For the people who act like Azriel showed zero interest in Elain before Feysand and Nessian were mates…
Before Feysand were known to be mates Azriel:
Smiled at Elain’s white-knuckled fingers grasping her silverware when they first met
Sympathized with Elain’s explanation of why she feared Fae — ““I can imagine,” Azriel said.”
Comforted her with a smile to ease the tension — “Cassian flashed him a glare. But Azriel’s attention was on my sister, a polite, bland smile on his face. Her shoulders loosened a bit.”
Was somewhat self-conscious, but answered Elain’s question of flying with a beautiful and thoughtful response — ““That’s very beautiful,” she said”
Gave Elain the peace of mind to smile by assuring her everything was okay
Before Nessian were known to be mates Azriel:
Gently carried Elain to the town house without a shadow to be seen
Took Elain to the garden multiple times — “Would you like me to show you the garden?”
Blushed when Elain called his scarred hands beautiful — “Azriel, graceful as any courtier, offered her an arm. I couldn’t tell if she was looking at his blue Siphon or at his scarred skin beneath as she breathed, “Beautiful.””…”Color bloomed high on Azriel’s golden-brown cheeks, but he inclined his head in thanks and led my sister toward the back doors into the garden, sunlight bathing them.”
Sat with Elain out in the garden, fully displaying his wings in her presence — “Elain sat silently at one of the wrought-iron tables, a cup of tea before her. Azriel was sprawled on the chaise longue across the gray stones, sunning his wings”
Caused even FEYRE to question why the cauldron had not made them mates — “What if”—I jerked my chin toward the window, to my sister and the shadowsinger in the garden—“that is what she needs?””
Listened intently and asked meaningful questions when Elain was struggling with her visions — “Azriel stepped forward. “But you heard something else.”” -> ““What did you see,” Azriel said”. -> “Azriel’s hazel eyes churned as he studied my sister, her too-thin body. And without a word, he winnowed away.” -> “But Azriel asked softly, taking a single step over the threshold and into the sitting room, “What other?”” -> “The shadowsinger angled his head.”
Went out of his way to offer Elain help — ““I can help her,” said Azriel, stepping to the table as Elain silently rose. No shadows at his ear, no darkness ringing his fingers as he extended a hand.”
Figured out Elain is a Seer — “She doesn’t need anything,” Azriel answered without so much as looking at Lucien. -> “We’re the ones who need ...” Azriel trailed off. “A seer,” he said, more to himself than us. “The Cauldron made you a seer.”
By doing so, he freed her from the haze she’d been in
Was the one to realize Elain was missing at camp— “But Azriel asked softly, “What about Elain?””
Demanded to go after Elain when she was kidnapped, unconcerned with the warning that he’d die if he did — “From the shadows near the entrance to the tent, Azriel said, as if in answer to some unspoken debate, “I’m getting her back.”” -> “Nesta said, “Then you will die.”” -> “Azriel only repeated, rage glazing that stare, “I’m getting her back.””
Rescued her from Hybern — “She shook her head, devouring the sight of him as if not quite believing it. “You came for me.””
Carried her back and wouldn’t let go of her until Rhys took her from him, earning him a kiss from Elain
Gave her Truthteller, which he had never let anyone else ever touch before — “I saw the painting in my mind: the lovely fawn, blooming spring vibrant behind her. Standing before Death, shadows and terrors lurking over his shoulder. Light and dark, the space between their bodies a blend of the two.”
Went out of his way to help her set the table for dinner
Made everyone wait for Elain to be seated before eating
Blushed and laughed, unlike anything Feyre had ever heard, when she gifted him the headache powder — “Then Azriel tipped his head back and laughed. I’d never heard such a sound, deep and joyous.”
Listened to Elain’s plans for the garden into the early morning hours
Does not spy on Lucien out of respect for Elain and her privacy
Was angered and concerned for Elain when he learned of Nesta and Elain’s fight — “Azriel stilled. “What happened to Elain?””
Was ready to defend Elain when Nesta insulted her — “…shadows gathered in the corners of the room, like snakes preparing to strike.”
Had Cassian noticing him showing signs that he no longer had the same strong feelings for Mor anymore
Avoided being in the same house as Elain in fear that he’d do something he shouldn’t
After both Feysand and Nessian were known to be mates Azriel:
Shared a charged glance witnessed by Nesta
Couldn’t stand the sight or smell of Elain and Lucien’s bond
Admitted to not being able to sleep over thoughts of Elain and his desire for her
Almost shared a kiss with Elain while thinking about how much he wanted to taste her neck amongst other things
Questioned why Elain is not his mate
Said he’d be willing and capable of fighting for her in a blood duel
So this is why I’m confused by claims that Azriel only wants to be with Elain because his brothers are mated with her sisters or that he just wants a mate.^^
From the very beginning, from the very moment THEY FIRST MET, Azriel has shown nothing but care and interest in Elain. Yes, it was most likely not in a romantic sense in the beginning since he was still in love with Mor, but it’s called development and progression. When two people start off with platonic feelings and mutual care for one another, and then develop into romance it’s called friends-to-lovers!!
We have to remember that Az’s POV came after a majority of their interactions so far had already happened. He and Elain have lived in the same court, sometimes the same house, for YEARS. They’ve spent time getting to know each other, talking with each other, and sharing secret touches in passing. And a lot of their interactions happened before he knew both his brothers were mated with her sisters. So when Azriel started expressing his feelings from his POV, we finally got to understand his feelings that have been building for a long time, they didn’t just spawn out of nowhere, and it wasn’t “just because he’s jealous of his brothers and wants a mate” or “thinks he deserves the last Archeron sister.”
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