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emeriethevalkyriegirl · 6 months ago

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Cassian, Bassian, Jassian. What’s next, Lassian?!🤣

Wait, that last one might actually work

The Joker and the Queen - Chapter Two

For @emeriethevalkyriegirl 🩷 @acotargiftexchange

Masterlist // Chapter One // Next Part AO3 // read below

Every year, the city of Velaris hosts a week long festival, the Carnival of Stars. It's the biggest event of the year, people from everywhere travel to Night Court County to partake in the special events. Every year, the festival ends on the Winter Solstice, with a performance by the Velaris Ballet Company. And every year they perform the holiday classic, The Nutcracker. However this year, the director of the company has decided to shift gears. This year, the ending performance will be, The Lady and the Fool. A show that follows a royal lady falling in love with a court jester, despite what society says. The director wants to bring a whole new experience to the show. And the twist is that the fool will not be played by a fellow dancer. So instead, they decide to cast a local Winter Solstice tree farmer. What could go wrong? OR Nesta Archeron is the principle ballerina of the Velaris Ballet Company, playing the lead role of The Lady and the Fool, with her counter part, Cassian Pine.

Ten weeks until Winter Solstice.

Nesta groaned slightly while she stretched her hamstring, sitting on the floor of the dance studio. Cooling down from ballet class was something Nesta took very seriously after the unfortunate event when she was seven and wasn’t cooling down after her classes, which resulted in her fainting in her mother’s flower bed when she got home at one point. Of course her mother was more frazzled about the flower bed than her own daughter, but that wasn’t surprising for Josephine Archeron.

The thought of her mother made Nesta’s skin itch, scratching her leg after coming out of the stretch. Josephine lived in the heart of downtown Velaris, so Nesta and her younger sisters created a schedule where one of the three had to see their mother at least once a week. The sisters were on a rotation of who spent time with their mother, and this week happened to be Nesta’s.

Josephine Archeron was many things, but civil was hardly one of them. She had explained her disappointment about all three of her children at least once a week.

“Feyre is dating the mayor and I’m of course happy for her, but that bimbo knows next to nothing about politics. She’s going to make this city worse, trust me.”

“Elain becoming a teacher has been a fine move on her part, but her husband has been a godsend to this family. But she buries herself in her work. She should focus less on other children, and more on creating her own.”

“And you, my darling Nesta, cannot be a dancer for life. Have you found a man yet? Well of course you haven’t. Frowning causes more wrinkles, did you know? People will think we’re sisters soon, and how will you find a man then?”

Nesta sighed, getting up from the floor as she took one last big stretch before she walked to her bag. Grabbing her phone from the bag’s pocket, she read over her last several messages.

Pegging Princess: We should meet up for dinner tonight! It’s been awhile since I’ve seen y’all.

Viscountess Vagetarian: Whatcha mean? You see me every day!!

Pegging Princess: This is the groupchat!!! LEARN TO READ! YOU RUN A BOOKSTORE!

Viscountess Vagetarian: Oh shut up wench!

Pegging Princess: Hoe

Viscountess Vagetarian: Sloot

Viscountess Vagetarian: Also can you get out of the bathroom? You need to stop watching reels while you shit. I know couples develop habits from each other, but can this be an exclusive Az one please?

Nesta rolled her eyes playfully as she could imagine Gwyn yelling at Emerie at the bookshop they ran together. The three had been best friends for years ever since meeting at the local library for a romance book meet up. It had just been the three of them there, and they’ve been inseparable since.

Queefing Queen to the group chat, “3 girls 1 book”: We can meet at Devlons! We’re having auditions tonight for the solstice ballet.

Heading to the exit with her stuff, Nesta was about to walk out when the studio door opened. Eris stood on the other side, dressed in pristine white button down and forest green trousers. He smirked slightly, catching Nesta off. “Are you ready for tonight’s auditions?” He asked.

She glared at him, her arms crossing over her chest. “This is an incredibly stupid idea, Eris. Not to mention the risk we’re taking. And in case you didn’t know already, it’s an insult to ballet.”

However, Eris just waved her off. “Stop being dramatic, Nesta. I want to try something new. I mean, didn't you say recently that ballet was an exclusive style of dance that should be more open to everyone?”

Of course he would use my words against me. Classic Eris. Fucking ass–

“Well, Nesta?” Eris inclined his head as he crossed his arms, mimicking her. He had done this since they were younger, which only made her more pissed. “Yes, I did say that.” She mumbled.

“Well, we best be going to the auditorium to see these auditions. All of the tear-off tabs were taken.”

“All of them?” Nesta blinked in surprise.

“Yup! We saw some traction on social media as well, so we’re hoping to see a good turnout tonight.”

He held out his arm. “Well, you ready?”

“Not at all.” She mumbled.

“I have no problem carrying you as you kick and scream the whole way there.”

Even as Nesta glared, she knew Eris’ threat wasn’t something to take lately. He was her dance partner for years and knew he could pick her up without an ounce of a struggle. Grudgingly, Nesta looped her arm through his.

It was going to be a long night.

~*~

There were exactly five people in the auditorium.

Nesta turned to Eris, a deadpan expression crossed her face. “This is a good turnout?”

“Oh shut up, witch.” Eris said, glaring at Nesta.

Nesta hummed as the two made their way onto the stage. Practically her whole life was spent on stages, it’s where she thrived. It was more of a home than her own parent’s house. Looking out to the very few seats that were filled, Nesta’s stomach turned.

The selection did not look great.

Clearing his throat, Eris introduced himself .“Hello, everyone. I’m Eris Vanserra. The director of this year’s Winter Solstice ballet, The Lady and the Fool. As most of you have heard, we’re having open auditions this year. We’re looking for someone to play the part of the fool, so dancing isn’t a requirement. And don’t worry, we won’t be sending you to a ballet boot camp for the show.”

“Our lovely principal ballerina” Eris gestured to Nesta “has stated that ballet should be more inclusive. While the character is not one of grace that is usually with a standard dancer’s role, I wanted this year’s performance to show that anyone can enter ballet.”

The deafening silence that gathered around the five sets of hands that applauded was almost sickening. I don’t get paid enough for this shit. Eris nudged Nesta with his elbow, giving her his signature side eye.

Taking a step forward, she spoke. “I’m Nesta Archeron, a part of the Velaris Ballet Company. I will be this year’s lead female playing the role of La Capricciosa. Her character is a part of high society, but after meeting the jesters, Moondog and Bootface, she begins to rethink her place in society.”

“There are two jesters in the show, however we are only looking for one inexperienced person to play the part of Moondog. The other jester will be played by fellow ballet dancer Balthazar. He was the nutcracker in last year’s solstice ballet.” The audience remained quiet, so she kept going. “Unfortunately Balthazar was unable to make it today, but nonetheless, we should be able to make a decision on who our Moondog should be.”

Eris took a step next to Nesta, his hands resting at his hips. “I know you all might be nervous, but ballet isn’t just dancing, it’s acting too. Don’t feel the need to show off dance skills, we aren’t looking for that. We want to see the spirit of Moondog. He’s inside one of you.” Eris pointed to the seats facing them.

Nesta mentally cringed at Eris’ wording. Gods, this man needed to get laid.

“Moondog is a poor jester who doesn’t care who he’s fallen for, all he knows is that he wants her, title or not.”

Nesta swore she heard someone sniffling in the audience. She withheld a sigh, making her way with Eris two steps behind,down the steps to the table that was on the outskirts of the pit. It gave them a good view of the whole stage. Once they sat down, Nesta glanced down at her phone, noting the time was close to five o’clock.

“This is going to go by so fast, just wait and see.” Eris said quietly, geering up for the first audition. This audience member climbed up the steps to the stage, but right as they reached the final step, they ended up tripping and falling onto their face.

Kill me now. Nesta grumbled inwardly as she would rather have dinner with her mother than be there.

~*~

As the fifth person went to introduce themselves, Eris called out. “Thank you for trying out. Maybe we can slot you for the summer solstice show?”

“Does Velaris even celebrate that solstice?” The audience member asked.

Eris shrugged. “How the hell would I know? I’m not the mayor.”

As they went to speak again, Eris shooed them away. Their face flushed red as they walked off the stage, leaving the auditorium.

When the doors closed shut, Eris sighed, slumping in his seat. He glanced at Nesta. “So, did anyone stick out to you?”

“Eris, you literally said no to all of them!” She narrowed her eyes. “And I checked our social media page, you didn’t post anything about these auditions! You’re trying to typecast this character!” She slammed the booklet of the script down onto the table. “Why are we doing this?”

“Ballet is a rigorous sport, and only the best of the best can make it to where you and I stand today. But let’s face it, Nesta. Majority of the VBC comes from wealthy families like you and I. The community should be involved for this show, I mean they’re involved in every other aspect of the Carnival of Stars. Why not this?”

Nesta crossed her arms. “You hate people. So I know you’re not doing it out of the kindness of your heart or to bring holiday cheer.” Glancing back down at the booklet, Nesta tilted her head seeing the similar designs of the sea shells and waves, the very same designs she saw when Eris told her about their new performance of the year. Slowly she rose to meet Eris’ gaze, a lightbulb buzzing in her mind.

“You’re trying to outdo Tarquin.”

Almost as if his name was a spell, Eris groaned, spilling everything. “I’m not trying to outdo him. I’m just trying to give a more meaningful performance.”

“Can the two of you just make up already?” Nesta asked, a brow raised.

“We weren’t officially together actually! According to him, we were just friends.”

She rolled her eyes. “I can’t believe you’re getting away with this. How the hell did Rhysand even sign off on this?”

Something crossed Eris’ face before he shrugged. “He’s proposing to your sister. He also wants to one up, Tarquin.”

Nesta’s face fell into her hands. She knew this day would come eventually, but out of all times of the year, Rhysand wanted to propose to her baby sister on said baby sister’s birthday. Subtle is not in that man’s vocab. Rhysand and Nesta never really saw eye to eye, however over the last year they did trade some of their childhood trauma caused by their parents. In a sense it was like the trauma Olympics, and currently Nesta was in the lead.

A soft feeling flowed between her ribs, thinking of Feyre. She was happy for her, but that happiness soon faded as she would be the only unmarried one in her family. A sight for sore eyes, her mother would probably say.

Tarquin had dated her sister very briefly before she broke up with him to be with Rhysand. Then he eventually tangled up with Eris, who apparently only used him. She had spoken to the Summer Court County dancer a few times, and was always mesmerized by him so she understood why so many people were enthralled with him.

“Besides.” The redhead started. “None of these people had the” he wiggled his fingers, going back to the auditions “dazzle we’re looking for.” Eris stood up without a single care in the world written on his face, walking to stretch his legs. Glancing back down at her phone, she wanted to slam her head into the table. It wasn’t even six yet.

“Not once did you ask for my opinion during these auditions, Eris.”

“So you liked one of them then?” Eris questioned, turning around to face her.

Scrunching her nose, Nesta shook her head. “I mean, not really. But I’m not sure what we’re looking for!”

“Trust me, dear. I know exactly what I’m looking for, and no one had it.”

“What the fuck does that mean–”

A loud BANG echoed throughout the auditorium, the sound bouncing off the walls. The doors of the auditorium slammed opened. Instantly Eris and Nesta turned around to see a man standing in red flannel and jeans. He looked oddly familiar, but she didn’t know where she recognized him. Narrowing her eyes at him, Nesta noticed that beside him was…was…

Is that a damn dog?

“Are the auditions still happening for The Lady and The Fool?” The man spoke, and suddenly a gear clicked into place. Her face flushed hard but Nesta did her best to ignore the growing heat as she bit the inside of her cheek. This was the man from the last Solstice. The one who haunted her dreams most nights, especially after she stupidly thankfully lost his number.

The man walked down to their level, the dog on a red leash, panting and wagging their tail. Big brown eyes looked at her with such compassion that Nesta had to adjust herself so she sat on her hands withholding the temptation to pet the animal.

“Can I help you…?” Eris asked.

“Hi, I’m Cassian, Cassian Pine. Are the auditions still happening?”

Eris turned to Nesta. She nudged her head, in a slight shake, indicating no! They were not continuing! We're done here! Silver blue eyes glared daggers at the auburn colored irises that sparkled with a gleam that made Nesta's stomach clench.

“You’re just in time, Bassian. You can go to the stage.”

As Eris sat back down, Nesta sneered at him, her voice hushed. “What the fuck was that?!”

“I may have found what I’m looking for.”

“What! A 6’5 man who looks like a lumberjack. His last name is a type of tree??”

“Let’s just see what the Mother potentially gifted us.”

The man was now standing on stage alongside his dog. The dog sat down on the right side of him, looking up at his face. He quietly patted their head before looking at Eris and Nesta. He rolled his shoulders slightly, smiling nervously. The clicks and clacks of the dog’s nails rested against the stage’s floor making Nesta wince just slightly from the sound.

“Like I said earlier, I’m Cassian Pine. And this.” He gestured to the dog. “Is Holly, and she’ll be trying out for the part of Moondog.”

Holly barked as if following up from what Cassian said. Her reddish gold fur glowed from the stage lights high up. She looked at Eris and Nesta, tilting her head, ears perked up.

The nerves died away in Nesta, all that was left was a burning rage. A dog trying out for this? This was an insult to ballet, to art, to her livelihood. Chaos of fire and smoke rose from her eyes as she stood up from the table. “You have to be fucking kidding me.”

“Did you actually believe that? She’s a dog, not Airbud.” Cassian smirked. Holly grumbled as she looked at Cassian again. “You’re not catching branches like how tight-ends catch footballs, goofball.”

“Mr. Pine, why the hell have you brought your dog here in the first place?” Nesta demanded.

The man shrugged. He had the gull, no, the audacity to shrug.

“I was visiting a few friends and it was too late to go back to the farm.”

“Do you understand how disrespectful you're bringing an animal, who isn’t a service animal by the way, to a stage like this? She’s actively ruining the floors.” Nesta pointed to the stage, glaring.

“Oh…Why didn’t you just say something before?” Cassian asked. But right as Nesta went to argue with him, he scooped up his dog into his arms. Holly seemed entirely unphased as she just relaxed in his hold.

Eris decided then to chime in. “Are you willing to put in the work? It won’t be an easy task, you know. We’ll need you at 125% every rehearsal. As you may not have a dancing background, we’ll be working with you on what steps to do during some of the dances.” He leaned back in his chair. “The rest is improvised.”

“I am, sir. I own a Winter Solstice tree farm on the outskirts of the city, so hard work runs in my everyday life. But…” Cassian trailed off as he looked at Nesta.

Squirming in her seat from his gaze, Nesta glanced away, feeling the heat crawl back into her cheeks. Her index finger lightly tapped on top of her hand, trying to regain her statue as she waited for Cassian to continue.

“I was greatly inspired by your work last year. I’m no dancer, but Winter Solstice is my favorite holiday. This year is the thirtieth anniversary of my mother’s passing, and while I could keep doing what I’m doing now, I wanted to do something different.”

Her chest seemed slightly sore from his words, but Nesta pushed her emotions down. They were not needed right now. The feeling of negativity flooded her mind and throat, trying to claim her next words. All Nesta wanted to do was scream. Instead she looked upon Cassian, his stare meeting hers.

“Well, welcome to the show, Moondog.” Eris said.

“Are you serious?!”

“Are you fucking kidding me?!”

Cassian and Nesta said at the same time. A wide grin crawled over his lips as he adjusted Holly in his grasp. Nesta sneered up at him while he just chuckled.

“Rehearsals start in five days. We’ll email what you need and the schedule.”

“Thank you so much…” Cassian looked at Eris for an introduction.

“Eris. How rude of me to not introduce myself before.” The director grinned before turning to Nesta.

“And this is–”

“Nesta. Nesta Archeron.” Cassian answered.

Her mouth gaped as her cheeks burned hot from the embarrassment. How the fuck does he remember my name?! Cassian made his way down the steps before placing Holly on the ground. The dog shook her body as she walked at her owner’s side.

“Oh? You’re acquainted with each other?” Eris asked, his voice sinking in curiosity.

“No!”

“Somewhat.”

Eris’ grin grew sinister as Nesta’s heart threw itself against her ribcage. Cassian wore a stupid dorkish smile, glancing at her. Nesta’s lip curled up in disgust.

“Well, private practices should help with the chemistry.” Eris suggested. He grabbed his bag, quickly packing his things before he walked up to Cassian. The two men shook hands before Eris said his goodbyes.

“Can’t wait to see you again soon, Jassian. And don’t bring the dog again.”

Before Cassian could say anything else, Nesta followed Eris out the door. She needed her sanity for the next five days, knowing it would be ripped away by that man.

#I forgot to reblog this 🤣#acotar gift exchange #nessian #pro nessian #nesta archeron #cassian acotar #nessian fan fic #acotar gift exchange 2024

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