Chapter Text
The coronation feast was over and now the Archeron sisters were preparing for the evening’s ball. Tonight, they’d wear Autumn Court colors to acknowledge their alliance. Nesta, as always wore no adornments, her hair was arranged in an elaborate braided knot at the nape of her neck. Nesta’s dress was a floor length burnt orange color with long sleeves and the collar was a cut as a straight line from one shoulder to the other, but the back was completely empty of fabric.
Elain’s hair was pinned up and golden leaves were sewn into her hair. The sleeves of her dress were long, and they came to a point on her hand, a piece of string looped around her middle finger to hold the sleeve in place. Elain’s pale gold dress bustled out and had dark gold leaves hand painted onto the dress. It was beautiful, and even though the colors accented Autumn, she looked more like a princess of dawn.
Nesta stepped out into the living room were the Illyrians sat, wearing their best leathers and all seven-siphon gleaming, on display. Azriel lowered his head at Nesta and then at Elain who walked out behind her. However, his eyes never left Elain and hers never Azriel’s either. The two were completely in love with each other but never voiced it.
Cassian looked them both over, “You ladies look nice.”
“Thank you, you too” was Elain’s automatic reply. Nesta just rolled her eyes.
“Can we go or are we waiting for our sister?” Nesta asked Cassian. There was simply no point in asking Azriel anything once Elain entered the room.
“We’re right here” said Feyre. She and Rhys were still wearing Night Court attire except for the silver acorn necklace around Feyre’s neck.
Rhys winnowed them up to the ball were the Night Court was announced. Nesta eyed the ballroom and was about to ask something when Elain asked Rhys, “Are they playing bodyguard tonight or can they dance as well?”
Rhys smiled at Elain, “They can handle doing both I think.” Elain immediately turned to Azriel who was already asking her to dance. Feyre and Rhys joined them, but Cassian stood slightly behind Nesta as Eris approached them.
The new High Lord of the Autumn Court was in a dark green tunic and his hair was freshly cut. He bowed deeply to Nesta and she gave a nod of her head. Eris smiled at the small gesture. “Its nice to see you emissary.”
“It was nice of you to invite me High Lord.” She heard Cassian grunt behind her but chose to ignore him.
“How do you find my court? Is it to your liking?”
Nesta thought about it, truth or pick an answer that would annoy the hell out of Cassian? Both. “Its lovely. Autumn was always my favorite season in the human realm.” Cassian gave another grunt, this time Eris looked at him but chose to ignore him.
“What was your favorite thing about Autumn?”
“I liked the colors, the changing leaves, the brisk weather, the food and drinks. It was always beautiful.”
“Might I say that the Autumn colors suit you Nesta.” She inclined her head in thanks as Eris asked, “Would you like to dance?”
“I would, thank you.” Nesta heard a growl come out of Cassian as Eris led her to the dance floor.
Eris wasn’t half bad, in fact he was a perfect gentleman despite all that Mor had implied. Eris gave her a tour of his court, introduced her to some of its nobility, drank spiced apple wine together, and Eris danced nearly every dance with Nesta. She had to admit, she had a great time. Nesta had even allowed Eris to dismiss Cassian so that he could escort her back to the Night Court’s rooms.
They walked back together and when they reached her door Eris bent low and kissed that hand, his eyes never leaving hers. “Would you be willing to be my date at the fire night celebration tomorrow?”
“I would love too” and she really would love it. Nesta has a really good time with Eris.
He moved closer to her, “I must tell you that I find myself wanting to kiss you.”
Nesta sucked in her breath. Why shouldn’t she allow Eris to kiss her? She wasn’t claimed by anyone. She had no one to answer too. So Nesta let Eris back her against the door and she leaned towards him.
Eris’ lips were surprisingly soft but heated, probably from his fire magic. Nesta’s arms came around his neck and her hands went into his hair, just as his hands ran down her naked back, leaving a hot pulsating trail down her spine. One of Eris’ hands settled on her lower back while the other hand was braced on the door, which flew open and the couple tumbled into the sitting room.
Cassian was standing with his arms crossed and all seven siphons blazed red. Elain’s hand went to her mouth while Feyre helped up Eris and Nesta stand. Eris glared at Cassian but told Nesta he’d see her tomorrow night before leaving the suite.
Rhys and Feyre disappeared, as did Elain. Azriel blended into the shadows just as Nesta turned and started to walk towards her room. Cassian stopped her with a tap on the shoulder. Nesta turned and faced him and Cassian was seething.
“You kissed that ass…”
“That ass was a perfect gentleman to me tonight.”
“You don’t have a clue as to what he’s capable of”
“Do you?” Nesta challenged.
“Yes. After what he did to Mor”
Nesta interrupted him, “That was five centuries ago, I’m sure you’ve changed in the last 500 years” Nesta said as they stared each other down.
“So that’s it? Have you set your eyes on becoming the new Lady of Autumn?” Cassian snapped.
“What if I have? What are you going to do about it? A whole lot of nothing, that’s what. You could have danced with me tonight, but you didn’t. You’ve shown no interest in me at all until you saw Eris and I kiss” Nesta said.
“Maybe I’ll acknowledge the bond” Cassian challenged.
Nesta glared at him, “You wouldn’t.”
“I would, if it stopped you from being with Eris I would.”
“So instead of wanting to be with me, instead of loving me you’d do it to keep me from being happy? To keep me from Mor’s nightmare, one I don’t share” Nesta’s voice was full of anguish, of sadness.
“Yes” Cassian said defiantly.
Azriel stepped out of a shadow and smacked Cassian across the back of his head. “Do you even know what you just said yes too? You’re so angry with Eris that you’re handing him Nesta on a silver platter.”
Nesta just laughed, “Oh Azriel, don’t try to help him, let him figure it out on his own.”
“But Nesta”
“But nothing Azriel.” Nesta turned and gave Cassian a pitiful smile, “Goodnight you overgrown bat.” And with that she disappeared into her bedroom to sleep.