#Lucien goes to the border!

[separatist-apologist]

You cruel beautiful person. LYR is making me feel things. Why is everything you write just perfect and awesome?

P.s.: “He is telling me the most delightful stories of you as a boy,” had me jumping around.

Elain knows exactly what to say to Lucien to rile him up. I was working on chapter 4 last night and I'm excited for people to lay their eyes on it. The plot is thickening but also Elain and Lucien have so many good moments

[the-darkestminds]

Can we please take a moment to appreciate just how tragic a character Lucien is? And acknowledge how much he deserves his own happy ending? 🥺🥺

Raised in a household where he is hated by all of his brothers and his father. 

Forced to watch as his father executes the female he loves and planned to marry. His own brothers restrain him. When he flees, three of them follow him and he’s forced to kill one of his own brothers, while Tamlin kills the other.

He’s attacked by Amarantha after insulting her. She carves out his eye and sends him back to the Spring Court. The injuries are so gruesome they made Tamlin vomit.

Under the mountain he refuses to give up Feyre’s name and Rhysand basically mind tortures him.

He helps Feyre in the first task and his punishment is to be whipped by Tamlin (his best friend). Amarantha slows his healing powers so he can’t even move for days.

During the second trial, Amarantha chains Lucien to the floor and he almost dies again, all while his brothers watch and laugh.

When Tamlin refuses to perform the rite on Calanmai, Lucien goes in his place, despite his hatred for Ianthe. This is borderline SA in my opinion.

He finds out he has a mate only to lose her instantly. Thinks she's being tormented in the NC.

He is used as a pawn in Feyre’s schemes to destroy the Spring Court. This eventually results in him not being able to return to Spring because people think he helped hurt Feyre or was complicit.

Ianthe ties him to a tree and tries to assault him.

Once again his brothers attempt to kill him as he and Feyre try to get to the Night Court.

He is constantly rejected by Elain, probably thinks he will never be loved by her.

At one point Lucien comes back from the Spring Court with a black eye. He is now being physically abused by his former best friend.

After Rhysand taunts Tamlin, Tamlin has all of Lucien’s belongings dumped on the Spring Court border, so now he can’t return there either. He has no home.

HAS MY MAN NOT SUFFERED ENOUGH? 😭😭😭

[bubbles-for-all-of-us]

daddy az?? daddy cass?? what about daddy eris 🥺🥺

Oh, I've been waiting to write for our fire boy more.

Future daddy

Let's all be honest with ourselves here. Eris is not someone who would go bouncing off the rooftops when you tell him that you're carrying his baby. That is not to say that he isn't happy. He is. But he's so unbelievably scared that it overpowers everything else. Especially if Beron is still alive and in charge of Autumn.

Hence why, I think, he's getting you out of the main quarters. Somewhere deep into the woods. In some cabin that only he knows of. Somewhere close to winter's borders so that in case you could cross it and Kallias would take care of you for the time being. Because Eris is paranoid. He only trusts himself and his childhood healer who has been in his life ever since he was born. And so I think the beauty of the first months of your pregnancy is kind of washed away by all of this. The worrying. The panic. Eris constantly being on the edge.

But then it all slowly starts to change. One morning he noticed, while you're slowly getting dressed, the tiny bumps forming there and he's never the same afterwards. Eris rolls out of bed, sinking to his knees right in front of you, warm palm carefully caressing the little growing baby there. His eyes fill up with tears as he rests his head on your chest, "I've been such bad mate, such a bad father", he crocks out. "What are you on about, Eris?", you ask him feeling concerned. "You deserve so much more. I haven't even told you how happy I am... How much... How much I love you both", he breathes out. "We both know, darling. Believe me. We love you endlessly", you mutter while brushing his tears away.

And it all just changes. From then moving forward. The only way he can sleep at night is if his hands are resting on your tummy, so big spoon Eris is in full force. He never leaves without giving you and your bump a kiss. The same goes for saying hello. He too enjoys talking to the belly. But I would say that he reads to it more than tells stories of the day. Eris's days are too full of his father's brutality and he wants to keep away from the baby. So he reads the books that he had read to Lucien himself, or found in a little market. He's so good at making different voices for the characters and you can't help but look at him with so much love, already picturing him reading the same story to your baby when they are older and can understand or at least react to their father's voice.

Call me out on it but I think Eris is exceptional at making food and he also loves doing it. So on his free days, he is more than happy to cook for you or make sweet apple tarts. He's also working on a crib himself. Carving all the little woodland trees and creatures, squirrels and deer, berries and leaves. It's something that he's extremely passionate about and let's face it you would be sobbing once he shows it to you. Something so special. Made with so much love by their father. And I think he would like to leave space around the borders so he could carve out your baby's name and keep adding names with each new family member.

Takes you on walks through the forest because moving around is important. Hand around your waist to pull you closer to him, the other on your bump. Stopping to pick flowers for you and thread them through your hair. Plus imagine how nice his fire hands would feel again all the pains and aches. And he does it without even being asked. If you two are sat down on the sofa or even in bed, he always massages your feet. Stopping to rub your shoulders and back. Loving to just sway with you while he's holding up your bump once it gets heavier.

Not to mention a pack of wolf-breed dogs that are your army. Like, forget doing anything on your own. You're peeing with at least twelve eyes looking at you. Receiving bumps to your leg or side if you haven't eaten anything in a while and they start to feel your blood sugar dropping. Heck, trust them to bring you snacks from the kitchen. And the best naps in between all the fluff furs. Eris is more than happy that his doggos are so in love and protective of you two. It's that extra comfort for him. He knows they would fight till death to protect you two.

[clockwork-ashes]

Wildflowers

Summary: Eris goes to the Spring Court looking for Lucien, and instead finds Tamlin (short one-shot).

Note: Thank you to everyone who shared plot ideas! I'm still working on them :) Huge thank you to the lovely anon that suggested something with Tamlin <3

Eris sat on emerald grass, a green so rich and lovely, still damp in the cool air of the early morning. Leaning back against the rough bark of an old oak tree, he kept his long legs stretched out, booted feet crossed at the ankle. 

The strong scent of wildflowers lingered in the air, sharp and unwelcome with every breath Eris took. He gazed up lazily, letting his head fall against the wood behind him, tracking rays of sunlight as they filtered in through countless branches. 

Eris was always struck with how still the forest was in Spring. Unmoving, as if the trees were made of stone, a stark contrast to Autumn’s constantly falling leaves. He could at least admit that it was beautiful, full of vibrant colours, despite the fact that all the plants were always in half-bloom. 

It was not often that Eris found himself on the other side of the shared border between the two courts, past the gradual change of the seasons. It was even less often that Eris left the Forest House without the High Lord’s permission, but he was prepared for any of the reactions his father might have upon hearing of his whereabouts. 

With a sigh, Eris turned his attention to the small path foot soldiers walked daily during their patrols. He had set one of his own soldiers to keep a steady watch of who came and went, and had been surprised to hear that it was Lucien who took the earliest of shifts on the sunniest of days. 

Lucien had never cared much for armies, had left that to his older brothers so he could hone his skills as a courtier. Eris had heard whispers that Tamlin had made Lucien an emissary, a relatively smart decision considering Tamlin could barely hold a conversation. 

As Eris watched the High Lord of Spring make his way down the path instead of his younger brother, he felt his lips pull down in a scowl. He silently cursed the male who had given him such a dreadfully wrong lead, wondering if he should simply winnow back to his home. 

Tamlin looked troubled, Eris observed, and it was a testament to where his thoughts might have been that he did not notice an Autumn Court prince sitting just out of his line of sight. 

With a sharp whistle, similar to the ones Eris used to capture the attention of his hounds, he made his presence known. He watched as Tamlin whirled in his direction, caught by surprise but still ready for a fight. 

Tamlin had his claws out, sharp and glinting in the light of the sun. Canines longer than usual pressed against his lips, eyes flashing like a mountain lion’s. He kept a large hand on the silver hilt of his longsword. 

Eris scoffed as their gazes met, as Tamlin’s shoulders dropped slightly in relief. It always managed to shock Eris how trusting Tamlin was, young and untried as a High Lord, perhaps too optimistic when it came to believing that Prythian was in a time of peace. 

“Lost in thought?” Eris asked, loosening the laces at his throat. 

Tamlin’s dark eyes tracked the movement, hands falling to his side. “Looking for Lucien?” he called back, claws smaller, but still sharp enough to cause damage if he so wished. 

Eris offered the High Lord one of his most charming smiles, responding with a question of his own. “What if I said I was looking for you?” 

Tamlin scoffed, taking a few careful steps towards the tree Eris was sitting under. “Then I’d call you a liar.” 

“I’ve been called worse,” Eris shrugged. “You look troubled,” he added, hoping Tamlin might give him some interesting information and this whole pointless interaction would not be for nothing. “Copper for your thoughts?”

Tamlin ran his fingers through his hair, tucking a strand behind a pointed ear. “Go back to Autumn, Eris, you won’t find Lucien here.”  

“It’s been a few short years and already your company has run my little brother from your court?” Eris raised an auburn brow, he had heard no indication that Lucien had gone elsewhere. 

Tamlin frowned at the suggestion. “He’s in Summer, going over trade agreements.” 

Eris hummed in response, deciding he could bring such news to his mother. “And you just couldn’t be bothered to join him?” 

“Hybern’s sent one of their generals to my shores,” Tamlin winced before he continued. “I thought your father would have said, she’s looking to stop in Autumn next.”  

Eris waved his hand in a careless gesture. “He’s probably already decided that there will be no alliance made between us. Wariness and good sense come with old age,” he warned, hoping Tamlin was smart enough to send the general back to her island. 

Tamlin simply nodded, and Eris figured their conversation was over. 

He elegantly stood, straightening his brocade waistcoat. “Always a pleasure, Tam.” 

Tamlin scrunched his nose up in annoyance at the way Eris had shortened his name, entirely too familiar. “I’ll tell Lucien you were looking for him.” 

“No need,” Eris shook his head. “I came to see you, after all,” he drawled. 

Tamlin frowned in response. “I think he’d like to know, sometimes I feel like you’re the only one of his brothers that ever mattered.” 

“Do as you like,” Eris clipped, voice measured despite the emotion that nearly choked him. With no warning, Eris winnowed from the Spring Court, leaving its High Lord and the sharp scent of its wildflowers behind him.

[daliasmay]

The most ridiculous arguments I've ever seen from E/riels is not about "the smell of bread and roses", no, but about the sunshine she needs in her life, black dress and about that godforsaken city. It takes a megamind to use such arguments.

"Velaris has sunshine", "There's sun in the NC too", "The NC is a sun court we remind you", "Some flowers can bloom in the dark"

Even if the NC has a sun, it it still a night fucking court. n-i-g-h-t. This word means something, isn't it? Spring also has nights and it wasn't a right place for Feyre anyway. And you'd think Elain and Elucien's words about sunshine are just about only the damn flowers and the sun in the sky that rises in the morning and goes down in the evening. Please!

"They dressed her badly so that Eris would ignore her, lol", "They dressed her like that on purpose because they didn't want Elaine's beauty to overshadow Nesta's"

What the fuck?

Eris is completely indifferent to Elain as a woman. It isn't difficult to understand. And he is Lucien's brother, just fun to remember, who saved his life, looked at him with sadness in ACOWAR and visited him in ACOSF. Eris was interested only in Nesta. He is also a fashionable male and he looked at Elain with ✨assessing gaze✨. I suppose he's also noticed how much the black colour doesn't suit her (She used the perfect complement to her black dress - pearls - but even that couldn't save her from the colour that sucked the life out of her), not to mention the fact that he probably knows that she's his brother's mate. So delulu and simple demonstrating a zero reading skills if they understand the text like that. Basta!

It is also equally unfair to both sisters to say that. Nesta is a queen without her sisters, she is amazing woman by her own without any "help". She doesn't need any favours.

Elain is amazing woman, no need to dress her badly on purpose to make someone shine.

Sisters are amazing by their own. They all have their own powers and characters. I feel so sorry for those who don't understand it and use such stupid arguments to explain their ship.

"She is ok in Velaris, Velaris is her home, no need to worry about the Hewn City", "Her home in Velaris and in the NC. She doesn't want to leave the place where her family and nephew lives!!! She has a work - tending to Feyre's gardens and helping people in Velaris with theirs. She is happy!", "The Hewn City is not Elaine's place, that's why she was ridiculous there, Cassian meant that", "She can live in Velaris, she was healthy there!", "You want to take her away from the family that she loves and that loves her. You are a misogynist and Elain hater!", "Cassian is an unreliable narrator, he understand nothing in fashion. We can't believe him!"

PLEASE!

Night Court is her home, but not the Hewn City and Illyrians lands. Night Court is her home, but only in the borders of that retched city. How can they claim that the Night Court is her home, and at the same time erase most of the Court, including its official capital and royal residence?

Velaris is a huge hole that has been closed for thousands of years, and The Night Court is not Velaris, ThE CoUrT oF DrEaMs, how SJM called them, who loves to segregate their own citizens and think about 90% of the Court as scum and lowlifes, and do nothing to make their lives better.

If the Night Court is her home, don't sort its parts.

Cassian is an unreliable narrator, but Feyre with her fantasies and "What if the Cauldron was wrong?" is a very-very reliable narrator, yes-yes. Selective reading will strike you one day and it will be very hurt.

And here we are, with Elain and flowers, when she said the opposite to Nesta in ACOSF. Being Feyre's gardener and personal family baker aren't about her personal growth. Like being Azriel's personal houseplant.

The black dress was a metaphor. It is so cute how they can see things that are not there, but miss the log in their own eyes. (the rose necklace and the whole Azriel's bonus chapter, I can't).

I really don't know how they came up with that.

[starsreminisce]

One of the reasons why I don’t like the whole 3 brothers/3 sisters trope is because it goes against what SJM is trying to set up for Elain.

For most of her life, Elain has been sheltered and protected by Feyre and Nesta. It was something that she benefited from and didn’t question. However, when she was Made, it wasn’t either Feyre or Nesta who knew what she needed - it was an outsider, someone who wasn’t part of the inner circle, who literally came in and told them what she needed.

Feyre even talked about how much Elain loved to garden when Lucien asked about her as they made their way back up north. Feyre noticed how much Elain tried to let the sun in. Nesta talked about their manor by the sea and how that was Elain’s favorite spot.

They all knew this about her, but it was her mate who knew about its significance to her. Lucien has not even fully seen her face, only know from the bare sentences Feyre offered him, and from that one conversation, he knew, even when they didn’t talk about it.

Both Feyre and Nesta were scolded for how they treated Elain. Elain spoke up to Nesta, and while Feyre was astonished by her growing claws, Rhys pointed out that Feyre is guilty of this too.

Elain had always been the odd one among her sisters, and that’s not a bad thing. I've always thought that the sisters' relationships bordered on codependency and had always been toxic. I still don't understand why there is a push for the sisters to stick together when they didn't enjoy being around each other. Feyre resented that she had to take care of her sisters, and Nesta resented that Feyre did. What's even funnier is that in ACOTAR, Feyre knew that Nesta would do anything for Elain, and then in ACOSF, Nesta had issues with Elain's relationship with Feyre, calling her a dog loyal to a master who kept her safe and fed.

Feyre and Nesta may have reached an understanding regarding their complex feelings for each other, but that doesn't imply an instant transformation into best friends. Similarly, Elain might recognize that she isn't crafted in the same mold as her sisters and needs to venture out to discover her rightful place.

Both of them hated their cottage; Elain says she missed it. Both of them didn't like talking to their father; Elain doted on him. Both of them hated parties and the whole court scene; Elain thrives in it. Both of them are mated to Illyrians; Elain isn't.

Elain will face a choice, but it’s going to be much bigger than Azriel vs. Lucien. It’s going to be a similar choice that Feyre faced in ACOMAF and Lucien faced in ACOWAR: will she stay at a place where she does not belong because it's the safe thing, or will she take a leap of faith and leave because it's the right thing for her.

The 'three brothers, three sisters' trope feels constraining for Elain, as if trying to fit her into a square peg rather than embracing her as a round hole.

[iftheshoef1tz]

I Come With Knives

Azris, 13k words, rated E.

A party on the continent, hosted by one of Koschei’s lackeys, goes awry. Nearly magicless, Azriel and Eris must survive on the continent together or die trying. Inspired by The Nutcracker, with a helping of Polish folk tales.

I’m so pleased to finally post this for my sweet friend, @krem-does-stuff!! I was so excited to get you for this year’s @acotargiftexchange, and I hope you enjoy it! Your theories about what my TikToks could mean had me rolling with laughter, because you were rather wrong, haha. I have so many more rat/Nutcracker-related TikToks to send you, and hopefully they’ll make (slightly) more sense once you’ve read this. I tried to incorporate all the desserts you gave me (raspberries are very important in this), and I tried to write Eris in a way that was new to me but still believable and delightfully mean.

Special thanks to @witch-and-her-witcher, @queercontrarian, and @yanny-77 for their beta skills; to Cee and Emma again for saying “send the TikTok” and holding my hand through the usual self-doubt; @pippsmcgee for shaking this fic until nearly all the present continuous fell out of it; @velidewrites for helping me translate a few things into Polish; @damedechance for helping me find something dirty to say; and, ofc, Dylan O’Brien. You know why.

Read on ao3.

Azriel stares out at the crowd, at the finery draped over every inch of this infernal castle, and he can almost pretend nothing is wrong. His leathers – he had refused to wear something more formal – creak as he shifts his weight, though it’s eaten up by the merry shouting of the crowd.

This invitation had come, bristling with glitter and tied with a ribbon, from one of the lesser noble houses of a small duchy close to the border with Rask. The duke and duchess were newly appointed and quite young, only in their eighties. Let bygones between continent and island be bygones, the invitation had crowed.

It stunk of a trap, and Azriel had come because there was no one else who could.

Rhys had Feyre, Nyx, and a death bargain no one could undo. They couldn’t spare Cassian, never mind that Nesta wasn’t ever letting Cassian out of her sight again. Mor and Lucien never figured into the equation, Lucien because he wasn’t stupid, and Mor because she wasn’t authorized by the Queen of Vallahan to go anywhere else on the continent.

It’s Amarantha all over again. None of the original players are here, of course; none of them would be so stupid. But apparently not smart enough to stay out entirely.

[yazthebookish]

I haven't made a fancy theory post on this because I'm not in the mood for it these days so I'll share it here until then.

Sangravah is at the Land of Dusk

Is there strong evidence for it? No.

But let's entertain it for a second.

We already got a confirmation in ACOMAF that only one temple out of the three that had the piece of the Cauldron's feet was in the Night Court—which is Cesere.

We don't know anything about Itica but we do get a mention of Sangravah in ACOWAR

It seems to be a place Lucien is also familiar with and Rhys owns a Sangra(vian) carpet.

The events of Sangravah were retconned to include Rhys and Mor because they were not involved—now why would SJM need to retcon such a minor detail? Unless she forgot.

A common question about this is:

If the temple is at another Court, How did Rhys, Azriel, and Mor bypass a Court's border or why would they even bother without informing the High Lord of that Court to also spare some of his soldiers to defend the temple?

That's a logical question readers have asked unless SJM made a special exception for them, but that doesn't make sense to me because in ACOMAF she made sure Rhys stays at the border of Spring while Mor rescued Feyre because a High Lord just can't come and go as he pleases into another Court.

And because of Gwyn's backstory, many readers including myself assumed that the temple has to be somewhere in those Courts, but again why wouldn't Rhys alert the other High Lords of an attack and none of the High Lords during their ACOWAR meeting mentioned anything about their temples being attacked (same goes for Itica).

So what if Sangravah is on a neutral land that does not belong to any Court or Kingdom (perhaps it once did).

That's why Azriel and co had to not worry about any political implications because it's not a land under any Court's jurisdiction.

So there's this little piece of evidence that I think could make this theory make a little sense (HOSAB spoilers ahead):

The popular theory is that the Land of Dusk (Dusk Court) could be the Prison Island, which is a popular theory that could be true because it was likened to an 8th Court.

But here is something I thought of:

What if the Land of Dusk is the isle between Day and Night? The location makes sense given the name and if it exists in a near permanent-twilight the way the Night Court has the most beautiful night sky.

And after the Starborn left, there might've been something left of it if it wasn't completely destroyed. They might've had temples and palaces.

It's also a safe assumption that Sangravah's temple is located in the mountains since Gwyn says they were so remote up there and she told Hybern's soldiers the children took the mountain road to get help.

This isle also has mountains (or maybe they're hills but they look like mountains to me).

And Gwyn mentioned something interesting.

She enjoys the Dusk services, not here (in Velaris), she means in Sangravah.

Now why would she prefer Sangravah's Dusk services over Velaris's? It could just be because they're mostly under a mountain but I do pause at any mention of Dusk/Twilight now to think twice about it meaning.

That's a small theory for today 🤍

[achaotichuman]

Stupid little headcanon.

Instead of Lucien and Tamlin's first meeting being at the border when Lucien was running for his life. It was at a ball.

Tamlin was standing awkwardly in the corner, fidgeting with his hands and not knowing what to do.

Then Lucien just flutters past, off in his world of socializing, dancing and drinking.

Tamlin just stares at him.

Stares and stares at him.

Then a Lady whose been eyeing him pulls up and the conversation goes.

The Lady- "Hello there handsome, enjoying the party?"

Tamlin- *Still gawking at Lucien* "That one."

The Lady- "Excuse me?"

Tamlin- *Gawking and pointing at Lucien* "That one, I'm gonna marry that one. That is my future husband."

Then three hundred years, Jesminda, Amarantha, Feyre, a war and the destruction of Spring later.... TAMLIN FINALLY GOT HIS HUSBAND!!

[bookofmirth]

I just realized something; when Azriel & Elain were about to kiss but Rhys interrupted them by speaking into Azriel’s mind, wouldn’t that mean since Rhys was inside Az’s mind that he could see how Azriel truly felt about Elain? Rhys said “if you need to fuck someone” he didn’t say love. I think if Azriel did have actual romantic feelings for Elain and told Rhys that, then his brother would be more understanding and want Az to be happy.

I think Azriel is scared his brothers are straying away from him and if he has Elain he’ll stay close with them. He’s so focused on three brothers and three sisters. Do you think Rhys saw/felt Azriel’s true feelings and do you think in some way that Az is taking advantage of Elain holding off on her mating bond?

Anon, this is such a great question and I'm so sorry to make you wait six weeks for an answer! I have thought about turning my inbox off just because I feel bad about making people wait, but I like checking it for little treats like this.

I think it's definitely possible that Rhys felt what Az was feeling, and that's why he stopped Azriel.

It begs the question, what was Rhys doing prying in the first place? How long was he "watching" Azriel, and for what reason? (If it's just for the sake of plot and drama I will pull my hair out.) Perhaps it was intentional. Perhaps it was something Rhys does every night, doing a quick little psychic scan of his house before bed. Or perhaps acosf really did take everything we thought we knew about Rhys and turned it on its head *coughpregnancyplot* because...

The only thing is, Rhys has said before that he sees going into someone's mind like that as a violation. Feyre views it the same way, as an inherently negative thing, an abuse of power, and we see that when she goes into Tarquin's mind, Lucien's, and when Nesta gets angry when she realizes that Feyre did that, asking if she'd (Feyre) ever done it to her (Nesta).

However... Azriel has been clenched tighter than... really tightly clenched things, every analogy I came up with was inappropriate bordering on offensive lmao. So I can see a scenario in which Rhys noticed Azriel being more uptight than usual during Solstice, and then deciding that he needs to keep a closer eye on his friend. It's worth noting that it's not just Solstice. Azriel's fight over spying on Briallyn occurred before Solstice, obviously the High Lord meeting occurred before that night, so Az has developed a pattern of losing his shit at inappropriate times. Rhys has probably been concerned about his friend/brother/sex-in-the-same-room buddy for quite a while now.

And that's the thing, right? During Solstice, when everyone was together and happy and Az was definitely Not, he acts out that night, with Elain. I don't see it as romantic for a bajillion reasons, but one of the major ones is that we saw him being tense and standoffish all night and the result of that wasn't a declaration of feelings or affection or caring, it was more akin to a teenage boy throwing a temper tantrum (rather than a man in love with a woman he can't have). That's how he acted when Rhys confronted him. He got angry, and rebellious, and fuck the consequences - which is exactly how he has been reacting to every other situation thrown his way lately (the high lord meeting, being told he can't spy on Briallyn). It isn't about Elain.

Eris slutshames Mor in the High Lord's meeting - Az loses his shit and attacks Eris

Rhys and Feyre tell him he can't spy on Briallyn - Az loses his shit and fights them all afternoon ("I wasn't asking permission" lmao jackass)

Rhys tells Az to back off of Elain - Az loses his shit and throws snowballs

There's something going on here, and it's not about one person. It's deeper and more personal than that.

Whether Rhys was in Az's mind and prying around in there intentionally, or just really observant of Az's behavior, I think he could have come to the same conclusion that there are no romantic feelings there. It'd definitely be interesting if he had been able to glean Azriel's emotions and that's why he put a stop to things in the first place. I'm not sure it's something we'd ever know, unless it gets referenced at some later point, but... that would be awkward for anyone who hasn't read it.

I don't know if I'd say Az is taking *advantage* of the fact that Elain hasn't acted on her mating bond. To me it more seems like he wants a mate of his own and is incredibly jealous of those around him who have one, it's playing into his feelings of not belonging. I can see him being frustrated that people (Elain and Lucien) who have the one thing he wants (a mating bond, belonging) are basically squandering it. Imagine someone who has something you want, and taking it for granted. IMO that's at play here.

[spidersmiceandeverythingnice]

Ya know what tbqh I'm having a lot more fun interacting with SJM since deciding to hash tag stan tamlin but also what grinds my gears!?!? What butters my fucking croissants!?!?!

Tamlin has HOBBIES.

No no. Seriously. I have a point. Listen:

We know the following pieces of information about the Spring Court/Tamlin in ACOTAR: Most of the government falls squarely on Tamlin's shoulders because most of the old guard and the former sentries are dead, because they left the Spring Court to search for a "cure." He and Lucien actively patrol their borders and hunt for monsters that threaten humans and faeries alike. Taxes are collected once a year via the Tithe, but Tamlim absolishes the Tithe during Amarantha's rule. There are no cities. There is almost no distinction in the Court between High Fae and "lesser fae." He was a victim of abuse via his father and two much older brothers. Human slaves used to be common, but Tamlin finds his family history abhorrent and considers himself a protector type. He personally took Lucien to another Court for healing after Amarantha damaged his eye in a way that Tamlin himself could not fix. A faerie dies in his living room and Tamlin personally buries him. Tamlin takes refugees from other courts. The most important holiday is Calanmai, wherein Tamlin sacrifices his bodily autonomy and gets possessed by a god (?) in order to generate magic during the changing of seasons. He can be grouchy but he has a sense of humor; he writes silly poems for fun and plays music well enough that Feyre thinks he could make an actual career of it.

A lot of this gets re-conned, re-framed as "conservative" and sometimes actively ignored in order to attribute more positive qualities to Rhys - who in ACOTAR, is shown to be a manipulative liar who commits murder for fun and drugs/assaults Feyre. Tamlin clearly suffers from PTSD in ACOMAF but his symptoms are not "noble" or cute like Feyre. The narrative postulates that while Feyre needs to learn that she's worthy of love and freedom and that her dark past doesnt define her, Tamlin needs to be "redeemed" because his trauma is not as important or as valid as hers, and he can't be worthy of help until he repents for his "crime" of acting in ways that are - from his perspective- completely logical, and based in genuinely good/loving intentions.

In ACOWAR, Feyre states that she begins implanting/altering the memories of Tamlin in other people's heads to make them abandon him. She also steals a gift (presumably, a gift from Rhys to Tamlin) because she doesn't feel he deserves it, and contemplates burning down the rose garden which is pretty much all Tamlin has left of his mother.

This... does not make me hate Tamlin in the slightest. I read these books and actively struggle to hate him the way the narrative wants because everything about him is legitimately just tragic and pitiable.

While all this goes on the narrative goes on to reposition Rhysand - the guy who caused a lot of the main heroine trauma - as the best guy who ever lived. He's cruel to be kind, deeply misunderstood and hurting in silence. A martyr whose pain is just like the heroine's, who is an immortal ancient warrior king more powerful than any other person in the world but still somehow the narrative equal of a barely literate 20 year old woman. That sure is a choice and ya know what fine, whatever, I accept that this is the story I'm reading. But back to my earlier point:

What hobby does Rhysand have other than sex and fighting?

Answer me. Quickly.

The retcons with Tamlins character are annoying on their own because SJM clearly thinks her audience is too stupid to remember book one of her own series. But it's especially annoying for me given that Rhysand is a boring mouthpiece for the author to moralize her faerie books. As a character he's incredibly bland. There's nothing about him that's compelling because everything "bad" that he does is justified and righteous, and he can't be challenged or hurt because that would make Feyre (the other author mouthpiece) very sad. :(

Anyway remember to stan tamlin, send tweet.

[fieldofdaisiies]

Elucien x Reader | Dracula’s Brides

type: smut warning(s): vampire!Lucien, mortal!Elain, mortal!Reader, blood drinking, explicit descriptions word count: 3k words

request: the queen (aka @separatist-apologist) has redirected me to another queen…so…would you perhaps be interested.....in a polysandwich elain × reader x lucien......(monster fucking is optional)…also they told me to say something nice and i love your blog aesthetic <3 — hope this is what you wanted? not sure tbh, loved writing it though & thank you @moonlightazriel for the picture!!!!

-all rights reserved-

Lucien Van Serra — at day, a nobel male hidden in his mansion. But at night an even nobler male in the sheets. It is in the dead of night that he worships his victims, praises them, loves them tenderly for the heat of the moment until his fangs pierce the surface of their oh so soft skin, dragging over their throat, drawing blood until the very last ounce.

His prey those oh so lovely mortal females that stroll outside around in the city, that are so easily lured into his mansion, his private chambers, his bed. 

He only ever takes what is offered, not once has he forced himself upon one of those beautiful females. They have to consent. The same does not apply for blood–he takes that anyway. 

Sometimes more, sometimes less, but always enough to keep him sated. Blood is what brings him pleasure, brings him warmth when his skin turns cold once again, when his heart beats slower, when his soul aches because of loneliness. Oh, and does it get lonely in this large mansion. 

He yearns for a partner, a lovely female that wants to spend her life with him. But who would be willing to do so? Who would willingly want to spend the rest of her life with him? Someone like him?

No one.

He is a monster, he knows that, hiding inside his villa for the most part of his life—always actually, safe for the one hour at night he goes out on his hunt. 

And it is that time of the night again. A warm autumn night.

Lucien wraps his belt around his waist, fixing his thick cloak of black velvet. His hair, as usual, tied at the nape of his neck. He smoothes his hand over his head once, hoping to fix any strands that are out of place.

He halts for a moment, his gaze moving to the mirror where there is no reflection. The only inkling of what he looks like he has from paintings, paintings an artist called Feyre Archeron has made. She has been brave enough to enter his hell hole, but has stopped that after marrying the mayor of the city Lucien has been living in for centuries. His mansion has since ever been right on the border to the large, dark forest where the least mortals would wander and annoy him by trying to peek inside his home. 

The early autumn air is cold when it brushes his skin and the male draws in a deep breath, loving the smell of this season. A sudden feeling of tangy sadness fills his chest – he gets to experience this out here, this freedom, way too little. 

The big oak door falls shut behind, rattling the whole old buildling. There is no need for locking it, no one anyways dares to enter this place. People are curious and want to peek inside, but they do not enter just like that. Lucien’s knows that the mothers of this town tell their little children to stay away from this place, from his house, as he would kill them if they entered.

Of course, these kinds of accusations land a blow to his heart, hurt him, but what can he do against them? Those mothers are not fully wrong about him—only that he would never take a child’s life. 

Only the mortals who deserve it would die at his hands. And those mortal females that offered themselves up to him, but they did not count, they wanted this themselves, wanted to give themselves to him, knowing what expected them. They were willing prey.

Sometimes Lucien does not really care about his partner, most of the time actually, as long as they consent, he was content. Mostly he is driven by blood lust and is anyways oblivious to any flaws and does not care about what his partners look like. 

Not that one particular night, that night he is more sated, the night he goes for a stroll.

And then–

This night changes everything. Because he no longer just needs. He wants. All of the longing, the yearning, increases this night. His loneliness is dreadful because for the first time in his life he has someone to yearn for – two mortal females, young, kind, curious. Rosy cheeks, full lips, bright eyes. 

Lucien watches you and Elain from afar, taking an evening walk probably? 

But Lucien does not want to ponder what has brought you out here. He decides it was fate that has brought the two of you here and he would never contradict fate. 

And so his eyes follow, you, the both of you. Your steps, your bodies, your voices, how you talk, what you talk about. It is like a trance for him, like sweet oblivion, his legs and arms numb, his heart light-weighted, his head foggy, mind clouded with desire. 

He finds himself reveling in the sound of your voices, figuring that he could get drunk on your laughs every night and coming to the conclusion he desperately wants to meet you. Not like this though. If he approached you like this, you would scare away, he knows that. He also does not want this to be a thing for one night. He wants this to be…forever. His forever. Your forever.

So an invitation has to follow and since the clever vampire has lived for centuries he has his ways to figure out where you live and who you are. 

And so the invitations are sent. To Elain Archeron and Y/N Y/L/N. 

You names already taste like heaven on his tongue although hell is the place he belongs to. 

Because, although he is a reserved male who wants no company, who does not want people to interfere with his business, there is one day each year where our Lord of fire and blood opens his gates, his doors, when he hosts his ball. Only the brave and fearless come to dance in his halls, drink expensive wine, dine from the finest dishes. Only the bravest and those with invitations.

You and Elain are on the guest list this year, the reason unknown at that point. And so you are not aware how this night will alter your lives forever, how everything will change from then on.

And so Elain, your best friend, and you enter his mansion, anticipation bubbling inside of you and making you both feel bubbly. You are excited, not sure if you are ready for what you will see and you are definitely not ready for what will happen in a few hours. But that is unknown now – at least to the two of you.

The feast presented to you and all guests is outstanding, every possible food served, the finest wines, the tastiest meat, fruits and vegetables. Both Elain and you keep looking around, hoping to steal a glance at the mysterious male hidden behind these walls. You have only ever heard stories and legends, you are obviously curious. 

It feels like something –more than this invitation– has drawn you here, like a pull, a tug on your chest. Tingles erupt in your whole body when you think that you might be able to steal a glance at the master leaving inside these walls.

Later that night, tipsy from the finest wine, you and Elain decide to dance, swaying over the floor, the music so beguiling, luring you towards the centre. 

Skins clammy with sweat, hearts beating frantically, faces glowing, smiling brightly, he joins you. Slender hands touch your hips when you are pulled back towards a large male behind you, falling against his chest. You revel into the feel of his broad, cool chest and pull Elain with you.

Only when a deep chuckle sounds in your ear, his solid chest rumbling against your back, you know in whose arms you find yourself in. But you find yourself unable to turn, Elain’s hand, that hold yours, tremble because she is looking, her gaze solely focused on the male behind you. Her mouth gapes, eyes wide open, aglow.

Bringing her closer, the three of you move together, as one.

It is a dance filled with desire, heated touches, swirling and twirling, bodies connecting and parting. Everyone around your seems to disappear, merge into the big crowd that starts to vanish as desire clouds your vision. There is only want and need, every other emotion eroded. 

And so you do not only enter his mansion, you find yourself following after him, alongside your friend Elain, to the back of his villa where the music is only whisper in the air.  

Moving on light steps the two of you enter his bedchamber to continue dancing there–the devil’s tango.

He asks for your consent and you give him your consent. All of you are ready to enter this, although slight hesitation blooms inside both your and Elain’s chest as realisation of what is about to happen dawns on you two. 

Lucien’s sharp fangs flash when a grin parts his lips, eyes aglow. “You both look stunning tonight. Lady Elain. Lady Y/N.” You smile, cheeks flushing when you lift your hand and brush it over Lucien’s scar, thumb softly stroking his skin. There is no hesitance in your movement and it nearly draws tears into Lucien's eyes – if he was able to produce such things.

“You are beautiful, my lord.” 

A delighted growl is the answer, his desire just as acute as yours.

Lucien lets you both undress him. Tentatively removing the pieces of clothing, you reveal his glorious body underneath, every little inch of it until the male stands, dressed in just the skin he was born with, in front of you. He is stunning, cruel beauty, all hard skin, edges and muscles.

You kiss Lucien’s back, tongue sliding over his left shoulder blade when your hands curl around his waist. He is helping Elain, whose face is a deep beetroot red, undress before sharing a passionate, breathtaking kiss with her. It takes her a little by surprise, making her knees wobble, but she is the one to connect their lips just once again.

You are following, both of them helping you undress because you dress is the most difficult to get off. Once fully bare, you draw in a deep breath and lift your gaze to the male whose skin is like porcelain.

Encouraged by desire, you worship his body, pampering it with sweet kisses, loving touches and soft squeezes. A lot of conversations happens without actually talking, but since Elain and you both have heard the stories about him you are very well aware of what will happen this night. And you are more than ready to give yourself to the Lord of blood – his veins filled with fire and he is said to fuck like this too.

It is Elain who dares to ask a question, her knees wobbly when her hand grabs yours and she steps up next to you. “You will draw blood from us now, won’t you?”

“I will, my lovely flower. But only a little.” “Will it hurt?”

His smile is warm and understanding, his expression sincere and honest. “It will sting a little, but I will be gentle," Lucien says, his voice, the deep tenor reverberating through your bodies, making wet heal pool in your centre and your toes curl. He guides you both over to the luxurious bed, the bed posts made of the most beautiful mahogany, the sheets of velvet red.  

You can scent both Elain and Lucien’s arousal, just as poignant as yours, their passion just acute as your own. 

It is this want, this primal need, that has not decreased since the very first touch of Lucien hands earlier that evening, it has only gotten more and more intense. 

“I can go first,” you quickly say, noticing Elain’s slight discomfort and hesitation. You want to spare her from having to go first, wanting to show her that it is fine. Elain flashes you a warm, thankful smile and you bow your head. 

“If that is what you want.” Lucien steps closer to you, hands brushing up your arms and he kisses the top of your head. “I won’t hurt you, my sweet lady.” 

You believe him, trust him. He will not hurt you, you know this. And you know that, even though he has this bad reputation. He seems like a generous male who cares about your feelings. He seems to care about you two like no one has ever before. And that is because you also care about him. You know he knows that. Knows that this is not just about physical pleasure.

His erection presses against your belly, when the tall male leans in, and against your skin he says, "May I?"

Your voice is a breathy whisper, your answer a clear yes.

Lips closing over yours, he kisses you deeply, one hand leaving you, he reaches over to Elain, stroking her cheek softly, before his hand grabs you again.

His lips are cool, but soft, plump. Your mouth waters at the thought of what his lips can do and you can barely contain your excitement, grinning into the kiss with pure bliss, while holding back a tiny squeal.

The stunning male carefully places you on the mattress, only to turn to Elain, who flashes him a sheepish grin. “Will you allow me another kiss?”

“Yes” With that his mouth captures hers as well, kissing her deeply, helping the young female move onto the bed as well before breaking the kiss. And then his eyes widen, lips parting slightly. 

He silently regards you, eyes on fire, burning flames of fire leaving heat in every place they touch. 

“Gods have mercy on me,” he says, fangs shining brightly in the dim room. “The two of you will truly be my end.”

He moves onto the bed, opting to glide up your body, kissing you deeply. But you don’t want him to draw blood immediately, you want him to suffer just a little longer, want his need to be stronger. You want him to beg for a drop of the sweet, thick liquid. 

So what you do is curl your leg around his hips, rolling him over. Leaving the kiss, you tilt your head, and with some silent conversation make Elain aware of your plan. She understands, cheeks flushed, strands of hair curling around her face when she nods.

Both Elain and you don’t waste a moment to worship him, your from then on master in the bedroom. You pamper his skin with kisses, moving up and down his body, soft brushes of your fingers and tongues accompanying your actions. There is not much guidance needed, somehow all three of you perfectly fall into place, in a role. Lucien finds himself in a state of ecstasy, his head thrown back, a breathtaking grin blooming on his flushed face. 

Your hand, somehow on its own accord, curls around his proud length, stroking slightly which has the male growling. His leg jerks up and when he wants to move, Elain pins him down, arching her brow, eyes glowing with mischief. “Let us play a little, master,” she coos, grinning viciously. Lucien thinks he might just come at her wording, or you handling his cock. 

Either thing is too much, and he needs…needs more. And needs blood.

He decides he has let you play long enough and so he moves, now guiding you so he is propped up against the headboard, you sitting beside him, Elain kneeling between his thighs.

“This is what you want?” Lucien asks, softly, his gaze solely focused on Elain.

“I want you in my mouth, yes.”

“Such a good girl.” He speaks with so much admiration, it has both yours and Elain’s toes curling. And without many words being spoken Elain kisses up his thighs, her hand now curling around him, softly stroking. She makes her way up to his groin while the glorious male pulls you in for a kiss. “I will be gentle,” he assures once again, his thumb brushing your cheek. The kiss is needy, full of fire and passion. Damp lips coast lower, brushing over your jaw. You feel heat pool in your core, his scent, his voice, making your toes curl. 

His fangs sink in and Lucien groans low in his throat, the sound so guttural and raw it has your knees shaking. Lucien holds you, helping you sit straight while draws the first drop of blood from around the puckered skin of your breast, his tongue latching on your nipple, front teeth teasing the tight bud. 

You arch into the strong male, his hand sliding to your backside, squeezing ever so softly. A growl leaves the hungry male when Elain takes him in his mouth, lips closing around the tip, suckling, licking, teasing.

Taking one sip that has his head spinning, his heart racing, Lucien pulls and you feel it in your whole body. You moan, the feeling so overwhelming. Your thighs clench and you fist the sheet next to you, squeezing your eyes shut. 

You walls clench around nothing, and so you let one hand travel down your belly, parting your hot flesh, sliding two fingers inside. A warm hand moves over yours, his skin now warmed by your blood and Lucien presses down on your fingers, adding more pressure. When you gasp lightly, he lifts his mouth from your breast, flicking his tongue over the tiny dots, and grins at you, his brow lifted. 

But the moment is only short, his lips close over the spot once again, the skin already a bit darker from the bruising kiss he leaves there. The same moment Elain’s hand falls to the apex of her thighs, she moans loudly around Lucien and can feel him twitch, knowing he is close. 

Fueled by the taste of your blood he cannot last too long and his undoing is when Elain swallows around him, teeth grazing his sensitive skin. Lucien sharply pulls back from your boob, his face clammy with sweat, eyes ablaze, lips blood streaked. “In you?” The flick of her tongue against the crown of his cock is answer enough and Lucien lets go of every restraint he had on himself. Hips no longer moving with shallow movements, now jerking up, pounding into Elain, his hand–the one not occupied with you, holding her head down. He no longer drinks from you, just kisses you with hunger, desire and lust. His fingers still resting over yours, his thumb caresses your clit, pushing you over the edge the same moment his hot release fills Elain's mouth. 

You feel a bit dizzy, he has not taken that much blood but some and for someone not used to that it can make them feel and so Lucien suggests you to take a little from Elain. She agrees, you are her best friend after all, and especially after that night you will be closer than ever before. 

His fangs once again pierce her skin, on her wrist, he brings his arm to your mouth, letting you drink. You almost want to cry at the taste–she tastes absolutely succulent, sweet and spicy.

Lucien, the glorious and completely misunderstood male he is, makes sure you don’t take enough because you are greedy and can’t get enough. He lets Elain feed from him as well, her lips and tongue hungrily suckling on his skin, his blood, and then he worships her, while you worship him. 

Later that night your bodies come together once again, moving in perfect sync. You devour each other in more than one way, sweet love making followed by some rougher, harder sex that has all of you gasping, panting for air, and cursing the gods and lord above. 

Only when you fall to the mattress, fully spent and sated, you know that this is what you want for the rest of your life. Not one day would you want to spend without the two of them. You share this with them, Elain’s heavy-lidded gaze lifting to you from Lucien’s chest, her hand placed over his heart. You own head is placed on the other side of his chest, his arms around the both of you, the thick velvet blanket covering you all. 

“Perfection,” Lucien drawls, his lids closing when he hears your breathing getting heavier, knowing both of you will sleep soon. And you will sleep in this bed for the rest of your lives.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

tags: @rippahwrites @shadowhunter2003 @my-inner-crisis @ladyelain @acourtofthought @itwasalwaysaboutthetea @multifictional  @moonlightazriel @brekkershadowsinger @velidewrites

[separatist-apologist]

Acotar characters from least to most kinky? 👀 I’ve been living for your rankings

@moodymelanist I'm combining this with yours. YOU KNOW WHY

17. Amren- I'm sorry but she just does not feel exciting to me? We saw her with Varian and she's giving "50 Shades of Grey handcuff merch" and "Lights off only".

16. Jurian- 500 years as a mood ring has made him very, very quick.

15. BOTTOM OF THE LIST TO MRS. FEYRE ARCHERON- literally half the High Lords are willing to CRAWL at her feet and she spends most of ACOMAF pining over Tamlin. Offered a threesome with MR GOOD AT SEX HIMSELF HELION and says NO???? because WHY??? I've seen her fuck, the kinkiest she ever got was in the sky and it low key felt like a crime

14. Vassa- Fire in her blood but like, is also a bird most of the time so she's just not fucking very often. Seems like it would be aggressively angry though, and that's why she's above rooftop sex Feyre

13. Gwyn- Probably should be higher on this list but points for reading about smut and asking about Cassian. Learning what NOT to accept, seems like she would communicate.

12. Mor- Pillow princess. Nothing wrong with it, but that's as exciting as things ever get.

11. Elain- SORRY. I hate to do my girl like this but she can't even talk about a PERIOD without blushing. Do I think she's a secret freak? Yes. Do I think she could ever ask for what she wanted without whispering it? NO. Points for being so hot everyone is on their metaphorical knees begging for a taste.

10. Cassian- I read ACOSF. He didn't do anything groundbreaking. Most interesting thing we ever got was the information that the bat boys used to fuck in the same room. Points off for not communicating his needs during sex.

9. Tamlin- Knows where the clit is, goes down AFTER finishing. Multiple orgasms, beast form idk he deserves this spot. ANNUAL ORGY HELLO????

8. Nesta- Again, I read ACOSF. Daydreams about a threesome but gripping the headboard was as far as they ever got. Also loses points for not being honest with the person she was having sex with.

7. Tarquin- Can't prove it, but our respectful king gives off the vibes. Am aware, from cursed tags on shifting post, that my followers would let dolphin Tarquin do unspeakable things to them.

6. Rhysand- Feels like this man has had sex with men and women. Very friendly with Helion. Offered Feyre a threesome, would put all his money on his willingness to go through had she said yes. Is a crime he didn't, tbh. Seems game for anything. Down for a lot more than eating someone out in paint.

5. Emerie- Something about a woman with a sword. Something about a woman who can carry their injured pal up a mountainside. BDE. Cannot prove she's fucking wild. It's just a feeling I have.

4. Azriel- Mr. Big wingspan himself. Mr. Doesn't need poetry to get laid. Have seen zero proof of these claims so it's just the fandoms word against the text. Has been pining over one woman for 500 years, curious what sex with a man like that is like. Feels like your on your hands and knees a lot, and he's telling you not to talk.

3. Eris- FIRE. IN. HIS. BLOOD. "See how a future High Lord plays" BIG DICK, HE EXUDES IT. Mean. Would throw you against a wall. Filthiest things pour out of his mouth. Lets you spend the night, do not expect breakfast. Bruises your cervix, worth it.

2. Lucien- Mr. Fire in his blood? Mr. company at the border? Mr doesn't need to go to the pleasurehall to get laid? Participating gleefully in the annual orgy (when not forced?), only wanted to do Summer Solstice because there was a promise of sex. Libertine, laid back, fun as fuck. This man will never call you back but that's okay. You had a good enough time.

HELION YOU ALREADY KNEW. HELION SPELL CLEAVER. HELION WARRIOR LIBRARIAN, SECOND HOTTEST (allegedly) HIGH LORD. CAUGHT FUCKING ANOTHER MANS WIFE IN 4K, GOT HER PREGNANT WHILE BARELY EVEN TRYING. BI-KING.

[acourtofthought]

Hello :) Maybe I’m off base, but I think this is also proof that Elucien may be endgame (narrative wise):

Feyre ended up with Rhys, and developed a strong bond with his best friend, Cassian.

Nesta ended up with Cassian, and developed a strong bond with his best friend, Azriel.

Elain ends up with Lucien, and will develop a strong bond with his best friend, Tamlin.

I know this is controversial, and maybe you won’t agree, but I think that Elain and Tamlin - as friends - would get along really well. I also think it ties into all the Spring foreshadowing connected to Elain, and I do wonder that if Elain is indeed a shapeshifter (a theory I’ve had for a while now), that Tamlin will be the one to help her master these powers. It would lead into his ‘redemption arc,’ because one of the main criticisms of Tamlin in books prior is that he refused to train Feyre (so it’s as if he learns from this mistake - and it would be somewhat poetic that he trains and helps Elain… the one person who people, especially the IC, believe actually needs protecting…).

SJM is clearly still keeping the door open for Tamlin (especially with those quote in ACOSF; “Not if Tamlin cannot master his guilt and grief and become what he once was.”) His story is still to be told… and it fits in perfectly with an Elucien book.

To me, it just makes sense 🌸🌷🌿

While I'm not sure that Elain and Tamlin will be close friends in the way Nesta / Az and Feyre / Cassian / Az are, I do think that her relationship with Tamlin will be different than what we've seen between Tamlin and the other Archeron's.

In SF we have this:

"I don't care how much you apologize or try to atone for it or claim you didn't know the King of Hybern would do such a thing or that you begged him not to do it. You colluded with him. Because you thought Feyre was your property."

In the novella we have this:

Eris's mouth curved in an adder's smile. "Because Tamlin's territory is the only one that borders the human lands. I'd think that anyone looking to expand would have to go through the Spring Court first. Or at least obtain his permisson."

Another person she'd one day kill. If Feyre and Rhys didn't do it first.

It didn't matter what Tamlin had done in the war, if he'd brfought Beron and the human forces with him. If he'd played Hybern.

It was another day, another female lying on the ground, that Mor would not forget, could not forgive.

and this:

"Do you think she will forgive me?" The question was a rasp. As if he'd been screaming.

I knew whom he meant. And I didn't know. I didn't know if her wishing him happiness was the same as forgiveness. If Feyre would ever want to offer that to him. Forgiveness could be a gift to both, but what he'd done..."Do you want her to?"

His green eyes were empty. "Do I deserve it?"

No. Never

Rhys goes on to say (in regards to his mother / sister), "As if an apologize would ever right it. As if an apology would ever cover the loss that still ate at me, the hole that remained where their bright, lovely lives had glowed.

Then, "It was not forgiveness - it was not kindness. I could not, would not, ever forget what he'd done to those I loved most."

So.......we have Nesta hating Tamlin, Mor hating Tamlin, Feyre and Rhys hating Tamlin.

I definitely don't think Lucien hates Tamlin and I think he does probably forgive him for the abuse however I am not sure what has been broken can be repaired and that they'll ever go back to how they may have once been (in the centuries before Amarantha).

I'm also not sure whether or not Tamlin will ever be able to resume his position as High Lord because his people have lost all faith in him.

But....it's clear SJM can't keep Tamlin the way he is. She doesn't seem to be fond of his character, saying he sucks in one interview and saying he's an example of toxic male masculinity in another (I could swear there was a third where she calls him a douche).

But he's not a villain either so his character does need resolution and the other characters hating on him forever and ever just stands in the way of their own true happiness, like Rhys says, offering forgiveness can be a gift to all parties involved and it's something Tamlin clearly needs in order to let go of his guilt.

I think Elain will be the person to bring that change about for everyone. Whether it be her simply offering Tamlin forgiveness and that helps him on his path of healing which in turn is something the others note and let go of their past grudges is one possibility. Whether she actually talks to the others and encourages them to let go of the old animosities is another. But I don't see Elain as the type to hold on to a grudge, no matter what part Tamlin played in what happened to her and I think having even one person who he wronged show kindness and forgiveness will be the turning point for him.

But either way, I'm not sure I see him playing a major part in Elucien's journey, not where they're all hanging out as buddies laughing.

Forgiveness is one thing but becoming close in the way the others are with their mates friends doesn't feel right to me.

Either Elucien will end up in Spring for a time and Tamlin will set off on his own to finally find what makes him happy (because he never wanted to be High Lord in the first place) or they'll help get Spring and Tamlin back on their feet and they'll set off for Day.

Since Elucien's story also seems to be hinting at them traveling to the continent (a place we know Vassa will end up in), I imagine Jurian will become someone Elain develops a close friendship with as Jurian is currently the person Lucien is thankful for in terms of male friends. He's also got his head on his shoulders in a way that Tamlin doesn't which means he could actually offer friendship to Elain versus Tamlin who Elain would be offering something to and probably not getting as much in return.

But as Elucien makes friends wherever they go, we also might see them develop new friends in Day. We might see Lucien reconnect with Eris and maybe she'll develop a comradery with her brother in law once he stops hiding behind his mask.

I could see Elain getting on well with Helion, maybe he'll even fill some of what's been missing since she lost her own father.

There are a lot of directions SJM could take with their story.l but I agree with you that Elain may be able to shift as it does tie in with the High Lord of Spring

[iambutmortal]

Darling, I'm a Daydream Dressed Like a Nightmare

Summary: When Lucien goes to the Night Court to update Feyre and Rhys the Spring Court, they would like to thank Lucien for his services in the naughtiest way possible.

Written for @sjmkinkmeme​ and also a massive thank you to @separatist-apologist​ for beta reading

Pairing: Feyre Archeron x Rhysand x Lucien Vanserra

Word Count: 4k

Content Warning: Dubious Consent, Explicit Cheating

Read on AO3

Lucien hated the Court of Nightmares.

Rhysand’s underground court made his skin crawl, reminded him far too much of Amarantha. How Rhys could stand it after being trapped for fifty years, Lucien didn’t know. He was surprised Feyre hadn’t ordered it demolished, if only as a favor to her mate.

Still, when the High Lord and Lady of the Night court summoned him there to give his monthly report on Spring, he had no option other than to show up, not while they offered him the only employment he was likely to find.

The doors to the throne room swung open as he approached, and he strode into the cavernous space. His golden eye clicked as he took in the stone walls, the carved beasts and low, flickering light. Mercifully, Rhys and Feyre were alone, none of the other members of their court of dreams hanging around, judging him for his every move.

The smell of sweat and desire hung heavy in the air. Rhysand had no doubt been having one of his famous parties, although those had been notably tamer since Feyre came into the picture. It was hard to host an orgy to rival Helion’s when you had a mate and baby at home.

Feyre and Rhys were still dressed for her monstrous court, scraps of see through back fabric showing off most of Feyre’s lightly freckled skin as she lounged in her mate’s throne. Rhys perched on the arm, his wings nowhere in sight while her own seat remained empty.

“Thank you for meeting us here,” Feyre said once Lucien stopped at the bottom of the dais, her blue eyes keen as her gaze roamed over him. Lucien felt himself stand up a hair straighter as she took in his polished boots, the simple tunic opened nearly to his navel. His hair hung loose around his face, an easier style than tying it back.

Lucien sketched a quick bow, raising one brow in mock difference. “Whatever my High Lady requests.”

Feyre snorted.

Rhys cleared his throat and Lucien straightened. “Your report?” he asked.

“Spring is unchanged. Tamlin remains largely absent, even as his lords work to rebuild. I have concern about Autumn trying to encroach—”

Feyre held up a tattooed finger to stop him. “You’re too far away,” she pouted. She seemed to spread her legs wider, something Lucien would have hardly noticed had that single bolt of fabric not fallen between her thighs, showing off more of that creamy expanse of skin.

Lucien averted his eyes, turning to Rhys, who only smirked.

“Come closer,” Feyre ordered, and Lucien forced down the lump forming in his throat. Hesitantly, he took a step up onto the dais. 

“Closer,” Rhys said. There wasn’t much more closer Lucien could get, but he took another half step forward until he was practically standing between Feyre’s parted thighs.

“Beron seems to be sending patrols closer to the border than he has in the past,” Lucien said, continuing. Feyre extended one bare leg, wrapped it around the back of his thighs, and tugged. Lucien’s mind went blank as he stumbled forward, bracing himself against the arms of the throne to stop himself from falling into her lap.

“You work too hard,” Feyre purred, running one finger down the front of Lucien’s shirt.

Lucien quickly righted himself. “I can prepare a written report if you prefer.”

“We don’t prefer,” Rhys said. Perched on the chair arm, he was only slightly shorter than Lucien, which made it easy for him to lean forward and lick a stripe up his neck.

Lucien’s body went hot, simultaneously tensing and going loose all at once.

“We do however think you deserve thanks,” Feyre added, undoing one of his few remaining tunic buttons.

Hastily, Lucien stepped back. “I think a bottle of your good wine would more than suffice.”

Feyre hummed, looking up at him before reaching out a hand and grabbing the bulge in the front of his pants. Lucien had been so distracted he hadn’t realized he was already half hard, and, now that Feyre was touching him, was rapidly growing harder.

Lucien looked away, staring at a spot on the back wall. “I’m a mated male, I don’t want—”

“You haven’t accepted the mating bond,” Feyre countered, scraping the nails of one hand lightly along the front of his thighs while her other continued to stroke him through his pants. “And Elain doesn’t want you.”

Lucien flinched. He knew, even if he didn’t want to acknowledge it. Elain had no interest in him, actively avoided him. He was keeping himself chaste for her, remaining loyal despite having no proof she expected it. Or even if she bothered to do the same for him. He doubted it.

“We want you, though,” Rhys said, moving from where he’d been watching to stand behind Lucien, running a hand under his tunic and up his chest.

Indecision, and deep shame, flickered through Lucien. He should value that mating bond more. Still, it had been so long since anyone had genuinely wanted him for more than what he could offer them—

Rhys seemed to sense his wavering, was probably poking around in his mind to make him compliant. His hand on Lucien’s chest pushed, shoving him into the open throne.

“We would take care of you,” Feyre added, rising gracefully out of her own seat to stand next to Rhys. They stared down at him with twin predatory gazes.

Lucien swallowed thickly. “I don’t want this.”

“You don’t want this, or you shouldn’t want this,” Rhys asked, his voice teasing.

Feyre stepped forward, climbing into his lap so her legs straddled his hips. “Don’t tell me you’re not curious,” she whispered into his ear, her lips brushing the delicate skin. “Haven’t wondered what it would be like.”

Lucien shivered slightly. He would be lying to himself if he said he’d never thought about it, early when Feyre first came to Prythian. She’d been so fierce, even when she was nothing more than skin and bones and scared out of her mind. But then she’d belonged to Tamlin, and now Rhysand, and Lucien had quickly banished auy thought of it. A part of him privately mused if it was because she looked like Elain, if there was some magic driving him towards the Archerons.

“Thankfully, little Lucien only has to be curious about what one of us is like in bed,” Rhys purred. He stood back, content to let Feyre take control.

“That was a long time ago,” Lucien ground out, as Feyre reached down to fully unbutton his shirt. He hated how turned on he was at the sight, how hard his aching cock was.

Maybe it had been too long.

“Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten,” Rhys teased. “I thought our nights together were special.”

“I was young,” Lucien said defensively.

“Want to see how I’ve improved? Although I don’t remember you ever complaining,” Rhys purred.

Feyre had made it down to his pants, was slowly undoing the laces that were barely containing his cock.

“I would rather not be ripped apart for touching another male’s mate.” It was a last ditch effort, and all three of them knew it. If Rhys wasn’t upset by Feyre draped over his lap, there was little else Lucien could do to provoke him.

“Rhys doesn’t mind sharing,” Feyre said, undoing that final tie. Lucien’s manhood sprung free, long and proud, already weeping slightly at the tip.

Feyre’s eyes went wide at the sight, even as she slipped from his lap and onto her knees.

“Not as little as Rhysand likes to make it out to be?” Lucien asked.

Feyre didn’t answer, instead leaning forward to run her tongue along the underside of his shaft.

“Fuck,” Lucien breathed, arching out of the seat slightly.

Feyre smiled up at him. “Still don’t want this?” Lucien didn’t answer, and Feyre wrapped her lips around the very tip of his head, sucking lightly.

She’d barely touched him, and Lucien was already far too close. His hand paled in comparison to the feeling another body, could never elicit the same feeling.

“Elain never hears of this,” Lucien ordered.

Feyre’s smile was pure wickedness as she winnowed them out of the throne room.

They landed somewhere warm, so at odds with the ever present chill of the Court of Nightmares. 

Lucien was perched on the edge of the most comfortable bed he’d ever felt, a slight breeze blowing through the open arched windows. From the mountains outside, Lucien guessed they were somewhere above the Court of Nightmares, probably in Rhys’ private residences. His people could rot in the darkness, but he was too good for that, needed the open air.

Feyre’s hands were back on him, tugging his pants down his legs and throwing them off into a corner somewhere, her mouth returning to his cock.

Rhys sat behind them on the bed. He ran his hands up Lucien’s chest, divesting him of his open tunic while Feyre continued her ministrations.

“Feyre darling,” Rhys said, “don’t you think Lucien should lie down, since he works so hard.”

Releasing him with a pop, Feyre grinned up at her mate. “I think he’s earned the rest.”

Rhysand pressed lightly on Lucien's shoulder, laying him down on the bed.

Ferye slid onto Lucien’s lap, head between his parted thighs. She ran her tongue along his slit, collecting the drop of precum on his tip.

“Now, now, Feyre,” Lucien said, rising onto his elbows to watch. “You’re not going to tease me, are you?”

“What would you do about it,” Feyre asked, toying with his balls but leaving his shaft untouched.

Instead of answering, Lucien reached out, wrapping Feyre’s long hair around the palm of his hand, tugging lightly. Her lips parted in surprise, and Lucien took the opportunity to shove his cock into her mouth.

Feyre gagged as he hit the back of her throat, her hand reaching out to brace herself against his thigh. Lucien groaned at the feeling, sitting up and burying his other hand in her hair and using his grip to bob her head.

Saliva dripped down Feyre’s chin as Lucien fucked her face. From somewhere above him, Rhys growled. “I believe Feyre darling wanted to be worshiped.”

Lucien glanced behind him to see Rhys watching them intently, his body tense. 

“Feyre, tell your mate this is what you want,” Lucien said, pressing deeper into her throat until her nose brushed against his lower stomach. Feyre gagged, unable to speak with him occupying her mouth. “Feyre,” he taunted. “You asked for this, didn’t you?”

He loosened his grip on her hair just enough for her to nod her head. Rhys relaxed slightly, his hand drifting down to the ties of his own pants.

Lucien tightened his grasp again, keeping Feyre’s head steady as he pulled out to the tip before thrusting back in. Feyre screamed against him and Lucien gave a dark laugh. “Poor Feyre, you thought I was going to worship you?” Another thrust. “That’s for good girls.” Another. “Not sluts who let their mates watch them get another male off.”

Feyre moaned, the sound muffled.

Lucien felt the rough slide of fabric along his back as Rhys came up behind him. “We serve at the Lady’s will,” Rhys snarled.

Lucien looked down at Feyre, spread out on his thighs, grinding slightly against the mattress in search of any kind of freedom. He felt release growing closer, his balls tightening at the sight.

“Then what does the Lady want?”

Blue eyes met his, and Feyre sucked, hollowing her cheeks as she took him impossibly deeper. Rhys reached around Lucien, rubbing his testicles with one hand.

The twin sensation sent him over the edge and Lucien came with a groan. Cum spurted into Feyre’s mouth, and she swallowed it dutifully. Some spilled from her swollen lips, dripping down onto Lucien’s thighs.

“Clean that up,” Lucien ordered, releasing Feyre’s head and running one hand down her exposed spine, the sun and moon inked there.

“Make me,” Feyre said.

Lucien hummed, fully willing to drape her across his lap and spank her for her behavior. She was saved by Rhys, who reached out to lift her off him, plopping her on the bed before taking her place. He looked flushed, his cock erect between the laces of his pants.

“Your mate sucks good cock,” Lucien said appreciatively.

“I know,” Rhys said, smirk firmly in place as he leaned down to lick the cum off Lucien’s thighs, biting softly at the skin.

Out of the corner of his eye, Lucien could see Feyre watching them intensely.

“Something to say, Feyre?”

“Did you truly lie together…before?”

“Five hundred years is a long time to know someone,” Lucien said. “You should ask Rhys what he and his brothers got up to in their youth.”

Rhys lifted his head. “Why talk when we could demonstrate for Feyre darling?”

Feyre made a small whimper and Lucien grinned. He guided Rhys up his body until they were level. Blue eyes met his and Rhys’ brow quirked, daring him to go first.

Lucien took it as a challenge, surging forward to meet his lips in a clash of tongues and teeth. It brought Lucien back to his youth, when they’d both merely been Lord’s sons, messy and inexperienced, eager for release in any way possible.

Rhys’ cock brushed against the skin of Lucien’s stomach, and Lucien reached down to wrap a hand around it. He stroked it slowly, enough to excite but nowhere near enough pressure to bring Rhys anywhere close to climax.

He could hear Feyre whining in the distance, and broke the kiss long enough for them both to look at her. Her legs were parted, a finger running through her slick folds as she watched.

Rhys chuckled. “I promised Feyre there would be two males lavishing attention on her. I don’t think she’s quite getting what she wanted.”

Lucien let go of Rhys’ cock with a sigh. “I didn’t become Spring’s emissary without knowing how to please the people in power.” He cocked his head. “Although it’s hard to do that when you’re both wearing so much clothing.”

Rhys snapped his fingers and his and Feyre’s clothes disappeared.

“Show off,” Lucien muttered, sliding back against the headboard to make room for Feyre to climb between them.

She crawled over, facing Rhys. He pressed a sweet kiss to her lips, and Lucien wrapped his hands around her hips, tugging them towards him. Feyre fell onto her hands and knees, ass in the air.

“Poor Feyre,” Lucien said, dragging a finger through her folds, gleaming with her arousal. “You’re practically dripping.”

“Are you going to do something about that, or just tease?” Feyre asked. 

Lucien’s answering spank sent her lurching forward. “If you want to talk, I can put your mouth to good use.”

Feyre turned back to glare at him, but remained silent.

Lucien palmed her ass, admiring the red print his hand had left. He leaned over her, his chest against her back. “I think Rhys should kiss and make it better,” Lucien whispered into her ear conspiratorially.

Feyre shivered slightly, nodding. Lucien sat back up, pulling Feyre with him until. She spread her legs, exposing her pretty, pink pussy to Rhys, who stared down at it in wonder.

“Lick it,” Lucien ordered.

Rhys didn’t need further prompting, falling forward to bury his face in Feyre’s cunt. She moaned, her head falling back to rest in the cradle where Lucien’s neck met his shoulder.

Lucien wrapped an arm around her body, palming her breasts while Rhys lavished attention on her clit. Feyre whimpered, her hands going to Rhys’ hair to hold him against her. 

“I want you to fuck me,” she declared when Lucien flicked his thumb across her nipple.

“Eager, are you?” Lucien asked, returning his hand to the slick pooling in Feyre’s core.

“Please, Lucien.”

He responded by inserting a single finger into her cunt. She clenched around it, desperate for any relief.

“Are you sure you want me in your pretty pussy?” Lucien asked. “After all, it might be hard to explain a little redhead baby running around. What would you tell your family?”

If possible, Feyre seemed to grow wetter at that, her hips grinding against his hand even as Rhys growled low in the back of his throat.

Lucien pulled his finger, swirling it around her puckered hole and spreading that slickness. “I think it would be much better for me to fuck you here.”

Without waiting for a response, Lucien shoved his finger in her ass. Feyre tightened around him, before slowly relaxing as Rhys doubled his efforts on her clit. Lucien dragged his cock through her folds, wetting it as he worked a second finger in.

Feyre was panting, her head still resting against him. “Lucien,” she snapped, clearly frustrated with his slow touches, “fuck me.”

Always one to please his partners in bed, Lucien removed his fingers and lined his slick cock up with the entrance of that hole.

Feyre gasped when he pressed the tip in, so obviously unused to being penetrated there. 

“Relax,” Lucien whispered, hands returning to her breasts, those erect nipples. She did, leaning against him and letting more of his cock in.

“You got a good one, Rhys,” Lucien said. He was going out of his mind, Feyre holding him in a viselike grip.

Rhys paused his ministrations long enough to smirk up at Lucien from between Feyre’s parted thighs. “I know.”

Feyre laughed, body going even looser.

“Is this what you dreamed about?” Lucien asked, pulling out slowly before thrusting back in. “Did you touch yourself while thinking about this, my cock in your ass with your mate on his knees?

“Shut up,” Feyre whined, rolling her hips in time with his, “and fuck me.”

Lucien responded with a particularly sharp snap of his hips. Rhys matched him, sucking hard on Feyre’s clit. Lucien felt her body tense, growing closer to climax and Lucien had to clench his ass to keep from coming.

“Are you going to come for us?” Lucien asked. “Show your mate how well you take my cock?”

Feyre let out a strangled cry as she broke, holding his cock impossibly tight. It sent Lucien over the edge, had him coming in her. He rode them both through it, Rhys licking up any of the cum that spilled out.

Lucien collapsed against the headboard when they were done, pulling Feyre down on top of him.

“For someone who didn’t want to do this, you’re awfully bossy,” Feyre said.

Lucien chuckled, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek. “Then tell me, how may I best serve you, Lady?”

Feyre looked at Rhys, sitting opposite them, his cock still erect. “I think it’s only fair Rhys gets to come too,” she answered, crawling off him and onto Rhys. “Since he’s been so patient.” Lucien watched as she slid onto his cock, admiring the way her slick folds parted to allow him to enter. Feyre rode him, the muscles along her ass and thighs fully on display. Rhys sucked kisses along her breasts, no doubt leaving marks that would make it clear to all of them who Feyre belonged to at the end of the night.

Lucien’s dick was already hard, and he lightly stroked it in time with them.

Rhys and Feyre were both panting when she paused, muscles shaking as she hovered over Rhys, the head of this cock just barely buried in her wet cunt. 

“We brought you here for a reason, and it’s not to watch.”

“Oh?” Lucien asked.

Feyre sunk down on Rhys’ cock. “I was told you fucked like you had fire in your blood.”

“I’m sorry my previous efforts didn’t live up to those claims,” Lucien said, sliding up behind Feyre anyway. “What can I do to please my High Lady?”

“I want you in me,” Feyre breathed. “Both of you.”

Lucien made eye contact with Rhys over her shoulder, who stilled his hips. Lucien slid into Feyre and she gasped at the fullness, the feeling of two cocks in her, only separated by that thin wall of skin. They gave her a second to adjust and then Lucien pulled out at the same time Rhys surged forward, giving Feyre no relief from the onslaught.

She was a mess between them, rolling her hips without rhythm as she alternated between craving more and seeking respite.

Feyre gasped as Lucien tilted his hips to hit a new angle. “Fuck, Elain was wasted on you.”

The mention of his mate spurred him on, driving him impossibly deeper into her. Feyre’s cries were hoarse, broken things as both males slammed into her, and she broke around him.

Lucien kept rutting into her, Rhys matching his effort. Feyre came again, one orgasm bleeding into the next. Her tightening walls had Lucien seeing stars, and he spilled into her at the same time as Rhys, their fluids mixing.

Feyre collapsed on top of Rhys, Lucien lying on his side next to them, the three spent. Cum slowly leaked out of Feyre, marking what they’d just done.

“Should I clean you up?” Lucien asked.

Feyre shivered in Rhys arms. “No more,” she begged.

“Had enough of the fire in my veins?” Lucien asked, rising from the bed.

Rhys quirked a brow. “For tonight. It has been a while since I’ve felt that flame.”

“Then you’ll have to ask me to deliver a report more often.” Lucien gave them both a bow before winnowing out of the Court of Nightmares.

Elain cradle Nyx in her arms, rocking the baby back and forth as she headed towards Feyre and Rhys’ room. She’d agreed to watch him for the night while his parents held court. She didn’t mind being left out, hated the leers that seemed to follow her wherever she went to the Court of Nightmare, its members sizing her up, wondering what advantage Feyre Cursebreaker’s sister could offer them, how she fit into the Night Court.

Yet it was one more reminder that she didn’t fit in among Feyre’s friends. They all seemed genuinely excited every time they had to go down there, no matter how much they tried to hide it, while all Elain felt was dread.

Nyx cooed as they got closer to the door, picking up the scent of his parents. Elain wrinkled her nose at the stench of sex. She could live without the constant reminder of how vigorous both her sister’s sex lives were.

When she picked up another smell, she froze. It was the one that haunted her in her dreams, inevitably led to her waking up with her panties soaked. Lucien, but deeper somehow, muskier. The scent of his arousal. But entwined with her sister and Rhys’. 

Elain chewed her bottom lip as she inched closer to the door, senses straining. She could make out muffled voices behind the it, but none of them contained the timber of Lucien’s, the tone never failing to send shivers up her spine.

She knew it was wrong to hug Nyx closer to her chest and press her ear against the door, but she couldn’t help herself. And really, it was their fault for forgetting to put up a ward.

“It’s nice to know that your recommendation of Lucien’s skill wasn’t exaggerated,” Feyre said.

Rhys’ reply was too soft to make out, not that Elain would’ve been able to hear it over the roaring in her ears. Her stomach felt tight, even as warmth pooled in her core against her will.

It was just the smell of her mate’s arousal, she rationalized, her body being driven by some instinct. It had nothing to do with the idea of her mate being pleasured, even as her mind conjured images of his face screwed up in ecstasy, of what could lie underneath those carefully tailored pants.

Or how he could pleasure her, if Feyre was to be believed.

She should knock on the door, should confront them. But Elain just hoisted Nyx against her shoulder and moved back down the hall, towards her own room where she could take care of her own needs in private.

[elevatorladylady]

Critical Reread - ACOFAS Chapter 11

Join me on a reread of A Court of Frost and Starlight

Chapter 11 - R/hysand

R/hysand visits Tamlin about his borders not being secure and goes jewelry shopping.

“Perhaps today would produce more of them.”

After waxing poetic about how the estate looks absolutely terrible, he’s hoping that he can make Tamlin angry enough to destroy his court further. Cool.

“But—peace. We had peace within our sights. I could rip him apart after we attained it.”

Ugh. Everyone is just a pawn in R/hysand’s game. They need to be alive until they don’t.

“Lucien had come here out of pity. Mercy.”

I don’t know why Lucien couldn’t want to actually make amends with Tamlin.

“If you’ve come to gloat, you can spare yourself the effort.” I put a hand on my chest. “Why should I bother?”

After clocking nothing but despair, he’s still being an ass.

“Hunting for dinner—because there were no servants here to make food. Or buy it. I couldn’t say I felt bad for him.”

The dude saved R/hys’ life. Does he really deserve to die from hunger?

“I smiled. “Oh, no. That was all her. Clever, isn’t she.”

He’s coming here to get Tamlin to rule his court better, but he’s still proud of F/eyre for destabilizing it. And somehow thinks him mentioning that will help in this conversation.

“I suppose you think I should be thanking you, for stepping up to assist in reviving me.”

Uh yeah, I think that’s kind of the least you can do when someone saves your life. Cause he really did not have to.

“I had everything—everything I’d wished for, dreamed of, begged the stars to grant me. He had nothing. Had been given everything and squandered it. He didn’t deserve my pity, my sympathy.”

He squandered his relationship with F/eyre during a time of great trauma and then F/eyre took the rest from him.

“Tamlin had burned them long ago, F/eyre had told me. It made no difference. He’d been there that day.”

He shows disdain for the whole thing and his family was killed in retribution. 

“I’m not allowing one Night Court brute onto my lands.”

He has very little reason to trust people from the Night Court. 

“You nearly destroyed her. In every way possible.”

And R/hysand drugging her every night and leaving her to lie in her own vomit was just no big deal.

“She survived it, though. Survived you. And you still felt the need to humiliate her, belittle her. If you meant to win her back, old friend, that wasn’t the wisest route.”

I mean she did infiltrate his court under the guise of loving him. But I will just have to make peace with the fact that SJM does have Tamlin say a lot of awful things to her during the High Lord’s meeting.

“Not in the mood for a brawl, Tamlin?”

And here we get some an actual change from Tamlin, unlike R/hysand who just continues to do the things he gets called out for.

“But as I winnowed away, the dark wind ripping around me, a strange sort of hollowness took root in my stomach.

Tamlin didn’t have shields around the house. None to prevent anyone from winnowing in, to guard against enemies appearing in his bedroom and slitting his throat.

It was almost as if he was waiting for someone to do it.”

Oh no, it’s almost like if you push someone to their lowest lows and treat them as if they don’t deserve to exist, they actually consider ending their own life. Who could have guessed that would happen?

“Having heard you rip into Cassian, I’d say you were fairly mild,”

The IC loves to pretend that they are actually mean to each other.

“I should have been the bigger male.”

Absolutely.

“I surveyed the three pieces. Sighed. “I’ll take all of them.”

I really hope there aren’t people starving in other parts of his court as he buys Amren more jewels.