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lucienarcheron · 2 days

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Spirit Meets the Bones - XVII

Genre: Angst/Romance Warnings: Mentions of physical abuse.

@abruisedmuse thank you for always being my sounding board bby <3

Find it all here.

Eris hadn’t even felt them winnow. He knew nothing — had sensed nothing, save for Iris and the feeling of her lips on his. All that he was, was being consumed by her.

She pulled away, a fraction of an inch between them, eyes wide as she stared into her husband’s amber eyes. She barely breathed as he stared and stared and stared.

Mine.

The word clanged in his mind as Iris gripped the front of Eris’s tunic tighter, her fingers tightening as she staggered back slightly. He wondered if she had felt it — the thread tugging at his rib. If she knew how suddenly everything between them made sense. The attraction. The constant need to touch. How right it had felt even when neither of them had wanted it to be.

The Prince of Autumn wondered if it had clicked for her, that Iris was his and he was hers in a way no one would ever be. Something he never thought he’d have. Something he hadn’t even dreamed of being worthy of.

His. She was his and he was hers.

Iris blinked, finally noticing the heat that radiated around them.

“We’re — we’re on fire.” she whispered, her eyes darting to the flames they were engulfed in then back to his face, cataloging what he was sure was a slightly dazed expression.

“I know.” he said tightly, his gaze never leaving hers.

Iris reached out a hand, letting the flame dance between her fingers. “It’s not burning.”

She watched him in a way that made him feel too vulnerable — too raw. His throat bobbed as he swallowed, then said hoarsely, “My fire would never burn you.”

And Iris flushed as the words washed over her. At the honesty of them. His fire would burn whomever he wished except for one person — a person he could never harm.

“Oh.” she whispered, her eyes darting across his face and the many emotions Eris knew he was fighting to hide.

But she must feel the sheer amount of intensity between them. She must know.

“Iris —” he rasped and licked his lips. “I —”

“Shut up.” she breathed and met his lips again, pulling him into her once more, and oh, what a kiss.

Eris’s kiss was an imprint on her very soul and Iris felt and felt and felt. Iris felt so deeply, she wished she hadn’t wasted a single kiss on anyone else.

She let him tighten his grip and a noise slipped from her lips when his tongue met hers. She wouldn’t let him stop — would simply keep going. They didn’t need to see anyone. They could go home and keep kissing. They could sink right here, out in the open, and simply keep kissing.

“If you don’t stop —” Eris said in between the heated kisses, his hands squeezing her waist, then sliding to squeeze lower and the feeling of his hands on her had gooseflesh erupting all over her skin. “Nothing will stop me from letting this get inappropriate very quickly.”

“If you stop kissing me —” she whispered against his lips, arching into his touch. “I will stab you in so many places —”

He pulled away with a laugh and Iris truly wanted to gut him. But she also wanted to kiss him again and — and have him touch her some more. Face heated, she tried to yank him down to her lips again but Eris smirked, his hands coming to grip her face. She tried not to shudder at the reverent way he held her, at the way his thumbs traced her cheeks so gently. His lips were smirking but his eyes gave away all that he was feeling. It mirrored all that she was feeling.

“Please don’t stab me.” he said in a tone more gently than he had ever used with her, his gaze matching the whirlwind of emotions blazing through her. “I want to keep kissing you but can’t if I’m bleeding out all over my nice clothes.”

Iris couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped her lips. “Such a pretty princess you are.”

“The most pretty of princesses.” he confirmed with a smirk then leaned in and kissed her once more. This kiss a caress, a little hello as they met in the middle. Iris’s hands slid down and she splayed her fingers on his chest, feeling his rapid heartbeat and Eris growled against her lips, sending a shiver of delight down her spine.

His lips left hers and Iris was about to protest when his hands slid to wrap around her waist again and he kissed the corner of her mouth instead then slid to pepper her jawline with more. Her knees nearly buckled beneath her when his lips slid to her neck and his tongue darted out to taste. She bit her lip to hold back a groan as Eris’s mouth explored and he certainly had no qualms about the noises that slipped from his lips.

“You have terrible timing.” he whispered into her skin and Iris’s grip tightened on him. “How am I going to endure this visit now that I’ve gotten a taste of you? How am I supposed to pretend I don’t want to lay you here and taste every inch of you, Iris?”

“I won’t apologize for giving you an excellent thank-you gift.” she said breathlessly, her lips twitching when his head lifted from her neck to smirk at her. “You’ve only wanted it since you met me.”

“True.” he said quietly, his eyes holding the predatory gleam she knew so well. “I demand about a thousand more of them.”

The corner of her mouth curled up as Iris slid her hands around his waist and up his back, feeling every inch of his hard muscles through the layers of his clothing. Her eyes were glued to his as they stared at each other once more, the silence between them holding a steady, palpable tension. She wanted him closer, especially as his grip on her tightened again.

It was thrilling. To touch each other so openly, so easily. She wasn’t sure what to do with herself other than kiss him some more. Iris may have hesitated before but now — it seemed hard to resist.

“I think I can manage that,” she whispered. “But we might be late.”

“I don’t give a shit.” Eris murmured and pressed his lips against hers again. And it wasn’t so much of a kiss as it was an ascension to heaven.

Iris let out a soft whimper as Eris kissed her fiercely, their kiss a clash of fire. Heat like no other spread between them, their hearts ticking bombs, a volcano of emotions erupting; hands roaming, and suddenly, they couldn’t get close enough. It was an intensity she could barely process, could barely keep up with — but all Iris knew was this deep desire to stay wrapped in him.

“Eris.” she breathed into him and then gasped when he pressed her firmly into him, feeling exactly how much he liked her lips on his. He kissed her deeply, swallowing her moans and every touch of his fingers sent a wave of pleasure that seemed to be unraveling her. She felt invigorated and Iris knew she was melting against him, knew she had become putty in his hands when she felt Eris’s smile against her lips.

“See what you’ve been missing, wife?” he murmured against her lips.

“B-barely much.” she breathed and felt his chuckle tickle her lips as she leaned into him, unable to stop the constant need to have their lips meet.

“Think of all the other places I will kiss you when we go home, ma —”

But Eris stiffened, the flame that had encased them immediately flaring out and Iris froze in his arms. Her brows furrowed in confusion until the sound of someone approaching became clearer and Eris’s entire demeanor changed. A blink was all it took for Eris’s face to fall back into the sneer he was known for. Another blink had Eris now in front of her, hands clasped behind his back, tension hardening the line of his shoulders as he faced away from her.

“What —”

“Helion may have granted me permission but that doesn’t mean I am always welcome whenever I visit.” he said quietly as the footsteps approached. His stance had hardly shifted but Iris knew he would be ready to strike. “If needed, you winnow right back —”

“Why would I leave?” Iris demanded. “I know how to fight! You taught me.”

“I know that.” he snapped as he looked at her over his shoulder. “But I’d rather wait to know what I’m up against before throwing my m — my wife into —”

“No.” she objected, jutting out her chin. “I’m not going to leave you.”

Eris’s jaw clenched, cutting himself off when her firm gaze met his and he shuddered. “You’re going to end up being my biggest source of anxiety, aren’t you?” he mumbled with a scowl as she shifted next to him.

“I don’t have to be.” she said with a quirked brow and Eris noted the way she was leaning into his side, staring up at him challengingly. “Don’t try and make this my fault.”

“If you insist on being stubborn all the time and not following directions, it will be.” he said through clenched teeth and flared nostrils, his gaze ravenous as he looked at her.

Iris swallowed as she watched him but then narrowed her eyes in return, her hands sliding to her hips as she leaned in closer. “I’m happy to follow directions if they make sense and those directions are something I actually want to do.”

“You’re supposed to follow directions even if you don’t want to.” he retorted, his eyes now on her lips, inches away from his. “Especially if it concerns your safety.”

“I don’t think my safety would be jeopardized if I’m with you, husband.” Iris replied, though her tone had no heat in it as the closeness of him threatened to overwhelm her.

Eris’s own eyes narrowed and he snorted softly. “Your safety would absolutely be jeopardized if you were with me. Because you’re with me. Enough people dislike me to target you.”

“Well. It’s a good thing I have a knife then.” she shrugged, without losing his gaze.

“And an attitude of reckless endangerment. What an excellent combination,” he said, baring his teeth in a smile that would be threatening to most. Iris had to fight back the urge to kiss him all over again.

“I can hold my own just fine.” she said firmly and hesitated before lowering her arms from her waist and gently placing a hand on his arm. “You should just listen to me and make things easy for yourself.”

What Iris really wanted to say was, You’re my friend and my person. I don’t want to leave your side. Instead, she added, “Stop being an idiot.”

“I’m going to throttle you if you keep arguing with me over this.” he mused calmly, his hand coming to settle over hers without a single hesitation. “Your safety is non-negotiable.”

“Neither is yours.” she argued, and Eris tried not to roll his eyes.

“You know I’ve fought in wars, yes? I will be fine.”

“You are a fool that is very close to getting stabbed.”

“I am a prince who most definitely does not want to get stabbed.”

“A prince that is a pain in the ass.”

“You are on thin ice with my patience, wife.”

“Oh? And what are you going to do about it, husband?”

The two shared a breath as they seemingly forgot what the source of their argument was, too engrossed in staring at each other and fighting the urge to desperately touch again. Iris didn’t know if she had it in her to stop if they started again and Eris would definitely not be inclined to stop at all.

Iris licked her lips. “If I kiss you again, will you relax?”

A soft smirk graced his face. “If you kiss me again, I will be the farthest thing possible from relaxed.”

“Hmm.” she mused. “I should definitely kiss you then. That’ll get you to shut up at least.”

“Maybe I should kiss you so you’d quit being so damn stubborn.”

Overwhelming need thumped through her veins as she stared at him and he stared at her. Had a simple kiss intensified whatever it was she was feeling now? It — it seemed ridiculous. Iris licked her lips again as she glanced at Eris, his gaze turning positively wicked. But as she opened her mouth to speak and put an end to this madness, another voice interrupted.

“If I were anyone else, you’d both be very dead by now.”

Eris’s sword flew out faster than Iris could blink, his eyes never leaving his wife as Iris whipped her head at the sound of the stranger’s voice and found who could only be their gracious host glancing at them.

And Lucien was very, very amused.

“I hope I’m not interrupting what seemed to be a very charged argument, brother dear.”

Eris finally looked away from Iris to shoot his brother a glare as Lucien stood there, hands raised by his head and a knowing smirk on his face with Eris’s sword at his throat. Eris spared Iris one more glance and squinted at the faint color gracing her lovely face, sensing her embarrassment.

“You’re lucky I didn’t stab you in the throat.” he said tightly, his body relaxing as he slowly sheathed his sword once more and scowled at his brother.

“I’m so thrilled at your enthusiasm to see me.” Lucien said with a grin, lowering his arms. “Somehow, I knew it was you causing fires on the outskirts of my home.”

“Ah, fuck off.” Eris said with a wave of his hand as Lucien chuckled and Iris fought back a smile.

“I take it this isn’t the first time you brothers have drawn swords at each other.” Iris said lightly.

“Look at his obnoxious face. How could I not?” Eris demanded and Lucien snorted.

“If anyone here has cause to stab someone, it would be me stabbing you for being rude all the time.” Lucien said, crossing his arms. “I know that note came from you, asshole.”

Iris’s lips twitched and Eris watched her curiously as she raised her hand. “I would like to say, legally speaking, I am the only one allowed to stab him at this point,” she said calmly. “But since you are his brother, I will allow it if you ask nicely.”

Lucien glanced at Iris and tilted his head. He silently observed her for a moment and then smiled. “We’ve only just met and I am certain we will be the best of friends.”

Iris smiled warmly and held out a hand. “Agreed.” she said. “Iris. It’s a pleasure to finally meet the only brother Eris admits to having. You must be so proud.”

Lucien took her hand with both of his hands and squeezed it. “Lucien. And the pleasure is all mine.” he replied with a grin. “I’ve been looking forward to meeting you since I heard about your engagement. You’ve been within choking distance of my brother on a daily basis. I am very jealous.”

“He is very chokeable, isn’t he?” Iris said and glanced at Eris, her lips twitching at the deep scowl on his face.

And it was a deep scowl indeed because Eris — he was feeling too many things at the moment. The high of kissing her was wearing off and now — now it was starting to catch up to him.

Frankly, he was going to start freaking the fuck out.

He…he had a mate. His wife was his mate. And he’d fucken finally kissed her. He had wanted to kiss her some more and possibly slowly peel that damned dress off her — goodness knows he had made an art out of fucking outdoors that he knew Iris would enjoy it too — except of course, of course, his insufferable brother just had to interrupt.

He should’ve stabbed him when he had the chance.

Eris glanced at Iris and Lucien as they chatted softly. He heard nothing of what they were saying, only watched their lips moving and his heart did a strange spasm at the sight. Two important people of his life smiling at each other, likely talking about him, finally meeting.

He had the strongest urge to vomit.

Squinting himself back to reality, Eris’s face heated at the sound of Iris laughing and the urge to strangle his brother skyrocketed when Lucien high-fived Iris. They already had inside jokes. He wasn’t sure if he liked it.

“I am immediately objecting to this friendship.” he snapped then squinted at Lucien and pointed with one finger, his other hand clasping around Iris’s hand to tug her closer. “Keep your hands off my wife.”

Lucien rolled his eyes and then gave his brother a curious look. “Sensitive today, are we, brother?”

“One more word out of you and I’ll show you exactly how sensitive I can be.” he sneered and glanced down at Iris when she nudged his side.

She gave him a pointed look. “We just arrived. Be nice.”

“But I don’t like him.” Eris argued calmly and Iris rolled her eyes.

“Should I tell him what you said to me the first time I asked you about him to debunk that statement?”

Eris’s eyes narrowed as he took in his beautiful wife’s teasing expression and gods, if Lucien wasn’t standing right there, he’d devour her.

“I have no recollection of such a conversation,” he said haughtily then promptly turned to his brother. “Take us to your better half. I like her more than I like you.”

Lucien shot Eris a look that was too knowing for his own good; it was easy to see that Lucien already had so much he wanted to say and it made Eris want to winnow home and avoid the whole thing. As if sensing that one word from him would send Eris bolting, all Lucien did was wave a gracious hand and walk them toward his home.

And now, they sat in Lucien and Elain’s home, trying to pretend the kiss and grand revelations hadn’t happened. Trying to pretend everything was fine and they hadn’t been interrupted.

Desperately trying not to pounce on his wife.

Elain had given them such a warm welcome, Eris would forever be grateful to her for making Iris comfortable right away and he tried to focus, to pay attention to the conversation around them as two of his favorite people got to know each other. He nearly choked on his drink twice.

His mate.

Everything suddenly made so much sense.

And simultaneously, everything just got so much worse.

He sensed Iris watching him and his hands tightened around his glass. She had no idea, did she? He wasn’t sure if Iris was actually aware of what Eris had figured out. He also hadn’t had a chance to really process what happened and it was all too much. He couldn’t look at her for too long — everything in him ached when he did. Was this what a mating bond was supposed to feel like?

Someone that was all his own. Someone that was his in a way no one would ever be.

He hated it. This feeling of losing control. Having feelings at all.

Having a mate.

Oh gods, he liked that more than he’d care to admit.

He shot back his drink in one gulp then held out his glass that Lucien warily refilled. Iris gave him a bewildered look as she placed her own glass gently on the table then turned back to Elain and Lucien who were watching the two of them with barely contained amusement.

“You have such a beautiful home.” she finally said with a smile. “It’s so cozy and welcoming.”

“Thank you!” Elain said brightly. “Lucien and I really wanted a place that felt that way. Neither of us is much for fanfare.”

“If it was up to Helion, we would be living lavishly inside his obnoxious palace but he was nice enough to let us venture on our own here.” Lucien said with a chuckle.

“That’s very generous of him.” Iris commented. “I didn’t realize you had such a close relationship with him.”

Lucien stole a glance at a mute Eris who only glared at his brother and then gave Iris a small smile. “He has been incredibly good to us both.”

“Eris mentioned you play the piano beautifully.” Elain jumped in with a smile. “Lucien plays really well too! You two will have to play us a song together at some point.”

“Oh, that sounds like fun.” Iris said, smiling widely, and glanced at Eris who still avoided looking at her. “I’d love that! This one has never offered.”

“That’s because he’s terrible at it.” Lucien said with a mischievous grin towards his brother. “Did Eris ever tell you about the one and only time he attempted to play the piano? He was so bad at it, that the instructor resigned almost immediately due to the levels of distress he caused.”

Iris raised her brows at her husband who rolled his eyes at the chuckles around him and finally spoke stiffly, “That idiot was terrible at his job, stuttering like an imbecile. How am I expected to learn to play the piano if his fingers were trembling all over the place?” he asked indignantly.

“As if a measly instructor could stand against the wrath of a tiny Eris.” Elain teased.

“You must’ve petrified him immediately,” Iris commented with a small smile and glanced his way. Eris licked his lips, his gaze flickering to Iris’s mouth and then back up at her eyes.

“I like instilling fear. It gets people to do what I want much quicker.”

“I doubt that always works for you, does it?”

“There has ever only been one exception, wife.” he replied with a raised brow and Iris flushed, the atmosphere between them immediately tensing.

It took all of his willpower not to pounce on her instantly. He hadn't tasted anything he’d been offered since they arrived and if Lucien and Elain noticed the scent change, they were gracious enough not to show it. His mind kept wandering to what her skin would taste like. What she would look like when he had her splayed before him and spread those lovely thighs to —

He scowled immediately. This was absolutely ridiculous. He was more self-composed than this. Eris would not let himself become an imbecile just because they had kissed and happened to be mates. He stole a glance at his wife as she continued conversing with their hosts.

Mine.

His grip tightened on his glass. In a way, this reaction made absolute sense with the way they’d moved so carefully around each other before. Were they both so pathetic that kissing would seemingly destroy the self-control they had?

Eris swallowed, ignoring another look from Lucien, focusing only on the drink in his hand. As long as Iris didn’t move too close to him or touch him, he would be fine. He could be composed. He was a Prince.

Who really, really, really wanted to kiss his wife again. And do many, many other things to her.

He stole another glance at Iris and immediately regretted it as she smiled at Lucien then much to his dismay, cautiously placed a hand on Eris’s thigh as she continued, “Eris mentioned you —”

She didn’t get a chance to finish the statement as the glass in his hand shattered and Iris’s head snapped towards her husband in shock.

A beat of silence passed then Eris glanced down at what remained of the glass in his hand and blinked up at his brother. “I think my drink was too strong.” he said lamely.

He shouldn’t have looked at her again but he did and swallowed as Iris’s mouth fell open then closed, baffled for a moment, her eyes flickering between his tense face and his now bleeding hand. She blanched at the sight.

“Are you alright?” Iris demanded and despite her tone, gently took his hand in hers to inspect it.

“I don’t think you should do that.” Eris said tightly. If she kept touching him, he would not make it through the rest of the day.

“You’re bleeding.” she snapped. “You might have little pieces of glass stuck in your hand and I don’t want you to —”

“Iris — wait —”

“— I need to clean it and then —”

“Lucien.” Eris snapped, snatching his hand out of Iris’s grip, and glanced at his brother with wide eyes. “I need to walk off this drink.”

“I — okay.” Lucien said with a confused glance to his wife then shot his brother a bewildered look. “We can take a walk outside.”

Iris frowned at her empty hands then looked up at Eris, annoyed. “Well, let me clean your hands first, Eris.”

“I can get something for that — “ Elain began but Eris cut everyone off as he stood abruptly.

“I need fresh air.” he said hoarsely and gestured to the shattered glass. “Nobody touches that. I will clean it.”

“Eris – “ Iris tried again but he whirled rather wildly towards her and she froze.

“Wife.” he rasped. “If I stay here for another moment, I will do something very, very stupid and will not have a single slither of regret. Now, if you will all excuse me, I will walk this drink off.”

And the three of them watched silently as Eris briskly exited the room.

Lucien paused for a moment and looked at Iris curiously as she stared after her husband in disbelief.

“Well.” Elain blinked. “That was rather dramatic of him.”

“I can’t believe him.” she muttered then turned to Elain. “I’m so sorry for the mess. I don’t know what made that happen but let me go check on —.”

“I’ll go see what’s wrong.” Lucien interrupted gently. “He’s my brother. I can handle this.”

Iris took a step forward but paused as Lucien waved her off with a reassuring smile. She gave Lucien a tight smile in return as he left to follow Eris and bit her lip. He had — that was — she wasn’t sure what that was but Iris could only stand dumbfounded.

“That doesn’t mean they’re going to hit each other, does it?” Iris asked quietly after a moment, her eyes still searching for wherever Eris had escaped to.

“Maybe, but it’s all done lovingly,” Elain said and Iris turned to find her holding back a laugh. “Being affectionate with each other makes them nauseous.”

“Not surprising in the slightest.” Iris said then shook her head with a sigh, holding out her hands. “I’m sorry if things are…tense.”

Elain’s lips twitched. “Don’t even worry about it…first meetings and all.” she began gently. “Did something happen before you came? You seem to be worried about him.”

Iris flushed instantly and looked away from Elain towards the door Eris had exited from.

Did something happen? Why, yes. She had finally kissed her husband and had been about two seconds away from climbing him like a tree. Iris bit her lip and glanced at Elain who encouragingly patted Iris’s arm.

“Don’t feel pressured to say anything. I just want to make you feel comfortable.”

Iris groaned. “You’re so nice. I’m sorry we’re being — whatever this is.” she immediately said, waving a hand and Elain laughed.

“It’s fine! You have no idea how strange it is to see Eris with a wife.”

“You have no idea how strange it is being Eris’s wife.” she said with a huff of laughter. “He’s so…. ridiculous. What kind of exit was that!”

“He’s always been that way.” Elain said with a chuckle. “But don’t worry, I’m sure he’s fine.”

“Oh, I’m not too worried. I’m definitely going to choke him later for this.”

Elain raised a brow then smiled knowingly. “Will you? You seemed very concerned a few moments ago.”

Iris blinked then as calmly as possible said, “I can’t stand him actually.”

“You’re about to break your neck to see him through the window.”

“I want to break his neck,” Iris replied, momentarily distracted when she saw her husband pass by said window. She could tell he was frustrated by his pacing and it made her tense. Was he — was he truly upset by the timing of their kiss? She knew he liked it but something — something had shifted his thought process. Iris had hardly been given a moment to really think it all through, but Eris seemed ready to launch himself into the sun.

It was just a kiss. A kiss that felt so…right. At least for her.

Iris narrowed her eyes at the open window even though Eris hadn’t passed by it again. Had she done something wrong? Was it bothering him that she was friendly with Lucien after all the jokes she made about him? She blinked. That couldn’t be it. He had been looking forward to them being friends.

“Yes, that is the exact look someone has when they want to break someone’s neck.” Elain said with a laugh and Iris turned back to her sister-in-law. She gave Elain a sheepish smile and tucked a piece of hair behind her ear.

“Again, I’m sorry.” she said quietly, her fists clenching then unclenching. “We had a…difficult morning before coming here and then had a bit of a moment right before we came —”

“Yes, Lucien mentioned something about that.” Elain said and Iris’s face flushed again at the grin on her face. She opened her mouth then closed it, brows furrowed.

“How?” she then demanded. “He was with us the whole time.”

“Mating bond,” was all Elain offered then giggled at Iris’s indignant expression. “I have to say, I’m very happy that you two seem to be getting along well.”

“Did you miss the part where I said I wanted to break his neck?”

Which, of course, was a lie anyone could see right through. Iris wanted to kiss his neck maybe. See how he liked it if Iris decided to get a taste of him the way he had teased her outside.

“Getting along very well, it seems.” Elain said and Iris was mortified to realize the scent of the room had changed.

“Oh gods.” came her response and Elain let out a hearty laugh as Iris covered her face. “I’m so sorry. This is disgusting. We just met — I’m in your home — this is absolutely his fault for behaving like a —”

Elain only patted her back sympathetically and tried not to laugh again. “Please, don’t apologize. This is extremely amusing.” she said. “Besides, I lived with my sister and her mate for a while. I’ve learned to very quickly tune out anything I don’t wish to see, smell, or hear.”

Iris pursed her lips, squinting at Elain who poorly attempted to hide her glee.

“To be fair, this is our first time out in public where we can be comfortable with each other.” Iris muttered, fingers smoothing down the fabric of her dress. “Usually, we have to pretend I’m a doormat and he’s a maniac.”

“Oh, I understand.” Elain said with a snort, “Try to pretend you don’t want to jump his bones while your sisters and their friends are all in one room.”

Iris tilted her head curiously. “Eris mentioned you and Lucien took time to get to know each other.”

Elain smiled down at her hands. “I had a hard time coming to terms with turning fae and getting a mate all in one breath.” she said and glanced at Iris. “Once I let myself give Lucien a chance, it was a whole different battle trying not to have everyone else know I wanted him just by being in the same room.”

The corner of Iris’s mouth lifted at Elain’s expression. “I bet Lucien enjoyed that.”

“He kept behaving like a true gentleman which only made me feel like a wild woman desperate to get his clothes off.”

Iris laughed then gave Elain a pointed look, thinking of every moment her husband had said the most scandalous things to her. “Yeah, no. Eris is just a heathen. Nothing gentlemanly there.”

Elain snorted. “Sure.” she teased. “Judging by the glass all over my floor, I’d say he’s struggling a lot more than you think.”

At the reminder, Iris rubbed a hand to her forehead, roses blooming on her cheeks. He had been right. Kissing him right before this visit had been a terrible idea. Now she wanted to hurtle herself into the sun.

“I should go check on him.” she said quietly, giving Elain a small smile. “As much as I want to punch him in the face much of the time, I — I want to make sure he’s okay.”

Elain’s gaze softened and she shared Iris’s smile. “He’ll be fine, Lucien pushes his buttons but he’ll make sure Eris is okay.”

Iris nodded slowly, her gaze back towards the open window where she could see Eris and Lucien talking in the distance. She had to fight back the urge to follow him and instead turned back to Elain, who was watching her with that same smile.

Flushing, Iris let out a nervous chuckle. “Sorry. This is all…” she started and waved a hand. “Very new for me.”

Elain chuckled. “I’ll bet.” Her sister-in-law watched her for a moment then spoke gently, “He’s been very lonely, you know.” she said. “He pretends otherwise but…I think he’s needed someone like you for a long while now.”

Iris felt her smile slowly slide off her face and she glanced down at her hands.

“Eris always says how we’re two sides of the same coin,” she began in a low voice. “The more time I spend with him, the more I see how much we work well together. How much we…match.”

Even if it scared the living shit out of her.

“It didn’t start off that way though, did it.” Elain said, the corner of her mouth ticking up.

Iris shook her head and said softly, “No, it did not…but I think we were meant to find each other. Unpleasant circumstances aside, I…am glad for it.” She licked her lips and tugged gently at her ear. “I’m assuming he, uh, mentioned how we got married.”

“He might have.” Elain said slyly and Iris rolled her eyes.

“He comes by here often enough, doesn’t he?” she asked with a chuckle as she glanced around the home. “My beautiful flowers are always from you.”

Elain laughed and reached out to squeeze Iris’s hand. “I hope that’s okay.” she said gently. “I’m always so happy he feels comfortable sharing with Lucien and me. They haven’t had it easy. We’ve gotten a lot closer.”

Elain gave Iris a warm smile as she continued, “Despite the rough start you two had, I’m glad he has you to shake him up and get him out of the mold everyone keeps trying to shove him in.” she said. “You see him. And he needs that more than anything. He isn’t used to kind or gentle and Eris may not want that all the time but he certainly needs it.”

Kindness. Iris thought about that word and what her mother-in-law had told her.

“You and Lady Enya share similar thoughts.”

“She is our mother-in-law and we both strongly disliked her sons at first.” Elain said with a wink. “This wouldn’t be the first time she’s dealt with this.”

Iris let out a chuckle, smoothing down her dress again. “The last thing I ever expected was Eris Vanserra to be kind to me.” she said quietly. “It’s been so…unexpected.”

Elain smiled knowingly. “I felt so wary of Lucien at first. I didn’t want anything to do with him.” she said then shrugged as her smile turned fond. “But we were meant to find each other too. He was my mate for a reason and despite the circumstances of our meeting, Lucien was one of the best things that happened to me.”

A mate. Gods, Iris thought. She had gone into this marriage barely wanting a husband but now…she not only had a husband, but a friend. She wondered if…would it be silly to think that Eris could be her mate? The intensity between them would certainly make sense but…mates were equals in some way and Eris…well, she certainly was not on equal footing.

He was the son of a High Lord. She was the daughter of a fiend.

A shitty father was the common denominator between them but…he was still hers now. Her husband.

And her shitty father couldn’t take that away from her.

The word mine flashed through her mind.

She pursed her lips and rubbed at her forehead gently. Too much was happening so fast. Too many emotions, too many feelings. Iris wasn’t so sure she was ready for everyone to know exactly how she was feeling. Until she felt brave enough to figure it out.

“I…tolerate him.” she finally said and Elain rolled her eyes with a smile.

“Right.”

Iris gave her sister-in-law a pointed look, changing the subject. “He speaks so highly of you. I want to know more about you and Lucien. I’d love to know what it’s been like to live in this court.”

“And know more about Eris too, I presume?” Elain asked and it was Iris’s turn to roll her eyes at the suggestive look on her sister-in-law’s face.

“If you’d like to share.” Iris said casually. “I guess it would be interesting to know what he’s like through your eyes.”

“You guess, huh?” Elain asked with a wiggle of her brow and Iris’s lips twitched.

“I wouldn’t say no to whatever you decided to share.” she said with an air of indifference and Elain laughed.

“The first time I was in direct contact with him after the war was at a ball.” Elain began with a grin. “We didn’t even speak to each other, we just observed each other from a distance. I think he was trying to scope me out and tell Lucien about me.” She rolled her eyes with another fond smile. “He ended up proposing to my sister that evening.”

“Did he now?” Iris asked with as light of a tone as possible. She would not get jealous of something that happened before her time or of Elain’s mysterious sister who had to be magnificent to get a reaction like that from Eris. Nope, she would not be jealous at all.

Elain froze. “Had he not mentioned that?” she squeaked and Iris snorted.

“No, but I am very intrigued,” she said. “Please Elain, don’t hold back now.”

Like a deer caught in the wild, Elain blinked rapidly as her cheeks turned pink and Iris couldn’t help but laugh.

“I think I should stop talking.” Elain said promptly.

“And I think we should take a walk in your beautiful garden that Eris is always raving about and make fun of my husband.” Iris said with a pointed look. “You’re the only one I can get true intel from, Elain.”

Elain groaned, covering her face with her hands which only made Iris smile. “I shouldn’t have said anything! I feel terrible!”

Iris chuckled and nudged her with a shoulder. “There’s nothing to feel terrible about. This was before my time and besides, you really expect Eris to tell me about something like that?” she said with an eye roll. “Eris sharing anything is like him trying to pass a kidney stone the size of a building.”

Elain snorted and then doubled over laughing. “Oh, you! I like you.” she said and then gave her a sly look. “You’re right. Let’s take a walk and get to know each other better. I’ll spill some secrets while we’re at it that you absolutely did not get from me.”

Looping an arm through Elain’s, Iris patted her hand. “Secrets? What secrets?” Iris said airily. “We’re just going to take a walk and you’re going to tell me all about your lovely garden.”

“Of course.” Elain agreed with a serious nod. “Nothing about your husband, of course.”

“Naturally. Talking about him is nauseating.”

Elain let out a laugh and shook her head. “Yes, so nauseating you can’t keep your eyes off him for a moment.”

And indeed, the moment Iris stepped outside, her eyes locked in on her husband and his pacing once more. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

#eris vanserra #eris vanserra x oc #elucien #eris vanserra fanfiction #eris x oc #smtb chapters #gfics #thank you for reading! I hope you enjoy seeing elain and lucien here hehe #if you'd like to be tagging or removed (no hard feelings!) please let me know!#going to put the tags in the replies because it doesn't work in the damn post

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moononastring · 2 years

Note

SMTB is my emotional support Eris fic okay. I love him your honor👩🏻‍⚖️

Ugh, thank you my love! He's a menace but he deserves some love!! And I'm always honored/hella flattered you love him in SMTB! Thank youuuuu ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

#smtb asks #eris vanserra #I'm SOOO excited for you all to see him unravel in the next chapters #not to be greedy but like it's why I like getting comments on specific things in the fic lmao #I WANT TO KNOW THEY'VE BEEN NOTICED 🤣#thank you for taking the time to send this to me bby!!#asks #'nonnie

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smtblost · 3 months

Text

WHEN ITS MY TIME TO GO.

When it’s my time to go, I hope it’s peaceful.

I hope I leave Earth a happy human being.

I hope I get to see all the people I selfishly have hurt and neglected during my time on Earth while not intentional a reality.

I hope I can leave with very few loose ends. And that the loose ends I have can be resovled on the other-side.

I hope this existence is just part 1 of a multipart cinematic story that has the best possible conclusion.

I hope when it’s my time everyone feels my love for them flowing through them no matter how they feel about me in current reality.

Life is tough and sort. It’s hard to show love for every human being. The true problem with reality is showing your true intentions. Many may see your intentions as evil even when that’s not your intention, it’s hard to explain thoughts and way of thinking in this chapter of life.

I hope when I go it gives me the ability to show people my true intentions on a level that isn’t possible in this reality.

I hope when I go love will be all that’s left.

-SMTB

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lucienarcheron · 2 months

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Spirit Meets the Bones - I

Eris and Iris. Son of a high lord, daughter of a fiend. An arranged marriage brought them together and beneath all the hate, the two are more alike than they’d like to be.

Genre: Angst/Drama/Romance Warnings: Mentions of physical abuse.

Author's Note: Today marks the three-year anniversary of when I first posted this story and what better day to start reposting than today! It means so much that people stuck around and are still excited for it to continue. I hope you enjoy how it unfolds!

biggest shoutout will go to @abruisedmuse ♥️ without you, I don't know how I'd finish this fic. ily!

Find it all here.

Eris's hands were clasped behind his back as he stood rigidly next to the female who had now become shackled to him. His bride had only repeated the words of binding in a dull, dry tone and shifted her face slightly so he’d kiss her cheek rather than her lips in front of everyone. Already, she had more nerve than he anticipated. He had only smiled.

The two now stood in their finest before his parents, the festivities of the wedding raging on behind them. It would continue to rage on when the bride and groom took their leave. It all meant nothing to either of them.

Eris stood in his suit, tailor-made, and fitted in forest green. Iris’s bridal gown of white covered every inch of her, painted against every delicate curve. Eris had only stolen glances, not looking for too long. The hatred in her eyes had become grating.

He spared Iris another side glance, aware his father was watching him, and gave his parents a tight-lipped smile. “Thank you, Father. You spared no costs on this wedding.”

“If only the bride and groom seemed to enjoy it as well.”

Eris offered his father another tight smile. “It all happened so fast. We’re both a bit whiplashed but I’m sure Iris loved it as much as I did,” he said and finally fully looked at his bride. “Didn’t you...wife?”

Iris automatically bowed her head towards the Lord and Lady of Autumn and turned her gaze to her now-husband. “Of course...husband. Forgive me, I am a little tired. It’s been a long day.”

Eris and Iris.

Iris and Eris.

He only looked at her with boredom.

She looked at him wanting to desperately snap his neck.

“Well, run along then. Enjoy your wedding night. Don’t embarrass me, son. Make sure to show your bride a good time.” Beron mused with a laugh and the Lady of Autumn, Lady Enya, gave Eris a pleading look as he nodded to his parents.

“Welcome to the family, Iris.” Lady Enya said softly.

Iris bowed her head in thanks and turned once more to look at her now-husband who gave her a small smirk and Eris couldn’t take his eyes off her. Couldn’t help the slight glee at how hard she was trying not to sneer back at him.

“Come along wife, it’s time for the fun part of being married,” Eris said with a coy smile and held out his arm.

But Iris only stared at it. She stared at his arm and wondered what would happen if she just...snapped it off his body. Or stabbed him. Or at least attempted either option. Her father had nearly ripped her head off when he found out about the small knife hidden beneath her dress. The sting of his smack had barely settled down before she walked into her wedding. Nonetheless...her fingernails could be sharp enough to maim.

When a moment passed and Iris still hadn’t taken his arm, Eris stepped closer to her.

“Take my fucken arm before I drag you out of here.” he hissed and Iris blinked then tilted her head towards him with a shy smile, the ever-blushing bride as she approached him and slipped her arm through his. Never mind that it was trembling slightly.

“Try dragging me out,” she said softly. “I’ll only end up dragging your bleeding body back across this hall.”

It was Eris’s turn to blink then his lips twisted into a smirk. “Is that what your eyes have been trying to tell me? We can fulfill your dirty little fantasy once we’re alone.”

Iris stood before her husband and schooled her expression so that anyone looking at her would see her gaze reverent rather than murderous. As if they didn’t know how reverent murdering someone you hated could be.

“Oh, does that mean once we’re alone, I can run a blade several times through your torso?” she said sweetly. “Because that’s exactly what I was fantasizing about.”

Eris chuckled, his eyes drinking in the sight of her. The challenge in her voice. The sternness in her hooded eyes. “Big words for a shaking gazelle in a room full of wolves,” he said softly and leaned in to kiss her temple, ever the besotted groom. “Don’t forget, you married the worst of them. I’d watch that pretty mouth if I were you.”

Iris let him pull away and let him see the shy smile on her face even as rage flashed in her eyes. Her grip tightened on his arm and she leaned into him again. “Or what?”

A chuckle slipped out before he could help himself. Bold. She was bolder than he expected. “You’ll find out once we’re behind a closed door, wife.”

He felt her body tense but paid her no mind as he nodded his acknowledgment to the people congratulating them, as he did practically drag her out of the room. The sooner they got out of there, the sooner this night would be over and he could somehow think of how to handle this female that had been shoved at him.

They walked in silence down the hall, nodding to any lingering guests before turning a corner and the path before them was empty.

“Did you lose your tongue, little gazelle? No more big words now that you don’t have an audience?” he said quietly, as the two walked down the halls of The Forest House towards their wing. A whole wing where he was to now live with his little lady. “Not going to try and run?”

She finally yanked her arm free from his and openly glared. “And go where?” she spat. “As if you wouldn’t drag me back here and humiliate me for trying.”

Eris only hummed his response and watched as she huffed then continued walking and he took the time to openly observe her in the silence. In a tense, nearly suffocating silence.

His wife.

Wife.

He mouthed the word silently to himself then frowned thinking of how, for the second time, he was forced into a union he had little say in. At least this one hadn’t fucked anyone else as far as he was aware.

It wouldn’t have mattered if she did at this point. She was now his and he was hers. There was no escape. There would be nobody else. And Eris wasn't exactly sure how to feel about this.

How was he supposed to feel about a female he knew nothing about? How, exactly was he supposed to feel when he had only found out a month before the wedding that she was to be his?

Her father, a wealthy merchant — a criminal as Eris had understood, wanted to build better ties with the High Lord of Autumn to no doubt get away with things he shouldn’t. Never mind that the male was as big of a piece of shit as his father. He had simply offered his daughter to Beron as a bride for Eris like she meant nothing to him. Wrapped her up for him like a delicious dessert to be eaten.

And delicious she was. Eris let his eyes roam her body as she stalked in front of him toward the room. She didn't even know which way they were supposed to be going and yet, the confidence in her walk of rage didn’t hold her back. Her chestnut brown hair coiled up in braids, the tiara sitting atop her head, exposing her long lovely neck.

The train of her dress trailed behind her and he only quirked his brow at the design, not as frilly as he had expected. Then again, he knew nothing about her. No one had given him the chance.

Eris stepped on the tip of the dress’s train and she startled, a small gasp escaping her lips. Turning sharply, she glared at him.

“Get off my dress.” she seethed but he only gave her a small smile.

“We’re here.” he said and watched as she froze again, color seeming to drain from her face. He pursed his lips and wondered just how badly she thought this was going to go. “Are you thinking about running now?”

This seemed to unfreeze her body and Iris blinked at him. “Just open the door.” she muttered quietly. But he could hear her heart beating. He could almost taste her fear and his lips curled in disdain.

Eris waved his hand for the door to open and with a mocking bow, he gestured for Iris to step inside. She gave him a withering look then slowly stepped into the room and Eris followed her in.

The two stood in the doorway of the suite taking in the grandness, the room a swirl of all the autumn colors in one, coming together to give it a look of a magical place of rest. Never mind that the two people required to live here wanted to do anything but be in this space. The suite was huge, decorated with a seating area in one corner, a small dining space in another, a bedroom set that included a large closet across the wall, a vanity, and —

Iris’s eyes fell on the bed that was big enough to fit six people and her fists clenched. She only gave him a look of loathing and wrapped her arms around herself, wanting to refuse even acknowledging the space.

But then Eris closed the door and locked it, and the sense of panic she had been holding back all day filled the room. He heard her swallow and as he took one step closer, Iris whirled around.

“Don’t touch me.” she snarled.

Eris paused then took a deep breath, his hands once again clasped behind his back, a sour taste in his mouth. Naturally, she was to assume the worst about him. Naturally, he might as well oblige her.

“You’re my wife now. I thought the whole point of the wedding night was for us to be touching as much as possible,” he said quietly, his signature smirk gracing his face as he moved closer to her. “Or did they not teach you that?”

Iris flushed and shot him a glare, pointing viciously. “Don’t you take that tone with me or I’ll make you regret it.”

Eris’s smile was feral at the challenge. “Claws are coming out now, are they, wife?” he said quietly and took another step closer. “I wonder if you have claws like that in bed.” He tilted his head, observing her. “Why is your dress so modest? Didn’t they tell you I like to see some skin?”

She took another step back, hating the predatory look in his gaze. “You won’t be near my dress for too long so don’t concern yourself with it.”

“Are you sure about that? I do need to fulfill my husbandly duties and take it off of you.” he said again and took the final step for them to share a breath. “Make you feel all the wonderful things a husband should make his wife feel.”

“Stop talking to me that way.” she hissed, shoving him back.

He chuckled and grabbed her arm firmly, pulling her into his chest. “I will talk to you however I see fit, especially when it makes you flush so beautifully.”

And indeed, Eris hadn’t gotten the chance to stare at her so openly until this moment and it was unfortunate how beautiful she actually was. Very unfortunate, he thought, especially when his own heart started beating wildly in his chest and he felt hers sing to the same erratic rhythm.

The world seemed to still as his fingers gripped her arm. His amber eyes found her hazel ones and both pairs of eyes widened slightly. His gaze intensified as he soaked in her features and how a few loose strands of hair had slipped to frame her face so wonderfully. Iris’s own thoughts had paused at how close his lips were to hers and the way he stood so elegantly and effortlessly towering over her.

It was truly unfortunate. Because Eris’s eyes had flickered down to her lips and back, the corner of his lips lifting. How much would she hate him if were to kiss her? Could he have one taste?

Iris flushed deeply as Eris leaned in even closer and she did the only thing she could think of to get away from him.

Eris let out a groan of pain as she kneed him in the balls and crossed to the other side of the room.

“What the fuck was that for?” he hissed, doubled over, his glare meeting the one Iris shot at him.

“I told you not to touch me. Married or not.” she hissed, taking a step back. “And based on everything I’ve heard about you, I definitely don’t want you touching me.”

Eris ran his tongue over his teeth as he straightened and took another step towards her.

A chair flew towards him then and he barely ducked in time.

“What the ever-loving fuck —”

“Stay on your side of the room.”

“I’m not going to —”

“One more step and the dagger will be next.”

Eris stared at her in confusion, at the dagger that looked so much like —

He looked down at his belt where he knew his dagger to be sheathed...except it was not.

“You were too busy trying to intimidate me to notice,” she said with a snort, and gone was the trembling gazelle that he’d seen all day, his dagger twirling her hand. “Surprise.”

Eris blinked then huffed out a noise of disbelief. “Well, wife. This is an interesting turn of events...How did you manage to steal it?”

“Most males are stupid and get easily distracted by beautiful females. If I let you believe I was weak, you automatically assumed you could dominate me and lose the upper hand,” she said simply and shrugged. “Your mistake.”

He narrowed his eyes. “From the things your father told me about you, handling weapons wasn’t on the list.”

“My father is a lying piece of shit and doesn’t know an actual thing about me.”

“He told me your passion was piano and you prefer to stay indoors because you were sensitive to the sun,” Eris stated flatly and Iris rolled her eyes.

“I do love piano but the only thing I’m sensitive to are the bruises he gifts me that people would notice if he let me out as often as I’d like.”

Eris froze. A distant roaring filled his ears as he stared at Iris. He stared and stared and when she narrowed her eyes at him, he clenched his teeth and took a breath.

“Your father beats you?” he asked quietly.

Iris shrugged and it was a shrug that he knew well. A shrug he had mastered to deflect Beron’s marks on his own body. A shrug he had mirrored from his own mother.

“My father seemed giddy at the idea that you’d be beating me too,” Iris began and sunk the dagger into the table with a loud thud, before meeting his gaze again. “But if you think that gives you permission to lay a hand on me, I will break every single one of your fingers and carve your heart out of your body. I would die trying.”

Eris stared at her. Trying to think of a response. Trying to think of all the things he’d heard about her before this moment.

“My daughter is delicate.” her father had told him. “She’s also foolish and needs guidance with a heavy hand. Don’t be afraid to put her in her place.”

There was nothing delicate about the fiery rage he saw in the female in front of him. Nothing but sharp glares and determination. Her stance alone told him she would be nothing of what he had expected.

His mother’s bruised skin flashed in his mind and Eris swallowed then met Iris’s gaze.

“I would never harm you,” he said firmly and she tilted her head, quirking a brow.

“Your reputation says otherwise.”

“My reputation is catered to a specific audience.”

“Your reputation is the reason I am willing to kill you and face death myself rather than let you turn me into the broken doll my father tried to make me.”

Eris pursed his lips at that and slipped a hand in his pocket, the other coming to brush back his hair. “It appears wife, that you and I aren’t what we seem.”

Iris crossed her arms. “So it seems, husband.”

“We wasted time not getting to know each other a month ago.” Eris scoffed with an eye roll and Iris froze. “Your father insisted you were too nervous and shy.”

“What do you mean a month?” she asked breathlessly, her hands fisting at her sides.

Eris’s blink marked his confusion. “A month. Our engagement was announced a month ago.”

Iris blinked then blinked again and Eris watched as a cascade of emotions flashed across her face.

“A week.” she gasped out. “I was told a week ago.”

Eris’s eyes narrowed and he took in her shaking hands. “A week?” he asked quietly.

Iris only stared at him and he felt his chest tighten when she started taking deep breaths. Eris opened his mouth to say something — he felt compelled to say anything — but she held up a hand.

“I will only say this once,” Iris spoke, her voice surprisingly steady. “We may be sharing a bed but we will not...go further than that.”

Eris frowned, his own hands fisted at his sides. “Alright.”

She blinked in return. “Alright?”

His expression immediately turned sour at that. “I think the expectations for tonight have been made very clear. What more do you want from me?”

“Nothing. I don’t want anything from you.” Iris replied, all steadiness was gone from her voice as her face fell. “I wish I had nothing to do with you.”

And with that statement, she darted into their shared bathroom and slammed it shut.

Eris remained rooted to his place and simply stared after her, at the closed door she now hid behind, his thoughts a thousand miles a minute.

He thought about their names and the silly way they matched.

He thought about the similar father figure they seemed to have and the history they seemed to share.

He thought about the small thrill he had felt when he had been within kissing range.

Eris's frown deepened at the sniffle he heard from behind the door and wondered...just how much hell would they be in for now.

#eris vanserra #eris vanserra fanfic #eris vanserra x oc #smtb chapters #spirit meets the bones #acotar fanfiction #gfics

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lucienarcheron · 9 days

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Spirit Meets the Bones - XV

Genre: Angst/Romance Warnings: Mentions of physical abuse. PLEASE NOTE: This chapter will contain physical abuse with some implied language that may be found triggering.

shoutout to @abruisedmuse for always listening to me ramble <3

Find it all here.

The promise of death had slipped out of his mouth before he could process what was happening, and Eris’s jaw clenched as he glanced at his father-in-law, thinking of the time he had wasted playing his father’s games.

Eris had known his father would fuck around to keep him from being here when Lord Aron arrived, but he hadn’t realized the asshole had already slipped in undetected.

All the High Lord had said was, “Stay. The sight of you brings me joy, son.”

And Eris had been forced to stand in silence as his father ignored him, while Iris met with her father alone.

But if Eris pushed, Beron would only delight in twisting this nugget of information. And Eris couldn't risk it.

Although none of it mattered in the end.

Anger and a slight panic had fueled his steps, knowing his father was likely laughing his ass off after he finally released him, but it was as he set foot into the hall leading to their chambers that he froze and every single nerve in his body went on high alert. Because Eris heard Iris.

He had felt her calling for him and didn’t stop to think about how when he felt her panic course through him.

Eris winnowed directly to the front of their door and froze again, listening for a moment — his jaw clenching at the sneering of her father. To his threats against her. So many threats and Eris saw red.

Now he was crouched before his wife, his Iris, who was on the floor with bruises. Who had flinched back from him because of her father.

His wife, whom he had promised to be here with her when this piece of shit came.

He’d welcome Lord Aron warmly alright.

“Can you stand?” he asked her ever so gently and Iris massaged a hand to her throat then nodded. He held out a hand and waited as Iris watched him, her eyes looking at him with an expression he certainly wouldn’t read into now. An expression that made the beating of his heart turn erratic.

But then Lord Aron snorted and Iris flinched back, her hand shooting back to her side, her eyes snapping to her father. Eris’s hand slowly curled into a fist and he spared the Lord one look before his eyes fell back on Iris.

“I’m going to have a word with your father. Would you like to be here for this or go elsewhere?” he asked her quietly and Iris licked her lips, shaking her head.

“I’m staying.” she said hoarsely and he nodded. He had expected nothing less from her.

Slowly, Eris straightened as his father-in-law stared at him.

“That isn’t the warm welcome I expected, Eris.” Lord Aron replied then cleared his throat. “That statement is a threat.”

“Yes. It is.” Eris said simply, his eyes cataloging every detail about the awful male in front of him and his mind drifted back to every foul thing Iris had told him about her father. “Bow.”

His father-in-law blinked then flushed. “Is that necessary? We are family.”

Eris cocked his head and narrowed his eyes. “Do you bow to the High Lord?”

“Of course. He is the High Lord.”

“And I am the High Lord’s son.” Eris said coldly. “I do not consider you my family, Bertillon. Bow.”

Lord Aron’s flush deepened, and he shot Iris a glare. “Look what you’ve done you stupid bi —”

A growl slipped from Eris’s lips, cutting off the lord’s rant and he held himself taut enough that it was almost painful. It took every ounce of Eris’s willpower not to rip the male apart. “I strongly suggest you not finish that statement.” Eris hissed and finally, his father-in-law had the decency to have some fear in his eyes.

Swallowing, Lord Aron shot Iris one more look of contempt before bowing his head towards Eris.

“Lower.” Eris snarled lowly.

The Lord hesitated for a heartbeat before bending at the waist.

Eris surveyed him then hummed. He glanced at Iris, still on the floor a few feet away from where both he and her father stood, watching her father with disgust. It eased his tension only slightly that her bruises had already started to fade but didn’t stop the guilt — the anger — that she had them in the first place.

His mother’s bruises flashed in his mind and Eris looked back to the second male who he would daydream about viciously shredding to pieces.

Clasping his hands behind his back, Eris spoke calmly. “I will give you one chance to answer this correctly.” he began and Lord Aron’s eyes narrowed. “Why, exactly, are you here? Other than to tell lies about your daughter.”

“I don’t have to answer you when you speak to me that way, Eris.” Lord Aron snarled and shot Iris a glare.

Eris smiled.

“Oh, but you do, Bertillon. The only reason you’re still standing where you are and not dead is because of your daughter.” he said, his tone a lethal calm and Lord Aron’s mouth twisted.

“Your father wouldn’t like that.” he replied quietly and Eris’s smile darkened.

“I suggest you worry less about my father and fix that face. I’m not one you should be looking at like that.” he said quietly. “Especially when my fire could wrap itself around your throat and I could so easily...let it burn.”

Lord Aron blanched then cleared his throat, attempting to fix his jacket for a quiet moment before answering. “I came to make sure my daughter isn’t giving you a hard time.” he replied and despite the lack of color in his face, he shot Iris another look of disdain. “I know she has the tendency to overstep her boundaries often.”

Eris blinked, feeling the very tight leash on his anger very close to snapping, his rage building and building and building. How often must he watch the people he cares about deal with this? He already had his father to deal with and now...this vermin seemed to think he could come in here and put his hands on his wife. He took a step towards the male as the room drastically heated. “Who gave you permission to come in here?”

Her father blinked. “As your father-in-law, I assumed I was welcome to come see my daughter as I wished.”

Eris let a heartbeat of silence pass, the fury whirling in his body, giving his father-in-law a moment to realize just how badly he had fucked up. A moment passed before he said too quietly and too calmly, “You assumed wrong.”

And then Eris was on him.

Fire encompassed them both as Eris wrapped a hand tightly around the lord’s neck and slammed him into the ground, hovering over him.

“No one has permission to be in here. No one.” he snarled softly. “Did my wife want you in here?”

“Let go of me.” his father-in-law hissed but a deadly smirk found its way to Eris’s lips and his grip tightened.

“Answer. The. Question.” he demanded softly. “Did she grant you permission to be in here? Because I certainly didn’t.”

“Your father —”

“Isn’t here.” Eris snapped, his fingers digging into Aron’s throat. “Answer. The. Question.”

“No.” Aron choked out and Eris’s hand heated around the lord’s throat.

“Then it seems to me,” Eris began, and it was the wrath of a god streaming from his fingertips. “That if anyone has the tendency to overstep their boundaries here, it’s you.” He spat and leaned in closer. “You forget yourself, Lord. You forget that while you are in the home of the High Lord and in his pocket, whatever permission my father gave you, doesn’t — apply — to — me.”

Eris leaned back again and whatever damper he usually had on his anger was loosened slightly so that nothing but fire could be found in his gaze.

“You made me break my promise.” he said in a deadly calm. “And then you put your hands on my wife.” Slowly, without breaking eye contact, he slid his free hand to Aron’s and with the truly sinister smile he was known for, Eris twisted his arm back and simply...snapped it.

The lord howled and a savage grin bloomed on Eris’ face.

“Yes, you should scream.” Eris said quietly. “You decided to come in here and put your hands on my wife and then have the audacity to think you’d be able to do it again. She flinched back from me because of you. And well...I don't like that.” Eris tightened his grip on Aron’s twisted arm and the lord let out another yelp. “I really, really don’t like it. So now, I’m going to break every bone in your body.”

“She’s my daughter.” her father-in-law snarled. “You can’t do this! I’ll tell your father.”

Eris let out a low laugh. “On the contrary, you can’t do anything.” he said and slid his hand to Aron’s broken one and then one by one, bent his fingers back far enough to break. Eris watched with feral delight as the lord screamed in agony, thinking of Iris’s bruised cheek. Thinking of her bruised throat.

“Consider everything I’m going to do to you as payback for everything you’ve done to her over the years.” he snarled softly and any color left on the lord’s face disappeared as the stench of his fear filled the room. “Oh yes, I’ve heard all about it. I’m going to make you regret every waking moment of your life until now.”

“Eris �� son, let’s not —”

But Eris didn’t let him finish. A fist of flame slammed into Aron’s face and it sent him flying back into the table then he crumbled to the floor with a groan, his broken arm hanging useless on his side.

Eris ran a hand through his hair and rolled his shoulders back as he watched Lord Aron pitifully try to sit up. He watched him struggle, watched and knew how his cheek would swell up and that blackened eye would remain closed for a while. Delighted in the slight burn marks on his neck like a pretty necklace.

But it still felt too little. It didn’t feel like enough. He had touched his wife. His wife who he was supposed to protect and had failed. Because her father decided to overstep just like his father tried to overstep. The urge to kill and kill and kill consumed him.

His feet moved on their own, flame licking at his heels, until he crouched in front of Aron again and gripped him by his hair, yanking his head back. “Do not ever call me son, Bertillon. You are nothing to me.”

“Enough.” the lord rasped. “T-this is enough.”

Eris slanted his head, assessing him calmly. “Is it? You put bruises on my wife. You threatened her with more.” He leaned in closer as Bertillon flinched back and a wicked smirk found its way to Eris’s lips. “Did you think you could walk out of here the same way you walked in? With no consequences?”

“Eris — we can —”

“Didn’t anyone tell you?” Eris spoke and it was almost like he was in a trance as he let his fire wrap around his father-in-law’s neck once more. “I really, really don’t like it when people think they can overstep their boundaries with me, and you are too confident for your own good.”

He watched Lord Aron swallow thickly and his smirk widened.

“I - I’m sorry — let’s just —”

Eris clicked his tongue and Aron silenced immediately. “You shouldn’t be apologizing to me. You should be apologizing to Iris.”

Lord Aron’s face flushed, and he sent a glare toward Iris, who watched all this in stunned silence.

“I have nothing to apologize to her for. She’s my daughter. I will treat her as I see fit.”

Eris said nothing for a moment, simply watching the male then nodded. Tightening his grip on the male’s hair, Eris slammed him back into the table once more then pulled him closer.

“Let’s try that again.” he said calmly. “Don’t be stupid now, Bertillon. If I tell you to apologize, you will apologize.”

Lord Aron blinked a few times, the slam to his head clearly dazing him. Eris only watched him as he blinked again stupidly then his eyes flickered to Iris, his gaze hardening. “Why would I apologize when she puts me in positions like this?”

“These are the consequences of your own actions. Your mouth and hands put you in this position, you scum.” Eris snarled softly. “You are the only one responsible for your choices so apologize.”

Aron attempted to glare, barely able to with one eye swollen shut. His lip curled in disgust, glancing once more at Eris then back at Iris.

“I can say the words all you want,” he spoke quietly, his eyes never leaving his daughter. “But I will never mean them. I am sorry for nothing, you useless girl.”

Eris blinked then smiled slowly, ever so gently tugging his father-in-law’s head back, bringing his gaze back to meet his eyes. “I see.” he said softly. “I guess we’ll have to do this the hard way then.”

Aron licked his lips quickly, glancing between Iris and Eris before opening his mouth to speak. “W-wait —”

But Eris tightened his grip and Lord Aron blanched, falling silent immediately. Eris let the blazing flame in his gaze rest on Aron, his hands heating around his throat once more, taking a deep breath.

“I wonder,” Eris began, his voice as soft as a lover’s. “Where should I begin with you?”

Aron made a choking sound as Eris dragged him by the throat closer to him, watching as he turned slightly blue.

“Should I start with your spine? I know exactly where to break it so you don’t die too quickly and suffer properly. Make sure you really feel it.” he said with an unhinged smile. “What about a few burns? We can start right at a second degree then quickly go deeper. Maybe some permanent damage? I could give you a permanent facial deformity. Your physical appearance should match how disgusting you are on the inside, no?”

“Eris — wait —”

Eris slammed Aron’s head back into the table again, earning him a groan. “You know what? Let’s start with your other arm. You don’t really need your hands anyway.”

And Eris saw nothing, registered nothing else aside from his fists and his magic unleashing themselves on his father-in-law. He was vaguely aware of him snapping Aron’s other arm. Recalled briefly the feel of his nose crunching beneath his fist.

But it didn’t matter. It wasn’t enough.

He wanted his blood to fill the halls. He wanted every bone in his body to turn to dust. He wanted him to shrivel into ash.

Most of all, Eris wanted to take back every moment Iris had been alone with him, take back the panic she had felt — that Eris had felt.

The panic Eris had felt at his own father’s smug smile from earlier. His father, who Eris had no doubt, allowed this idiotic male to walk around this cocky.

A scream of agony tore through his thoughts, and it made Eris grin as a sound of bone crunching followed. The feeling of the bastard’s blood coating his knuckles as his fist collided again and again and again until —

He heard something else.

“Eris.”

His name.

A gentle hand touched his shoulder through the flame encompassing him. Flame that would burn anyone else but one —

Only when her voice said his name once more, did he pause and turn to look at his wife slowly.

She was standing before him, her eyes wide but Eris saw no fear in them, just — just concern.

“Eris, it’s okay. You can stop now.” she said softly, her hands still on his shoulder.

He blinked. “He hurt you.” Eris said simply and Iris licked her lips as she squeezed his shoulder gently.

“I know. But I think that’s enough.” she said, and her gaze flickered to her father for a moment before meeting Eris’s gaze again. “I think he’s learned his lesson.”

“He’s owed more than this.” Eris replied, his gaze locked on her beautiful face, still healing. “He made me break my promise.”

“I know.” she agreed and didn’t break his gaze, giving him a tight smile. “But I don’t want him ruining the carpet. I think you can let him go.”

Eris blinked again and the corner of his mouth lifted. He kept his gaze on his wife and when Iris nodded briefly, he nodded back. He turned back to her father and gave his swollen, broken figure a look of disgust.

“Consider this a warning,” Eris began coldly. “You are no longer related to Iris. You will have nothing to do with her or with me. You will not come near either of us. You will not ask about her, attempt to visit, or attempt to contact her at all.” He turned to Iris. “Does this sound reasonable to you, wife?”

She blinked in surprise then nodded. “Yes.”

“Good.” he said with a smile that was anything but kind as he turned back to his father-in-law. “If I find out that you even thought about crossing those boundaries, I will tie you to a column in the middle of the courtyard and torture you in all the methods you think the High Lord has tried and more. Do I make myself clear?”

The lump of flesh that was Lord Aron gave a weak nod. Satisfied, Eris stood then dragged the limp body of his father-in-law and opened their chamber door to find several of his sentries waiting there.

“Dump him in an empty room. He isn’t allowed to see a healer for a few hours. I want him to be reminded of this pain every moment until then.” he commanded. “If anyone asks, tell them it’s my business. Should they ask again, I’ll gladly pile them right next to him.”

Eris glanced down at what was left of Lord Aron and granted his father-in-law one last look of burning rage. “Consider yourself lucky to be alive, you filthy piece of shit.” he swore and crouched down to meet his trembling gaze. “This time you got off easily. Next time...there won’t be anything left of you to find. I can promise you that.”

He watched his father-in-law twitch slightly, a small whimper slipping from the male’s lips and savage satisfaction coursed through Eris’s veins. Using one finger, the Prince of Autumn pressed into his father-in-law’s throat and let a little heat surge through it. The lump that was his father-in-law made a choking sound that only caused Eris to smile darkly. “You are very very lucky your daughter wanted to grant you a little mercy. I don’t consider it in my nature when it comes to filth who overstep their boundaries, especially when you don’t deserve it.” he snarled softly. “I pray you aren’t foolish enough to approach Iris again because I will simply delight in showing you exactly how much I like to let it burn.”

With that, Eris straightened and waved a hand, watching as his sentries dragged what was left of Lord Aron.

Eris let a ragged breath shudder out of him before turning back into their chamber and closing the door behind him. He needed to calm his rage. Calm the level of anger and tension coming off him in waves. He knew the room had heated the moment he stepped back into it but was hesitating to turn around, hesitating to find Iris and see fear in her eyes. Turning slowly, his eyes immediately found his wife who was staring at the spot where her father had been, the flecks of his blood splattered on the floor.

He swallowed hard then cleared his throat and said, “I’ll have someone clean it.”

Iris’s head snapped up to him and Eris paused in place. His throat bobbed at her assessing gaze and he clasped his shaking hands behind his back. He knew he looked rumpled, wild even, and knew he was still running on a lot of anger, his body coursing with so much adrenaline at the way his magic had thrived to be released.

He had always held himself on a tight leash and this wasn’t the way he wanted Iris to see him unrestrained. Not in a way that could instill fear. Only last night she had told him she was still scared and now —

Eris waited, watching her with a look that matched the intensity of what he was feeling. He couldn’t help the cascade of emotions coursing through his body when he looked at her, cataloging how she stood. The feeling of it was about to bring him to his knees. He took a quiet breath, relaxed his shoulders, and let his hands fall to his sides as he waited for Iris to speak.

But he said nothing. And she said nothing.

Iris watched him as he watched her, and a faint sense of dread began to slide its way through his bloodstream. After a moment, she took a hesitant step towards him then froze as her gaze fell to his hands and Eris felt his heart drop. He watched her swallow then turn and silently make her way to their bathroom. He watched her go and waited for a tense moment, wondering if she would lock herself in there to stay away from him. Had he gone too far? Had he scared her?

He swallowed, knowing he wouldn’t be able to handle her avoiding him again. Not after last night. Not after everything that just happened.

He felt that dread start tingling in his fingertips and make its way steadily up his arms and his chest — he felt too much. And he wasn’t ready for something he had barely begun to enjoy to crumble.

#eris vanserra #eris vanserra x oc #eris x oc #eris vanserra fanfic #acotar fanfiction #smtb chapters #gfics #if you'd like to be tagged or removed (no hard feelings!) please let me know!#thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy!!#let's see if the damn tags will work this time lol

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lucienarcheron · 6 days

Text

Spirit Meets the Bones - XVI

Genre: Angst/Romance Warnings: Mentions of physical abuse.

shoutout to my bby @abruisedmuse for staying on this journey with me!

Find it all here.

Before panic closed his throat and he could dive into an irrational mental breakdown, Iris returned with a bowl and a small cloth in her hands, and visceral relief washed over him. Eris watched her make her way toward their couch and sit. She looked at him and then calmly gestured to the seat next to her. “Come sit. I want to see your hands.”

Eris’s blink was the only show of surprise he would allow himself to give but slowly, he made his way over to her. He carefully sat next to her, allowing enough space between them in case she needed it. In case — in case he had indeed frightened her.

Iris paused at the space and her brows furrowed. “Are you uncomfortable if I come closer?” she asked quietly, a flush on her face and Eris felt his chest tighten.

“I’m giving you space — from me.”

He watched her expression soften and with a small shake of her head, she moved closer to him and held out her hands. Eris let his eyes roam her face before his gaze dipped to her open palms. She was so steady. So steady and calm. No panic to be found. His wife, a healer through and through.

His eyes flickered back to her face, her bruises still evident and he felt a part of him die at the sight.

“You’re the one who is hurt,” he said roughly. “He — he left bruises on you.”

Iris paused and Eris had to swallow as a rage like no other consumed once more. He had half a mind to find her father again and just rip his head clean off his body. He wanted to kill him again and again and maybe even —

“Eris.”

He blinked and Iris came back into view. She surprised him once more when she gave him a tight smile.

“I’m okay.” she said softly. “It’s already healing. This isn’t even the worst he’s done.”

“Not the worst?” he snarled and Eris’s hands fisted in his lap, the cuts and scrapes stinging in protest but he still said through clenched teeth, “He shouldn’t have been in here. He shouldn’t have laid a hand on you. I gave you my word —”

“My father is the only one responsible for what happened here. Do not blame yourself.” she said firmly, mirroring a statement of his own.

But how could he not blame himself? He was supposed to have protected her. He was supposed to —

“Can I see your hands, please?” she said and held out her hands once more.

Eris’s eyes flickered down to them, steady and open for him but he met her eyes again. “Are you sure?”

Iris only paused for a moment then quietly said, “Of course.”

Slowly, he slid his bruised and bloodied fists into her hands and his heart began thumping wildly as she ran her thumb across them, turning them over to assess. Iris rested them in her lap then turned to the bowl, wetting the towel and wringing it out before bringing it back toward him.

“It might sting a little.” she said softly.

“Believe it or not, I can handle a little sting.” he said quietly, and the corner of Iris’s mouth lifted as she shifted closer. Eris almost did as well but his face immediately fell at the slight wince that crossed her face.

“I’m fine.” she said quickly but he pulled his hands away.

“Clearly.” he said through gritted teeth. “I’m going to call for Nevien. She can heal you and I can heal fine on my own.”

“No!” Iris said and Eris froze at her tone. At the wide eyes and the bob of her throat. “I — I don’t want anyone to know. It’s healing as we speak so just — let me heal you.”

His eyes narrowed, assessing, and Eris tilted his head just so, hearing the frantic beating of her heart. Sensing the embarrassment radiating off her. He felt himself reluctantly soften.

“There isn’t anything to be embarrassed about, Iris.” he said quietly, and his chest tightened again at the tremble in her lip.

Her eyes fell to her lap and she took a breath before looking up at him again. “Can I please just heal your hands?” she whispered. “Please?”

And it was the pleading look in her eyes that had Eris run his tongue over his teeth and give in, slowly resting his fists in her lap once more. He watched her silently, slowly inhaling and exhaling to calm himself, to calm the rage still sweeping through him so that Iris didn’t back away from him. Only when she had started dabbing at his cuts and running her fingers gently across them to heal, did she finally speak.

“You beat him to near death.” she commented.

“If you had let me, I would’ve killed him.”

Iris stopped and looked up at him. She watched him silently for a moment then her eyes fell back to his hands. “For me.” she stated.

“For you.” he confirmed, his heart beating wildly in his chest. He felt no hesitation in answering. None. And he straightened as that thought sobered him up completely.

He let it fall silent between them once more, observing her as she curled a strand of loose hair behind her ear then continued with his hands. Eris watched her face as he flexed a fist in her lap and Iris winced slightly, freezing for a moment. His face fell.

Trying to hide the slight desperation in his tone, he asked, “A question for a question.”

It made his heart clench when the corner of her mouth went up in a sad smile. “A question for a question.”

“Did I frighten you?”

She blinked at him in surprise. “No.”

“You flinched back when I flexed my hand.”

Iris’s lips went into a thin line but she fell silent. Eris watched her swallow, holding as still as possible, hearing how rapidly her heart beat. He wanted — gods, he wanted to soothe her. He wasn’t exactly sure how but cauldron, he wanted to bring her some peace. He wanted to pull her closer and — and — Eris licked his lips, his eyes darting all over the tight expression on her face and grimacing.

He had only held her in his arms for the first time last night. He didn’t realize wanting to hug someone would be so hard.

So he waited and did the only thing that felt most natural between them, he took her hand in his and gently ran his thumb against the back of it.

“He — he slammed me against the table so my lower back is a little sore. When I shifted just now, I felt the aftermath of that.” she explained calmly, her hands now resting beneath his. She carefully met his gaze.

And Eris waited again as she watched him. She swallowed then her face fell, her bottom lip trembling violently and Eris’s expression mirrored hers.

“Iris —”

“I talk a big game.” she said faintly. “But in the end when it comes to my father...I am nothing.”

Eris’s grip tightened on her hands. “Don’t you dare call yourself that. He is nothing. He is nothing but a piece of shit —”

But Iris squeezed his hands again and the sniffle that followed silenced Eris. “I am weak.” she whispered and her hands shook in his. “When it comes to him, I always am. I am glad you came but I still wish — I wish you hadn’t seen it.”

“Iris — no.” he breathed, and this time Eris did pull her closer, his fingers gently skimming her cheek and curling a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “You and I — we — we’re two sides of the same coin, remember? I want to see. I want to know. You don’t have to hide anything from me.”

“I’m — I’m not used to anyone seeing it when he acts like that.” she continued and looked anywhere but at him. “I don’t like this feeling.”

“Iris.” he said gently and pulled her chin towards him. It killed him to see the silver lining her eyes, to see that lip still trembling, to hear another sniffle. He still didn’t know how to soothe. He still wasn’t sure how to ease. All his life ever consisted of was chaos and yet — with her, everything seemed to calm. He met her gaze firmly, even as his own hand trembled lightly on her chin.

The words spilled out of him easily, as if they’d always been there, sitting on the tip of his tongue. “It’s just you and me. We are in this together and I want it all.”

Her eyes bore into his and she gently, slowly, took his hand in hers, bringing it to her cheek even as she sniffled. “You promise that?” she whispered, and Eris felt the breath nearly choke out of him at the sight of his hand on her face, at the feel of her skin still healing beneath his touch, that she had deliberately put it there herself.

“I promise.” he swore hoarsely, his thumb caressing reverently. “I know I broke my word today but I —”

“I know why you weren’t there. I knew he had something to do with it.” she said gently and shook her head. “I don’t blame you at all.”

“I’m sorry.” he mumbled and the familiar feeling of self-loathing began to fester in his chest. “I should’ve been — I was supposed to —”

Iris shook her head once more and took a breath. She tilted her head back, resting both of his hands in her lap once more, and blinked rapidly before sniffling then meeting his eyes again.

“This is why I am the way I am.” she mumbled. “The only thing I know how to do is fight, even when I am at my weakest. Even when I won’t win. He’s stifled me my whole life. Whether it’s through his words or his fists, all he ever did was bring me down. All I’ve known is this anger.” she bit her lip and quickly wiped angrily at a stray tear that fell. “For a while, I listened, let him do whatever he wanted without saying a word. I followed all his rules, all his requests...but then I realized whether I fought against him or not, his punishment was the same. He relished it.”

Her mouth twisted in disgust. “I was the enemy from the moment I took my first breath and it got worse and worse as I aged. He acts that way because he can. Because he has all the power to do so.” she said. She looked at Eris, then looked down at their hands in her lap, where he had started rubbing soothingly again. “With you...I expected a similar situation...but you could hurt me differently. You could hurt me a lot. In fact, I’m sure he counted on it.” she said with a hollow laugh. “But instead...you’re the first person to ever defend me. To actually listen to me and give me a chance. To ever show that you — you care.”

Eris watched her and pain wrapped itself around his wretched heart as she spoke because oh gods, did he care.

“Of course, I care.” he said tightly and then swallowed. “I — I know I’m not the most graceful with my words and I’m an ass most of the time but — Iris. You’re my wife. You’re — you’re my friend. Of course, I care.”

Iris met his eyes and then looked down at their hands once more. She took a breath and then met his gaze once more. “Well…that’s a relief, I suppose. Because I — I care about you too.” she said more shyly than she’d ever been with him. “And I want you to know that I am not afraid of your hands. You are my friend. You are my husband. I am not afraid of you.”

Eris closed his eyes and took a shuddering breath at her words then looked down at their hands, now intertwined.

“Those words…” he began then blew out a breath. “They mean more than you know.”

The corner of her mouth lifted for a moment. “What you did today means more than you know.”

“One word.” he vowed. “Just one — and I will gladly wipe him from existence.”

She gave him a sad smile. “I’ll hold you to that promise.”

Eris’s eyes roamed her face, wanting to say more — wanting to do more. He wanted to kiss her. He wanted to hold her. He wanted so desperately, it hurt. But her bruises were still fresh and she still winced when she moved and Eris would be damned if he caused her any more discomfort.

What she clearly needed was some rest, some time to collect herself, and maybe some food. She didn’t need him pawing at her like one of his hounds. He was barely keeping it together as is.

“Why don’t you freshen up and get some rest?” he suggested, letting his thumb run across her hand one more time. “I will let Lucien and Elain know not to expect us today. We’ll go another time.”

“No!” Iris said, straightening with a wince. “I still want to go.”

Eris arched a brow and gave her a pointed look. “Are you sure? I want you to feel your best when we go.”

Though she flushed, she firmly squeezed his hands and gave him a pleading look. “I won’t let him ruin anything else for me. I’ve been looking forward to this and we still have time before we have to leave. I want to go.”

He realized again, as she gazed at him, that he would likely never refuse a request from her. Never put her in a position where she had to plead with him.

And oh, did Eris Vanserra realize how incredibly fucked he was when he sucked in a breath and then simply said, “Then we will go.”

Iris nodded as her shoulders sagged in relief then bit the corner of her lip, glancing at him and then down at their hands. “Before we go...do you think we can see the hounds for a moment?” she asked quietly. “They make me feel better.”

Eris gave her a small smile then squeezed her hands as she looked back at him. “Of course,” he said. “They make me feel better too.”

Iris shared a small smile with him and Eris watched her swallow, surprising him by leaning in closer. Eris froze and held his breath as she met his gaze then looked away, delighting him by placing a delicate kiss on his cheek. He hardly blinked, watching her slowly stand, her cheeks burning.

“Thank you.” she said softly. “I hope that was alright.”

It took him a minute to process the feeling of her lips on his skin. To hold himself back from pouncing on her to demand he feel those lips again elsewhere. “Very.” he said roughly. “It is always alright with you.”

Iris’s gaze dropped to her feet and the air between them seemed to shift. Despite the circumstances, despite what happened, it buzzed pleasantly.

“I’m — I’m going to go change.” she said, and again Eris noted that shyness in her tone again. A side of her he was definitely not used to.

“I’ll be right here.” he confirmed and with a small lift of her lips, she turned, heading towards their bathroom. She paused once, right in front of the same spot with the flecked blood and Eris watched her swallow hard before she hurried into the bathroom and shut the door firmly behind her.

He let out a breath, sagging against the couch, and closed his eyes momentarily.

Eris realized with alarming clarity, the depth of his feelings for her. He had felt this pull towards her gradually from the moment she threw that chair at him their first night together. But this constant desire to see her happy, to be the one to make her happy, to protect, to care for. He had certainly never felt like this before.

He ran shaky fingers through his hair, pulling at a lock to stare at it. He had woken up this morning instantly wanting to cut his hair — just because she had suggested it — because she liked the idea of him with shorter hair. The thought had made his body lock up in bed, knowing he would. He realized he would do just about anything for her.

And that — that terrified him. Because Eris wasn’t foolish. He had guessed at this emotion — this attachment, but it was with no confirmation and so he buried it deep enough to ignore it. Yet...he kept sinking around her.

Eris glanced at the bathroom door, listening to the sound of running water.

She was his wife. His friend. His partner. And today only solidified that he wouldn’t let a single thing harm her again. He’d kill it. Consequences be damned.

When Iris had finally emerged from the bathroom, freshened, and in a new dress, Eris was immaculate once more and already had the room cleaned and organized, with a tray of light snacks waiting on the table for her.

She paused at the threshold of their bathroom door and tried not to stare at him for too long, wondering how she would clamp down on the intensity of what she was feeling at the moment. He had nearly killed her father. Because of her. For her. He had not hesitated a single moment and Iris was nearly overwhelmed by the surge of emotion that hit her as she watched him shift the tray slightly, his back still to her.

When Iris had stepped into the bathroom and finally allowed the tears she’d been holding back to fall, Eris’s lingering touch had been the one to keep her from crumbling completely. She cried silently as she stripped the day dress she had been wearing and the tears continued to fall as she looked in the bathroom mirror to see the bruises. She let the tears continue as she washed away the ghost of her father’s hands and the sound of his hateful words, just as she had done every other time this happened over the years.

She let herself process and only when she could take a deep breath without tearing up, did she let herself heal her bruises, watching in the mirror as she began to slowly fix herself, as easily as the deep breath she took. It was thanks to Eris that she could master it enough to do it so easily. It was thanks to him that her father hadn’t done worse this time. It was thanks to him her father would hopefully never do it again.

The image of Eris’s wrath being unleashed on the person she hated most had filled her with a sense of vindication like no other. She hadn’t feared him for a moment. Only could watch as he raged for her.

Until he threw her father out. Until it hit her that Eris had seen what others had never seen on her.

Iris watched him now, fidgeting still with the tray and she looked down as her face flushed, biting her lip. Her eyes flicked to the now clean floor where the blood of her father had been spilled and she took a deep breath. She was fine. It would be okay.

She did not want his pity and he would not be the one to pity her.

So Iris sat with him at the table as he silently moved the tray towards her, watching her take a small bite. She had no appetite but with the intense way he watched her, she knew Eris wouldn’t budge until he was sure she ate something. So she indulged him.

Just as she had finally indulged in giving him a chaste kiss.

He continued to watch her as she finished, swatting her hand away with a scowl when she attempted to clean up, and shooed her away silently as he took over. She felt his eyes on her as she put the finishing touches on her dress, as she styled her hair, and much to Iris’s amusement, Eris continued to watch her intensely as they left the room and made their way to the hounds, his grip on her tightening whenever they passed others.

But she said nothing and he said nothing, only holding her closer against him, their hands interlaced the whole way.

A far cry from where the two had started.

Her heart beat wildly at how much she liked the way he watched her. His eyes didn’t watch her with pity or disdain. His gaze was a claiming, a look filled with emotions as mixed as her own.

And Iris knew without saying a word, Eris felt the whirlwind of feelings she was experiencing.

As they slipped into the kennel, Iris squeezed his hand gently and Eris reluctantly let her go, clasping his hands behind his back so she wouldn’t see his twiddling fingers. As the minutes passed and Eris watched Iris coo and cuddle with their hounds, he felt exceedingly pathetic as he physically restrained himself from touching her. Whatever cool, calm, and annoying demeanor he usually had vanished completely.

“Are you going to keep watching me like that?” Iris asked him quietly, a small smile on her face as she sat between the hounds, petting as they nuzzled into her enthusiastically. “I’m alright, you know.”

Eris gave her a half-smile. “I can’t help it that I find you incredibly breathtaking, wife.” he said with a shrug as Lyra came to nudge his side. His hand slid to scratch behind her ear. “Do you not want me to look at you?”

Iris bit her lip then slowly stood, turning towards Eris and he straightened at her solemn expression.

“You’re looking at me because you’re worried.” she said quietly and when he opened his mouth to respond, Iris held up a hand and then moved closer to him. “What happened between my father and I is something that I have had to, unfortunately, deal with for years but...I have learned to handle it as best as I can. To do what I can for myself and keep moving forward, even as he’s tried to paralyze him by his mere presence.” Iris closed her eyes for a moment as she took a deep breath then exhaled softly, her expression easing as she looked at him. “I don’t want to give him any more power to dwell in my mind or to ruin anything else for me so please, don’t keep looking at me like I’m going to break. I think you, of all people, would understand this…I don’t want to think about him or anything that has to do with him anymore.”

Eris scanned her face and her stance as she spoke, her words mirroring so much of his own thoughts about his wretched father. He understood more than she’d realized.

He held out his hands and Iris raised a brow before slowly sliding her hands into his. “I want to make sure you’re alright. That is all.” he said quietly, and Iris gave him a small smile.

“Is it?” she asked. “You once told me not to pity you when it comes to your father and I told you that I expect the same from you.”

Eris’s mouth twisted into a frown. “I do not pity you. There is absolutely nothing to be pitied when it comes to you.” he muttered, and Iris squeezed his hands. “I look at you because I care about you and want to make sure you’re fine. I am a bastard in many ways but not when it comes to my duties. And it is my duty to pay attention to you.”

Her expression softened and Eris was thankful she looked away from him so she wouldn’t see his hard swallow at his own words. When she looked at him again, he squeezed her hands.

“You’re alright?” he asked.

“I am alright.” she confirmed softly and the corner of his mouth lifted.

“Then please note that at this moment, I am looking at you because I am simmering with carnal desire.” he teased gently. “No other reason whatsoever.”

“Ah, so your true intentions have emerged,” she said with a soft chuckle. “Please husband, you’ll scandalize the puppies.”

“Not puppies.” he replied, his lips twitching.

Eris simply watched her with a small smile that Iris shyly returned and once again, said nothing more. Last night in each other’s arms had certainly shifted things between them but he wasn’t sure if he could handle any more of the feelings he was failing miserably to push down.

His wretched heart leaped into his throat when she stepped back, then interlaced their fingers again, the gesture so comfortable and normal, it made Eris’s throat tighten. His heart continued to thump wildly as they said goodbye to his hounds and made their way to the winnowing point, his mind whirling a thousand thoughts a minute.

“Do you have Lucien’s letter from your mother?” she asked quietly. “And our house gift?”

“I have the letter and sent the gift ahead.”

“Did you write a nice note?” she asked him and Eris couldn’t stop staring at her face, scrunched in all seriousness. “I didn’t get a chance to.”

“Yes.” he answered, distracted momentarily by how she bit her lip and then cleared his throat. “I said it was from you to Elain specifically and that Lucien can choke on a dick.”

Iris stopped in her tracks, narrowing her eyes. “You did not.”

Eris smirked as his eyes locked on her face and gave her a nonchalant shrug. “You’ll see for yourself when we get there.”

Iris shot him a glare and the look was one he was so used to, he couldn’t help but tilt his head back with a laugh. He pulled her closer into his side as he grinned down at her but Iris only squinted at him.

“You’re so annoying.”

“I know.”

“Sometimes I really can’t stand you.”

“I know that too.”

Iris rolled her eyes then gently knocked her shoulder against him and Eris’s mouth tilted up, all the feelings in his chest unfurling. He couldn’t stop staring at her. He also really felt like vomiting.

“If you know you’re being annoying and that I can’t really stand you, why do you behave the way that you do?” she asked, pursing her lips and Eris chuckled at her failed attempt to hide a smile.

“Don’t pretend you aren’t obsessed with how magnificent I am, wife. I can see the lust in your eyes.” he said quietly, his free hand threading a loose curl between his fingers and then tugging on it gently. “Will you be able to control yourself while we winnow or will I need to get myself a shield for additional protection?”

“You’re the one who looks like you’re going to faint every time I touch you.” she mumbled and scrunched her nose, avoiding his gaze when he chuckled again.

“It must be the witchcraft in your touch.” he replied and held out his hand.

Iris’s lips twitched as she met his gaze, sliding her hand into his and said, “Maybe one day I’ll put a spell on that mouth of yours to get some peace and quiet.”

“And go a moment without hearing my voice? Why do you insist on making things so difficult for yourself?” Eris tsked with a raised brow and Iris rolled her eyes.

“Too cocky for your own good, prince.”

“Confident just the right amount I’d say, my lady.”

Iris shook her head with a small smile, but she didn’t look away from him and Eris couldn’t look away from her if he tried. He thought back to their first night together and how he had craved something normal then. How unexpected it had come. How delightful it was. A simple joy he had not experienced...in so long. A joy he wasn’t sure he rightly deserved but would latch on to with everything he had.

“Ready to see the Day Court?” he finally asked and Iris smiled at him.

“Oh yes.” she began and Eris stilled as she faced him, her free hand smoothing a nonexistent crease on his shirt. “But before we go, I need to give you something.”

Eris arched a brow and tried not to be too distracted by how much of her body was touching his. How right she felt, holding his hand and looking up at him with such an open look in her eyes. Her bruises had faded completely but only because he was looking for them, did he still see the shadows of them and tried to hold back his anger from flaring up.

He focused on her eyes instead.

“Yes, wife?” he murmured, and Iris squeezed his hand before slipping it free, sliding both hands down the fabric of her plum-colored dress instead. Eris’s eyes followed her hands and he took in the cinched waist of the dress, tied with a pretty bow in the middle — the delicate sleeves, the modest cut of her cleavage that gave him a small tease. He couldn’t stop himself from sliding a hand to gently tug on the bow, looking up just in time to see Iris’s flushed face giving him a knowing look.

“Focus.”

“I am very focused.”

“On what I would like to say, please.” she said with amusement. “You can tug on the bow all you like, it’s not going to budge.”

“Not if I have anything to do with it.” He said with a smirk but obediently let his hands fall back to his side.

Iris only rolled her eyes. “I look presentable, then?”

The corner of his mouth lifted as Eris looked up to meet her gaze. “You look beautiful.” he said simply.

Iris flushed and bit her lip, looking down to where his hands rested at his sides then slowly, carefully, she moved them to settle on her hips instead. Iris’s hands slowly moved to settle on his chest and Eris felt his heart short circuit. “Before I give you this something I want to give, I would like to tell you something.” she whispered with a little smile.

“Tell me what?” he asked helplessly and he couldn’t take his eyes off her stunning face, off those beautiful hooded hazel eyes that seemed to look into his very soul.

“I wanted to tell you again...thank you.” she said and the little shy smile blessed her face once more. “For defending me.”

Eris swallowed, his eyes drinking in the sight of her stunning face. He could only murmur, “Nothing to thank for. I only did as a husband should.”

“And for being my friend.” she added softly, the smile still there as his heart thumped too loudly.

“I’m — I’m happy to be your friend, Iris.” he said with a small smile of his own, his hands tightening on her waist.

“I am happy to be yours too, Eris.” she replied with a small chuckle and if possible, moved into him closer. “Even though you are very obnoxious, and I was very prepared to hate you for as long as possible.”

Eris let out a choked laugh, tightening his hold on her. “Can’t blame you, my reputation precedes me.”

“I do recall you saying it was catered to a specific audience,” she said, spreading her fingers across this chest. “I don’t think I’m part of that category anymore.”

“You never were.” he said with a chuckle. “You did just say you like being my friend.”

Iris’s gaze dropped to her hands then flickered back to meet his. “I do.” she said quietly. “But I think — I think I’m ready to be a little more than that with you.”

Eris felt the air leave his body, barely blinked — barely had a moment to hear what she said as the only warning he received was the mischievous glint in her eyes before her hands curled into the front of his tunic and she yanked him down to her, her lips finally, finally meeting his.

He felt the world tilt, wondering if he had stumbled into a daydream until Iris leaned into him more firmly, pressing her body into him, and the soft noise that slipped from her lips had Eris’s body unlocking immediately.

And gods, if she wasn’t the most divine creature he had the pleasure of kissing. Kissing her ignited every ember of fire in his heart, his heart that was dangerously close to bursting out of his damn chest. Eris let her lead for a moment, let her nip at his lips as her fingers tightened into his tunic and he let her pull away for a second — just to breathe — so he could look into her eyes and her flushed face — ensuring that indeed, this wasn’t some kind of strange hallucination.

And then Eris was on her.

Her full lips were soft, welcoming to his own and Eris groaned at the taste of her. He leaned into her desperately, a hand cupping the back of her head while the other rested on her lower back as he dipped her slightly, pouring himself into the kiss and Iris returned it with a fervor he would be delighted to think about later.

He kissed her and she kissed him, the heated claiming saying all the words they wished to say but couldn’t just yet. A kiss that seemed to soothe all the jagged ends of his soul. A kiss where their jaded spirits met their tired bones.

And it was as he pulled her closer into him, drunk on the taste of her lips did he feel the thread between them, thumping in his bloodstream. The same thread he had seen before, that he now understood had woven around his wretched heart. The thread that pulled.

It hummed the one word he had been waiting for — Mate.

#eris vanserra #eris vanserra x oc #eris x oc #eris vanserra fanfic #acotar fanfiction #gfics #smtb chapters #I love this chapter btw hehe :)#one specific line I hope people who haven't read it before notice hehehehehe #thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy!!!!#if you'd like to be tagged or removed (no hard feelings!!) please let me know!#the tagging system here sucks butt lately

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lucienarcheron · 12 days

Text

Spirit Meets the Bones - XIV

Genre: Angst/Romance Warnings: Mentions of physical abuse. PLEASE NOTE:This chapter will contain physical abuse with some implied language may be found triggering.

as always, shoutout to my bby @abruisedmuse for being along this journey with me!

Find it all here.

The next morning came and rather than choking him as suggested, Iris had only burrowed into Eris’s body further. He had woken up this morning and laid perfectly still as the heat of her seeped into him, relaxing him in a way he hadn’t been relaxed before.

He hoped the wild beating of his heart didn’t wake her and when she finally did wake, the two had only stared at each other quietly. Until she gave him a small smile and slipped out of bed. No matter that the smile had caused an eruption of flames all over his body.

The flames hadn’t quite simmered down just yet.

“Distracted this morning, aren’t you?”

Eris blinked, returning to the present, and met his mother’s knowing gaze. He scowled, shifting in the seat opposite his mother, steam rising from his cup of tea in front of him. “I’m just thinking about the meeting I have with Father later and the unwelcome visitor arriving.”

Lady Enya’s lips thinned. “Is that why Iris isn’t with you this morning?”

“She’s nervous about her father’s visit and wanted some time to herself.” he said with a twist of his mouth. “But we’ll stop by when we return from visiting Lucien and Elain.”

“Her father won’t be a problem, will he?” Lady Enya asked with a frown, sliding a plate of breakfast pastries toward him. “Cauldron only knows the horrible things I’ve heard about him.”

“For his own livelihood, he better not be a problem.” Eris said with a scoff and sat back in his chair, crossing his legs and waving a hand for his daily reports to appear. “I have no qualms about ending his life.”

“Your father wouldn’t like that.” Enya said with a pointed look over her cup of tea.

“Good.”

His mother chuckled and the two shared a small smile. A few moments of comfortable silence filled the space until Eris felt his mother’s gaze on him and slowly lifted his head, with a quirked brow.

“Is something wrong, mother?”

“Not at all.” she replied, and Eris sat back. “But I am curious.”

“About?” he hedged carefully, and his mother rolled her eyes at his suspicious tone.

Waving a delicate hand in his general direction, she took a sip of her tea then said, “Are you trying a new look?”

He blinked at his mother then squinted. “What?”

“The scruff.” she said with a twitch of her lips.

“Oh.”

“Oh?”

Eris tried to ignore the heat rising to his face and cleared his throat. He debated for a moment whether to say something or keep it to himself, but he could feel his mother’s knowing look without even glancing at her. “Iris likes it.” he murmured quietly, quickly taking a sip of his tea and desperately trying to ignore his mother’s grin.

“Does she now?” she asked with an arched brow. “I don’t think you’ve ever considered facial hair before.”

Eris hadn’t actually ever given scruff a chance. He stayed clean-shaven so his father wouldn’t harass him about it but…

He shrugged with as much of a nonchalant air as he could. “I’m trying something new. For myself.”

It had nothing to do with his wife, of course.

Lady Enya took a sip of her own tea, shooting him an incredulous look. “I see.”

Eris waited for a heartbeat, then put the reports down, debating once more whether he should say something else. His mother watched him patiently, so he pursed his lips then casually added, “I’m also considering cutting my hair.”

His mother blinked. “Your hair.”

“My hair, yes.”

“How short are you thinking?”

Eris shrugged again and vaguely waved his hand to the back of his head. “Something just above the shoulders. Maybe. Possibly. I’m unsure.”

“That’s...a big change.” Lady Enya remarked, her lips twitching. “I can’t remember the last time you even got a trim.”

“I get a trim every six months, mother. I am not an uncivilized swine.”

Lady Enya chuckled, then slowly placing her cup of tea on the table, she gave him a sly look. “And would this sudden interest in shortening your hair also be something a certain someone will like?”

Eris willed his skin not to redden further. “No.” he said defensively.

His mother gave him that knowing look of hers.

Eris twisted his mouth and then sighed. “Yes.”

“Ah. I see.” Lady Enya said and Eris scowled at the smirk she wore on her face.

“It’s not that big of a deal.” he mumbled and pulled his reports up once more, using it to shield half his face. “Minor changes. Send a few admirers into a potential cardiac arrest.”

His mother hummed and Eris squinted at her as he lowered the pages again, his scowl deepening.

“Admirers, you say?” she said, her lips twitching. “Funny how you pretend this is about anyone else but your wife.”

“Mother.”

She smiled. “Yes?”

“Don’t make fun of me.”

Lady Enya laughed at that. “Eris. You know I think it’s delightful your wife brings out these kinds of reactions from you.” she said and gave him a pointed look. “It’s good.”

Eris’s mouth twisted again, and he waited for another heartbeat before quietly saying, “Do you think if I cut my hair...I’ll look more like him?”

His mother paused and her expression hardened. “The only thing you share with him is your bloodline. Everything about your face is from me. Your eye shape is mine. Your nose is mine. That mouth of yours is mine. Even your hair is from me.” she said, and Eris’s lips twitched slightly at the fierce protectiveness in her tone. “He will claim you as his son, but you are my son first and foremost. My son who looks like me.”

“My mother’s son through and through, aren’t I.” he said with a soft chuckle.

“Damn right, you are.” Lady Enya said with a huff. “If you decide you want to change your hair, I’m sure you’ll look very handsome. I have no doubt your wife would agree.”

His wife. His wife whom he had finally — fucken finally held in his arms at night.

Eris had nearly blacked out when she had asked to move the pillow. As if he’d say no.

He’d only wanted her in his arms for weeks now and Eris would be damned to rush the very delicate process between them.

But she had asked him. She asked him. And that had made Eris’s battered heart beat wildly at the notion that she now trusted him enough to do it.

Having her sleep in his arms, the feeling of her body flush against his had been as invigorating as he had imagined. She had curled into him, her arm had wrapped around him. And when he had tangled their legs together, she hadn’t hesitated to come closer.

Eris swallowed, nearly losing his mind all over again just thinking about it. He had almost lost his mind when he woke up this morning and found her still in his arms — that it all hadn’t been some wild hallucination of his. He frowned.

This feeling couldn’t be normal. These... severe reactions he kept having. He had been with more than enough people in his lifetime that surely having one female sleep in his arms shouldn’t do this to him.

Whatever this was. Even if this was different from anything he’d ever experienced.

All Eris knew was that he was excited to spend time with her and to have her meet the other important people in his life. He was also looking forward to seeing her face when they returned from their trip to find the gift he had prepared for her. His wife. His.

“Are you alright?” his mother asked him, alarmed and Eris blinked at her.

“What?”

“Your face is as red as your hair.”

Eris’s face heated further and he cleared his throat, pausing for a breath before very, very quietly mumbling, “We had a moment last night.”

Lady Enya blinked then her face erupted into a grin that instantly had Eris tensing. “Did you?”

Eris held up a hand and gave his mother a pointed look. “Say nothing else, mother. We had a moment. It was nice and that is all.”

His mother only chuckled and gave him a pointed look in return. “I doubt that is all.”

Eris pursed his lips and tried not to die as he attempted to describe how he felt to his mother. His grip tightened on the reports. “Clearly,” he began, then cleared his throat again before he continued very softly, “I...like her.”

His mother snorted softly and gave him a sly look. “Like her, hm?” she teased and Eris clenched his jaw, willing himself not to flush further. “That’s a relief, I suppose. Considering you spend every waking moment with her.”

“She’s my wife. And my friend.” he mumbled and tried to avoid looking at his mother’s smile. “I like spending time with her.”

“You would. Her mouth is as filthy as yours.” Lady Enya said with a laugh. “She swears at you so viciously it gives me whiplash.”

Eris’s lips twitched, his eyes still on the reports. “Don’t tell her you’ve heard her swear. She wants you to think she’s a proper lady and likes impressing you.”

“Oh trust me, I’m very impressed.” his mother said and tapped the table gently so he’d meet her softened gaze. Eris lowered his paper shields and his mother didn’t hesitate to softly pat his hand. “You seem more settled around her. I’m happy to see it.”

Eris tensed for a moment then slowly let his shoulders relax. His mother was right, of course. As much of a riot as Iris was, she...seemed to soothe something in him. His mother already knew, there was no sense in pretending otherwise.

“I enjoy her company.” he said quietly and gave his mother a small smile that she gently returned.

“Well. I can’t say I didn’t see it coming.” she said with a smug look and Eris chuckled.

“You always seem to know everything, Mother. One would think you were the Seer and not Elain.” he said with a snort and his mother laughed.

“I can definitely see how your wife might react to shorter hair.” she teased and he rolled his eyes.

“I’d like to think she’ll tolerate me just the same if I didn’t.” he said and his mother’s sly smile had him immediately scowling.

“I’d say she already does more than just tolerate you.” Enya teased again. “But a little change is never a bad idea if you’d like to do it.”

“According to her, it’s the only way I’ll be more dashing than Lucien.” he scoffed and Lady Enya blinked then let out such a hearty laugh that Eris couldn’t help but chuckle along. “Laugh all you want, those were her exact words.”

“She doesn’t even know Lucien, does she?” she said, wiping at her eyes and Eris snorted.

“Apparently, your harlot son’s reputation precedes him.”

Lady Enya rolled her eyes. "Unfortunately, I've been made aware that you both share a similar reputation."

Eris held out his hands in mock innocence. “I am a married male, Mother. I have no idea what you could possibly be referring to.”

“Tell that to the horde of jilted lovers that used to sob at every ball.” his mother said with a snort and Eris fought back a smirk.

“I have only one female to worry about now.” he said, the corner of his mouth lifting. “The verdict isn’t out on whether she can stand me yet or not.”

His mother gave him a sly look. “Well, based on my observations, I’d say she can stand you just fine.”

“Is that so?”

“A mother knows best.” she said with a wink and Eris chuckled, his eyes back on the reports.

“We shall see.” he said quietly and tried not to let the hope of what was to come take root in his chest, lest it unfurl and break him. Straightening, his expression sobered as he gazed at his mother. “I need to ask you something.”

“Ah daughter, how I’ve missed that look of hatred in your eyes. I never could quite beat it out of you.”

Iris stood rooted in her doorway, desperately trying not to grimace at the smirk plastered on the face of her father, Lord Aron Bertillon. Her heart sputtered in her chest at his wretched face and continued to beat wildly as he pushed past her with a scoff and stepped into her chambers.

She had been free of him for weeks and the moment her eyes fell on him, Iris was paralyzed by him all over again.

Did she shut the door or keep it open? Shut the door or keep it open — Shut the door or keep it open —

“I suggest you shut the door. You know I like my privacy.”

Iris took a breath as a tense beat of silence passed and then turned slightly towards him. “You shouldn’t be in here.”

Her father tsked and turned to smile at her fully. “I am exactly where I want to be.” he said. “Close the door and come over here so I can see you properly.”

Her lips curled in distaste as she watched him survey the room and Iris slowly, reluctantly, closed the door then turned fully towards him.

The silence between them stretched as her father continued to peruse the room, his eyes falling on the neatly made bed and narrowing. Her cheeks flushed.

Finally turning to land his gaze on her, Lord Aron rolled his eyes. “When will you learn that looking at me like that won’t ever help you? I said come here.”

Iris barely inched a step closer. She knew the closer she got, the quicker he’d be. She shifted herself towards the dining table instead. “You never did anything to earn any other kind of look so I don’t know why you’re still surprised.” she muttered.

Her father tutted again, cruel amusement on his face, watching her steps. “Does your husband allow you to look at him like that? I’m surprised you’re still standing if so.”

“Leave my husband out of this.” she snapped before she could help herself and regretted it the moment her father’s brow raised in amusement. He didn’t need to know that Eris mattered to her. That he was important — especially when her father had a tendency to take away anything she cared about.

“Such a faithful whore already? I suppose it makes sense.” he said with a sigh full of scorn as he surveyed her living chambers again. “Good thing you didn’t sully yourself with the riff-raff then...I did hear that Eris likes his virgins.”

Iris grimaced and stopped a good ten feet away from him, her hands fisted at her sides.

He wasn’t supposed to be in here. She was supposed to have met him in an open guest room, where they would be in front of others. Where she would have witnesses. When Eris would be there. But knowing her father, this was exactly how he wanted it.

Knowing her father-in-law, he had allowed it.

“Aren’t you going to invite me to take a seat at your table, daughter? Being the high lord’s daughter-in-law doesn’t excuse you from having manners.” her father sneered softly and Iris’s skin prickled as she glanced at him.

She hated him. She hated him with a fire that would’ve melted the entirety of the Winter Court.

Iris had pictured herself murdering him countless times. She had visualized it happening in so many different ways.

But then he stood in front of her, staring at her with such loathing, and Iris couldn’t breathe. She couldn’t move. Couldn’t stop the rapid beating of her heart that she knew fueled his glee. Couldn’t stop the way her body locked up around him.

“I prefer we meet outside of my chambers. Eris doesn’t allow anyone in here.” she said simply and her gaze drifted to the bedroom door because Eris should be here. He promised he would be.

“I’m not just anyone.” her father said sweetly and walked a step closer. “I am your father. Surely your husband wouldn’t have any concerns with me being here.”

But he could tell exactly how much Iris despised having him stand in this space, his image tarnishing whatever sanctuary this home had become for her. She clenched her fists tighter.

“He would. And so do I.” Iris replied curtly and gestured towards the door. “I have a space set up for us that we should —”

“I will stay right here, you stupid bitch.” her father snapped and Iris flinched, closing her eyes with a deep breath. She counted to five then opened her eyes to glare at him.

“Don’t speak to me that way.”

“Oh?” he said and took another step closer. “And what will you do about it, daughter?”

The dagger resting on the table a few feet away seemed to glow as if a reminder that she had a weapon close enough. Eris had trained her enough that she could somewhat hold her own but...what would she do against the male standing before her? The male that made her gut twist and bile rise in her throat. The male that made her hate all males.

Eris was starting to become the exception and that thought twisted her gut as well, but in a good way. At least...if he came. If he realized something was wrong and as promised, showed up. Iris straightened, wondering if something had happened to him.

Her stomach dropped and she flexed her fingers. How would he know to come here? Did her father have something to do with it? Did his?

She glanced at the door once more and her father noted the movement, letting out a chuckle.

“Did you think,” he said and took another step towards her. “That because you’re his wife now, I won’t have a say over you? Don’t worry, he won’t be joining us. It’ll be just us, daughter.”

Her heart stuttered at his declaration. How much sway did he have with the High Lord now that he could block Eris from returning to his own room? He wasn’t here even though he had promised. And...Eris had yet to back out on a promise he made her, especially one like this. Especially after last night.

But it didn’t matter. Iris would have to hold her own, just like she always did. She always had been able to deal with her father, even when it hurt. Even as her skin prickled at the thought. Iris’s lips curled in disdain as she shot her father another look of contempt.

“You talk too much, father. Why are you here?”

He chuckled darkly and Iris felt the gooseflesh erupt on her already clammy skin. She warily kept her gaze on his fists.

“I’m here to check on my daughter. To make sure you’re behaving.” he said quietly and came to a stop right in front of her. “Considering you have been declining my requests to see you, I had to take matters into my own hands. Do you not want to see me?”

Iris’s fingers tightened into the folds of her dress as she held his gaze. “I’ve had nothing to say to you.”

It went silent between them as her father stared her down and Iris refused to look away.

“But I’ve had a few things to say to you.” he said quietly and before Iris could blink, his hand had wrapped around her throat and he yanked her closer to him. Iris’s treacherous body froze beneath his hands. “I heard about your loud-mouthing a while ago. I did not appreciate having the High Lord tell me I didn’t know how to raise you well enough to know when to keep your mouth shut.”

Iris sucked in a breath as her father’s grip tightened. “Nothing happened. I apologized.” she said tightly.

Her father quirked a brow. “You apologized?”

“Yes.” she breathed and he narrowed his eyes briefly as his grip tightened further and Iris let out a strangled breath.

“Mm. See, you should’ve kept your mouth shut from the beginning.” he snapped, shoving her back carelessly, and she stumbled away from him. “I will cut your tongue out myself if you do anything else you’re not supposed to. You will not jeopardize my relationship with the High Lord with your stupidity.”

Iris’s hand rubbed at her throat as she glared at her father, her other hand tightening in the folds of her dress, desperately trying to keep her hands away from reaching for the dagger. “I don’t interact with the high lord often for anything else to happen between us so rest assured, I won’t have any sway over your relationship with him.” she replied with a bite in tone.

“Yes, but his son needs to be kept happy.” he said and narrowed his eyes at her. “Are you keeping his son happy?”

Iris tensed and the corner of her father’s mouth lifted as she answered, “His son is fine.”

A beat of silence passed as her father’s gaze pierced her. “Judging by the scent in this room, I’d say not.” Iris flushed and her father’s eyes narrowed further. “I hope he’s not put off by you.”

“That’s none of your business.” she hissed.

“Everything you do is my business, you stupid girl.” he snapped and her fists tightened. “Your obedience is an important factor in keeping my working relationship with our High Lord. I’ve gotten away with so much since this lovely union,” he said, his eyes surveying the room once more. “Or did you think I married you off so you could just enjoy yourself?”

Whatever business her father did, Iris wasn’t privy to it and she never cared to know. All she knew was that he was ruthless in getting what he wanted, in whatever way he could. Be it cheating, stealing, or killing. He was a business tycoon but what kind of business? She didn’t want to know. He was a liar, a thief, and most importantly, he loved his money in whatever way he could get it. As long as it kept him away from her — until now.

She glared. “You mean when you sold me to him?”

The corner of his mouth lifted again and Iris grimaced. “I wanted to offer you to the high lord himself but a marriage to his son was more advantageous.”

Silence filled her mind as she processed her father’s words. He would’ve offered her up just like that to a monster who would’ve —

“You’re disgusting.” she breathed. “He has a wife. He’s triple my age.”

“And he has a preference. I don’t care what he would’ve done with you as long as I reaped the benefits from it.” he snapped then scoffed at her expression. “The point is to tie myself to the High Lord’s family and being the son’s wife is certainly better than being his father’s whore. What is the point of having a daughter if I can’t use you the way I want?”

“You’re disgusting.” she repeated and her father rolled his eyes.

“Yes, yes.” he said with a wave of his hand, dismissing her as he always did. “And yet look at you, married to his handsome son instead. Living in the Forest House with anything you want at your fingertips. You’re welcome.”

Her fists shook at her sides and Iris tried to keep her voice even as she spoke, “The only reason you allowed it is because you think Eris would be worse than you.”

“Isn’t he?” he said then snorted, lifting a hand and Iris barely had a second to grit her teeth as he harshly patted her cheek. “Knowing you, daughter, you certainly deserve whatever comes your way. You’re too proud. Too stubborn. If I can’t beat it out of you, someone else should.”

“Well, you got what you wanted.” she spat and tried to step back from him, backing towards the table. “Why can’t you leave me be now?”

“Leave you be?” he said with the sneer she knew too well. The sneer that always had her on edge. “Why would I do that?”

Iris glared at him again but faster than she could open her mouth to say anything else, her father’s hand was already gripping tightly in her hair, yanking her head back, pulling her closer to him.

“Do you know why I won’t leave you alone? Because I know you’ll embarrass me again. You simply don’t know how to behave.” he muttered and his grip tightened enough to make her gasp. “All I have ever wanted you to do was to keep your mouth shut and do as you are told. Is it so difficult?”

“Get your filthy hands off me.” she snarled and Aron’s lips curled in disdain.

“See? You’re still saying the wrong things.” he said, tugging her head closer. “Do you speak like this to the prince? Are you loud-mouthing him too? I already told him to use a heavy hand with you but it seems it’s not heavy enough.” he breathed and Iris’s jaw clenched, even as tears prickled her eyes. “You better be behaving well enough so that he keeps you. Are you behaving?”

“I’m behaving!” Iris hissed, her hands clawing at his to release her. With a growl of disgust, her father shoved her away again and Iris’s hand flew into her hair, her scalp already tender from his yanking.

“You better be. I will beat you into a pulp if I get one more complaint about you.” Aron snapped and Iris glared at him, hating herself for the tears she blinked back. She took in a shaky breath watching him as he watched her. The father that was no father. The father who only thought of himself. The father who didn’t even think of her as a person. “You are either his wife or you are dead.”

It did not surprise her for a moment that after several weeks of not seeing each other, this was how he behaved.

Mustering whatever little dignity she had left in front of him, Iris ran her hands through her hair, trying to smooth it down. “You gave me your lovely warning,” she said tightly, “You can leave now.”

But her father smiled at her and Iris felt her heart drop.

“But I missed you, daughter. It’s been too long without you near.” her father cooed softly and Iris blanched. “No one bruises quite as beautifully as you do.” And the cruel smile returned to his face as he watched her eyes widen. “Does your husband love the way you bruise as well? I’m sure he takes his time with you.”

Iris’s jaw tightened and she could barely get the words out, fisting her shaky hands. “Leave him out of this.”

“Look at you defending your husband so immediately...you must like it when he bruises you.” her father mused with a smile. “You didn’t seem to like it when I beat you.”

“Stop it.”

“Maybe I just need to beat you in this lovely location for you to enjoy it. Is that what it is?” he said with a chuckle and Iris felt herself pale. “Or is it because he’s a handsome prince, his hands don’t hurt like mine do?”

“Don’t touch me.” she breathed and her father’s eyes narrowed.

“Don’t tell me what I can and can’t do with you, daughter.” he said quietly. “Come here.”

“No.” she snarled.

“I said, come here.” he snapped, pointing directly in front of him. “Because if I have to come to you, it’ll hurt more. You’ve already tested my patience enough today.”

But Iris held her ground. Her father had been here for a short amount of time and she was already so tired of him. She wanted him gone and away from her. She wanted to pretend he never came and go about her day like this never happened, like she never saw him.

Lord Aron took one step towards her and her hand finally wrapped around the hilt of her dagger resting on the table. Her father’s eyes widened in surprise for only a fraction then his gaze narrowed.

“Oh. This is adorable of you.” he said quietly. “Will you finally gut me the way you’ve always wanted to?”

“I will if you come near me.” she breathed. “Enough. You need to leave now.”

Iris watched him, her chest rising and falling as she tried to swallow, tried to form words. Tried to figure out what to say to this hateful male who sapped any will to live from her. Who instilled fear and self-loathing in her like no other.

Her fingers tightened around her dagger, even as it shook with rage. She wanted to bury it in his chest and watch him bleed out. She wanted —

“You stupid, stupid girl. You never learn.” her father said softly and Iris couldn’t take her eyes off his hateful gaze as he advanced towards her. “A simple request and you can’t even follow through. All this tells me is that you haven’t changed at all. You haven’t learned to behave yet and we...we have to change that. I won’t let you embarrass me in front of the High Lord and his son.”

Iris swallowed and with a glare, spat, “It doesn’t have to be like this. You don’t have to be like this.”

Her father quirked a brow and tilted his head. “Yes, it does. You just seem too dim to realize it.”

And before Iris could snarl at the words, his hand flew out, backhanding her swiftly and she stumbled back a step with a gasp. She whipped her head to look at him but Lord Aron only yanked her by the hand holding her knife and tightened his grip hard enough that Iris winced.

“Drop the knife.” he growled.

“Why do you keep doing this to me?”

“You deserved it. You talk too much and have too much nerve.” he spat. “Now drop the knife or I will strike you again.”

Iris felt her treacherous lip tremble. Where was Eris? He promised. He promised.

If anything, she needed him to see. So he could understand why she was the way she was. Why she still looked at his fists and why she needed him around her father. She didn’t want to keep facing him alone.

And Eris had promised.

With an impatient growl, Aron bent her hand back, tightening his hold painfully enough that it forced her to drop her dagger. Iris flinched as he released her hand and then backhanded her again with a force that knocked her back into the table hard enough that she knew it would bruise. Her hand flew to her cheek as the sting of the blow hit her — the ring on his hand had cut her lip.

“Stop.”

Her father snarled and his hand flew out once more, this time wrapping around her throat tight enough that Iris choked. She clawed at his hands, trying to stop the panic going through her body because Eris had taught her better — he taught her how to shove it aside and move.

“Now that your silly knife is out of the way, we can continue discussing how everything you do will play into everything I do.” he muttered and smiled, a tight breath escaping her lips as his grip tightened around her throat again. “A few bruises here and there. You can heal them before your husband returns, of course. You know I like a blank canvas.”

Eris.

“No.” she snarled softly and thrashed, landing a kick in his shin that had him hissing. “You don’t get to come here and do this to me anymore. Let me be. Leave me alone.”

“But then who will receive my gifts, daughter? They’ve always been meant for you.” her father cooed softly. “Who else could take it?”

“Why do you keep doing this?” she whispered desperately. “What have I ever done to deserve this?”

“Because you exist. And because I can.” he snapped. “And so you remember that next time I want to come see you, you don’t get to say no.”

With another snarl, she swung at her father and it forced him to let her go. Iris stumbled away from him, landing on the floor behind him instead. She scrambled back and watched as his anger flared through him, seeing how his temper was about to be unleashed on her. She knew the moment he said he was visiting, it would be for nothing else than to do this — to remind her that she was still nothing. She was still no one important enough to stop him from taking out every frustration he had on her.

Where are you, Eris?

She wanted to scream. He was supposed to be here. In her corner. He promised. A few weeks away from her father and Iris still crumbled at the sight of him like this, like a wild animal being hunted. She needed to get off the floor and away from him — she needed to stand but her legs were trembling so badly.

“Did you know, daughter, that the High Lord has special ways to put people in their place?” he spoke softly, and Iris’s fists clenched to stop the shaking. “I think...I will take some pointers from him. Try some things with you to remind you to keep that mouth of yours shut more often. What do you think?”

“I think you’re insane and need to stay away from me.” she snarled, her chest rising and falling in a rapid panic. She needed to move. Get to the door. Once it was open he couldn’t do anything. “I’m not your problem anymore. Isn’t that what you wanted?”

“I did.” he mused, almost rabid, and took another step towards her as she backed away. “But once you were away from me...I realized in your absence how much I enjoyed controlling you.” He stopped in front of her and slowly crouched, his smile putting her body in a tingling panic. “Do you think if you have a daughter, she’d bruise as beautifully as you do?”

Before he could raise a hand again, their bedroom door flew open and both Iris and her father’s heads snapped to the door.

Eris stood in the doorway, breathing hard and a sense of relief washed over Iris so deeply, she almost sobbed. A fire was blazing in his eyes and almost instantly, the room’s temperature heated.

“Eris.” she choked out and his eyes snapped to her. He silently took in the bruises on her cheeks and handprints on her neck, her ruined hair, the rumpled dress, and her body on the floor with her father crouching over her. His gaze slid over her, assessing, and then landed on the dagger several feet away.

Lord Aron straightened and Eris’s eyes flickered to him.

“Son-in-law. I’m glad you’ve finally arrived.” her father had the nerve to say. “My daughter was, unfortunately, speaking ill of you, which I couldn’t allow, of course. I needed to remind her to mind her tongue.”

“You’re lying!” Iris barked and flinched back as her father glared at her but turned to look at Eris. “He’s lying.”

Eris said nothing but Iris saw his eyes flash then narrow as he took one look at her father and then ignored him completely. Slowly, he stepped into the room and quietly shut the door. Iris watched him as he walked over to her and very calmly lowered himself to face her. Her heart thundered in her chest as he reached out a hand and she flinched back when he tried to touch her cheek. His gaze hardened as her bottom lip trembled slightly and Iris tried not to let him see the embarrassment burning through her, tried not to let him see anything other than her seething anger.

But he seemed to know.

Eris locked eyes with her for a moment, his gaze softening for just a fraction and then with the grace of a predator, Eris turned to look at her father with murderous intent in his eyes.

“I’m going to kill you.”

#eris vanserra #eris vanserra x oc #eris x oc #eris vanserra fanfic #acotar fanfiction #smtb chapters #gfics #if you'd like to be tagged or removed (no hard feelings!) please let me know!!!#thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy!#let's hope the tags work lmao

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lucienarcheron · 15 days

Text

Spirit Meets the Bones - XIII

Genre: Angst/Romance Warnings: Mentions of physical abuse. Please be mindful: some implied language may be found triggering.

shoutout to @abruisedmuse always for being my bby <33

Find it all here.

The two waited until the steps drew nearer before Eris said in a detached, cold voice. “I thought I told you I didn’t want to hear anything you have to say.”

“I — I —”

“We’ve been over this. You are not to be seen and not to be heard.”

“Son?”

Eris and Iris looked to find Beron standing before them, brow raised.

“Father.” Eris said calmly, removing his hand from Iris’s throat and then turning to face the High Lord, clasping his hands behind his back. “Is there anything I can do for you?”

Iris wasn’t feigning the slight tremor in her hand as she rubbed delicately at her neck. Eris hadn’t gripped her hard, but the sudden movement had caught her off guard.

Her eyes flickered to reason number one to why things were still cautious between them.

Eris’s eyes shifted to her briefly before his eyes met his father’s and he quirked a brow, waiting.

“I was finishing up a meeting and heard you were around these parts.” the High Lord said slowly, his gaze snapping to Iris who slowly slid closer behind him, ever the cowering doll. “I didn’t expect to see Iris with you this late in the evening.”

Iris focused on her feet, on the solid feel of Eris beside her. It was always a game they needed to play around Beron but she still hated it. Hated how a part of her fear wasn’t a lie.

She focused on his hands clasped behind him, his signature stance, and watched the way his fingers fisted then flexed.

“I prefer to keep her close.” Eris said dryly. “It suits my needs.”

Beron snorted, and Iris felt his eyes slide to her as they always did whenever they seemed to be near each other. Her eyes stayed on Eris’s hands that clenched at his father’s snort.

Since that wretched dinner, Eris ensured they avoided his father as much as possible and Iris was all too happy to stay away from the only other male she hated as much as she hated her father.

“I’m sure it does suit your needs to have her nearby.” he almost purred and Iris worked to keep the disgust off her face. “Let’s hope this means I can expect a grandchild sometime in the near future.”

Iris flinched and it seemed to be the response Beron was waiting for. He laughed and Eris only spared her another slight glance over his shoulder then back at his father with a small smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

“I will enjoy trying until we do.” he replied and Iris kept her eyes on his hands, flexing once more.

Iris moved closer to Eris, her hands slowly sliding into his and his fingers immediately closed around hers. Beron kept talking, speaking in that nasty, oily tone that made the bile rise in her throat but she ignored him completely, focusing only on the feel of Eris’s fingers intertwined with hers. She focused on the feeling of his thumb caressing the back of her hand and letting her thumb rub into his palm.

Iris envisioned all the open wounds she could leave in the High Lord’s chest on a daily basis, the joy of watching him bleed out making a moment like this passable.

“Are you listening, Iris? Your father is coming to see you tomorrow morning.”

Iris’s head jolted up and her grip tightened on Eris’s hand, her eyes wide as Beron smirked at her.

“Why?” she breathed, and Eris squeezed her hand tightly.

“Why? To check on his precious daughter. Make sure we’re treating you well.” he said with a pointed look. “And I’m afraid this time, he won’t take no for an answer. Neither will I.”

Iris heard the threat in his words and knew Eris had as well – for they had been declining or altogether ignoring any request to visit from her father. Eris had only asked her once, the first time they received a request, if she’d like to see him. Iris had said no and her answer remained the same. Even when Beron had specifically told them to accommodate him, Eris always found a way around it. But it seemed that their avoidance was coming to an end, especially with the look Beron gave them.

The High Lord’s eyes examined Iris slowly and she fought the strong urge not to fidget before his eyes landed on his son once more. “You’ve done a decent job with her.”

Eris nodded tightly. “I do my job well, Father. No worries.”

Beron took one look at the two of them and let his gaze pierce into Iris, a cruel smile on his face.

“You’re doing much better, Iris. Quiet is the best way for a wife to be.” he added and brushed past them as Eris turned to keep Iris firmly behind him. “While her father is here, I’ll need you to survey the new structural plans for our southwest territory. We should give them some quality time together.”

“Yes, of course. I’m sure Iris would love that.” Eris said and again, briefly looked over his shoulder at her again. “Right, wife?”

Iris nodded mutely, her heart thundering in her chest because the idea of her father coming to see her for any other reason than to taunt and rip into her was laughable.

Beron surveyed them both again and seemingly approving of his daughter-in-law shrinking behind his son, he looked at Eris again.

“Shave your face. You look like a mongrel.” He scoffed at his son then waved them off and kept walking. Only when the High Lord had turned down the hall and ten minutes of silence had passed, did Eris slowly turn around to face his wife, his hand still holding hers.

Though she avoided his gaze, Iris felt how his eyes slowly scanned her and she let him, her throat bobbing. His free hand steadily went to her chin and he lifted it to meet his gaze. Amber eyes met hazel and Eris allowed himself one moment to feel the softness of her cheek beneath his touch, then let his fingers slide to her throat for another moment, his thumb resting on her pulse point as she looked at him. She looked at him, at the question he was asking, and nodded before he pulled back.

“I’m sorry for where my hand went,” he murmured. “What do you need me to say to make this moment easier?”

Iris swallowed and shook her head. He hadn’t hurt her at all and she knew why he did it. Let Beron believe what he wanted as long as he left them alone. She licked her lips. “He really thinks you’ve broken my spirit, doesn’t he?” she asked quietly.

“He firmly believes you’re a handful.” Eris replied and the corner of his mouth went up slightly. “Which isn’t wrong. You are very much a piece of work.”

Iris huffed out a shaky laugh and looked down, her eyes zeroing in on their linked hands. She shook her head again. “It still makes me sick that we haven’t been married for that long and he’s absolutely fine with you treating your wife like that.”

“He treats his own wife like that. It’s what he would expect.” Eris said tightly and Iris looked up at him. “But right now, it’s just you and me.”

“Just you and me.” she repeated. A heartbeat of silent understanding passed between the husband and wife, an understanding that seemed to run much deeper than either of them expected.

Eris didn’t let go of her hand and Iris didn’t pull away.

“I’m sorry.” he said again softly, and she shook her head.

“It’s his fault. It’s always their fault.” she said, a small frown forming on her lips.

Eris waited, watching her struggle with her thoughts, watching as her brow furrowed. Iris looked up at him then back down at their joined hands then back up at him.

“What is it?” he said, the question a caress but Iris shook her head, tension coming off her in waves.

“Can we go back to our room? I need a moment.” she asked quietly, and Eris frowned but nodded.

“Of course.”

And though she didn’t say a word as they walked back, her hand remained intertwined with his. He wasn’t sure what to say or how to make her feel better so Eris said nothing, content to hold her hand and run his thumb across it.

When they returned, she spared him a small, tired smile and silently slipped into the bathroom, sleeping clothes in her hand. Eris watched as the door closed, his hand twitching at his sides, and only when their designated guest of the night, Lyra, nudged his hand with her head did he realize how rigidly he’d been standing.

“She’s upset. I’m not sure what to do,” he mumbled to his hound who whined softly. “Go sit by the door. Maybe you can get her to smile.”

Eris watched his hound go to the door and sit obediently, wagging its tail in a way that matched his own anxiousness.

He distracted himself as he got ready for bed, his eyes drifting to the bathroom door, waiting for her to return. Eris felt her distress and it troubled him that he couldn’t pinpoint the exact reason. His father. Him. Her father. Him.

As he finally settled down in their bed, Iris stepped out, dressed in a silk cream-colored slip that reached her ankles, something he hadn’t seen her wear before, and if the situation had been any different, he would’ve been very interested in inspecting it more up close.

But she still wasn’t looking at him and even though she’d given Lyra a small smile and a pat, her expression had fallen too quickly for it to have mattered.

Eris watched her closely as Iris finally slipped into their bed silently and didn’t dare move as she sat next to him, closer than usual, her back against the headboard.

He waited.

Iris focused on feeling the smoothness of the sheets beneath her, on Lyra now shifting in the bed near her, knowing Eris was watching her but she still hesitated to speak. Lyra wrapped herself near her legs, nuzzling against Iris but it didn’t help ease the tightness in her body. After a moment of silence, Eris finally spoke.

“Was it me?” he asked her quietly and her eyes flickered up to his, his expression tense and Iris shook her head. “Then what is it?”

He had shifted to rest his back against the headboard also, close enough to read her every breath but far enough that he didn’t impose on her space.

Iris’s gaze drifted to the wall behind Eris and after a moment, she mumbled, “My father is coming.”

Understanding dawned on her husband’s face and his mouth went into a thin line. “It was bound to happen, unfortunately. We can only reject his request so many times.”

“His reason is a lie.” she choked out and Eris’s eyes hardened as she met his gaze. “He’s a liar and I know he isn’t looking for hugs.” Iris swallowed and her expression slipped. “I don’t want to be alone with him,” she whispered. “It hasn’t been that long but — but being away from him helped me forget about him for a while.”

Then Iris took a breath and hesitantly reached out into the space between them, her fingers gently touching his hand. “But it’s been long enough that I know his palm is itching for me. I know him. I know the way he thinks.” she continued and swallowed again. She looked up at Eris and her face burned knowing the pleading look in her eyes. “Do you — will you stay with me when he’s here? If — if it doesn’t cause you trouble?”

"How badly do you think this is going to go?" he asked her curiously and Iris knew he scented the shot of fear that pumped through her veins.

"Very badly."

Eris narrowed his eyes at her, and she felt him go unnaturally still. She watched his eyes as they watched her and could almost see his mind calculating. It only made her flush deeper, her embarrassment rising.

“Never mind — I shouldn’t have asked.” she quickly said and pulled her hand away from his. “You can’t risk it and I can handle my father. It’ll be fine —”

Eris gently but firmly grabbed her hand and slowly pulled her closer to him until there was only a breath of space between them. Iris looked up at him in surprise but he only met her gaze, unflinching.

If he moved a fraction, his lips would be on hers.

“You can always ask and my answer will always be yes.” he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. “I told you. You are my wife. I do not take kindly to anyone speaking to you in a way that isn’t respectful. Let alone anyone trying to lay a hand on you.”

Iris tried not to shudder at the words. At the promise. “I don’t want you to get in trouble with your father if you don’t follow through on his request.”

“I know how to run my court. I need only ask and it will be done without me leaving your side.”

A heartbeat of silence passed then Iris swallowed.

“So...you’ll stay with me?” she breathed.

“I’ll be there.” he promised.

Iris’s shoulders sagged and she allowed herself a moment — just one moment to lean into him. To feel his solid strength beneath her. To remind herself that she wasn’t alone.

“Thank you.” she whispered and when she looked up at him again, her husband gave her a small smile. A smile seemingly reserved just for her.

“Wear something indecent to bed tomorrow and I’ll consider us even.”

Her lips twitched at his words, fighting back a smile. “This is still too modest for you?” she said quietly, her free hand feeling the material of her slip and Eris’s eyes flickered briefly to her fingers sliding on the silk before he met her gaze again. “It’s — it’s something new.”

“I like it. A lot.” he muttered quietly. “But any piece of clothing hiding your body from me is something I consider too modest.” he added all too softly, curling a strand of hair behind her ear.

Iris stared at him without flinching as they shared a breath, shivering slightly at the feel of his fingers, and the urge to kiss him slammed into her full force. All she needed to do was lean in and their lips would meet.

Eris hadn’t moved except to bring his free hand back to his side as the thoughts crashed into her, waiting — waiting to see what she would do and Iris wasn’t sure if she would be the one to handle it if she kissed him right now.

“Whatever you’re thinking,” Eris stated quietly. “Remember we are in our bedroom and I will move very quickly.”

Color warmed her cheeks. “Why would you assume I’m thinking about something that will lead down that road?”

“Because you’re looking at me the way I’m always looking at you.” he said and the corner of his mouth lifted as her flush deepened.

“What if I’m thinking about how I want to smother you with a pillow?”

“If you’re straddling me while doing it, I’ll take it.”

Iris let out a small laugh, finally breaking his gaze. “You’re so annoying.”

“If I didn’t know any better, wife, I’d say you are incredibly obsessed with me.” he said, his voice dropping an octave and Eris let his hand slide up then back down her bare arm, enjoying the sight of the small smile on her face. “It’s okay to admit it.”

“No.” she said with a playful shake of her head, willing herself not to blush as she felt his hand warming the skin of her arm. “You’re not really my type.”

“Is that so?” he said with a snort and let his hand slide back to hers, gently squeezing. “I’d say with how much you stare at me, you are simply infatuated.”

Iris hummed, fighting back another smile and failing. “I’m really only sticking around for the hounds.” she said and Eris put a hand over his heart.

“You wound me, little gazelle. And here I thought I had you head over heels for me.”

“Mmm, no,” she said with a small smile and slowly pulled away, not trusting herself to hold back from doing more. “I’m head over heels for the puppy sitting right here.”

“Not a puppy.” he corrected, his hand still curled around the ghost of her fingers as Lyra’s head shot up and the hound whined.

“A big puppy,” she confirmed and slid back, until she was safely on her side of the bed, her heart thundering and a pillow between them again. She tried not to let the slight disappointment in Eris’s expression shake her as she patted the pillow between them gently, “Lyra, come protect me. Your father has an inappropriate look in his eyes.”

Eris only watched his wife, eyes narrowed and he desperately tried not to smile as Iris watched him too, with Lyra obediently resting her body between them. His eyes flickered to the hound.

“Traitor.” he mumbled, then looked at his wife and gave an exaggerated sigh, his hand rubbing at his face. He wanted to do anything to keep her from pushing him away, anything to keep her somewhat distracted from her father’s stupid visit. So he added, “It’s because I look like a mongrel, isn’t it? My father seems to hate it.”

A light shade of pink blossomed on Iris’s cheeks as she looked at Eris then quickly averted her eyes. “If your father hates it, you must be doing something right.” she said airily and Eris quirked a brow.

“Is that so.” he said and a small smirk graced his face as Iris’s blush deepened. “Do you, perhaps, like this mongrel look, wife?”

“I don’t like anything about you.” she replied immediately and even Lyra huffed when Eris laughed.

“You’re such a beautiful liar.” he snickered and finally, slid himself to relax against his pillow, Lyra’s large body between them.

It was quiet for a few moments before Iris spoke again.

“I think it suits you.” she said quietly.

“I can tell. You’ve been undressing me with your eyes this whole week.”

“If you really want to be more dashing than Lucien though —”

“I beg your pardon —” he immediately protested, shooting up on his elbows.

“ — I think you should think about updating your hair.”

Eris blinked. “My hair.”

Iris slowly stroked Lyra, her eyes fully on the hound and avoiding Eris’s gaze, even though her heated cheeks gave away her thoughts.

Eris’s lips twitched. “Would you prefer me with shorter hair, wife?”

Iris bit the inside of her cheek, looking at him then looking away again. “Would you like your hair shorter?”

Eris shrugged, a hand running through his locks. “I haven’t really thought about it. I’m merely used to it at this length.” he said, his eyes watching her.

“You’ve had the same look for some time, haven’t you?” she said with as much of a nonchalant air as she could manage. “You’re a married male now. You should update something about yourself otherwise I’ll get bored very quickly.”

Eris’s smirk widened. “Ah. So that’s what this is about.”

Iris finally looked at him with a quirked brow. “What is it about?”

“You want to make sure my past dalliances don’t think they stand a chance now.” he said and Iris rolled her eyes. “Make sure they know I’m yours, hm?”

“Yes. That’s exactly what it is.” she deadpanned.

“You could leave a hickey and they’ll know for sure.” he said with a grin.

Iris sighed then cupped Lyra’s face. “Can you kick him for me? He’s being annoying.”

“Kick me and I’ll skip your next turn and let Sirius have two.” Eris warned, pointing one finger at the hound who whined in return.

Iris tutted and hugged Lyra closer, squinting at Eris. “So mean.”

“You’re the one who won’t give your husband a well-deserved hickey.”

“Bold of you to assume you deserve anything.”

Eris smirked at her and Iris didn’t like the look on his face one bit.

“If you lift your slip and show me some skin, I’ll let you cut my hair.”

Iris snorted. “Who said I wanted to touch your hair?”

“Oh wife, I know you want to touch me in many places.”

Iris pursed her lips, her flushed cheeks heating further but she refused to look away from him, refused to let him and his stupid smirk win. Sure, she wanted to touch him. In fact, lately, all she had been thinking about was touching him. But that would mean he’d get what he wanted. And well…Iris didn’t want to give him that just yet.

Without breaking eye contact, Iris slid her foot closer to him and Eris’s attention immediately zeroed in on the bare ankle as she slid her foot up his leg slowly, the slip riding up with it, showing much more of her soft skin than he was accustomed to.

“You couldn’t handle me touching you in all the places I want to.” she confessed softly and with a small coy smile, she slowly slid her foot back down his leg then immediately turned, giving him her back, shielding herself and Lyra with the covers.

Eris prided himself on many things but trying to avoid his scent changing around his wife was not one of them.

“You play so dirty.” he said miserably and Iris laughed softly.

She turned on her stomach, facing him again and watched Eris curiously. He tilted his face and watched her watch him, as they almost always ended up doing each night.

A beat of silence passed then —

“A question for a question.” he said, his voice low and Iris paused, color blooming on her cheeks.

“A question for a question.” she repeated quietly.

“What are you thinking about right now?” he asked, turning his body to face her, resting on his elbow.

She watched him, her gaze roaming his handsome face, dipping to his lips for a split second before meeting his eyes again. “I’m thinking…” she began and swallowed, her heart in her throat. “That the Eris I’ve been getting to know is one I don’t mind being around so much.”

She glanced down at his hand resting on Lyra, only inches away from hers then met his eyes once more. “I’m thinking that...even though I’m used to my father and I’ll take whatever he throws at me,” she whispered. “I feel a little braver knowing you’ll be there.”

Eris’s gaze hardened. “If you think I will allow your father to lay a hand on you, you must not have taken my word seriously.”

“I do.” she said softly, the corner of her mouth ticking up then down. “I just don’t think he will.”

“He won’t have a choice. He isn’t allowed in here.”

It was that tone that had Iris’s eyes glued to his face. The way he spoke left no room for discussion, the threat crystal clear. It was this tone that had her licking her lips before very, very quietly adding, “I’m also thinking that I would like to kiss you but I’m scared and it — it feels like too much.”

Eris’s brows lifted slightly, hesitation in his stare. “Why are you still scared, little gazelle?” he asked.

Iris bit her lip and fell silent for a moment, the thundering of her heart as steady and loud as his. She shook her head without answering and looked away as she asked, “What are you thinking about?”

Eris’s eyes seemed to be memorizing every inch of her face as he pondered her question.

“I’m thinking,” Eris began, his voice dropping an octave. “That I would really like to kiss you too but if I start, I don’t think I’ll be able to stop.” he said simply and Iris’s heart began beating even more wildly in her chest. “I’m thinking about how I don’t think you’ve been kissed the way I want to kiss you and it excites me more than it should.”

Iris looked away, feeling heat pool low in her stomach. She glanced at Eris through her lashes, at the look in his eyes and softly asked, “How would you kiss me?”

“That’s something I’d have to show you because words...will fail me, Iris.” he said, the corner of his mouth ticking up then went down just as quickly. “But I don’t want you to be afraid of me. Of anything we would do together.”

Iris turned her body once more, to face him, Lyra resting on the pillow between them. Iris looked away from him and bit her lip, wanting to tell him — the real reason she was so terrified.

She met his gaze and found him watching her the way he always did — intensely, like she was a message written in a secret code he had to decipher; like he couldn’t look anywhere else, his attention undivided on her.

And it was because he looked at her like this. Like she carried his world in her palm. Like she was his salvation. Like she was important. She was petrified because he looked at her like she meant more and Iris wasn’t ready for how badly it was going to hurt when he eventually got tired of that mouth of hers. She shook her head once more.

“I’m not afraid of you.” she said quietly and gave him a small smile when he frowned but couldn’t bring herself to say more about it. “If I don’t give you a kiss, will you abandon me tomorrow?”

Eris narrowed his eyes at her then scoffed when he saw that she was teasing. “You could stab me in the balls and I’d still be there.”

Iris gave him a pointed look, her fingers flexing slightly and he squinted.

“Don’t even think about it, Iris.”

She laughed, feeling the weight of her wretched father’s visit ease off her chest slightly.

“Your heart just skipped a beat at the thought, didn't it, you feral little cat.” he said with a snort, but his lips were curved up as he spoke. Iris lifted her shoulder in a half-shrug.

“You’re the one that suggested it.” she said innocently. “It would be a great way to test all my new healing skills on you.”

Eris rolled his eyes. “Of course it would.” he said with another snort then gave her a sneaky look. “It also runs the risk of ruining any future pleasure you might have.”

It was Iris’s turn to roll her eyes, even as she flushed. “I can pleasure myself perfectly fine on my own, husband.”

“Can you now?”

“A girl has to know her own body before allowing others the privilege of being near it.” she said with pursed lips. “Wouldn’t want to be disappointed.”

Eris slowly smirked and Iris wanted to melt into the sheets as he said in a voice too sinful with such little space between them, “You and I both know there would be no disappointment between us on that end.”

Iris bit her lip as the scent in the room shifted slightly. She wasn’t sure who the culprit was between the two of them.

Iris tilted her head, watching him. “You’re so confident I’ll enjoy it.”

“I wouldn't rest until you did.”

And she knew what his tone meant. She could ask Lyra to move and find out exactly what he meant as soon as tonight. Her heart thundered in her chest and Eris watched her, his one brow quirked. All she had to do was say the word.

But she wasn’t ready for the fire in his veins to be unleashed on her. Iris wasn’t sure she could handle him following up on his many promises just yet.

Iris could only glance at him silently, feeling the heat blooming on her cheeks.

Eris chuckled at her silence and the sound danced across her skin as Iris watched him shift, getting comfortable on his side, facing her.

“Lyra, I’ll need you to protect me now. Your mother has the filthiest look in her eyes.”

Lyra whined playfully as Iris huffed in disbelief but only shook her head, a small smile on her face.

“You wish, you mongrel.” she mumbled but the words had no heat as Eris only smirked at her.

“Mongrel I may be, but I am still your husband.” he said and Iris stilled when he reached a hand to toy with a hair strand fanned out on her pillow. She watched as his fingers toyed with her hair, his gaze meeting hers and her heart caught in her throat. She may not be quite brave for something more right now but...

“A question for a question.” she whispered before she could stop herself and Eris’s fingers stilled.

“Yes?” his response barely above her own whisper.

She licked her lips and her flush deepened, knowing his eyes had cataloged the movement. She certainly could settle for being a little closer at least.

“If I ask Lyra to move...will you behave yourself?”

Her eyes didn’t leave Eris’s face as he froze and Iris had never craved to be a mind reader more than she did at this moment.

A heartbeat passed before the corner of his wicked mouth ticked up and he said in a low voice, “Lyra. Move to the end of the bed, please.”

Iris’s heart beat rapidly as the hound obediently moved, leaving only one pillow between them now. Willing herself not to flush further, Iris shifted an inch closer, her fingers tightening on the pillow.

“Is this okay?” she asked and Eris gave her a knowing smile, his eyes drinking in the sight of her — as if seeing her this up close was undoing him as it was her. And she had barely moved.

“You know I want you closer.”

“I know.”

“Then come closer.”

The request was nearly a purr and Iris felt herself near a cardiac arrest at the tone. Eris Vanserra was dangerous for many reasons but him speaking to her in that tone would be the most dangerous thing of all.

Iris toyed with the corner of the pillow, her gaze shifting from his face to the pillow then back to him. “What are you going to do if I move the pillow?” she whispered, watching him as he watched her every breath.

She watched him lick his lips — felt him hesitate for a moment, before very, very softly saying, “I’d like to hold you. If you’ll let me.”

Iris stilled once more, hearing the vulnerability in the statement. How much he seemed to need it. How much he wanted it.

How long had it been since he’d held someone?

How long had it been since someone had held her?

Iris swallowed, realizing just how much she wanted it as well. It was as if he was reading her mind, knowing how much she needed to be held tonight.

She bit her lip, her heartbeat erratic as she slowly moved the pillow between them to settle it behind her instead. Iris faced him and her eyes fell to the way his fingers twitched at his side; she couldn't help but chuckle.

“There.” she said quietly, settling on her side, closer to him than ever before. “No more pillow barricades.”

“No more pillow barricades.” he repeated then paused once more, a question in his eyes.

Iris hesitated just for a moment, and Eris only tilted his head, watching her and waiting. She swallowed and reminded herself that it was alright. That she was safe with him. That she wanted to be held. And he wanted to hold her.

Finally, she nodded and watched the corner of his mouth lift as he slowly slid a hand up her bare arm then let his fingers trail down her arm again, his eyes never leaving hers. They lit up in amusement when she involuntarily shivered and Iris could only let out a soft gasp as within a split second, Eris had pulled her body flush against his, wrapping an arm around her waist.

Every inch of her was lined up to every inch of him and she felt the breath leave her body.

There was no space between them and Iris didn’t know what to do with herself as she nervously shifted, tilting her head to look at him, their lips once again in so many moments, only inches apart.

“I don’t know what to do with my hands.” she whispered and her cheeks flushed as his gaze uncharacteristically softened.

With a gentleness that made her throat tighten, he moved his hand from her waist and bought each of her hands to rest on his chest.

“Right here is just fine.” he murmured and though she hesitated again for a moment, Iris settled her hands where he put them, her fingers spreading slightly as she felt his toned body through the thin material of his shirt. She didn’t know if she was grateful for it or loathed the sight of it.

Tilting her head once more to look at him, she kept her eyes on his as Eris slid his arm back across her waist, tightening around her and Iris felt gooseflesh erupt on every inch of her.

“Is this okay?” he asked, squeezing her gently and the only thing that anchored Iris to this feeling was the wild beating of his heart that matched her own, a steady rhythm beneath her fingers that mirrored hers. She nodded silently, licking her lips before looking back down at her hands. Her hands that now rested on her husband’s chest.

Her husband whom she had never been this close to. Glancing back at him, Iris knew without either of them saying a word that this moment shifted something deeply between them. They were diving into a territory of feelings neither of them were prepared for but right here, right now, this moment was theirs. This moment where everything felt so right.

She hoped he couldn’t hear how loud her heart was beating and with heated cheeks, Iris looked at him with a small playful smile. “My hands are awfully close to your neck.”

Eris chuckled and she felt him tangle a leg around hers, the movement so natural it was unthought of that they hadn’t slept like this before. “I could snap your spine without a second thought.” He said with a twitch of his lips, the arm around her waist squeezing once more and Iris blinked then let out a huff of a laugh.

“Romantic, aren't we.”

“What is romance if not pain mixed with pleasure?” He said with a lazy smirk and Iris rolled her eyes. “I’d say threatening your partner constantly is the height of romance.”

“And I’d say I am deeply concerned about your thought process.”

“I thought you were the one who wanted to smother me with a pillow earlier? And with your hands just now?” He said with a pointed look. “Obsessed with my neck, you are.”

“It’s so…chokeable.” She whispered and felt his chest rumble with soft laughter. “My bare hands would feel more satisfying, I think.”

Eris’s eyes didn’t leave her face as she watched him fight back a smile before shaking his head then pulling her even closer to him, until she simply had no choice but to nuzzle her head into his chest.

“Tomorrow.” he murmured into the top of her head. “You can choke me tomorrow morning to your heart's content.”

Iris smiled into his chest and as his leg wrapped around hers, she slipped a hand around his waist and tugged him into her just as he had tugged her into him. She wouldn’t face tomorrow alone. He would be with her. And the thought settled her just as easily as her battered spirit had settled in his arms.

And for the first time, the husband and wife fell asleep wrapped in each other. The sound of his heart thumping a lullaby just for her and the feel of her in his arms a soothing balm to his aching bones.

#I would suggest listening to Waking Up Slow while reading this from their playlist #eris vanserra #eris vanserra x oc #eris x oc #eris vanserra fanfic #acotar fanfiction #smtb chapters #gfics #if you'd like to be tagged or removed (no hard feelings!!!) please let me know!#thank you for reading i hope you enjoyed this one <3 #one of my favorite chapters to write tbh

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lucienarcheron · 19 days

Text

Spirit Meets the Bones 12.5 [Bonus Scene]

Author’s Note: This bonus scene would take place around the beginning of chapter 12 as Eris x Iris have started to get to know each other and spend more time together.

shoutout of @abruisedmuse ily for letting me get all SMTB brainrot on you <3

Find it all here.

Eris cleared his throat and breathed deeply before plastering a smirk on his face and knocking on his little brother’s front door.

It took a moment before Lucien opened the door with a blink and then quirked his brow.

“Eris.”

“Lucien.”

“To what do I owe this great pleasure, brother of mine?” Lucien asked as he stepped aside and gestured for Eris to step in.

“As much as I cherish seeing your adorable little face, I’m actually here for your wife.” Eris said, the corner of his mouth turning up. “Elain?!”

Lucien closed the door behind them with an eye roll and followed his brother. “She’s in the garden out back,” he replied dryly. “What do you need from her? Having more wife troubles?”

Eris paused, causing Lucien to knock into him, and turned to glare at his little brother. “I don’t have wife troubles. I would simply like to see my little sister and discuss with her how she’s doing.”

“And ask her about your wife troubles.”

Eris’s glare intensified. “I don’t know what you’re referring to.”

Lucien only smiled. “Pillow barricade still there?”

“The thing you speak of doesn’t exist.”

“Ah, that means it’s still there,” Lucien said, nodding knowingly. “She’s not wooed by your endless charms?”

“She is wooed just fine,” Eris mumbled, scowling. “Mind your business. You’ve barely been mated. Need I remind you of your pining, little brother?”

“Need I remind you that it was mutual and how we’ve been happily mated and married for two years already, big brother?” Lucien replied with an easy smile. “Just admit you’re a terrible husband with no game and I’ll be more than happy to help you.”

“I don’t need your help, you fool,” Eris said with a light shove. “Your mate is the smarter one of you both so if, and this is a big if, I needed assistance with the so-called wife troubles, which I do not have, I would ask Elain.”

Lucien’s mouth slowly turned into a smirk, and then he snorted. “Wow, you must be really terrible in bed.”

It was Eris’s turn to roll his eyes. “It took you two years to get your mate to even talk to you but now you have the nerve to talk about my bedroom skills.”

“You keep deflecting, big brother,” Lucien said with a sigh. “As if you don’t know the exact circumstances of my mate and I. You, on the other hand, must truly be terrible in the bedroom and outside of it for your wife troubles to be this severe. Your visits have increased, I see.”

Eris scoffed. “So? I can’t visit unless I need something? Do you want me to stop visiting?”

“Couldn’t stop you even if I tried,” Lucien said with a laugh. “But we both know you don’t miss me as much as you miss Elain — which I don’t appreciate.”

“Are you jealous of your wife because I like her more than I like you, brother dear?” Eris said with a sarcastic smile.

Lucien rolled his eyes. “No, I just don’t see why she has to deal with your whining constantly. Go whine to your own wife.”

Eris’s smile immediately turned into a scowl as the tip of his ears heated. “Leave my wife out of this.”

“And you wonder why my immediate assessment is how terrible you must be in the sack.” Lucien said with a snort then held up a hand before Eris could reply and asked him with his most serious expression, “You…do know where the clitoris is, right?”

A heartbeat passed and Eris did the only logical thing he could think to do — swing his fist at Lucien’s face.

Lucien ducked with a laugh. “Are you truly swinging at me in my own home?”

“I will break your nose if you say anything else that’s stupid.” Eris seethed.

“You sure your hand will handle punching me? It must be so hard on you after all your alone time. I’m surprised your hand isn’t constantly cramping.”

“I’m sure you’re very familiar with what a cramping hand and limp dick must be like since you had to deal with it for so long.”

Lucien grinned. “I never said anything about a limp dick but now you’re really pulling my sympathies, Eris. Your situation is far worse than I had predicted.” he said and with a most sincere expression, Lucien put a hand over his heart and added, “I’m so sorry for your condition, brother. I’m sure a healer can help.”

Eris snarled and before Lucien could stop him, pulled him in a headlock that quickly turned into Lucien ramming his fist into Eris’s side which would have turned into a downright brawl had light footsteps not entered the room and a throat cleared.

Eris and Lucien both froze, their limbs intertwined as they turned their heads to find Elain standing with hands on her hips and a raised brow.

“Really?” was all she asked then gestured with her hand, exasperated. “Untangle yourselves. Now.”

Shooting each other a glare, the two brothers shoved away from each other.

“Ugly git.”

“Slimy asshole.”

“Rude behavior.” Elain added and held out her hands. “Every time? Every single time?”

“Your husband is very rude.”

“He was being mean to me!”

Elain rolled her eyes. “You’re both mean to each other. I thought we talked about this, hm? Got past it?”

“He talked about my wife!”

“Lucien!” Elain scolded.

“He made fun of our two years of pining!”

“Eris!”

“You walked right into that one, Lucien.”

“You’re the one that started talking about limp dicks, Eris.”

Elain blinked then glanced up towards the ceiling. “Grant me patience, gods,” she mumbled. “Lucien, weren’t you in the middle of something?”

“Yes, I was, my love. I merely wanted to give my big brother a warm welcome,” he said with a grin that Eris responded to with a glare. “Make yourself right at home, limp dick. I can’t wait to give Iris my sympathies in person soon.”

“Oh fuck you.” Eris replied and glared at Lucien’s back as he leaned down to kiss Elain then waltzed out of the room, his middle finger waving goodbye from the air.

“Why are you married to him again?” Eris mumbled as Elain gave him a knowing look and walked over to him.

“Because he has great hair.” she replied with a smile and promptly wrapped her arms around his waist in a tight hug.

“Great hair doesn’t make up for how annoying he is,” Eris replied even as a small smile found its way to his lips, and hugged his little sister in return, squeezing her tight. “How are you, little acorn?”

“Is everyone little to you?” she said with a laugh and pulled away to look at him. “Little acorn, little Lucien, little gazelle?”

At the knowing look Elain gave him, Eris’s shoulders slumped, and he sighed. “I...am having a hard time.”

Elain blinked innocently. “A hard time? I thought it was the opposite problem you were having?”

Eris scowled immediately and Elain giggled. “Your mate is a terrible influence.”

“We both know who the real terrible influence is,” she said with a grin then tugged on his elbow. “Come on back to the garden so we can discuss this in private.”

“You say private when Lucien clearly knows too much already,” Eris mumbled and let Elain drag him outside. “You said you wouldn’t tell him anything.”

“To be fair, I don’t have to tell him. He’s picked up on it and despite the aggressively childish behavior between you two, he cares about you a lot,” she said with a chuckle. “He likes to check in and make sure you’re okay.”

“Or just make fun of me,” Eris grumbled. “He listens in from some open window, doesn’t he?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Elain said brightly and gestured for him to take a seat by the garden.

Eris sulked momentarily, watching as Elain slipped her gloves back on. He pursed his lips and debated saying anything. It wasn’t like anything major had happened. But…

“So.” Elain began carefully, eyeing him. “Did you find out what her favorite flowers are?”

“Carnations. She likes them all but red ones are her favorite.”

Elain blinked then gave him a sly smile. “Do you know what red carnations symbolize?”

“It’s the color of my blood soaking the pillow when she slits my throat.” He deadpanned and Elain shot him a withering look.

“Could you not?”

Eris gave a long-suffering sigh. “What does it mean, Elain?” he asked dully, and Elain chuckled, throwing a weed at him.

“Love.” she sang. “And affection.”

Eris blinked then snorted. “That does not apply here.”

“How do you know?”

“Because I know my wife.”

“You’re barely getting to know your wife.”

“But I still know her more than you do at the moment.”

“Sure, but do you know her heart?” she said and batted her eyelashes with a wide smile that immediately had Eris snorting.

“It’s as cold as mine.”

“Well, someone drank his dramatic juice this morning.” she said with an eye roll and Eris scowled. “What happened?”

“Nothing happened,” he said rather defensively. “I just…”

Elain paused her digging to raise a brow.

“I don’t… like feelings.”

Elain laughed. “No. I would’ve never noticed.”

“Elain.” he said through gritted teeth, crushing the weed in his hand.

“Eris.” his sister-in-law replied with a sweet smile, and he narrowed his eyes at her.

“If you make fun of me, I won’t share things with you.”

“I can call Lucien and have you share things with him instead if you’d like.”

“I would much rather die, thank you very much.”

Elain laughed again and Eris’s lips twitched into a reluctant smile.

“You know, feelings are a part of relationships. A big part, actually.”

Eris sighed. “I know. I still don’t like them.”

“So how are you sharing your interest if you don’t like having or sharing feelings?”

“I’m mostly irresistibly annoying.” he said with his best charming smile and Elain snorted. “Though she is very mean to me in return.”

Elain rolled her eyes and threw another weed at him. “So, you two had your big talk. You’re spending more time together. You seem to be flirting up a storm. What’s the issue?”

Eris pursed his lips and twirled the stem in his hands. It took him a moment before he finally answered. “I…am not sure,” he said. “I am nervous. This makes me nervous. She makes me nervous.”

His sister-in-law only chuckled softly, her hands busy in the dirt though her eyes flickered back up to him. “Is it because it’s going well? You’re not used to it, and it makes you skittish?”

“Used to what, exactly?”

“Someone spending time with you without some scheme or ulterior motive involved,” she replied with an eye roll. “You’re not used to spending time with people who aren’t doing the same.”

Eris’s face heated and he ran his tongue across his teeth. “Well, you didn’t have to say it like that.”

“Why don’t you throw her over your shoulder and show her how you're really feeling?” Elain said with a sly grin and Eris’s brows shot up.

“Elain, so scandalous of you to suggest such a thing.”

“Every wife likes to be swept off her feet.” she said firmly and gave him a superior look. “Don’t tell me you’ve been kissing your wife without some kind of grand sweeping gesture?”

Eris pursed his lips again and looked away, eyes focused on the dirt to hide his expression. Sure, he shared some things, but he sure as shit wasn’t going to say anything about the nonexistent physical relationship he had with his wife.

He craved a kiss. Eris was dying to know the feeling of her lips on his. But he wouldn’t push. Not this. He would work at her pace even if he killed him.

Even if he jerked himself to death. Which seemed very likely at the moment.

“It’s not like that between us.” he said quietly and finally gazed back at his sister-in-law who was giving him a small knowing smile. “She’s not comfortable enough yet so we have been taking it very slow.”

“And is that what’s making you nervous? Taking it slow when you’re used to running through everything?”

Eris shrugged. She was getting too good at reading him, almost as good as his own mother, and Eris wasn’t sure he was supposed to like that feeling so much.

Elain straightened and slipped her gloves off before sliding next to him and tapping his hand.

“You know, I’ve always thought you had more to you than meets the eye.” she began softly. “And getting to know you better, watching you build a stronger relationship with Lucien…as much as you like to pretend otherwise, you have a big ‘ole softy hiding in here that’s trying to come out.” she said and tapped his chest, right over his heart.

Eris promptly wanted to assassinate himself.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” he mumbled, scowling immediately and Elain rolled her eyes.

“I think Iris is the person you need to share that with the most and I think it makes you nervous that you desperately want to.”

Eris scoffed and looked away, his scowl deepening as the tips of his ears reddened. “I don’t desperately want to.”

“Gods Eris, you’re so desperate you positively reek of it.” Elain said with a laugh and Eris shot her a glare. “I think it’s hilarious and oh so wonderful. Besides —“ she paused to give him a stern look. “I may not know Iris just yet, but I do know flowers and their language. When someone has a favorite flower in a specific color, it’s usually because they are drawn to those things.”

Eris felt his face twitch. He wouldn’t read into it. They were just flowers.

“Why am I even listening to you? You married Lucien. Your judgment is clearly skewed.” he said with a childish pout and Elain immediately shoved him with her elbow.

“Don’t talk about my love like he's anything but perfect.”

“He’s my brother and he’s very ugly.”

“It must be so hard for you to deal with Lucien being so much more attractive than you are.” Elain said with a sweet smile that was anything but sweet. “How terrible it must be for you to be living in his shadow constantly.”

It was Eris’s turn to roll his eyes. He pushed her face away with his hand gently, earning him a yelp of protest. “No one is more attractive than I am but since you’re delusional, I’ll allow you this error in judgment.”

“I bet Iris thinks you’re very attractive, doesn’t she?”

“When she’s not too busy trying to stab me during our training sessions, she finds me downright delicious.” he said with a smug smile and Elain laughed again, shoving him.

“You’re so full of yourself, no wonder you’re too nervous to be nice around her. How will you function without all that ego?”

“It’s part of my charm.”

“But, of course.” she said then shook her head with a sigh, standing. “Come on you lovesick fool, let’s make you a nice bouquet so you can take it with you to impress your wife.”

“I am not a lovesick fool.” he immediately protested. “I barely even like her.”

“Oh really? Who is the delusional one now?” she said with a knowing look and Eris scowled as she tugged him along with her. “The flowers are a good step towards showing your feelings. You can keep it up from there.”

He scowled further. “But that still makes me nervous.”

“It’s good you're nervous. It means you care.”

“Of course I care.” he replied faster than he could stop himself. “She’s my wife.”

Elain smiled at him warmly and patted his arm. “Then I think a lovely bouquet of red carnations will be just the thing to show it. We wouldn’t want you to lay it on too thick now, would we?”

Eris gave her a small reluctant smile. “No, we can’t have that.”

And so, he followed her through her garden silently, watching as Elain mindfully picked out her best carnations. He knew Iris would like it and tried to clamp down on the smile attempting to escape him just thinking about her face lighting up when he handed it to her. She seemed to enjoy that he had flowers delivered regularly now but hadn't given her one directly yet. It should be perfect.

As Elain picked out another flower, Eris softly added, “She likes peonies too. I think the pink ones would look good with the red carnations.”

Elain paused and turned back to him with a grin. “Oh? And do you know what those symbolize?”

Eris rolled his eyes with another small smile. “I’m sure you’re going to tell me anyway.”

She laughed then elbowed him gently. “They symbolize happy marriage, good luck, and prosperity.”

Eris blinked and squinted at Elain’s too knowing of a smile. Running his tongue over his teeth, he waved a hand, his cheeks heating slightly as he looked away from her and said all too quietly, “Throw in more of those. I’ll take all the luck I can get."

#eris vanserra #elain archeron #lucien vanserra #elucien #eris vanserra x oc #eris x oc #eris vanserra fanfic #acotar fanfiction #smtb chapters #if you'd like to be tagged or removed (no hard feelings!!!) please let me know!#sorry I'm making the newer readers wait on the cliffy hehe #thank you for reading I hope you enjoyed this one <3 #gfics

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lucienarcheron · 22 days

Text

Spirit Meets the Bones - XII

Genre: Angst/Romance Warnings: Mentions of physical abuse. Please be mindful: some implied language may be found triggering.

shoutout to @abruisedmuse for letting me always cry to you about this. ily <3

Every day after that, the two of them woke up with the sole purpose of watching each other. Eris watching Iris and Iris watching Eris.

Eris followed up on his promise with training and the first few sessions were the most entertaining time of his life.

“Tell me your favorite color.”

Eris had only blinked and blocked Iris’s attempt to jab him in the ribs.

“My favorite color?” he repeated with a snort. “Why?”

“It's a valid question.” she said indignantly and aimed for another swipe that he easily deflected. “This is a basic piece of information any couple should know about each other.”

“If you keep bracing yourself, I’ll see the hit coming and block it. Don’t hesitate, just hit.” he instructed, tapping her elbow and though Iris narrowed her eyes, she nodded. “Get a hit in and I’ll tell you.”

Iris rolled her eyes and stepped back, putting her hands on her hips. “So now I have to earn my information? What happened to a question for a question?”

“You’ve been itching to smack me since you met me, so I figured this was the proper motivation.” Eris said with a smirk. “You also didn’t actually ask a question, wife.”

Iris flipped him off and then resumed position across from him. “Fine, smartass.” she huffed. “A question for a question.”

“Yes, wife?”

“What’s your favorite color?” she asked dully, and Eris’s lips twitched.

“I don't know. I don’t think about colors.”

Which was one of the many, many lies Eris had been constantly telling himself these days.

He had started to think about colors quite a lot actually. He thought about the way he particularly loved the color green on her. And the color wine. And he didn’t want to admit how the color purple had nearly brought him to his knees the first time she wore it.

He thought about the color pink when she painted her lips with it and worse, when she flushed, and that same pink bloomed on her lovely cheeks.

His favorite color was the color of her eyes and the way they lit up in excitement whenever they did anything together these days. But Eris had no need to mention that. No need at all.

“That’s not a real answer, you cheat.” she replied then held the dagger up threateningly and Eris chuckled.

“What’s yours?”

“Cerulean.”

He wouldn’t think about her in that color and how magnificent it would look against her tanned skin. Instead, Eris pursed his lips and said dully, “You mean blue?”

Iris fully stopped and shot him a look of annoyance so cold, Eris had to fight everything in him not to laugh.

“You dress too well to pretend you don’t know your colors. I’ll just guess then.” she finally said and began pacing around him. He only watched her with a raised brow and a smirk, turning as she turned.

“What do you think is my favorite color then?”

Iris pursed her lips, silent for a moment then pointed with the dagger in hand and confidently boomed, “It’s green, isn’t it?”

It certainly was now. He thought to himself and opened his mouth to reply but Iris barreled on.

“Which is a tad cliche, but you wear green often and it suits you without clashing with your hair.” She continued, more so to herself as she tilted her head and observed him. “You tend to go for the darker greens, but I think sage would look really nice on you too.”

Both of Eris’s brows went up. “Is that so?”

Iris hummed, her free hand casually reaching out to touch his arm. “Celadon would match well too. It’s just a shade away from sage but just as nice.”

Eris only watched her hand touch the fabric of his shirt and held very still. “Would you like input in my wardrobe, wife?”

Realizing she was still touching him, Iris flushed lightly and pulled back. “How about some nice fluffy skirts?”

“I’m afraid you’d get jealous of how spectacular my legs would look.” he said and grinned when she laughed.

“I wish I had the right word to describe you.” she said with a shake of her head.

“Handsome? Delightful? Wonderful?” he offered. “In case you missed it the first time I said it but, once again, handsome?”

She scrunched her nose in mock distaste and said, “Obnoxious is what I would go with. Maybe nauseating.”

Slowly, with each quip, they tried to build a routine.

And Eris, who was not used to having someone be a constant presence around him was slightly unsettled.

Especially because the more time they spent together, the worse his reactions to her were getting. It was getting harder and harder for him to resist her even if all she did was stand next to him.

Each day passed in a blur, until a week and then two were gone before he knew it. A week and then another, of exploration, of questions, of training, and every single thing Eris could think of to include in their day-to-day. Even though he needed to plan it well to maneuver everything without his father detecting it, Iris was a constant companion by his side every day when it was suitable. It was an ache he didn’t realize he was feeling that was soothed. He was exhausted but it felt good. Being around her felt good.

And it scared the shit out of him. Especially whenever he was in the same room as his father. Any urges he felt were dimmed down very quickly with the slight panic of just thinking about Iris near his father.

In turn, Iris tried to be stealthy about her observations of Eris as they went about their day but Eris was always aware of how she watched him. He tried not to let it unnerve him but also wasn’t exactly sure what to do about it. He aimed to take his mother’s advice and show Iris kindness each day. The problem was, he wasn’t exactly sure if he was doing it right.

Her threats continued, though half-hearted. His inappropriateness was the response, also half-hearted. It seemed to be the easiest way for them to navigate whatever this was.

Eris had never requested so many flowers in his life; Elain outdid herself each time with her bouquets knowing he would only trust her with flowers. The last thing he needed was for his father to find out he went out and bought his wife flowers.

Iris had adjusted to their expected roles better than he had anticipated. Whenever they stepped out of their room, she became the demur, adoring wife and Eris tried not to let it fuck with his mind. Especially whenever she touched him.

And gods, she touched him so much now. It was subtle touches, almost mindlessly but he never failed to notice that she always hesitated just for a fraction of a second then did it anyway. As though convincing herself it was allowed, and it was — it was very much allowed. Even if Eris was on the verge of a constant meltdown.

He didn’t touch her as often. For his own sanity but also because she still to this moment, eyed his hands warily. Even when they started training, her eyes always drifted to his hands.

It was why Eris didn’t mind it that he hadn’t tasted her lips yet. He kept reminding himself that it was one step at a time. Because apparently, making it work didn’t include kissing.

This all didn’t stop them from having...difficult moments.

A few days before, he had a terrible reaction when she had accidentally brushed up against his back in passing and Eris had flinched so hard, she had jumped back several feet from him.

“Don’t.” His snarl slipping from his lips quicker than he could leash it, the command a mirror of the one she had given him their first night together.

Iris had stood, taken aback and a beat of tense silence passed between them. “I’m sorry.” she said quietly, her brows furrowed. “I didn’t realize it still bothered you.”

It had taken him a minute before he swallowed, hating the way she stood away from him so rigidly. “Just because it seems healed doesn’t mean it doesn’t bother me.”

“You sleep and walk around shirtless...I assumed you didn’t have any issues —”

“I don’t like people to approach me from behind too closely and I like to air it out,” he replied curtly and rolled his shoulders back. “I’ve also been used to sleeping alone.”

Instinct had told him she wouldn‘t touch his back any of the times he slept shirtless and only because Eris knew she still hesitated to get too close to him, he didn’t bother with shirts. Her expression had flattened at his tone but she kept her voice even, watching his expression.

“You’re telling me no one has ever touched your back?”

“If you’re wondering about previous lovers, they usually had their hands occupied elsewhere.” he snipped then narrowed his eyes, trying not to let a sneer find its way to his face. “Do not pity me for a single moment.”

Iris had only lifted her chin and met his near-sneer with a scowl. “I expect the same from you.”

The rest of that day had been spent in silence, even as they explored. Both of them feeling too awkward to meet in the middle.

It also didn’t help when that same night, Iris had walked in on Eris bathing while doing other things and slammed the door shut with a loud gasp. She had only flushed angrily at him and refused to meet his gaze when he slipped into their bed afterward.

He had desperately tried not to laugh as he was shameless; a male had needs and his wife was fucken beautiful. But Eris, of course, had only said the stupidest thing he could think of.

“To make it very clear, I was definitely thinking about you, wife.”

Which only caused Iris to scoot further away from him and reply, “Go die. Don’t think about me that way.”

“Would you rather I thought of someone else then?” he teased, and she shot him a glare.

“I’m sure you’ve had others you can think about.”

Eris shrugged and crossed his arms, looking at her. “Yes. But none of them are my wife. Surely you wouldn’t want your husband to think of others while pleasuring himself?”

He slowly smirked when she had only pursed her lips and ignored his question. “I assume you’ve had needs as well, wife. I’d be happy to assist you with them at any time.”

“No, thank you.” she spat, flushing deeply and Eris chuckled in the silence that followed her response — until she looked over her shoulder and asked an unexpected question.

“Will you...find relief with others? If I...am not comfortable yet?”

Eris had blanked as she blushed and looked away, quickly adding, “It wouldn’t be fair for me to deny you and then expect you not to find it elsewhere.”

He had stared at her in a long enough silence, that it forced her to look at him once more.

“I thought we were going to make this work.” he said tightly, and Iris blinked.

“...Yes.”

“I don’t count infidelity as making it work. Do you?”

Iris swallowed and looked away again, flushing. “No.”

“Good,” he said simply then rolled his shoulders back. “I’m not a male interested in anyone but my wife, even if my wife isn’t interested in me yet. I will wait until you are comfortable.”

Color had bloomed on Iris’s cheeks and she’d stolen one more glance at him before turning away once more, refusing to respond, and Eris had to hold back a grin.

And every day after, they found ways to bridge the gap between them.

Iris joined him and his mother for tea almost every morning and he always felt the strangest sensation watching his mother laugh alongside Iris. He couldn’t find the right word to describe it — didn’t know if he could whenever he watched the two of them bond, but it made his heart swell.

Eris was pleasantly surprised when two weeks later, and after he worked with her on the basics for her self-defense, his wife had indeed kicked his ass hard enough that he was the one on his back in the training room.

She grinned as she stood over him, her dagger at his throat and Eris desperately tried not to get a hard-on.

“Beat you.”

“Your grip on the dagger is getting better.” he said to her slowly, his eyes cataloging every inch of her in fitted training clothes. “I see your stance has improved as well.”

“You have a big mouth but at least you're a decent teacher.” she said with a chuckle and pulled back so he could get up, twirling the dagger in her hand.

But Eris wasn’t so sure he was decent about anything. Especially when all he could think about was having her on her back and doing very indecent things to his one and only student.

“Next time, I’d like to see you try to disarm me more quickly. But good job.” he said with a small proud smile, dusting his training leathers and Iris grinned at the praise. “It seems that the imbecile who stole kisses from you gave you some acceptable pointers in between the fondling.”

Iris’s expression flattened. “You’re never going to let that go, are you?”

“I will have him beheaded if you’d just tell me his name.” Eris said sweetly and Iris snorted, shoving him back.

“No, you won’t because I will not tell you anything. He didn’t do anything wrong.”

“He kissed my wife.”

“Before she was your wife.”

“Yes, but now you are the future high lord’s wife. I will not have a wife fondler in my court.” Eris added and Iris huffed a laugh.

“How do you know you haven't met him already? What if he’s been working with you this whole time knowing he’s fondled your wife?” she said with an eye roll. “You’re ridiculous.”

Eris paused and narrowed his eyes at her as she pursed her lips, holding back another laugh.

“Do I need to fight for my honor then, wife?”

“Your honor?”

“Yes. You won’t tell me the wife fondler’s name. I will fight for it and win back my respect.”

“You’re losing respect by the second the more you ask about him.”

Eris put a hand over his heart and gave her a once-over. “I am the son of a high lord.”

Sheathing her dagger, Iris gave him a saccharine smile and said as she told him once before, “Kiss my ass.”

Eris chuckled. “A few training sessions and you’ve gotten cocky. I’d like to see you try without the dagger then.”

“You just want me to get you on your back again, don’t you?” she taunted with a smirk that had Eris grinning. “Right where you belong.”

“What if I want to get you on your back?”

“We both know by now that’s not how it would go.”

Eris smirked and tried not to let his delight show at the slight flush in her cheeks that had nothing to do with their workout.

“I’m very curious to know how you think it would go.” he said seductively. “How long are you going to keep resisting my charms?”

Iris pursed her lips and raised a brow. “Funny how you think there is much to resist.”

Eris tutted as they stood opposite each other, and he gave her another slow once-over. “We’re two sides of the same miserable coin so don’t you lie to me. The least we can do is fuck it out, little gazelle.”

Iris returned the once over with one of her own before she met his gaze and firmly said, “Don’t ask for things you won’t survive, husband.”

“I’ve always liked a challenge, wife.”

Iris’s brow raised in challenge. “You would barely survive a kiss.”

“Is it the witchcraft or poison on your lips that’ll do me in?” he asked with a lazy grin and Iris rolled her eyes, though the corner of her mouth ticked up.

“It would be the knife I so casually slip into your chest if you took a kiss before I gave it.”

“And when will you give me one, wife?” he teased, and she shrugged nonchalantly.

“Maybe today. Maybe tomorrow.” she replied airily. “When I feel like it, I suppose.”

And oh, Iris would never admit it to him at the moment, but she definitely felt like it. All this time she shared a bed with this male and had started to share so much with him...except a kiss. By her request, of course.

Which she was deeply regretting because now, all Iris felt was pressure. An insane amount of pressure that sat on her chest daily, that squeezed when she looked at him and Iris found herself looking at him a lot.

He chuckled at her comment, waving her off then rubbed his cheek, at the scruff gracing his face and Iris wondered if he had any idea what the light beard was doing to her. He seemed to have forgotten about it completely.

“I like my odds with maybe.” he said with a wink and shoved his shoulder into hers gently.

Iris pursed her lips then shoved him right back but knew he didn’t miss the way she kept eyeing him, her gaze constantly on his face.

“Is there something you would like to say?” he teased again, and Iris rolled her eyes, pushing past him.

“There are a few things I’d like to say but I am a lady.”

“A lady with one of the filthiest mouths I’ve ever seen.” Eris said with a snort. “I have been bamboozled.”

“Bamboozled?” she asked, putting a hand over her heart as a coy smile found its way to her lips. “Are you flirting with me, husband?”

Eris gave her a smirk. “It only took for me to admit being fooled that you realized? I need to work on my game then.”

“Yes, you do. You’re terrible.”

And the two shared a small, shy smile as they made their way out of the private training room and back to their bedroom.

Since their little heart-to-heart, things seemed to be different but they were both still somewhat cautious with each other. Iris still scowled in his general direction at some of the nonsense he said, and though the pillow barricade was getting shorter, it still stood proudly between them.

A flush blossomed on her cheeks as Iris recalled yesterday morning when she woke up to find their hands inches away from each other.

They still didn’t know what to make of the other.

But...he seemed to be trying. And so, she tried as well.

Each morning, they would venture out somewhere different in the Autumn Court, places she had never seen though she had been born and raised in it. Eris included her in almost everything and watching him work had been fascinating. The way everything was done in plain sight of Beron and yet...the High Lord knew nothing of the system Eris had built that functioned without him.

The day he introduced her to a few select people he valued above everyone else was one that filled her with pride.

“This is Nevien, the only healer I trust. She’s patched me up more times than I care to admit.” Eris had said when introducing the older female. Iris had noted his fond smile towards her as the healer smiled back. “Nevien, please note you might see me more often these days as I’m going to start training my wife. She has the tendency to try and stab me.” Nevien had only laughed as Iris rolled her eyes.

Later that same day, he introduced her to some of his closer sentries she had seen around.

“These are Oren, Mikel, and Serphan — three of my generals who oversee the workings of my legion and personal court within our territory. I trust them with my life.” he explained, and Iris nodded her greeting with a smile — until Eris turned to his generals and continued with, “Friends, if I am murdered, please put Iris on trial first as she threatens me with death several times a day. I annoy her enough that she might actually do it.”

Her expression had flattened before shooting Eris a glare but he only smirked as his men held back smiles.

“See? Murder is in her eyes.”

“Keep talking, it won’t only be in my eyes.” she had muttered. He had only grinned in that infuriating way of his while his companions laughed.

So his most trusted men watched her. His most trusted healer started meeting with her. He trained her himself and Iris had never been so blissfully busy, it made her heart burst. She was finding purpose.

Most importantly, he made time with her every single day to spend away from the court. Even if it wasn’t far, even if it was just in the fields watching her as she ran around with the hounds, he took her.

They avoided his father. They avoided her father. They avoided any outside factors that could sour the mood between them.

They spent every night with each other and when they weren’t exhausted, they spent it doing mindless activities together. The other night, he had sat opposite her while playing cards and Iris couldn’t take her eyes off him. She watched how at ease he was with her, his eyes focused on his cards while biting his lip. Or at least his gaze had been focused on the cards, — until he snapped his eyes to hers and he sniffed the air.

“Interesting development.” he said, and Iris narrowed her eyes at the stupid smirk on his face.

“What development is that?”

“I didn’t realize playing cards turned you on, wife.” he said with a Cheshire cat smile and Iris flushed deeply.

“Oh yes, cards are one of my fetishes.” she said dryly and forced herself to roll her eyes, but Eris’s smile only widened.

She froze, watching him calmly put down his cards and with a predatory gleam in his eyes, Eris moved closer and closer until he leaned over her just slightly so, a knowing look in his eyes. “If that’s the case, I think we can play a different game.”

Iris leaned back from him, her cards hugged to her chest, as if hoping he couldn’t hear how loudly it was beating. “And what game would that be?” she asked, completely distracted by the way his scent seemed to flood her senses.

“Why, strip poker, of course.” he said, leaning in further until he hovered close enough to her face and they shared a breath. “If playing cards makes you feel this excited, it seems logical stripping should come next.”

Iris huffed out a laugh, even as her blush gave her away, and shoved his head back with her palm. “Just say you want me naked and stop beating around the bush.”

Eris snorted and slowly backed away, to where he lay across from her and picked up his cards again. “I don’t think I’ve beat around the bush about that for one moment, wife.” he said and then gave her a wink. “Whenever you’re ready, I’ll only let you beg for it a little.”

“What makes you think I’ll beg at all?” she asked more haughty than she felt.

And the look he had given her set her whole body aflame. “We shall see, won’t we?” he said softly, and Iris had a much more difficult time paying attention to her cards after that.

As time started to pass, Iris felt how her feelings towards him shifted from wary to complicated to...somewhat ease. He didn’t push her or invade her space. He taunted her, of course, but never anything more and she found...she stopped minding the taunts so much.

One morning at breakfast, he had left her a simple gift box on their table and when Iris opened it to find a dagger, a well of emotion had surged in her body so fiercely, it almost made her cry. The same dagger was now sheathed to her thigh and Iris had to school herself at the time not to launch herself at him as he only said, “Consider it a late wedding gift.”

It was a beautiful dagger with a gold hilt, light enough it didn’t hold her back but sharp enough to slice off an arm.

And this had changed everything for Iris. Because it was an olive branch. A sign of trust. She had almost kissed him then. She found herself almost kissing him in quite a few situations.

She had even started to feel bolder with her nightclothes, choosing ones more comfortable though not too revealing. And with the way he cataloged each set, she might as well have been naked.

It was deeply unfortunate that he was very attractive, and she was, unfortunately, becoming attracted to him. Unfortunate that there always seemed to be a pull between them and Iris felt her walls getting lower and lower around him. Felt herself starting to like him and it scared the living daylights out of her enough that she always hesitated.

She watched him as they now walked down the mostly empty hall, nodding as certain staff passed. Iris observed him and knew if she didn’t say something soon, she’d end up doing something stupid, like shove him against the wall and kiss him how she desperately wanted to.

Clearing her throat, she stole a glance at him and quietly said, “I’m excited to visit Elain and Lucien tomorrow.”

Eris’s eyes met hers for a moment and the corner of his mouth ticked up. “So am I. They’re very excited to meet you.”

She fiddled with the hem of her shirt for a moment before speaking. “You told me you can see us getting along before...that’s still the case now, right?”

Eris blinked then paused in his steps, causing Iris to almost collide into him. He turned and gave her a curious look. “Yes, of course. Are you...nervous?”

Iris scoffed, though her cheeks heated. “Of course, I’m nervous! They’re the only family you like aside from your mother and I’m still trying to find time to spend with her.” she said in a quick breath then added quietly, “I want them to like me.”

Eris’s brows went up in surprise then he chuckled. “I can assure you, they’re going to like you very much.” he said. “Probably more than they like me.”

Iris pursed her lips, holding back a small smile then cleared her throat again as they started walking once more. “Well, that much can be expected. I am nicer than you.”

Eris rolled his eyes, knocking into her shoulder gently. “So you say. Yet, I am the one getting threats on a daily basis from someone.”

Iris crossed her arms and knocked her shoulder back into him. “Are you saying they’re undeserved?”

“I am saying for someone so nice, you have quite the violent tendencies.”

“That mouth of yours can inspire homicidal tendencies in just about anyone so really, are you surprised?” she replied with a pointed look and Eris blinked at her then tilted his head back with a laugh.

Iris’s lips twitched, watching the way his face changed with the laugh. How open he seemed. How unburdened. She liked when he laughed. She liked it a lot.

So she added, “One could argue you inspire those homicidal tendencies just by standing there and breathing but I don’t want to give you too much credit.”

“Oh the way you are with your words, wife.” he said with a shake of his head, one of the more genuine smiles on his face. “I’m so incredibly flattered.”

Iris looked down with a small smile, her cheeks reddening just so at his words, at his gaze on her. Only when he gently brushed his fingers against hers at her side did she look up again.

“I know going to the Day Court is a big deal for you.” he said quietly. “Your mother was originally from there, yes?”

Iris looked at him in surprise. She had mentioned that small detail to him in passing, through one of their random conversations. A warm feeling spread through her chest that he remembered.

“Yes, she was.” she said, a sad smile finding its way to her lips. “I’ve always wanted to visit but...he never allowed it.” Iris looked at Eris, brushing back a strand of hair that fell loose from her braid. “I’ve always heard it’s very beautiful. Do Elain and Lucien live in the city itself?”

“They live on the outskirts, closer to the countryside. But you can see the city from their home.” he replied then chuckled. “It is definitely a very beautiful place, but a little too warm for me. I am a bit biased to our crisp and airy weather.”

Iris laughed softly. “That makes sense, I suppose.” She glanced at him once then licked her lips before asking, “Do — do you think we could visit separately one day and explore the city?”

She didn’t miss the look in his eyes at her question.

Iris had grown up learning to expect no to any of her requests — just because her father had the power to do so. But Eris hadn’t said it once. Hadn’t scoffed at a single thing she asked for or about. So she tried to word her questions better, word them in a way that didn’t make him feel doubtful of her. He certainly tried for her and she wanted to keep trying to expect the better of him.

“Helion has been generous enough to grant me permission to visit Lucien at any time so I don’t see why not. I can send in a formal request for the two of us at some point.”

“Yeah?” she asked and her smile widened. “Do you think we’d be able to stay overnight too?”

Eris’s brows shot up and then he gave her a smirk that instantly had her regretting her question. “You’d have to share a bed with me in a new location. However will you be able to handle it, wife?” he asked in a voice too sinful to be used in a public setting. “I’m afraid we’ll be kicked out with how indecent you’ll be with me. How will I protect my modesty?”

Iris let out a cackle of a laugh even as her cheeks heated once more. “Eris Vanserra and the word modesty do not go together. Please don’t embarrass yourself with such lies.”

“That’s quite mean, wife. I won’t let you ravish me close enough to traumatize my brother if you’re not nice to me.”

“No, thank you. I will bunk with Elain and you can bunk with Lucien. The two of you can relive your cherished brotherly memories of sharing a space and protect your precious modesty.”

Eris snorted. “You think I shared a space with anyone? Please.”

“A high-maintenance princess through and through.” she said with a grin and felt his soft laugh skate down her spine.

“But of course, I can’t have you lusting after a heathen.”

“Your mistake is you think I’m lusting after you at all.”

Eris gave her a knowing look. “Oh the lies you tell, wife.”

Iris rolled her eyes. “Enough about you, princess.” she said with a small smile when his mouth formed a very small pout. “Lucien’s the only one of your brothers that surprisingly hasn’t tried to kill you, right?”

Eris waved a hand with a good-natured shrug. “I wouldn’t say never but definitely less than the others.”

Iris raised a brow, lowering her voice, and walked closer to him as people passed them in the mostly empty hall. “So that’s why he’s your favorite.”

“I’m his favorite.” he corrected. “I tolerate them all just fine.”

“It makes sense that you would choose him. He is the most handsome of you.” She said with a smirk that widened at the outrage on his face as he gaped at her.

“You think Lucien is more handsome than I am?”

“You don’t?” She asked with an innocent blink.

“Even with his metal eye?” he asked in amusement and Iris shrugged then gave an exaggerated dreamy sigh.

“Especially with the eye.” she said and fought the smile at Eris’s expression. “It definitely makes him more dashing.”

“You don’t even know Lucien.” he muttered childishly, his eyes narrowed.

“Everyone knows Lucien.” she said, biting back the grin threatening to burst out of her at his expression. “Before he was mated, the Seventh son of Beron was very well-liked by many females. Quite a few males too.”

Eris narrowed his eyes on her.

Iris smiled back innocently.

He scoffed and knocked into her shoulder gently. “I’ll allow your momentary lapse in judgment. Only because I know what’s really in your heart, wife.”

Iris rolled her eyes again, flicking his arm lightly. “Oh do tell, husband dear. What is in my heart?”

“Why, how could it be anyone else but me, little gazelle?” He replied with a smug smile and tapped over his heart. “I’m sitting right in there, warming it all up.”

It was Iris’s turn to let out a snort. “I thought you wanted to worm your way under my dresses?”

“I’m great at multitasking. I want to be under your dress, in your heart, and I already know I’m in your head with how often you think about me.”

She let out a laugh and the corner of Eris’s mouth curved up. “You are so full of yourself, how does your body manage to carry that fat head of yours?”

“I have incredible thighs to hold up my weight.”

The laugh died in her throat as Eris’s head shot up and faster than Iris could comprehend, he had her cornered against the wall, his hand lightly wrapped around her throat.

“Play along.” he whispered.

#eris vanserra #eris vanserra x oc #eris vanserra fanfics #eris x oc #gfics #smtb #smtb chapters #If you'd like to be tagged or removed (no hard feelings!!) please let me know :)#if you were previously tagged and I stopped it's because I think I'm annoying you so I stopped lmao.#thank you for reading and for my older smtb readers - thanks for tagging along until we get to the newer stuff hehe <3

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lucienarcheron · 27 days

Text

Spirit Meets the Bones - XI

Genre: Angst/Romance Warnings: Mentions of physical abuse. Please be mindful: some implied language may be found triggering.

shoutout to my darling @abruisedmuse for being on this journey with me! ily4ever <3

Find it all here.

Eris stood with his hands clasped behind his back, unbothered as Beron glared at him, per usual. His thumb tapped on the back of his hand as he stood, reigning in his anger that always flared at the sight of his father.

“What is this I hear about the breach in security on the southern border between us and that piece of shit Tamlin?”

Eris tilted his head. “Oh? I thought that was the territory you requested your sentries to oversee, Father? Did something happen?”

“You tell me.” Beron snarled. “Aren’t you the one who is supposed to be responsible for ensuring things like this don’t occur?”

“Yes. I am the one responsible for all security measures of our court.” Eris said and gave his father a small smile. “But again Father, you recently requested a particular group of sentries to oversee that specific area and for me to remove myself from it...I believe it houses a private resident for you? For your...dalliances?”

The High Lord scowled at his son, but Eris only blinked. “Watch that tone, boy. That’s none of your business.”

“Then I’m afraid whatever security breach happened is also none of my business, Father.”

A tense moment of silence passed, and Eris braced himself as his father narrowed his eyes at him.

Over the years under his father’s thumb, Eris had found that while his father was a tyrant, he had gotten lazy. He thought so little of Eris’s manipulative capabilities that he was more than happy to have him do the grunt work. But Eris had eyes and ears everywhere and this had cost the High Lord his absolute control. He had handed it to Eris slowly over the years, without realizing how much it would eventually cost him.

But Eris always treaded this line carefully, always letting Beron forget about it. Always made it seem as though he was a puppet for his father. Eris was a good son; he always did what he was told...but with a slight tweak, a tweak Beron would be too lazy to care about.

Beron’s mouth twisted into a frown. “I am your high lord. You will do as I say.”

Eris bowed his head graciously. “Of course. I would be happy to assist you with this issue, Father. Would you like me to handle the situation?”

Beron’s glare intensified. “Why else did I bother calling you here? Fix it.”

“But of course, Father.” Eris said then ran his tongue over his teeth before continuing with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Though I would like to discuss something with you in return, if you’d be so kind?”

Beron rolled his eyes. “You and that mouth of yours. Spit it out.”

Eris loosened the slight damper on his anger and rolled his neck back, then met his father’s gaze. “The other night at dinner, I did not appreciate how I was spoken to or how my wife was spoken to,” he said slowly and Beron raised a brow. “I am humbly requesting you never speak to her in that manner again. She is not any concern of yours. At all.”

Beron scoffed. “Is that why you’ve been missing for two days? You’re upset with me?”

“It was disrespectful.” Eris said calmly and though fire was pulsating through his body, he continued to tap his thumb against his hand, desperately trying to smother it. He could only show a little at a time. Too much too soon would not go well for him.

“She didn’t like your punishment for her loose tongue, then?” the High Lord said, and a muscle flexed in Eris’s jaw.

“What happens between my wife and I doesn’t concern you, Father.” he said, his fists tightening behind him but he kept his face as neutral as possible. One day he wouldn’t have to. One day he could just rip his father’s head clean off his body. One day.

Beron smirked slowly, watching Eris, and Eris knew exactly what his father would say before he opened his mouth. “Is that so?” he sneered. “Are you afraid she’ll leave you for another Vanserra too?”

He let the comment slide off him, wondering when his father would stop using it as an insult. It didn’t sting anymore. In fact, Eris was bored of it being brought up at all.

“No. Iris gets all that she needs from me and more,” he said and smiled again, allowing the fire flickering in his veins to be found in his gaze. “I’m sure you realize history will not be repeating itself in this situation. So, I am asking again, leave my wife out of your plays. She is not yours to concern yourself with and I will not tolerate you making her uncomfortable again.”

Beron’s smile was a cruel one, laced with amusement. “Oh? And what will you do, son? If I decide I like making her uncomfortable?”

Eris paused here, pursing his lips, his heart thundering in his chest. He would pay for this in some form or another later... but it would be worth it. To not have Iris look at him like she had the other night.

“Well, Father...I will decide to make you uncomfortable.” Eris replied and smiled a dry smile. “You’ll find that I have been a very good son to you. Your son that hardly gives you any trouble, unlike those other idiots no one ever sees. I am your right hand. Your first-born. I will keep this court running as smoothly as possible for you as I truly do enjoy doing what you ask of me.” He paused here, watching his father as the High Lord assessed him. “But you will find that I can be very unhelpful if my wife continues to be spoken to and about in that way again.”

“You’d shirk your duties, boy?”

“You mean your duties, Father?”

And Eris knew it clicked then, in his father’s small brain, exactly how much deep shit Eris would put him in should he decide to be a menace.

“Your mother’s son through and through, hm?” Beron said quietly and Eris raised his brows.

“I am your son too, father. I was raised by your hand.”

Eris almost wanted to laugh at his own statement. Because quite literally so, Beron had not held back to beat his whole family into submission. Especially his firstborn, whom he allowed zero mistakes.

And yet.

The High Lord stared down at his son with slight loathing and Eris waited.

“Don’t make me beat some sense into you, boy.”

Eris shrugged and Beron’s eyes narrowed. It was a long moment before the High Lord finally scoffed.

“I hope her pussy is worth it.”

“Again,” Eris said, a muscle flexing in his jaw, his fists clenching behind his back. “You will not speak of my wife this way. I will decide how she behaves. I will decide what she will or won’t do. I will decide anything that concerns her. She is off-limits to everyone else. At all times.”

Beron quirked a brow. “Is that so?”

Eris gave him a tight smile. “I don’t like people playing with my things, Father. You taught me that.” he said. “I hope I have made myself clear enough for you.”

A tense silence filled the room and Eris wondered exactly what Beron would do. What his father was thinking. He had crossed a line here and showed his hand. Eris only hoped Beron thought he knew his son well enough that his declaration was one of possessiveness rather than anything else.

“What about your mother, Eris?” Beron said softly and Eris willed himself not to flinch, not to show any reaction. “It would be a shame if one day you shirked your duties and I...had to have a long conversation with your mother about it.”

Eris’s fist tightened behind his back and slowly, silently, he took a breath.

“I would think that would be unnecessary, father.”

Beron tilted his head and smiled. “That’ll depend on you, I suppose,” he said airily. “If not your mother, maybe your hounds? You seem to have a strange attachment to them. Surely you don’t need all twelve.”

“You know how valuable those hounds are to our security system.”

“Ah, yes. Our security system.” Beron said, interlacing his hands in his lap, and watched Eris with a smirk. “Even so...It would be very interesting to see what you hold in high regard, no?”

A muscle flexed in his jaw once more. “Meaning?”

“I will hold my tongue about your little wife, sure.” the High Lord with a shrug. “In fact, I won’t talk about her at all.”

“Then we have an understanding.” Eris said tightly.

“Oh yes,” Beron said calmly. “We definitely have an understanding.”

Eris nodded and stood for a moment before whirling around to leave. Except his father cleared his throat and Eris immediately froze.

Slowly, Eris turned back to face his father with a pleasant expression. “Yes, Father?”

“While we have an understanding, I do want to make one thing clear, son,” Beron spoke and Eris braced himself. “Should you step one toe out of line and think to speak to me that way again, I will find myself truly testing where your loyalties lie.”

“My loyalties lie with you, High Lord.” Eris said automatically and Beron scoffed.

“We shall see.” the High Lord sneered. “It would be a shame if I had to test that theory. A shame if I had to find out what you valued more...your mother, your hounds...or your pretty wife’s cunt.”

“Father.” Eris snarled but the High Lord only laughed humorlessly.

“You said your piece and I said mine, boy.” Beron snapped. “Now, get out of my sight and go fix that border issue.”

Eris’s mouth twisted in distaste, and it took him a moment — a good minute of trying to calm his thoughts so he didn’t snap the old man’s neck. So he didn’t do anything stupid.

Instead, he smiled tightly and bowed his head, despite his father’s look that always promised violence. He was too used to it, and Eris would take every bruise given to him if it got his father away from the two women in his life. He’d said his piece. He’d drawn a line and he would bear all the consequences for it. He had to.

It was not lost on him when his thoughts mirrored that of his wife...what was another bruise?

Iris stared at the bouquet of flowers on the table and blinked. She reached out a hand and hesitantly touched a petal then swallowed.

She had spent the time since her mother-in-law’s visit mindlessly tidying their room and thinking. Thinking and overthinking. Getting angry. Then sad. Then downright anxious.

Lady Enya’s visit had shifted her thought process and it made her realize how narrow her view had been about this whole thing. Thinking about talking to Eris still made her want to vomit but she tried to work through it.

Until she had heard him return and did the only rational thing she could — hide in the bathroom. She only stepped out after he left and that’s when her eyes fell on the bouquet sitting here now.

She had been simmering in anger this whole time. So angry.

At her father. At Beron. At all the stupid powerful males in positions that were able to hurt people and make them feel so small. Which is exactly what Beron had done. He made her feel small. He made Eris feel small.

She swallowed, thinking of the look Beron had shot Lady Enya before they left. He had been making her feel small for years.

But Eris…

“I am not him. I actively try my hardest not to be like him in any way.”

He could’ve been. He could. But he hadn’t.

“I will do everything I can to protect you from him and take the brunt of that as well and I am sorry that it has to be that way and I am sorry that you will likely have to hear more things from him that you won’t like, but I am playing his game so that I can keep worming my way around until I can finish him.”

And she had called him a coward. She had made him feel small too.

She had lashed out this morning knowing what she said would’ve been worse than gutting him. Words were often the best of weapons and Iris had been at the end of those weapons long enough to know how to throw it back.

But what would it cost her with Eris?

“You both are coming from the same place. Trust yourself and your judgment. But also...give him the chance to prove himself to you.”

She swallowed again as his mother’s words rang in her ear and Iris bit her lip, guilt eating away at her, as it had been for hours, the pit in her stomach growing. He hadn’t deserved her throwing words like that at him and had regretted it the moment they slipped out of her mouth. Not that he had held back either because clearly, he knew how to hurt.

But...he brought her flowers.

Iris frowned at the beautiful bouquet now. Was it an apology? Would he —

As if summoned by her thoughts, Iris turned at the sound of their suite door opening and Eris stood in the doorway, a tray in his hands.

He paused at the door, his eyes scanning her from head to toe. She noted how he cataloged the choice of dress that hugged her figure, the loose waves of her hair falling down her back. He met her eyes and without saying a word, stepped into the room, closed the door, and made his way to stop in front of her.

“Wife.”

“Husband.” she said dryly, and the corner of his wicked mouth ticked up.

Eris placed the tray on the table and nodded his head toward the chairs. “Would you like to eat?”

She watched him warily. “I didn’t realize you were part of the kitchen staff.”

“For you, wife? But of course.”

They stared at each other in loaded silence for a few minutes before Eris casually waved a hand for her to sit.

Begrudgingly, and because she was hungry, Iris walked to the nearest chair and plopped down. Eris’s lips twitched as he took the seat opposite her and the two stared at each other again, the tension palpable.

So much for trust. One step forward and two steps back.

“So.” Eris began, and Iris blinked before removing the cloth covering the tray of food and grabbing a piece of bread.

“So.” she said, grabbing a knife and looking at him.

“Did you like the flowers?” he asked calmly, and both turned to look at the bouquet.

Iris fidgeted and slowly put the knife and piece of bread down, her nervousness flaring. She frowned at the sound of her thundering heart. Or was it the sound of his?

“I wasn’t sure what your favorite flowers were, so I went with a seemingly obvious choice.” he added, and Iris met his gaze.

“I like carnations. And peonies.” she replied slowly. “But this bouquet is beautiful regardless.”

A heartbeat passed then, “You fucken hate irises, don’t you?” he asked with a snort and Iris bit back a reluctant smile, the tension easing a fraction.

“I really do.” she said and huffed a humorless laugh. “Blame that on my father too. Whenever he beat me too hard, he'd leave a bouquet of crushed irises at my door. Symbolism.”

Eris tensed for just a moment then forced himself to relax. “He keeps getting better and better every time you mention him.” he said tightly, then leaned forward and picked up the knife and bread Iris had put down.

She watched him again, as he had done the first morning, methodically buttering it for her and passing it over. Iris accepted it carefully, watching him fill her a glass of juice and again, pass it over to her.

When he sat back, his own piece of bread in hand and buttering it silently, Iris frowned again.

“Are we going to talk about the other night?” she asked quietly as her heart galloped in her chest.

Eris paused. “I was hoping you’d eat something first so we don’t lash out again. Like we did this morning.”

Iris’s frown deepened and she sat back in her chair, taking a bite of her bread. He watched her chew, his brow raised as he waited.

She swallowed and knew his eyes had tracked the movement of her licking her lips. “Well.” she began. “How did you think that went?”

“Terrible. You?”

“Horrible. I’ve been insulted before but never quite like that.” she muttered angrily, and Eris leaned forward, the bread dropping from his hand.

“So was I.” he said curtly. “My father aside, you took something I shared with you and threw it back in my face. You blamed me for things I had no control over. You called me a coward when I have spent my whole life trying to fight against what I was forced into. I warned you about my father. It shouldn’t have been a surprise.”

Iris flushed, scowling. “I was attacked. Your father attacked me and you let him.” she replied. “You warned me but that doesn’t mean I have to accept that this will be my reality. How am I supposed to feel safe if I have to be on the defense all the time?”

“And how am I supposed to trust you if the first personal thing I tell you, you use against me in an argument?” he said with a flattened expression. “I did not let him attack you. He didn’t wait for my permission. In case you haven’t noticed, my father loves to shit on me constantly.”

“And you just put up with it?”

“I know how to play his game.” he replied, and Iris shook her head.

“That doesn’t make me feel any better.”

Iris watched him frown, his brows furrowed in the frustration written all over his face. She had the strong urge to push her fingers to it.

“You want to feel safe and want trust. You cannot ask this of me and not give it in return.” he finally said. “There are times to respond and times to let him think he won so you can do what needs to be done anyway. That is how he needs to be handled. That is the best I can do with him. The best any of us can do at this time.”

They watched each other silently for a moment.

“If you are willing and you find yourself wanting to, be honest with him. He will meet you in the middle if you are willing to meet him.”

Iris took a small breath. “I... have had the same dream about you for the past two nights.” she whispered, and Eris straightened. “It’s not a pleasant one. It was about what you said to your father. What you’d do to me.”

Eris’s face heated and he shifted in his seat. “It was just a dream.” he said quietly, and Iris’s fingers tightened in the fabric of her dress.

“The panic that woke me up was real each time.”

His mouth twisted as he thought this over then met her gaze. “I said this before, and I understand I will have to keep saying it until you believe it, but I have no intention of hurting you. I will not lay a finger on you.” he said firmly. “I only said that so my father didn’t order me to do anything to you in front of him. It’s the one boundary he wouldn’t cross.”

Iris’s expression furrowed into a frown and a moment of silence passed before she quietly asked, “But he’d watch you beat your wife?”

Eris’s expression tightened for a moment then he mumbled, “He has made me watch while he hurt my mother. It would delight him to watch me do the same to you.”

“And you could do nothing?”

Eris scowled. “I do not appreciate the accusation in that question.” he snapped. “You assume I wasn’t also incapacitated.”

She flushed then mumbled curtly, “I’m not accusing, I’m asking.”

Eris watched her warily, scanning her face. It took him a moment before he finally sighed and rolled his shoulders back.

“Look...I am — my private quarters have always been my safe space.” he said quietly. “Aside from out with the hounds, it is the only place I can just...be. No expectations from anyone. I can’t fight with you in it. I — I don’t have it in me. If you really insist on not wanting to have a functioning relationship, I can arrange for you to have your own space and we don’t need to see each other at all.”

Iris blinked rapidly at the unexpectedness of his answer. “And what? Go our separate ways?”

“You know that can’t happen with your father or mine in the picture.” he said with a humorless chuckle. “You are bound to me as I am bound to you.” And Iris watched him scowl at the words, color blooming in his cheeks. “Or at least for a few years until people are busy obsessing over something else. We could just...orbit around each other. Pretend until then.”

Iris’s eyes dropped to the table, feeling her body suddenly heat up. Pretend? He would —

She took a sharp breath and then very quietly said, “You...would do that?”

“I don’t want someone who doesn’t want me. If you don’t want to try, I will not be the one to force you,” he said, and Iris lifted her eyes in time to find him running a hand through his hair. He met her gaze once then looked down, his expression hardening, a muscle flexing in his jaw. “I am not my father. I will not shackle you to me. You would only need to endure for a while until I can make it work.”

It took her a moment to finally speak, her shaking hands bunching in her dress.

“No one’s ever given you a chance, have they?” she said softly and watched as Eris tensed. “Your father has ruined almost everything for you.”

She watched his hands as they fisted then flexed and it took him a moment before replying.

“It’s a lot easier to let people see what they want to see. I am very good at pretending,” he replied, his eyes on the table. “Being a monster makes it easier.”

“Does it?”

He shrugged. “It’s all I have to work with for the time being.”

Her mouth went into a thin line, and she thought over what he said as he watched her. Trust wasn’t so easily earned but...he was drawing a line, making himself clear.

“I...did not react well the other night.” She said quietly. “Or this morning.”

“Neither did I,” Eris said with a shrug. “I think we can agree not to hold it against each other.”

She sighed and tilted her head back to gaze at the ceiling of their room. “I know you told me we have to behave in a certain way. But your tone...your tone. The sneer in it.” Iris said quietly, color bloomed on her cheeks, and she frowned. “I’ve heard that sneer my whole life. You tell me to expect different things from you then...then you spoke in that tone.”

Iris lowered her head to meet his gaze. “It makes me feel like everything you said and shared was a lie. It makes me feel foolish to believe you. You want me to wear a mask but...I can’t wear one where you’re belittling me in front of others. Even if it’s to have your father leave us alone.”

Eris’s eyes were on his fingers drumming gently on the table. “I...have had to wear this persona for a very very long time,” he said slowly and looked up at Iris. “You will need to give me some room...to work through these things.”

He swallowed then added tightly, “You are the first...opportunity I have ever been given to be different with a female. To openly be better. There wasn’t a relationship I had as important as this one with you.” He frowned. “No one that is supposed to be a...permanent partner. This is different for me too. I need patience from you.”

Iris’s eyes widened at that, and she looked away from him. Her heart was definitely the one thundering at his words so at odds with what his father had said to her.

You’re not important.

She looked up at him and found him watching her carefully. Her eyes darted to the slight color in his cheeks and then to his hands now folded on his crossed legs. He was speaking so calmly but Iris could taste his nervousness. It matched her own.

He had never been bluffing in his declarations.

“Then you want this to work, right?” She asked softly and licked her lips. “You want this to be real?”

“Do you?”

Iris blinked. Did she?

Her gaze dropped to her hands and she considered his question. No part of her going into this marriage had thought about whether it would work or not.

It was a fact. She was to be married to him. She would be his wife. Whatever happened after that, happened. Anything that came from her father would surely be nothing pleasant and she kept expecting the worst. But...Eris clearly didn’t think that way. He wanted it to be different. He had told her so from the beginning. And she had to be one of few people in his life who had ever heard such words from him.

He could be a nightmare for her. But he had endured so much from his father already. From this life. And he didn’t want to be. She had heard him say it.

I’m not trying to. Don’t you see that?

Her mind went back to the conversation with her mother-in-law.

“You two get to decide how real you want it to be.”

He could be more than just her husband. He could be her friend. But...he could also be more. And she had always wanted more. She wanted love. She wanted a...partner. She wanted a life with someone who would see her and care enough for her to protect her. Help her protect herself.

Swallowing, she looked up at him and the color on her cheeks deepened. “Yes. I do.”

And she watched his shoulder sag, just a fraction.

“Then we’re on the same page.”

Iris looked down at her hands for a heartbeat then met his gaze again. “You’re a very good liar,” she whispered. “It scares me to trust you.”

Eris was quiet for a long moment then very, very softly said, “It terrifies the fuck out of me to have you in my life. I don’t know how to...have whatever this is.”

“I don’t want to be a problem. I just want...to have something normal.” she said with a sigh, her eyes darting to him and then back to her hands.

“I don’t think normal will apply in this household,” he said with a soft snort. “But...I think we can figure out what will be normal for us.”

Silence fell between them again and Iris took a breath. A normal for them. A normal she...would be a part of. Iris licked her lips and then quietly said, “I’m sorry for the things I said in anger. It wasn’t fair to you. I was very upset and did not appreciate what was said to me or insinuated about me.”

Eris’s brow flickered up, a look of slight surprise on his face. “You apologize so easily.” he mused.

“Acknowledging when you’re wrong is the first step to getting through an issue.”

Eris pursed his lips and then slowly nodded. “And I am sorry for what I said and how things had to be. It wasn’t fair to you either. My father knew exactly what to say to push my buttons and I walked right into it.”

Iris nodded in return, her frown deepening, and asked carefully, “Why does he do that? What does he get out of it when you do so much for him? Doesn’t he...care for you?”

Eris chuckled dryly. “My father cares for no one but himself,” he said. “He likes to make people feel small when he feels threatened by them. He hasn’t earned anyone’s respect in years, so he keeps things under control by fear. And punishment.”

Iris blinked then said slowly, “At some point...people will not be scared anymore.”

“Yes,” Eris answered carefully. “Fear eventually grows tiresome. But my father has a very hard time accepting that change is coming, whether he likes it or not.”

“You’ve talked about change and pieces at play but never elaborate.”

Eris observed her. “We will need to work on our trust issues more before I can give you additional information.”

Iris nodded slowly. “That seems fair.” she mumbled, and Eris’s lips curved up and he pushed the breakfast tray towards her. Iris bit her lip and then sat up. “I have one more thing to say about this subject.”

“Just one?” Eris said with a chuckle and Iris shot him a look, picking up her bread once more.

“Your father was outrageous. It’s hard to pick one thing.” she said, her nose scrunched up in disdain. “I don’t know how you’ve tolerated him all these years.”

“Pretending I’m frolicking in a field of daisies whenever he opens his mouth usually gets me through.”

Iris snorted and rolled her eyes, earning her a smirk from him. “Frolicking with a pretty flower crown, are you?”

“Oh, definitely,” he replied with a serious nod. “If Elain has taught me one thing, it’s that you must wear a flower crown while frolicking or you’re simply not doing it right.”

A chuckle slipped from her lips and Iris for once, shyly met his eyes. When the corner of his mouth ticked up, she looked back down at her hands. She sighed and then looked back at him, her expression more solemn.

“He had no right to speak to me that way. He had no right to speak to you that way either.”

“I agree.”

“What I want to say is, I do not want to be spoken to like that ever again.” Iris said firmly. “I will pretend I’m your simpering little wife all you want but I will not tolerate the threats and language like that. Not in this home as well.”

“Neither will I. Which is why it won’t happen again.” Eris said and Iris stilled at his tone.

“What does that mean?”

He adjusted the cuff of his sleeve and then slowly looked at his wife. “I don’t like people overstepping their boundaries with me. He can take it out on me all he wants but you’re my wife. I will not let it happen again. You should still watch your tone with him the same way I do but my father has been made aware that I will not take him speaking to you that way again lightly.”

Iris blinked then flushed lightly, pleasantly surprised. “So...we play his game?” she asked quietly and he gave her a tight nod.

“We play his game,” he confirmed. “Outside of this room, we play by his expectations. It is a lie, a façade. Inside this room, whenever we are alone, and outside of the court...we can be as we wish. Just you and me. As long as this is what you want.”

Iris bit the inside of her cheek, watching him carefully. It wasn’t different from anything he had told her before but...she was truly listening now. She could play games. She had tried to play her father’s games, even when it cost her. Now she would have a partner.

Just you and me.

“You’re willing to be my friend first, then?” she asked quietly.

“Friendship was the first thing I offered you.” he replied simply.

And it hit Iris then — how incredibly similar they were. A fact Eris seemed to have figured out early on.

He was someone who needed a person just as badly as she did.

So she finally said, “Then this is what I want.”

The corner of Eris’s mouth ticked up. “That’s helpful. I won’t have to waste time redecorating.”

She rolled her eyes and then quietly observed him as he finally picked a helping of food. Standing up to his father was a bold move and Eris was careful about all the moves he made. To do it because of her...

She waited until he had a few bites of food then carefully asked, “How did your father take it when you spoke to him about me?”

Eris paused for a moment then slowly replied, “We’ll see in a few days.”

Iris bit her lip, her brows furrowed, knowing what he meant. It would either pass or...Eris would pay for it.

Her face fell as guilt washed over her and Eris straightened.

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m sorry.” she immediately said and he furrowed his brows.

“We already stated our apologies.”

She shook her head. “If he decides he doesn’t like what you said because of me —” she started and pushed the tray away, feeling slightly nauseated. “I don’t want him to — if he decides to —”

But Eris held up a hand. “You don’t have to worry about that. I can handle my father. His choices are his own and he is the only one responsible for them.”

Iris bit her lip, glancing at him and then down at her lap. Her mouth wouldn’t cost just her now. Eris would be dragged into it by his father if she stepped out of line. He had thought about what his father would do to her if Eris didn’t behave accordingly but Iris hadn’t even considered what Beron would do to Eris because of her.

“I’ll watch myself better now.” she promised quietly. “I don’t want to give him any other reasons to hurt you.”

Eris stared at her, his expression unreadable but she saw the bob of his throat as he swallowed then nodded.

“I see we’ve reached an understanding then.” he said quietly and Iris nodded in return.

“We’ve reached an understanding.”

A sense of relief washed over the room, any tension between them easing. Iris stole a chance at him to find him watching her, his lips slightly pursed.

“What?”

He shook his head and then cleared his throat. “Now that we’re on the same page, I won’t have to hear your whining.”

Iris squinted at him but her expression softened when she saw the teasing look he gave her.

“You’re annoying.”

“You’re mean.”

“I haven’t slit your throat yet so how mean am I, really?” she said and gave him a pointed look.

Eris smirked and Iris knew whatever came out of his mouth next would be obnoxious.

“You must really have a thing for my neck, you constantly want to get your hands on it.”

“To choke the life out of you.”

“Don’t tease me, I’ll start moaning.”

Very slowly and without breaking eye contact, Iris flipped him off, earning her a soft chuckle.

“We’ll see what good that attitude of yours will do you once we start training.” he said, giving her an amused look.

“And when will we do that?” she asked, sitting up straighter.

“As soon as you’d like, wife.” he said with a lazy smirk. “I look forward to seeing what you’re made of.”

Iris sat back and met his gaze with a challenging look of her own. “And I look forward to giving you the ass-kicking you deserve, husband.”

#eris vanserra #eris vanserra x oc #eris x oc #acotar fanfiction #eris vanserra fanfic #smtb chapters #beron vanserra #gfics #if you'd like to be tagged or removed (no hard feelings lol) please let me know!!#thank you for reading!!#I know for old smtb readers this is all nothing new but I hope you'll be excited for the new stuff to come soon!!

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lucienarcheron · 30 days

Text

Spirit Meets the Bones - X

Genre: Angst/Romance Warnings: Mentions of physical abuse. Please be mindful: some implied language may be found triggering.

shoutout to my darling @abruisedmuse for being on this journey with me <3

Find it all here.

Lucien and Elain looked up from their breakfast as Eris paused at their gate, glancing at them seated on their front porch. They had been residing in a beautiful home on the outskirts of the Day Court Palace for a few months now, choosing a life separate from the previous ones they’d both known.

Of course, it was also because his brother was the heir to the Day Court and a very limited number of people aside from himself knew this information now.

To everyone else, Lucien and Elain lived here courtesy of his emissary connections and Helion’s sudden interest in Elain’s seer abilities. Nothing more, nothing less.

Eris swallowed, frozen where he stood, fists clenched at his sides as he debated whether to move forward or go back with the way his brother and sister-in-law watched him, concerned.

“You’ll have to come a little closer for breakfast. If I throw it at you, I don't think you would catch it from over there.” Elain coaxed gently and Eris glanced at her then with a breath, he began walking towards them.

“Is mother alright?” Lucien asked immediately, standing as Eris joined them.

“She’s fine,” Eris said tiredly, sinking into a chair between them. “As fine as she can be with my father still, unfortunately, alive.”

Lucien and Elain exchanged a glance.

“Then what’s wrong? Has your wife kicked you out already?” Lucien said as he took his seat again, eyeing Eris.

“Lucien!” Elain reprimanded and shot him a scowl, but Lucien only grinned at his mate and blew her a kiss. Elain rolled her eyes but allowed it before turning back to Eris. “Should we be worried you’re here so early?”

Eris scowled, quiet for a moment. It was probably a mistake to come to his brother and his brother's mate who were disgustingly and happily mated and married, when he was currently not feeling the happiness of matrimony. His face heated.

Elain slowly pushed a cup of tea towards him, watching him with wide eyes. Lucien kicked him under the table.

“What’s wrong?” he asked his brother again and Eris sighed.

He sat back in his chair and looked up at the morning sky — so peaceful, the sun so bright in this spacious court. His lips went into a thin line debating how much he should share. How much should he say?

A lifetime ago, he would’ve rather choked on faebane than discuss anything with Lucien, but things were different now. They had reconciled in an unexpected way, mostly thanks to Elain whom he truly cherished like a sister. Every single thing he had kept to himself over the years about his father, about his own feelings towards Lucien, about any involvement he had with Lucien’s life — had all come out and Lucien in return, hadn’t held back. It had been a slow mend, but it was one Eris held dearly.

Three years had passed and so many things had changed between them all for the better. They were better.

Still, he balked at the idea of talking about Iris. Talking about his feelings. His mother was one thing but this…

“My wife is a delight.” he said dryly.

Lucien and Elain exchanged another look, both holding back slight smiles.

“Is she pretty?” Elain asked and leaned towards him, resting her chin in her hands. It reminded Eris of when Iris had done that same gesture and he frowned.

“Unfortunately.”

“How can that be unfortunate!” Elain asked with a laugh and shoved him lightly. Eris gave her a reluctant smile.

“It’s unfortunate because he can’t decide if he likes her or wants to throttle her,” Lucien said with a snort and Eris waved a hand towards his brother as Elain gave them both a reproachful look.

“Don’t talk about her like that! That’s rude,” she said and pointed at Lucien who held up his hands with a chuckle.

“He’s not wrong,” Eris said with a snort of his own. “She’s breathtaking but has quite the temper and frankly, kind of a pain in the ass.”

“Is her temper the reason why you left your breathtaking wife and joined us here early in the morning?” she asked, and Eris paused here. He debated once more, exactly how forward he should be.

He pursed his lips, his cheeks reddening slightly before he very, very quietly said, “It’s…not going quite well at the moment.”

A beat of silence passed then Lucien slammed his hand on the table.

“Pay up, dove. I told you he would be a little bitch about it.” Lucien said and held out his hand, but Elain smacked his hand away with a scowl and turned back to Eris who flipped Lucien off with a glare.

“What do you mean?” she asked calmly, now sliding a plate of food toward him.

“My father,” Eris said dully and all mirth left Lucien’s body as he sat up slowly.

“What did he do?”

“What he does best — ruin my life.” he muttered and with more of Elain’s gentle coaxing and Lucien’s very aggressive shoving, Eris recapped snippets of what happened, leaving out all the details he didn’t think Iris would appreciate anyone else knowing.

“We had a lovely continuation of the bitterness this morning. Which made everything worse.” Eris muttered. “Whatever fragile thing we had went up in flames because my father is an asshole, and she couldn’t take it. And then she was an asshole to me, and I was an asshole right back.”

“Just two peas in an asshole pod, huh?” Lucien asked and Eris scowled at him. Lucien held up his hands again, but the twitch of his lips had Eris rolling his eyes.

“Mother keeps talking about kindness but I’m unsure where the hell that’s supposed to come from.” he said dully and frowned, pushing his teacup around.

Elain pursed her lips, watching him. “But didn’t you say it was going well at first? You two were getting along?”

“Yes.”

“Then the problem isn’t the two of you.” Elain said simply and Eris blinked at her.

“Did you miss the part where I said we were being assholes to each other?”

“We all know who triggered that,” Lucien said with a snort. “Our — your father is the source of every single problem within our family.”

Eris frowned again. “That’s fair.”

“Where did you tell her you were going this morning?” Elain asked.

“I didn’t tell her.”

“You just...left?” Lucien asked with raised brows.

“We weren’t exactly on the best-speaking terms.” he grumbled, and Elain exchanged a look with Lucien then chuckled.

“Do you want my opinion?”

“No, I just came to steal your food and kick Lucien.” he replied with a snort and promptly kicked Lucien, who kicked him right back.

Elain shot them both a look before she stirred her tea and spoke, “I think you’re putting a lot of pressure on yourself. The last serious relationship you were in was so long ago and it didn’t end well. But Iris is different. She’s your wife but she’s also not used to your family dynamic. She’s not used to you.” she said quietly, and Eris’s fingers clenched. “You can’t be surprised that she reacted that way. Being told about Beron is one thing...experiencing him is another. It was a stressful situation for the both of you.”

“I know this. I know.” he said quietly and looked at Lucien. “But you know he’s going to make things worse. How much more sneaking can I do? How much more hiding? Every move I make is a risk. On myself. On mother. And now on her. I can’t even pretend to tolerate my wife because he’ll twist it. I can’t even be nice to her in front of him —”

Elain squeezed his hand as his volume rose and Eris leaned his head back and took a deep breath.

“Eris, remember that he needs you.” Lucien said quietly, shooting his brother a sympathetic look. “He needs you and that kills him. Make Iris a boundary he can’t cross. Force it if you have to.”

Eris swallowed and was quiet for a moment, his eyes up at the sky. “I can only force so much before he thinks she’s too important. There’s so much more to lose with her in the picture. She’s an unexpected variable now and I don’t know how to —” he paused and glared at the sky. “I don’t know what I was expecting but this wasn’t it.”

“What exactly were you expecting?” Elain asked him with a small smile and Eris shrugged.

“I don’t know. A viper only interested in money I can give her and leaves me alone. Or maybe a cowering thing that cried at the sight of me who would also leave me alone.” he muttered. “I don’t know which would be easier to ignore.”

Lucien rolled his eyes at his brother. “So, either one as long as you had nothing to do with her?”

“Yes.”

“That doesn’t seem like a happy marriage.” Elain remarked and Eris looked at her with furrowed brows.

“Who said anything about happy?”

Elain and Lucien exchanged another glance before turning to look at him.

“So, you’re telling me,” Lucien began and gave his brother a knowing look. “That all this time you’ve spent with Iris so far, there wasn’t a moment you could see yourself being truly happy with her?”

Eris pursed his lips and immediately, the moment of them at the piano popped into his head. He scowled. He had known from that first night that he wanted it to work. That there was something about her that was...more.

His scowl deepened. “It doesn’t matter. My father will ruin anything. There’s no point in trying.”

“And that’s where you’re wrong, you fool.” Elain chided, swatting his hand. “Trying is the most important part of it. Nothing works without effort.”

“Besides, the Eris I know wouldn’t wait for me to tell him to do something about Beron.” Lucien added. “You would’ve already done something.”

“I did already,” Eris replied with a wave of his hand. “You know how easily I can annoy him with little things. I’m sure he’ll call on me the moment I return to yell at me.”

“Good,” Lucien said, sitting back. “You’re good at annoying him all on your own but if you need anything from me, let me know.”

Eris shot him a small smile. “I can’t even ask you for relationship advice since you’re so terrible at it. Why would I ask you about anything else?”

“My wife is literally sitting right here.”

Eris turned to Elain. “He’s terrible, isn’t he?”

“Just the worst.” Elain said with a grin and Lucien rolled his eyes.

Eris had to look away as they exchanged a look too full of love for him to witness. He was starting to regret his visit. He shouldn’t have come here and burdened anyone else with his problems. It was like his mouth had gotten used to sharing things and now he didn’t know how to shut the fuck up. Clearly —

A swift kick to his shin had Eris swearing as he glared at Lucien. “What the fuck was that for?”

“You’re overthinking. Shut the fuck up.”

“Honestly, Eris. You know we want to be a part of your life and love when you share things with us.” Elain said gently with a knowing smile. “I know we couldn’t be at the wedding but that doesn’t change that we want to have a relationship with Iris too.”

“I’m still trying to have a relationship with her.” he said with a scoff and Elain rolled her eyes as Lucien chuckled.

“Well, ask yourself this,” Lucien began. “Since you are, generally, a giant pain in everyone’s ass on the regular —”

“Well, fuck you too brother.”

“— do you want to be a pain in the ass for her too?”

Eris pursed his lips. Of course, he didn’t. He wanted it to work. Badly. The tips of his ears heated just thinking about how badly he wanted to have an actual relationship with his wife.

“Not on purpose, I guess.” was the only answer he was willing to give, and Elain rolled her eyes at him.

“The world won’t end if you say you want to be nice to your wife.” she said with a small laugh.

“Didn’t want to give anyone a cardiac arrest with that sort of confession.” he said dryly, and Lucien snorted.

“My dear big brother, the worst of our court with his sinister smile and wrath of the gods,” Lucien said dramatically, and Eris scowled. “Be nice to his wife? By choice? The world as we know it is ending.”

Eris just turned to Elain. “Can I still have food if I stab him?”

“I’m afraid not, no.” Elain said with a smile. “I like having him around.”

Eris made a gagging sound as Lucien blew Elain a kiss that she returned.

“Mated freaks.” he mumbled but Lucien only gave his brother a knowing smile.

“You know what you want isn’t out of your reach.” he said. “You already know how you want this relationship to go. Make it work. Even when you’re embarrassed about it.”

“Like mother told you, get to know each other away from everyone else,” Elain added. “It’ll help more than you know.”

“More importantly, put your father in his place. You play your role too well.” Lucien said with a pointed look and Eris sighed as Elain patted his arm.

“Patience. Give yourself more time with her. Nothing is going to happen overnight.” Elain added and though Eris nodded, the attention was starting to make his self-loathing fester again, so he squinted at Elain.

“That’s rich coming from you.” he teased, and Elain smacked his arm.

“Don’t be a jackass, that was long ago.”

Eris put a hand over his heart and smirked. “But who am I if not a jackass, little acorn?”

“If that’s the side you’re showing Iris, you’re lucky she hasn't slit your throat yet.” Lucien said with a grin then laughed when Eris smirked shamelessly.

“She desperately wants to. With my own dagger, no less.” he said and couldn’t help the small chuckle that slipped his lips — which was a mistake because Lucien and Elain exchanged yet another look and then turned back to him.

“Eris. You’re not who Beron keeps trying to make you to be.” Lucien said quietly and Eris’s smile faded. “You just need to be honest with her.”

“I’m trying,” he said with another sigh. “She doesn’t trust me yet.”

Elain gave him a small smile. “Communication takes time. It’ll work itself out,” she said and patted his hand. “I’m going to make you a bouquet to take back for Iris and smooth things over so you can talk it out. What flowers does she like?”

Eris blinked and pursed his lips, fingers drumming on the table. “At the risk of sounding like a complete imbecile, I’m going to go with irises?”

Elain snorted and stood. “I’ll make a mix but if she hates it, blame yourself and ask her what kind she likes for next time.”

“How many apology bouquets are you expecting me to give her?” he asked with a scoff, turning to watch her as she walked away then turned back to Lucien with a frown. “She was mean to me too, you know.”

Lucien rolled his eyes. “Suck it up. She has to deal with Beron now.”

“He’s my father.”

“You had no choice in the matter. She did and still landed in our miserable family.”

Eris made a noise. “She didn’t really have a choice either, you know. Her father is as big of a piece of shit as mine,” he said then waved his hand. “Speaking of fathers, how are you and Helion?”

Lucien’s lips twitched and Eris raised a brow.

“He got me a whole wardrobe of just togas.” Lucien said quietly, flushing lightly. “It is very...breezy.”

Eris snorted then started laughing. “I bet Elain loves those.”

“That she does.” Lucien said with a grin when Eris laughed again. Rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly, he added, “He’s trying though. It’s been...an adjustment but he’s a good male.”

“Overbearing mother hen, huh?” Eris asked, running a hand through his hair with a small smile.

“Just a smidge,” Lucien said with a chuckle. “But Elain and I really like it here.”

Lucien paused here, looking away for a moment then gave Eris a sad smile. “He’s never stopped loving her, you know. He’ll wait for her forever.”

“I know.” Eris said quietly. “It’s the least of what she deserves.”

Lucien licked his lips before quietly adding, “The letters she sends me...she’s careful when she includes those...extra ones, right?”

Eris let out a small breath. Alongside Elain’s packages, his mother loved sending letters to Lucien and her letters often had other letters hidden to a specific someone that would cost his mother her life should his father find out.

“As careful as she can be. Even though it's a huge risk and I don’t like it,” he replied and rubbed his bottom lip. “I can’t bring myself to stop her when I know it’s bringing back some small ounce of her happiness.”

And Eris would hand-deliver the letters to Helion himself if it meant his mother’s eventual happiness. He would bring his mother right to Helion’s fucken doorstep right now if he could and get her away from his father.

But not yet. It was enough she was finding her spark again, rekindling herself slowly.

Lucien’s lips tightened into a thin line as he asked quietly, “He knows for sure now, doesn’t he?”

Eris nodded tightly. “He does but hasn’t actually said anything. Helion hasn’t openly claimed you either, so he won’t be the one to expose anything.”

“He’s not going to risk it until Mother is safe because this time, she won’t be going back,” Lucien replied tightly. “He’s waited too long for her to be with him. He will shred Beron to pieces the moment she says so.”

“She’s ready to shred him to pieces herself but not yet.” Eris replied quietly. “Soon.”

Lucien nodded then looked his brother over once more.

“I know it’s hard, Eris, but keep being honest with Iris. You being vulnerable lets her want to be vulnerable with you.” He advised gently and gave his brother a small smile as Eris scowled, his face coloring lightly. “You have to be the one to guide this relationship until she’s more comfortable. She’s going to need that from you.”

“It’s...hard.” He said through clenched teeth and Lucien nodded again.

“I know. It makes you feel like you want to hurl your insides and then shoot yourself with six arrows. Repeatedly.” he said with a chuckle. “But if you want to get anywhere with her, you need to build trust.”

“I tried that and the first chance she got, she threw it in my face.”

“She was angry and scared. It doesn’t make it right but with time, it will get better.” Lucien said, standing with a smile as Elain made their way back to them. “I would know. And I tell you, it’ll be worth it.”

Eris watched his brother’s smile widen as Elain beamed back and his heart clenched. He hated this feeling. This stupid, foolish feeling of longing. Of want.

Sighing, he stood as well, turning as Elain held out the bouquet to him and Eris blinked rapidly.

“How the fuck am I supposed to walk into our court with this? It’s a smoke signal.”

“Do you want to make up with your wife or not?” she asked sharply, and Eris nodded quickly. “Then shut up and take the bouquet.”

Eris reached out to take the flowers then paused. “Elain, look away.”

Rolling her eyes, Elain turned with a huff and the brothers grimaced at each other before awkwardly and very quickly hugging with a pat on each other’s backs. Before Lucien could stop him, Eris swiftly punched him in the gut.

“Eris!” Elain reprimanded, whirling around.

“That was for the punch last time. You’re a piece of shit.” Eris said and patted his brother’s shoulder.

“Fuck you, asshole.” Lucien wheezed, flipping him off.

Taking the flowers from Elain, Eris leaned in to kiss her cheek then pulled back with a sigh. “Thank you. For listening to me.”

“Anytime, shitface.”

“Always.” Elain said with a smile. “Now bring Iris over soon. We insist!”

Eris nodded his thanks again with a tight smile and walked the few steps away from them before he winnowed back home. Even after they’ve been working on their relationship for so long, it still embarrassed him to be so open with them. To be...affectionate. He didn’t hate it though. The back of his neck heated at the fact that he liked it too much for his own good.

He took the path with the least traffic, not wanting to run into anyone to see him holding flowers like an idiot. He glanced at the bouquet warily, wondering if Iris even liked flowers. But he’d try anything not to have that bitterness between them.

Eris made his trek slowly back to their wing, all the while thinking of his father and his conversation with Lucien and Elain. Eris knew better than to let Beron get away with talking to both of them that way, but yesterday’s conversation triggered bad memories and bad memories caused a spiral of more negative emotions. It wasn’t like he had too many healthy coping mechanisms.

He rolled his shoulders back. He wouldn’t let it happen again. It was his job to protect his wife and Eris would be damned if he let Beron take another thing away from him.

Eris could be a thorn in anyone’s side at the drop of a hat, especially his father. He could remind Beron exactly how soft he could be.

Taking a deep breath, he opened the doors to their chamber and stepped into his living space, his eyes darting across the room. But no Iris in sight.

Placing the flowers on the table, he walked towards their bathroom and put an ear against the door.

“Iris?” he called out. He heard a small rustle and waited a few minutes with no response. Eris rolled his eyes and just as he opened his mouth to call out again, a knock came to their door.

Abandoning his attempt to talk to his wife, Eris stalked to the door and opened it to find one of his sentries standing there.

“Lord Eris.” he said with a nod.

“He got the report?” Eris asked, leaning against the door with a small smirk.

“He did. He’s requested you in his chambers.”

“But of course. Who am I but an obedient son?” he said, and his sentry’s lips twitched at the tone. Glancing once more behind him, his eyes flickered to the space at the bottom of the door and the shadows shuffling behind it. The corner of his mouth ticked up. He’d give her a few more minutes. And when he returned...they would have better words.

#eris vanserra #eris vanserra x oc #elucien #eris x oc #eris vanserra fanfic #guess who makes a cameo!#acotar fanfiction #gfics #smtb chapters #if you'd like to be tagged or removed (no hard feelings lol) please let me know!!#thank you for reading!!! <3

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lucienarcheron · 1 month

Text

Spirit Meets the Bones - IX

Genre: Angst/Romance Warnings: Mentions of physical abuse. Please be mindful: some implied language may be found triggering.

shoutout to @abruisedmuse for being on this journey with me ♥️

Find it all here.

Eris blinked at the ceiling of their bedroom. Not that he had tasted sleep from where he lay on their ornate couch.

Like a coward.

He had waited for a half-hour that night before approaching the bathroom door and asking her to come out, but she had ignored him — refusing to come back and sleep in their bed. He hadn’t felt like sleeping in it either.

Eris had listened carefully through that night, waiting to see if she’ll change her mind or if she was crying or whatever the fuck was going on in her mind, but Iris hadn’t made a peep.

He might’ve been proud of her for standing up to his father had she not brought him down in the process. Had she not locked him out of his own bathroom like a child.

A day and a night had passed.

She slept in the bathroom. He slept on the couch. Neither of them so much as acknowledging one another.

Iris only left the bathroom when he left their suite and immediately went right back in the moment he stepped back into the room.

He hated himself with the fire of a thousand suns and sat in that bitterness until dawn broke each morning for those two days. Eris debated for quite some time if he should just burn himself from the inside out and be done with it. But instead, he sat up with a groan. If she didn’t want to talk to him, fine. He wasn’t going to beg her. In fact, he wasn’t going to be nice to her at all. It clearly hadn’t gotten him anywhere.

Like a coward.

The words kept repeating themselves in his mind and anger surged through him each time, burning him, his self-loathing festering.

Getting up, he decided he wasn’t going to be gracious and leave her alone today. Eris stalked over to the bathroom and pounded his fist against the door.

“I need to use the restroom. Get out.”

Eris let a few minutes of silence pass between them before knocking more firmly. “Open the fucken door, Iris."

It took a few seconds before her muffled response came. “Go piss somewhere else.”

He clenched his jaw. “If you don’t open the door, I will break it. You’re not going to lock me out of my bathroom for another day.”

Eris heard her stomping before she ripped the door open with a glare. “Your little boy bladder couldn’t wait a few more minutes? I was sleeping.”

“Sorry to disturb you, Your Highness.” Eris sneered and Iris flushed. “You can resume your beauty sleep in the tub once I’m done with my business.”

They glared at each other and the moment seemed to stretch between them, all the nastiness of the last two nights weighing between them.

“You’re just the fucken worst, aren’t you,” she grumbled, shoving past him. “Talk about a terrible start to my morning.”

Eris bristled and turned to glare at her back. “You want a terrible start? We can start training today and see where that mouth of yours will get you.”

Iris snorted and turned back to him. “Going to use training as an excuse to put me in my place?” she snapped. “Land some blows where people can’t see, hm?”

Eris froze, staring at her in disbelief. After everything he had explained to her. After everything said — “Take that back.” he breathed. “You take that back right now.”

But Iris only swallowed and stared him down. “No.”

Slowly, Eris fully turned to her, and he watched her as she watched him. Watched her as she braced herself — fixing her stance — clenching her own fists even as she eyed his fisted hands.

He took one step towards her, and she took a step back.

And all the fight left his body.

Eris let out a humorless, choked laugh and shook his head. “You — you have some nerve.” he said. “You’re just waiting for me to lay a hand on you.”

“I’d like to see you try.”

“I’m not trying to.” he snarled. “Don’t you get that?”

But Iris held her ground and it was the look in her eyes that told him the last two nights had impacted her far worse than he had thought. He noticed then, the puffy eyes, the stiff back, and the slight tremble in her bottom lip.

Eris grimaced and shook his head again. “I’m not — I’m too tired for this shit.” he muttered and without waiting for her to do or say anything else to put him on edge, he walked into the bathroom and slammed the door behind him.

He didn’t remember washing up, changing or even leaving the room. He hadn’t spared her a single glance as he slammed their chamber door behind him.

Eris made his way through his morning routine of checking in with his hounds and his sentries, then kept his check-in with his mother very brief as she hardly needed his shitty mood.

She had only sighed at him and said, “Remember kindness. You both need it.”

Personally, what Eris needed was a break. He needed distance, if only for a short while. Some time to think.

A fresh perspective from people outside of his wretched home.

And because he knew it was still early enough that they wouldn’t have left their home yet, Eris departed the Autumn Court and winnowed to the front gate of his brother’s home.

—

Iris had watched him walk off this morning and only clenched her teeth when he slammed the door and left. Her lip trembled momentarily, but she refused to let herself cry anymore.

Because it would make no difference. Nothing would change.

She could handle beatings; she was used to those. It would be fine.

But it was the way Eris could hurt her — the way Beron had only snorted as if his son abusing his wife the other way was an absolutely appropriate response —

Iris shuddered and ran a shaky hand through her hair. She had barely slept a wink the last two nights, watching the door and waiting to see if he would break it open and come in anyway.

Whenever she would finally drift off, Iris would jolt awake, sweating and panicked, because in her nightmares, Eris had barged in, and he had put his hands on her and put her in her place exactly as his father expected.

He’ll break you in ways that I couldn’t. Her father had said the night of their wedding and bile would rise in her throat.

Her response to him this morning was the aftermath of those dreams, even if he truly had done nothing. Iris rubbed at her eyes and took several deep breaths. The dream was not the reality. He had not touched her. He seemed to have no intention of touching her. He had just...left.

She grimaced and every terrible thing from the last two nights and this morning slammed into her mind all over again.

“Why settle for the son of a high lord when the high lord himself could give you the attention you want?”

“If you decide to switch which Vanserra you spread your legs for, you’ll get to that goal much faster with my father.”

“Stop looking at me like that. I do everything that I can.”

“But I allow him to do and say whatever the fuck he wants to me as long as my mother has to stop taking the brunt of his shit.”

“You were just ready to use that against me, weren’t you?”

Mustering what little energy she had left, Iris blinked tiredly then made her way back to the bathing room and cleared her things from it. Mechanically, she bathed and dressed as the thoughts replayed in her mind. Just as it had replayed when she brushed out her curls and continued to repeat as she stared at her reflection in the vanity mirror, barely registering what she was doing. She didn’t want to think. She didn’t want to be.

Iris had felt his hurt at her words and knew, knew it didn’t have to be this way, but she didn’t know what else to expect. How else to react. All she knew was anger.

Maybe she could go see the hounds and feel better. Or maybe she could take a horse and ride off.

Cauldron knew where he’d gone and when he’d come back. He didn’t seem likely to stop her. She could just —

A light knock on the chamber door had her pause at the vanity. Who the hell would be coming to see them this morning?

“Who is it?” she asked quietly.

“It’s me, Iris.”

She froze at the voice of Lady Enya and whatever anxiety she had clamped down on since waking up, came barreling back into her.

What could she be here for? Had Eris gone to complain? Would — would she be reprimanded? She couldn't see Lady Enya doing that but —

Realizing she hadn’t replied, Iris shot up from her seat, quickly smoothed down her dress, and looked over the room, cringing at the sign that the two of them clearly hadn’t been anywhere near each other.

It would be fine. Lady Enya was kind. Iris needn’t expect the worst.

Taking a deep breath, she cautiously approached the door and opened it halfway to find her mother-in-law before her, standing alone. She gave Iris a small smile.

“Hello, Iris.”

“Hello, Lady Enya,” Iris replied and bowed her head slightly. “How – how are you?”

Her mother-in-law smiled tightly. “Well enough. You?”

The anxiousness prickled at her skin and Iris’s grip tightened on the doorframe, giving Lady Enya her own tight smile. “Well enough too, I suppose.”

Enya nodded knowingly. “Understandable.” She paused for a moment before asking, “May I come in? I was hoping to sit with you for a bit if this isn’t a bad time.”

“Of course, my Lady,” Iris replied and swallowed. “Eris — he isn’t here though.”

“That’s okay. I came to see you.” Lady Enya replied with a small smile and Iris blinked. “If you’ll have me, of course.”

“Of — of course. Please come in.” Iris said immediately, opening the door wider.

Lady Enya smiled more fully as she stepped in, and Iris felt her cheeks heat as her mother-in-law surveyed their room with a knowing gaze.

“We...didn’t have time to tidy up this morning. I’m sorry you have to see it this way.”

Enya chuckled. “I’m surprised he left the room so frazzled,” she said, continuing to glance around, her lips twitching. “Knowing my son, he would’ve had a stroke to walk out like this.”

“He’s too busy trying to give me one,” Iris mumbled then panic slammed in her as she quickly looked at her mother-in-law and cleared her throat, the color in her cheeks intensifying. “Sorry.”

Enya waved a hand with that small, knowing smile and walked toward their seating area. Iris watched as the Lady paused in front of their plush couch. She felt the heat spread through her body as she watched her mother-in-law’s lips twitch again, her gaze on the pillow with her son’s lingering scent, thrown there haphazardly. But Enya sat without a word and Iris stood for a moment before awkwardly taking a seat next to her.

A moment of silence passed before Iris shot up again. “I, um, I can have them bring tea?” she quickly said then blinked. “I’m not actually sure how to ask for it, the tray usually just comes up — but if you’d like? Or — or a brew of coffee? Or —”

Lady Enya seemed to be fighting back a smile as Iris’s face heated. Gently gripping her hand, her mother-in-law slowly pulled her back to sit next to her.

“That’s not necessary. I just came to check in on you and chat,” she said and Iris blinked again.

“Oh.”

“I see the two of you are getting along splendidly,” Enya said, glancing at her, and Iris grimaced before quickly fixing her expression.

“Um. We, uh —”

But Enya chuckled again, and Iris realized with a flush she was teasing her.

“I’d say we were a perfect match, but I don’t want to jinx it,” she said with a dry laugh then swallowed. “Dinner the other night certainly set that in stone.”

Enya gave her a sad smile. “That’s why I’m here. I wanted to see how you were doing,” she said, and Iris avoided her gaze. “I’m sorry it went the way it did. It was just supposed to be the three of us.”

Iris shook her head, her eyes on her hands settled in her lap. “Please don’t apologize. You did nothing wrong.”

Lady Enya sighed. “That whole evening was wrong,” she said, her lips a thin line. “I’m sure Eris wasn’t happy with how it went either. I assume the two of you have discussed it.”

“Discussed it. Yes.” Iris said with a snort then straightened, glancing at her mother-in-law who gave her a small smile.

“I’m assuming you two had it out. I hope my son isn’t bleeding out somewhere.”

Iris’s flush deepened. “He’s escaped unscathed for now,” she mumbled. “Dagger was too far.”

“As his mother, I am grateful for that.”

They shared another small smile and it fell silent again. Iris bit her lip and then met her mother-in-law’s gaze.

“I am sorry if anything I said caused you any additional distress,” she said quietly. “My mouth has gotten the better of me before.”

Enya shook her head. “I’m sorry you were put in a position to deal with it at all,” she replied with a frown. “I know Eris is very upset about it as I’m sure you are as well.”

Iris tensed and her fingers gripped her dress. “I am...deeply unsettled.”

Lady Enya’s expression tightened, and it was a moment before she could answer. “The High Lord believes things should always be a certain way. He is accustomed to his way of things and will offer no accommodations for anything to be different from what he is used to. Including the way he speaks to people.” she said carefully. “His way, however, is not the correct way nor is it a way I agree with. Neither does my son.”

Enya paused and surveyed Iris. “We have found ways to work around it,” she said slowly. “But now, you’re in the picture so the scope of our methods needs to be adjusted. I hope you will grant us patience with it.”

Iris digested this for a moment, biting her lip and her mother-in-law reached out a hand.

“I know this transition hasn’t been easy on you at all so please know, you can take all the time you need to get used to it,” she said and smiled at Iris. “I am here for you and happy to be here as you adjust.”

Iris’s face softened and she placed a hand atop Enya’s. “Thank you, Lady Enya. I am grateful for your words and...am glad you feel this way.”

“Please don’t call me lady.” her mother-in-law said with a smile. “You’re my daughter now too. If you’re comfortable calling me mother, I would be thrilled.”

Iris flushed and blinked rapidly, emotion rising through her at the word. She had never been given the chance to call anyone mother. She had never been given a chance to do a lot of things.

“I would love that,” she said softly, and her mother-in-law smiled brightly at her, squeezing her hand.

“I’m glad to hear it,” she said and as they fell silent again, she watched Iris curiously for a moment. Then Enya quietly added, “Eris left early, hm?”

“...Yes,” Iris said and at her hesitation, her mother-in-law tilted her head. “I’m not sure where he went but...he didn’t leave on a good note.”

“Mmm.” Lady Enya mused, then patted her hand. “He’ll be back. Do you think you’ll be open to talking to him when he returns?”

Iris blinked. After their discussion earlier, she wasn’t sure Eris would want to talk to her, much less listen to anything she had to say. Maybe he would prefer she kept quiet for once and he did all the talking.

“I don’t think I have much of a choice in whether or not he’ll want to talk to me.”

Lady Enya pursed her lips. “With the son I raised, you will always have a choice, Iris.” she said firmly, and Iris’s brows furrowed. Enya paused for a moment. “May I speak freely? I’d like to give you my opinion if you’d like to hear it.”

Iris flushed at the question. As if she’d say no.

“Of course, La — of course. Please speak as freely as you’d like.”

Her mother-in-law gave her a small smile and then gently spoke. “I never want to overstep between the two of you as you navigate this relationship of yours, however...know that this will take time and patience. It will take effort to build something of value between the two of you.” Enya paused and took a deep breath. “I think the most important part is whether you want to put in this effort. Your intentions play a big role in how it will proceed and truly, I understand if you are hesitant. The question becomes...do you find that you want to know my son as a husband? As a partner?”

Iris bit her lip and looked down. Would it matter if she did or not? She was already his wife. Nothing about that would change, regardless of her intentions. So, she answered honestly.

“I don’t know,” she said quietly. “There’s so much I’m unsure of...I don’t know what to believe about him.”

Lady Enya hummed then sighed. “I know this might be hard to believe because of what people think they know about him but...know that my son has a good heart. Even though he’s always been forced to hide it,” she said quietly. “And I’m not only saying this because he’s my son. I’m saying this because I’ve lived with someone who has gone out of their way to make my every waking hour difficult. Who does the same to him.”

Iris looked up in surprise at the words. At the very vulnerable confession. She met the firm gaze of her mother-in-law.

“My son is not his father,” Enya said very, very softly. “Even though he has to pretend otherwise. He will not be that way with you.”

Iris straightened as a tense silence filled the room and Lady Enya’s eyes didn’t waver from hers.

“But that doesn’t mean he won’t make mistakes. Or say foolish things. You both will and should hold each other accountable for them each time. He will listen.” she said, and the corner of her mouth lifted. “Threaten to stab him a few times, if need be, goodness knows he needs it at times with that mouth of his.”

Iris bit back a smile at the knowing look Enya shot her then sobered as she added,

“But also...grant him a little patience. He’s never had something like this before.”

“Did you even consider what this has been like for me?” He had snarled at her the other night.

She hadn’t. Not really. Iris pursed her lips, rubbing a finger to her brow as she quietly spoke. “We...haven’t been very kind to each other. I — I haven’t been very kind.”

Lady Enya nodded knowingly. “I’m sure with the heightened emotions, kindness was the last thing on either of your minds. That night was a stressful evening for you both,” she said gently. “If you are willing and you find yourself wanting to, be honest with him. He will meet you in the middle if you are willing to meet him.”

Iris grimaced and before she could stop herself, she muttered, “The idea of being vulnerable with him makes me want to vomit.”

Her mother-in-law laughed softly and gave her a knowing look. “I don’t want to speak for him but as his mother, I can tell you with absolute certainty, he feels exactly the same way.”

Iris’s lip twitched, and then she sighed, her fingers curling in her lap. “I guess that makes it a little better.”

“Mutual embarrassment does make things a tad easier.”

Iris gave a small shrug with heated cheeks, wondering if Eris would ever feel as embarrassed as she had felt at this moment. “I suppose I can find it in me to be nice to him when he comes back.”

Her mother-in-law gave her an amused smile. “Don’t be too nice, now. We do need to keep him in check,” she said with a wink and Iris chuckled. The two sat in a few moments of comfortable silence as Iris processed what she was being told.

“I — I don’t know how to not doubt him,” she said quietly. “I don’t know how to...trust him.”

“Time and patience, my dear,” Enya replied with a small smile. “As much as you think you’ll have a hard time trusting him...Eris trusts people even less than you do. You were thrust into his life as suddenly as he was into yours and he isn’t very good at expressing his feelings.” she said and gave her a gentle smile. “You both are coming from the same place. Trust yourself and your judgment. But also...give him the chance to prove himself to you. Kindness will go a long way.”

It was one thing for Iris to be worried about trusting him, but it was a completely different idea to think of him being scared of trusting her. Eris being scared of anything that had to do with her was a thought that hadn’t crossed her mind at all.

Iris bit her lip, the idea of being even more open with him, giving him the chance to find ways where he could hurt her through this vulnerability —

Lady Enya squeezed her hand gently with a short chuckle. “You’re making the same face he does when he’s overthinking things. Both of you have come to expect the worst from others. Don’t let that seep into your marriage.”

Iris swallowed and then licked her lips. “It — it doesn’t feel like it’s supposed to be a real marriage,” she whispered.

Lady Enya reached out a hand and gently brushed back a loose strand of hair from Iris’s face, then rested a hand on her cheek with a sad smile. “I know it can be scary to start a new chapter of your life with so little choice in the matter, but you are not alone,” she said then firmly added. “I am here. So is Eris, if you’ll have him. When he returns, talk things out. You two get to decide how real you want it to be.”

Iris blinked and her throat bobbed as emotion clogged in her throat, at the tender touch of a mother to her cheek. She resisted the deep urge to hug her. She hadn’t been hugged in so long. By anyone soft-hearted. By anyone who understood. By...anyone at all.

“Thank you,” she whispered, and her eyes welled up at the look of understanding that crossed Enya’s face.

Lady Enya smiled softly and pulled her into her arms, giving Iris a bone-crushing hug, one that she had been craving. She sagged in her arms and Enya seemed to hug her tighter, especially when Iris let out a sniffle.

It took Iris a few minutes before she shakily pulled away, sniffling quietly. She let out a breath and quickly wiped at her eyes, her cheeks coloring in embarrassment. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “It’s been a very stressful few days.”

“I’m sure it has.” her mother-in-law said kindly. “Never apologize. I’m here. I understand.”

Iris nodded, hands gripping her dress to restrain her from asking for another hug. “Thank you.” she said again then licked her lips before testing the word, “Mother.”

Lady Enya beamed. “It sounds so lovely when you say it,” she said and squeezed her hand. “I hope all we discussed doesn’t make it seem like I’m trying to speak for Eris or justify anything that has happened but...I hope it helps your willingness to understand him a little more.” Enya bit her lip then added carefully, “I hope you feel more comfortable allowing him the chance to understand you.”

Iris swallowed as the word hope clanged through her. The morning after, she had woken up with hope. Hoping for something more. Hoping for things to be different even though she still had her doubts.

Her eyes dropped down into her lap. Iris’s grip tightened in the folds of her dress as she looked up at her mother-in-law’s face and then back to her lap, her heart thundered wildly in her chest. “I just —” she began then continued in a whisper, “I want to trust him. I want to but I’m afraid. I’m so afraid he’s going to be just like my father — that he’ll hurt me too and I —"

Lady Enya’s hand came to gently lift Iris’s chin and met her gaze. The fire blazing in them had Iris widening her eyes.

“My son would never lay a hand on you,” she said quietly but Iris didn’t miss the firmness in her tone. “He has been abused and has watched others around him be abused his whole life and knows what that does to a person. I raised him as best as I could to know better. To try and be better as much as he could in the circumstances we’re in.” Enya paused and released Iris’s chin to touch her cheek with a sad smile. “I wish I could take away your doubts about him but alas, I cannot. You will have to allow yourself to discover what he has to offer you. I can only assure you as best as I can that you are safe with him. He will keep you safe with everything he has. You only have to allow it.”

Iris swallowed and then nodded tightly as Lady Enya stood and Iris stood with her.

“I will give you some time alone then,” she said, squeezing Iris’s upper arm. “I simply wanted to see how you are doing. I don’t want to impose.”

Iris gave her a small smile. “You could never. I had hoped you and I would spend as much time together as possible.”

Lady Enya smiled. “We certainly will. I will make sure of it,” she said and then taking both of Iris’s hands into her own, she met her gaze. “Despite the less-than-ideal circumstances of you joining our family, I am thrilled you’re here and to have you as my daughter. I look forward to us getting to know each other well.” She gave her a knowing look. “Don’t hesitate to come to me for anything, understood?”

Following Lady Enya slowly to the door, Iris felt the weight that had been sitting on her chest lift as her mother-in-law turned back to her one last time. “I expect to see you with Eris for tea starting tomorrow, alright? Then we’ll shoo him and spend time alone.”

Iris gave her a small smile. “Sounds like a plan.”

Lady Enya gave her another smile and quietly departed, leaving Iris to stand at the open door to process.

Shutting it silently, she leaned against it for a moment and took a breath. Iris knew her fear was valid. Her apprehension was valid, even if Eris was trying his best. Even with all his mother said.

But then Iris thought back to his shocked face from this morning.

His disbelief when he said, “Take it back.”

She bit the inside of her cheek and walked towards her vanity, slowly sinking into the chair. She gazed at herself in the mirror, her eyes taking in her expression of worry. Iris was certainly entitled to how she felt but... reacting the way she did hadn’t made her feel any better. She sighed then turned and gazed around her living space. Her new home.

Home yet…

What did she want? Did she want something with Eris?

She wasn’t foolish to think this marriage couldn’t play out to her advantage. That already, he wasn’t planning to limit her entire existence the way she had been with her father. But at what cost? Did it have a cost? How much would she have to endure?

And when he came back...would he want to talk to her? And more importantly, what would Eris have to say?

#eris vanserra #eris vanserra x oc #eris x oc #eris vanserra fanfics #acotar fanfiction #gfics #smtb chapters #if you'd like to be tagged or removed please let me know #thank you for reading :)

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lucienarcheron · 1 month

Text

Spirit Meets the Bones - VIII

Genre: Angst/Romance Warnings: Mentions of physical abuse. Please be mindful: some implied language may be found triggering.

@abruisedmuse ily for being on this journey with me <3

Find it all here.

It took Iris a few minutes into their dinner to realize it was in fact, not going to be fine. That Beron was a much bigger threat than her father ever could be.

Iris swallowed and avoided the High Lord’s gaze. Even while asking Eris about court updates, the High Lord’s eyes kept drifting to her.

The tension in the room was so palpable, Iris felt herself choking on it. Despite her telling Eris it would be fine, the weight sitting on her chest at her father-in-law’s gaze was overwhelming.

Iris knew her mouth had always gotten her in trouble with her father, more times than she cared to admit — but with the High Lord...She wasn’t sure if she could handle staying quiet, which was the one thing she needed to do and her hands were already shaking with the effort. She had bit her tongue several times as it was.

On their way over, Eris had stopped walking every few moments to glance at her in silence, the muscles in his jaw flexing. Until she finally snapped at him to say whatever the hell he needed to say.

He had only made one suggestion. “Do not challenge him. He will try to bait you and will say outlandish things because he wants to see how you react. Do not let him bait you.”

Iris wasn’t exactly sure how she was supposed to do that when Beron was watching her like he wanted nothing more than to shred her to pieces. Was this what Eris’s previous lover had to deal with? But she hadn’t been his wife. Would he be worse because Iris was his wife instead of a lover passing the time? What had Eris meant when he said that Beron had gotten what he wanted willingly? Was it that the female had given up on Eris and left or —

“So, Iris. Hopefully, your wedding night was as magical as you imagined it would be. Has my son treated you well?”

Iris looked at the High Lord, at the cruel smile on his face and color bloomed on her cheeks. Her eyes flickered to Eris. Though his grip was tight on his fork and knife, he was chewing his food with no care in the world. Iris looked back to his father then back down to her plate, ever the obedient wife.

“Yes. He has,” she answered softly.

“Mm. That’s good,” he replied with a nasty laugh. “You didn’t embarrass me, son.”

“Of course not, Father,” Eris replied tightly. “I also gave Iris a tour of the house. She appreciated that, didn’t you, wife?”

The bite in his tone had her clenching her teeth. Though she knew he was only doing it for her benefit, the way his tone merged with his father’s scorn reminded her too much of her own father’s sneering that it caused a slight burning in her chest.

“Yes. Everything is very beautiful and well-maintained,” she said tightly. “It’s very impressive.”

“You look beautiful, Iris.” Lady Enya said kindly, reaching out a hand to gently pat hers and Iris looked up. “I hope you liked the selection I had prepared for you. I can always have the seamstress work with you to cater exactly to your taste.”

Iris had chosen a wine-colored dress with gold threading that complimented her figure well for dinner, pinning the sides of her hair up and leaving the rest in loose curls. She had definitely wanted to show her mother-in-law how much she appreciated all the gifts she’d been given and chosen carefully. Iris hadn’t missed Eris’s approving look.

But that moment seemed so long ago.

Before Iris could open her mouth to reply, Beron snorted. “Shouldn’t it be to what your son’s taste is? She’s dressing to his liking.”

“It doesn’t matter, father. She already knows what my preference is.” Eris replied and Iris slipped her hands off the table; she didn’t want to accidentally grab the knife closest to her and lodge it in his throat. It wasn’t even the implications of his words that had her face flushed, it was that tone.

“Eris.” his mother warned but Beron only smirked.

Iris willed her face not to slip into anger as she looked at her mother-in-law and smiled tightly. “Thank you for all your care and preparation. I’m honored you took the time to choose options for me. They’re all very beautiful.” She said. “I’d love to meet the seamstress with you and have your input in the future.”

“You’re very welcome. I can coordinate that at any time.” Lady Enya said, returning the tight smile and the room fell silent again.

Iris attempted a bite of her food, but it tasted like ash with Beron staring at her so intensely. Trying her best to ignore him, she turned back to Lady Enya and cleared her throat.

“I’d love to spend more time with you if you have the availability in your day. Eris told me there’s a garden you prefer.”

Lady Enya smiled more genuinely. “I do. I like to take afternoon walks. I would love for you to join me. You and I should spend more time together anyway. Eris, did you show her where it is?”

“I hope you’ll spare some time for me as well, Iris.” Beron cut in and the smile he gave his wife made Iris’s skin crawl as he turned back to her. “I’m sure Eris would want you to bond with both of his parents.”

Eris slowly turned to Iris and gave her a tight smile. “Of course, Father. Iris and I are at your disposal whenever you have the time.”

“And what do you think of that, Iris? Does your husband speak for you?” he asked, and Iris’s fingers clenched, her gaze on Eris. “Are you at my disposal whenever you have the time?”

“Father,” Eris said casually, sparing Iris one more look in a warning then glanced at his father.

“Son.”

A heartbeat of tense silence passed as Eris and his father looked at each other before the High Lord tutted, dismissing his son and Iris almost flinched at the way Eris’s jaw tightened.

The High Lord turned his gaze back to Iris.

“Tell me, Iris,” he began again, and she braced herself. “Your father mentioned to me you spent most of your time alone on your piano. Do you plan on playing for us soon?” He said and sipped from his wine. “Unless of course, you have other talents you’d like to share?”

“I can play for you all anytime you’d like.” She replied and risked a glance at him before her eyes drifted back to Eris in haste. Her husband merely looked at her indifferently and though she reminded herself once again that it was an act, it was hard not to let doubt seep in.

He had many faces, and he was good at getting what he wanted. How was this any different for him? Why would she be any different?

But the way he had reacted to her playing and the conversations they had been having...it made her believe that there was something there. Something worth giving him the benefit of the doubt. Something —

“You seem nervous, Iris.” The High Lord purred, and Iris held back her disgust. “Your mother-in-law and I don’t bite. Tell us more about yourself. I’m sure my son has asked you some questions in between him shoving his cock inside you.”

“Father.”

“Beron.”

But the High Lord only smirked, his eyes on Iris and the way her whole body had flinched when he said it.

“Did I say something wrong? Isn’t that what newlyweds do on their wedding night?” the High Lord sneered with a look of mock innocence. “You said he’s treated you well so I’m assuming you liked whatever he offered you.”

“Father, a little sensitivity would be appreciated,” Eris said through clenched teeth, the fork in his hand now bent backward. “I don’t like my wife being spoken to this way.”

“A lot of sensitivity would be appreciated.” Lady Enya snapped and Beron’s eyes flickered to her, ignoring Eris completely. “We are trying to have dinner with our newest daughter-in-law for the first time and that is inappropriate.”

“As far as I’m aware,” the High Lord said slowly and both Iris and Eris tensed at the tone. “I don’t have any other daughters-in-law.”

The Lady of Autumn seemed to flush but she didn’t break his gaze. “The only reason you don’t have a relationship with them is your own fault.”

Beron snorted again and the sneer in it seemed to make his wife’s flush deepen. Iris knew that sneer, had felt it one too many times and it made her fists shake.

“Yes, of course. That is the only reason,” he said quietly, and Iris’s eyes flickered between Eris’s throat bob and Lady Enya's clenched jaw at the words, her brows furrowed. But Beron had turned back to zero in on Iris again and her back straightened, bracing herself again. “Did he bother asking you about yourself or was he too busy taking you behind every corner on the so-called tour?”

“Cauldron, Father,” Eris snarled softly, and Iris’s eyes widened as his fist slammed down hard on the table, but Beron only smiled smugly. “You’re talking to my wife.”

“What is it, son? As far as I’m aware, you’ve been far from celibate so I’m sure you’ve been enjoying your wife thoroughly.” Beron continued and Lady Enya sucked in a breath as a muscle flexed in Eris’s jaw, as steam started to rise from his clenched fist, and the room became distinctly warmer. “Unless she’s not to your liking? Though she is a pretty thing, you do seem to have mediocre taste in females.”

“Beron —”

And Iris noticed the way Eris barely had a hold on his restraint. He had been so angry when he found her earlier, clearly triggered by whatever his father said. And now — now it was worse, and Iris’s own anger had also bubbled up too far.

By now, had it been her father, she would’ve gotten everything off of her chest and taken whatever blow he’d given her. She couldn’t take another disgusting word from Beron and any sense of self-preservation she had vanished at the mocking in Beron’s eyes, at the rage radiating from every pore of Eris’s body. At the way he seemed to use her to chip away at Eris, as if she had asked for any of this. As if she wasn’t good enough.

Before Eris could reply, Iris finally did.

“In between your son shoving his cock inside me,” she started, and Eris’s head snapped in her direction at the even tone. “Believe it or not, he has asked me a few things. We’ve been getting to know each other gradually.” Iris rested a hand on the table, smoothing the cloth beneath her fingers before looking up at the High Lord and bringing the conversation back to his original question. “As for other talents, I’m sure you know my father well enough to know I was very limited in what I could do. With my… supposed health issues and all.”

Beron quirked a brow and Eris’s hand slipped under the table and gripped her thigh, but Iris ignored him. “Yes, I was concerned about this mysterious illness of yours. I sure hope your father didn’t cheat us with a damaged bride.”

“I am not damaged.” She all but snarled and Eris’s grip tightened further, almost painfully but Iris refused to look at him.

“I should hope you’re not.” the High Lord said slowly, his smile both unnerving her and fueling her anger. “Maybe my son can teach you some new talents then. It seems you’re in good shape now.”

“Must’ve been your son’s magical cock. I guess I’m a faster learner.” she spat, and the room stilled. Beron watched his daughter-in-law, the gleam in his eyes seemingly more sinister.

Beron finally chuckled humorlessly and shot Eris a look that doused whatever anger Iris was feeling. It was a look that promised violence. She knew that look well and Eris’s back of faded scars flashed in her mind.

Iris’s insides shriveled up and she felt bile start to rise in her throat. She had fucked up. She had fucked up badly. The one time she had needed to keep her mouth shut and she had failed.

“I thought you said you put her in her place, son.”

“It seems her father was right in that she needed a heavy hand,” Eris replied tightly and shot her a look filled with a temper she wasn’t sure he was faking.

“Eris.” His mother said firmly, and his gaze snapped to her. “It’s been a long day. We can end dinner here.”

“I decide when we end dinner.” Beron snapped at his wife and then turned back to Iris. “And I don’t like the tone you speak in, girl. I am your High Lord. I’ve beheaded people for less.”

Iris clenched her fists in her lap and swallowed angrily. “Apologies, High Lord.” She forced herself to say demurely.

“My High Lord.” he corrected, and Iris bit back the retort she wished to give as she looked down, her eyes on Eris’s hand still gripping her thigh tightly.

“Apologies, my High Lord.” she amended and fought not to glare at her lap while his eyes were still on her.

He was not her father. She was used to his hands, knew when to anticipate the blow and where it would land. She had learned her father’s ticks but Beron...the dangerous gleam in his eyes was something she couldn’t anticipate. She felt so stupid. Iris truly had no clue what he’d do and how much he could make it hurt. If he had it in him to hurt his so-called favorite son, what would he do to her?

“Father, it has been a long day and clearly overwhelming for Iris,” Eris said and shot her a look that almost begged her to keep her mouth shut. “If you’ll excuse us, we’d like to retire.”

But Beron was still watching Iris and then his gaze flickered to his son.

“Son.” the High Lord began slowly, and dread coiled in her stomach at his smile. “I don’t see why you shouldn’t put her in her place here. She was disrespectful to me. It’s only fair I see you reprimand her.”

Eris’s grip on her thigh tightened enough that she was sure it would leave a mark and a beat of silence passed before Eris replied.

“The way I want to reprimand her isn’t one I can do in front of my parents,” he said coldly, and Iris froze as his mother gave him a pleading look.

“Eris just —”

Beron held up a hand, cutting his wife off with a snort. “Is that so, son?”

“I think we’ve had enough words, Father,” Eris said and Iris felt panic slowly start to rise in her body, her heart beating too fast for it to be any good. She watched Eris’s expression, watched him stare at his father who had his eyes narrowed at his son.

If Beron decided to make Eris do anything, Iris would —

But a nasty smile emerged on the High Lord’s face as he finally looked away from his son and back at Iris, who flushed. “I see. Privacy would be required here.”

Lady Enya finally shot out of her seat. “That is enough.” she snapped and Beron turned to her slowly, the room immediately getting tenser as Eris also slowly stood.

“Mother, no need to be upset,” Eris said calmly, even as his fists clenched. “Father, we are leaving.”

“Get out then.” Beron dismissed and shot his son a look of disdain. “And this time, truly put her in her place. If you don’t, I will. There are enough places people won’t see.”

Iris flinched at the words, her heart thundering and Lady Enya gaped at her husband before turning to her son again.

“Eris —”

“Don’t give him your useless input. You’re the reason he’s still soft.” The High Lord snarled, and Eris tensed as his father turned to him. “What luck do you have commanding a court if you can’t control your wife’s mouth?”

“Father —“ Eris started, face flushed in anger but Beron waved him off, looking directly at Iris.

“I suggest you think twice before speaking from now on. Your voice is not necessary. You are to be beside my son looking presentable and nothing more. Don’t go thinking you can have opinions and thoughts of your own. You are not important. Understood?”

Silence filled her head as she stared at the male across from her, thinking how she never thought she’d hate someone more than she could hate her father.

“Understood?”

Her chin dipped in response, and he waved them off carelessly, his eyes back on his wife who stared at him openly in contempt.

“Get out. Your mother and I need to have words.”

Eris hid it well, but Iris didn’t miss the bob of his throat as he gazed at his mother. Lady Enya only nodded and then jerked her head to the door. Iris felt the agony rip through him to leave her and she wanted nothing more than to take back everything she had said.

“Come along, wife.” Eris spat and Iris tried not to flinch at the tone, standing shakily and slowly following Eris.

They stepped out of the room and Iris made to get away from the door as quickly as possible, but Eris grabbed her arm.

She turned, her anger and humiliation crashing around her in waves, ready to rip his hand off but saw his face flushed angrily as he stood rigidly at the door. His grip was tight on her arm, but Iris could see he wasn’t even paying attention to her. He was listening to the heated conversation happening behind the door.

He was waiting — waiting for the scrape of the chair, indicating someone had moved to —

His breath loosened when footsteps started to fade, and Eris sensed his mother had walked off without harm. Finally loosening his grip, Iris yanked her arm away from him and without looking at him, stomped off to their bedroom.

Eris closed the bedroom door behind them and watched as Iris immediately backed away from him with a glare.

“What the hell was that?” she breathed, and Eris shook his head, the room around them immediately heating again.

He was so fucken angry. Nothing about that dinner had gone as he wanted and Iris — his eyes flashed to her and the scent of her anger and fear merging together nearly made him scream.

“Don’t say another word.” his tone clipped but Iris shook her head with a harsh laugh.

“The way you want to reprimand me isn’t one you can do in front of your parents?” she hissed.

Eris snarled, waving her off. “You had one job.” He snapped. “Ignore anything he says to you because he’s purposely going to bait you. And what do you do? Let him bait you.”

“What about you?” she snapped. “You were two seconds away from ripping his head off! How was I supposed to sit back and let him speak to me that way!”

“What exactly did you expect to accomplish by replying? Going to get up and try to stab him too?” Eris scoffed and dragged a hand through his hair. “Believe me, I would’ve loved to see you try.”

“How can you sit back when he’s talking to your wife like this?” she snarled.

“Because I know what he’s doing. I know he’s trying to use whatever you and I have going on against us one way or another and you let him see too much!”

“He expects you to beat me. To shut me up.” She sneered, her voice rising an octave. “To put me in my place.”

“Yes, he does.” Eris snapped. “And tomorrow when he sees you, let’s hope you can act better than you did today.”

“What would you have done if he had ordered you to do something? How would that have gone, Eris?” she snarled.

“I would’ve handled it!”

“Oh, because tonight went so well.”

“It would’ve been fine had you not opened your mouth and made it worse.”

Iris growled and turned away from him, stomping over to their vanity, practically ripping her hair clips out.

An ugly silence washed over the room and Iris tried not to let her lips tremble as she rubbed at her eyes, the mortification of what she was feeling catching up to her.

What a disgusting, despicable male. And he was her father-in-law.

And the way he kept looking at her. That was no way a father-in-law looked at his daughter-in-law.

That was a predator who found its next prey.

Eris sighed behind her, and she glared at him over her shoulder.

“Look — it wasn’t supposed to happen this way,” he replied quietly, holding his hands up in acceptance. “I’m – I apologize for all the things he said and for what I had to say.”

“What you said.” she seethed, whirling around, and Eris’s eyes flashed in annoyance. “I know your father is a piece of shit but gods, you really sell it with that sneering tone of yours.”

“If I was any nicer to you, he’d carve you open at the table just to prove he could.” he spat in return. “You saw it yourself. I told you we have to be a certain way in front of him. I don’t understand why you’re surprised. I told you all this.”

“Not like this! I was not prepared for this. I’m his son’s wife!” she nearly shrieked. “How can he talk to me and about me that way? How can he look at me that way?”

Eris lowered his head, a hand rubbing his eyebrow as if he was trying to think of how he could explain how disgusting his father was to her. As if Iris hadn’t caught on.

“He does it on purpose. He...gravitates towards younger females and isn’t exactly a faithful male. He knows it’s going to bother me.” he finally said, and Iris blanched. “You’re young and beautiful and —”

“I’m his son’s wife!”

“It doesn’t matter that you’re my wife,” Eris growled. “He’s vile and disgusting and a High Lord! A High Lord that enforces rank. A High Lord that knows he could get the attention of any female he wants because it makes him forget about my mother.”

“Are you saying your father is attracted to me?” she whispered and felt the bile rise in her throat again, but Eris shook his head in disgust.

“No.” he snapped, though a kernel of doubt pulsed in his chest. Knowing his father, Eris wouldn’t put it past Beron to look at his wife that way. Not that she needed to know that. “I’m saying he’ll make you uncomfortable to piss me off because he can. Just to bait me into doing something stupid and then punish me for it. This is my way of confirming to you that he’s more disgusting than people think.”

Silence filled her head once more as she recalled what Eris had said about his former lover.

In the end, my father won and got what he wanted from her willingly.

“You said — you said your father got what he wanted from your lover.” she choked out and Eris flushed deeply. “Does that mean what I think it does?”

Eris froze but Iris’s eyes zeroed in on his fists clenching at his sides. He had done it so many times today. Would he —

“Why settle for the son of a high lord when the high lord himself could give you the attention you want?” he said sourly, and Iris paled.

“He wouldn’t do that with me, would he?” she whispered.

“Do you want to fuck my father?” he sneered and Iris gagged.

“I’d rather drown myself at sea.”

“Then I don’t think it’ll be a problem if you’re not a willing participant.”

“I hardly wanna fuck you.” she seethed. “You think I’d want to fuck your father? My father-in-law?”

“You didn’t want to be powerless anymore, right?” Eris glared, the color in his face intensified as he sneered then gave a humorless chuckle. “If you decide to switch which Vanserra you spread your legs for, you’ll get to that goal much faster with my father.”

Iris gaped at him as he glowered in return, the rage in the room palpable.

“That’s disgusting,” she said through clenched teeth. “You’re disgusting.”

“Thank you. Welcome to the family,” he replied with a mocking bow and Iris let out a growl and turned away from him.

It took her a moment, where she swallowed and blinked several times, trying to contain her revulsion and temper before she could say anything else.

“Does he — he doesn’t force himself on females, does he?” she asked quietly, looking over her shoulder at him. “Does he abuse his power that way?”

Eris’s mouth went into a thin line and shook his head. “As far as I’ve been aware, it’s always been consensual and they’re always of age. My father may be an animal but even he tries not to cross that line,” he said, his lips curled in distaste. “Believe it or not, females approach him because he has power, money, and a taste for infidelity.”

He paused here, glancing at Iris, and then looked away. “I – I always tried to check afterward. My mother and I discreetly try to make sure. He just has a preference.”

Iris looked at him in horror and Eris had the intense urge to set himself on fire just to wipe himself off the face of the world to not see the look she gave him. He was already saying too much — she was hearing too much —

“Your mother knows?”

“Of course, she does,” he said faintly. “She likes it best when he forgets about her too.”

Iris took a deep breath and ran a hand down her face. “I don’t know what to think or what to make of this —” she said shakily and shot him a look of revulsion. “I’m —”

“Don’t look at me like that. Stop looking at me like that,” he said tiredly, and Iris shook her head again, but he didn’t miss the slight tremble in her hands. “I do everything that I can.”

“I’m thinking of how you said it would take you very little to make me miserable,” she said, shaking her head, and Eris tensed. “I’m — I’m thinking of what you said you could do to me —”

“Are you thinking of the part I said after? That you were thinking of my father, and I am not him?” he snapped. “I am not him. I actively try my hardest not to be like him in any way especially because — and I don’t know if you noticed from this one sitting with you flinging your feelings at me — but my father doesn’t exactly like me very much.”

He strode up to her and she backed a step, knocking into the vanity as fire blazed in his eyes.

“But I allow him to do and say whatever the fuck he wants to me as long as my mother has to stop taking the brunt of his shit.” he snarled. “I will do everything I can to protect you from him and take the brunt of that as well and I am sorry that it has to be that way and I am sorry that you might have to hear more things from him you won’t like, but I am playing his game so that I can keep worming my way around until I can finish him.”

“That’s what happened with your lover, wasn’t it? Your father kept doing and saying inappropriate things and you stood by letting it happen like a coward until she couldn’t stand you any longer and just gave in to him?” she spat, and Iris knew it was a low blow — one he didn’t rightly deserve as Eris flinched back.

“You were just ready to use that against me, weren’t you?” he snarled. “I only told you that so you understand he would do everything he could to get back at me through you. I’m trying to get you to understand that he would have no qualms about ending your life just to spite me and your father certainly wouldn’t give a shit if my father tossed your decapitated corpse right into the river.”

And it was Iris’s turn to flinch. “Stop.”

“Then understand that I am trying. I am trying my fucken hardest and don’t appreciate that fucken tone, Iris.” he hissed. “Did you even consider what this has been like for me? How much harder everything is now because of you? Do you even know how hard it was for me not to incinerate him on the spot because of the way he was with you? It would ruin everything I have been working towards.”

Iris shoved away from him. “Well, you didn’t now, did you? And all I feel is disgusted. I feel like — I don’t want to —” she stopped and shot him a look of contempt. “I don’t want to share a bed with you. I don’t want whatever the fuck this life is with you.”

She could’ve slapped him and it would’ve bothered him less. He snorted, a look of scorn on his face as he waved a hand.

“Be my guest to sleep in the bathroom then. I don’t give a single fuck, darling wife. It’s not like I’ve benefited much from you in my bed anyway.” he sneered, shooting his own low blow and Iris flinched back again as though he had slapped her. “It must be so terrible to be you. Poor little Iris, married to a prince in a castle that doesn’t think about beating her on the daily.”

Her face fell and it was that expression that extinguished his anger immediately.

“Iris —”

“Don’t.”

She didn’t bother looking at him as she stormed to the bed and grabbed two pillows, the dagger she had hidden beneath them, and ripped the blanket right off then stalked to the bathroom and slammed the door behind her.

Eris looked at the closed door and felt the will to live leave his body. His will to even breathe properly left him.

With a growl and then a heavy sigh, he hung his head and slowly sank into the vanity seat, his eyes on the bathroom door his wife was now hiding.

#eris vanserra #eris vanserra x oc #eris x oc #eris vanserra fanfics #acotar fanfiction #gfics #smtb chapters #if you'd like to be tagged or removed pls let me know #thank you for reading! :)#if I missed anyone pls let me know!

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lucienarcheron · 1 month

Text

Spirit Meets the Bones VII

Genre: Angst/Romance Warnings: Mentions of physical abuse.

shoutout to my darling @abruisedmuse for keeping me sane! ily <3

Find it all here.

The Forest House seemed to fascinate Iris. Eris watched her expressions as he took her through every corner of its sprawling complex, through the trees and rocks woven within it, and even through its uppermost levels which was the only level visible above the ground.

With every sentry they met and various staff that roamed, he was acutely aware of how she watched his interactions with them and Eris made it a point to introduce her as often as the moment would allow it, but only to the right people. He found that Iris was very good at playing the shy wife, even as, much to his amusement, she muttered obscenities at him.

He took her through the tunnels a few levels into the stone and they went through a ballroom, training rooms, and the large kitchens. Eris watched with mirth as she scarfed down the quick lunch the kitchen staff hastily prepared for them.

It was highly unusual for any member of the household to be down eating in the kitchens and Eris knew they were nervous with him there but Iris...he watched in curiosity as she quickly made friends and eased their apprehension with a few jokes. Her eyes would flicker to him each time, as if to make sure she was acting correctly, behaving as expected and it made his stomach clench.

It was such a stupid thing but a survival instinct he had mastered early on. One she mirrored and caught on to very quickly.

There wasn’t a corner they hadn’t reached and though it had taken them well into the afternoon before they made their way back up to the wing housing his mother and the music room, Eris could tell she was impressed.

“Not as suffocating as you imagined?” he asked with a smirk and gave her a pointed stare.

“No. It is not,” she said with a chuckle. “But I appreciate you taking me outside first. It’s made me appreciate the inside more.”

“You’re enamored with your new home as you’re enamored with your husband then.” He asked, his smirk widening.

“I’m enamored with the idea that there are so many places I could murder you in.” She said with a sweet smile.

“I aim to please,” Eris said, nodding graciously, giving her a mock bow and Iris rolled her eyes, giving him the finger.

“My mother’s chambers are to the left and if you go straight down to the right, we have the music room,” he explained with a chuckle then pointed. “If you’d like to go ahead while I check in with my mother about dinner, you can. Or would you like to come with me?”

Iris shook her head with a smaller smile and started walking ahead. “I’d rather look a little more polished before I meet her...I'll see you when you’re finished.”

Tucking her smile into his heart, Eris did a double-take at the thought then grimaced. He wouldn’t overthink it. He took a breath and turned towards his mother’s chambers.

The conversations that took place between them as they continued to spend time together were...interesting. She asked him about everything and though Eris answered to the best of his ability, it was still strange to him that she wasn’t running off. Or attempting murder.

Knocking, he waited for permission before stepping in and smiling at his mother who welcomed him with a wave.

“Mother.”

“My son.” was her affectionate reply and the tips of Eris’s ear heated.

Planting a kiss on her cheek, he rested himself on the arm of the chair she was resting in, a book in hand.

“A second visit in one day? Has Iris tried to stab you again?” she asked with a coy smile.

Eris chuckled. “She tried to bite me but all has been well since then,” he replied. “I’ve been giving her the tour and she seemed to enjoy it.”

His mother smiled and looked behind him before meeting his eye again. “I’m glad to hear that. She isn’t with you now?”

“She’s slipped ahead to the music room but we both wanted to know if you’d be available for us to join you for dinner?” he asked with a small smile and Lady Enya beamed.

“Of course! I’d love for you two to join me!” she said and sat up, placing her book down. “I’ll have our staff make a lovely feast for us.”

“She wanted to spend time with you and thank you for the clothes.”

Lady Enya waved a hand. “She doesn’t need to thank me for anything but I’m so happy she wants to have dinner. I wanted to ask you this morning but didn’t want to push,” she said with a chuckle.

Eris nodded and waited for a heartbeat before slowly saying, “She met the hounds.”

Her eyebrows went up. “Oh?”

“They...were surprisingly very receptive to her.”

His mother’s lips twitched and she sat back. “Were they now?”

“My terrifying hounds were like putty in her hands,” he grumbled without any real heat. “Those traitors loved her.”

“Did they?”

“What does that look mean, Mother?” he asked with a small scowl and his mother chuckled.

“I don’t know, Eris. What does it mean?” she teased and his scowl deepened.

“Mother.”

She chuckled again and squeezed his hand. “I'd say it means they know that you like her.”

Eris blinked and digested this for a moment. “Well. She is my wife.”

“Mmm. I suppose.”

Eris grunted, squinting at his mother’s smile, and rubbed the tip of his ear. “We...are still getting to know each other. I do not mind her so far.”

His mother rolled her eyes. “Yes. That’s exactly it,” she said with a small snort. “Because you don’t mind her.”

He weighed his next statement, his heart thundering in his wretched chest and his mother watched him with a knowing smile.

“It’s been...surprisingly easy,” he muttered. “To tell her things.”

“Good. It should be,” she replied.

“No. It’s too easy,” he said quickly then frowned and added in a whisper. “I’m unnerved. I don’t like it.”

“It’s because you’re not used to it.” his mother said gently. “The only other time you did, it didn’t end well but that is not the case here.”

Eris’s frown deepened. His mind had never been so torn over a female like this. His only justification was that he’d never been married before so naturally, this should be normal. He blinked.

“Is this normal?” he asked in a quiet tone and his mother gave him a bemused smile.

“What, exactly?”

Eris waved a hand with a grimace. “These...mixed emotions.”

“I think you need to stop overthinking it.”

“Why.”

“Because you will cause yourself more stress than you already have."

Eris narrowed his eyes at his mother’s expression, but he finally shook his head at her response. His mother was right. He didn’t need to overthink it. Didn’t need to read too much into it.

“I thought it would be more awkward, that’s all.”

“How much more awkward do you want it to be with the threats and all?” His mother said with a snort and the corner of his mouth lifted at the noise. “She seems to have spent much of her time alone...maybe she’s also wanted someone to talk to.”

Eris thought about this for a moment. It seemed to make sense. But again, he didn’t want to overthink it and only narrowed his eyes at his mother who chuckled.

“Your mind is always trying to find the snakes. I don’t think she’s going to be one of them,” she added and Eris nodded slowly. But then his mother chuckled again and Eris frowned, his cheeks coloring.

“If you keep making fun of me Mother, I’m going to stop telling you anything.”

This only made his mother laugh again. “It’s just — it’s delightful to see you so frazzled over a girl,” she said with a smile. “Your wife, nonetheless.”

“Delightful,” he said dryly. “Yes. I’m thrilled you find this so funny.”

“I’m interested to see what else you two end up sharing together.”

And again, Eris felt like a prepubescent boy embarrassing himself in front of his mother. Judging by the very knowing look she gave him, she enjoyed it too much. “I’m going to catch up with Iris,” he mumbled. “We’ll see you at dinner, then?”

Smiling, she patted his hand. “Yes! I look forward to it, my son.”

“Look forward to what exactly?”

Both Eris and his mother froze, their eyes locking. Eris swiftly stood, clasping his hands behind his back, and turned to face his father.

“Father.”

“Son,” Beron replied, his eyes slipping to his wife who had sat back, her eyes on the book. “What is it you’re looking forward to, dear?”

Eris clenched his fists at the word, meant as mockery rather than a term of endearment. Tension immediately filled the space as Eris looked at his mother and smiled tightly.

“Iris and I were planning to have dinner with Mother,” Eris said and Beron quirked a brow. Knowing he couldn’t avoid it and even though he hated to say it, he added, “You are welcome to join us, of course.”

“Ah, so the daughter-in-law will dine with the mother-in-law? How charming.” Beron said with a bite and the tension in Eris’s shoulders tightened. “When were you planning to have her meet with me?”

“Whenever you wished, Father. I know your schedule is full so it would’ve been at your preference.” Eris replied and Beron tutted.

“You always line your words up so neatly, son. As if I can’t smell your lies.” Beron said with a threatening smile. “If you had it your way, I’d never be in the same room as your little wife. Are you so attached already?”

Eris’s mouth went into a thin line. “We’re still getting to know each other.”

Beron snorted. “I’m assuming you put her in her place last night. Her father mentioned she needed a heavy hand,” he said, shooting his son a look and then turning from them towards the chair opposite his mother. “I won’t allow you to embarrass me by letting your wife walk all over you.”

Anger flared through every bone of Eris’s body and it took every ounce of self-control not to snap his neck on the spot.

“She won’t.”

“I should hope not,” Beron said, the smile now having a cruel edge to it. “You aren’t one to be controlled by a pretty cunt since you learned your lesson long ago. Remember that.”

Eris’s whole body shut down and roaring filled his ears. Gods, how desperately he wanted to snap his neck and be done with it. Kill him on the spot. Run his sword through his gut as many times as possible and watch him bleed out.

“Beron.” Lady Enya said, her tone sharper than it ever usually was with him, snapping Eris out of his thoughts.

The High Lord turned to his wife in amusement. “Yes, dear?”

“She’s your daughter-in-law. There’s no need to speak this way,” she spoke and Beron scoffed at her.

“But of course, dear. I shall mind my tongue as you always mind yours,” he replied then turned back to his son. “We’ll see you and your wife at dinner. I look forward to chatting with her.”

Eris clenched his jaw then nodded curtly. “We’ll see you then.” he ground out and before his father pushed his last button, he swiftly left the room.

He stood in front of the closed door for a moment, just to check — to make sure his father didn’t lay a hand — but he let out a breath when he only heard the clipped conversation and his mother slipping into the next room.

He needed to breathe more deeply. He needed — He needed his father dead, desperately. But not yet. His mother still needed time.

Eris rolled his shoulders back, running his tongue over his teeth then made his way to the music room. Iris was likely wondering what had taken so long but —

How would she react now that she had to spend dinner with his father as well? That was definitely not how it was supposed to go.

With a clenched jaw, tension rose through his body again and he made his way to his wife. The taunt of his past lover rang in his ear with each step and Eris’s fists clenched again.

He stopped in front of the room and found the door ajar but before he stepped in, he forced himself to take another deep breath. He didn’t need to let Iris know how he felt. Eris could keep it together. He knew better than to let his father rattle him. And yet...

Eris stepped into the room but Iris’s attention was fully on the grand piano. She must’ve already gone through the other instruments as she was now standing in front of it, her face thoughtful.

He watched silently as she reached out a hand and touched a key, the sound resonating through the room. The corner of her mouth ticked up and she pressed another, the sound going through the room once more. Stepping closer to the instrument, she let her hand glide across the set of keys and her smile widened at the sounds.

The chuckle that slipped her lips seemed to douse some of the anger in him.

He cleared his throat and strode slowly towards her. “Enjoying yourself?”

Iris turned to him and gave him a small smile. “I suppose.”

“Is it to your standards?”

“It’s beautiful. Perfectly tuned.”

“Then why aren’t you sitting to play?”

Iris sighed, pursing her lips while glancing at the white piano, their reflections shining off of it. “Sometimes I’m not sure if I love playing or I hate it.”

Eris leaned against the piano and glanced at his wife, watching her facial expressions. “Because of why you had to play?”

“Because I’m supposed to do this and nothing else. And I hate that.”

The lick of anger he was feeling from his father flared at the implication of her own father’s behavior and he spat, “Well, that’s not the case anymore. You can play because you enjoy it. And if you don’t enjoy it, then don’t play.”

Iris turned to him fully at his tone and Eris tried to curb his anger, tried to ease the tension in his shoulders but she seemed to see right through it.

“You’re angry,” she stated quietly and Eris noted how her eyes snapped to his clenched fist.

He quickly unclenched his hands.

“I am,” he stated simply and Iris met his gaze.

“Why?”

Eris ran his tongue over his teeth and it took him a moment to unclench his jaw.

“My mother will be happy to have us for dinner,” he said and Iris gave him a confused look.

“That’s... a good thing?”

“Yes,” he said, clasping his hands behind his back and clenched his fists once more. “But my father overheard and will be joining us as well.”

Iris grimaced. “Oh.”

“Yes,” he said. “And that is why I am the way I am right now.”

Iris fidgeted slightly, wringing her hands. “Is it going to be bad?”

“Yes.” he replied tightly. “If I know my father...he will make it bad. We will really have to sell our roles.”

Iris observed him for a moment and Eris let her, finding that looking at her seemed to ground him. He didn’t need to be too angry. It would be fine. He didn’t —

“Come. Sit with me,” she said and Eris blinked as she slipped onto the piano bench. She glanced at Eris and patted the space next to her.

He glanced at the space and then at her again before he slowly slid down next to her. She seemed to hold herself more rigidly than expected and it was then he noticed her eyes on his clenched fists again. A pang went through his chest and he immediately relaxed his hands once more.

“I will only cause a disturbance if I start pressing on these keys,” he said dryly and Iris chuckled, though a little nervously.

“That’s why I will play and you will listen,” she said quietly and looked at him.

His expression softened into surprise. “Really?”

“I did say maybe,” she said. “Today seems to be your lucky day.”

The corner of Eris’s mouth lifted and he nodded.

She nodded in return then looked away, back to the keys. He watched her take a deep breath and look down at the keys, a slight fondness in her gaze.

Then Iris started playing and his heart skidded inside his chest at what had to be one of the most beautiful melodies he had ever heard.

He watched her play, mesmerized, the notes seeming to rise off the piano and fill the space around them. He could almost see the music floating around the room, shimmering around them. He could feel it indenting itself into his bones.

Whatever tension that was previously in his body seemed to drift out of him as Iris’s fingers made magic. Eris watched her, his eyes locked on her face as she played, her own eyes closed, a small smile gracing her lovely face. He swallowed as the melody washed over him, soothing without a salve.

His shoulders drooped and Eris knew his expression had fallen into awe. He felt...he wasn’t sure how to describe it but he felt.

His eyes never left her face as she continued to play, the melody bringing him to an emotional edge he hadn’t quite experienced in a long time and Eris seemed to lose track of time. He forgot where they were and what they were supposed to be doing. All he could remember was that he was Eris and she was Iris, her melody a thread pulled taut between them.

His Iris, that was causing stars to shatter inside him.

His Iris. His wife.

A wife that had made him share more than he had shared with anyone in such a short amount of time. A wife he wanted a real life with.

A wife that was making him feel things he wasn’t sure he was allowed to feel.

After what Eris could only imagine was a blissful lifetime, Iris slowly came to a finish, the final note vibrating through the room even though he desperately didn’t want it to end.

A blanket of silence covered them as Iris’s hand hovered over the keys and Eris blinked rapidly, rolling his shoulders back, trying to ease the goosebumps all over his skin.

She opened her eyes and took another breath before she turned to look at him. “Did you like it?” she asked softly.

Eris had to try swallowing several times before he could finally reply, glancing at her in wonder. “That was beautiful.” He whispered and Iris flushed, a genuine smile blooming on her face.

“Thank you. Moments like this remind me that indeed, I do love playing,” she said with a chuckle but she looked away from him, her eyes now on the keys. “You shared a few things with me today that must’ve been difficult. This is me sharing a little something with you.”

Eris swallowed once more then blinked, his expression a mix of reverence and terror. He quickly realized this was going to be a bigger problem than he expected.

Quickly realized that if she kept making him feel things he was going to be irrevocably fucked.

That he needed to warn her again —

“Iris.” he said but she shook her head.

“Don’t say anything else about him.”

But how could Eris not warn her again? His father would rip her to pieces. He would destroy her and Eris would have to — he would need to —

Her hand came to rest atop his. The third time she’d touched him voluntarily today.

“Dinner will be fine,” she said calmly. “We’ll make the best of it.”

Eris took a deep breath and instantly flushed, his emotions catching up to him. He had never let his feathers get ruffled like this.

“Was that an attempt at sorcery with that particular song?” he joked, his voice not entirely steady and Iris’s flush deepened, her lips twitching.

“It’s...a song I like to play when I need a moment. A favorite of mine. It feels like magic.”

“That it does.”

Eris felt her eyes on him but he couldn’t look at her again. His eyes were focused on her hand atop his.

Dinner would be fine. It had to be fine.

“It will be fine.” she said, as if she could hear his thoughts. “I will watch what I say.”

And he hated that she had to. Hated that they both had to watch anything they did. Before he let the sourness overtake him, Eris swallowed again.

“Do you like to dance?” he asked quietly and Iris blinked at him in surprise at the question. He only looked at her, wondering if she could see the image that had come to life in his mind of the two of them dancing to her song.

She bit her lip, letting a second pass before she shook her head. “I never had a proper partner.”

“Well…it’s a good thing I’m an excellent dancer then,” he said, attempting his previous bravado and Iris raised a brow then chuckled.

“I suppose I can learn to enjoy it if you keep your hands in the right places.”

Eris chuckled, some of the tension in his body easing. “You’ll need to define where those right places are, little gazelle,” he said, the corner of his mouth going up as she rolled her eyes.

“The places that won’t end up with a knife in your chest, husband.”

He chuckled again and despite her threat, Iris smiled at him. “Let’s go freshen up before I have to pretend to whimper and wince for your father,” she said and patted his hand. Just as she stood to move, Eris tugged on her hand gently.

It was Iris’s turn to eye his hand on hers.

“I hope you play this song again,” he said quietly. “When it’s a good moment too.”

She met his gaze and he felt her heartbeat vibrating at the same frequency as his own.

“I hope so too.” was her quiet response, color blooming on her cheeks. She gave him a small smile and slid away from him, Eris’s eyes following her, watching as her fingers flexed at her sides, listening to the erratic rhythm of her heart.

Many thoughts crossed his mind as he slowly stood, following in her footsteps but the one he allowed himself to dwell on was that they needed to rearrange their living chamber. A piano would be required.

#eris vanserra #eris vanserra x oc #eris x oc #eris vanserra fanfic #acotar fanfiction #gfics #smtb chapters #if you;d like to be tagged or removed pls let me know

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lucienarcheron · 1 month

Text

Spirit Meets the Bones - VI

Genre: Angst/Romance Warnings: Mentions of physical abuse.

shoutout to my darling @abruisedmuse for keeping me sane while writing. ily!

Find it all here.

He had let her win.

She knew it and though it stung her pride for a moment, getting to see his hounds would be worth it.

Iris was not trained to be that good of a rider to truly have a chance at beating him but she had wanted to try.

After he cheated by giving himself a head start, Iris had chased after him, letting out a cry of outrage followed by a string of such foul language that Eris had not expected, he had to stop just to laugh.

She had stopped next to him, ready to launch into a verbal assault but the sight of him laughing so openly had any words die in her throat. Iris could begrudgingly admit that her husband was handsome but...gods, he must not laugh often for his face to look this radiant when he did.

Her face flushed at the thought. She doubted anyone had ever used the word radiant to describe Eris. But fire flowed in his veins and it seemed to burn brighter when he smiled. Iris grimaced. If he ever found out these thoughts crossed her mind...his ego would be suffocating.

And like children, Iris had insisted they count to three and then raced back to the stables.

But he had still let her win, even at the cost of the kiss he constantly teased her about.

Eris didn’t think she would hold it against him though. In fact, based on the conversations they had been having all day and how her shoulders had loosened alongside her expressions, she seemed to have relaxed enough not to hold too much against him at this point.

Especially if he kept smiling at her. She seemed to pause when he did. He was listening to her requests and that seemed to open an avenue between them. They were all reasonable requests. He had no real reason to say no.

Eris also found that he liked it when she smiled back at him. Really liked it. So, he wouldn’t take a kiss unless she would willingly give it.

They continued to watch each other as they returned the horses to the stables, the air between them less tense than it had been this morning but still mingled with awkwardness.

When they finally began walking towards the general direction of the house, Iris stopped him with a gentle hand and Eris’s eyes zeroed in on her fingers touching his knuckles. That she was touching him voluntarily...

“The hounds.” she only said and Eris looked at her with a raised brow.

“Don’t tell me I need to teach you basic manners, wife.”

Iris narrowed her eyes. Both of Eris’s brows went up.

Iris watched him then, watched him as he watched her. He had been awfully reasonable all morning, but she still needed to work through this doubt of hers. And he was still a little shit. Which meant she obviously needed to be one right back.

Slowly, she brought her hands to rest beneath her chin and gave him a charming smile. “Please take me to see the puppies, husband.”

Eris’s whole body locked up and he immediately let his expression turn stoic. He prayed to whatever gods were listening that the tip of his ears didn’t give away the cardiac arrest he was sure his body was succumbing to at the moment.

This was an outrageous reaction. She had only said please with a smile. It should not have this kind of impact — what in the cauldron —

“They are not puppies.” he barely managed and her smile widened.

“I did win so it’s only fair you take me now,” she said and slid an inch closer to him. “Then we can go on the tour? You said there was a music room you would show me.”

But Eris wasn’t listening. He willed his mind not to focus on the words ‘take me now’ but rather, focus on what little distance was now between them. She had not only touched him on her own, without a dagger present, but she had also moved closer to him. On her own. His eyes were on the inch of space between them. What did this mean? It would be impossible for her to trust him enough already. Was it him being agreeable? Was it —

Iris watched him and bit her lip, which did nothing to help him. His whole body had shut down. “Eris?”

Eris looked up at her and blinked. Then cleared his throat, shook out his hands, and held out his arm. “I’ll take you. You did win after all.” he finally said, and Iris didn’t fail to notice the slight color on his face.

Fighting back a smile, she smugly took his arm, the feeling much different from her taking his arm as she had on their wedding day.

They began walking in silence towards the kennel, Eris guiding their walk and Iris took the time to pay attention to her surroundings. She was also painfully aware of the way his body constantly brushed up against hers.

The grounds surrounding the Forest House were in beautiful condition. Everything was neatly trimmed, the colors merging like a beautiful fall painting, the air crisp around them.

Eris nodded to each of their sentries as they passed, and Iris observed how they reacted to him.

“Are these some of the sentries loyal to you?” she whispered, making sure she appeared as demure as they expected her to be.

“Most are loyal to me. Only the ones directly under my father’s hand are not,” he replied quietly.

Iris blinked. He was a lot more powerful than he let on.

“You hide it well.”

He looked at her in confusion. “Hide what?”

“The fact that it would take you very little to overthrow your father but you hold back.”

Eris froze, stopping Iris with him. Carefully, he looked around them in a way one would think he was observing the weather. Gently but firmly, he pulled her by the arm to face him and in a voice barely above a whisper he said, “Do not ever say something like that again. Especially outside of our bedroom. Especially out in the open. The wind carries all secrets.”

She blinked, her eyes flickering to the hand on her arm and then back to his carefully crafted expression. But his eyes gave away his true feelings.

“I didn’t realize it was such a sensitive subject.”

“Both of our heads will be on spikes faster than you can apologize,” he said quietly. “My father does not take to traitors.”

“You’re his firstborn,” she whispered.

“Who is more well-liked and rivals him in strength.” his lips barely moved as he answered. “I tread very carefully. He’s punished me for less.”

Iris swallowed then nodded and Eris slowly let go of her arm. Clasping his hands behind him, he jerked his head towards the path leading to the kennels and Iris followed him quietly, a slight distance between them now.

It served as a reminder to them both that they still knew little about one another. So they walked in silence until the sound of barks and growls greeted them.

Eris turned to look at her. “This kennel only opens with my magic and the very limited staff that take care of them. As my wife, you would now also be given access,” he explained. “They do not obey anyone but me no matter who orders them, but I can train them to obey you as well when the time comes.”

Iris nodded and despite the tense moment that had passed between them a few moments ago, she couldn’t help the excitement that bubbled inside her. Eris shot her an amused look.

“You will have to let me go to them first so they don’t attack you, understood?” he asked and she saluted, earning her an eye roll. “We’ll see if they’ll let you stand close enough.”

“But I want to cuddle them.”

Eris rolled his eyes again, opening the kennel door slowly. “Your funeral,” he muttered.

Instantly, the barks grew louder and in a blink of an eye, Eris was surrounded by all twelve of his hounds who excitedly jumped around and over him.

“Hello, my pets,” he said in such a soft affectionate tone that it felt like Iris was intruding on a private moment. “I missed you all. Yes, yes, I know, I should’ve stopped by earlier.”

She stood watching him, her amusement growing by the moment but more importantly, Iris felt herself soften as she watched him. He addressed each of them, petting them individually and Iris had to physically restrain herself from jumping in the middle of it all.

“Eris,” she said in an almost whine and that brought his attention back to her, looking over his shoulder with a smirk.

Almost at once, the hounds faced her, realizing they had a newcomer in their midst. Some paused, observing her while others started pacing slowly around her. Iris let her gaze flicker all over the so-called kennel as the hounds surveyed her and it was the most extravagant animal space she’d ever seen.

The place was warm and each hound had its sleeping space labeled with their name and pillows that looked more fluffed than the ones in their own bedroom. Each had their own water and food bowls that Iris could swear were solid gold. Toys were scattered across the floor and when her eyes fell on a basket filled to the brim with more, she turned to Eris in disbelief.

“Lethal, you say?”

“Just because they’re trained for a specific purpose doesn’t mean they can’t be spoiled,” he said defensively, his hounds still trying to get his affection and him happily obliging. “I need them to be loyal and to be loyal they need to be loved.

Iris felt the words loyal and loved vibrate through her body, their earlier conversation still ringing in her ear. Tugging on her ear, she circled in place, taking in more of the space until Eris finally stood.

“My pets, this is my wife. Please line up nicely to introduce yourselves,” he spoke and Iris shot him a look of surprise as his hounds did exactly that. “She is a special someone who will have access to you all as well. We must treat her nicely and protect her, yes?”

A chorus of barks followed his question and Iris huffed out a laugh.

“They...understand you?”

“Of course,” he said and walked back towards her. “They understand more than people give them credit for. So, feel free to talk to them as well.”

She raised a brow. “I thought you said they won’t listen to anyone but you?”

“I thought you said you could get them to cuddle with you?” he countered, and she rolled her eyes.

“I will. You’ll see,” she muttered and slowly lowered herself to be at eye level with the first of the hounds who only stared at her. “Hello, my friend. My name is Iris and I am here to love you with all my heart if you’ll let me.”

Eris’s lips twitched at the cooing in her voice. “This is Lyra. She’s the leader of the group. Win her over and the rest will follow.”

“Well hello, Lyra.” Iris gushed and held out her hand for Lyra to sniff. “It is so very nice to meet you. Please, please let me hug you.”

Iris held her breath as the hound observed her, waiting for her to do something and it felt like a test. To know if she was worthy of affection.

A heartbeat passed and Eris wondered how big her disappointment would be when Lyra ignored her. He almost wanted to bribe the hound.

But Lyra did not want to disappoint. Lyra reached out and sniffed Iris’s hand and Iris froze in place as the gray sleek hound slowly circled her, all the while sniffing. Eris watched as the hound sniffed at Iris and then looked towards him, sniffing in his general direction. He raised his brow at the hound who only blinked back at her master and turned back to circle Iris again.

With her hand still held out for Lyra, Iris whispered loudly, “Please let me love you, you majestic creature.”

Eris snorted and Iris shot him a reproachful look, but the hound now stopped in front of her, sniffing one more time at her hand, blinking up at her then slowly resting her head in Iris’s palm.

Iris tried but failed to hold back a giddy giggle and Eris could only blink in amusement.

“Well hello!” she practically squealed and Lyra looked up at Iris who gently cupped the hound’s face and leaned in to kiss her nose. “You’re so sweet and I love you already. Oh, yes I do.”

Eris watched and crossed his arms, pursing his lips so he didn’t do anything stupid like smile again. Which he had done too many times today already.

He watched in disbelief as his lethally trained leading hound whined softly and allowed Iris to not only pet her but scoop her in her arms.

“You little traitor,” he muttered and Iris laughed. “How are people going to be afraid of you if you succumb to sweet words so easily? I’ve been boasting about you for nothing.”

Lyra only woofed and seeing their leader sit so calmly in the arms of their master’s guest, the eleven other hounds approached her cautiously.

“Oh hello!” she said sweetly, reaching out her free hand to pet whichever one was closest. “And who are you? And you? Oh, look at you all!” Glancing up at Eris, she squinted at him. “Introduce me now, please.”

Scoffing, Eris lowered his hand to pet one of his other hounds as he rattled off their names, pointing to each one. “That’s Sirius, Ara, Carina, Apus, Phoenix, Leo, Vela, Atlas, Pavo, Canis, and Antares.”

Iris slowly looked at him with a raised brow. “Are those —”

“Inspired by the constellations. Yes. The Night Court can’t claim the stars as their own.” he said, the tips of his ears heated and Iris held back a smile, turning back to Lyra and Atlas who had come closer. “Say what you will but their names suit them.”

“Self-conscious about that, huh?” she teased, petting the fourth hound to settle itself near her feet. “It seems I’ve pushed more than one of your buttons today.”

Eris tensed briefly, rubbing at his ear. “I didn’t mean to get firm with you. Or grab your arm,” he said quietly.

Iris didn’t reply, her focus on the hounds surrounding her, each one trying to feel her touch — much like their master craved.

Eris lowered himself to pet Sirius then softly added, “You need to understand. The way things are with my father...if he sensed any ill will from me, he wouldn’t hesitate to hurt me. Or use you to hurt me.”

Iris’s mouth tightened. “Why?”

“It’s how he keeps us all in check,” he said. “You may be my wife now, but you aren’t the first female in my life. It did not end well between me and her because of him.”

Iris thought back to Lucien and his first lover. Beron hadn’t hesitated to ruin them and that was because he thought Jesminda was beneath him. What would he do to the wife of a traitor son?

“What happened?” she whispered and Eris’s shoulders tensed.

“It was a long time ago,” he said quietly, his hands gentle on Ara. “She wasn't a lesser fae like Jesminda so he really went out of his way to make her uncomfortable. To bother her. To try and run her out.”

As if sensing Eris’s tone shifting, two of his hounds brushed up against him and he gave them a small smile. “In the end, my father won and got what he wanted from her willingly...she left soon after and has been happily wedded for years now.” he continued, and Iris didn’t miss the way his shoulders seemed to hunch at the words. She desperately wanted to keep her disgust at his father off her face and debated whether to reach out a hand. But his shoulders carried so much tightness, that she kept her hands to herself.

He cleared his throat and then added, “None of my relationships were serious after that. There wasn’t a point. So, I just wasted time and kept any dalliances quiet.”

Iris bit her lip, watching him avoid her eyes. It made her hesitate...but she had to ask.

“I want to ask one more question,” she said quietly. “But if you don’t want to tell me, that’s alright too.”

Eris looked at her, his gaze assessing. A heartbeat of silence passed before he finally said, “Mor.”

Iris nodded and watched as Eris looked away, seemingly debating.

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to,” she added again, and he shook his head before giving her a tight smile.

“If you’re asking about my part of the story and whether I did leave her on the border or not,” he said and let out a breath, “That part is true.”

Iris’s hands paused their petting and she swallowed. “Even in the state she was in?”

Eris looked down at the several hounds that had surrounded the two of them, almost encompassing them in a circle. He let Lyra nudge him into petting her and it was a moment before he could meet Iris’s gaze.

“What happened with Mor is something I will regret having any kind of part in for as long as I live.” he murmured “But you have to understand, if I had touched her...if I had tried to help her...it meant a worse fate.”

Iris felt a sense of dread rise in her, watching Eris’s jaw clench, especially when another hound whined softly and drew closer to him.

“It meant…” he continued faintly. “My father could do whatever he wanted to her and then make me do whatever he wanted to her. It would’ve been a fate worse than death. She may not have wanted our union but neither did I.”

“I’m sorry for asking,” she said softly but Eris shook his head.

“You can always ask. It’s a fair question,” he replied, his expression neutral. “Mor made her decision and I had to make mine. I was young and had no power so I wouldn’t have been able to protect her. He would’ve capitalized on that. The only thing I could do was send for the Illyrians to come get her and I paid dearly for that. It doesn’t make me noble by any means but I did what I could in that situation. I would’ve never wished what happened to her on anyone.”

This time Iris didn’t hesitate to reach out a hand and gently lay it on his. He glanced down at it and then back at her.

“Do not think I am unaware that I am the villain in her story. It is her story to tell, and I have made peace with it.” he continued and met Iris’s gaze. “But it is not a narrative I wish to continue with anyone else.”

Iris bit the corner of her lip then gave him a tight smile of her own. “Anyone else?”

He returned the same smile. “Anyone else.”

A beat of silence passed and because Iris didn’t want to think too deeply about his words and his tone, she said, “Should I be concerned about having sister wives at some point? ‘Anyone else’ seems a tad vague.”

Eris snorted. “I’m barely surviving with one wife, let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”

She bit back her small smile and with her hand still on his, she gently squeezed. “Thank you. For sharing that with me.”

Eris seemed to freeze for a moment and then blinked and quietly said, “Thank you for asking.”

They watched each other for another moment and Iris’s heart beat wildly as his thumb grazed her hand. His eyes dropped to their joined hands and Iris watched as he opened his palm, her hand now resting fully in his.

“You have lovely hands,” he said soberly.

Her hand twitched in his, but she left it there as he continued to brush his thumb against it. “They were meant to be playing the piano, I think.”

“To wield a dagger too, I’d say.”

“Best of both worlds.”

And Iris felt her cheeks heat when he looked at her, the corner of his mouth curving up. She glanced away and though a part of her didn’t want to — and that same part of her deeply enjoyed seeing her hand held in someone else’s, she pulled away before it started shaking and stood.

Eris’s hand closed on the space where her hand had rested and then slowly stood as well just as Iris sighed softly. She bit her lip, willing her heart to slow as she turned to look at him.

“Your father is going to be a big problem, isn’t he?”

Eris snorted and met her gaze. “He’s always been a big problem. He’s just gotten worse since under the mountain.” he replied and added more urgently, “It’s why you can’t say things like you did outside. It’s why I let him overpower me and it’s why you need to be careful which mask you wear around him. It’s why my mother —”

But he cut himself off here and Iris knew without him saying, just how much his mother still had to put up with the High Lord.

She thought back to what Eris had told her before.

It is in our best interest to play by the expectations so that no one looks too closely at us.

“I understand,” she said. “I don’t like it. But I understand.”

Eris nodded and if Iris had blinked, she might have missed his appreciative glance.

“I don’t like it either. No one does but we make it work until the right moment.”

Iris stood next to him, her hands still rubbing behind Lyra’s ear. “Until the right moment?”

Eris seemed to weigh the words he said next very carefully. “There are...pieces at play,” he said slowly, and Iris blinked. “It will work out when it does.”

She furrowed her brows but nodded all the same then looked down as another hound nudged her hand. Smiling, she petted Vela and then looked up at Eris.

“So, what do I have to do to convince you to let them sleep in our bed?”

His heart did a strange spasm at the words ‘our bed’ but Eris composed himself well enough to roll his eyes casually. “Their beds here are posh enough.”

“You’re telling me you’ve never let them sleep in your bed with you?” she asked and lowered herself once more as the hounds surrounded her again. “What a waste.”

He debated how truthful to be with her here because...well. How else would they build something if he wasn’t honest?

Iris waited with a challenging look in her eyes, and it was quiet for a moment until Eris pursed his lips, feeling almost compelled to speak, and finally, after a heartbeat of debate, he relented.

“I give them all turns so my father doesn’t pay too much attention to the fact that I actually care about them for reasons other than killing. The only exception has been this past week which is why they’re very excited to see me,” he said quickly and fought back his embarrassment as Iris gave him a knowing look with a smile.

“I do not object to them joining us. They can be part of the pillow barricade,” she said, and Eris’s eye roll wasn’t forced this time.

“You won’t have that for too long though, will you?” he said, shooting her a look and Iris narrowed her eyes at him.

“What makes you think that?”

“All this blushing and smiling? You’re already deeply in love with me, wife,” he said and grinned at her snort. “I see it in your eyes, you want to take me right here, right now but we can’t traumatize my hounds.”

Iris let out a laugh and his lips twitched as she stood again. “You really do live in a fantasy world, husband,” she said with a shake of her head. “Can we bring them along on the tour?”

“If you’re nice to me, I’ll let them join us in the evening.” he offered, and Iris narrowed her eyes once more at him. He only smiled.

Turning to the hounds still surrounding them, she gave them a sigh and then said, “Your father is the worst.”

Eris choked. “Father?”

“Isn’t that what you are?” she asked with a cheeky smile.

“I — get out,” he ordered, pointing to the door and Iris laughed softly.

Ignoring his request, she turned to the hounds. “Until we come back for you again, I will miss you so very dearly.” she cooed, and Eris watched her in absolute amusement as she leaned down and kissed each of them on the head.

Nose in the air, she shoved past him and Eris stood blinking for a moment before chuckling. Turning to his hounds, he gave them a mockingly stern look. “We need to have a chat about how easily she won you all over.” he reprimanded but the hounds only woofed in response.

As if to tell him, she’s easily winning you over too.

#eris vanserra #eris vanserra x oc #eris x oc #eris vanserra fanfic #acotar fanfiction #gfics #smtb chapters #if you'd like to be tagged or removed pls let me know :)#I see the tags and commetns and ilya

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