#you painted me golden

[fawnandshadows]

You Painted Me Golden - Chapter 13

King Of My Heart

Rating: M

Warnings: Language, soft smut

Chapter 12 - Masterlist - AO3

Word Count: 9k

And all at once, you are the one I have been waiting for

“I’ve never really done something like this before,” Elain said as she locked the door behind them. “It’s quite exciting.” 

Azriel looked at her with a raised eyebrow. 

“Sleeping in the first lodging available?” He asked and wrapped his arms around her, his hands resting on her soft belly. 

She peered up over her shoulder at her husband, and with a soft smile she said, “Traveling,” She placed a kiss on the underside of his jaw, and the rough growth of hairs on his face tickled her skin. “I’ve always wanted to, you know.” 

“The continent,” Azriel said, leaning forward to plant kisses along the length of her delicate neck. “You want to see the tulips. One day I’ll take you there. I’ll take you anywhere you would like to go.” 

Elain shivered as his lips brushed against her sensitive skin. His mouth made its way up to her ear and teasingly tugged on her earlobe with his teeth. 

“You’re going to spoil me.” Elain sighed as her head rolled back, exposing more of her neck to her husband. 

“You deserve to be spoiled,” Azriel mumbled, his voice low and lush, and his hands traveled down her body to push her hips back into his. “And I take great pleasure in spoiling my wife,” His fingers curled into the heavy fabric of her traveling dress. “Especially when it comes to matters of the flesh…I take my duties very seriously.” 

“Azriel,” Elain moaned as she relaxed into his touch. “We haven’t even had dinner yet. Or bathed. We’re still filthy from our travels.” Her words were teasing but laced with affection. 

“Don’t you think we should get dirtier before we clean ourselves?” Azriel said lowly in her ear, his hot breath brushing over her neck. “Can I let you in on one of my fantasies, wife?” At Elain’s nod, Azriel continued. “Do you remember that Solstice where you gifted me the headache powder?” Elain nodded leisurely as if barely comprehending his words as he palmed her body. Taking his feel of her hips. “You looked so deliciously rumpled with your lovely hair falling out of your braid and flour on your cheek and apron. You smelled of freshly baked bread and potatoes and loveliness and something inside of me wanted to take you, make you smell like me, you know how much I love that,” Elain’s lips fell open as Azriel spoke, and he caught a whiff of her honeyed arousal in the winter air. “I wanted to follow you back to the kitchen, but before we got there I wanted to claim your lips. I wanted to fill your mouth and your delicious pussy and take you against the wall with your dress bunched at your hips. That was the present I wanted to give you that night, my love.” 

“I would have let you,” Elain whispered, opening her warm brown eyes to gaze up at her male. “You had so much of me, even then. You could have snuck into my bedroom any night and I would have welcomed you.” 

Azriel growled as he captured her lips. 

He unfastened her cloak and let it fall to their feet and Elain’s hands nimbly followed suit. 

Azriel walked them so that Elain’s back hit the wooden door of their cabin and lifted her so her legs wrapped around his waist, her dress gathered above her hips and Azriel used his shadows to undo his leathers and rid her of her undergarments. 

“This is what I wanted to do to you, Elain.” Azriel said as he pushed the blunt head of his cock to her folds, a groan ripping through his throat as he felt how wet she was for him. “Would you have been this wet and ready for me?” 

“Yes,” Elain moaned as Azriel moved deeper inside of her, his eyes screwing shut as she clenched around him. “I would have been just as eager. Would you have been rough with me? Or would you have held yourself back?” She asked, and Azriel let his head fall forward to the curve of her neck. 

Azriel took a deep breath and said, “I would have tried to be a gentlemale, as you deserve,” He slowly started to pump in and out of her. “But it wouldn’t have lasted for long. You would have driven me mad with how perfect you feel. I would have been incapable of holding back.”

His hands slid up her bare thighs, the rough leather of his siphons scraping against her sensitive skin, and he didn’t stop until his fingers dug into the soft, full flesh of her cheeks. 

Sweet pants came from Elain as Azriel thrusted in and out of her, her walls clenching around him. Even though he had taken her so many times, even though their bodies were so accustomed to each other, they touched and kissed and loved each other as if it was the first time — as if they’d never be able to do it again. 

“Would you have been able to keep quiet?” Azriel asked, his voice harsh as his pace intensified, already knowing the answer. Sweat started beading on his brow from the force in which he thrusted into her.

“No,” Elain moaned, throwing her head back as her hips clumsily lifted to meet Azriel’s. “I’ve never been able to be quiet with you.”

Azriel growled in response, his skin flaming as he fucked her faster, the rough fabric of his clothing overwhelmed his senses. He wanted to be bare. 

“You would have screamed my name,” Azriel panted, the sound of their skin meeting filling the air with their heavy breaths. “You would have bitten my shoulder to try and keep quiet, but you would have called out for me.” 

“Azriel.” Elain moaned, sweat glittering on her forehead as orgasmed over his hot cock. Her golden hair turned into a tangled mess trapped against the wall, and desire burned in Azriel as he saw how Elain slowly came undone.

With one last thrust, hitting the sweet spot inside of her, Azriel groaned as he came. His hips shallowly pumping to fill her. 

“I love you.” Azriel said, kissing her hungrily. 

“I love you too.” Elain said breathlessly in between kisses.

Slowly, Azriel pulled out of her and delighted in the little moan that escaped Elain lips. 

“You make the best sounds.” Azriel said, capturing her round face in his hands. 

Elain blushed at his words, but reveled in the praise. 

“I’m always worried that I’m too loud.” Elain admitted and Azriel shook his dark head. 

“Never,” He nipped at her lips. “I want to hear every precious sigh and moan and even every sneeze.” 

Elain laughed at that and said, “I’ll save all my sneezes for you then.” Her wide smile caused her nose to scrunch. 

Azriel gazed down at his wife, remembering the exact shade of pink her cheeks were and how warm her eyes looked and how heavy and deep her breathing was. 

“Go get yourself a hot shower or bath or whatever they have here,” Azriel said, taking a step back to put himself back into his leathers. “While I run down to the main lodge and get us dinner. I’ll leave some of my shadows here for you, their queen.” 

Elain rolled her eyes at that name, bending over to pick up her cloak, but Azriel beat her to it. Placing her cloak on the rack by the door and putting his cloak back on to face the cold. 

“They love you more than they love me,” Azriel said, placing a kiss on her plump cheek with one hand on the door. “And I can’t blame them.” 

Elain gently nudged his shoulder. 

“Maybe they just mimic the emotions of their master.” 

His eyes glowed golden in the night. 

“Then like I said, they love their queen.” 

Elain’s broad smile stayed in place as her husband braved the winter cold to get them dinner, through her gloriously hot shower, and grew even wider when he came back carrying a large covered tray. 

“It smells delicious,” Elain noted from her position on the bed, already having changed into the flannel nightgown she found. Azriel’s shadows had been nice enough to lay it out on the bed for her after her shower. “And the shower is divine. Sit by the fire,” Elain motioned to the large leather chair by the roaring fire. The shadows had been busy while Elain was cleaning herself. “And then after dinner you should enjoy the warm water,” She eyed his large body and larger wings. “Though it might be a bit small. Would you…would you like for me to bathe your wings?” 

Azriel’s heated eyes gazed at her, having only taken a few steps into the room. 

“Only if you’re prepared for the response.” 

Warm delighted ran along the length of Elain’s spine at the thought, and she nodded her head. 

King of my heart, body and soul, ooh whoa

And all at once, you are all I want, I'll never let you go

The warm glow of the fire mingled with the golden rays of light streaming in through the windows. For a brief moment she wondered how the fire had managed to thrive overnight, but the shadows that swirled by the hearth told her what she needed to know. 

Elain snuggled into the warm body beside her, pure contentment filling her chest as she took a deep breath and inhaled his masculine scent. Her nose burrowed into the crook of his neck, and she pressed her lips into his sharp collar bone. She moved, the top of her nose trailing over his warm skin, and gently pressed her lips onto his chest — right above the beating of his heart. 

Slowly, her fingers fanned out over the hard planes of his stomach. She could feel the corded muscle moving under her touch, slowly lifting up and down as he breathed. 

Elain shifted slightly, so that her cheek was laid flat against his chest. The echo of his heart drumming against her cheek. And the cool breath of Azriel’s sleeping exhale caused the hairs on top of her head to twitch and tingle. 

She closed her eyes and settled her mind and just tried to enjoy…Enjoy the way Azriel’s peaceful, sleeping body felt against her…Enjoy how the snow dusted the window and sky and everything in the world was quiet…Enjoy the fleeting seconds of a snowy morning with her husband. 

“This is nice,” Azriel’s low, sleepy voice caused Elain’s eyes to flutter open. She peered up at him beneath her eyelashes and felt a smile grace her lips as her husband gazed at her. “I’ve decided that my favorite way to start the day is by your side.” 

“I’ve decided my favorite way to start the day is first,” Elain said. “That way I can see you before anything else.” 

Azriel’s large hands spanned almost the entire length of her back, and the tips of his fingers sunk into her soft flesh. 

“Are you always this romantic in the morning?” 

“Hmmm,” Elain pretended to think as she gazed up at her husband, slightly overwhelmed by how handsome he appeared in the light of early morning - the snow making him look almost angelic. “It must be being a wife. It’s made me dreadfully romantic — I’m having all of these thoughts of ‘forever’ and they all include you.” 

A smile softened Azriel’s face and Elain suddenly felt a little lighter. Like one of the snowflakes floating outside their window. 

Azriel pressed her closer into his side and underneath her cheek was the flat of her hand, she felt his heart change pace, as if it was skipping a beat. 

“I like that.” Azriel said, his voice low. “I don’t have very many firsts left, but I want all of your forevers.” The pads of his fingers moving over the bare skin of her back. 

“You’re my forever husband,” Elain smiled and planted a kiss on his chest. “My forever love.” 

“Your forever lover,” Azriel said, leaning down to nip at her lips. His fingers sinking into her soft flesh. “As much as I love making lovemaking with my forever love,” Azriel smiled over the words. “We have quite a bit of distance to travel if we want to make it to the Day Court, and I promised to give you the best, most authentic travel experience possible. And that includes early mornings, late nights, and the unexpected in between.” 

“I love the fact that I married a poet.” Elain smiled, her hand sliding up the length of his muscular chest, over his neck, and into his thick black hair. 

Azriel raised a dark brow at her. 

“It’s true,” Elain said. “You say the most lovely, poetic things I’ve ever heard.” 

“I guess you bring it out of me,” Azriel leaned down to give her a slow, lingering kiss and pulled away before they lost themselves at the contact. “We really have to go if we're going to be on time.” 

Elain watched the delicious expanse of brown skin as Azriel stood from the bed, her eyes going down his well defined back as he walked away and landing on his rounded buttocks. 

Her head tilted and she bit her lip to stop herself from sighing. 

“We’re on a schedule?” Elain asked, not bothering to pull the sheet up to cover herself as she sat up. 

A sly smile overtook Azriel’s face as he looked over his shoulder at her, and Elain couldn’t stop the excited smile that burst onto her face. 

“You married a spymaster, my love, I have a few tricks up my sleeve.” Azriel said, still looking over his shoulder at her. 

“Impossible,” Elain said, raising a hand to point at him. “You aren’t wearing sleeves.” 

Azriel blinked at her. 

“I suppose I can’t argue with that,” Azriel rummaged through his pack to find the clothing his shadows had tucked away the night before. “But we still have to leave.” 

With a nod of his head he sent his shadows towards his wife, and Elain didn’t even bother to protest as they peeled the bedding away from where it pooled at her waist. 

“You just want to see me naked.” 

Azriel smirked. 

“I could see you naked from the bed, love. And I could do so much more than just look from there.”

Elain mock-pouted at his response and twisted a strand of golden hair around her finger. 

“I thought you wanted to see the world, mo chroí.” Azriel raised his eyebrow at her. 

“I do,” Elain said softly. “I just have so many fond memories here.” She brought her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around her legs, her hair falling around her in a veil of curls. 

“After one night?” Azriel asked, buckling his belt and walking over to her. He tilted her chin up to gaze down at her. 

“It was a marvelous night, wasn’t it?” Elain grinned up at him. 

“Splendid.” Azriel leaned down to plant a kiss on her cheek. 

“Phenomenal.” 

“Euphoric.” His lips moved over her skin. 

“Sensational.” Her breath caught in her throat. 

“Elain, wife, as blissful a distraction as this is, we do have a schedule to keep.” Azriel pressed their lips together in a bruising kiss — one that spoke of the passion he was fighting and restraining. He pushed away from her once again and grabbed a thin black shirt to layer with. 

“I had no idea I married such a stickler,” Elain grumbled, propelling herself off the bed and allowing his shadows to help her dress for the day. Layers to keep her warm while they traveled in the human land that could easily be stripped away when they entered the Day Court. “Must have been all the sneaking around and flagrant breaking of Rhysand's rules that had me fooled,” Elain fake sighed and turned away from her husband so that he didn’t see the smile breaking across her face. “Maybe the spark is gone now that it’s no longer forbidden.” 

Rough hands settled on her hips, and Elain let her head fall back on Azriel’s shoulder as he pressed his erection into her backside. 

“I want you more than ever, mo chroí,” Azriel captured the fleshy part of her ear between his teeth and bit down in the way he knew she liked. “I want to claim you and mark you—”

“Both of which you have already done.” 

“And scream from the fucking mountain tops that you’re completely and wholly mine. I want to see the look on every male’s face when they realize that you belong to me…and the only way we are going to experience that is if we leave this cabin.” 

Elain relented, giving into her husband's desires.

“If that’s what you truly wish — for the entire world to know you possess my heart, body, and soul — then I suppose I can give that to you. But there is one thing that I would like in return.” 

Azriel looked down at her in curiosity.

“If you’re going to ask me to throw you back in the bed so I can have my way with you, then we seriously need to work on your negotiation skills.” 

Elain grinned broadly at him and shook her head. Her tongue came out wet her lips before saying, “I only ask for the same in return,” she smiled wildly. “I must say I will feel more than satisfied to see the realization on females and males alike when they see that I have claimed you.” 

Azriel’s fingers pressed deeper into her hips as the words. 

“I am a lucky, lucky male,” Azriel said, kissing the spot on her neck where her heart fluttered. “Now, let’s finish getting dressed so the entirety of the fae population can see what they are missing.”

Elain immediately missed his warmth as he stepped away from her. 

King of my heart, body and soul, ooh whoa

“You didn’t.” Elain stated incredulously with her hands placed on her hips, staring at the two massive beasts in front of her. 

Two horses: one ebony, so dark that it looked as if it was made from shadows, and one a beautiful, warm chestnut. Both of them were harnessed and attached to a sleigh. 

Elain pressed her lips together to try and stifle her smile. 

“A sleigh ride?” Elain asked, peering up at her husband. The cold air causing their breath to cloud between them, and his cheeks were twinged with a lovely red. Small snowflakes dusted his black hair. 

“Just to our next destination.” Azriel said, the shadows dropping their luggage in the sleigh. 

Her husband held out his gloved hand to her. 

“You’re taking me on a sleigh ride.” Elain grinned so widely that her cheeks obstructed her vision. 

“If you’ll let me.” 

Elain threw her arms around her husband, his hands quickly catching her at the waist, but he still stumbled a step back. She peppered his face with kisses, not caring if her display caused their schedule to be disrupted. 

“I can’t believe you remembered.” Elain said, her love for her husband inflating in her chest. 

“Mo chroí,” Azriel whispered against her ear. “One day you’ll believe me when I say that I remember everything about you.” 

His words caused Elain to nuzzle into him. Overwhelmed by her reality. That the male she so dearly loved loved her in return, that though challenges laid in front of them they would be together. One of her unwanted bonds was nullified and the other would soon be in her past. 

But the bond that she chose, the bond that they both chose, would be her future. 

Elain squeezed her husband once again before slowly pulling back. 

“I would love to go on a sleigh ride with you, mo chroí.” 

The endearment was still relatively new for her tongue, and she wondered if it would ever come naturally to her, but the look of delicate rapture that graced his face was incredibly rewarding. He looked lovestruck, every single time. 

Azriel settled them into the sleigh, grasping the reins in his hands and nudging the horses into a canter. 

“This is why we couldn’t be late, isn’t it?” Elain questioned, snuggling into his side and basking in his warmth. 

He looked down at her with a sheepish, crooked grin. 

“Trying to make your travels as human as possible.”

Elain beamed in return. 

“Except for the shadows doing all the heavy lifting.” 

“Some luxuries are too nice to live without.” Azriel shrugged one of his shoulders and Elain couldn’t help but agree, thinking of how easy his shadows made her day to day life. 

After a beat of silence Elain said, “I remember everything about that night.” 

“As do I,” Azriel said solemnly, and Elain knew they were both thinking back to that first solstice. “It was the night I first saw a future with you,” Azriel paused, but continued when Elain gave his hand an encouraging pat. “Spending that night with you, just talking, made me feel lighter. And hearing about your plans for your garden, I imagined myself there with you. Listening to the stories of why you chose which flowers, which ones gave you the most difficulties, and just being with you. Like when you had your tea while I went through my reports. That night where we stayed up talking, it made me realize that all my calmest, most peaceful moments have been with you, and it made me hope that we would have more moments like that in the future…It made me hope.” 

Warm, salty tears streamed silently down Elain’s face. 

“You,” Elain took a deep, steadying breath. “After my transition, you were the one who made me feel comforted. Normal. Human. It felt as if I was suffocating under everyone’s worry, but you realized what I was and what was happening to me, and you never pushed me. You would sit and listen and you just… you gave me exactly what I needed. That first Solstice, it was the first I could see myself with someone after Graysen. It wasn’t sexual for me at first — though I’m sure you know that I’ve always thought of you as beautiful —  but I found myself being able to trust again because of you. Thank you for everything that you’ve done for me during that time.” 

Azriel shook his head. 

“Don’t thank me,” Azriel said, and Elain parted her lips to speak but Azriel kept going. “I was greedy, Elain. Yes, I wanted to help you and I cared for you, but I was desperate for you as well. To be in your presence. To feel because of you.” 

Elain leaned forward to press a kiss into his cold cheek. 

Azriel grinned down at her tear streaked face. 

“And just so you know, I didn’t know that you thought I was beautiful the entire time.” 

She tilted her head at him and narrowed her eyes. 

“Please be serious. I was painfully obvious around you.” 

“You were utterly devoted to Graysen.” 

Elain rolled her eyes, but her lips twitched, knowing he knew he was being obtuse. 

“Devoted, but not blind,” Elain admitted, nudging him with her shoulder playfully. A prideful, male smile bloomed across his mouth. “Azriel, we’re married, bonded together, and we make entirely too much love, surely it’s not that big of a surprise.” 

Azriel shook his head, little snowflakes flying from his hair, but yet his grin grew. 

“I know I’m a handsome male, or beautiful, as you say,” For a moment Elain thought he had swapped bodies with Rhysand for all the arrogance he was exuding. “But you hid it remarkably well at the time. It wasn’t until later, when you gave me the headache powder, that I realized you were looking at me. I thought you recognized my beauty, but I didn’t think I interested you,” Azriel paused for a moment. “And it’s incredibly flattering to know I could turn your head from Graysen.” 

Elain rolled her eyes and playfully pinched his bicep. 

“And?” Elain prompted. 

“And?” Azriel repeated, his tone of voice teasing and Elain knew he wasn’t going to make this easy for her. 

“Surely I turned your head? Just a bit?” 

“Fishing for compliments, mo chroí?” 

“I learned from the best — Rhysand.” 

Azriel chuckled at that, but turned to her with affection shimmering in his eyes. 

“I never knew humans could be so beautiful,” Azriel said and Elain felt herself flush. “And I didn’t want to cause any alarm, so I made sure to mask my scent that night.” 

Elain nibbled on her lip feeling flattered. 

“Truly?” 

“Truly.” 

“I think,” Elain said, turning the words over in her mind. “That we were always going to find each other.” 

Azriel nodded in agreement. 

Late in the night, the city's asleep

“This is stunning,” Elain breathed, taking in the sight of the town they were approaching. Eventually, they left the thick forest they were traveling in and found themselves trotting down a cobblestone street — the clip-clopping of the hooves reminded Elain of all the fairy stories she heard as a girl. “How did you know of this existence?”

Her large brown eyes looked around, staring at the buildings made of stone and laden with snow. The full moon caused the night to brighten up their surroundings in the way that can only happen on a snowy night. 

“A perk of the job. And old age.” Azriel said, and Elain shook her head. 

“I never knew you were this cheeky.” She said lovingly, pressing a small kiss to his lips. 

The temperature must have dropped as the moon rose in the sky, but Elain felt warmer than ever. Her husband must have been playing fast and loose with the rules for what he deemed “human travel”, but Elain didn’t mind. She wanted to preen in his thoughtfulness. 

Azriel cocked his head to the side and he gazed down at her.

“I asked Vassa before we left and she gave me some ideas for our honeymoon.” 

Her love for him bubbled inside of her. 

“I love you, so much I think I’ll explode.” 

“The feeling’s mutual.” Azriel said warmly, leaning down to kiss his wife slowly and leisurely. 

Elain forced herself back because two more moments of his lips on hers and Elain was certain she wouldn’t say no – she’d let him take her right there in the sleigh. 

“I never knew this type of village existed in the human realm.” Elain admitted as they slowed down, stopping in front of a charming, hole-in-the-wall stone building. A sign that read The Holly and The Ivy swung delicately back and forth. 

“Our lodgings for the night,” Azriel said, stepping out of the sleigh and offering Elain his hand. She placed hers graciously in his and let him lead her inside, where a stout old woman stood behind a wooden counter. Her red, fur lined coat looked cozy, and she peered up at them with wireframes glasses. 

“Welcome!” She clapped her arthritic hands together, a smile bright on her face. “You must be the guests that Vassa told me of,” She waved her hands, gesturing for them to come in. “Please, please come in from the cold. I have your room all ready, and we’ll get your luggage for you, don’t you worry.” 

She quickly scampered out from behind the counter, her gray hair was pulled back in a snug bun on the nape of her neck, and she curtsied as soon as she was in front of them. 

“I’m Mrs. Cringle, my husband and I own this little Inn and we’re more than happy to welcome you for the night,” She stopped herself, her blue eyes blinking as she thought of something. “Vassa only mentioned one night, and I’m assuming that is correct, My Lord?” 

Elain expected Azriel to correct her titling, but he simply nodded in agreement. 

“Lovely,” The old woman clapped again. “Please follow me to your room, and you made perfect time. The festivities begin in one hour.” 

“Festivities?” Elain questioned, looking at her husband, whose face gave nothing away. 

“You’ll adore them,” Mrs. Cringle said from a few feet away, her small legs pushing her from the cozy lobby. Elain and Azriel quickly followed behind her. “It’s a bit of a secret, we wouldn’t want our little town to be overrun, you see, but we do so to love sharing our traditions with others. And at the Queen’s recommendation, well, it really is an honor for us.” 

Elain delighted in hearing her speak. There was such joy and fondness in her words that giddiness sparked in her chest at whatever was planned. 

“I’m very much looking forward to it,” Elain assured her, and even though Elain was looking at Mrs. Cringle's back, she could see the smile radiating off of her face. “And thank you for your hospitality.” 

Mrs. Cringle waved her off. 

“We are humbled to have friends of the Queen staying with us.” She said as she led Elain and Azriel up an old wooden staircase, and Elain looked over her shoulders to see how Azriel was faring with his wings. Her brows knotted as she took in their bent positions. 

For a second Elain was struck by the fact that Mrs. Cringle didn’t seem at all surprised by two fae’s showing up at her doorstep, but perhaps Vassa warned her. 

“Here you go,” Mrs. Cringle fit the brass key in the last room of the hall, but she didn’t turn it at all. “Your personal belongings are already inside, and please let me know if there’s anything I can do for you. I’ll be at the front desk.” She curtsied again before running off. 

“What a lovely, odd little woman.” Elain remarked as Mrs. Cringle disappeared out of sight. 

Azriel smiled as he turned the key in the knob and opened the door. He pushed the door open wide so that Elain could enter before him. 

She took a tentative step through the door, not missing the mischievous gleam in Azriel’s eye, and peered wide-eyed into their room. 

The first thing that she noticed was the roaring fire that cast the entire room in a golden glow. It instantly settled any nervousness that might have been fluttering inside of her, and as her eyes swept over the room Elain couldn’t help but smile. 

It was just so cozy. 

As if a bit of the Winter Court had made its way down to the human realm. 

Against the far left wall was a massive four poster bed with lush crimson curtains tied to the head and foot of the bed with silver ropes. And the white comforter looked so snug and fluffy that Elain thought she could drown in it. All of the furniture in the room was massive and wooden and decorative — the air smelled of sweet cinnamon and spiced apples and pine. 

It was impossible to have any worries in a room like this. 

“It’s beautiful,” Elain said, stepping further into the room. Taking in the little nutcrackers that lined the bookshelves and the tiny bells sporadically placed in decoration. It wasn’t one of the rooms that Mor or Rhysand would have put together, it wasn’t intentionally stylish, but the charm was the way it was thrown together — imperfectly. “How much of this did you know about?” Elain asked, turning on her heels to look at him.

“Vassa gave me a brief description of what to expect here, and then I’ve been communicating with Mrs. Cringle for the rest. There’s a few surprises hidden for you in the room,” He smiled slightly as he took her in, just enough to showcase his dimples. “I hope you don’t mind.” 

“Azriel,” Elain said gently, walking up to him. “I want you to know how incredibly thoughtful this is,” She pressed her lips against his and felt his breath hitch in his throat. “And you’re shaping up to be the best husband imaginable.” 

“I like spoiling you.” 

Elain blushed and said, “I think I like getting spoiled.” 

Azriel kissed her lushly and quickly before pulling back and softly pushing her further into the room to explore. 

When Elain managed to take her eyes off of Azriel, she noticed a silk emerald gown splayed across the white bedding. It had long lace sleeves, an embroidered bodice, and a heavy velvet skirt and next to it lay a white fur stole. 

“Oh Azriel,” Elain sighed and ran her fingers over the soft, decadent fabric. “It’s beautiful.” 

“I thought you would like it,” Azriel said, walking up behind her. “And I have to admit I look forward to seeing you wearing it. And taking it off of you.” 

“You can’t rip it,” Elain said seriously. “It’s too pretty to rip.” 

Azriel sighed, as if not ripping her dress off was a horrendous chore. 

“I’ll try to contain myself.” 

Elain narrowed her eyes at him and then changed the subject, not wanting to give him any more ideas. 

“I believe you mentioned multiple surprises. As in plural. More than one.” 

Azriel grinned and dropped to one knee before her. And while it was a lovely sight, Elain was a bit confused. 

“I think we’re already passed this part. We’re already married.” 

His grin widened. 

“There are many things that I can do for you on my knees,” Azriel said, his words warming the room. “I’m simply assisting you with your boots.” 

Elain placed her hands on his strong shoulders to steady herself, not wanting to fall over in front of him. With her luck she’d break an ankle and ruin their entire honeymoon. 

“Can fae break their ankles?” Elain asked, ignoring Azriel’s warm and rough hand on the back of her stockinged calf. 

“Is there something you’d like to tell me, mo chroí? Because I do have some hard limits, but I thought we’d be married for a few centuries before we got to that point.” 

Elain batted him on the shoulder. 

“If I were to fall over, accidentally, it’s possible for me to break my ankle? Twist or sprain it?” 

Her boot hit the floor with a thunk and Azriel leaned back on his haunches. 

“What’s going through your mind?” 

Elain spoke after a beat of silence. 

“Everything is just going so wonderfully, and I don’t want to mess anything up.” She admitted in a small voice, taking the comfort Azriel offered when he squeezed her calf. 

“Even if you broke your ankle, Mother forbid, we’d still have a lovely time together. Because it’s our honeymoon. Just us. And even if Devlon himself came bursting through the door, nothing would ruin this.” 

“Really?” Elain asked with a raised eyebrow. 

“Truly, though if Devlon arrived I suppose it would mark the end of our honeymoon. I’d like the bloodshed to be kept to a minimum.” 

“Such a gentlemale.” Elain smiled, picking up her hand and running her fingers through his dark hair. 

Azriel worked off her other shoe, and Elain was relieved when both of her ankles were intact. 

“How much time do we have before the festivities begin?”

“About forty minutes.” Azriel said, running his hands up and down Elain’s thighs. 

Elain nodded, turning her thoughts over in her mind. 

“I think we should bathe together tonight,” Elain thought aloud. “I have a feeling this place has the most fantastic bathtub. And enough space for you to lounge your wings. Did you like it when I cleaned them for you?” 

“Very much.” Azriel replied, his eyes golden and heady as he thought about the night before. 

“I very much liked cleaning them for you,” Elain said, leaning forward to run her hand over the strong membrane. The suppleness underneath her fingers never stopped astounding her. “I was worried the cloth was too rough.” 

“It was a bit,” Azriel said, taking her free hand and kissing her palm. “But otherwise I probably would have embarrassed myself.” 

“I do like to play with your wings,” Elain said in a low voice. “And to bring you pleasure.” 

Azriel’s head fell forward and nestled into her soft belly. 

“We don’t have time for this.” 

“Sorry.” Elain said, sighing and wishing she hadn’t put up such a fight this morning so that they could be together now.

“You know,” Elain pouted. “You should have just ravished me this morning.” 

Azriel harrumphed. 

“I’ll ravish you plenty tonight, mo chroí.” Azriel said, rising to his feet. 

“You better.” 

Your love is a secret I'm hoping, dreaming, dying to keep

Elain’s breath clouded the air as she and Azriel walked through the opening of the courtyard — one of the most beautifully decorative environments she had ever seen. Moonlight and candles lit the cobblestone pathway where brilliantly red poinsettias were placed around the perimeter of the walkway, guiding them to the murmur of voices in a location Elain couldn’t quite pinpoint yet. 

The night sky was clear. The stars almost as bright as those back home in the Night Court. The chilled night air playfully bit at her cheeks and Elain leaned further into Azriel’s side. 

“This is marvelous.” Elain breathed, her wide eyes taking in the pine wreaths and garland strung around the old stone pillars. 

“I thought you would like it. Does it remind you of your childhood?” 

Elain’s eye’s caught those of her husband, his golden hazel eyes burning bright. 

“Yes,” Elain replied, smiling. “My early winter memories are similar to this, but this is by far cozier and more welcoming. It reminds me of the stories we would tell around this time of year. I’m sure you’re aware of the lore.” 

Azriel bent his head, the indent of his dimple shadowing his face. 

“What is it?” Elain whispered. “What do you know that I don’t?”

They rounded a corner and Elain, so caught up in her husband, almost missed where the ground dropped off. 

Azriel’s large hand tightened around her waist, drawing her closer to his side. 

A soft gasp fell from Elain’s lips and she saw the open air theater below them. The stone steps were steep as they sloped down, and the rounded rows of seats were filled with what appeared to be everyone in the village - all of whom were dressed in their winter’s best. A sea of crimson red, evergreen green, shining silver, and sparkling gold - all facing the festive stage. 

Azriel slowly led her down the steps until they arrived at the only two empty seats in the theater, right in the very first row. 

“This is marvelous.” Elain whispered, her eyes wide as they took in her surroundings. 

“Just wait.” Azriel whispered against her ear as the lights dimmed. 

Dancers floated onto the stage - the scene vaguely familiar as realization dawned through Elain. 

The ballerinas began to tell the tale of one of her favorite stories; A story of sugar plum fairies and mouse kings. She had always wanted to see it performed live, but her family had lost its fortune before Elain had the chance, and the fae looked down upon human tales and rarely (if ever) performed them. But Elain had the fondest memory of this book as a child, and she shouldn’t have been surprised that Azriel had tucked away that tidbit of information. 

He really did remember everything about her. 

Elain watched breathless, on the edge of her seat, as the magical story unfolded before her. The elegance and craft of the human ballerina’s almost made her believe they were truly fae in disguise. 

All too soon the ballet came to an end. The lights lit up again and the roar of applause filled the air, and Elain clapped heartily with the rest of the awestruck audience. A broad smile pulled at her lips as she silently hoped the ballerinas would do a second performance. 

Her brown eyes turned to Azriel, who was already gazing at her in adoration, and said, “Thank you for bringing me here.” 

“The night’s not over yet.” Azriel grinned brightly and Elain felt her heart contract in her chest. 

Azriel helped her to her feet and the pair of them followed the ebb of the crowd as they slowly moved back up the old stone stairs. Surprisingly, no one turned to gawk at the winged Shadowsinger who stood apart from the crowd. Even though he was the only one with wings, it was as if they were used to his presence. 

“Have you been here before?” Elain asked as they slowly made their way up the steps and Azriel shook his head, but his eyes still glowed merrily, as if he was waiting for her to realize something. 

Elain narrowed her eyes at him slightly, feeling left in the dark. 

“There’s something magical about this place, I can feel it.” Elain said, her eyes sweeping around the courtyard again as they crested the top of the steps - but the courtyard was completely different than it was before. Some of the decorations were cleared away and a stone floor meant for dancing appeared and was lined with two long, massive tables packed full of decadent food and desserts.

Awe bubbled in her chest, but Elain turned to Azriel and asked, “What is this place?” Azriel merely smiled and held his hand up as a quartet of stringed instruments filled the air, silently pushing her towards the dance floor. 

She placed her slightly chilled hand into his warm one as he led her to the dancefloor, where couples were already twirling around under the moonlight. As soon as they stepped onto the floor, Azriel was whisking her away gracefully and perfectly in time with the other dancers. His charming smile and shimmering eyes were all Elain could focus on as she let herself melt into the dance. 

The taste of your lips is my idea of luxury

Eventually, Elain and Azriel broke free of the dancefloor, but the music continued. They drifted over to the side table that called to Elain - the sweet smell of gingerbread beckoned to her. It was always one of her favorites in the chilled, frostbitten months. 

Azriel held a plate in each hand and Elain was filling them with sweets, inspecting each and everyone - admiring the skill and craft that went into every pastry - before piling it onto their plates. 

Elain was looking at a cream puff in great detail when she heard an amused voice asking, “Is everything to your liking?” 

She looked up from the puff and saw Mrs. Cringle standing there, light amusement dancing across her face as she looked at Elain, who smiled in return. 

“Everything has been so delightful,” Elain said, setting the pastry down sheepishly. “The skill of the ballerinas was incomparable, and all the dancing and, well,” She gestured to their surroundings. “Everything has been magnificent. Thank you so much for letting us join on such short notice.” 

Mrs. Cringle's eyes creased in delight. 

“I’m so happy you could join us,” She said, smiling whole-heartedly. “My husband is traveling this time of year, and I always get so lonely without him, so we started this tradition,” Something caught her attention behind Elain’s back, her eyes drifting away and Mrs. Cringle nodded slightly. “Please excuse me, but enjoy the rest of your night. If you need me, just ask anyone and they can find me.” 

Elain tried to bite back her curiosity, but it won out in the end. 

“What is this place?” Elain asked, gripping Azriel at his bent forearm and she narrowed her eyes at his soft laughter. 

“Look around Elain, truly look.” Azriel said gently. 

Elain took a steadying breath, her eyes sweeping around her once again. She noticed that no matter how people grabbed a handheld pie, or a shortbread, there was never a shortage of food…that the music was coming from…nowhere…no, there on a balcony tucked away behind curtains of red velvet Elain saw an enchanted quartet - the instruments playing and plucking themselves. 

She turned to look at the human across from her - a slender woman with pale skin and pale curls and pale eyes - and while she paid no attention to Elain, her movements were more graceful than any human, but not as inhuman as fae. 

Elain’s brow furrowed as she studied her closer. Concentrating as she pushed away the magic that hung in the air…Her skin was glowing, almost incandescently, and her ears were pointed similar to those of a high fae, but hers were more rounded - like a pear. 

Elain blinked and turned to Azriel.

“It can’t be.” 

Azriel’s grinned widened. 

“It’s the stuff of lore, not real life,” Elain said, taking in her surroundings with a fresh set of eyes. “Elves?” Elain mouthed the word and Azriel nodded in confirmation. He handed her one of the plates and placed a warm hand on the small of her back, leading her away from the mass of people to speak quietly. 

“I thought they were myths.” Elain whispered as they stood against a stone wall. 

“They chose to become one,” Azriel said lowly, nodding to them as they engaged in their festivities. “Thousands of years ago they let themselves be forgotten, and this is the only colony in existence,” Azriel explained. “While there might be a family in hiding here or there, there are only certain people who know that this exists.”

“Were they truly hunted?” Elain asked quietly, and Azriel gave a solemn nod.

“Brutally so,” Azriel confirmed. “Somehow, humans and fae alike believed that their bones possessed magical properties, and it was believed that if you made weapons out of them it would kill both the physical form and the spiritual form.” 

“Did it?” Elain asked before she could stop herself, a chill going down her spine.

“No,” Azriel said, his eyes darkening. “But no matter how often it was disproven, the rumor was still believed to be true. So, they disappeared from living memory and let themselves turn to myths. I can’t say I blame them.” 

Revulsion and sympathy crashed through Elain’s being as she looked at the elves. 

“It’s an honor to be here.” Elain whispered, watching their lives unfold before her. 

“It shows how trusting they are of Vassa, to allow us to be here based upon her recommendation alone.” Azriel said, and Elain nodded in agreement. 

“Did you know of this existence before talking with Vassa?” Elain asked and Azriel nodded. 

“Yes and no,” Azriel said. “Throughout my years as a spy I knew that elves were alive and that there was mostly a village somewhere, but I had no idea where. Or what their lives were like.” 

“And Mrs. Cringle is…?” Elain asked. 

“A different legend all together,” Azriel replied and motioned to Elain’s plate. “I’ll answer all of your questions later, but replenish your energy for another round of dancing, wife.” 

Elain smiled and bit into a pastry, absorbing every magical flavor. 

– – – 

By the end of the night, Elain was both giddy and exhausted as she and Azriel staggered back to their room. Flames tumbled in the ornate fireplace, keeping the room perfectly toasty on a cold winter’s night. The windows were frosted on the outside, and Elain was surprised to see fat snowflakes floating down from the dark sky. 

“No one truly understands elf magic,” Azriel said, taking in the surprise on her face and reading her mind. “But I would assume it'd be similar to that of the fae.” 

Elain nodded, turning to smile at her husband. 

“Thank you,” Elain said, taking a step towards him and placing her hands flat against his chest. His heartbeat a comforting thunder under her palms. “For this wonderful experience - for everything.” 

“You don’t have to thank me,” Azriel said, bringing his hands up to cover hers. “I want to do this for you. You deserve a memorable honeymoon. You deserve the entire world.” 

Elain stood on her tiptoes to place a delicate kiss on Azriel’s lips. Sinking into his warmth, letting her eyes fall shut to savor the feel of him. Soon, they would be back home, but for now she was enjoying this time with him. Soon they’d have to face Devlon, but he was the farthest thing from Elain’s mind as she felt her husband’s tongue brushing against her lips. 

A low, sensual moan pulled out of Elain’s throat as their tongues met. 

Azriel’s hands left hers and went to push down her fur stole. 

The room became warmer, headier as Azriel kissed her, slowly backing her towards the bed. 

Elain let her hands fall from his chest so that the garment fell to the floor, and soon after Elain’s dress went with it. They undressed each other slowly, taking in each other's bare bodies in the glow of the fire. 

Warmth bloomed through Elain at the sight of Azriel’s body, somehow she still wasn’t used to his hardened muscles or his male beauty. She truly didn’t think she’d ever be. 

Elain swore she saw faint threads of silver and gold connecting their bodies in the scarce distance that separated them. Azriel, however, didn’t seem to notice as he gazed down at her - his eyes locked on her. 

One of his hands tangled in her hair, tilting his chin up so he could claim her lips in a searing kiss before they fell onto the bed behind Elain. 

His body was on top of her and in hers the entire night. Claiming her in every way. 

When Elain woke the next morning, her body was tucked into Azriel’s, his wing cocooning them over the thick, fluffy comforter. 

Golden light was streaming in through the frosty windows and a silly, sleepy smile graced Elain’s face as she felt the tell-tale ache between her thighs. 

“Good morning,” Elain said softly, turning to face Azriel, his eyes wide awake as his face came into view. “Are we allowed to sleep in this morning, or do we have a schedule to keep to?” Elain teased before placing a sleepy kiss to his lips. 

A smile played on Azriel’s lips. 

“We have a few moments before we have to leave,” Azriel said, kissing her deeply and sliding one hand over the soft skin of her leg before grasping her behind the knee and pulling her leg up over his hip. He nudged at her entrance. “I can think of a good way to spend it.” He mumbled against her lips as he pushed inside of her. 

Elain moaned in pleasure as her husband leisurely made love to her. 

Is the end of all the endings?

“I feel so official, traveling with the Spymaster,” Elain said, setting into the cabin onboard a merchant ship. The mattress underneath her was lumpy with a threadbare blanket digging into her elbows - a far cry from the embodiment of comfort she woke up in that morning. After their morning lovemaking, Azriel urged her out of bed and they quickly left the colony of elves. It was as if the entire village was asleep because they didn’t see a single soul as they made their way through the town. The horses and sleigh were in the same position as they had left it.  “Maybe I’ll accompany you on one of your missions someday.” 

“Hmmm.” Azriel remarked, testing on the lock and deadbolt on their door. 

Their luggage appeared on the floor, in a cloud of shadows, which swarmed Elain kindly before disappearing.

“You wouldn’t want me to join you?” Elain asked, a mock pout on her lips. 

Azriel’s hazel eyes met hers over his shoulder. 

“I’d love for you to stay far away from any and all of my missions.” Azriel said honestly. 

Elain let a beat of silence pause in the air before responding. 

“You can’t hide me away from danger,” Elain said quietly. “No matter how much you may want to.” 

Azriel’s taunt body turned towards her, his shoulder leaning against the closed cabin door. 

“I know,” Azriel said, “And I know you’re incredibly powerful and we’ve only tapped the surface for everything you’re capable of,” Shadows darkened his corner of the room. “But I fear that I’d put you above any mission assigned to me - no, I know I’d always choose you, Elain. Prythian be damned.” 

Elain’s toes curled in her boots. 

“Then we are one and the same.” Elain said, sitting up straight on the small bed. 

Silence filled the room, realizing what they both admitted to each other, and Elain asked, “Where are we going? Are you allowed to tell me, or is it another surprise?” 

Azriel gave her a smile, the one that showed off his dimple, and said, “I can tell you.” 

“And we’re going to…?” Elain trailed off, prompting Azriel to fill in the blank. 

“Have you ever heard of the Golden Carnival?” Azriel asked. 

Elain furrowed her brow, searching her brain for some recollection and found nothing, so she shook her head. 

“It’s described as living luxury, decadent incarnate,” Azriel said, a sly grin on his face as he spoke. “A celebration held over multiple days. I’ve been a few times in the past,” His grin faded. “And if one knows where to look, then they can find any sin to indulge in. Masks are required to be worn for all who participate,” A tingling spread through Elain’s veins, a rush of emotions (both pleasant and unpleasant) fizzled inside of her. “And there are no such spectacles in the world like it.” 

“And that’s where we are going?” Elain asked slowly, raising her eyebrows as her husband. 

“Can you guess where it is?” Azriel asked, smiling cheekily at her. 

Elain pursed her lips, combing through her brain to try and salvage a guess. 

“If I had to guess,” She started, relishing in the spark in Azriel’s eyes. “I’d say that this has Helion written all over it.” 

Azriel nodded at her. 

“It’s in the heart of the Day Court, luckily enough,” Azriel confirmed. “As you can guess, the Golden Carnival was paused during Amarantha’s reign, and after. But this is the first time that Helion feels it’s safe to start the tradition again.” 

“And we’re allowed to go?” Elain asked, to which Azriel simply shrugged. 

“As I said, identities are kept secret and masks are worn. And we don’t need the permission from anyone other than Helion himself to attend.” 

A grin pulled at Elain’s mouth. 

“It sounds thrilling,” Elain admitted, excitement bubbling inside of her. “And this ship will take us there?” 

Azriel nodded in confirmation. “Helion is one of the few High Lord’s willing to trade with humans, and you wanted to experience travel, so I thought I’d give you some variety.” 

Elain laughed, silently pleased that within a day Azriel had them traveling by sleigh and ship, giving her every experience possible. 

“I can’t wait.” 

---------

Happy Solstice !!! I couldn't wait any longer to post this chapter because I really feel like it fits into the Holiday Season! It's been forever since I updated, so I'm not going to bother anyone by tagging them (hides face) so please comment and share if you enjoy!! Wishing everyone a great Solstice, Christmas, New Years, and every holiday you guys celebrate !! <33333

[misterpseudonym]

you said forever / tell me why can’t you stay?

[almondcroissantsandink]

Rooster sketches 2: Electric boogalo: the Roostering.jpeg

Also, this is what my sketchbook pages used to look like when I drew traditionally, so this made me really happy :)

[myokk]

these three are just so cute and I’m obsessed with them😫💓

@lamieboo @the-ozzie @choccy-milky

(I woke up this morning wanting to draw something 60s & tbh I just use all of these MCs & my own to draw fashion jajajajajajajajajajja)

[apricote]

fun fact: he’s 6′11″ feet tall and bisexual.

[sensoryeen]

✦ | Midas Stimboard

✧ ✧ ✧ | ✧ ✧ | ✧ ✧ ✧

[thelaurenshippen]

in honor of the wicked trailer, I'm dropping this here in case anyone's never seen it before. cynthia erivo, queen

[art-from-within]

Praying to all the tarnished in this community to reblog this post or dm me with any ER character references that they have saved in their inventory. I am fuckass tired of scrolling through my 8000 pics in gallery to look for that one character model side profile lol

[leucoratia]

Finally did @sboopie 's dtiys <33 Gay people I love you

Closeups under the cut!

[fawnandshadows]

You Painted Me Golden Chapter 12 — Dancing With Our Hands Tied, Part 2

Rating: M

Warnings: Language, Soft Smut

AO3

Chapter 11

Word Count: 5k

And darling, you had turned by bed into a sacred oasis

When Elain woke the next morning she was still tired, almost drained. The warmth of Azriel’s muscled body nearly lulled her back to sleep the second her eyes cracked open, but the early morning sunlight shimmering off of her new tattoo drew her attention.

It looked as if a ray of golden sunlight had been drawn into her skin, marking her.

The tattoo stretched over the entirety of her hand, and Elain smiled as she gazed at it — only the barest hint of it covered by the pearl bracelet Azriel had gifted her. There was no hiding it, not unless she wanted to wear gloves constantly, or use some magical glamour. But Elain was done hiding. And the thought of hiding her marriage made her want to wretch. It made her skin-crawl and the work turned irrecoverably wrong at the mere thought.

Elain wanted everyone to know. She wanted everyone to know that she and Azriel loved each other so much that they willingly intertwined their souls together, that their lives were fully and completely linked.

And they didn’t need a meddling cauldron or some fated bond to decide they were meant to be.

Elain pushed herself onto her elbow and looked down at her husband.

Dark eyelashes grazed his cheek, which was just a little bit smushed from the way he laid awkwardly against the pillow — his neck slightly bent from where her head was laying.

Husband.

It was their first morning together as a married couple, and Elain didn’t want him waking with a stiff neck, so she gingerly placed her hand against his jaw and pivoted him ever so slightly. Careful not to disturb him. But his eyelashes fluttered at the contact.

Her hand slowly drifted up the handsome planes of his face, over the endearing freckle by the corner of his eye, and then up to brush away the dark curls that had fallen over his forehead.

“I never want another morning without you.” Elain whispered to her sleeping husband.

Azriel’s eyes remained shut as his hand came up to rest on the small of the back, almost taking up the entire area.

“Mo chroí,” Azriel said in a gruff voice. “I will gladly give you all of my mornings, and all of my nights,” His eyes slowly opened, and Elain saw shining gold under heavy lids. “I plan to be the most dutiful husband.”

A slow, sleepy smile spread across his lips and showed off the dimple that Elain loved so much.

“You never told me what that means,” Elain said, shifting her position so that she was no longer propped up, and instead she laid her palm flat against his chest and rested her chin on the back of her hand. “Mo chroí.”

The words were still unfamiliar on her tongue, but she liked the way they felt.

She had only ever asked him this once before and he deflected.

Azriel’s rough thumb gently moved over the exposed skin of her back.

“My heart,” Azriel said, his voice thick and rough. “It means my heart, Elain.”

She felt a thumping in her chest — her own heart threatening to beat out and connect with his. This entire time he had been calling her his, his own secret way of saying he loved her.

“You, my dear husband, are a romantic,” Elain whispered and leaned forward to place a gentle kiss on his lips. His hand sliding along the length of her back, over the curve of her spine, and eventually settling at the base of her neck. She felt the hard length of her husband pressing against her tired body as he lazily kissed her. “Do you feel any different?” Elain asked against his lips.

She pulled back slightly to study his face.

The sharp line of his jaw was dusted with stubble and Elain watched as he slowly worked it as he thought of his answer.

“I don’t know,” Azriel said carefully, his fingers softly massaging her scalp. “I love that we have new tattoos, I’ve missed being connected to you like that…but there is a rather large part of me that can’t quite believe that we’re actually married, that you’ve decided to share your life with me. And there is another part of me that is inexplicably tired.”

Elain jerked in reaction, pulling her face farther away as her fingers accidentally tightened in his hair.

“As am I,” Elain said as she sat up, her golden curls falling around her. She saw Azriel’s eyes drop to her full breasts before falling back on her face. “I thought maybe it was just all the excitement, but maybe it’s something else? If you’re feeling it too?”

Azriel moved his hand to grasp her hip and bring their bodies together.

Elain sighed in exasperation before saying, “I thought you were tired.”

“I’m a newly married male,” Azriel explained as he ground himself against her. “There is no such thing as being too tired.”

She smiled and placed two hands on his shoulder and leaned forward to plant a kiss on the tip of his nose.

“You’re not going to be able to escape my question,” Elain whispered before pulling back. “Now, do you think we should be worried? My tiredness — it’s different. Like someone drained me of energy.”

“Someone did, me.” Azriel said smugly before kissing her once more. He captured her bottom lips between his teeth as she pulled away — a groan eeking out of his throat as his love moved away from him.

“It’s different. We’ve made love lots of times before,” Elain blushed at the dark, hungry look that swept over Azriel’s features. “Even more vigorous than last night, and I’ve never felt this way after.”

She felt as Azriel’s body tightened and then relaxed against her own.

“I think we’re just tired, Elain,” Azriel said softly and a vulnerability crept into his eyes. “From everything. Devlon, my brothers, sneaking around — I think we are finally feeling it’s toll. I don’t know about you, but I am a little relieved…before yesterday there was always a nagging fear that this might end. That you might decide to leave or that someone would take you away from me, and now…and I know it’s fucked up, but now I feel as if I can finally relax.”

Elain took in his words for a moment, and she knew there were more important things to focus on. Like how her mate was somewhere in the house. The Illyrian warlord that wanted to claim her. But there was something that stuck onto Elain’s mind like a splinter.

“You thought I would leave you?” Elain asked, her heart skipping as the words passed over her tongue, her voice barely over a whisper.

She brought her fingers up to try and ease some of the tension in his jaw. From the way his muscle was popping out, Elain could only imagine how hard he was clenching.

“Yes,” Azriel admitted, his eyes downcast. “But it was my own fucked up insecurities. It wasn’t anything you did.”

“Well,” Elain started, moving so that her chest was pressing tightly against his own. She loved the feel of his hardened body against hers and the way they fit together so perfectly. Unbridled contentment slowly started making its way through her lethargic body. “I guess we’re lucky, I have the rest of our lives to prove myself to you, mo chroí.”

Azriel stilled as Elain used his term of endearment, and a loving smile slowly came to life on his face.

“I might need a lot of convincing.” Azriel said and claimed her lips, pushing his hips up against hers.

Elain broke away with a gasp, delighting in the pleasure that burned in her veins.

“We should take a trip,” Elain said before her lust completely took hold of her. “Somewhere neither of us have ever gone before. Once everything is over.”

“I’ve been to a lot of places, wife.” Azriel planted kisses along the length of her neck, and for whatever reason Elain shivered, extra sensitive to his touch. Something hummed deep within her, and her hips started moving against his — desperate to feel more of him.

The breath left her lungs as Azriel flipped them over. Elain could feel her hair spilling over the side of the bed.

“Well, you better find some undiscovered corner of the world, husband.”

Azriel aligned their hips, and Elain swore her body was burning where it touched his.

“Are you always going to be this demanding?” Azriel asked as he pushed into her, his wings looming behind him and blocking the sunlight. The thin membrane of his wings glowed red from the light shining behind him. He grasped at the underside of her right knee and brought her leg up, reaching deeper into her.

“Yes,” Elain moaned, meeting the rhythm of his thrusts. “I suggest,” She gasped as his hips ground into her swollen bud. “Getting used to it.”

Azriel moaned, a seductive and lustful sound that caused her pussy to tighten around him.

“I shall have to think of ways to keep you entertained.” Azriel said with a wicked smile, his calloused fingers sweeping over her clit.

Her teeth sank into her lip to muffled the scream that tore through her throat.

Azriel pumped once more before spilling inside of her, his hips stuttered as he worked through his orgasm. His body soon fell over hers, and he nuzzled his face in the crook of her neck. He planted hot kisses over her sensitive skin before saying, “Elain, do you want to be a good wife?”

“Yes.” Elain mewled, her fingers coming up to twine into his silky dark locks.

A deep, luxurious chuckle came from Azriel and Elain felt it reverberate through her entire body.

“And you want to make me happy?” Azriel asked, and Elain nodded in response. “Then you won’t clean yourself. You’ll let my come mark you all day,” His lips scraped against her neck, over her rapidly beating pulse, and he tongue smoothed the marks he had left on her neck. “While you’re talking to your mate, I’ll be so fucking hard knowing that your messy from this morning.”

Elain felt a wave of hot pleasure rolling through her, so much so that her head fogged with lust and she would have agreed to anything he said. He could have asked her if she would let him bend her over the breakfast table and fuck her while everyone watched and she would have said yes without thinking.

“That’s a good wife.” Azriel said and kissed her neck once more.

People started talking putting us through our paces

The newly wedded couple were so electrified from the afterglow of their love making that they didn’t notice the suspicious emptiness in the palace hallways.

They walked through the corridor completely enamored with each other.

Elain was still in a daze from how Azriel had handled her body, the delicious ache between her thighs a beautiful reminder of what they shared, and slightly shocked that an early morning session of making love could energize her to the point where she could feel the energy buzzing in her veins. It took everything in her not to jump on her husband in the middle of the hallway.

Azriel stared at his wife as he walked.

​There was something smug — something prideful — that grew in his chest as he looked at Elain. Seeing the promise of their vows marked on her pale hand, knowing that he had marked her in a way that only he knew about. It was a vicious thing, the possessiveness that clawed at him. There was something in him that screamed to take her against the wall, to lift her dress and pound into her until her screams were echoing off the walls.

He had to fight off of every instinct that told him to claim her.

The newlyweds didn’t hear the whispers behind the closed doors.

Instead, they just walked to the breakfast parlor like they did the day before. Not thinking about how no maid interrupted them this morning, there was no knock on the door that declared breakfast was ready, no announcement that Vassa was ready for them.

They didn’t think about how the door was closed when they arrived, and if they weren’t addled from their love and lust they would have noticed the hesitant glance between the two footmen that stood outside of the breakfast parlor.

Azriel was gazing down at Elain with a tender smile on his face and reached out to open the door for her. He was too infatuated with his wife that he didn’t notice how conversation came to a halt as they stepped through the threshold.

Eventually, he tore his eyes off of Elain’s beautiful face and looked at the room he had just entered and felt his heart stop beating.

There was a fourth person sitting at the table. Someone new. Someone that caused loathing to seep out of every pore of his being, and if he wasn’t so shocked then Azriel would have blood on his hands.

It wasn’t even that shocking that he was sitting there, but it was the fact that Azriel had let his guard down to the point that someone had entered the palace and he had no idea. That anyone could have been sitting in the room and Azriel would have walked right into it — he would have let Elain, his wife, walk right into it. And he did.

He let his wife be blindsided.

Azriel felt Elain’s body go still as she registered Graysen’s presence in the room.

“Graysen.” Elain whispered, and Azriel's urge to shred Graysen into pieces grew stronger. A rush of bloodlust roared through him, and if it wasn’t for the vulnerable little hitch in Elain’s breath then he would have pinned Graysen to the wall.

Azriel took a protective step in front of Elain and crossed his arms over his chest, glaring at the human sitting at the breakfast table. His fingers dug into his arms as he fought against himself.

“Elain,” Graysen said as he stood up abruptly, his chair almost toppling over. He looked just as surprised as Azriel felt. “I didn’t know you were here.”

Azriel tore his eyes off of Graysen long enough to look at the queen and her two companions.

Vassa looked slightly less casual today, her fiery hair done up and elegantly braided together, and a crown adorned her head. Despite being caught in an uncomfortable situation, her face was impassive with a slight, polite smile.

Lucien looked unsettled as his eyes darted between Elain, Azriel, and Graysen — his jaw clenching and unclenching, and his face turned a bit green. Almost like he was on the verge of casting up whatever was in his stomach.

Julian…Julian was grinning from ear to ear.

Azriel tightened his grip until his knuckles turned white to hold himself back.

It was awkward, to say the least.

“I told Mary,” Vassa said in a clear voice, trying to cut though some of the tension in the room. “That our breakfast was to be postponed. She was supposed to go to your room and inform you, Spymaster.”

“Obviously, I wasn’t there.” Azriel said gruffly, his eyes still trained on Graysen’s trembling form. It was only when he saw that Graysen was shaking that Azriel realized his shadows had darkened the room — it looked as if a storm was brewing beside their breakfast.

The sun streaming in through the windows couldn’t penetrate Azriel’s shadows, which were swirling through the room in a display of intimidation and power.

“Where were you, oh fearsome shadowsinger?” Jurian asked, his voice dripping with amusement. His eyes gleamed with a crazed delight as he stared at Azriel — he looked away long enough to rake his eyes up and down Elain’s body, and Azriel could stop the aggressively possessive growl that ripped through his throat.

Julian threw his head back with a laugh.

“What the fuck is that smell?” Lucien asked and raised his hand to cover his nose — he looked as if he was physically in pain. “Does no one else smell that stench?”

“I don’t smell anything different than the day,” Vassa said, leaning forward to place a tan hand on Lucien’s shoulder. Her ginger brows were furrowed in concern.

Azriel felt Elain move closer towards him, and a small hand settled onto his straining arm. A small amount of tension left his body, but Azriel didn’t allow himself to become too relaxed. Not after the surprise that they had found behind two closed doors, and Azriel didn’t want them to be caught unsuspecting again.

He didn’t want any more nasty surprises.

Especially if they made him murderous.

“Just the regular,” Vassa’s blue eyes flashed between Elain and Azriel. “Smell.”

“You should have warned us,” Elain said in a controlled voice. Azriel looked towards her and saw that her eyes were trained on Vassa, her face polite yet stern. “Something more than just a message the morning of. As soon as this meeting was planned we should have been informed.”

Azriel felt a surge of pride as he looked at his wife.

“I’m gonna be sick,” Lucien said as he stood, at some point he had grabbed a napkin to use as a mask, as if it could stop whatever phantom scent he was smelling. Lucien tried to rush by them, but the shadows were too dark and dense for him to pass through. “Let me leave.” Lucien dry heaved, one hand dropping to clench his stomach.

Azriel willed his shadows to listen, but for some reason they fought him.

They dimmed and lightened up just a bit, but Azriel was too late. Lucien had dropped to his knees and whatever contents he had consumed for breakfast was expelled onto the floor.

Azriel had moved quickly enough to pull Elain away, his hand had wrapped around her stomach to grip her soft belly. He took a step back, taking Elain with him,

Her back was pressed firmly into his front, and the hand that was splayed along her stomach glimmered despite the shadows that darkened the room.

Lucien looked up at them, he glared at them as he ran the back of his hand over his mouth. His eyes immediately latched onto the bright tattoo on Azriel’s hand.

Between clenched teeth, Lucien growled, “What did you do?”

I knew there was no one in the world that could take it

“I didn’t realize that you two would need a chaperone.” Vassa said, pacing back and forth in front of a stained glass window in the library. The fiery red reflecting on her white robes.

Elain stood with her hands clasped in front of her, the picture of cool elegance against Vassa’s frenzied concern. Her brown eyes followed Vassa as she moved back and forth, her feet poking out from beneath white robes.

“We do you a favor, we offer you refuge — and this is how you treat your mate?” Her icy blue eyes landed on Elain as she finally stopped moving, and the queen brought her hands to rest on her hips as she scolded Elain. “Do you have anything to say for yourself?”

Elain simply shrugged and said, “I never wanted a mate,” Vassa threw her hands up to cover her face. “And I gave Lucien no false hope. I made it clear that I was never interested. I regret the stunt that my brother-in-law pulled, but I had no hand in it.”

Vassa seethed as she moved.

“You could have at least done Lucien the courtesy of rejecting him.” Vassa said

Elain held her tongue for a moment as she gathered her thoughts.

“From what I understand it's hardly considered courteous to reject a bond,” Elain said, and Vassa red curls flew through the air as her neck whipped towards Elain. She opened her mouth to speak, but Elain continued. “One of the reasons I came here in the first place was to reject the bond, but so many of my choices have already been taken from me, and I wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to marry the male I love because of courtesy.”

Vassa closed her mouth.

“I should think you would be happy,” Elain said quietly, a smile quivering on her lips. “Lucien is soon to be a free male.”

A blush swept through Vassa’s cheeks, and she gently smoothed the nonexistent wrinkles of her dress as she said, “I don’t know what you’re speaking of.”

Elain choked on her laughter.

“I know what pining looks like, Vassa,” She said softly. “I experienced quite a bit of it myself, and I am very sympathetic,” Elain chewed her lips gently and she mentally tossed around the words she wanted to say next. “I want Lucien to be happy, but I know his happiness doesn’t lie with me,” She didn’t back down from Vassa’s intense blue eyes as they stared her down. “And I think Lucien is happy here,” Elain took a deep, steadying breath. “At least happier than I’ve ever seen him.”Vassa straightened her shoulders and held her chin up high. “Yes, well, we are very accommodating.” The queen pretended to be indifferent, but Elain could see how her words affected her.

“We won’t be staying for much longer,” Elain said. “Once the bond is taken care of, my husband and I will be on our way.”

“What of the warlord?”

“I have a new bond, one that I cherish more than anything else, and we will see if he will respect it,” Elain gave a small shrug. “Which I doubt he will. I expect we will see bloodshed.”

“I thought you were a seer,” Vassa said, her eyebrows twitching. “Can you not just see what will happen?”

“My own future is blind to me, but I see bits and pieces of my family. I see Feyre and Rhys with a daughter, one with beautiful wings. Nesta and Cassian, they have two sons, but not of their own flesh. That gives me faith. And Azriel,” Elain felt her smile waver. “His future is blind to me as well…I used to be able to see it, bits and pieces of his day to day life. Nothing serious. I hope — I hope it is because his future is so closely tied to mine.”

There was a beat of silence.

“I hope so as well.”

Elain inclined her head and said, “Thank you.”

The clicking of the doorknob caused both of them to turn towards the opening door, and Elain felt her breath catch in her throat as Azriel glided into the room.

A purple bruise blossomed along the line of his jaw. Without her mind's consent, Elain rushed to her husband. Her hands came up to delicately grasp his jaw and she placed a soft kiss onto his injury.

“Are you ok?” Elain asked, her thumbs rubbing tenderly over his skin.

Some of her worries fled as his large hands settled onto her small waist. The comforting weight of them a balm to her concerns.

Azriel pressed a kiss to her forehead. His warm lips caused Elain’s eyes to flutter shut, and for a moment all was quiet. There was just her and Azriel.

“Do I really have to see this?”

And Lucien.

With a sign, Elain pulled back. She dropped her hands, but instead of taking a step back, she wrapped an arm around Azriel’s torso.

Azriel didn’t hesitate to place an arm over her shoulders. Lucien looked fine, and something deep inside of Elain wanted to rage at the fact that he had injured her husband, but some of it subsided as Lucien walked further into the room and exposed a limp to his right leg.

He walked as if bones were fragile and he was afraid to put weight on them.

Elain bit her lip to stop herself from smiling. She knew there was no reason for her to be smiling, and she really shouldn’t be so satisfied that Azriel was the male to come out on top — it wasn’t even a surprise — but warm pleasure rushed through her every time he displayed his power.

“Soon you won’t care if you see us together.” Elain said and rested one hand on Azriel’s chest, her palm above the steady beating of his heart.

Lucien looked doubtful but nodded his head. He walked further into the room, everyone politely ignoring the way he limped, and walked towards the small tables lined with clear bottles filled with amber liquid.

He poured himself a large drink and drank it in one swallow.

“Let’s do this,” Lucien said as he set his glass down with a clank. “Maybe then it won’t smell so fucking disgusting.”

I, I loved you in spite of deep fears that the world would divide us

Elain thought she would feel different. Lighter. Unchained.

She didn’t feel the thread that had been tied to her rib — but she never did unless Lucien was tugging on it.

She thought something would have happened. Something magical. When she and Azriel had made their bargain in the church, when they had promised themselves to each other, she was overcome with, well, with everything. The golden light that came from their promises, the ceremony, whatever magic that passed through them was so overwhelming that it left her in a blissful daze before tiring out.

But there was nothing like that with Lucien.

“Are you sure we did that correctly?” Elain asked, taking a step away from Lucien.

Her hands fell away from his, which were winter bitten and cold, and stepped toward her husband.

“Yes,” Lucien said, and for the first time since their arrival Lucien looked relaxed and at ease. “Whatever foul odor that was there is gone. Thank the Mother,” Lucien muttered and took a deep breath. “Now everything smells of roses.”

Elain felt a frown appear between her brows as she turned to Vassa and asked, “Do you smell that as well?”

The queen closed her eyes and took a deep breath, a look of contemplation on her face.

“Vaguely,” Vassa said as she opened her eyes. “I never would have noticed it if Lucien hadn’t pointed it out. But that horrid smell is gone. It didn’t make me vomit, thankfully, but it seemed as if you both needed a hot bath… The rose smell is different. Less noticeable. Like someone sprayed a perfume in the room and before we entered.”

Elain slowly nodded her head.

“Can you smell it?” Elain asked Azriel, and she watched as he took a deep breath before shaking his head. “Neither can I.”

Confusion swelled in her chest, but she tampered it down. “We should probably get going.” Azriel said, placing his hand on the small of Elain’s back, and Elain nodded her head in agreement.

“But you only just got here?” Vassa said, and for a moment Elain felt as if the queen was truly sad to see them go.

“We’ve discussed it a bit,” Elain said, shooting her husband a shy glance. “And we are going to take a small journey back. You know about the human tradition, Vassa, about the honeymoon. This might be the only chance for us to have one.”

Elain intertwined her free hand with Azriel’s.

“Will you at least stay for a meal before you leave?” Vassa asked, and Elain wondered if the queen really did want them here, or if it was just her manners prompting her.

“Of course,” Elain said with a soft smile. “And I hate to ask for one more favor, but if your cook could provide us some provisions for the road, then we would greatly appreciate it.”

Vassa nodded and quickly excused herself. Lucien followed on her heels.

I'm a mess, but I'm the mess that you wanted

“Do you feel any different?” Azriel asked as soon Lucien and Vassa left the room.

He guided her to a chaise by the flickering fire, away from the door. If Elain had to guess, then she would have to say that he didn’t want anyone eavesdropping on them. Elain knew that he was upset about this morning — when Graysen had managed to be in the same house as them and Azriel had no idea.

From the corner of her Elain saw Shadow floating by the door as if standing guard.

There was a teeny, tiny part of Elain that was happy Azriel was comfortable enough and happy enough to let his guard down, and she couldn’t wait for a day when Azriel could do that with no consequences.

“Not really,” Elain said as she took a seat. As soon as Azriel sat next to her she nuzzled into his side, as if she were a cat. “I thought it would feel more diffinitive, more significant. I feel the same as I always did. Though, I am glad that the thread is gone, and it was smart of you to suggest that we test it. I felt so much relief when I didn’t feel it tugging on my rib,” Elain sighed as she pressed her cheek further into his chest. “Everyone always makes such a big deal about the mating bond that I assumed something would happen. Even Lucien seemed relieved that the bond is gone and supposedly it’s supposed to be a horribly painful experience for males. I guess I just wanted some closure,” Elain peered up at him from under her lashes. “Which is silly because Lucien and I had all of five conversations before today. And all of them lasted less than five sentences.”

“It’s not silly, Elain,” Azriel said and planted a kiss on her forehead. “People were pushing you two together for so long that it’s only natural for you to expect more. I’m starting to think,” Azriel dropped his voice to a dramatic whisper. “That a mating bond may not be all that everyone paints it out to be.”

An ugly snort came out of Elain’s throat, and she slapped a hand over her mouth to stifle her laughter.

“So you don’t wish that we had a mating bond?” Elain asked with wide eyes.

Azriel gazed down at her, and Elain knew he was choosing his words carefully.

“It certainly would have been easier for us if we had a mating bond,” Azriel said slowly, his fingers playing with the hair draped over Elain’s back. “But I wouldn’t love you any more with a mating bond. I don’t think it would make our relationship any more meaningful. In fact,” Azriel leaned closer to her. “I find it quite flattering that you chose me over your mate.”

Elain blushed at the words.

“We certainly have a unique story, don’t we, husband?” Elain smiled as she said the words and nudged Azriel playfully with her shoulder.

“One that our children will love to hear, I think.”

Elain’s cheeks ached as her smile overtook her face.

“I think so as well,” Elain whispered, tilting her head up to look at him more fully. “And they’ll love to hear about all the adventures of our honeymoon,” Azriel raised his brow at that and Elain felt a flush overtaking her cheeks. “Not that.”

Azriel grinned broadly at her, his hazel eyes bright and a soft laugh sounded from his throat.

“Our first stop,” Azriel said. “Is the Summer Court.”

— —

tagging: @thefangirlofhp @offtorivendell @the-laughing-bubble @justheretoreadsposts @swankii-art-teacher @achelois-daughter @caracalwithchips @impossiblescissorspeachpaper @sakurakittypeach @123moiaussi

I’d kiss you as the lights went out — Swaying as the room burned down

[hopelesslovebug]

For the ask game !!

Could u make number 6🎶🎵 or 12 or 25 choose witch one u like :D

oh lucky you just got fugio

koi boy by jack stauber

[aoitakumi8148]

[Left behind] 𝟙 of 𝟙.

...𝒜𝓈 𝒾𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓌𝒶𝓇𝓂𝓉𝒽 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝒽𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒽𝒶𝓈 𝓅𝒽𝓎𝓈𝒾𝒸𝒶𝓁𝓁𝓎 𝓉𝑜𝓊𝒸𝒽𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒹𝑒𝓅𝓉𝒽𝓈 𝑜𝒻 𝓂𝓎 𝑜𝓌𝓃 𝓈𝑒𝓁𝒻...

[wolfsbanesparks]

Okay so I have a headcanon that captain marvel have gold in his blood

In greek mythology the gods bleed golden ichor and because captain marvel is basically a God or at least half god

so that stands to reason that half his blood is gold or at least has some golden flacks in his blood stream

I could totally see some greedy supervillain trying to exploit the $h!t out of this, someone like penguin, Lex Luther, Dr. Silvana or basically anybody who has a lust for wealth and power and the bragging rights of I made the great captain marvel bleed and make a profit off it

I'm pretty sure I saw you make your own post about this but I wanted to add my two cents since I have this lovely ask.

I love this imagery of Captain Marvel having holden ichor blood! It's just so vivid and cool! The idea that people (allies) may not realize he's bleeding because it's golden instead of red. Diana explaining to the others that its the blood of the gods. And it being literal gold? Amazing. I am totally on board with this headcanon.

And I can totally see Dr. Sivana using his golden blood to pay for his experiments or Lex Luthor auctioning it off for profit. There's just something extra evil about taking this proof of the divine from the broken body of a beloved hero (who is a child!) and using it for something like capitalistic greed.

There's probably a metaphor in there somewhere.

Anyway I love this so thank you for sharing it with me!

[regardstosoulandromance]

but you painted me golden // chapter two

“I know you’ve been working really hard,” said Sabrina, “And you seemed tired in class today so I wanted to stop by and see if there was anything I could do to help you relax.”

“You thought you could help me relax?” She asked, “What did you have in mind exactly?”

Sabrina blushed.

black sabith student/professor soulmates au here on ao3

[dontforgetoctober3rd]

I just wanna say to the OG Ewan Mitchell fans that you are right to gatekeep and in fact you should gatekeep even harder because I barely found out about the guy on HOTD and already I see people on insta and twatter making fun of his face and acting like he’s a creepy weirdo for being private and it’s literally gonna make me froth at the mouth it’s pissing me the hell off

[mcrizzystardust]

i bleached my hair last night, except i forgot to take my adhd meds yesterday morning, so i accidentally left the bleach in about an hour longer than i shouldve (my hairs all fine! nothing fell out or got too damaged. i was using salon quality bleach, not that box shit).

it came out really really really light.

you know what this calls for??