Aug 8, 2022
Eris x Tarquin is up bestie 😏🔥
PSA: Eris and Tarquin are a criminally underappreciated ship and @velidewrites has blessed us all with a multi-chapter fic that I’m obsessed with
Go check out the fic ASAP because the vibes are impeccable
seen from Nepal
seen from United States
seen from Australia
seen from Australia
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Brazil
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Canada
seen from China
seen from Canada
seen from China
seen from Türkiye
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Morocco
seen from China
seen from Malaysia
seen from United States
Eris x Tarquin is up bestie 😏🔥
PSA: Eris and Tarquin are a criminally underappreciated ship and @velidewrites has blessed us all with a multi-chapter fic that I’m obsessed with
Go check out the fic ASAP because the vibes are impeccable
A Court of Sun & Sea ☀️🌊
by talented, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular… @ladyllbookstan
Kaylane Narodowy Tarquin
Remembering that i write for fun🙂 - A Court of Sun and Sea \\ Tarquin and Kaylane Synopsis: Kaylane Narodowy, cousin and pupil of the High
https://href.li/?https://picrew.me/image_maker/296093
Wave Upon the Sand - A Tarquin Fic: Chapter 4
Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas Characters: Tarquin, Cresseida, Varian, Feyre, Rhysand, Amren POV: Tarquin Rating: T Word Count: 3117 Ao3: http://archiveofourown.org/works/9818336
Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3
Summary: Chapter 35-37 of ACOMAF from Tarquin’s POV.
Comments: The final chapter is upon us! I’m so sorry this took so long to post. Hopefully it is worth the wait! Thank you everyone who has commented, sent me asks, left kudos/likes, anything! It’s because of you guys that this exists right now. I hope you enjoyed this little foray into the Summer Court as much as I did.
As always, thank you to my lovely @illyriantremors for being the best cheerleader a writer could ask for. <3<3<3
Until the next fic (which may end up being sooner than you think... :3), enjoy!
-----
They joined us for dinner in our family dining room that evening. To my pleasure, she had worn the black diamond necklace, which suited her just as well as I thought it would. I swore I heard Varian make a choked noise when she walked in. Cresseida, to my surprise, eyed her appraisingly. “It suits you,” she said almost kindly. “That piece didn't fit here anyway.” Feyre bowed her head in thanks, but didn't take the unintentional bait. Varian watched Amren with curiosity, as though she were a riddle he needed the satisfaction of unraveling. However, she paid him no attention whatsoever as she debated with Cresseida over some ancient text.
Feyre had been chatting amicably with me, her smiles easy and relaxed. Rhysand was keeping close to her, though she didn't seem to be bothered by what was bordering on an invasion of personal space.
“You ate it right there,” I said with disbelief, raising my eyebrows as she told me about her day at dockside.
She shrugged. “They fried it with the other fishermen’s lunches. Didn't charge me extra for it.”
I let out a laugh, impressed. “I can't say I’ve ever done that—sailor or no.”
“You should,” she said earnestly. “It was delicious.”
“Well, maybe I’ll go tomorrow. If you’ll join me.”
She gave me a grin. “I’d like that. Perhaps we could go for a walk in the morning down the causeway when the tide is out. There's a little building along the way—it looks fascinating.”
Cresseida went silent suddenly, but Feyre, seemingly unaware, kept speaking. “I figure since I’ve seen most of the city now, I could see it on my way to visit some of the mainland, too.”
The question seemed innocent enough, but I still glanced at Cresseida. If this wasn't handled delicately—and quickly—we would be in very deep water.
“It's a temple ruin,” I said blandly, the lie coming to my lips easier than I liked. “Just mud and seaweed at this point. We’ve been meaning to repair it for years.” I still remembered the sick feeling I got from handling that evil metal box that now lay in the catacombs beneath the docks of Adriata, under the enchantments that now only I could break. The Book of Breathings. The unintelligible whispers that came from that metal box had snaked into my ears, so much that it made my very blood run cold just to think about it.
“Maybe we’ll take the bridge then,” she suggested, oblivious to my attempts to change the conversation. “I’ve had enough of mud for a while.”
I looked her in the eye. Why did she ask about the temple? Of all the things to bring up…
Another thought crossed my mind. Why did they want to come here so badly? Why ask about my trove? There were pieces of information, pieces of a puzzle that were all right there in front of me. All I needed to do was put—
She’s harmless. A small voice in my head said. My better judgement. She is kind, and sad, and broken. You saw her with your people—you saw how she treated them. How she treats you. Amarantha did not break that kindness.
It was true. She had given me no reason to distrust her.
Take her to the mainland tomorrow. That'll keep her from asking about the temple. She saved Prythian. She is your friend.
My worries faded away, until I couldn't even remember what I had been worried about in the first place. I could take Feyre to the mainland for a tour in the morning.
I smiled at her. “We’ll meet after breakfast. Unless Rhysand wants me for more meetings.” I turned to the bored High Lord and he waved a hand at me lazily.
“By all means, Tarquin, spend the day with my lady.” The possessiveness in those last two words was clear. Feyre braced her arms on the wooden table and gave me an easy smile. There was a flicker of distress in her eyes, but before I could ask her what was the matter, it was gone. “Tell me what there is to see on the mainland,” she said.
~~~
We left the palace early in the morning, just as the sun was coming up over the water. Feyre came out with a smile, but that inexplicable unhappiness in her eyes from the night before had still been there when met her at the door to her rooms. She also seemed to be very tired, and I wondered if we should have postponed it by a day or two. When I offered, she declined, the distress becoming determination, and we set off for the mainland.
It was nice speaking to anyone who was nearby. I loved that they were not afraid to walk up to us and start a conversation, though their warm greetings were nervous—guarded even—when they realized who my companion was. I wasn't surprised—they had survived so much here, and while they were grateful, they also wanted to distance themselves from the memories as much as possible and move forward. It was no fault of Feyre's, and I hoped that she understood that.
But as the day went on, she looked more and more tired. We stopped for a fried fish at the docks, which was indeed as delicious as Feyre had said. By the time the sun was sliding into the horizon, she finally admitted that she was tired and hungry, and so I bought her a baked fish pie as we headed back towards the palace.
Evening fell over the island all too soon, and we gathered in the dining room.
I turned to Feyre. “I know there are other places on the mainland to visit. Or we could always—”
“Unfortunately, we need to return home, by the afternoon at the latest,” Rhysand interrupted smoothly. “I have court matters to attend to, and we have been away long enough.” Feyre sat next to him, not saying a word. I felt a pang of disappointment at his words. Dinner with the Night Court had become somewhat of a normalcy now. I expected to see them there, to engage in conversation with someone other than Varian, Cresseida, or my other advisors. Dinner was quiet after that, with no one really sure what to say.
I walked them to their rooms, each step that took us closer to this final night with visitors making me sadder.
I kissed Feyre's cheek, fully aware of Rhysand’s watchful gaze. “I wish it wasn't your last evening. But perhaps I will see about visiting the Night Court soon.”
Rhysand placed his hand at the small of Feyre's back, not saying a word as she bid me good night.
~~~
I walked into my study to find Cresseida sitting at my desk. I stopped in the doorway.
“There you are,” she said. “I’ve been looking for you.”
I raised an eyebrow. “What are you doing here, Cresseida?”
“When were you going to tell me about this?” she asked without preamble, holding a folded paper in her hand. I could tell it was Tamlin's letter—the one that Varian had argued with me about a few days before.
“Where did you get that?” I asked harshly.
“I’ll be the one asking the questions, Tarquin,” she snapped. “You would put your entire court all in danger over a girl?”
I bristled at her tone. “I know what I'm doing.”
“Do you though?” She unfolded the letter. “Tarquin,” she read aloud, “I write this letter as an urgent request for your help. Feyre was taken from my lands under duress by the Night Court, and I believe is being held against her will. If you should come into contact with her, or she should pass through your lands, please let her know I am working tirelessly to find her, and if you are able—”
“Cresseida,” I interrupted.
“—please send word and we shall retrieve her in the safest manner possible.” She folded the letter back up. “That doesn't sound like someone who respects her decisions.”
“I confirmed—”
“I don't care what you confirmed! The Spring Court has specifically requested her return if she enters our borders.” She sighed. “I’ve sent a return letter stating she's here. Someone from the Spring Court should be here to collect her before they depart in the afternoon.” I stared incredulously at her, not quite believing what I was hearing. She almost looked sorry. “It's what's best, Tarquin. For everyone involved.”
“Being Princess of Adriata does not give you the right to act like you rule my court, Cresseida.”
“Your judgement has clearly been clouded—”
“He locked her up!” I snapped. “The Night Court rescued her, and—”
“That is not our concern, Tarquin,” she replied simply. “We sometimes have to make hard decisions, ones we may not like or even agree with, because they are what is right. She was entered into a bargain as a mortal that she should have been released from when she died for Prythian. She stayed, was engaged to Tamlin, and stolen from him.” She shook her head. “I do this not out of any animosity for her, or even Rhysand. I do this because I don't want to see my city wrested away from us again because we didn't do as the law demands.”
“The law,” I said hotly, “is what keeps Tamlin from going after her now. Do you really think, after all we’ve seen of them during this visit, that Rhysand would be so stupid to leave a loophole so simple for Tamlin to take her back? That's why Tamlin is trying to get the other High Lords to do his work for him. If Feyre didn't want to be in the Night Court, she wouldn't be.”
“Do you really believe that?” she asked quietly. I nodded.
“I do.” I walked back towards the door.
“Where are you going?”
I stopped and turned back towards her. “To get them out of here and hope we don't end up in the middle of a war between two courts.”
~~~
I rushed down the hallway as the sun began to rise over the horizon. If I could just warn them, maybe they could leave before word reached Tamlin. I thanked the Mother that Cresseida hadn't thought to give the message to anyone who could winnow. I knocked frantically.
No answer.
I knocked again, but still nothing. I couldn't hear anything. I opened the door to Rhysand’s room.
The room was empty.
Well, his things were still there. Packed for their departure, and the bed untouched. As though he never went to sleep last night. I opened the connecting door to Feyre's door. The same thing.
A sparkle in my peripheral vision made me turn towards the dresser. Lying there neatly on the top was the black diamond necklace I had given Feyre. The one she had been wearing just last night.
“Tarquin!” I turned around and found Varian standing in the doorway, panting, his eyes wild with panic.
“We have a problem.”
~~~
“And so we came here immediately to let you know,” the guard finished. I felt sick to my stomach. The Book of Breathings. Stolen from right under our noses, my guards assaulted, and my court in absolute chaos. Many of the guards were currently in the healer’s wing, though none of their injuries were life threatening.
I couldn't even begin to imagine how they had managed it. The enchantments were keyed to me—to the Summer Court itself. And to have it stolen by people we had welcomed in as our guests…
Though I knew that it hadn't been confirmed, there was just too much evidence to ignore.
I felt anger at myself for falling for their act, betrayed that they would do such a thing to us after the hospitality we had shown them… especially by Feyre. The guilt in her eyes now made perfect sense. She had known exactly what they were going to do. I wondered idly if she had been in on this plan since they arrived, or if she had been involved after they got here.
“Tarquin.” I turned to look at Varian, who seemed uncharacteristically nervous. “The water.”
I looked to the bay outside the window to the dining room and found the sea choppy and dangerous—a mirror of my own feelings. I no longer cared how much they had charmed me, or if any of them had been genuine with me. The sea called for vengeance at this betrayal, and as it’s High Lord, I would give it what it asked.
“Lord Tarquin?” I looked up at the courtier who stood nervously at the table. “An emissary from the Spring Court is here to see you in the throne room.” I let out a curse. As if my morning couldn't possibly get any worse. I turned to Varian, who nodded.
“Send him in here,” he told the man. With a bow, the man left. Varian turned to me.
“Did Cresseida…?” His voice trailed off. I nodded, and he cursed under his breath as the door creaked open. The red haired man in fine clothes and a clearly well used sword that stood in the doorway before me was one I hadn't seen in a few months. His gaze, mismatched golden and russet, shifted between Varian and I before settling on me.
“Lucien,” I greeted him. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?” I knew exactly why he was here, but I wanted to hear it from him.
He walked up to the other end of the table and gave me a small bow. “Lord Tarquin, we received word from your court that the Night Court was here, along with our missing Lady Feyre. We hoped to be able to intercept them before they got away from us again.” The hope in his eyes made me hate to tell him.
“Yes, Cresseida unfortunately sent word without informing me. I am afraid that you have just missed them. They left in the middle of the night.”
Lucien's shoulders sagged, his expression weary and his eyes almost haunted. I wondered how long he had been searching for her, and what had happened since she had left the Spring Court.
“Should you come into contact with her again—”
“Lucien,” I said gravely. “If I come into contact with Lady Feyre again, she will be answering for crimes against the Summer Court.” He looked stunned.
“Crimes?” he asked incredulously. “What did she do?”
“That is Summer Court business, of no importance to the Spring Court,” I said flatly. I did not need another Court knowing that we had lost the Fae half of the Book of Breathings.
“Whatever happened, I can assure you that she was not a willing participant,” Lucien insisted. “She was kidnapped from the Spring Court by—”
“Yes, I heard about that.” An idea crossed my mind. “Tell me, Lucien,” I asked, “are the rumors true that Tamlin locked Lady Feyre up in the Spring Court?”
His posture stiffened. “No.” The clear lie wasn't even dressed up with an explanation. Likely less story to keep track of as he went to each court. “We received this letter not long ago from the Night Court,” Lucien said, changing the subject abruptly. He pulled a piece of paper from the inner pocket of his waistcoat and held it out to me. I looked to the Varian, who walked over to Lucien and took the paper from his hand.
I left of my own free will.
I am cared for and safe. I am grateful for all that you did for me, all that you gave.
Please don’t come looking for me. I’m not coming back.
“I mean, who would believe that she actually wrote this?” Lucien said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the realm. “She is illiterate.”
If that were the case, then Feyre's panic during the Second Trial suddenly made sense. I had never seen Feyre's handwriting, but I knew without a doubt this wasn't Rhysand's. Not that the handwriting was bad, but his penmanship was far more polished than this. Feyre had said that Tamlin respected her decisions, but I wondered if that was truly the case.
“Even if that is true, it does not change the fact that she has committed a crime.”
“But you know she would never do anything like that if she were herself,” Lucien argued, having not noticed that I had tuned him out. I felt pity for him. I wondered if he, or even his High Lord, knew Feyre completely. I wondered again if I had.
“I do not know that Lucien,” I said harshly. “Who can say who Lady Feyre truly is? We have only Under the Mountain and our own interactions to draw from, which clearly were different.” Lucien looked like he was about to say something, but thought better of it.
“I can promise her a chance to explain, and nothing more,” I continued as I rose from my chair. “Princess Cresseida will see to it that you and your men have a place to stay for the night so that you may be on your way home tomorrow.” Lucien looked surprised at my blunt dismissal, but bowed his head.
“Thank you, for your generosity,” he said, though I could tell from his expression that this had not gone at all how he had envisioned.
“If there is nothing else, I must take my leave. I have business to attend to.” Without waiting for Lucien to agree, I walked past him, Varian close on my heels.
“Tarquin, that—”
“We need to go to the vaults,” I interrupted. Varian’s eyes widened in understanding.
~~~
“Tarquin, are you sure—”
“I don't blame you, Varian. You and Cresseida tried to warn me. The consequences of this are mine to bear.” We stood in the middle of the vault I had first taken Feyre to only days before. It was amazing how quickly things changed. I had placed the necklace back on a shelf, but I had hidden it behind the gaudy ruby and gold one. I didn't even want to look at it. I opened the chest in front of me, revealing a small fortune in deep red rubies that had an almost sinister feel to them. Blood rubies. I let out a sigh and took two rubies in my hands, and placed them in the velvet of a box with a mother of pearl dagger inlaid on the top. With a heavy heart, I took a third and placed it next to the others. “Have a courier deliver this to the Night Court immediately.”
And closed the box with a snap.
Wave Upon the Sand - A Tarquin Fic: Chapter 3
Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas Characters: Tarquin, Cresseida, Varian, Feyre, Rhysand, Amren POV: Tarquin Rating: T Word Count: 3840 Ao3: http://archiveofourown.org/works/9818336
Chapter 1 Chapter 2
Summary: Chapter 34 of ACOMAF from Tarquin’s POV.
Comments: Thank you to everyone who left me such nice comments & messages! I’m sorry this chapter is a week late; work really took it out of me this last week! Hope this ends up being worth the wait! Enjoy!
As always, thank you to my lovely @illyriantremors for being the best cheerleader a writer could ask for. <3<3<3
---
My morning meeting with Varian and Cresseida went about as well as expected. By the time they left my chambers, I was grateful that I had my tour with Feyre to look forward to. She had been noticeably absent at breakfast, and even Rhysand's gaze darted towards the door a few times, as though he expected her to walk in at any moment. But she never did.
I knew I was too early to the meeting as I sat in the agreed upon room off of the main hall. But the quiet was hard to come by outside of my rooms, and it was nice to have a few moments to collect my thoughts and try to prepare for whatever Rhysand would throw at us. It was unfortunately short lived, as Varian walked in, his brow creased.
“Please don't give me bad news,” I said as he slid into the seat next to me.
“You’re the High Lord. Bad news comes with the territory.” He slid a folded piece of paper towards me. “Before you open that, I should tell you the rumors that have been going around the servants quarters.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Since when do you care what the servants have to say?”
“Since what they're saying involves our current guests, specifically a certain Cursebreaker.”
I swore under my breath, and looked pointedly at the folded letter. “Is this from the Spring Court?” He nodded. “What does he want?” I prompted.
“You can read the letter, but I imagine you can hazard a guess what it says.”
“First tell me what you learned.” I didn't touch the paper.
Varian looked at me for a long moment before continuing. “Word has it that Feyre was taken out of the Spring Court by a woman from the Night Court because Tamlin locked her in his manor.” I looked at him stunned. Noticing my look, Varian continued, “But it doesn't make sense, because—”
“—why would you lock up someone you love,” I finished for him. “Especially after what she did for him, for all of us, Under the Mountain.” We’d all been trapped in those tunnels and catacombs, but judging from how she looked whenever she hadn't been paraded around as Rhysand’s plaything, Feyre had actually been treated like a prisoner there. I could imagine that Tamlin locking her up had not gone over well. I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose. “Where does this put us?”
“In the middle,” he deadpanned.
“Varian,” I warned. He sighed.
“It is as Cresseida said—if we are directly asked, we are honor bound to return her.”
“Rhysand is not stupid,” I said. “If they took her, he wouldn't have left any loose ends for Tamlin to pull on to get her back if she didn't want to go.” He was too thorough to let something like that catch him unawares.
Varian pushed the folded paper closer to me. “Read his request for yourself if you’d like. But by law we have to inform him she is here.” I shook my head.
“Not yet. I want to know her side of the story first.”
“She's not going to tell you the truth, especially if she truly doesn't want to go back,” Varian argued. “If she is consorting with the Night Court or under Rhysand’s control, she is not to be trusted.”
“She’s not under Rhysand’s control,” I said flatly. “And what if the rumors are true? We’d be sending her back into the hands of someone who locked her up.”
“Can you prove that she's telling the truth though?” His tone wasn't accusatory, but quiet now.
“I—” Before I could finish speaking, Cresseida walked purposefully into the room. I didn't know whether to be annoyed or relieved.
“What are you doing here, Cresseida?” Varian hissed as she took a seat next to him. I discreetly slid the letter underneath some of Varian’s other papers, thankfully without her seeming to notice.
“I’m the Princess of Adriata. If you are having a meeting in my city, then I should be a part of it.” Varian shifted his gaze to me, as if beseeching me to back him up, while Cresseida smiled triumphantly. She knew that I couldn't outright reject her without looking like I couldn't control my own court, especially when our guests were likely going to walk in at any moment. I looked at Cresseida hard.
“No trying to make Rhysand suffer because of your bruised ego. We are here for negotiations, not petty squabbling. I mean it,” I warned as she opened her mouth to retort. To my relief, Rhysand and Amren walked into the room at that moment. I noticed he barely even spared Cresseida a glance, which only deepened her scowl. He took a seat across from me, Amren to his right and across from Varian, and steepled his fingers in front of him with a flash of his teeth. “So, shall we get started?”
~~~
“Your Illyrian cavalry can only do so much,” Cresseida interrupted. “Our armada is suited for any weather, while yours is limited to when they can safely fly.” Apparently she really hadn't taken well to Rhysand ignoring her advances. We had been in this meeting for over an hour, probably closer to two, and we had gotten absolutely nowhere thanks to Cresseida interrupting and acting like she was in charge. Rhysand caught my eye more than a few times and I could have sworn that I saw a flash of sympathy there. I wanted nothing more than to sink into the floor.
“Your armada is useful where there is water,” Amren drawled. She didn't seem to be the least bit perturbed by the princess. If anything, she looked amused.
Cresseida narrowed her eyes at the perpetually grey clad woman. “In case you haven't noticed, Lady,” she bit out, “Prythian is surrounded by it.”
Rhysand’s Second grinned, her silver eyes flashing with predatory triumph. “And in case you've forgotten, your northern neighbor is Winter—that means ice, princess.” Ignoring fury on my sister’s face, the woman turned to Varian with a smirk. “It matters not to us if you wish to sail on your own. We have made our offer.”
“Your offer is too presumptuous,” Varian ground out. “The Night Court doesn't have the reputation to rally the courts to an alliance against Hybern. People will not forget Amarantha and the Night Court’s involvement with her so easily.” I swore I saw Rhysand stiffen at his words, but he kept his expression stoic. He’d barely said more than a few words, content to let his Second take the lead. It was like he wasn't even here at points. Varian hadn't seemed to notice; his irritation with the small woman’s barely veiled snark was becoming more obvious as the discussion continued, and I feared if it went on for much longer, this verbal sparring session would get physical fast. “Who among your Court knows even the first thing about sailing anyway?”
“The Night Court’s general and Shadowsinger, as well as his Third and the High Lord himself all participated in the War, and are well versed in the application of military tactics,” she said matter of factly. “Especially if you take the Illyrian camps into consideration.” Indeed, the rumors of the brutality in the camps was well known, even this far south. I didn't want to think of what kind of person that Rhysand had to be to allow it to go on. “As for sailing…” The woman’s smile was serpentine as she went on. “That's where you and your High Lord come in, Captain. I hear you both were quite the accomplished sailors for Nostrus.”
I nodded. “We commanded our cousin's military interests on the sea.”
“Yes, and also some of his less… savory exports, correct?” Rhysand finally spoke. “Some that bordered on piracy? At least, that's what your princess mentioned last night.”
I turned to Varian, whose face had gone white. Even I knew nothing about this. But there was only one place that information could have come from. I slid my eyes over to Cresseida, whose fury had progressed to her becoming red faced with embarrassment. Apparently her attempts to glean information had backfired.
But—” Rhysand paused for a moment, violet eyes glittering dangerously. “Say what you will about me, and what I did over the last fifty years, but leave my court out of it.”
My eye caught the pearl and gold accented grandfather clock; only a few minutes until two, when I had promised to meet Feyre. I rose from the table.
“I have a previous engagement. If there is nothing else that requires my attention,” I said, looking at Rhysand and trying not to seem too eager to escape the tension in the room, “I can leave you with Varian for further discussion.” I could feel the two sets of eyes next to me glaring, but I ignored them.
Rhysand shook his head. “I have nothing to discuss that cannot wait until a later time,” he said smoothly, his tone back to normal. He rose gracefully from the table, Amren and my advisers following suit as they collected their belongings and followed me into the hall.
Feyre stood outside in the hall, leaning against the seashell pillar.
“You're looking well today,” I said, inclining my head. She wore a dress of seafoam green and rose gold, her hair braided with pearls. The color almost perfectly matched to the accents on my own tunic—like we had planned it, though I knew it was merely coincidence. However, I could feel Rhysand's gaze flicking between Feyre and I, even though he didn't say a word.
“I hope I’m not interrupting,” she said to Amren, avoiding the eyes of Cresseida and Rhysand.
The small woman shrugged her shoulders. “We were finishing up a rather lively debate about armadas and who might be in charge of a unified front. Did you know that before they became so big and powerful, Tarquin and Varian led Nostrus’s fleet?” I thanked the Cauldron she didn't mention the other information she had revealed at the table.
“You didn't mention you were a sailor,” she said with interest. I rubbed the back of my neck, trying not to feel pleased.
“I had planned to tell you during our tour.” I held out an arm. “Shall we?” I wanted to get away from them all as quickly as possible before someone else began talking.
She looped her arm through mine, and without meeting the gaze of either of her companions, she said to no one in particular, “See you later.”
I could feel Rhysand watching her—watching us—as we walked away. I knew he was jealous, could practically feel it charging the air around him, and perhaps she did too. But after the display he had put on with Cresseida the night before in front of her, and as she gave me a pretty smile that I couldn't help but return, I couldn't find it in myself to feel guilty.
~~
As I brought her into the underground treasure room—one of many where we had stashed artifacts in our haste—she openly gawked at the display of jewels, treasure, and wealth. “And this is—this is just one of the troves?”
I loosed a chuckle. “My ancestors were greedy bastards.” Indeed they were. The troves had been scattered across all of the cities, and I had a feeling that we still hadn't found some of the older ones.
She shook her head, striding to look at the stone shelves piled haphazardly with boxes full of gems, surrounded by the overflowing chests of gold. Two dresses, woven of cobwebs and starlight, were situated not far from her. I idly wondered if they would fit her.
“Do you know the history behind each piece?” she asked, looking at some of the swords and daggers.
“Some,” I said, keeping my eyes on her as moved about the room. “I haven't had much time to learn about it all.”
She turned in a circle, as if admiring the room as a whole. “What's the most valuable thing in here?”
“Thinking of stealing?” I teased with an easy grin.
She laughed. “Wouldn't asking that question make me a lousy thief?”
I studied her. Standing her amongst our treasures and history, she looked like she… belonged. “I’d say I’m look at the most valuable thing in here.
She blushed a rosy pink. “You're—very kind.”
I smiled at her softly. Underneath all that fire, there was a woman who had been through far too much in her short life. I wondered if she realized how rare such a strength was, even among the immortal. “Honestly, I don't know what's the most valuable thing. These are all priceless heirlooms of my house.”
She walked up to another shelf, scanning the collection of baubles and jewelry. She suddenly stopped, looking at something in particular. I moved behind her to see what had caught her interest.
A black diamond necklace. The stones seemed to consume the light around them, and yet sparkled invitingly. I had no idea where it had come from, but it seemed very Night Court, if I were honest. It probably had been inspired by it at some point in history, or possibly taken from there in centuries past. I could imagine it would look stunning on her. Her eyes were fixed intently on the sparkling gems, as if she saw something in the darkness that I did not. “Take it,” I found myself saying.
“What?” She whirled toward me, her surprise evident. I rubbed the back of my neck.
“As a thank-you. For Under the Mountain.” I pulled the box from the shelf and shut the lid, handing it to her. She looked at me stunned. “You were the first person who didn't laugh at my idea to break down class barriers. Even Cresseida snickered when I told her.” She usually wouldn't have given me a reaction, but I must have surprised her that day, because Varian was commenting on it days later. “If you won't accept the necklace for saving us, then take it for that.”
“It's a good idea, Tarquin,” she insisted. “Appreciating it doesn't mean you have to reward me.”
I shook my head. Stubborn, modest girl. “Just take it.” She looked torn, but she finally closed her hands around the box. “It will suit you in the Night Court.”
“Perhaps I’ll stay here and help you revolutionize the world,” she suggested.
I gave her a half smile. As much as I could see myself enjoying that, I knew it wasn't meant to be. “I could use an ally in the North.”
She looked stricken for a moment, and the scent of fear began to waft off of her.
“You have nothing to fear from me,” I said hastily, trying to put her at ease again. “But I meant it—you have…” I searched for the right word. “...sway with Rhysand. And he is notoriously difficult to deal with.” I thought back to this morning’s meeting, how laid back he had been, while still being as unmoving as adamant. “He gets what he wants, has plans he does not tell anyone about until after he’s completed them, and does not apologize for any of it. Be his emissary to the human realm—but also be ours. You’ve seen my city. I have three others like it. Amarantha wrecked them almost immediately after she took over. All my people want now is peace, and safety, and to never have to look over their shoulders again. Other High Lords have told me about Rhys—and warned me about him. But he spared my cousin, and we had forces gathering in all of our cities to storm Under the Mountain. They caught him sneaking out through the tunnels to meet with them. Rhys saw that in Brutius’s mind—I know he did. And yet he lied to her face, and defied her when she gave the order to turn him into a living ghost. Maybe it was for his own schemes, but I know it was a mercy. He knows I'm young—and inexperienced, and he spared me.” I shook my head. “Sometimes, I think Rhysand… I think he might have been her whore to spare us all from her full attention.” After his comment today, I was more certain than ever.
Feyre kept her expression stoic, but the flicker in her eyes told me my suspicions were correct, or at least very close. I studied her, dressed like she belonged here, and wondered if it was more intentional than I had previously thought.
“I know I'm supposed to look at you,” I continued, “and see that he's made you into a pet, into a monster. But I see the kindness in you. And I think that reflects more on him than anything. I think it shows you and he might have many secrets—”
“Stop,” she blurted out. “Just—stop. You know I can't tell you anything. And I can't promise you anything. Rhysand is High Lord. I only serve in his court.”
I glanced at the ground. “Forgive me if I’ve been forward. I'm still learning how to play the games of these courts—to my advisers’ chagrin.”
She smiled softly. “I hope you never learn how to play the games of these courts.”
I looked at her warily. “Then allow me to ask you a blunt question. Is it true you left Tamlin because he locked you up in his house?”
She seemed stunned for a moment, but then nodded stiffly.
“And is it true that you were saved from confinement by the Night Court?”
Again she nodded. I wanted to curse out loud. I knew Tamlin did some brash things, but locking up a former prisoner who had been tortured as she’d been… that was callous as well as cruel, no matter what his intentions had been.
“The Spring Court is my southern neighbor. I have tenuous ties with them. But unless asked, I will not mention that you were here.” And because of that, I would not read the letter.
She bowed her head in thanks. “Any other treasure troves to show me?”
“Are gold and jewels not impressive enough? What if your merchant’s eye?”
She tapped the box in her hand. “Oh, I got what I wanted. Now I’m curious to see how much your alliance is worth.”
I laughed loudly, the sound echoing around us. “I didn't feel like going to my meetings this afternoon, anyway.”
“What a reckless, wild young High Lord,” she teased. There wasn't a trace of fear in her eyes anymore.
I offered my arm to her and linked elbows with her patting her arm as we left the chamber. “You know, I think it might be very easy to love you, too, Feyre. Easier to be your friend.” She looked away shyly as I placed my hand back on the door, just above the handle. I could hear the audible click of the locks sliding into place as we walked away.
~~~
We went to other rooms beneath the palace, the troves of jewels, weapons, and clothes that were centuries old and in some cases would probably have disintegrated had they been made by anything but fae hands. She looked particularly excited when we entered the vault of books, but seemed disappointed that there was nothing in there that she could read. As we walked to the door of the storage room filled with all the art we'd managed to hide before the occupation, she said tiredly, “I think I’ve seen enough for today.” I nodded and resealed the chamber, escorting her back to the upper levels of the palace and leaving her with the promise of seeing her at dinner.
I walked into the hallway of my quarters as I saw Varian walking towards me. “Where have you been?” he said in greeting, clearly frustrated. “We had a scheduled meeting two hours ago.”
I met his stare. “I was enjoying my afternoon with our guest.”
He scowled at me. “Tarquin, I’m inclined to agree with Cresseida. There is something off about this visit.”
“Maybe so, but I confirmed the rumors. He did lock her up, and she was rescued by the Night Court.”
Varian swore. “This doesn't change anything. She still is the future Lady of the Spring Court, no matter how Rhysand dresses her up. Tamlin is going to want an answer, Tarquin, and soon.”
“And he’s not getting one. Not from me.”
“If you don't answer, Cresseida will,” he warned. “You know that.”
“Against the direct order of her High Lord? No she won't. Her rank will only get her so far before it becomes treason.”
Varian raised his brows. “You wouldn't seriously declare her a traitor, Tarquin. Over a guest from the Night Court of all places?”
I looked at him squarely. “If it is deserved, I will.” I let out a frustrated sigh. “You and Cresseida have insisted that I need to act like the High Lord—”
“Not like this,” he interrupted.
“You can’t have it both ways, Varian. You can’t have me be one or the other if it is convenient for you.”
“This has nothing to do with us,” he snapped. “This has to do with gaining allies so we are not sitting ducks if Rhysand is right about Hybern.”
“The Spring Court—”
“—shares our southern border. The Night Court is nowhere near enough to give any kind of immediate aid.” He let out a sigh. “I want to trust them too, Tarquin. I know that after what you endured, you feel that you owe them for not turning you in after Brutius was caught. But you have to think of your—”
“I am thinking of my people—of my court.”
“Are you? Or are you thinking of a pretty face that has already charmed two High Lords, and now possibly a third?”
I didn't know how to respond to that. Varian shook his head. “We’ll discuss this more later. Right now, we need to prepare for our meetings with them tomorrow, and hope that Cresseida hasn't spilled any other information she shouldn't have when she was trying to charm it out of Rhysand.”
“You mean things like piracy, Varian?” I asked harshly. I’d almost forgotten about it.
He shook his head. “It's not like she made it sound. This was centuries ago. We attacked ships that belonged to pirates in our waters, and merchant ships from the mortal realms that went off course and refused to turn back. Some of the men… kept the things they found.” He sighed. “This is what I mean. They are trying to divide us from the inside. And I think the Cursebreaker, while maybe unwilling, is a part of it.” He led me down the hall, and his words echoed in my head, drowning out anything else he had to say as we walked towards the dining hall. Feyre and Rhysand were both noticeably absent this time, and I couldn't help but wonder if maybe Varian was right.
Oooh I was so excited when I saw you had written another fic and it was fantastic!!! I loved reading from Tarquin's pov and it would be so cool if you did decide to continue it, maybe when he decided to send them the blood rubies or his impression of feyre and Rhys' relationship by the end of the visit? But I'll read anything you write!😊
You are such a kind lovely person to leave me such a sweet note!!! 😍 I really appreciate it, more than I can say! 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
I’m actually continuing the Tarquin fic, & currently planning to do the whole rest of the trip! So his impressions of Feysand throughout their visit & also the whole Blood Rubies incident are definitely going to be a thing! 😁 Chapter 2 is in the works right now & is about 1300 words so far and counting. I’m excited to share it with you all once it’s finished! 😊
illyriantremors replied to your post: “Oooh I was so excited when I saw you had written another fic and it…”:
“…currently in the works…” YEAH IT IS
YOU KNOW! 😜