#i just wish feyre was also fleshed out just a little bit more

[elriell]

Some jumbled up thoughts about Elain, Lucien and Azriel + Mating Bonds

There have been a lot of conversations regarding this topic and I thought I’d flesh it out a bit myself, but these are facts/observations that as a fandom many have noticed, discussed, analysed. I just wanted to dive in myself fully.

I want to talk about each of them individually as well as, as a whole. Their emotions and mindsets, as someone who loves all three characters and wishes for all of them to get a happy ending. I will preface this with saying I will be discussing why it is very likely Elain will reject the bond and such things, so along the lines of Anti-Elucien. If you are a fan of them, thats cool, just skip this one if you happen upon it. 

We are going to dive in to the following;

Lucien & Elain  (their choices)

Lucien & Azriel  (contrast)

Rejecting the Bond

New Bonds

Fate & THE POV 

and why the writing is basically telling us everything we need to know...

Lucien 

Lucien is noble male, he has a good heart and has suffered his plenty, and this is why people want what is best for him, to be the happiest he can... Unfortunately I think that in this case Elain is not it. 

He is right to feel that way, just as Elain has a right to feel as she does. I think it is incredibly interesting that when we finally see from his POV we see that in a way he feels as though this has been thrust on them. 

That with his last love he had a choice and so did she.

It reminds me very much of this line about Rhysand’s parents, who were an example of an unhappy mating bond.

We will deep dive in to wrong matches further down, but the fact is that mated couples are not always indicators of true paired souls, that they very well could be the couple that do not end up happy together.

I speak on Elain and her agency a lot because I feel like a large portion of the fandom like to discard it as if it means nothing, and even judge her for it but if we actually take a look at Lucien’s behaviour he is not all that more happy.

There are some key differences between them though, Lucien as a male feels their bond to a different degree than she does, and he also has been raised to believe and respect the bond. And thus he feels a certain obligation to honour it in the best way he can. 

This doesn’t mean he thinks she is right for him, any further than his attraction to her (which like same dude same), he hasn’t displayed any signs that they actually aline as a couple. And I feel like SJM clearly highlights this when she sets examples of his gifts not being... well right for her. 

The gloves we know she never wears show us how little they know each other as she loves to get dirty [which Feyre had told him] and the pearl necklace is then contrasted by Azriels which was very personalised to Elain. 

(The rose, the secret beauty of it hitting the light etc...)

These are all deliberate moves by Sarah to showcase their misaligned bond.

And during Elain’s section I will also be pointing out some Lucien moments that really don’t read well for him. I genuinely believe he is much happier amongst the Band of Exhiles than he is when he is seen with The Inner Circus.

Elain

Here is the thing, this situation isn’t any easier on him that’s true but people need to respect Elains feelings, and the fact is she does not like him. Not only does she not like him but she shrinks in on herself, she looses all the progress and confidence she has made since the Cauldron. That is not a good sign of anything healthy.

If this is suppose to be a romance we root for why is she doing everything in her power to make it seem the opposite? If she genuinely was playing the long game she would have at least started to make them comfortable around each other, goodness they don’t even have to talk, but she does the opposite.

She emphasises that he brings out the bad in her. Again, no bueno. She quite simply does not want to be around him and with SJM’s writing I think this is highly deliberate on her part. 

[And let’s be clear there are countless quotes from the other books that do NOT reflect well on their relationship but I am trying to stick to ACOSF, as it is her most recent work, otherwise I would be here all day.] 

Rejecting the Bond

We have almost a two page discussion on why mating bonds are not an exact science, and that they can be more harmful than good. We are given two examples of it, with both Rhys’ and Tamlin’s parents. And then we get a very subtle hit at Azriel. This is all in the book Sarah said she began planting the seeds for the sisters journeys.

We also know from this there is a choice. But that many force it, because they feel it it right, (much like Lucien is probably doing right now, because he feels a duty and hope that it will work out.)  

Then we have the fact thrown at us that a lot of males believe that their mate belongs to them and will challenge the other male, which we now have a call back to with Rhys’ mentioning “The Blood Duel”. 

There is literally not one reason Sarah would put this in TWICE only for it never to happen or come close too happening. How anyone can question at this point that Elriel will happen is confusing to me, she has laid all the groundwork for it.

Now I don’t believe for a second that Lucien wouldn’t respect her choice, I think it will most certainly come down to Beron forcing his hand to wage the war we know he wants.

I think despite what Rhys said in Azriel’s POV under immense stress, TNC will protect Elain and ultimately stand by her decision. 

Not only does ACOSF spend a great deal of time creating a further divide between Elain & Lucien it also add a shockingly large quantity of easter eggs about “Elain choosing bonds” “Other Mate” “What if it chose wrong?” and again in this book like in ACOMAF we bring back up a failed mated pair to remind you of it’s existence.

All possible signs lean towards them breaking the bond.

And frankly from a storytelling perspective having three perfect bonds that are basically the same overarching love story (enemies to lovers) is boring, she would want to shake it up and throw a little curveball.

Lucien + Azriel  &  Why I think Azriel will have a bond with Elain.

“If anyone can sense if something is amiss, it’s a mate” And low and behold it is Azriel who figures out what was going on with her. Not to mention in the reveal SJM further displays that Lucien has no clue what was going on with her.

I don’t know what bridge holds their bond but I wouldn’t trust crossing it personally... :/

Further still, Lucien cannot hear her heart. Their bond is definitely not strong but you could also argue that is not an element of the bond at all but rather of her abilities perhaps. Since we know she could hear the sea too though it was nowhere close by.

But Azriel did hear her, he did pay attention and he figured out what was amiss. 

It is interesting to me that people took such issue with this when I believe very few have issues with Rhys or Cassian fighting for their respective partners. Now I have gone in to it in depth about how I think that this was pure emotion and illogical on Azriel’s part, and I don’t believe he would kill Lucien so carelessly.

I think it speaks to the same blind emotion a lot of them have displayed for their mates, Lucien may have wanted to see if she was worth it but Azriel knows she is worth the fight.

And for all intensive purposes in that moment he was willing to fight for someone he believes shares his feelings.

Now let’s tackle the whole “Possessive” crap.

First of all, all of the male pairings in this series have shown moments like this, so if it is bothering you here why isn’t it bothering you at other points?

Lucien has been just as instinctively possessive from their bond, and let me clarify, I am not shaming him for that anymore than anyone else. What I am pointing out is the double standard, if anything Azriel has more reason to feel like he can fight for her because she has actually shown him care, interest and attraction. 

They have actually bonded a lot more than she has with Lucien thus far.

And if they truly do have an upcoming bond then judging him on three paragraphs when we don’t know what the heck is going on is just ridiculous.

On the same note of that scene, let’s talk about “deserve”

First of all he never said he deserved her, Rhys implied that is what he was gleaning from the conversation and that it is just lust, which we know is not the case. Clearly Rhys perception is not accurate at all so to take his statement at face value and call it fact is a bit disingenuous.

Azriel wasn’t claiming he deserves her, did you read his POV at all?? He didn’t even feel like his hands should touch her let alone deserve her. Please go back and read that chapter again if you can’t see that.

Not to mention I think that the idea of FATE, and believing in hope even when the odds are stacked against you (AKA her having a mate) is actually very consistent with SJM storytelling and Az. Remember this;

The fact that he is hopeful despite the despair of his situation is exactly what people have valued about him. Not to mention after Rhys says this to Azriel he says to them;

So Rhys too believes they were brought in his family for a reason, some sort of fate.

Amren too thinks they are blessed by fate. Why is it so shocking and offensive that Azriel have a little hope that there is a reason they came in to their lives? Because he isn’t with your fav?

Let’s be honest he didn’t exactly get over Mor in ACOMAF, ACOWAR and then even ACOFAS there are slight moments, thats over a long period. Three sisters didn’t just arrive and he went TAG “I want one.”

No, he genuinely grew to care for Elain, and let go of his past, and in watching Elain not find any connection with her mate he saw it as a sign that the Cauldron was wrong, which we know it can be. 

I don’t know if people are selective readers but if you think that he doesn’t care for her as a person beyond being a “sister” I don’t know what to tell you, we are not reading the same books.

ANYWAYS back on topic.

I think Sarah has laid a lot of groundwork for her breaking the bond and perhaps choosing a new one. I know not everyone is keen on another bond as they feel her free will and choice is enough, that’s fair and I agree to a point. 

I just wanted to analyse the data at hand, and I do believe after ACOSF (I never thought it prior really) that they are mates in some capacity, whether that is because of the Cauldron or something that will occur... I think she has laid enough groundwork for them being Soulmates at the least. Hence why I love the idea of a Carranam bond.

There are so many parallels between Rhys, Cassian & Az that could be taken as little signs but honestly this is long enough I am sure you all want to kill me already for making you read all that hahaha 

One last little morsel, it very well might be nothing but Az shouting after they take Elain is an interesting choice, it’s ambiguous enough that you can take it to mean the pain but it could also be another little crumb.

Basically with all said and done I think she will give Elain her agency back and break it.

And potentially something will occur with Azriel as a result but thats certainly more grey than the rest of it.

Thank you for coming to my ted talk!

Obviously, to each their own opinion, have fun and ship whatever you want these are just my thoughts on the text at hand!

(Also I am sorry I got like 20+ messages to get to in my inbox, yeah I kinda ignored everyone and worked on this today, sorry!!! I’ll be back tomorrow)

#elriel #elriel mates #elain archeron #azriel #acosf spoilers #acosf #acotar #azriel x elain #elriel meta #myelriel #anti elucien #anti-elucien

[fawnandshadows]

After the Ceremony - Chapter 3

I had so much fun writing this chapter, and I could not be more excited to share it! Please let me know what you guys think, and I also wanted to thank everyone for their support because I was so convinced that no one was going to read this, and I am so incredibly flattered at the response I have received. This story is also available on AO3

Summary: Elain and Azriel after Nesta and Cassian's Mating Ceremony.

Words: 2,938

Story Rating: M

Elain was giddy. She couldn’t remember the last time she woke up and was excited about the day ahead of her. Well, before the solstice she used to wake up and be content and hopeful. She would tend to her garden and try to make the world a more beautiful place; gardening was something that she was good at, something that she enjoyed, and it was something that was just hers. There were many times, before Feyre had been taken, that she wished she could have done something more substantial for her family, but they couldn’t afford the seeds to grow any food, and she didn’t even know how to grow food. So, once Elain settled into her fae life enough, she decided to learn a valuable skill - one that almost anyone would approve of.

She learned how to bake, and then she learned how to cook. The twins were surprisingly gracious and they were more than welcoming and patient with her, and before long Elain started to think of Nuala and Cerridwen as friends. The first friends she ever made that were hers, and hers alone. She knew they worked for Feyre, Rhysand, and Azriel, but the twins weren’t friends with them.

It was during this time that Elain started to hope to see Azriel every day when she woke up. Whenever she was with the twins there was always a part of her that wanted Az to show up and ask for a report, he almost never did, but she imagined it just the same. He would come in after a long day, and she would offer him the chocolate chip cookies she baked herself - Elain made those cookies at least once a week after learning they were his favorite- and they would simply enjoy each other’s company. She dreamed that he would open up to her, because the Mother knew he needed someone to talk to, and Elain would give him a lovely, cozy space where he would forget about his spy business for a bit. A space that he could think of as home.

And then there were the daydreams where Elain imagined they did a little bit more than talk. On many occasions, when Elain was alone in the kitchen baking bread and covered in flour, she thought of Azriel storming into the kitchen in a flurry of emotion - sometimes it was anger, but it could have been passion, or even an overwhelming lust - and he would take her into his arms and kiss her as if his life depended on it. They almost always ended up covered in flour, or whatever Elain was cooking, and right when her imagination was starting to get interesting somebody inevitably walked into the kitchen, and it was almost never the person she wanted it to be. Sometimes her family could be such busy bodies.

None of her fantasies lived up to the real thing.

The real Azriel, the one crafted from flesh and blood and bone, was so exquisite that her dirtiest most intense fantasy seemed childish.

Her heart pounded wildly just thinking about it.

A soft knock sounded from the door, disrupting Elain from the memories she was reliving over and over again, and Elain told whoever was knocking to come in. She briefly entertained the idea of feigning sleep, but she had already lazed in bed for almost an hour. A small indulgence she allowed herself - normally she would rise with the sun and immediately throw herself into the garden, or help with breakfast, or do something to show she was useful.

Feyre, to Elains surprise, entered the room and shut the door behind her.

“Good morning.” Elain raised herself up and smiled at her sister.

Feyre had not yet dressed for the day, she still wore her navy silk nightgown and robe, and it warmed Elains heart to see her sister in such finery. She was happy that Feyre found herself a mate that treated her like a queen - she deserved it after everything she did for their family. There were times when Elain felt the crushing urge to hug her sister, and she decided after last night to grant herself those small kindnesses - she had come to learn that it was never a bad thing to show someone you loved them, even if you couldn’t say it.

Elain had opened her arms and said, “Doesn’t it seem like a fine morning for a cuddle?”

Feyre laughed and walked over to her sister before plopping herself into the bed and into Elain’s open arms.

“We haven’t done this in forever,” Feyre said with a sigh - as if she were remembering the last time it happened and how everything had changed since then. “As much as I love Rhys he tends to hog the bed. He kicks off all the covers and then has the audacity to accuse me of stealing them, can you believe that,” Even though Feyre’s voice held a hint of exasperation Elain knew there was a smile on her face, probably one that found its twin on Elains face. “I barely got any sleep last night. Nyx woke up crying and I had to search the entire house for his favorite toy, you know the one - the stuffed bat that Cassian got him. Somehow it ended up downstairs in the ballroom.”

Elain felt tears start to well in her eyes. She was just so happy for Feyre, and her joy was only amplified knowing that Feyre was happy. Feyre was completely, utterly, and divinely happy.

“Is that why you decided to join me this morning? To get some peace and quiet?” Elain asked.

It was Feyre that almost stumbled upon her and Azriel last night. Her cheeks warmed not only at the memory, but at the fact that Feyre almost saw them. Elain was almost certain that Feyre didn’t know about the scene she interrupted, but still she wanted to make sure.

“Yes and no,” Feyre said, and Elain could tell from her voice that she wasn’t going to like what her sister said. Feyre shifted on the bed to face Elain. “Were you downstairs last night. I thought I smelled you, and you know how not great I am at distinguishing scents,” It was true. For all of her power and abilities, a keen sense of smell wasn’t one of them. “But I thought I smelled you downstairs when I was looking for Nyx’s bat. Of course when I actually got into the room you weren’t there, and I know my nose has been sensitive ever since I was pregnant, so I could have just been smelling you from earlier.”

A small smile tugged at Elains lips, and the delightful urge to share with her sister moved through her.

“Can I tell you something?” She asked shyly.

Feyre’s eyebrows raised as she said, “Of course.”

“I need you to be my sister. Not High Lady.”

At Feyre’s nod Elain couldn’t hold back. In excited whispers she told her sister everything that she felt, and most of what transpired last night, Elain kept some of the more private details to herself.

“That explains the torn nightgown.” Feyre commented at one point, and Elain couldn’t contain the giggle that burst out of her. It had never really been like this between her and Feyre, Elain had always drifted more towards Nesta, but she was glad to have this moment with her younger sister.

“Feyre,” Elaid started with a bit of hesitation. “Has Rhysand ever talked to you about me?”

Feyre’s brow furrowed a bit as she thought.

“He adores you, and he thinks of you as his own sister, but I can’t think of anything recently.” The two sat in silence for a moment before Feyre exclaimed, “Oh! He loved the tarts you made the other day, the apple ones, he was rather put out that you saved the last one for Az,” Feyre nudged her with her shoulder. “Although that makes sense now.”

“He hasn’t mentioned anything else?”

“No, why? Should he have?”

Elain debated whether or not she should share this part, that part of Rhys being a meddlesome mother hen, with Feyre. She thought that her sister would be on her side, but Elain didn’t want to be responsible for a rift between her sister and her mate.

She shook her head and said, “No reason. He just stepped on my toes a little harshly last night, but it wasn’t his fault. Cassian was practically falling on him, and when Rhys tried to get out of the way he landed on my foot. I was hoping to tease him about it today, but I’m afraid he might have been a little too tipsy to remember it.”

Before Feyre had the chance to respond, Nyx's cry filled the air.

“I suppose the day has to start at some point,” Feyre said and she rolled out of bed. “Starting it with my sister and son seems like a pretty good way.”

Elain nearly tripped over her cobalt dress as she rushed down stairs. She couldn’t help it. She was just too excited to start the day and to see Azriel again. She wanted to see him in the light of day, not that she minded seeing him in the shadows of the night when it was only them and the Mother, but Elain wanted to see his face blush with unobstructed vision, and she wanted his hazel eyes warm in the light of the sun.

It had been too long since they allowed themselves to be together in the light of day.

When she reached the kitchen Elain wasn’t surprised to see it was only Nuala and Cerridwen in the kitchen. Her friends gave her sly smiles as they took in her goofy grin and red cheeks before saying good morning to her.

“Good morning,” Elain replied, eyeing the cinnamon rolls that just came out of the oven. The rest of her family must have been waiting in the living room before breakfast, and a thought popped into Elain’s head. “Did you guys use the recipe we just came up with?”

“Yes.” They said in unison.

Elain didn’t stop herself from piling three rolls onto a plate and filling up a mug with coffee. She bit her lip to contain her excitement as she made her way to the swinging door, saying a quick goodbye to her friends before leaving the kitchen.

The trek to the living room was short, but the anticipation made butterflies flutter in her stomach. She knew what she was about to do, she was going to offer food to another male while her mate was in the room, but Elain was determined she wasn’t going to hide her feelings anymore. She brought Rhysand and Cassian food all the time whenever she wanted to surprise them. Elain even went out of her way to bring Amren the croissants she liked because Elain remembered how Amren was the only one who thought her strong enough to look for the Dread Trove objects, and Elain wanted to show her appreciation.

When Elain stepped into the living room no one noticed her. No one but Azriel that is, and even though he didn’t show it she was certain he was aware of her presence.

Azriel was on the far side of the room, in front of a big bay window, smiling down at More. Hesitation and fear threatened to break her resolve, but Elain moved before she could talk herself out of it. She suddenly remembered the one burning question she had forgotten to ask.

She had to trust Azriel.

As she approached them Elain was suddenly overwhelmed by Azriels beauty. She spent so long avoiding him that it almost felt indecent to look at him freely and openly in the light of day. The morning sun illuminated his tan skin and set his hazel eyes aflame. She could even make out a hint of blue in his inky hair. Hair that she had just found out was as soft as it looked.

“Good morning,” Elain said as she stopped a few feet away from them. “I brought you something. I know you love to have sweets in the morning, but you’re too disciplined to indulge yourself.”

His face was unreadable, but there was an undeniable warmth in his eyes as he looked at her. Elain was sure he noted that her cobalt dress matched his siphons which caused his eyes to go molten. Elain heard the conversations turn dull, just for a moment, before returning back to normal - and she was certain that a pair of violet eyes were watching their every move.

Elain could also feel vexation radiating off of Lucien as he watched them from his place next to the fireplace. Feyre, Elain noticed on her way in, planted herself firmly between Lucien and the group Elain was with.

Azriel took one step towards her, and Elain inhaled deeply his scent of night chilled mist and cedar. A small thrill skittered down her spine as his scent intertwined her own. Az let out a raspy thank you before taking the plate and the mug. He took a deep sip on coffee, his bright eyes maintaining contact with hers over the lip of the mug, and Elain would have sworn that the entire room disappeared.

Her eyes left his for a moment as they watched his tongue trace over his lips. Elains hands fisted in her dress to stop herself from grabbing his face and kissing the coffee away.

Elain watched as he set the coffee on the windowsill before picking up a cinnamon roll and taking a bite. A small groan emitted from the back of Azriels throat.

“Good morning.” A chipper voice broke Elain’s connection to Az.

Elain mentally shook herself as she looked at the blond standing with them. She had completely forgotten Mor was here standing with them, and Elain recognized the amusement in Mor’s tone.

“Good morning,” Elain managed a small smile as a furious blush overtook her face. From the knowing grin on Mor’s face Elain knew she had witnessed everything that just happened between her and Az. “You’re a lovely dancer. I saw you last night.” Elain had hoped to distract Mor with conversation.

“I think you might have been more interested in my partner.” Mor winked at her, and her face somehow turned warmer. She was blushing more than she ever had before. Elain noted the satisfied, and proud grin, that formed if Azriel’s beautiful lips. She wanted to kiss that grin off his face.

Mor looked between the two of them, as if she could see something that they couldn’t, and a frown appeared between her eyebrows. She quickly excused herself and left the room.

“Was it something I said?” Elain asked as she watched the blonde leave. “I didn’t interrupt anything, did I?”

“Of course not,” Az said quickly. His hand reaching out to touch her, she shivered at the feel of his calloused hands on her skin. He quickly dropped her hand and reached for his mug, took a sip, and then thought for a moment before offering it to her. “You are never an interruption.”

Elain didn’t hesitate before taking a drink of his coffee, she had brought it to him black because he liked it that way, and Elain almost always dumped way too much sugar in her own coffee. It thrilled her to know they were sharing a drink, and that they were doing it in front of everybody. They were done hiding. It moved her, and made her insides turn to gooey, as she realized that this was a giant step for them - that it was Azriel that initiated it. They could write off her bringing him breakfast, but sharing a drink was as intimate as they have been in front of everyone else.

Her eyes widened as she felt a damn break inside of her. Before her eyes, a silvery blue chord appeared and flowed towards Azriel, who just looked at it in complete surprise. It looked like a river flowing from her heart into his and after a moment or two it dissipated.

They looked at each other without saying a word, but somehow they were more aware of each other. She swore if she concentrated hard enough she would be able to feel his heart beating in his chest.

No one else seemed to be aware of what had passed between them. The conversation still raging around them, and Elain knew that if Lucien had seen what happened he wouldn’t have stayed put on the opposite side of the room.

“Do you know-” Elain cut herself off at the shake of Azriels head.

Elain opened her mouth to say something, she didn’t know what, but stopped at the appearance of the twins and the announcement that breakfast was served. She brought her hand to his tentatively, giving him the option of pulling away, and gasped at the jolt that went through her as their skin touched.

What every passed between them felt electric, and Elain noticed the warmth that was pooling between her legs and the need to rip her dress off to feel more of Azriel’s skin on her.

“Ready for breakfast,” A friendly voice asked her and a heavy arm landed on her shoulder. Elain looked up to see Cassian smiling down at her, looking a little too fresh considering how drunk he was last night. “Not everyone got special cinnamon rolls this morning.” Cassian winked over his shoulder as he steered her out of the room.

#elain archeron #elain acotar #elriel fanfic #pro elriel #elriel fanfiction #elain x azriel #elriel #after the ceremony #after the ceremony chapter 3 #my work #my fanfiction #azriel #acotar fanfiction #acotar

[bakingandbooks3]

A Court of Song and Serpents

A bit short but the begging of a project I'm SO excited for- hope you love this as much as I do.

Summary: What a time to be alive as Nesta Archeron, going backward to move forward and finding that the places she once called home are now empty tombs.

Nesta

Nesta held her breath for a moment, a pause, and stilled entirely. The Court of Nightmares. She knew the verdict would be severe, but never would she have expected exile to a world of terror. The horrors of that place, of how it was once the main residence of the High Lord- till Rhysand.

Rhysand, the man who boasted of lands bountiful with choice and reason, now sat across from her donning unmasked hatred. A look he kept shielded from his mate, reserved just for Nesta. The kind that rips one apart from the inside out, would carve out the belly of a beast, burn a witch on a wooden pyre.

Nesta felt nothing, she always did. It wasn’t hard to see what he was thinking of her, how his beautiful wife’s wretched sister was little more than a gambling thief who slept her way through his glorious city. Now, fingers smeared that blank canvas so pure of her darkest shades.

Eyes flicking back, she studied that same sister. The Cursebreaker, the Savior.

How small and insignificant she became next to the glimmering shining thing Feyre was. The lands spoke of her beauty and kind touch, and how she sacrificed everything to save a world of people, and Fae that she was raised to despise.

Nesta wished it’d be known that her touch wasn’t always kind.

She built her bricks firm enough that her house of grace never shattered; Held firm, it was all she had left in her. Too many eyes on her filled with grief, excitement, retribution-Nesta was keenly aware of how this Court of Dreams felt of her.

“This is an exile.”

Rhysand's smirk peaked so slightly, his mate tensing.

“No, no. This is an intervention, a chance for you to find yourself away from bad influences and habits. You can’t keep living like this, and I refuse to let it continue happening and I take the fall for it. Your decisions are impractical and immoral. You are sober much less than you are drunk and-”

“If you’re going to condemn me, do it. But don’t sit here and act as if this is out of kindness.” Nesta snarled. She hated the barbed words, but it’s what she felt. “Who are you to question my morality?”

“I think I can speak for my wife when I say that your presence here is….” Rhysand growled but pulled back, like he forgot Feyre was right there, too.

Nesta wished he would’ve let go, so maybe that facade Rhys reserved for Feyre was broken. No, that’s cruel. As much as she hated this and him, he was making her sister happy.

Something Nesta could never do.

“I do not give a shit what my presence is doing. The decision has already been made, so stop scolding me like a child and make good on your word, Rhysand.” Bile rose in her throat, the words feeling nothing but slimy and disgusting. Foreign, yet habitual all the same. Sometimes, she forgets there once was a woman called Nesta who was so much more than the viper living in her now.

Sometimes she remembers that she can’t ever be her again.

Home was nowhere for her, not in a person, not in a place, certainly not in this bombastic group of “heroes”. Nesta didn’t need a hero, she just needed someone to care. But Nesta knew better, no one would. She was taught to be unlovable, just a woman to be sold off and married- to climb her mothers' ever-growing social ladder.

But Nesta on her own was never enough, even with her mother six feet under and rotted away there were unsung expectations unmet. She was a catastrophic failure and a dark smear on a family name that never truly held weight to her.

Nesta looked up, felt everything all at once again, could only see one man pacing a worn-through tether between them. He wasn’t going to stop this, but she could see it, how it looked like he wanted to jump out of his own flesh, the veins of his arm prominent and knuckles normally so brown a new fresh fallen snow.

There was no prince to save Nesta, much less any will to save herself. So when Mor took the pleasure of bringing her to a living Hell, Nesta did not fight.

She was tired of fighting, after all, she fought an inescapable fate for the first twenty years of her life…

Flowers always made Nesta sneeze, but Elain lit like lights during winter whenever she could thread them through her hair. They all symbolized something, Laine would say. There are ones for good days, and hard storms, for sunshine and stars.

Nesta was always adorned in flowers that paralleled the estate. Astute, cold, tired, where she was warm, comforting, and smelled like cookies- ones that Celia normally baked for the sisters. She never asked Laine why she picked the ones for her that she did, her reasons would stay silent for now.

Spring was a high time of activity in the Archeron estate. There was always a flurry of activity, from preparing their mothers' obscene balls, to guests at every corner in every room. The halls were sprinkled in candles and on walls hung frames nearly kissing it was packed so tight.

They were in the gardens. It was an Elain day, as the girls would call it, and no matter how boring or mundane her wishes were they’d be fulfilled. Nesta was propped on the floor in front of Laine, who was bunching handfuls to weave in tangled auburn coils that gathered on Nesta’s head- as a bird's nest would.

Eventually, Nesta would have to learn braids or risk knotting the curls entirely.

The eldest basked in the silence she created from mentally muting her middle sister, and spared a glance at Feyre. What she saw was not surprising, but required far more willpower than she expected to not burst into laughter and risk the flowery rat's nest on her scalp.

Feyre appeared to be so bored out of her mind she was eating discarded flowers of Elains. Actually, ingesting them, as if she was a critique. When Elain wasn’t looking at Feyre, she’d grab another couple and study them- analyzing her next experiment. Glaring at the blues and yellows as if she was speaking to them, “Which one of you will make me puke the fastest so I can run away?”

In time, Feyre looked up from her taste tests to see Nesta grinning at her so violently you’d think Feyre hung the moon.

And Feyre beamed back, crossing a pinkie across her chest and pointing it back to Nesta. Then she viciously spit out the grass she’d just finished chewing, crying directly at Laine, “This MUST stop at once, my stomach hurts far too much to continue on here.”

Elain, in a garden so quiet, simply ignored her sister's poor attempts at escape. Making Nesta work even harder to stifle the shaking of her shoulders, covering her mouth and nose before she started wheezing. Elain would hardly hurt a fly but sent Nesta a glare that could’ve easily killed a man.

Nesta cleared her throat, “I do believe there are more of the blue flowers down that hill near the pond. Would you mind getting some more for Laine?”

Feyre was already on her feet, mouthing her thanks as Elain turned her back to get the next bunch of flowers, “Why of course I will!” And with a very bad curtsey, Feyre threw off her shoes and was rolling down the hill, spinning wildly, her laughter sure to be heard in meadows far beyond theirs.

You would find the Archeron sisters all together, or never in the same place.

Laine was the easiest to find, by the waters or pond on the east side, in gardens surrounded with bugs and willows calling to the young girl. She could hardly read but if the text included any mention of colors and blooms, suddenly she was a scholar. Elain was not simple or dull, but rather a passive spirit, like a summer wind- brief, fleeting, but teeming with love and hope.

Feyre, as their mother said, was a reckless wild child. Far too young to care, far too small to be whipped into shape. If you were sent to find her and your life depended on it, may the Mother bless you. Feyre liked the kitchen, because of the immaculate food and maids who would shove any sweet down the littlest Archerons throat. But, also for the immeasurable amount of sharp items to be found in there. If it was pointy and could stab a wall or scare their ice-cold mother, Feyre would be running the halls with it in hand or making targets of her fathers old trade route maps.

Then there was Nesta, the firstborn. Molded to be another woman that she somehow couldn’t fit, as if her feet were too big or hair too long, Nesta was outgrowing the standards forged into her being. You would see her as a ghost, floating in and out of rooms, comfortable in silence and slumber, but never escaping people. She loved the maids and could recite all of their names like clockwork, and the workers loved her in turn. Always stuck in new worlds between pages or willingly dragged by the two youngers, Nesta teemed with liberation. She was often alone, but never lonely, and found new loves in the library or in the fields beyond marble confines.

Adela was constantly dissatisfied with her eldest's progress inside these walls, as if at eight she should’ve already been engaged to a prince. Granted, Adela knew better. Nesta would never truly find another kingdom to buy into when she already had a crown waiting for her elsewhere. She was known as fair and beautiful beyond her years, would age like fine wine, and become so much greater than Adela ever was. What Nesta saw as fit would normally come to be, an instinct Adela was unprepared she would inherit. Nothing left her more confused than this daughter only by blood, who was hated by both her parents for reasons far from the same, and how at less than ten years had an entire mansion wrapped around her fingers.

But Adela would wait, and simply leave them be for now. When viper's strike, they kill. And even though the Matron of the house wanted her little queen gone, she had other ways to see this through.

Anyways, children's blood on her hands would stain her diamonds.

---

Cassian

Cassian was violently fucking ill. Watching whatever the fuck that was did not help in the slightest. The second she was gone, so was he.

The General and High Lord were not on speaking terms, his presence was an obligation and not a request. When Rhys first displayed his plans, Cassian just about murdered him. Had his brother on the table in a chokehold that the Shadowsinger had to come and release Rhys from. The way his so-called family planned her exile was… horrific.

Cassian was full of light and humor, but not dull the way his family made him out to be. He could see this for what it was, punishing an already broken female for not meeting every damn need of a fully grown woman that was no longer her responsibility. Cass knew better than to downplay the sacrifices Feyre made, but he was also well aware that Nesta's habits were hardly a financial problem and more of a reputation scandal.

That’s what the High Lord did best, when his Court was breaking at the bonds, the mess would “disappear”. Just like the Illyrians hidden in the mountains, the displaced families of Spring, the homeless warriors of Night.

Cassian loved his brother, but more often than not he wondered when Fate would come to bite them in the asses for Rhys’ neglect.

Now, here he was, in his mothers' cabin, wings dragging behind him wiping tears long since shed over a woman who was thrown to the wolves and torn into so many scraps he wasn’t sure how he could put her together again.

He missed his Nesta, the one who threw glares and begged for her people, not this one who hardly spoke and caved into herself enough that she couldn’t see where she was heading.

Cassian fingered for his mug in the wooden cabinets and hit his mark, soon placing water to heat over a small fire over the counter.

He was not okay, not okay at all.

When you look for something in the dark for too long, you eventually find what you need but not always in the way you expect. Cassian coped the same as Nesta Archeron in his first years post-war. It was suffocating trying to be the happy one while dying inside. He watched men he looked up to fall and a lover he admired take her last breath- too much in far too little time. Cassian was not an idiot, he was simply perplexed. Why was he allowed to grieve in unacceptable manners, but Nesta was a sinner in holy clothing?

Bright walls and unlit rooms in the house were silent, only the winds of the mountains singing outside. The newly dusted snow wrapped the dirt in a delicate kiss- a forbidden touch. It was the peak of winter, just after Feyre’s birthday and another insufferable party.

One that Nesta wasn’t invited to.

Cassian wished he wasn’t invited either.

The cup in his hands was dwarfed in comparison to the bulky Illyrian holding it, but at least it was warm. At least it wasn’t empty.

Because if there was one thing he knew, it could always be worse.

Cassian knew that if things were a little different, he’d be the one sitting in a prison of darkness and Hell because of mistakes made as a child. He’d be exiled by family, cast away by the only living remains of a life once lived.

Nesta didn’t know but long before this he had called it even, their sins atoned for in hurting each other equally.

She was the only one in the world who could tell which smiles he was faking.

To anyone on the outside, one kiss was merely that. How curious it was, the iceberg went far deeper.

So when the mug crashed against the wall, and in its wake resembled his inner turmoil, Cassian took to the skies and found himself at the door of a place far too familiar.

.

.

.

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[theoverlyenthusiasticwriter]

Music

Welcome to my poorly written siren au after binge watching Pirates of the Caribbean.  Feel free to like, comment, and reblog. Feedback feed my weary soul.

After getting in trouble with their captain, Cassian and his brothers get their punishment in the form of a small, lonely boat trailing after their ship. Hours pass and day turns to night. When Rhys and Azriel are sound asleep, Cassian is greeted by a beauty in the waves with such a lovely voice.

Next Chapter

Cassian listened to the gentle song of the waves, lying on his back to watch the stars up ahead. The boat beneath him rocked gently, tethered to the ship, Velaris, so they wouldn’t be lost at sea.

He and his brothers had pissed off the captain, Amren, for the third time this week, earning them all a toss overboard. Amren liked them enough, however, to also let down one of the boats used to take them to land. Cassian didn’t mind. It was quieter down here. The only thing he wished for now was a bit of rum and a lady in his lap.

His brothers, however, clearly did not have the same opinion.

Rhys kicked the bench Cassian was lying on. “We’ve been stuck out here for hours.”

At the stern, Azriel rolled his eyes. “She’ll reel us back some time.”

“You were the one that got us into this mess,” Rhys snarled at Cassian, who was pretending not to listen.

Indeed, it had been Cassian’s idea to change course while the captain slept, which had brought them within a hundred miles of the British navy. Then, when they pulled starboard to a smaller ship, it had also been Cassian’s idea to leap over the rail and onto the deck. He and his brothers had brought back rum, rather than gold or prisoners. It was only when the British ship was driftwood beneath the waves that Amren noticed the overly flushed faces of her three favorite, yet least favorite, pirates.

Then, like a good drunk lad, Cassian had spilled the reason they’d run into a British ship in the first place.

The alcohol had worn off with his dastardly plunge into the sea before he heaved himself onto the boat to find his brothers glaring at him.

“Man,” Rhys said, slumping down on another bench, “I’d kill to have Feyre with me right now.”

This time, both Az and Cassian rolled their eyes.

Feyre was the girl he’d left at the last port. Cassian had always thought she was a little out there after learning she thought sirens existed. It was the whole reason she and her older sister, Elain, refused to join the crew.

Cassian stood, going to sit at the opposite end from Azriel so he could peer into the dark water. “If Feyre were here, we’d all have to deal with even more creaky hammocks, which is something I can live without.”

“I don’t know, Elain wasn’t bad looking. Maybe you could make some creaking of your own.” He could hear the grin in Rhys’s voice.

Azriel snarled softly. It was no mistake that if Rhysand was in love, Az was so smitten with Elain he wasn’t too far off. 

Cassian faced his brothers, leaning against the bow behind him. “You both can stick with your cheap romances. I’m a pirate, through and through, and now pretty ankle is going to tie me down.”

“What about a pretty thigh?” Az teased.

“Or, help us all, a pretty breast?” Rhys laughed. 

Cassian threw his brothers a middle finger. “You’ll both be laughing when your stuck on land with three kids each to boot and I’m captaining the Velaris.”

“In your dreams, jackass.” 

“You think Amren will outlive me?”

“Oh, I know Amren will outlive you,” Rhys purred.

“Either way, you two will be playing Daddy and not in the fun way.”

Rhys threw a boot at him.

It landed in the water with a splash. Cassian cursed. “Those are expensive, dumbass.” He leaned over the rail, snatching up the boot before it could get swallowed by the sea, and paused. In the water, there was a glimmer of gold. Just a flash.

He blinked and it was gone, likely nothing more than a trick of the light.

More hours passed, the rocking of the waves gently lulling his brothers to sleep.

Cassian hummed out a tune, leaning against the bow to watch the stars above. He closed his eyes and the sea breeze brushed his face.

Then he heard it.

Softly, no more than wind against the waves, came a voice, singing the same song he had been.

He blinked at the sky, trying to decide if he was hallucinating or caught in a dream he hadn’t known he’d slipped into.

But… there. It was louder, coming closer.

He sat up so quickly the boat rocked. His brothers grumbled but neither awoke fully.

The singing… Oh, gods and ocean and sky, it was beautiful. High and sweet, the voice turned a rowdy sailor’s song into something too good for this world.

He scanned the horizon looking for the source. Dark waves greeted him.

The singing stopped, making him nearly sob at the silence. 

It began again right beside him, making him start. He whipped his head around and found himself face-to-face with the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.

She had her pale arms propped on the rail and was laying her head on them. Framed  by dry, golden brown locks, her face was stunning, perfectly arched brows, high cheekbones, steely blue eyes, and full lips parted in song.

She paused again, lifting herself onto braced arms. “Do you like it?”

With her lifted like that, he could very clearly see that she wore no clothes, her breasts peaked and magnificent.

His pants suddenly became tight. “Yeah. I like it. Please, never stop.”

She smiled a dazzling grin, pushing up even more to sit on the rail. Her legs were long and creamy, the product of every fantasy he’d ever had. 

He must of been drooling as he looked upon the gem between them. She was naked and gorgeous and so… so close.

She stroked his arm, leaning closer and letting out a soft, musical laugh. “What’s your name, sailor?”

“Pirate.”

“What’s your name pirate?”

“Cass--Cassian.” He reached out as if in a daze, putting a hand atop one of those breasts. Gods, it was so soft, fitting perfectly into his palm. Gaping, he squeezed slightly, rubbing a pink nipple.

She laughed again and it was the most harmonic sound he’d ever heard. “I’m a little cold, Cassian, maybe you could warm me up?” He scrambled to strip of his jacket but she stopped him, putting a hand on his chest. “Not like that, silly.”

“Will you sing again?”

“I don’t think I have to,” she whispered, that hand on his chest pulling him towards her.

He shuddered. “Please. Oh gods, I’d kill to hear it.”

She sighed and let go of him. 

He cried out as she slipped back into the water, latching onto her hands. “What--what are you doing? Come back here.”

“Why don’t you swim with me? We can sing together.”

He stood, stripping off his jacket, shirt, and boots faster than he ever had before. With no hesitation, he dived into the water, wrapping his arms around her. “Sing. Sing again.” The water was frozen and she wasn’t much warmer, but he didn’t mind at all.

She smiled and opened her mouth.

Cassian fell into a daze, ignoring the feeling of something wrapping around his legs, binding them together. He leaned in, kissing her throat to feel the vibrations of her voice through his lips. His hand went back to her breast, the other snaking down her back. Soft scales met his fingers where her ass should be, surprising him, but she kept singing, drawing him from his thoughts.

Her nails scratched lightly through his hair as he sucked on her neck, tasting salt water. She tugged his hair lightly, bidding him to pull back.

When he did, her eyes were brighter than the stars, hair fanned around her. She’d closed her mouth but the song was still going, leaving him heavy-lidded with lust.

“Kiss me,” she said over the music.

He leaned in, feeling the muscle binding his legs together contract, keeping him from kicking himself afloat. He didn’t mind, though, as his lips closed over hers--

“Cassian!” someone roared and he was yanked away.

He hadn’t even realized he’d gone under until air hit his face as his brothers grabbed at his shoulders, his hair.

The girl screamed, such a wrenching and ugly sound that it snapped him from his daze. He dared a glance down, finding a golden tail wrapped around his legs.

He thrashed, sputtering as he tried to free himself.

Around them, more sirens were screaming.

The one in front of him smashed his mouth into hers and he felt razor sharp teeth but thoughts flew from his mind at her kiss. He sank beneath the waves.

Another second and he was back up again, Rhysand’s saber cleaving into the flesh of the siren’s arm, while Azriel, appearing in the water beside him, waved a torch to fend off the others.

The siren snarled, her nails--claws--digging into Cassian’s arm. He ripped her hand off him and snatched the saber from Rhys. He plunged it beneath the waves, sinking it deep into her tail.

She unwound herself with a cry and disappeared.

“Get in the boat,” Rhys snarled, helping Az back up. 

Cassian scrambled in after him, panting hard through his teeth. He lay on the deck and tried to shake away the feeling that tasted something like betrayal.

“What,” Az said softly, “the fuck was that?”

Cassian looked down at his chest, finding claw marks where she’d touched him. He cursed vividly. “I thought she was a woman, I swear. She had legs.”

“It was an illusion,” Rhys snapped, dropping his head into his hands. “Shit, I should have believed Feyre.”

Cassian, shaken and soaked, silently agreed.

*****

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[aelin-and-feyre]

The Seer and the Shadowsinger

Requested by @illyrian-queen, @couldilienexttoyou and @breiflyburningcomputer 11: “I’m going to take care of you, okay?” 12: “Stay the night, please.” ‘small one wearing big one’s clothes’ trope and ‘cuddles and soft kisses’ trope

Elriel - FLUFF

Sometimes, Azriel thinks that perhaps Elain isn’t the only Seer in the Inner Circle. It seems that his friends have an amazing talent of timing things so that Azriel and Elain had optimum interactions. He is fairly certain that they have a bet going for who can force the two together more. Currently, Feyre is winning. 

Of course, sweet Elain knows nothing of the bet, remaining in ignorant bliss while Azriel’s so-called ‘friends’ torture him by dangling something in front of him that he can’t have. 

It isn’t that Elain is another male’s mate - Lucien and her had mutually decided over a century ago that they weren’t the right pairing to make each other happy. Lucien had proceeded to apprentice at Helion’s court, learning how to be High Lord some day. 

Rather, it is the fact that she’s Elain. Sweet, loving, beautiful Elain Archeron who Azriel would never dream of sullying with his dark, scarred, bastard self.

Of course, he did dream. A lot. 

Elain and Azriel, over the past century and a half that they’ve known each other, have become very good friends. Best friends, one might say, although they don’t because Cassian get’s jealous. Azriel and Elain are silent companions during the worst of times and pranking buddies during the best. Only Amren has been spared from their buffoonery, though Elain has tried to convince Azriel many times. 

The Seer and the Shadowsinger. The light and the dark. Who knew that the dark could love the light so much that he refused to cast his shadow in fear of dimming her glorious light. 

It was true, Azriel was avoiding Elain and had been for weeks. After a revealing and rather embarrassing conversation with a certain Mortal Emissary last month, Nesta being the last one to confront Azriel about his feelings and finally open his eyes - because let’s face it, if Nesta is trying to make you open up about your emotions, you’re a little too closed off - Azriel finally admitted that he is hopelessly in love with the Seer.

However, the confession had probably the opposite effect that his friends had been hoping for. Instead of making the Shadowsinger rush to Elain and tell her of his passion, Azriel had become closed off, and refused to talk to Elain unless it was absolutely necessary. 

An order from the High Lord to stay back and watch over Velaris while the remaining Inner Circle visited the Summer Court had been fine with Azriel. A couple days without his friends was a welcome break. He loves the gang, but sometimes the Shadowsinger needs a little bit of peace to unwind after months of their antics. 

It is raining the day they leave, and Azriel spends much of the time inside his apartment, reading and sipping tea - which he is only able to do on days when his brothers are gone or he would never hear the end of it. He collects reports from his spies, assigning new missions and making sure everything is in working order. He is just settling in for bed, shirtless with a pair of gray flannel pants on, when there is a knock at his door. 

It is still pouring outside, and rather dark as that day was coming to a definitive end, but the knock is incessant. He steps through the shadows to his front hall, peering out the window, darkness masking his face from the view of his visitor. And then he sees Elain, drenched and shivering on his door step. immediately, he swings open the door and Elain’s still fisted hand drops to her side.

She stares at him and he stares at her. Elain’s eyes drift a little lower to Azriel’s shirtless chest, a sight she has only seen a few times in the last century... and she sneezes. The action breaks the Shadowsinger from his trance. “I thought you were in Summer.” He says quietly, then realizes she is still standing in the rain. Feeling foolish and thoughtless, he gestures her quickly inside. 

Grabbing a towel from the hall closet, the biggest and fluffiest he could readily find, Azriel wraps it around her shoulders. She takes it gratefully, closing the door behind her, sniffling all the way. “I’m sorry. I got sick last night so Feyre decided I should be left to recover. They said I could come to you if I really needed it.” 

Even though he and Elain have proven again and again that they would always be there for each other, the fact that she feels comfortable coming to him when she is ill makes Azriel endlessly happy. However, he is still confused. “What about Nuala and Cerridwen? I thought they were staying at the townhouse.”

Elain, still shivering, wraps the towel closer around herself as she shakes her head. “They went with them to the Summer Court. They knew I would have you if I needed it.”

“Of course they did,” Azriel mutters, the order from Rhys suddenly making sense. How timely it was that Elain got sick the night before they were set to leave. Azriel swears another one of the Inner Circle must also have the Seeing gift. Looking down at the female, the flower that has rooted itself into his shadowy heart, Azriel knows what his friends are trying to tell him. 

Taking a deep breath, Azriel sets his hands on her shoulders, ignoring the contrast between his scarred and her flawless skin. “They are idiots for leaving you in this state. I’m going to take care of you, okay? Stay the night,” Elain looks like she truly doesn’t want to intrude, but Azriel knows better. Besides, why would she walk all the way here, in the rain, if she didn’t want to spend time here, with him? Azriel decides he isn’t going to dissect that any further. “Stay the night, please.” He amends. 

Elain smiles - her grin never fails to make the Shadowsinger’s heart skip a beat - and nods. “Okay. Thank you, Az.” 

“Anytime, now let’s go get you into dry clothes.” Leading her swiftly up the stairs, Azriel notices that his shadows are dancing up and down her limbs, wispy checks that she isn’t outwardly harmed. Whatever illness she possesses, it is probably more comparable to a head cold. “You must be freezing,” He comments as they make their way to his spare bedroom. He doesn’t mean to say it, but the words just slip out. “Do you want to talk a warm bath before you go to bed?” 

Elain looks at him, half amused, half weary. Before she can make a joke, something she definitely learned from Cassian, Azriel shakes his head, a silent plea not to start. Elain bites her lip to contain her laugh, drawing Azriel’s eye to the pink flesh turned white under her teeth. How many times has his mind betrayed him and thought of doing the exact same thing? Probably too many times to count. Averting his gaze, Azriel opens the door to her bedroom for the night, quickly realizing he has nothing for her to wear. 

“Um... Give me a second.” Stepping through the shadows quickly and back again, Azriel appears before her, holding a pair of boxer shorts and a t-shirt. He awkwardly thrusts them towards her, both of their cheeks slightly flushed from the outcome. 

The Seer ultimately shrugs, grabbing the articles and walking over to the bed. “Sorry for just showing up here. I Saw it and figured you had known I was still in town.” Over the years, Elain mastered her Cauldron-blessed abilities. She became able to understand and explain her visions, know when they were about to come and what time they were showing her. 

Azriel however, is barred from responding when Elain begins taking off her shirt. Being over one hundred and fifty years old, Elain is no longer as modest as she was when in her twenties, but never has she started undressing in front of him. He’s not sure if he should be insulted or flattered that she feels so comfortable about it. 

A choked sound leaves Azriel’s lips and makes Elain turn around, now only wearing her skirt and a white wrap around her breasts. “What, so you’re allowed to be shirtless around me and I’m not?” She asks, one eyebrow raised. 

He gulps. Working exceptionally hard not to look down, keeping his eyes trained on her face, Azriel is only able to shrug. Her expression seems pleased as she pulls the shirt over her head. Azriel tries not to notice how it dwarfs her. And he surely tries not to be too turned on by the fact. 

She shimmies out of her skirt, letting it pool around her ankles. Azriel is helpless as he watches, enraptured by the suddenness of his dreams coming true, though not in the circumstances he imagined. Only when the shorts are secured around her slim waist is Azriel snapped out of his reverie. 

He clears his throat, turning towards the door slightly. “Do you need medicine? Or some tea? How sick are you?” He asks, shadows twirling around his wrists as he contemplates what to do for her. Taking care of ill people is definitely not his forte. 

Elain, obviously still cold, slides onto the bedspread. She backs against the headboard, lifting her legs so she can pull back blanket. The movement makes the bottom of the shirt bunch up at her waist and display cream white thighs. They are gone just as quickly as they came when the Seer slips under the duvet. It is such a backwards way of getting into the bed that Azriel wonders if it was deliberate. 

“Some tea would be wonderful, thank you.” She requests. As had become habit the past few decades, Elain’s wish is his command, and Azriel is gone in seconds, drifting through shadows down to the kitchen. 

He takes the time away from her to splash some water on his face. What is wrong with him? if he doesn’t stop staring at her, he will not be able to control himself. 

Seeing her in his clothes. That might just be enough to send him over the edge. Once again, it is uncanny how it rains the day the Inner Circle leaves. And crazy how Rhysand forgot to tell him about Elain staying behind. 

When the tea is made and Azriel has readjusted his state of mind, the Shadowsinger makes his way back up to the spare room. Elain is sitting up, sniffling slightly, and holds her hands out for the cup. 

Her delicate, soft fingers brush his own. Azriel needs to take a deep breath to steady himself. After the first few sips, he finally speaks again. “Is there anything else I can do for you?” 

Elain sets down the tea on the bedside table, and then pats the bedspread next to her. An invitation. Hesitantly, Azriel sits down. The Seer takes no time sliding down further under her covers and adjusting so her head rests on the hard planes of his stomach. 

“Elain,” Azriel starts. He knows that she is doing this on purpose, and doesn’t understand why nor does he fully want to. Nevertheless, his fingers reflexively find their way to her hair and begin to brush through the strands absently. 

“I know why you’ve been ignoring me, Az,” Elain mumbles, fingers tracing light sketches across his abdomen. Azriel has to work very hard not to purr at the sensation. “And I need you to know that I am not Mor.” 

His fingers halt halfway down her back. “What?” 

Elain sighs, pushing up into a sitting position so that she can meet his eyes. “I don’t prefer girls, nor am I going to let this thing between us fester for another four centuries.” 

Azriel stutters, eyes darting between her own. “There isn't -” 

“Yes there is, Az,” She insists. Her hand grasps his, interlacing their fingers but never taking her eyes away from him. “I’ve seen us.” 

“Y-you’ve seen... us?” Truly, he must be dreaming. Azriel contemplates quickly that perhaps there was never a knock at the door, and all this had been some elaborately concocted dream. Especially when Elain’s hand travels up to cup his cheek, her eyes boring into his own.

“Azriel,” She whispers. Her thumb brushes against his cheek bone. Her gaze drifts down to his lips. “Kiss me.” 

Yep. This is a dream. Azriel is sure of it now. And he says so. Elain laughs, the sound sending a shiver through his body that the Seer is quick to notice. “This is not a dream, Az. Just kiss me.” 

“B-but you’re sick.” He tries. 

The devious smile that appears on the female’s face makes him realize that he’s been tricked. “For a spymaster, you aren’t very observant, Az.” She taunts.

His friends aren’t Seers, it’s just this beautiful woman in front of him who planned the whole thing. She made sure the group would leave on this day, when it would be raining, made Rhys have Azriel stay back but take the shadow twins, she faked being sick, all so that her vision would come true. The future where she saw them together. “You pulled a prank on me,” He whispers, slightly awed. Her responding smile erases away all of Azriel’s doubts. “Cauldron, I love you.” 

It felt so good to admit it, to tell her what he has kept bottled inside for more than a century. “I know,” She grins, fingers combing through his hair, over his shoulders and along the tops of his wings. Where she had learned how to do this, Azriel only has two guesses. Maneuvering her legs out from under the covers and then situating so that she now sits on his lap does not help matters. “You want this. I want this. Let’s have this.” 

“Okay,” Is all Azriel is able to say, and then her smiling lips descend upon his own, and Azriel thanks the Cauldron that instead of his shadows diminishing her light, it seems to be the other way around. And the Seer is somehow able to brighten his shadows.

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Next oneshot will be posted Sunday July 23

#elriel #elriel fluff #elain x azriel #azriel x elain #elain x azriel fanfic #elriel fanfic #elriel fanfiction #acotar #acomaf #acowar #elain archeron #azriel #inner circle #night court #post acowar #a court of thorns and roses #a court of mist and fury #a court of thorns and roses fanfiction #a court of wings and ruin #a court of wings and ruin fanfic #acotar fanfic #acotar fanfiction #my writing #one shot #request

[modernbookfae]

Some nessian hurt/comfort pretty please???

Just warning you now. This is a LOT of hurt and loss from both Nesta and Cassian.

Nesta has only recently discovered she is pregnant with Cassian’s child, but he spends most of his time at the camps before she ever has the chance to tell him. When tempers flare Nesta leaves with an Illyrian scouting group in an attempt to salvage a day that was supposed to be happy. But loss is never easy nor is it what we ever expected. This lesson is going to be taught to Nesta and Cassian in the harshest of ways.

Read on AO3 | TAGS: angst, hurt, comfort, pregnancy, miscarriage 

Frigid anger kept Nesta silent as she pulled on her flying leathers and packed a small satchel to take with her on the surveillance sweep along the edge of the Night Court. Cassian hadn’t come up the stairs. He was either in shock or fuming at what he had discovered while they visited the Inner Circle at the House of Wind. Granted Nesta wasn’t sure what he was feeling since she created a wall on her side of the mating bond. She had to do so or else she would drown in a storm of emotions.

Her hand drifted to her stomach. A small bump barely visible underneath her grey shirt. She had kept her pregnancy a secret for three months in the hopes of surprising Cassian when he returned from the camps, but somehow they had gotten into a heated argument about him needing to be home a bit more often instead of with the troops.

Nesta merely broached the topic as a hint to her pregnancy, but then it all changed when they started fighting about it. Cassian still had no clue about the pregnancy until they left for the House of Wind.

It was an unexpected visit from the Suriel that ruined Nesta’s surprise. The creature had originally arrived to bring news to Feyre, but as it was leaving it offered its congratulations to Nesta and Cassian on the unborn child.

Needless to say everyone was brimming with happiness, but Cassian didn’t – couldn’t say a word as he was shocked by the reveal. Nesta knew he was excited though. They had been trying to have a child for years now. All the others in the Inner Circle along with Elain and Lucien already had children of their own.

But the fact that Cassian was silent ripped Nesta’s heart little by little until she finally decided that a trip with a group of Illyrian scouts was needed to get her mind off of things.

Nesta sighed in the bedroom she shared with her mate. She almost hoped he would ask her to stay, but perhaps it was better for them both just to take a moment to breathe before their emotions got the better of them.

She walked down the hall of their home in Velaris and entered the living room. Cassian was seated at the kitchen table reading a book about military strategies. His eyes drifted up and saw her attire.

“You’re leaving.” It wasn’t a question.

“I’m going to scout along the borders with a few other Illyrians,” Nesta said. “Just a routine check.” Please ask me to stay.

Cassian was quiet for a moment. His hazel eyes assessing her and flickering down to her stomach.

“Fine,” he clipped out as if he hated himself for it. He knew there was nothing in his power to stop her though he desperately wished she would remain at home where it was safer. But he wasn’t going to ask that of her. He wasn’t going to be one of those males that pressured his pregnant mate to be extremely cautious to the point where it was smothering. He couldn’t do that to Nesta. Not after what the war and everything had done to them. “I might be gone when you return since I have to survey one of the camps in the farther mountains.”

“Did Rhysand ask you to do that?” Nesta tried to hold in her venom. Why couldn’t he be here when she got back? Why did it seem like she was always the one waiting at home for him? Sure he was the Commander of Rhysand’s armies, but that still didn’t mean he couldn’t join her when she returned home herself from Illyrian missions.

“I volunteered to go,” Cassian said. When he saw the look on Nesta’s face his brow furrowed. “Nesta I can’t just abandon the troops. They’ll still need me-”

“Right as if our family won’t need you,” Nesta rolled her eyes and didn’t hold back her words. “You’ll be here one day when this baby – our baby arrives, and the next time you come back the child may already be growing up so fast that they will see you more as a visitor than a father.”

Cassian stood up. His body tense with restrained anger at the thought of being considered a terrible parent. “You know I wouldn’t do that, but I also have a priority to protect this court.”

“Your family should be more of a priority Cassian! You’re hardly here it seems and when you are it’s like you’re not even truly with us,” Nesta swung her arm out. “Your trips to the camps have progressively gotten longer to the point where I might not even see you for months. Months! Do you not understand how that makes me feel?”

“I can’t just drop everything and come home-”

“Can’t or won’t Cassian,” Nesta interrupted. “There’s a difference.”

A muscle ticked in Cassian’s jaw as he gritted his teeth. “You think I enjoy being away from home. From you?”

“Well you’re making it feel that way,” Nesta admitted softly. “And honestly I hope our baby won’t ever feel that way either.”

Hurt flashed across Cassian’s face. Nesta flinched at his obvious pain as the words struck a deeper chord between them.

Cassian who was abandoned as a child. Left without a home or anyone to care for him.

“Cassian,” Nesta said softly and reached a gentle hand down the bond. But was met with a searing defensive wall of flame that made her stumble.

“Just go,” Cassian whispered. He turned away and began rifling through the kitchen.

Nesta bit her lip wanting to take back what she said and offer him an apology. But her throat clenched and a day that was supposed to be filled with love and happiness turned silent. Only the pain of their previous exchange of words echoed between them.

Without another word Nesta left and closed the front door with a soft click. It sounded too loud in her ears. As if that one little noise was the final sounding toll in her horrendous day.

Hours passed and there was no sign of trouble along the border. Nesta doubted that there would be, but it was always better to be prepared. The war had ingrained that into her mind.

“Should we make our way back to camp?” One of the male Illyrians asked.

Nesta nodded. She and three other Illyrians banked left on the wind and began to fly back to their homes.

As they passed over one of the streams in the forest Nesta felt troubled. At first she thought it was her mating bond, but the she realized that Cassian hadn’t sent anything down it. In fact the bond had remained quiet since she left their townhouse.

An odd stillness carried across the forest below.

“Something isn’t right,” Nesta scanned the trees below. The further they traveled the worse her unease grew. She glanced at her group and gave them each subtle nods that they understood.

Be ready.

And then chaos errupted.

Ash arrows shot into the sky causing the Illyrians to follow their training and duck closer to the trees out of sight of the archers. All of them narrowly missed the potentially deadly projectiles.

The minute they landed a group of beasts and the few straggling soldiers that remained from Hybern’s army leapt from the bushes and trees.

“Looks like we’re in luck,” one of the wretched beasts said. “We’ve come across an Archeron. And it’s the Illyrian Commander’s mate.”

Nesta struck swift as an adder. Taking out multiple enemies as her fellow warriors did the same.

But she didn’t see the ash arrow being nocked into a bow yards away. Nor did any of the other Illyrians notice that the fiercely protective female they had come to know and love was shot at until it was too late.

Blood spilled from the injury. The arrow was lodged below her ribs and the piercing cry she let out made the trees shudder.

Her fingers clasped the wound. Instinctively she thought of her unborn baby.

No. No. No.

In the background the battle waged on until Nesta was forced to continue or else she and the warriors with her would die. Throughout the remainder of the battle she held her stomach. Praying to the Mother and any other Gods that would listen.

Please don’t take my baby. Please.

Her worry and rage froze her bloodstream. She channeled those emotions into surviving. Blades sliced through flesh and she personally wanted to slit the throat of the fae who shot her with the arrow, but knew they needed at least one survivor to question. And he was the last one still breathing by the time the fight was over.

Quickly the Illyrians flew back with their captor, but Nesta struggled to keep up.

They flew immediately to the House of Wind. Or at least that was the last thing Nesta remembered before she plummeted to the stone balcony. Faintly she could hear someone screaming – roaring her name before darkness pulled her under.

Nesta didn’t know how much time had passed when she opened her eyes again. Light beamed in from the tall windows and glass door leading to the balcony. This room was familiar. It was the one she shared with Cassian at the House of Wind.

Nesta groaned and attempted to sit up in the large bed as pain shot in the lower part of her abdomen.

With a gasp she flung the covers off and pulled up the hem of a clean shirt that someone had changed her into.

A small scar marred her skin from where the arrow hit its mark. Nesta’s hand slowly caressed her stomach as she searched for the little flickering flame that was her child.

Nothing.

She tried again and again, but her efforts were futile.

Her body began to shake and her walls completely shattered under the loss of her baby. Tears poured down her face as she cried and screamed and begged.

How could she lose her child before it had even entered this world?

Nesta was so distraught that she was unaware of the door opening from the far side of the room. She paid no attention to it. Currently she felt as though her world was falling apart and there was no way to salvage the pieces. She rocked back and forth cradling her stomach where her baby should be, but no longer was.

But then she was being cradled herself. Strong arms wrapped around her body and brought her against a warm broad chest. Her ear rested against the steady heartbeat that became her anchor. The only thing keeping her tethered to sanity.

“Nesta,” Cassian’s voice was soft. So soft that Nesta barely heard him over her sobs.

“Cassian,” Nesta choked out through her tears. “I’m so sorry.” She was sorry that she had fought with Cassian. Sorry that she couldn’t protect their baby. And she could never forgive herself for losing the most precious thing that they never got to have.

“It’s-“ Nesta hiccupped and tried to take a breath though she struggled to do so. “It’s my fault our baby-” She couldn’t even finish as she almost heaved over the side of the bed. She was a wreck. Both emotionally and physically.

“Nesta,” Cassian held her tighter. His voice was firm, yet gentle. “You are not to blame. Do you understand?”

Nesta was unable to speak so she shook her head against Cassian chest. Tears soaked into his white shirt and wrinkles formed in the fabric as she clung to him.

But I want our baby back. I want all the memories we should have had together as a family. Nesta brokenly thought.

“I know you do,” Cassian answered her having heard her through the bond. Each depressing word struck him deeper than any wound he had ever received in battle. “I want our little one along with the future we should have had.”

He paused to take a shuddering breath.

“And I should be the one apologizing for arguing with you,” Cassian murmured against the top of her head. “Maybe if I had listened or hadn’t let you go after our fight then things might have been different.”

“I don’t blame you Cassian,” Nesta whispered against his chest. “I could never blame you for that.”

Cassian hugged her closer so that she could nestle against the crook of his shoulder.

“Then don’t condemn yourself either,” Cassian’s voice cracked. “Please Nesta. To hear you say those things – to even feel them breaks me more than I already am.”

Nesta looked up into her mate’s face and saw tears streaming down his cheeks. He reached his hand to cup the side of her face and brushed away her tears with his thumb.

“Nothing can ever replace our child,” Cassian said. “But maybe one day we’ll have the chance for the baby we deserve when we’re both ready.”

“Cassian I-”

But the words left Nesta mouth as Cassian lowered his forehead against hers.

“I’m not saying we try again any time soon. It can be decades or centuries later,” Cassian said. “And if for some reason we are unable to have a child then I’ll still love you with all my heart. You’re my family Nesta. And if it’s just us then I’ll always consider myself the luckiest male alive, because I know you’ll be by my side for the good and bad that the future brings.”

Nesta trembled in his arms at his raw admission. She tilted her chin up to look into those watery hazel eyes. Her fingers shakily wiped away the tears until she used her lips to kiss them away at the corners.

“Thank you Cassian,” Nesta inhaled his scent as she rested her face into the crook of his neck. Finding comfort in the familiar smell of spice, embers and the essence that was Cassian’s warm comforting hold.

They remained in bed for hours. Holding each other together before they tucked themselves under the covers to recover after their tragic day.

Cassian stayed awake long after Nesta’s exhaustion overtook her as she fell asleep against Cassian’s chest. In the safety of his arms she succumbed to a deep slumber.

Those very arms were the ones that had caught her when she was falling from the sky. He could smell the blood on her along with her frantic thoughts that beat against his walls until he let them in. The wave of fear almost brought him to his knees and when he saw her tumbling from the air his instincts took over.

He carried his mate to their room and fell into a primal protective nature that snarled at anyone who got too close. And when he discovered her injury and the loss of their child there was nothing to stop him from finding the filth that had harmed his family.

He made sure that his prisoner suffered during the interrogation. He took his time burning the limbs and cutting him with a blade until nothing was left, but it did nothing to ease Cassian’s sorrow. Because in the end there was nothing he could do to bring back his and Nesta’s baby.

After he had cleaned up Cassian returned to where Nesta slept in their room. For hours he stayed by her side. Knowing that she would need him when she awakened to find that their precious gift they had created together was no longer in her womb.

But then he left the room for one minute to tell Feyre and the others that he wanted time alone with Nesta before they saw her. He wanted to speak with his mate privately and without interruption.

That was when he heard her cries.

The sound alone made him wish he could have fought in hundreds of battle if it meant not hearing that noise of complete agony come from his mate.

Cassian would have given anything to cease Nesta’s pain.

Even now with her in his arms he knew that the pain would still linger. Perhaps it would never go away completely. For him it never would.

But he was thankful that at least Nesta was not stolen from him today either. That was the one mercy he was given. And he did not plan to squander it.

He kissed her forehead as she slept. A silent promise. From this day on he would make sure to shorten his time in the camps. His troops would be fine without their Commander being present so frequently.

And he vowed to better protect his mate. For he could not bear to see her in such a state again. He would do everything in his power to prevent Nesta from falling into another pit of despair and loss even as he was teetering on that edge.

#nessian #nesta and cassian #nesta x cassian #cassian and nesta #cassian x nesta #acotar #a court of thorns and roses #acomaf #a court of mist and fury #nessian fanfiction #nessian fanfic #nessian fic #my fanfic

[booklr-16]

July Wrap Up

A Court of Mist and Fury, Sarah J. Maas - I gave this book a 4 out of 5 stars. I hated the beginning of this book. I didn’t like how Tamlin treated Feyre when he NEVER acted this way before, and Feyre annoyed me as well, and I almost def’ed this book 100 pages in. However, once I was past that part I really enjoyed this book and all of the plot twists.

Infamous, Sherrilyn Kenyon - I gave this book a 4 out of 5 stars. This was a reread, and I really enjoyed it more than the first time I read it.

Flame in the Mist, Renee Ahdieh - I gave this book a 5 out of 5 stars. I read this book for the Summer Biannual Bibliothon. Once I started reading this book, I couldn’t stop. The authors style of writing is so beautiful and all of her characters are so well fleshed out. I can’t wait to read the second book in this series.

The Other Woman, Therese Bohman  - I gave this book a 3 out of 5 stars. I didn’t really like the main character in this book. I thought she rambled through most of the book, and at other times I thought she was being very naive. I also didn’t like the ending to this book, but I still enjoyed the plot twist and the romance.

Gilt, Katherine Longshore - I gave this book a 3.5 out of 5 stars. I really enjoyed this book, though I hated Cat and the way Kitty always forgave her, even at the end. Though, I did like all of the plot twists and the authors style of writing.

Now I See You, Nicole C Kear - I gave this book a 3.5 out of 5 stars. I didn’t like the beginning of this book, since the author just kept repeating that she was ignoring her diagnoses and not really saying much else. I did like the second half where the author is showing the problems she’s going through with having children, raising them, and finally coming to terms with becoming blind and having to learn to live with that.

Shadow and Bone, Leigh Bardugo - I gave this book a 4 out of 5 stars. I didn’t like this book the first time I read it for some reason. I hated Mal, since he only seemed to “fall in love” with Alina after she discovered her power, and got angry every time Alina was around the Darkling but thought it was ridiculous that Alina was angry over Mal flirting with other woman before he confessed his feelings.

Lady Midnight, Cassandra Clare - I gave this book a 3.5 out of 5 stars. I also didn’t really connect with this book the second time I read it. I hated nearly all of the characters except Julian.

Turtles all the way Down, John Green - I gave this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars. This was a reread, and I still hate Daisy and Holmsey being friends.

The Raven King, Maggie Stiefvater - I gave this book a 4 out of 5 stars. I loved nearly all of this book, though I found a few parts to be a bit boring. I loved how this series ended, and I really want to reread the series again sometime soon.

12 Steps to Normal, Farrah Penn - I gave this book a 4 out of 5 stars. I wished the main character would have tried harder to reconnect with her father towards the end, but even at the end she still hasn’t really forgiven him. 

Circe, Madeline Miller- I def’ed this book at 100 pages. The writing was boring, there seemed to be absolutely no plot, and all the characters didn’t seem fleshed out at all.

Stars Above, Marissa Meyer - I gave this book a 2.5 out of 5 stars. Even though I loved the new stories, most of these just seemed like filler and were already mentioned and told in the original books.

The Keeper: 4 out of 5 

The Queen’s Army - 4.5 out of 5

Carswells Guide to Being Lucky - 3 out of 5

After Sunshine Passes By - 1 out of 5

The Princesses and the Guard - 5 out of 5

The Little Android - 3 out of 5

The Mechanic - 1 out of 5

Something Old, Something New - 2 out of 5

Inferno, Sherrilyn Kenyon - I gave this book a 3 out of 5 stars. Even though this was originally my favorite book out of the series, I hated a lot of this. I didn’t like Nick kissing, flirting,and hanging out with another woman, while also complaining about Kody trying to “kill” him without even listening to what she had to say and saying that she was his love. If you loved her that much, why were you parading around with another woman in front of her?

Born of Defiance, Sherrilyn Kenyon - I gave this book a 5 out of 5 stars. I really loved this book. I loved Tayln, Felicia, and all of the fight/battle scenes. 

Then She was Gone, Lisa Jewel - I gave this book a 5 out of 5 stars. Yes, everything was predictable in this book, but even though you know what’s happening, it doesn’t hint at exactly everything that went on. Even though it was predictable, I couldn’t find the will to put the book down and enjoyed every single part of it.

#wrap up #book blog #book #book photography #booklr #books #long reads #currently reading #reading #leigh bardugo #sherrilyn kenyon #to be read

[inkdropsreviews-blog]

A Court of Thorns and Roses - Sarah J Maas review

Rating:  ★ ★ ★

This was one of the first YA fantasy books that I read in ages - probably since Harry Potter. It was mainly the fact that the bookstagram community, which I joined a while ago, loves Sarah J Maas. While I don’t think this book is perfect, I did enjoy it and I will definitely be reading more YA in the future.

The only thing I knew before setting off with ACOTAR was that it is a rough retelling of Beauty and the Beast. ACOTAR’s main character is Feyre. One night while hunting for food to support her impoverished family, she kills a wolf. In fact, this wolf is a faerie from the neighbouring faerie kingdom, and another faerie comes to demand retribution. To repay the life that she has taken, Feyre must spend the remainder of her life in the faerie kingdom Pythian. Once she arrives, she learns that the faeries are not all they seem, and that there is a plague that is threatening not only the faeries but the human realm too.

First of all, I love a good fantasy setting, and Prythian founds truly magical. From the moment I opened the book and saw all of the different locations (The Summer Court, The Winter Court, The Spring Court, The Autumn Court, The Day Court, The Night Court, and The Dawn Court), I was so excited to learn about all of these different places. I really liked seeing the various magical creatures that were introduced, and towards the second half of the book, we saw many more faeries and learned some more about the politics of the kingdom which I liked. However, I do wish we had seen more of the kingdom because I felt like it wasn’t fleshed out too well. I didn’t even know that Tamlin’s court was The Spring Court until about halfway through the book! Hopefully, both the kingdom of Prythian and the characters are explored and developed further in the following books in the series, and we can learn even more about this world.

Now, how do I feel about Feyre? When I started the book, I was so excited to read about this young girl who has supported her family almost single-handedly for so long. She was brave and strong, but Sarah J Maas really helps you get into Feyre’s head so that you understand her emotions and that she isn’t a cookie cutter ‘strong female character’ type of girl. However, Feyre was just a little too reckless for my liking. Personally, I couldn’t understand the thought process behind some of her decisions, which were in my opinion way too risky to understand, and for me to keep thinking of her as smart. I also got frustrated with her hot-and-cold mood swings. I couldn’t figure out whether she missed her family, whether she was happy to be in the Spring Court, or any of her feelings towards anything, because while she would say X at one point, her actions wouldn’t show it, or she would change her opinion within a few pages. Thankfully, in the second part of the book, Sarah J Maas takes Feyre to the next level and really puts her under some intense pressure and we get to see her being more focused and determined.

Now, personally, I am not a huge fan of romance books. I love a good romance, and I ship just as much as the next person, but I like my love stories to be a subplot. I think this is just because I get fed up of seeing complex characters be reduced to their relationship with someone else. For this reason, I got a bit bored with ACOTAR in the middle section. There is a love story to this book, and while that’s fine, I got really bored of reading about the characters getting sappy and falling in love. It just took up too large a portion of the novel, and with Feyre’s mood swings (as mentioned above) I had a hard time feeling any genuine emotion from her at times, making the romance feel forced. I would have preferred for this section to be shorter, and to have gotten to the more action-packed part of the story sooner - because that was GREAT!

So, I give ACOTAR 3/5 stars. I wish that I could have loved this book more, but I just didn’t. I wish that the plot had moved quicker, and that there had been more world building and characterisation instead of long drawn out scenes depicting the romance. However, I am hopeful that my concerns will be rectified in the second novel, so keep a look out for that!)

#acotar #a court of thorns and roses #sarah j maas #ya book #ya fantasy #ya book review #bookblogger #book review #3*