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illyrian-dreamer · 1 year

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Conditions of entry

Eris x Reader

Summary: Eris seeks you out late a night, but you have some conditions to his entry, SMUT! 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

Possessive, jealous Eris. Look– it’s just filth.

Warnings: Smut (18+, minors DNI)

Word count: 2,286

AN: I said in a previous post that writing for Eris scared me, but @missaddamsworld encouraged me to give it a crack. This one’s for you lovely, hope I’ve done him justice ;)

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Eris scoffed, his expression pure male arrogance. “You were never anything special, sweetheart.”

Bullshit. You didn’t try to hide your scowl, your arms folding across your chest as a small smirk formed on your face. That was complete and utter bullshit. Your ongoing rendezvous with the to-be High Lord had never been more than feral, heated sex, but you knew just as well as he did that desire had quickly turned to need, and to say it wasn’t special was an ignorant lie.

“Is that so,” you toyed, flashing your teeth without a care of how Eris might respond. You wanted him heated, wanted him angry. “Perhaps I’ll seek one of the many suitors lining up at my door then, I’m sure they would be honoured for even a taste of me, and would consider themselves lucky to share my bed.”

And that was exactly what you were fighting over. Eris had once again sought you after an evening at the opera. You had allowed him in on one condition – to stay until morning.

Eris’s expression was cold, but his eyes burned an autumn flame. “Go ahead. May they indulge on my scent on you, may they enjoy the taste of my cum in your cunt.”

You face dropped at the filth of his words, and you had to swallow to recover from your shock. “Fuck you,” you spat.

“Only in your dreams, sweetheart.”

You glowered at the male before you, his eyebrow arching in triumphant defeat. You had shown your cards before him, folded them the moment you showed just how much he hurt you.

“You’re a selfish, arrogant bastard,” you sneered before turning your heel to storm off. But a quick hand caught your wrists – both of them. Before you knew it, Eris was snarling down at you, his ginger strands falling in front of his face as he fumed down at you with a feral expression.

“Say. that. Again,” he dared.

You looked back at him in disgust. “I said–“

Hot lips crashed over yours before you could get another word out. Eris was dominant, angry and anxious – all of which you could tell through the force of the kiss, his tongue demanding entry. You let out a sound of surprise, his tongue taking the opportunity to slip over yours as he walked you over, pressing you up against the wall, your hands still caged in his.

Eris pulled away, his eyes swirling with flecks of ambers as they danced between yours. “I won’t be told what to do” he spat, his eyebrow quirking as he licked his lips, eyeing your own.

Your chest heaved in frustration and flush. “I am not for your disposal,” you fought back, pushing against the hold on your wrists, still pinned above you. Eris was unmoved.

“But you’re so delicious” he teased, leaning into the part where your jaw meets your neck and kissing – sucking.

You blinked away the stars, the haze that came with your arousal as he worked you in that spot he knew so well. You had to focus.

“If only I felt an inch for what you feel for me,” you lied.

A small yelp left your lips as Eris sunk his teeth to the nape of your neck, the spot he was kissing now replaced with a sensual, animalistic bite. You couldn't help the throb of your insides at the instinct that was quickly taking over.

Eris now chuckled into your skin, removing his teeth as he levelled a look at you, his face inches from your own.

“Hmm,” he hummed, moving so fast then you didn't have a chance to stop him. Both hands were now held in one of his pinned above you, the other hand making its way up the side of your thigh, slinking up at a sultry rate while stopping to pinch the flesh of your love handles.

“So if I were to run my fingers along your slit, I wouldn’t find you soaked to your core?”

You huffed at the male as he smirked back, his hand inching ever so closely to your middle, the fabric of your skirts bunched at his arm. You were sure he could feel the heat radiating from you.

“You’re insufferably arrogant,” you bit back, a whimper then escaping you and Eris’s hand found your core. Long fingers rubbed up and down your slit, cupping you from beneath at jolts of electricity fired through you. It took all the strength you had to not throw your head back and moan.

Eris wore a grin of male arrogance, chuckling to himself as he knew he had struck home. “My my, Y/N. Your body makes a liar out of you.”

You cursed at him in return, your eyebrows pulling in a longing, feral need. One of Eris’s fingers teased your entrance, your body aching for him to stretch you by any means. You were desperate, undone already – and he knew it.

Eris pressed his lips over yours again, your head pushed against the wall as he slipped two fingers inside you, You moaned into his mouth, tongues darting and dancing as you both fought for control. He began to move his fingers, curling them inwards and using his thumb to stimulate your clit. You were ashamed to know how soon you would finish.

“Look at your pretty, flushed face,” Eris teased, his expression smug as he drank in your pleasure. His eyes darkened then, like a low ember as his voice came out cold. “I did not like seeing you with that other male tonight,” he practically growled, continuing to work his fingers inside you.

You tried to collect your thoughts, to retort in this state. “And what of you? Who was that pretty blonde wrapped around your arm?”

Eris snarled at your defiance, withdrawing his fingers quickly as you were left staring at each other, neither of you willing to back down.

You cocked an eyebrow. “Is she another one of your play things? Is she also ‘nothing special’?”

Eris’s face was now full of rage, his eyes glowing as he dared you to continue. You took the bait.

“I wonder if she knows you seek me out after you fuck her? What’s wrong Eris, can’t seem to get any satisfaction?”

His lips curled in a heated hatred as another snarl left him, a strong hand was now around your throat, pressing ever so slightly. A warning. “You shut your mouth.”

Now it was your turn to laugh. You knew it was true, Eris had sought you out at all hours of the night, sometimes when traces of his affair with another female were still fresh. You knew you were the only one that could satisfy him, and he you.

So you played the card right into his hand. “Make me,” you said.

Eris ripped your from the wall, pulling you to the bed and bending your over by the waist. He worked quickly to pull of your dress, and after a moment you felt his hardness poking at your entrance, one strong hand holding your in place at your shoulder.

He leaned over you, pulling close to whisper in your ear as he ran his cock over your entrance again and again. “You. Are. Mine,” he growled, shoving the head of him in as you let out a yelp. This is how it had always been between you two, feral, rough lust-filled sex. Tonight was no exception.

“Gods Eris!” you cried out, his cock opening you more as he pushed inside as his hand gripped at the fleshy part of your waist, working your body into him and he started to thrust.

“That’s it, sweetheart,” he gritted, slapping sounds now filling the room as he barely gave you time to acclimate for his size. “Take my fucking cock.”

You moaned at his words, the utter filth that left your mouths during sex was a crime in itself. “Fuck Eris, slow down,” you complained, even though it was an utter lie.

“I’ll fuck you how I please,” he bit back, groaning as his entire length now slid in and out, his hips hitting your rear at every thrust.

A strong hand laced through the roots of your hair, pulling on them to bring you up against his bear chest. The breadth of him swallowed you as he pulled you flush against him, his spare hand now finding your lower stomach and pressing against it, sending new jolts of pleasure.

“See sweetheart, see how well you take it? You were made for me.” The pull on your hair left then, instead Eris forced your chin to dip back, a feral, dominating kiss covering your mouth as he continued to fuck you. You moaned, one hand reaching to lace in his own auburn hair, the other clutching at your breast as they bounced with the movement of sex.

Eris withdrew from you suddenly, and you could have cried from the emptiness. He spun you, roughly, throwing you onto the mattress and pulling you to the edge of the bed by your thighs. He spread your legs wide, using them to guide your body as he entered you as a quickly as he had left, causing you to gasp.

He didn't wait to resume his pace, his cock stretching and filling you over and over as your writhed beneath him. Eris stared at you, his expression serious, possessive, like he could never get enough.

“You feel so good,” you breathed, unable to help the thought that played over and over in your head. Large hands groped at your breasts, kneading your flesh as he pounded away.

“That’s right, doll. and I’m the only male that can make you feel this way.”

You didn't reply, your eyes rolling, lost in your own sensual bliss as the curve to his shaft worked the perfect angle again and again.

A strong hand gripped your face then, forcing you to look at him. “Eyes on me sweetheart.” he growled, beads of sweat rolling down his handsome face as he bared his teeth. “I want to hear you say it. Tell me I’m the only one that can make you feel this good.”

You knew better than to fight him on it. “You’re the only one, Eris,” you practically yelled, earning a roar from him as his pace quickened from thrusts to ruts, your bodies burning together in desperate friction.

“Ugh, oh Eris, I’m close!” you yelled in warning.

“Of course you are. Come for me, and scream my name when you do.”

You didn't care about folding for this male, he had a hold on you that no one else did. Ripples of pleasure exploded from you as you climaxed, your tunnel contracting around his shaft, muscle against muscle as you tightened and he continued to push deep into you. You threw your head back, moaning his name so loud you could have woken the entire corridor.

“That’s it, that’s my girl,” Eris coached, his hands gripping your thighs and breast as he continued to thrust. You twitched and writhed as wave after wave continued to come, your moans turning to soft whimpers as you slowly came down from you high.

You looked at at Eris through heavy lids, the wet sounds of your groins slapping together filling the room. His eyebrows were pulled, his face full of concentration as he stared lustfully down at you. You knew that face – he was close.

He pulled out of you then, his cock glistening with your juices as he pumped his shaft with his hand. You knew what he wanted, and you wanted it too. Sitting up, you moved his hand out of the way as your ran a tongue along him, before close your mouth over the tip and sucked. Eris threw his head back, a grunt escaping him as his hand intertwined with the roots of your hair, guiding your head as he started to fuck your mouth.

You took all of him deep into your throat as his sounds of pleasure made you squirm.

“Ugh, take my fucking cock in your throat, that’s the way.” Strong hands worked you over him again and again, and you felt him swell and stiffen further.

Eris pulled you in deep, freezing on the spot as he exploded straight into your throat with a roar. He rutted against your face, cuming twice, three times, four times as he groaned at each release. You swallowed around him, swirling your tongue as he melted in pleasure.

He began to soften, withdrawing from your mouth as he stared down at you, a look mixed with affection and triumph as he stroked your face. His touch was gentle, and while you weren’t used to it, it felt right. “Such a good girl. My good girl,” he smirked at you, before pulling you under your arms and throwing you further into the bed.

Eris climbed over you, hovering above as he soaked in the sight of your naked body before crashing his lips over yours. You pulled at his neck, desperate to fill his frame against you, and to your surprise, he allowed it.

He tipped to the side, pulling you with him as he pulled you thigh over his waist, holding you to him from your lower back. You stared at each other, hair damp with sweat and sex. He tucked yours behind your ear gently.

“What are you doing?” you asked quietly, the intimacy setting your heart aflame.

“I’m staying the night,” he answered simply, before pulling you into his lips again.

The fire in your heart steadied, a wild blaze dimming into something safe, calm, satisfied – but never dull.

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#eris #eris vanserra #keeping up with the vanserras #eris x reader #eris smut #eris x reader smut #eris x y/n #eris x you #eris jealous #eris possessive #acotarfanfic #acotar fan fic #acotar smut #autumn court #eris vanserra smut #acotar jealousy #acotar pov

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positivewitch · 7 months

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Elain x Lucien

@lucienweekofficial Day 6 - Romance

@positivewitch

#she is playing with his hair #well if i was her I would play with his hair 👀✨#elucien #elain archeron #lucien vanserra #keeping up with the vanserras #lucien acotar #elucien fanart #acotar #acotar fanart #ella art ✨#lucien week 2023 #lucien week #lucienweek2023

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daliasmay · 4 months

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I need some headcanons about typical (and healthier) and haotic relationships between Vanserra brothers in my life!!!!

I remembered how Lucien talked about Amren when he first met her. That she was the character of a scary stories for children which his family told him when he was a child.

It was so cute moment, the little scene from his childhood, that possibly showed that Lucien was a little disaster when he was a child.

A little bit angsty, but I believe that Lucy loved all of his brothers when he was a child (Eris was special and he still sits deep in his broken heart.). Lucien was full of love for the world, like every child, until he learned some life-lessons and understand that his family turned back on him and is ready to plunge a knife into his chest at any moment.

Some time ago I thought that his brothers loved him and each other once, but what happened did happen, and they did what they did. But it is so strange that only Lucien and Eris are "good" and the others are just like assholes, and I just can't to believe in it, sorrrrryyyyy.

I love to think that he was full of energy, he was like a sunny bun-bun (or little monkey) who wanted to be everywhere at once, who needed everything and who wanted to touch everything. And it was a disaster for his elder brothers who sometimes worked as a babysitters. I like to think that they all have a big age difference between them and Lucien, and I have a headcanon, that by the time Lucien was born they had all forgotten what it was like to be a child.

Lucien annoyed them and tried to do all the dangerous things to get some attention from them. And they decided to talk him stories about Amren who lives in the Night Court and roasts little naughty children like a barbecue in her cave. Before going to bed they were talking to him that if he won't sleep, an ancient Amren will bring him from his bed and grab his little fat body in her claws and carry him higher and higher into the sky, so that no one will hear him cry.

Or just something like that ahahaha.

They were joking that they found him in a rubbish bin and then LOA usually slapped them upside the heads because Lucien immediately was running to mother and snitching at them with tears and snots.

P.S. Lucien loved playing with Eris's dogs! At first he was a personal disaster for the dogs and they hid when they heard his babbling, otherwise known as "baby talk", but then they became best friends and they usually chill out when Lucien came to Eris' royal residence with Beron and Lady.

don't judge the woman, I'm under the bottles of tasty red wine😂 All right, everyone can judge me because of it, but I really need these headcanons! thanks to the God, that there are some fantastic stories about these oranges on AO3🥹🥹 I'm always so happy to see them there even if they are just a characters of the second plan.

Vanserras are mine special resource of serotonin.

#acotar #a court of thorns and roses #lucien vanserra #pro lucien vanserra #vanserra brothers #keeping up with the vanserras #eris vanserra #eris acotar #autumn court #my thoughts #does Sarah really mean that they are hate each other from early childhood??????

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raspberrysunshinebby · 1 year

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Jewel of the Autumn

Chapter 1

Pairing: Cassian x Vanserra!Reader

Summary: Many had excepted High Lord Beron to immediately marry off his beautiful daughter when she came of age, maybe even before, but when instead she’s kept out of the public eye and confined to her chambers many are surprised he does not use her to improve relations with other courts. Instead he fears that when he does eventually marry his daughter off she will be corrupted and the horror of his ways will settle into her mind causing him to keep her as a prisoner in her home, a girl who doesn’t even realize she is one. When he brings his daughter to the High Lord meeting neither of them realize of the mating bond that has just clicked for the General of the Night Court.

Warnings: Sexist views, unhealthy father-daughter relationship, abusive and toxic families, Isolation

Word Count: 5646

A part of me wondered how much more I’d enjoy little moments like this if I was closer to my mother and if I’d seen her more and learned more about her if I would have enjoyed her brushing my hair. I never missed the way she looked at me through the mirror with both love and terror, I could never miss it but my moments with her were never long enough for me to ask why she’d looked at me like that, why when she did come around for me she’d always hold on so tight to me then leave and then take so long to visit again. I couldn’t enjoy moments like this when all I could wonder was when she’d decide she wanted to see me again and treat me the way she’d treated my brothers, like her child.

I felt a kiss placed on the top of my head and saw her set down my brush before she hugged me and kissed my cheek to make her leave, I waited until the heard the sound of my door shut before standing up from my seat to go look at the mannequin my father had put in the corner of my room. Father had known how excited I’d been for the High Lord meeting after I’d learned he was taking me, because of the fifty years under the mountain I’d never been able to do much because I was only twelve when it happened. This was my first real event and I was so excited to go, the gown was emerald with gold sleeves and the prettiest skirt on it and the velvet fabric was so soft. I felt like I could die from excitement. I heard a knock at my door and turned toward it to see it open, three handmaidens came in and bowed to me, I nodded to them with a smile on my face before moving to sit down on my vanity chair like I’d been instructed to do countless times.

I turned toward my room as they began to do my hair and makeup. The makeup was simple and only enhanced my features as heavy makeup is not seen as appropriate for a lady, or in my case princess, in the Autumn Court. My hair was much more complicated and beautiful, the pretty braids showing off my red hair and face. It took around forty minutes for the three to finish everything, once I was done I gave them a thank you which they nervously nodded at before leaving. Once they left I moved over to the corner of my room where my dress was and removed it from the mannequin, practically giggling as I rushed it over to my bed and laid it down to admire it, I then realized that the shoes that were supposed to go with it weren’t there I went back over to the corner to look and they weren’t there either before I could leave my room to go ask about it my door opened, I looked to see my father coming into the room with my shoes and a tiara in hand. I smiled at him and moved over to give him a hug that he returned. I began talking fast, thanking him for the dress and for allowing me to go to the meeting with him and Eris and just allowing men out in general which was something that never happened often.

He smiled before directing me to sit down at my vanity and look at myself with him standing over me and stroking my hair. He leaned over to set the shoes down on the floor before he spoke, “You look beautiful, princess.” He said by placing the tiara on my head, I smiled as he placed the beautiful piece on my head. He secured the tiara with the braids on my head, “This was from my mother's collection,” he said when he finished, “I was looking through our archives for my own crown and saw this there, I thought it’d look wonderful with your dress.”

I whipped my head to look at him, “Can I really wear this?” I said excitedly, which he nodded with a smile on his face, “Thank you so much!” I thanked him, the biggest grin on my face.

“All I’m asking is that you follow our basic rules, okay princess?” He told me, which I nodded without hesitation, “Of course Father.” I said.

The rules he’d taught me were to keep me safe, it was to be quiet in public, to smile and wave then always stick by my father's side because he was the one that was always certain to keep me safe. I’d been told stories of daughters of Kings and High Lords who were murdered or, um, other things because they were protected. My father only wanted to make sure that I was safe.

He told me to meet him downstairs when I was dressed so that they could go, once he’d left the room I rushed myself to get ready as fast as I could and went to meet the three, my mother, father and oldest brother down stairs.

When I made it down there my mother wasn’t there quiet yet but both my father and brother were, I said hello to my brother and gave another hug to my father before waiting a few minutes for my mother to make her way down. Due to my mother and father obviously being married she’d be at his arm, if my brother wasn’t coming it’d be appropriate for me to be at my fathers other arm but in this case I’d instead be at my brothers. Once my mother had come down I turned to my brother who already held his arm out to link to, my mother had done the same to father before the four of us winnowed to the Dawn Court.

Once we’d gotten there I had to make a conscious effort to not allow my jaw to drop, the court was beautiful and much brighter than the Autumn Court with flowing color all around. My brother thankfully kept me focused on the purpose of being there and led me inside the palace to the meeting room. I kept my head up as I was told to when we entered the room, my brother and I tailing our parents to our seats. I scanned the room noticing the High Lord of Dawn of course sitting in his chair, I also saw the High Lord of Day eyeing my family which I turned to ignore as I'd been instructed to do countless times, I also noticed what I could only assume was the Night Court. So far they had the biggest party, the High Lord and his wife as I was told sat there with a blonde girl, two winged males, a smaller dark haired girl and a girl who looked like the Lady of Night but sterner. When they turned to look at my family, partially me, I looked away and turned my focus to my chair to sit down, which my brother stood behind me to push me in. I sat there quietly at my brother's side and waited for the other courts to show. My brother and mother sat by my fathers side due to tradition which had my oldest brother sitting beside me. I could hear my father instructing my father that if something were to even slightly be off to immediately winnow me away, as well as to cover my ears if the conversion turned inappropriate.

The other courts, well except for the Spring Court, had shown up now. They all decided that High Lord Tamlin would not show and decided to begin the meeting. I only turned my head to look at whoever spoke but mainly ignored the conversation as it was something that I didn’t understand. It discussed the war against Hybern which I’d been told countless times by my father to not worry about, so I didn’t because I trusted my father. The only part I truly listened to was the discussion of the Lady of Nights sisters being thrown into the cauldron which I couldn’t help but feel sad about as she described it.

I jumped in my seat a bit when High Lord Tamlin burst into the room, the sound shocking me. My brother Eris had placed his hand on my own to calm my heart rate down from that, I also soon found his hands on my ears as the argument between Night and Spring ensued. Because of it I didn’t hear much but I heard something about moaning, though it didn’t matter much as High Lord Rhysand had done something to stop the Spring Lord from speaking.

It wasn’t long after when my father began to argue with Night as well, causing my brother to get dragged in it as well. My mother instructed my brother and her to switch seats as she knew that now that Eris was apart of the narrative he could no longer do as our father asked, as she sat down next to me and my brother pushed her in as he continued talking she soon pushed her hands to my ears as my brother spoke, saying something inaudible before one of the two men from night with the wings has pushed him to the wall, his hand at this throat.

I yelped at the scene, my mother had lost her grip on me and my father moved over to push me to him instead. My heart raced and I turned to look at the rest of the night. I looked at the other winged male for just a moment before turning back to my brother. I felt something pulling but it was ignored as my anxiety for my brother's situation had skyrocketed.

Soon the Lady of Night had called the male, Azriel I heard, off my brother. Eris gripped his own throat as Azriel let go, I got up from my spot by my father to grab my brother and set him down on his seat again, he continued to pant from it as I sat him down before taking my original seat. I felt a glare from my father but I didn’t care.

I looked over to the Night Court to see Azriel taking his place once again, which annoyed me. I felt the other male, what I could only assume, was glaring at me intently. I chose to ignore it and turned to inspect my brother's neck, which he told me to ignore and focus back on the meeting. I could feel the male's gaze still on me as I could see the face of the High Lord of Night change when he looked at me.

I spaced out as the meeting continued up until the end of it. I heard one of the High Lords ask everyone to stay so we could continue to meet tomorrow but my father refused. My father stood up from his chair, getting ready to winnow us away with him.

“I’m afraid that I think you should stay High Lord Beron.” I heard the Night Lord say.

“We won’t be doing that,” my Father said, “I have responsibilities to attend to at home and I'd like both my children to be home now, especially after your treatment of my son.” My brother instructed me to stand with him, linking arms with him. I took notice of the panicked look on the second winged male's face as he turned to look at his High Lord.

“High Lord Beron, please stay, would you? We have a lot to discuss tomorrow as well as some things tonight.” High Lord Rhysand said, clearly trying to persuade my father.

“I’ve already made my decision.” He said before gripping onto my mother and winnowing away, my brother following as well. We’d winnowed into one of our living spaces, “Eris, bring your sister to her chambers.” My brother nodded at him before walking me away from them.

The walk was silent for a while, as it was later at night none of the staff were around to hear us.

“Father seemed a little mad when I helped you up, is he mad at me?” I asked Eris, concerned.

“Perhaps a little but it won’t last with you. He has never stayed mad at you and he has other things to attend to, he’ll forget soon so don’t worry.”

I nodded at this but still felt mortified, “Is your neck okay brother? Does it hurt?” I asked him.

He smiled a bit, “My neck is fine, don’t worry so much, okay?” I nodded at that.

We walked by a hall where multiple of my other brothers' rooms had been, pacing by one we could hear noises coming from it which made my already concerned and racing mind worse.

I looked around the hall and noticed that it was my second oldest brother's room. Archer, from what it sounded like, was stumbling around in there.

“Is Archer okay?” I asked Eris, to which he patted me on the head.

“Just stay here for one second.” He told me, before letting go of me and pounding on Archer's room. I heard Archer's voice say ‘shit’ before he made his way to the door and opened it. Archer's hair was disheveled and looked like a cut on his cheek, “What do you need?” He asked Eris.

“What the fu-“ Eris stopped himself, “What are you doing in there?”

I saw Archer look in my direction when Eris stopped himself from saying fuck. “Just… stuff.” Archer said, “Don’t worry about it.”

I swear I could feel Eris roll his eyes, “Just keep it down, we could hear you down the hall.”

Archer nodded to it, “Okay sure,” He looked toward me with a smile on his face, “Goodnight (Y/N).” He said before closing the door.

Most of my brothers ignored me, but Archer didn’t. He was one of the few who I could actually hold a conversation with and I actually felt like cared about me. Eris sort of did as well, like I could tell he cared but I didn’t speak to him much, Archer would always be my favorite though.

With no more detours we made it to my room where I wished Eris a good night and moved to one of my drawers to pull out a nightgown. A simple white one that was long with sleeves. It had some lace on it but it was still simple. Then I loved my mirror to carefully take everything off.

I set my tiara down carefully, not sure exactly what to do with it now before taking down my hair. With the braids and stuff it took about 10 minutes to get it fully out. I brushed my hair and pulled it back before moving to my bathroom to wash my face. Once I was done I let my hair down and put on slippers to peek out and see if any of the night time staff were around. I noticed a brown haired girl down the hall which I ushered over, I asked her to go ask my father what he wanted me to do with the Tiara which she obliged to.

I sat on my bed to wait for her to come back. I was so tired from the day and really wanted to just pass out, but I wanted the Tiara taken care of first. I was terrified of something happening to it as it was so special to my family.

As I sat there I noticed something dark, like a shadow in my room. I thought it was exhaustion, thinking my brain was just messing with me, but I kept seeing it. The shadow, no, shadows, were in different parts of my room. I got up from my spot and tried to follow it but it would disappear and reappear. I started to feel like I was going crazy as my eyes followed it around, when a knock was at my door they disappeared. Trying to hide my annoyance and how I was kind of scared I walked to the door to see the same servant with orders to take the Tiara to my father.

She went over to my vanity to grab it and quickly left, with that sense of relief in my mind I let myself fall into my bed, choosing to ignore the shadows in my room.

It was later that night, after I’d been home for hours and sat in my room really thinking when I’d made up my mind. I grabbed a red robe and threw it over my nightgown, grabbed my slippers and made my way over to Eris’ room. I decided if I was caught in the halls by Father I’d just tell him I couldn’t sleep and wanted to stroll a bit.

My room was higher up in the house than my brothers, it was in a tower and used to be used as the Hand’s tower but once I was born it was converted into mine, my father said it was to make sure I’d have my own space away from the rowdy brothers. I’d read a story once about a girl with long blonde hair being trapped in a tower kind of like mine. My room reminded me of that but without the trapped part.

My brother's rooms were split into two hallways, the oldest three, Eris, Archer and Onyx had theirs and then there was a hallway with four more rooms where Tobias, Magnus and Elias rooms were. The fourth room was abandoned, covered in cobwebs and I swear the times I’d looked I’ve seen rats or something in there. When I’d ask who’s room it was, no one would answer me. I'd thought about going in multiple times but always got too scared even peeking in there.

I made my way down the stairs trying to make it look like I wasn’t rushing in case my father saw me. I passed through halls before making it to Eris’ door, I knocked on the door and heard nothing on the other side. I knocked once more and noticed the room was dark and no one was inside, I closed the door and decided that I’d wander some to see if I could find him.

Dragging myself through the halls was both boring and a little interesting, so much of this I’ve never seen at night and it was peaceful and pretty. I tried to enjoy it but I was more focused on finding Eris to let him know my decision.

I was now approaching the High Lord’s wing, where my father's rooms and office were. I thought about turning back but if Eris’ was there made me curious as to why he would be there late at night. I walked down my father's hall and noticed his rooms seemed empty, the door wide open and dark. I kept walking to where his office was, the light gleaming out of the room indicating someone was in there. I kept my footsteps silent as I approached the cracked door and listened to some sounds.

I heard the sound of a liquid being poured, it sat silent for a second before a glass was banged onto a desk and I could hear my father's voice, “Hand me it.”

I could only hear footsteps, then it fell silent and I jumped at the sound of whipping. I could hear a groan as the sound of it continued, so I decided to look into the room, wanting to understand what was happening. My heart felt like stopping as I saw Elias kneeling on the ground looking away from father shirtless as father whipped his back. I moved to cover my mouth when I looked past my father and saw Eris’ standing in the room as well, staring into space as Magnus was whipped.

I stepped back, trying not to alert my father. When I felt like I was far enough away I bolted. My heart raced as I ran the entire way to my room, running up the stairs exhausted me as when I finally made it into my room I fell onto my bed to catch my breath.

My head raced and raced trying to understand what I’d just seen, my father had never even raised a hand to me and I had just assumed that went for my brothers as well. I didn’t understand what Elias could have done to be whipped. I had caught my breath finally when I began crying, when I sobbed my eyes out into my pillow. It didn’t matter to me that I’d barely ever spoken to Elias, that I knew nothing about him and he’d never had any interest in me. He was still my brother and seeing this happen to him hurt, it hurt so much seeing my father do that, so something I had no idea he was capable of.

I wasn’t sure how long I’d cried for when I heard my door open, I was scared to look up and tried to pretend I was asleep but instead I was shaken in my bed and I looked up to see Eris standing over me with a panicked look on his face. I rubbed my eyes and sat up as he spoke, “How much did you see?” He asked me frantically.

“I- I don't know.” I swallowed.

“You can tell me, dear,” Eris said, “How much did you see?”

My breathing became uneven, “I saw father, I think- I think whipping him.”

Eris wrapped his arms around me, “Do not let Father know that you saw that, you have to play innocent and not let him know.” I nodded to Eris.

“Is Elias okay?” I sobbed.

Eris stroked my hair, “He’s gonna be okay, I promise.”

My breathing quickened and I sobbed harder, “I don’t get it, why’d he do that? Has he always done that?” I sobbed out countless questions as Eris could only hold me.

A week after the events of what Father had done passed I’d gotten good at pretending I hadn’t seen what I saw, Eris refused to explain more but I found out pretty quickly Father had been doing that to all of my brothers and possibly even my mother. I’d pretended to be on my cycle early in order for my Father to leave me alone for a week to just make sure I’m okay every couple of days. Thankfully my ‘cycle’ would fall on the night when Eris was planning on sneaking me out to that party, which I had now learned was in the Night Court for some reason.

The dress Eris picked out was a simple black gown with gold designs and a mermaid fit. It was out of my comfort zone but I apparently needed to fit into the Night Court for it. My hair was braided into a bun with more gold in my hair.

I finished getting ready and waited for Eris to meet me in my room, it was about twenty minutes until he got into my room, and he matched me. Eris gave me a hug, explaining to me to follow his lead and stay quiet until we get to the room. I wasn’t sure what he meant by this exactly but I told him I would.

I linked arms with Eris before he winnowed us, we were now in a dark hallway that entered into a room where possibly over a hundred people were. We walked into the room with each other and Eris told me to ignore anyone who looked at me. I looked around the room to see the High Lord and his wife sitting on the throne, looking at me intently. I looked away from them and used my free arm to grab onto Eris’ tricep to help my nerves. We walked straight into a room near the back with a large table and a bunch of chairs. Eris set me off to pull a chair out which I sat in and he pushed in for me then he sat down next to me.

“What's going on, Eris?” I turned to ask him, noticing that he was looking down at the ground.

He took a breath, “If you never want to come here again, after this it's your choice entirely. If you decide you don’t like these people and don’t like this male you will never have to see him or any of them again.”

My heart began to pound, “What do you mean?” I would have pushed him more but more people entered the room. I noticed all the people I saw at the High Lord meeting entered the room. I turned to look at Eris again but he now looked at the High Lord.

“This is her? This is your sister?” High Lord Rhysand asked what seemed frantic.

Eris sighed, “Yes, of course this is my sister. Where's Cassian?”

“I’m here.” I heard a voice behind me speak, I turned to see the second winged male who now I could assume was named Cassian. My stomach felt weird when I looked at him, I looked back at Eris who had the same look my mother always gave me. I gripped onto Eris' arm and went closer to him, “What’s going on? Eris please.”

I saw Eris’ jaw tighten as the other people sat down in their seats, “You guys should introduce yourself to her.” His voice was quiet and shaky, which scared me.

I saw the group look around a bit before the short dark-haired girl spoke, “Cassian, come on would you?”

I looked over to Cassian who looked nervous, it was weird seeing such a large male nervous. He swallowed, “(Y/N), right?” I nodded to him, “Well um, I am your mate.”

I was a little shocked at the lack of hesitation, then my shock turned to anger toward Eris. I turned to look at him, “This is why you brought me here, why didn’t you tell me?” I said angrily.

“I didn’t know how to tell you.” He told me, I rubbed my face in an attempt to calm myself but it did nothing, “You're kidding?” I said, getting up from my seat, “I’m sorry, I just, I need to go. I’ll come back another time.” I told Cassian before walking out of the room, well more storming, with Eris following me.

“(Y/N), please listen to me, I’m sorry,” Eris yelled behind me as we exited too ball room into some hallway.

Once I thought we were far enough away, I finally stopped to look at him, “Why didn’t you tell me!” I yelled at him, “You just forgot to tell me something as important as this?”

“Please, I didn’t know how to tell you and with what happened with Father I didn’t want to overwhelm you and Cassian didn’t want to wait and-”

“Oh shut up!” I noticed Cassian and a few other people behind Eros now but I didn't care, “You knew! You knew I had a mate and you didn’t tell me! I don’t care what you thought was best for me, you should have told me!”

“I know you're mad but please, just-” I smacked him across the face.

“Fuck you!” I had never cursed in front of anyone in my family and I could see the shock on Eris’ face as well as I saw Cassian's jaw drop a moment before I continued storming away from him, I didn’t know where I was going and I clearly didn’t care. I guess Eris regained his composure as I could still hear him coming after me. I stopped for a moment to take off my heels where I felt a hand on my shoulder which I turned too, thinking it was Eris.

“What the fuck do you want Eris?” I turned to see that it wasn’t Eris, but instead Cassian. He grabbed my heels from my hands before directing me toward a different direction.

“I understand you're mad at your brother but you really shouldn’t walk around here, this city isn’t the best.”

#cassian x reader #cassian #acotar #acotar x reader #vanserra #keeping up with the vanserras

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ofduskanddreams · 1 year

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When you realize the Vanserras are just the Weasley aesthetic but with Malfoy energy.

#seven #ginger #children #toxic family #influence and power #tell me i’m wrong #acotar #harry potter #keeping up with the vanserras #lucien vanserra #eris vanserra #beron vanserra #vanserra brothers #lady vanserra

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gingerwritess · 2 years

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sorry I saw this beautiful fanart and needed to write something for this dynamic so here’s this silly little piece

Eris had never been particularly fond of children.

They were loud. Smelly. Annoying. Pretty rude sometimes, too. Being the oldest with six younger brothers hadn’t helped at all.

The other boys had caught on quick enough: Eris was the oldest. You followed father’s rules, but when he wasn’t around, Eris was the one to fear.

He was perfectly alright with that setup.

Until his mother went off and bore another high lord’s child.

Lucien. The kid was awful. The most annoying of the bunch by far, and absolutely, irrevocably, in love with Eris.

Avoiding Lucien had become a new hobby of his.

He wasn’t very good at it.

Eris had been enjoying the crisp afternoon, one of his rare days left to his own devices, planning to spend it with his hounds, far away from the manor and all his brothers—

But little Lucien followed.

He tried to sneak. Eris walked through the forests, casually gazing up at the redwoods and oaks, pretending not to hear the little giggles as Lucien followed close behind, darting from tree to tree. If not the giggles, crunching footsteps, and loud sniffs from the remnants of Lucien’s most recent cold every few minutes, then it was the shushing that gave him away.

Eris’s hounds were far more interested in Lucien, jumping and barking happily around him, and Lucien loudly shushed them every time.

The sprawling forest thinned in the slightest, opening to a trickling creek through the tree. A thick branch had fallen along it, and Eris slung a leg over it, sitting heavily with a loud sigh.

The footsteps shuffled to a stop behind him.

“Well,” Eris said loudly, pulling one of his daggers from his belt, “I certainly hope there are no monsters in this forest. I’d hate to have to slay a beast on my day off.”

A giggle came from the trees.

Eris couldn’t help how his lips tugged upwards. He whistled through his teeth, picking up a stone and sliding it down the blade.

“Aspen!”

The dog bounded over to him, his first, most loyal of the pack.

“Reveal,” Eris ordered, scratching Aspen behind the ears. The hound barked, tail a blur behind her, and shot into the trees.

All was quiet in the forest for a moment, save the rustle of wind through dry leaves and the sliiink of the stone against his blade—then a yelp, a bark, and a shrieked, “NO NO NO NO NO NO!!”

Aspen dragged a dirt-covered little redhead out by the pant leg and dropped him at Eris’ feet.

Two big, twinkling russet eyes blinked up at him.

“Gotchu,” Lucien giggled.

Sliiink. Sliiink.

Eris raised an eyebrow as Lucien’s smile faltered and he pulled himself to his feet, trying to brush the leaves off his shirt.

“You had lessons today,” Eris said, focus on the blade in his hand. “And yet you’re out here with me.”

“They’re so boring,” Lucien moaned, and flopped to the ground with a sigh to lean against the branch beside Eris’ legs. “This is way funner. Whatcha doing out here, anyways?”

Eris couldn’t fault him that. He’d hated his fair share of etiquette and history lessons, too.

Aspen trotted right up to Lucien and licked up his little round cheek.

He burst into giggles and grabbed the ghost hound around the neck, pulling her into a hug. “I like your dogs, Eris.”

“Same here,” he muttered.

He didn’t know how to talk to this kid.

This half-brother.

There was the age difference, for one thing; Eris was a fully grown adult by the time Lucien was born. Brother, yes, but little Lucien...he was barely six years old, and treated Eris as if he were a god.

And then there was the truth.

The dirty little secret, the sword hanging by a hair above Lucien’s head.

That was the problem with being a grown, conscious fae while his mother was still having children.

He figured out very quickly why Lucien didn’t quite fit in to the Vanserra clan—and he’d barely been able to stomach looking the kid in the eye since then.

“Whatcha doing?” Lucien asked again once Aspen calmed, curled up by his side. He scooted backwards, up onto the branch, until he made it to right next to Eris. He peered over Eris’s arm at the dagger.

“Sharpening my dagger,” Eris said simply, and continued to do so. Smooth, long strokes right along the edge.

Lucien stared, and they sat in silence for a moment. Lucien’s little leg started to bounce.

“I-I have a sword, too,” he announced, jumping to his feet and pulling a small wooden sword from his belt, waving it proudly at Eris. “Father gave it to me so I could fight Ronan. I’m gonna beat him next time he tries to fight me. I’m gettin’ real good.”

Eris grimaced, not lifting his gaze. “I bet you are.”

Lucien cocked his head, bright orange hair falling limp over his forehead. “Are you sad?”

That got him to look up. The kid was gazing so intently at him, his little eyebrows furrowed as he clutched his little wooden sword. Eris’s heart clenched—those were his mother’s eyes. Well, her eyes centuries ago, before Beron made sure they never twinkled again.

“I’m always a little sad,” Eris replied, giving him a small smile. “But we live with it, don’t we?”

A grin lit up Lucien’s chubby face. “I’ve never been sad. I’m always happy, I’m good at it.”

A lump caught in Eris’s throat. That...wouldn’t last long in this place. Hell, the kid still thought Ronan and Hagan and Vulcan were playing pirates, when they’d come at him altogether with swords drawn and he’d run off shrieking to the safety of their mother. Reality would sink in within a couple years.

Lucien reached out and gently tapped Eris on the head with his wooden sword. “Can I help you be happy?”

Eris hummed, flipping the blade to sharpen the other side. “I’m fine, kid. Thank you.”

“Good.” Lucien nodded, still fidgeting with the hilt of his sword. He gave it an experimental swing, big eyes narrowing into a fierce little scowl that made Eris want to laugh.

“You swing with too much elbow.”

Lucien huffed, swinging the sword again, this time right towards Eris, pursing his lips and letting out a quiet “swooooosh” as the wooden sword swung. He tapped it against Eris’s arm—and a grin broke out over his face again.

“Got your arm. Drop your sword, I cut off your arm!”

“Hm.” Eris kept sharpening his blade, a small smile plying at his lips. “You would have gotten my arm, but your sword is too dull.”

“Nuh-uh.” Lucien ran a little finger along the rounded edge of the sword. “I sharpened it last night!”

“Not very well,” Eris chuckled.

“Hey.” Lucien huffed again. “Don’t be mean to me.”

“I’ll be however I’d like to be.”

Lucien only giggled at the threat, then shoved his wooden sword towards Eris.

“Can you sharpen it for me, Eris?”

So much for a day to himself.

Eris sighed, grabbing the wooden sword and setting down his own. “Only if you promise to shut up for the rest of this walk.”

Lucien clapped his hands over his mouth and nodded. “You got it. I’m quiet.”

Eris frowned at the sword—this was ridiculous. One couldn’t just sharpen a wooden sword—much less with a stone.

Oblivious and obnoxious as ever, Lucien bounced on the balls of his feet and tried to smother his grin behind his hands.

Annoying little prick was being pretty cute. As far as kids went, that is.

Eris heaved a defeated sigh, and lowered the stone to the wooden sword.

#lol idk what this is but here #eris vanserra #lucien vanserra #acotar #acotar fanfiction #keeping up with the vanserras

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ladyelain · 1 year

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If there’s no big ass Autumn Court event happening in Elucien's or Gwynriel's book hosted by my Lord Eris Vanserra, then I won’t read them.

#just sayin #i better get my autumn content #keeping up with the vanserras #elucien

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mournersandfunerals · 2 years

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Sure, Night Court drama is interesting. You got that whole thing with Cassian, Mor and Azriel. You got Cassian and Nesta ETL. You got whatever is going on with Azriel, Elain, Lucien and potentially Gwyn. You've got the Archeron sisters fighting like cats and dogs. You've got Rhys thinking he's doing the right thing but he's actually fucking up majorly. It's messy as hell. It's a trashy reality TV show that's kind of cringey to watch, but you watch it anyway because you can't look away from the clusterfuck.

But the Autumn Court? The Autumn Court is in a league of its own. You got Lucien being the product of an affair between the LOA and Helion that spanned centuries. You've got everyone knowing that Lucien is the product of this affair except for Lucien and Helion themselves. You've got LOA hating her abusive husbands guts but not doing anything about it besides probably plotting his death with her eldest son. You got the Vanserra brothers actively despising each other and throwing each other under the bus every chance they get. You've got the whole shit with poor Jesminda that Lucien spent centuries blaming Eris for, even though Eris did what he could to try and help. You've got an entire court running on shitty policies that someone needs to do something about. You've got centuries of bad blood in a family, where truly anything could have occurred. The alliances, the betrayals, the scandals.

That is a reality TV show that I would watch the shit out of.

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decadentpostnachos-evil-twin · 2 months

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Okay but for a change SJM knew what she was doing when she made Lucien and Eris have family beef.

Imagine if those two would get along? The combined hotness and sass? The snarky comments? The courtly arrogance? If Lucien and Eris would team up, everyone else would lose. In every term.

Those two are the culmination of hot. The Batman offcuts would look like an old pair of socks plus a third one that's already missing it's counterpart compared to the combined level of cunt-serving Vanserra charme.

One sassy redhead? I'm standing at the altar. Two sassy redheads? I have ascended to Heaven.

#lucien vanserra #eris vanserra #lucien acotar #eris acotar #pro lucien #pro eris #keeping up with the vanserras #anti rhysand #anti night court #anti azriel #anti cassian

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queercontrarian · 4 months

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Prince Lucien of the Autumn Court

No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace as I have seen in one autumnal face. – John Donne

#was missing my boy #lucien vanserra #keeping up with the vanserras #autumn court

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smutdefender · 10 months

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Who’s your daddy?

Howdy! This is Lucien he is the love of my life and also very sexy so here he is looking sexy and sun kissed

#lucien vanserra #pro lucien vanserra #keeping up with the vanserras #Sarah give us a throuple you coward #lucien acotar #pro lucien #lucien spell cleaver #elain x lucien #elucien #pro elucien #they are all so hot #sarah j maas #acotar #a court of thorns and roses #acotar spoilers #digital fanart

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illyrian-dreamer · 1 year

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Frozen Flames (Part 1)

Lucien x Reader

Chapter summary: As you make your way through the Forbidden Forest of Winter Court, you spot a familiar red-headed High Fae searching for a Solstice tree.

Series summary: After fifty years trapped Under the Mountain, you struggle to adjust to your new found freedom as Kallias’s third-in-charge to the Winter Court.

In an unlikely circumstance, you meet Lucien Vanserra.

As you and Lucien grow closer, dealing with the loss of your mother and trauma from Amarantha’s reign proves harder than you thought. How will you start to trust and love again?

Ok here we go – Lucien series kicking off with Christmas/Solstice vibes because TISS THE SEASON BABY! 🎄

Shout out to @kennedy-brooke for inspiring this story! 💕

I hope you like this meet-cute for our new main character. More parts are being written – comment to join the tag list :) 🦊🍐❄️🔥

Warnings: Mentions of death, violence and trauma

Word count: 1,859

Part 1:

∇

The cold air filled your lungs before it hit your cheeks. It didn’t matter that the sun shone above you, it was two days before Solstice in Winter Court – the coldest time of year.

You brushed your hand against the tall pine trees, their scent bringing back memories of your mother. You longed for her presence, to hear her voice call you as your boots dragged through the trail of snow she left behind, just like when you were young. If you closed your eyes, you could almost hear her.

Your eyes shot open. What you heard were footsteps.

Your heart began to pound. It wasn’t a rationale response, but everything had changed since Amarantha’s rule. Instinct had you scaling the tallest tree you could find as you hid on a sturdy branch, drawing your arrow and aiming at the direction of the sound.

A short way down the path, you saw a flash of red. You squinted, trying to focus on the movement. Was it a fox?

A few moments later, you made out the shape of a male. He was High Fae, that you could tell. He wore an emerald coat with black boots and gloves, his bright hair half pulled back from his deep golden skin, the rest of it sprawling against his broad shoulders.

You recognised the male from Under the Mountain. You hadn’t known him during the fifty years you spent trapped there, but remembered his face during Feyre’s trials. You kept your weapon pulled, your eyes stalking him past your arrow as he walked closer towards your hiding spot.

He stopped close by, sizing up a small tree he faced, his back towards where you hid. The male then withdrew a blade from his coat. You pulled at your bow even tighter at the sight of the weapon.

He flexed his arm, pulling the weapon back, readying to swing at the tree.

Anger flashed in you – how dare he harm the forest. He did not belong here.

“Stop!” you yelled, words escaping you before you could think twice.

The male stopped, spinning around as he searched for you. You could now see a russet eye that sat deep within a long scar whirling as he looked frantically. The eye spotted you before the rest of him, his face now one of shock. Your heart fluttered – you had forgotten how handsome he was.

“Who are you?” you demanded, aiming your arrow at him.

“Who are you?” the male countered, cocking an eyebrow.

You shot an arrow just before his feet. You didn’t want to harm him, but you were not playing games. He had clearly travelled from elsewhere, and you didn't appreciate the threat to your court.

The male didn't flinch, instead he stared at where the arrow stuck to the snow, before looking up at you and smirking. He let his blade drop to the ground, the silver piece sinking into the cold powder. He raised his hands in a calm surrender.

“My name is Lucien. I mean you no harm.”

Right.

“What are you doing here?”

Lucien raised an arm to the pine tree behind him. “I’m here to collect a tree for Solstice.”

You blinked in shock.

“So you travelled to the Forbidden Forest of my court to do so?”

“I heard there is the best crop.”

You could have rolled your eyes. Tourists.

You huffed, letting go of the branch you perched on and making a graceful landing into the snow.

“There is. But it isn't yours for the taking.”

Lucien’s face was one of mild amusement as he took in the site of you. “And that is worth shooting an arrow for?”

“I would have shot earlier, but I thought you were a fox.”

Your comment was meant to upset him, but Lucien tilted his head back and laughed. “I have been described like that many times,” he admitted.

His demeanour was friendly, relaxed, but you were unconvinced he wasn’t a threat. You sized him up – should you need to escape. The male was a fair bit taller than you, and muscular beneath his coat. You wouldn’t have much chance to outrun him, but you did have your bow and arrow.

“And who might you be?” he asked, eyes boring into your own, the russet one finding its place. You shifted, uncomfortable at the intensity of his gaze.

You eyed his weapon, still sitting in the snow. He would only have to reach for it quickly…

Lucien caught your eye movement, letting out a soft sigh.

“I can assure you I mean no harm.”

“Except to that tree,” you countered.

“I wouldn't have taken you for a conservationist,” he grinned, nodding his head to you fur lined coat.

Prick, you thought, willing your face to stay neutral.

He smiled again, knowing he had landed his point. “Fine. To make amends, I will leave your trees unharmed.”

You pressed your lips and gave a small nod, acknowledging his surrender.

“If you won’t tell me your name, can you tell me what a female as beautiful as yourself is doing wondering this forest alone?”

You glared at his words that were clearly meant to disarm you. You breathed in, cold air filling your lungs. “I’m here to harvest pears.”

Picking pears the night before Winter Solstice Eve had been a tradition between you and your mother.

She would dress you in a heavy coat, wrapping you in knits that she had made as she carried you on her back. When you were old enough, you had been eager to shuffle through the ankle deep powder into the depths of the forest, your mother guiding the way.

In the midst of the thicket laid a charming orchard with rows of pear trees, the branches glistened with melting ice. It was a magical sight, and you would delight in playing in the soft snow while she gathered the fruit.

When you returned home, the smell of stewing pears with cinnamon and vanilla filled your home as your mother boiled and baked all kinds of tarts and jams. It was that smell of the holidays.

“Pears,” Lucien nodded, looking at you with curious amusement. “As in the fruit?”

“Yes,” you said tightly.

Lucien looked around, the rows of pine trees spreading tall and far amongst the blanket of snow. He looked back at you with a smirk, as if you were mad to think you’d find pears, and he was pitying you.

You rolled your eyes in frustration. “There’s a hidden orchard,” you explained.

“Ah.” Lucien raised his eyebrows, as if unconvinced. “May I come with you to this orchard?”

“Of course not.”

Lucien let out a soft chuckle while looking down, his bright hair falling in front of his face.

“So be it,” he waved his hand as he stepped around you, picking up his weapon and making back for the path. “It was a pleasure to meet you, beauty in the snow.”

You turned to watch him walk away, stunned by his wit and charm.

“There is a farm for Solstice trees only a few yards from the city centre,” you called to him, unsure of why you offered that information.

Lucien turned, a smile on his face. “I am grateful.” He gave a courteous bow of his head, something of a practiced High Fae. He made for the path again, and you watched him until you couldn't not see him past the thick of the forest.

What an odd encounter, you thought, making your way to your mothers’ orchard.

————

You had stealthily escaped the long corridors of the Winter Castle that morning to make the journey to the orchard. You didn't want to attract the attention of your cousin Kallias or his mate Vivian. While you loved them dearly, this was something you wanted to do in private.

The crisp air flushed your face you made your way through the thicket, your memory uncovering the path with each step. You took a cold, sharp breath in, savouring the way it cooled your lungs. That was one of many things you had missed Under the Mountain – fresh air. You hadn’t had a single breath of it in over fifty years before that human girl Feyre had set you all free.

You thought about her often. Kallias had told you that she now resided in the Night Court with Rhysand. Good for her. You hoped she was able to find happiness, as you were all trying to do.

You made quick work to gather the pears, your sack filled to the brim with glossy green fruit. You took a bite into one as you made your way back through the forest, savouring the juicy sweetness as another memory of your mother bought your hand up to soothe the ache in your chest.

This was your first time celebrating Solstice without her. She had sacrificed herself while trying to hide you when Amarantha’s army attacked.

You were still lived in the cottage with your mother at the time – but as cousin the High Lord of the Winter Court – Amarantha had sought you out. Fighting to protect you against the soldiers that burst into your home was the last thing your mother did, the sound of her scream before her neck was snapped still lived vividly in your mind.

So you had spent fifty years Under the Mountain with Kallias, keeping your head down and doing what it took to survive. You mourned your mother in silence, unwilling to let Amarantha delight in your heart break. Instead, you did your best to not draw attention to yourself. If she knew how broken you were, she’d toy with your sadness for fun, as you had seen her do to others. And if she knew you were a more than just Kallias’s cousin, and were a heavily trained archer, she’d use your skills for her own gain.

Since Amarantha’s fall, Kallias had taken you under his wing, and you found a new home at the Winter Castle, serving duties in his court. ‘Home’ was an understatement, the blue and silver castle stood tall and proud at the edge of the Winter Court village, it’s icy corridors panelled with large glass windows that looked out to the frosty mountains that bordered your court.

You pulled tighter on the heavy sack of pears you lugged on your back, keeping your head down as to go unnoticed as you walked through the village.

You often had to remind yourself that you were free now – free to stroll the cozy shopfronts of the village, free to visit the bars and taverns and sip mulled wine, free to skate the frozen lake.

But you didn't want to do any of that. However, this tradition – the pear picking – that you would do in your mothers honour.

You finally made it back to your room in the castle, dropping the sack of fruit on your floor as a few of the fruit rolled out.

As you peeled off your bow and arrow, you couldn't help but think of the red-headed male you had encountered in the forest, ignoring the part of you that hoped to see Lucien again soon.

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