoniously pushing her chair back. “I’m all for shopping but even I’m tired of that place.”

You whined, standing as well. “But this time they got…. H’htssh. H’tsxd!” You stifled the rather harsh sneezes against your shoulder, swaying ever so slightly. Mor immediately steadied you, her brows raised delicately.

“Bless you, Y/N.” She emphasized the words, as if to make them stick harder.

Azriel and Rhysand offered their own blessings, each one adding to the faint tinge of pink at your cheeks.

You muttered your thanks and followed your blonde friend to the living room, her eyes watching you a bit closer. You settled onto one of the couches, leaning against the armrest and pulling a blanket onto your lap. Conversation resumed with Mor and eventually everyone else settled down. Amren had chosen the spot next to you on the couch, Mor sitting at your feet, Cassian sprawled on the ground in front of the fireplace, Feyre and Rhysand in armchairs near the fire, and Azriel choosing to remain standing near the edge of the room.

“Okay,” Cassian clapped. “The rules of the game are simple and are as follows-“

”We already know the rules. We play this weekly,” Rhys interrupted.

“And yet somehow, the rules are never followed,” Amren added, without looking up from her book. You sniffled, not noticing the way Amren’s eyes did shift your direction at that.

“Let’s just play,” Mor whined at your feet, her back leaning to press against your legs. You briefly ran your fingers through her hair, the gesture beyond comfortable for you. You loved your new family more than anything. You knew they loved you just as much, you just weren’t as comfortable with the idea of that love being shown. You were too scared to be loved.

Which is probably why Azriel and you had tip toed around… whatever it was the two of you had. And while you typically loved spending these evenings teasing him and maybe even flirting, tonight was definitely not the night for it. You could barely go two seconds without the annoying itch settling into your sinuses, taking all of your attention to hold it at bay. Unfortunately, that only worked up to a point, and by then, the itch had amplified so much that it seemed like you were incapable of sneezing just once… or even twice for that matter.

Your breath hitched again. You knew it was quiet, but Amren most definitely felt it given that she was seated next to you, her arm lightly brushing yours.

You buried your face into the crook of your elbow and let out four quick sneezes, barely half a breath in between. It left you utterly exhausted and out of breath.

“Bless,” Amren muttered, quirking a single brow at you. She was the first.

The rest chimed in. It was impossible to ignore Mor’s gaze, her eyes lit with concern. She opened her mouth to say something, and then seemingly thought better of it, turning back around. She squeezed your ankle lightly once she was settled. You blushed, more than aware that your… outbursts were unable to be ignored.

The game continued on, though you weren’t quite sure how much longer you’d last without one of your family saying something. Amren most definitely knew you were sick, if her slight roll of the eyes after you attempted to silence yet another sneeze into oblivion was any indication.

Thankfully, Cassian roaring with laughter took the room by storm and saved you from feeling more exposed. You settled further back against the couch, pulling at the blanket without disturbing Mor. You accidentally pushed against Amren, apologizing softly. She hummed thoughtfully, though the sound brought you slight comfort as much as it spiked your nerves.

Your eyes got heavier the more comfortable you became. Your sniffles became a bit more pronounced, congestion harder to ignore. Five relatively peaceful minutes went by, the lull of the conversation pushing you toward sleep.

“You have a cold.” Amren snapped her book shut.

That jolted you right up, your back ramrod straight against the couch, blanket falling. The room went quiet, Mor turning so that her side rested up against your legs as she raised a brow at the female sitting next to you.

“Amren,” Rhysand drawled, though there was a warning in his tone.

“Rhysand,” Amren threw right back. “The girl is sick and afraid she’ll look weak in front of her family. So though everyone with a hint of eyesight can detect she is ill, she thinks she’s fooling someone.”

“I don’t-“ you began to protest. The female held up a finger.

“Rather, she hopes she’s fooling someone.”

You couldn’t disagree with any part of what she said. It was all perfectly true. Your already pink cheeks flushed.

“Sweetheart, is this true?” Mor asked softly. You refused to meet her gaze. You found a thread on the blanket very interesting. In fact, you wish the world would swallow you whole right about now.

“This is not the Court of Nightmares,” Rhys said quietly. His words felt like a punch to the gut.

But he was right. It wasn’t. The horrid place you were raised left no room for weakness. People typically thought of love, sadness, grief, or happiness, maybe even injuries. No one ever thought of sickness. How one cough or sneeze had people looking for a way to extort you, how being unable to control your body made others scoff. Any form of sickness was an opportunity for powers to rise, people to die, or for changes in social standing.

That form of trauma was proving very difficult to ignore.

The room became entirely too much, all at once. You needed out. Immediately.

“I’m tired,” you responded hoarsely, moving to rise. Mor immediately shifted, helping to pull the blanket off of you. You didn’t risk a glance at anyone, least of all Azriel, as you made your way out of the room, throughout the foyer, and up the stairs. It was still dead silent downstairs by the time you shut your door.

[plumstainedcurtains]

Not My High Lord: Part 2 (Rhysand x GN!Reader)

Pairing: Rhysand (ACOTAR) x GN!Reader

Word Count: 2.1k

Description: You agreed to one evening with Rhysand after finding out he was your mate and he doesn't hesitate to whip up a stellar first date. This can be read as a stand-alone, but I definitely recommend reading Part One first!

Warnings: None!

A/N: Thanks for the patience on the part two for this one! I've gotten a horrible case of writer's block so I might be slowing down on posting a little bit; it was a fight to get this one done. I still hope to have a post per week, and I am still working on the requests you guys send in. Thanks for all the love as well!!

Mor had offered to be the one to take you to the city for your date with Rhysand. While the offer was appreciated, considering how stand-offish you’d been toward the High Lord in the early months of your… acquaintanceship, you’d turned her down. Rhysand, after all, had promised to pick you up like a proper gentleman. Good, if you were going to give him an evening of your time, the least he could do is everything in his power to make it good. 

He’d left a note the night before your date with a list of things he’d planned out. Considerate. He also had very neat handwriting, you’d noted. A picnic beneath the night sky of Velaris’s outskirts. It sounded like a dream, honestly. Even after a few hundred years of life, the legendary stars that littered the midnight blue above Velaris never ceased to make your heart stop.

You had to admit, the male had chosen quite well for the date. Rhysand hadn’t crossed your path since you spoke that morning. The morning after the mating bond had snapped into place. You’d agreed to one date and, so far, Rhysand had been making sure his opportunity wasn’t wasted. 

The night arrived like any other, save for the pit of anxiety storming in your chest. Fated mate or not, what if you and Rhysand had nothing to talk about? What if it was awkward or frustrating and you had to return to his house and live out your days in shame? More frightening, though, was the thought of the date going well. Being the High Lord’s mate seemed so daunting, especially when you could count your conversations with the male on one hand. 

You sat in the sitting room, one leg thrown over the other as you waited for Rhysand to arrive. You knew it would be any moment now, and you couldn’t stop yourself from fidgeting with your fingers nervously. The deep creak of the front door had you straightening your spine, eyes snapping toward the sound. Rhysand looked nice. He was always handsome, anyone with eyes could see that, but he’d clearly put extra effort into his appearance tonight.

His black curls fell perfectly over his forehead and pointed ears, slightly tousled as if to look effortless. He wore a crisp, white button-down shirt, stretched comfortably over his arms. The delicate lines of his tattoos peaked out from the collar of his shirt and the sleeves, which were rolled up to just below the elbow. Black pants and shoes, too, nothing absurd, but nothing lazy either.

If he noticed the way you gave him a proper once over, he didn’t let on. Not with his expression, but you could’ve sworn you noticed a faint blush dusting the tips of his ears. Rhysand turned to you properly, a smile stretching across his lips.

“You look beautiful,” he said.

“Thank you.”

You stood from your arm chair, making your way to him. You swallowed a nervous breath, your heart hammering in your chest. Was this a bad idea? Should you back out? You shook the thoughts as Rhysand held out a hand to you. Only half a second of hesitation lingered before you took his hand, surprised by how warm it felt in yours. 

“Shall we?” He asked, his smile never faltering.

“Don’t make me regret this, Rhysand.” You replied, no malice behind your words.

“I’ll do my best,” he chuckled.

Winnowing with Rhysand felt different than winnowing with anyone else. As the only one capable of winnowing anywhere near the house, Rhysand’s magic was nearly tangible. The shadows that consumed you felt so secure, like solid ground beneath your feet and cool wind in your hair. The only other time you’d done it was the day you moved in, and you’d been too worn out to think too long on the feeling of his magic. Tonight was different.

You appeared in a lush meadow, warm green grass and snow-white flowers surrounded you. The meadow was unfamiliar to you, but it was easily one of the most beautiful places you’d ever been. Weeping willow trees sprouted sporadically across the grounds, the occasional deer strolling along to pick at the hanging branches. Fireflies blinked through the night air, moving like tiny lanterns beneath the stars. 

“Here,” Rhysand’s voice summoned your attention.

He gestured with an open palm to a blanket laid out in the grass before you. Atop it sat treats and snacks and a few bottles of nice wine, all lit only by the stars. You felt warm, the effort he had put in to organize everything was blatantly clear.

“All this for me?” You teased, stepping up to the blanket with a smile.

“I thought I’d keep it simple for the first date,” he winked.

“This is hardly simple, Rhysand.”

“Rhys,” he corrected, taking a seat on the blanket, “Please, just call me Rhys.”

“I’ll call you something alright…” You mumbled as you sat down beside him.

You maintained a healthy amount of distance between you, ignoring the way your instincts nagged you to sit closer to him, to his warmth. Rhysand, Rhys, glanced at you, his soft smirk still present, his eyes trailing over your face.

“You’re nervous,” he observed.

“What gave me away?”

“Usually, you’d’ve called me at least four names by this point in our conversation.”

“Well, maybe I’m trying to be nice tonight.”

“You shouldn’t,” he said, making you quirk a brow, “I want to see you as you are.”

The casual tone of his voice was so contradictory to the weight of the words he laid on you. To be fae meant to perform in one way or another. Everyone played their part, their role, whether they liked it or not. You supposed that was exactly what Rhys did everyday, playing the part of the stern High Lord that annoyed you so much. You realized, then, that you wanted to see him as he was, too. 

“I’ll call you a snob, then,” you declared, picking up a bottle of his wine, “because this wine costs more than my old apartment.”

“Only the best for you, sweetheart,” he replied.

The nickname made you freeze, a blush threatening to reveal how much you liked it, but you shoved it down. A few days ago, the sound of his voice had you bristling with rage. If he had called you “sweetheart” yesterday, you likely would’ve snapped at him. 

“Just pour the wine.”

You less handed him the bottle so much as shoved it into his hands, causing him to let out a low chuckle. He poured two glasses worth of wine, offering one to you.

“You don’t need to be nervous,” he said, “I won’t bite. Not unless you ask me to.”

You barked out a laugh, rolling your eyes.

“Please, it’s been all of ten minutes. You’re not that good.”

“Really? Here I thought I had you swooning already.”

“Cockiness loses you points, you know.”

“I’m kicking myself over it already, sweetheart.”

It surprised you, how easy the conversation began to flow. Much like the rich, red wine in your glass, you found yourself pouring quips and jokes and laughs and stories from your lips before you realized. Rhys was witty, you knew as much before this evening, but you’d never found his clever tongue enjoyable back then. 

He asked you about your life before the war, before your home had been destroyed, and you told him. He let you ramble on and on about the books that lined your shelves that you lost, his eyes never once leaving your face. You told him stories of your friends, even ones they might not want exposed to the High Lord. 

In return, he told you about his father and his power, how he refused to be the same type of High Lord. Despite what Cassian and Azriel might like, Rhys let you in on some of their most embarrassing childhood adventures. He nearly whispered as he even told you about his wonderful mother, his bright young sister. 

The way he spoke to you was so different from the other interactions you’d had with him before. His voice had always been clipped around you, official and regal. Under the starlight, on the soft blanket in the grass, his voice was soft and smooth. The look in his violet eyes was not one of appraisal but one of appreciation. He would laugh sometimes, so deeply from his gut, and his cheeks would crease with the movement. You’d never realized how truly angelic the High Lord was.

“Do I have something on my face?” His voice snapped you from your reverie.

“Besides those high cheekbones and that arrogant smirk?”

“Oh, admiring my cheekbones, are we?”

“You wish.” Your words lacked their former bite, the venom you once used against him.

“Maybe I do. Maybe it’d make me feel better about admiring you so often.”

The admission made your heart squeeze in your chest. You didn’t try to fight your smile, your eyes flicking from his gaze to the curve of his lips. 

“How often would that be?” You asked, returning your eyes to his.

“Can’t tell you,” he hummed, one of his hands coming to rest on your cheek, “You’d think I’m crazy.”

“Trust me, I’m already there.”

“You wound me, sweetheart,” he laughed low, his thumb grazing your face tenderly.

“I’m almost sorry.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he murmured, his eyes trailing over your face longingly.

“Something on your mind, oh mighty High Lord?”

“I’d give anything to kiss you right now.” 

You blinked, not surprised by the request itself, but the bluntness of it almost caught you off guard. The blush you fought so hard to suppress finally made its debut on your cheeks and the tips of your ears. Your smile widened just slightly as you gazed at him, leaning into his touch.

“It’s your lucky day, then,” you mumbled, “you don’t have to give anything.”

In a second, you closed the narrow gap between the two of you, pressing your lips to his. You told yourself it was to test the waters; he was staring at you so pretty, there couldn’t be any harm in it. The truth, though, burned through both of your veins as your lips met. He hesitated for only a second, surprised by your boldness, but he was melting into the kiss 

You had yearned for this without even knowing it. His touch, his mouth on yours, his breath on your face, all things your body has craved even before you knew he was your mate. His lips were so soft on yours, sliding against yours smoothly. He kissed you like he needed it just as badly as you did, hunger and relief mixed together. 

You pulled back after a moment, breathing heavily through your nose. His eyes fluttered open after a moment, having shut when you kissed him, and he looked at you through a half-lidded gaze. He stayed close to you, close enough that if he leaned forward, you’d be kissing again. 

“Would you believe me if I said I’ve wanted to do that since I met you?” He asked, his lips quirking up in a smile.

“What?” You gaped, pulling back from him more, “No! You were so… official. I thought you just saw me as some pitiful little peasant.”

“Shit, Cassian told me I went too far with the house thing, he said you’d feel like a charity case, but I couldn’t stop myself. That’s not what you are to me, though. You never were. Of course I wanted to help you after the war, Velaris was my responsibility and you were part of Velaris. But, honestly, I just…” he sighed, trailing off.

“You what?” You pressed, furrowing your brows. 

“I thought you were hot. And I wanted the chance to get closer to you and it was all I could think of on the spot.”

“So… you panic-invited me to live in your house?”

“I… when you say it like that, it sounds really stupid.” He huffed, looking down at his lap.

“I think it might sound stupid no matter how you say it,” you laughed, bringing your hand to his chin, lifting his jaw to meet his eyes again, “but I kind of think it’s hilarious.”

“You mean you’re not turned off by my horrible flirting skills?”

“Only a little,” you teased.

Rhys laughed, leaning in to rest your foreheads together.

“Not enough to cost me a second date, I hope.”

“Mm, the council’s still out,” you pressed another quick kiss to his lips, laughing alongside him. 

“Are they open to bribes?”

“Most definitely.”

“Good, because I brought chocolate cake.”

Oh, yes, you thought, he could have a second date.

[in-my-feels-probably]

need acotar requests asap 👀 thinking about my boys