Cassian X Winter Court Reader
Cassian woke gently from the sleep he had been in during the night. He had the same routine everyday, wake up, train, breakfast, patrol, mess with Az if he was around, lunch, train some more, dinner, shower, sleep. It was everyday, unless something else were to come up. Like today
Today Rhys was dragging him, very reluctantly, to the winter court to look for a gift for Feyre. He was looking for a book that she had wanted, the author residing in the Winter Court. They had told him that he could come and get the signed set that she had been obsessing with. As much as Rhys was going to shop as a husband, he was still the High Lord of the Night and he could not go alone. There in lies the Cassian predicament.
Cass has been known to cause trouble in other courts, and not even maliciously. That was just how Cassian was.
So after training for around 2 hours, Cass came back down to the House. Showered and dressed in his armored leathers, siphons glowing radiating the power that was housed within him. As he entered the foyer he saw Rhys lounging against the wall, waiting for him
“You ready to go, should I bring reinforcements incase you decided to plow through something. You never know when I’ll need backup” he said smirking
“Hah Rhys you’re so funny, no I am prepared to be on my best behavior this trip” he said scowling back at the man
“If you say so, but i swear if you destroy a building or start throwing snow at me i will send you home”
Cassian threw his hands up in mock surrender “oh god I’m so scared, come on lover boy let’s go get your girl her stuff”
Rhys laughed at the antics of his right hand, he gestured Cassian to come head out with him. Usually you would expect them to winnow but, the two of them didn’t have much time for free flight. So they took to the skies, for them the feeling of wind beneath their wings was everything, and without having to worry about anything malicious it was even better. The bonus was that everyone knew the flight to winter, was beautiful. The view from the sky was something unexplainable.
The sun gleamed off buildings and made the snow sparkle. When they saw the main gates of winter they started their descent to the ground. When they landed, the entered through the gates. Cassian felt a tingle run up his neck, and tried to shake it off. Rhys happened to notice that, he looked around them before speaking
“I know that look, what is it”
Cass pondered for a minute before responding
“I’m not sure- it just felt like eyes on us but I can’t see anyone”
They both shared a look before advancing more into the Court. Taking in all of the surroundings, Cass had always been a little enamored with this Court enjoying the dynamic and their training regiment. Not to mention the snow, even though it was cold, was very fun for him.
As they continued to walk forth, Cassian could not shake the feeling of eyes on him. It wasn’t until he heard a snap that he swiveled to the left of him. He saw a creature, one bigger than he could have expected to find within the Courts walls. It had sharp icicles edges, but the sheer height of it was what threw him off. It was about as tall as the two men put together. The edges, although menacing, were nothing compared to the teeth it housed. Almost as if it had bitten off shards of glass and lodged them into their mouth. He had never seen anything like that and wasn’t sure where to start. Nonetheless he moved to stand in front of Rhys drawing his weapon from his body.
The creature let out a growl, one that had his eyes widening just slightly. He has been training his whole life, he wasn’t going to let some unknown thing knock him off his game. They circled one another, both seemingly sizing up the other. The creature stomped one of his large feet into the ground. Almost like he was rearing up, ready to advance on the two men. Before anyone could react, an arrow buzzed through the air causing the beast to turn away.
At the creatures distraction a flash of blue and purple zipped in front of them, sliding in front of the creature. They watched as the figure pulled a glowing arrow from their pouch placing it in the bow before shooting it. It landed square in the center of the creatures chest. They watched as the creature crumpled to the ground, falling into what like a dusting of snow.
The boys were bewildered, they had never seen anything happen so smooth and so fast. Nonetheless by a hooded figure draped in color, who didn’t seem to think twice before acting. They watched as the figure stood and brushed themselves off. Rhys caught sight of smaller hands with slim fingers. He was surprised that a male guard was so petite and fast paced.
The figure turned gently towards the two, before pulling their hood down. Stood before them was a female, one of the last things they expected. You were beautiful, with pointed ears, and grey eyes that seemed to sparkle in the light. You looked up towards them before bowing slightly. The men forgetting that they are high ranking members of another court.
“Good morning High Lord and General- Lord of Bloodshed” your voice fluttered out to them “I apologize for that interaction, I assure you no other harm will come to you during your trip here”
“Who are you, and how did you manage that?” Rhys asked causing you to smirk
“Come now we can make introductions later, it seems as though someone is waiting for you”
You gestured an arm at them waving them toward where they could see Kalias standing. Rhys walked forward towards where he stood and Cassian followed behind almost in a trance. He had never seen such a smooth take down, especially from a woman. Or from one as pretty as she was. He had worked with woman before but they had been timid- coming from trauma and looking for an outlet. You looked like you were born to be what you were.
When they reached Kalias he and Rhys bowed their heads to one another showing respect and thanks for allowing one another to be in each court when needed.
“Rhysand, Cassian I see you had an eventful entrance” he chuckled
“You could definitely say that” Rhys chuckled “I don’t think either of us knew what to expect when it came to that beast. Thank goodness she was around” he said gesturing towards you
“Ah yes don’t give her too much credit now, it will go to her head” he said looking at you
“Lord Kalias” you grumbled out sending daggers with her eyes towards the man causing him to let out a loud laugh
“Gentlemen you’ve heard me speak of my General, my right hand. Cassian I believe the two of you have shared some correspondence in regards to training.”
Cassian and Rhys both nodded before Rhys spoke out
“Yes we’ve heard good things are we going to meet them while we are here. I know Cassian Azriel and myself all very much appreciated their insight”
It was true. Cassian was looking to find some exercises that would help with agility and accuracy and Rhys had suggested reaching out to Winters General. They had seen how well they could maneuver and thought it would be the best place to start.
They watched as you rolled your eyes at Rhys comment. Unaware as to why you would be bothered by this
“Well the good news is you have already met them” Kalias responded placing a hand on you as you stayed next to him
“This is General Y/N of Winter. My right hand, closest confidant and oldest friend”
You whipped your head to your friend quickly before speaking in a low tone
“You better mean for the longest time and not old as in age Kal or you and I will have words once we are not in the company of others”
Both High Lords laughed at your comment, Cassian was bewildered he never knew that the person he had been communicating with was you. Nor that you were a female, it didn’t make him feel anything other than impressed that you could have such amazing strategy and order men around the way you did. He knew the General of Winter had a strong reputation that made it so that your legions respected and honored your presence.
“My apologies General Y/N, I was not aware that you were who we’d heard about. Kal doesn’t let you out much. It is a pleasure to meet you” Rhys replied
“Well he needs someone to keep things running when he’s off gallavanting” you said lightly elbowing your friend before continuing
“As much as you and I are accustomed to the cold, I feel like our company would appreciate a little warmth and maybe some tea after their encounter”
All of the men decided to agree before moving back towards the House that Kal stays in. You walked to the door and opened it- gesturing the men into the house. They walked in smoothly, Cassian tucking his wings tightly behind his back to make sure not to bump anyone.
The boys took their cloaks off, you took them from all three before turning towards the large coat hanger. After hanging all of the cloaks, you also removed yours. Revealing the lined leathers that you had on. But also revealing the glowing purple siphons that adorned your body. 5 to be exact. Rhys’ eyes widened and Cassians mouth visibly fell open. Kal watched the interaction trying to subdue a chuckle before bellowing.
You whipped around trying to see what all the commotion was about. Catching the looks you were being thrown. You looked down at yourself noticing your siphone still had quite a bit of glow after using them with the beast.
“What you’ve never seen someone with siphons before? I know your spymaster has some. As well as you General”
“Cassian, just Cassian is good”
“Then you just call me Y/N if we are getting rid of the formalities. Because referring to everyone with their titles is the worst”
Cassian couldn’t help but chuckle at that. He agreed, it was awful having to keep the facade on with Rhys when others were around. Rhys spoke next
“Well, Kalias and I are going to go into town. He will help me with getting the books I need since he also needs to visit the shopkeep. Cassian do you think you can contain yourself from destroying anything while im gone.”
“Rhys I am very well contained. Go do your gift shit im sure I’ll be fine here alone”
Kalias lightly grumbled accompanied with a chuckle
“Oh dear boy you won’t be alone, Y/N will be here” he said causing your head to whip around “the two of you can talk in person instead of corresponding through letters” he waved his hand and the High Lords were gone.
Cassian and you moved towards the sitting room. You sat across from one another in the large grey chairs that Kal had. It was quiet at first before Cassian spoke
“I hope I didn’t offend you when I saw you and spoke to you” he said rubbing the side of his arm
“Nothing to apologize for, I know it’s not customary for a woman to be General, even less for that woman to have the amount of siphons I have” he nodded at that
“Can I ask you something”
“Of course, is it training information you’re looking for again” you said sitting straighter up thinking this was a professional line of questioning. Causing Cassian to shake his head
“No no it’s not about training, I actually was interested in learning more about you. You’ve helped me enough with training material” he laughed a bit at the end, relaxing into the seat some more.
You leaned into the laugh, it was nice to be able to talk with someone that wasn’t Kal in a normal capacity. You exhaled and allowed yourself to breathe out before slumping into the back of the chair realizing this wasn’t a formality. You smiled at him softly
“Ok Cassian, what do you want to know”
“Well how long have you and Kalias been friends”
“Oh god wow well the short answer is my whole life”
“Are you sure you have time for that?”
He waved his hand out dramatically as if dismissing your question as it was silly
“Please once Rhys has someone new to talk about Feyre too it will go on for a long time. And I’m sure Kalias is the same way and the Viviane”
You nodded, suffering with first hand experience of the man going on and on about his mate. But you couldn’t blame him, seeing him so happy and whole was everything you ever wanted for him
“Ok well, he and I were born only a few days apart. Our mothers had been best friends their entire lives so we grew up with one another. We would play together, nap, eat, honestly anything that we would do it was as if we were attached at the hip” Cassian watched you recount your beginning with the High Lord with a small smile across your face. He couldn’t help but smile along with you “when we got to be about 13 our roles started to change. He knew ge was going to have to step into the High Lord role one day- and I wasn’t sure what I would do”
Back then, you didn’t know what you were going to do. Women had more options in Winter but it still was not ideal. And to you none of the offered futures sounded good to you.
“So when he started to train, so did I. At first it was just learning what he could remember when he was done for the day so he could practice. But eventually I talked him into letting me go with him. And it was the best decision I ever made. It was as if something finally clicked inside of me. I love the thrill and the challenges that it gave me.” You looked up at him seeing him already looking at you sent a flush of warmth through you and caused you to smile before lightly dipping your head. It didn’t matter that you had fought in wars or that you were also a General, the beautiful male in front of you still made you flush.
“It wasn’t all easy though. As a woman not many people really believed I could be as successful as the other males also in training. They didn’t think I had the power” that caused Cassian to let out a very unhappy grumble
“Bastards I swear-no one knows how to show some damn respect” he said lowly but you still heard him
“So one day at training, we were midway through when 3 of the older males came up and started to jab at me. It was insults at first and little comments but it quickly moved to physicality. They were pushing at me, shoving, and insulting. I knew that I could brush them off but it seemed like me ignoring them seemed to make them more upset. I could see Kal approaching which only spurred them on more.”
Oh here comes the girls knight in armor. If it weren’t for him and his almost title you wouldn’t be allowed here. Maybe you should head back to his chambers and actually prepare yourself for what you’re meant for
“I remember them saying that, and something lit inside me like a fire. I never liked the insinuation that I would be nothing more than a body to warm his bed. Because one- ew no never and two- because I wanted to train I wanted to do something that made me feel fulfilled and that was what I was going to achieve.” Cassian reached forward and placed a hand gently on your knee seemingly comforting you. You looked up and realized that your vision was blurring due to the small tears that lined your lashes
“And then all of a sudden it was like my entire body was on fire and I lost it. I closed my eyes at the feeling, I remember, and when I opened them the males were far away from me. Thrown to the ground and groaning. Kalias looked so impressed with me, he came up to me gently and he put his hands on my shoulders.” The memory felt like it was just yesterday and not over 500 years ago.
“Y/N hey hey look at me” Kalias rubbed up and down your arms comfortingly “it’s okay you’re okay” you looked around bewildered as to what happened and why everyone was staring at you
“You’re ok, you didn’t do anything wrong. They were goading you and wouldn’t leave you be.”
You finally made eye contact with the man in front of you “Kal what happened” you whispered quietly all of a sudden feeling very tired.
“You happened. All of a sudden they were pushing your buttons and I heard them say something about us. It was like a blast of power came out of you. Did you know you could do that”
“If I knew I could do that do you think I’d have let you push me around all this time” you looked at him pointedly causing him to laugh
“You’re right, but I think know that you know you have this. We’re gonna have to figure something out so you don’t blow everyone away when you’re in a mood. I don’t think I can deal with that since it’s often times me you’re annoyed with” you’re legs started to feel wobbly, so Kalias took you back home.
“After that, I was a regarded better than before. I took my training seriously and learned how to harness everything. It took a lot of time and effort, but it was worth it when Kal took over. And his first choice and ruling was in making me General and his right hand. It felt so natural for us, we’ve always been one another’s right hand”
“And the rest is history” he spoke out bringing you back to the present. You looked up at him
“And the rest is history, it really was worth it all”
He nodded like he understood. He told you about him, and his upbringing. It was amazing to see another side of the Night Court. To see how closely they have always been, see why they work so seamlessly.
“Cassian, can I ask you a question now?” he smiled at you seeing the minuscule way that you flushed
“Of course you can, I’m an open book” he says gesturing his hands out to rest on the back of the chair
“Do you ever feel like because we carry so much, and work so often we kinda fall behind the regular citizens?” the question caught him off gaurd. It made him lean towards you more
“What do you mean fall behind, like in what way”
“Well I mean in life I guess. We get so busy we don’t have the time to do normal things. Like random days off, drunken dancing without the consequences, or ya know like just regular connection?”
“I don’t know if I’d say we’re behind. I don’t think we’ve been granted the same graces as regular citizens who can do those things without having to carry the Courts reputation around. But I mean I’ve gotten up to drunken shenanigans, maybe had a couple days off but I can see the connection one”
You looked up at him, your eyes made contact causing a small chill to go down your spine before speaking again
“I think the most enjoyable connection was actually- not to be weird- but in our letters. I always looked forward to them, and even though they were professional you’d ask how my days were, just basic check in type. And I really appreciated that. Especially since I really only have Kal and Viv, but they’re newly mated so you know how that goes” you and he laughed at that
“Well I can remember how obnoxious my high lord and lady were. It was like no matter what you did or what they did there was a certain” he looked up at you and wiggled his eyebrows “tension so to say”
You couldn’t help but laugh at the man in front of you. You had to admit he was one of the funniest people you’ve had the pleasure of talking to.
“But I know what you mean on a serious note. I do sometimes feel like im missing out. Rhys had Feyre, Az has his secrets and shadows, Mor with anyone she can, and then there’s me. I would have to agree and say that our letters were some of my favorite interactions lately.” You smiled up at him
“So” he cleared his throat and rubbed the back of his neck lightly “if you think you’re missing out on life and stuff. I would uh, I’d assume you don’t have anyone showing you and experiencing life with you then” your eyes shot open to look at him, you could basically feel the nervous energy swimming in the room between you two.
“Oh uh- no no nothing at this point. Ya know dealing with the men in my legions is enough for me when it comes to them sometimes”
“Oh ya I get that” he said sounding a little crestfallen
“But someone of the same or even slightly higher ranking, I could see myself enjoying that company” you said smiling at Cassian waiting for him to notice you
His head shot up so fast it moved the chair, and you swear if he wasn’t so muscular he would’ve gotten whiplash
“Well in that case I’d be honored to uh, experience and show you around” he said with a smirk but blazing red cheeks.
“I’d like that a lot” you were sure that your face was about the same color as the siphons that adorned his body but you didn’t seem to care.
Speaking with Cassian felt like one of the most natural things on the world. It didn’t matter if you guys were talking about growing up, your jobs, or your best friends.
You learned that Cas, Azriel, and Rhysand were not only best friends but brothers. Since Rhys had a mate, Azriel was Cassians best friend. It was just the way it had always been actually. They had some growing pains at first but they’ve gotten through them.
Everything that you had learned about Cassian made you feel a bit warmer and more comfortable. Except for when he spoke of war, and training. For some reason the anger you felt settled deep within your soul. Like you were entirely consumed by it. You expected it to go away, but after one comment Cass had been told by one of the higher ranked when he was a teenager. It had you boiling. It didn’t matter when it was said or if Cassian basically outranked him in spades by now. You couldn’t help but react.
You sat up straight, feeling the siphons glowing and shaking lightly. A little more than the vibration you’re used to. It was as if Cassian could feel the energy in the room change
“Hey, hey Y/N what’s going on”
“I’m not sure, all I know is this feels strange. But also what the fuck is wrong with that guy. Why does he think he can say that kinda stuff to you. It’s not like you weren’t literally a teenager-”
You rambled on, Cassian watched as your siphons seemed to glow brighter and visibly shook more the more you spoke. He called out to Rhys
“Hey I'm not saying there’s an emergency, and im not gonna blow something up but it seems like Y/N may..”
“Kal and I are on the way, keep her calm”
“Easier said than done Rhys” he said before shutting the line of communication
“Y/N it’s fine, it happened a long time ago and I’ve handled it. He’s long gone, and that’s not even the worst thing that’s happened. You should have seen how Rhys basically attacked me after him and Feyre mated. That was funny, beat me to a pulp almost”
Cassian laughed, waiting to have you respond as well. He had told that story before and it always got a laugh out of everyone. But for some reason- it did not get that from you. If anything you got angrier the energy felt suffocating
Cassian couldn’t help but look at you. Even though you were radiating such energy, you were something to behold. Unfortunately Cassian was so focused on you, that he didn’t hear the sound of the men approaching the house. The door was opened and in walked both men. Especially unfortunate for Rhys he was not aware of what had transpired.
The blast that came off you sent Kal to the side, Cassian shot farther away from you. But Rhys? Rhys was sent directly back out the door and into the snow covered court. To Rhys benefit, he was able to keep himself upright and on his feet.
You followed after him quickly. All emotion gone from your face. Rhys had seen this before but did not want to jump to any conclusions
“Cas any clue what’s going on here” he yelled back towards the house. Cassian came clobbering out keeping his eyes on the scene in front of him.
“Umm she was upset so then I changed the topic”
“Ugh to when you and I went round for round after I made that comment about Fey”
“Ok and did you tell her that I put hands on you”
“Well yeah it usually makes people laugh- I thought it would help”
Kalias came out and was standing off the side so he could see Y/N with his own eyes
“Rhysand, are her siphons going to do what I think they are”
“No no we don’t want that, we need to calm her before that” he took a small step forward, fighting against the energy surge coming from you
“Y/N I am not here to put Cassian in danger. He’s right behind you” your energy seemed to flicker at that, but Cassian was bewildered why would he matter in this equation.
“Yeah hun he’s fine, he’s right here” Kal said dragging the bewildered Illyrian to your view.
Your eyes met his and it was like something calming shot through you. You frowned a bit at the man in front of you. Kalias elbowed him lightly causing your eyes to darken and glare at him
“Say something please before she levels the court”
His eyes shot back to you, and reached forward gently to grab the hand that was by your side
“Y/N I am all good. Those were just stories. Right now I am perfectly healthy and well put together. I’m just a little worried about what’s going on with you.” He said soothingly rubbing the back of your hand before looking to the men behind him
“What is happening can someone explain this to me”
“We will explain it, but I need you to collect her in your arms right now and hold her. Place her head next to your heart for me”
“Kalias you could have just said give the girl a hug. I wouldn’t say no” he said situating you the way that was requested of him. He felt your body deflate a bit and almost a purr escape your mouth.
“Cass- that’s the bond. Like the utmost primal part of the bond” his eyes quickly darted to Rhys
“I say this without complaints. Genuinely just asking. What the fuck do you mean the bond like- the bond bond or”
“No Cass I mean the bond between your ankle and your big toe. Yes dumbass the mating bond” Rhysand replied rolling his eyes
Cassian couldn’t help but grip you a little bit tighter. He was able to feel that tether release itself and tie itself to you. Once it had settled in his chest it was like he could feel everything. Your overwhelming emotions was definitely the strongest thing he could feel.
“Well I mean that’s fine with me. I - yeah this is all good. But how do I get her to calm down and not feel as tight as she does now?” Kal and Rhys both chucked at that. They remembered what it was like to feel everything for the first time.
Kalias knew that from being on the receiving end of your emotions it could be a lot he couldn’t imagine feeling them all. So he spoke first
“This is gonna sound silly. But I want you to reach into your soul and find that tether. Once you find it I want you to lightly grab onto it. Not like you’re holding a rogue ship, but like it’s something that you don’t want to slip from your grasp. Then from your palms send calm, happy, comfort. Down the bond”
“Kal, I love how that sounds. And I of course am going to try but I don’t embody comfort or calm I hate to break it to you.” He responded lightly caressing the back of your head
“You may not think so boy, but right now you are. Look at her. I’ve known her all my life and the only times I’ve seen her like that are when she wins a fight, when she was made General, and right now. I think you bring her a lot of calm. Calm she’s needed, someone to understand her. So try, if not for me for her.” He said gesturing to his lifelong friend it killed him a bit to see her so frozen so stuck.
Cassian took a deep breath, trying to find that inner tether. Once he found it he grabbed onto it; like a prized possession. One that he didn’t wanna let go of. And he thought he thought of things that made him smile, things that calmed him down when he was overwhelmed. Thought of places he’d want to show you.
He finally took a deep breath when he felt you relax into his hold. You took a shuddering breath and held onto the fabric of his shirt tighter.
“There ya go darling there ya go, breathe for me”
Kalias and Rhys moved closer to the pair, both wanting to reach their friend. But as they moved closer your knees gave out, Cassian following with you to soften the fall. Kalias came around the front of you, with Rhys on the left side of Cassians back, a steady hand on your shoulder. Kalias couldn’t help himself but to reach out and push some of the hair that had blown into your face.
You turned your head into Kals hand, feeling the comfort of an old friend. Like it was second nature. You groaned out before shooting up. Probably too quickly because you felt your body roll. You turned to Kal and to Cassian before looking to Rhys and bowing your head.
“High Lord- I, I honestly don’t even know where to start with my apologies.” you could feel something like amusement rush through you. But you did not understand nothing about this seemed amusing to you.
Rhys smiled down at you before placing a hand on your shoulder “please do not feel any sort of remorse Y/N. There is nothing for you to be sorry for. You had the urge to protect Cassian and you acted on it. I will never fault you for that”
“Yes but I mean- you are the High Lord and I don’t even know what came over me” you shook your head feeling slightly ashamed. “And for some reason I feel amused? But im not amused I swear” you said eyes wide looking at Rhys. His eyes shot from you to Cassian
“Oh amused really, amused. You find this amusing” Cass shrugged
“I mean it’s not- not funny. No ones ever gone to bat for me like that before”
“What do you mean why does it matter if he finds it funny” you asked genuinely confused at the side conversation
Rhys nodded at Cassian- so he turned and his eyes made contact with yours and happiness and some nervousness swam through your body. And finally it clicked for you. You reached within yourself and felt around before grabbing onto the other end of the bond. And you tugged as hard as you could.
Funnily enough it was like Cassian had a physical reaction and he moved towards you face barely in front of you. Before you could stop yourself, you felt yourself leaning into him. Placing your lips on his without a second thought.
You had never felt so comfortable, so easily lost in a feeling. It was like everything around you finally balanced out and your body hummed with pure joy. You could feel Cassian smile into the kiss, most likely at everything you were feeling. You couldn’t help but giggle back, pulling away lightly. Before you could pull away completely he leaned back in and placed 3 chaste kisses to your mouth.
You sighed happily “well this was fast but for some reason it feels so right.” You smiled at him
“yeah it does, who knew the General I’d be writing letters with and asking for strategies would be the girl I’d ask to keep my heart too” he winked at you. You shoved his shoulder back
“That was so cheesy- but I’d gladly keep it if you’d do the same for me” he stood, lifting you with him and decided to romp around with you throw over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. You looked back at Rhys and Kalias both looking very amused with the scene in front of them. You made eye contact with Rhys before he yelled out
“Hey Y/N one small ask” you smacked Cassian to get him to stand still
“Before you come to Velaris- you need another siphon. Because what I did to Cass was light compared to the shit he gets from everyone so you’ll need to be controlled” he laughed heartily and Cassian started walking again
“Who said I’m going to Velaris?” You asked cheekily
“Oh sweetheart if you thought letters would be enough now you were mistaken. But I think you knew that already” he replied biting the skin of your side.
You couldn’t help but smile because he was right, you knew that wasn’t enough for you. And honestly? You were too upset about it.
Hi!! So sorry this took so long, the first one I wrote I hated so back to the drawing board we went!! Let me know what y’all think and if anything on the master list floats your boat🤍
