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The morning Alysanne awoke to see snow dusting the grass and tree limbs in their yard, a deep yearning struck her that she hadn’t been anticipating. Winter was quickly approaching (though the Autumn Court would experience precious little of the cold and snows due to Beron’s magic stabilizing the realm), and with winter came the solstice and Starfall. The snows in Night always came a few weeks before the holidays. They were mere days away in Autumn. Her heart ached.
It had been months since she’d wed Eris and discovered their mating bond, months since abandoning the Night Court. She had finally begun to find a niche in Autumn where she belonged. She had managed to worm her way into the High Lord’s good graces, serving as one of his closest advisors, much to the chagrin of the many seasoned males comprising his cabinet of buerocrats. Alysanne had proven her loyalty to Eris, and by extension Beron. She felt at home in Autumn. Until she awoke to the snow falling.
Solstice was tomorrow. Every year of her life so far, she would have been making last-minute purchases in the markets, packaging gifts for her brothers, Mor, and Amren, maybe even baking for them between it all. She would have been going in for a final fitting on whatever ostentacious gown Rhysand had selected for their dinner in the undercourt with Keir and visiting the vaults to select corresponding jewels. Instead she looked through the window above the kitchen sink and mentally prepared for the day at hand.
Beron would be holding open court for the public later this afternoon. He’d requested her presence as counselor and mitigating agent. The commonfolk connected with Alysanne easily, something Beron often struggled to do after hundreds of years in a position of power. Her youth was a boon in his position. It garnered him perspectives and insight he was incapable of noting. He’d also noticed the lesser lords of the court were more willing to bend to his will when a female was present. He’d explained once that her presence made them more malleable. They didn’t want to present themselves as weak or overtly ambitious in the presence of one of Autumn’s ladies. Beron hadn’t yet learned of her daemati abilities, which Alysanne was thankful for. He used her to manipulate his people enough as it was without use of that skill set.
She set to preparing breakfast for herself and Eris. He was out on his usual morning run through the forest with the hounds. A fire nearly always burned in hearth shared with the living room. It roared merrily this morning, warming the house and chasing out the chill the snow brought in. Alysanne placed a bit of oil in an iron pan and placed it in the coals to warm. A cold, damp morning like this deserved a hearty breakfast, she reckoned. A set of aprons hung on pegs near the hearth. She quickly tied hers on, then opened the charmed pantry (another of Eris’s genius ideas, the pantry held the ingredients within at the proper temperatures to prevent spoilage) to retrieve eggs, flour, milk, a bit of sausage, and a handful of seasonings.
A large mixing bowl was the next item to be retrieved. Alysanne stretched up to the shelf she almost couldn’t reach to get a grip on the bowl that was almost too heavy for her to pull down from this angle. The hem of her nightgown pulled up her thighs, trailing lace just below the cup of her panties.
“Good morning to me.” Eris practically purred, the door to the kitchen closing softly behind him. Alysanne turned just in time to see Eris’s gaze darting up and down her form, taking in the embarassed flush rapidly spreading across her cheeks. His own cheeks and neck were reddened from a combination of the cold air and exertion of running. Sweat clung to his jaw. It took every ounce of her restraint not to pounce on him. She couldn’t help it. He looked and smelled amazing. He always did. It had been nearly eight months since they’d eloped, around seven months since the bond had snapped, and Alysanne fought tooth and nail for any modicum of restraint with him still.
“Hush, you.” She mumbled, reaching back up for the bowl again. This time Eris crowded her space, using his considerable height to easily obtain the item and hand it to her, refusing to release the ceramic container until she’d stood on tiptoe to kiss him. This male would be the death of her, Alysanne was certain. It couldn’t be good for her heart to take off in a sprint every time he so much as traced his fingers over her skin, let alone brushed his lips to hers. “Go bathe. You stink.” She managed to murmur, trailing a lick to his jaw. Alysanne tucked her nose just under his jawline, breathing in deeply.
Alysanne didn’t have to look at him to know the male wore a smirk now, the arrogant surety in his eyes far too common a sight.
“Sure I do.” The arrogance wasn’t present only in his features, it invaded his voice as well. “Which is why my little mate can’t get enough of my scent and is seemingly trying to crawl inside my skin.”
“Bathe. Now. We can’t go to court with you smelling like this. I won’t be able to focus.” She pulled away from his embrace as best she could, considering he still crowded her, bracketing her in on the kitchen worktop. “Out of my kitchen, Vanserra.” She swatted at his chest. “You’re stinking up the room.”
“If that’s what my lady truly wants.” Another smirk, this one full of purely male intent and mischief. “Although, I’m inclined to believe she might not.” Eris gripped her hips hard, sure to leave small bruises in the shape of his fingers. She wanted those fingers everywhere, but they didn’t have the time. Both of them were expected in court this afternoon and had appointments in the village beforehand.
“By the Cauldron, get out of my kitchen.” She nipped the tip of his nose. “Or, I’ll cook you into the biscuits.” Eris released a laugh, his head thrown back, releasing Alysanne after what felt like an eternity. She reached out to swat his bum when he finally exited the kitchen, a smile on her lips and a matching one on his.
—
Court had been surprisingly easy. The last month or so had been rife with common folk begging for help in readying their villages for the colder weather. They needed more firewood, more food to put back, more blankets and clothing, just more. Alysanne hadn’t sat on Rhysand’s council, but this much need couldn’t be normal. This many requests for aid in a single court couldn’t be common. Beron struck many of them down, only aiding those willing to give something in return. Today it had been calm. Only a few people had made the trek to Forest House in the mounting snow. Those who did had brought word from near the Night borders of raucous celebrations they needed to keep a handle on, lest another forest fire break out as one had years ago during the solstice and Starfall celebrations or requests for reinforcements to said areas as those celebrating were seen wearing fighting leathers. The reinforcements were sent as a protective measure. The final messenger had wished Alysanne a happy solstice, knowing she hailed from Night and wanting to be kind. While she had thanked him, she wanted to cry at the reminder.
She missed her family. She missed the silly traditions they reserved for this time of year. She nearly wanted to go back to Velaris, to get sloshed with Cassian and help Azriel decorate the House of Wind for their annual gift exchange before Starfall, to hide out in her mother’s cabin making soup for them to warm up with after their snowball fight. She wanted to open whatever shitty gift Amren had picked with the intention for it to be given back; to gift Mor a bottle of Rhysand’s finest wine. She wanted to toss another dagger in the trunk reserved exclusively for the gifts Cassian had gotten her over the years (all weapons of various types, though she did not know how to wield a single one with more precision than a child). She wanted to dance with Azriel as the stars began their descent. She wanted them so badly she couldn’t stand the pain of missing them.
It was fortunate that particular messenger had been the last. Alysanne left the throne room soon after, running for her and Eris’s shared chambers in the keep. He wouldn’t be done with his duties for a couple hours still, but she could take some bit of comfort in their shared space. In the little reminders that she hadn’t burned every bridge, she had built several in her time in Autumn. The massive, oak doors flew open at a bolt of power surging from her fingertips, leaving a singe in the fine grain. Alysanne tried to run to their bed, but was stopped in her tracks by Eris and Clymene hastily throwing blankets over something on the bed. Eris tried to block out the loose blankets, but Alysanne saw something sitting beside them: emerald green ribbon.
She sniffed, wiped her eyes, then glanced between mother, son and brother. Atlas played in the corner of the room, wooden soldiers reenacting a battle the boy had evidently been plotting based upon the focus across his features. Her mate and his mother were up to something. Her vision narrowed on that piece of ribbon sticking out from the blankets. Eris clocked her tear stained cheeks and reddened eyes.
“My heart, are you alright? Did my father…” Eris couldn’t finish the thought.
“He didn’t do anything, my love. I, I just miss my family is all. Someone reminded me Solstice is near.” She took a hesitant step towards her mate (and the emerald ribbon). “What are you doing? I thought you would be busy all afternoon?” She gestured to the haphazard blankets, to Clymene, and to Eris himself.
Eris didn’t look as if he knew how to respond. Pain laced his expression. Clymene released a small laugh, her eyes crinkling in the process.
“Alys, my dear, he wanted to surprise you with a small, Solstice celebration here.” Clymene motioned around the room. Alysanne took a second to look at the room, taking in the wreaths placed on the cabinetry and twinkling faelights placed to decoratively illuminate the space without being overwhelming. “You can see the stars fall better from here than in the forest, though I’m sure it cannot compare to observing from the mountains.”
“You… What?” Alysanne’s gaze shot back to her mate. “But Autumn doesn’t celebrate the Winter Solstice or Starfall.” Her voice faltered.
“But you did your entire life.” Eris took her hands in his. “When the weather started to shift, you started acting differently, sad. I wanted to do something to bring what small piece of the Night Court to you that I could.” He pressed gentle kisses to her fingertips. “My mother has a gown for you and handmaidens waiting to help with hair and makeup. Meet me in here at nightfall.” A kiss to her nose, far gentler than the nip she’d given him earlier in the day. “Atlas is staying here with me until then. Some time with other females would do you some good, my heart.” He cradled her jaws in his palms before kissing her deeply. “Go get ready.”
—
Alysanne wasn’t quite certain what to think as the team of Clymene’s handmaidens painted her face and pulled her hair into different styles before relenting to letting her do her own hair. Illyrian hair was thick, coarse. The syles they were trying didn’t cooperate well with the texture. She tucked the strands into their normal, coronet braid. Loose strands framed her face, curling as they dried. Her hair had never been particularly agreeable to many styles or treatments. She’d learned long ago it was best to throw it in a braid and leave it be. The makeup they applied was minimal, highlighting her violet eyes without washing out her features in darkness.
Clymene opened a bottle of wine. Alysanne had gratefully taken a glass, which Clymene had refilled once or twice. Alysanne wasn’t particularly paying attention as the handmaidens removed a beautiful gown from a wardrobe. The tailoring wasn’t anything familiar to Autumn with it’s plunging neckline and tight-fitting bodice. Nor was the deep silver fabric with emerald embellishments along the seams and hemline. The gown’s sleeves sparkled under the faelights. It was simply gorgeous. Alysanne was terrified to wear such a gown. She was certain to mar the fabric or pull of the beadwork.
“He managed to contact a seamstress in Winter who lives near the Night border. She was familiar enough with their fashions to create this.” Clymene explained easily, topping off Alysanne’s glass once again. Alysanne promptly took a long drink. “The colors suit you beautifully. Eris has an eye for you, you know. I wasn’t sure of the silver with your hair, but the emerald is stunning.” Clymene took a drink from her own glass, then pointed to the gown. “If you don’t do the dress the justice of wearing it, then I may be tempted to add it to my own collection.” A smirk akin to the one Eris wore so often graced her wine-reddened lips.
Alysanne took the hint. She followed the handmaidens behind a screen and dressed. The gown fit like a glove. Each dip and curve of the fabric was perfectly molded to her body. The embellishments accented the natural arches of her body, spiraling out to the bottom hem. She was simply stunned by this dress, by Eris’s consideration. When she stepped away from the screen, Clymene audibly gasped.
“You are beautiful, Alys.” The older female held her hands up to her mouth, fingers steepled before she spoke again. “I have the perfect jewelry to match!” She exclaimed before bolting into a room Alysanne had presumed was a closet. Clymene popped back out of the room a moment later, a wooden box with a glass top in hand. “These were given to me as a wedding present by the late-Spring Court High Lord, Tamlin’s father.” She began to explain while approaching Alysanne. “I’ve never worn them. The silver doesn’t suit my skin tone. But yours? They would look simply stunning.” Clymene sat the box down on the bed between her and Alysanne. Alysanne took the few steps remaining to meet her mother-in-law.
Inside the wooden box sat a tiara of silver with glittering, emerald gems shaped to resemble ivy. The ivy trailed across the band, peaking in the center. Matching earrings and a bracelet were anchored inside the box. Alysanne had never seen such a stunning piece of jewelry, including the vast collection the Night Court boasted. Clymene picked the tiara up with a practiced ease Alysanne was certain she would never accomplish. The band tucked perfectly around the braid she worked earlier, securing the tiara in the thick plait. Clymene handed her the earrings next. They were simple, emerald studs. Then the bracelet, patterned to match the tiara, placed upon her left wrist baring the mating mark just barely visible under the sheer sleeves.
“You will make a fine Lady of Autumn, one day, you know?” Clymene commented to Alysanne, taking in her appearance. “You are kind and compassionate. You’ll also cut an excellent figure by Eris’s side. Him, with all his warm features and coloring. You, with your cool tones. The two of you may be from different courts, have different customs, but together you will rule beautifully.” She paused to adjust the tiara, a faraway look in her eyes. Alysanne focused on Clymene a moment and found sadness there. “It is almost a shame the two of you didn’t have a proper wedding.”
For the first time, Alysanne wondered if they might have had support had they gone about things properly. Had she and Eris approached their High Lords, requested their permission to wed someone from another court, and gone through all of the proper channels. Had they robbed their families of a rite of passage as much as themselves? Alysanne didn’t have a mother or father to concern herself with when those decisions were made. She wanted a way away from a life of servitude and spousal abuse. Eris had been that way out. Neither of them had given the idea any more thought. They just jumped into a marriage headlong. Eris would have had support from his mother, and eventually his father. Alysanne, however, would never have been allowed to touch Eris with a ten foot pole had Rhysand had a say in the matter.
The two females shared the same, sad smile. Alysanne wondered if Clymene’s thoughts trailed the same path as her or if she was mourning the loss of that same rite of passage for her son. Alysanne was more than capable of entering Clymene’s thoughts, if so she wished, but she didn’t wish. On some small level, she agreed with Clymene. Eris had been robbed of the chance to introduce Alysanne to the Court properly, to have a stag night, to have all the moments the other males had.
It didn’t do well to dwell on what-ifs and what-could-have-beens. They had their reality where the two of them had been incredibly fortunate to find their mates in one another. Eventually, they would traverse Prythian as a fully-recognized, mated pair. As word escaped Autumn, the other courts would learn of their mating and either put the pieces together or start asking questions. Until then, they had one another and the truth of how they’d found themselves together. They didn’t particularly care what others thought.
"I don't have a gift for him." Alysanne whispered to Clymene. "He didn't tell me about any of this. I don't have-"
"The gift doesn't have to be something physically given, does it?" Alysanne nodded, thinking of the times when she was a child that she'd been given a full day with one of her brothers to simply exist together, or when she'd gotten to snuggle up with Rhysand the first Solstice after their parent's and sisters death. His gift then had been himself. "Well then, I'd recommend you have him unwrap you, Alys. He did take the time to select such beautiful wrapping." A wink from the russett eyes of her mother-in-law had Alysanne’s jaw nearly dropping to the floor. The elder fae had always been kind to her, accepting her as Eris’s wife and mate immediately, but the sly smile across her features paired with the mischievous glare to her eyes spoke to something more. Alysanne felt accepted not only as an extension of Eris with his mother, but as her own person.
"I best let him unwrap me, then." Alysanne popped back to Clymene, a smile of her own crawling across her lips. Clymene pulled the younger female in for a hug, her embrace warm and close.
"Keep the jewels. They suit you far better than I." She whispered to Alysanne. "Happy Solstice, Alys."
"Happy Solstice!" Alysanne bade farewell to the room. She would have to discern a way to thank them eventually, but she had a private party to attend.
—
When she arrived at their quarters again, Alysanne was greeted to the site of her mate playing with his younger brother. Atlas had overtaken the chess table near the balcony with his soldiers. He and Eris seemed to be waging war against one another. She slipped into the room quietly, enjoying the sound of giggles from Atlas. One day, in some far-off time, Eris would make a phenomenal father. She knew it from his interactions with Atlas, limited though they were. He had another brother, Menoetius, closer in age to himself, that he spent as little time as possible with. Atlas was still so young. He tried to spare him from Beron. Eris had been successful this far, but time was not on his side in regards to Beron.
Eris’s head swiveled towards the door when he heard it clank shut. The heavy oak made it impossible to sneak. Alysanne could smell dinner sitting on the balcony along with candles lit to illuminate the sitting areas. Snow drifted in the open door. The room bore a slight chill she knew Eris was only allowing to set the mood. His head dipped to whisper something to Atlas. The boy grinned, but picked up his soldiers and scurried out the door to the guards down the hall.
"My heart, you look spectacular." Eris commented, seemingly out of breath while taking in her form as she stepped into the twinkling faelights. "So. Damn. Beautiful." He mumbled under his breath. The flush across his cheeks hadn't been there moments before. Alysanne couldn't help but flash him a smile. He was truly stunning in a perfectly coordinated suit of deep green accented with red and gold florals. His shirt cut a deep v down his chest, baring miles of skin Alysanne wanted nothing more than to suck small bruises onto.
It was her turn for heat to rise to her face at the thought. Here was her mate, her incredibly attractive and attentive mate, looking like something she'd read about in a romance novel. Heat flooded her core. Alysanne rubbed her thighs together. It would be only a moment before her scent hit him, giving away exactly how much of an affect this male had on her.
"Is this my mother's?" Eris’s eyes darted to the tiara and bracelet adorning her.
"She insisted I wear them, then told me to keep them, so I suppose they're mine." Alysanne finished crossing the room. He reached out for her, hands meeting halfway. Eris pulled Alysanne into a twirl, catching her in his arms easily.
"They are the start of a beautiful collection." Alysanne in his arms, her back bent so she could look at him from under her made up lashes, Eris dipped the pair, kissing her as they descended and ascended. Snowflakes swirled through the wind around them. His large hands spanned the width of her back. Despite the cold wind and blowing snow, the heat radiated off his body. His very touch struck warmth to her skin. "Although, they make one of your gifts seem a bit redundant now."
"Was the gown and dinner not a gift enough, my love?"
"All of Prythian bowing to you wouldn't be gift enough." His response was an absolute. There was no room for argument. "We have wine, dinner, and gifts. I fully intend on spoiling my beautiful mate to her heart's content tonight. The gown was but a single portion of the night's merriment."
"Eris. This is all too much." Her voice was barely a whisper. Alysanne had never been doted on like this. She'd never had someone devote what had clearly been weeks of planning to give her anything. Rhysand would toss money at her, instructing her to buy her own gift. Cassian always assumed everyone wanted weaponry, regardless (the weapons were often quite nice, to his credit). Morrigan and Amren were more likely to gift her something they actually wanted with the hopes she'd give it back if they lifted anything at all. Azriel had been the one to put thought and care into anything for her. Even all her years of gifts from Az held no bearing compared to the immense planning Eris had gone to it order to pull off this surprise. She didn't deserve the gifts, him, this life. She didn't deserve anything she'd been gifted by the Mother this year.
Alysanne tried to hold back the tears, she really did, but they managed to streak across her face regardless. Eris righted them, still holding her close.
"You deserve the sun and stars, my heart. This is nothing compared to the boundless ends I would pursue in order to obtain even an ounce of happiness for you. I love you, Alysanne. Happy Solstice." He pressed his lips to hers, kissing her with every bit of fire contained within his lanky frame.
-
The meal was excellent, consisting of smoked meats, roasted vegetables, and a veritable buffet of desserts. The wine was paired perfectly to each course, complete with a sweet, sparkling bottle to sip after dinner. Then came a small mountain of gifts, all addressed to Alysanne, all tagged with Eris’s handwriting. She wasn't certain what to think.
The first box held books. Alysanne had missed the libraries in Night. It was no secret she wished to build a collection of her own here, but hadn't managed to start yet. No two books were alike, and all bore cracks in the bindings from use. She picked up the oldest-looking tome and opened it. Familiar handwriting filled the margins. Little drawings and illustrations of what was happening on the pages shadowed the words in places. Her eyes jumped to her mate.
"All books I've read since meeting you I've thought you'd enjoy. Some of them are old, some are new, but all are now yours." A smile flashed across his face, revealing his pointed canines. "The new Sellyn Drake novel is in there. I didn't scrawl in my notes on that particular tome, it seemed more appropriate we discuss those together. There's one scene in particular I'm rather keen to discuss involving restraints and candle wax." His smile turned positively feral in the flickering lights illuminating the balcony.
"I didn't know you read Drake." She took a deep breath, her mind flaring with the possibilities. Eris had never been boring in the bedroom. He certainly didn't need ideas, but Alysanne was not about to stop him.
"You requested one of his works from the library last month. I stayed up every night reading for a week so you wouldn't catch me." The admission came as a shock to Alysanne, but a welcome one. "Then I read another. Then this one. You, my heart, have the uncanny ability to read pure filth without giving even an inkling away. I had to stop more than once to, how can I phrase this delicately, handle things?" His eyebrows shot up. One of his hands ruffled his soft waves. "Truthfully, I wanted to tell you. I didn't want to give away the surprise, though."
This male reading her dirty books and suggesting they "discuss" them? Mother save her.
Eris handed her a far smaller package, this one fitting into her palms. The small box was lined with velvet. She opened the tiny clasp to reveal a silver band. It wasn't anything intricate or particularly ornate, but bore a single amber gem in the center.
"We didn't get a chance to exchange rings." He explained simply. "I commissioned one for myself as well. It will be finished sometime next week." Eris nudged another box across the table, this one far larger than the last. "And this one seems entirely underwhelming since my mother's intervention with the tiara."
This box was made entirely of cedar, the scent crisp in the air as Alysanne opened the hinged lid. Tufted fabric adorned the interior to protect what lay within: a silver tiara with sparkling branches extending into a 'V' shape. The band attached to the emerald ribbons she'd noticed earlier. Several other color ribbons lay nested in the box, clearly meant to be changed out to match whatever gown she donned.
"You always braid your hair the same way. I thought a tiara meant to sit just barely across your hairline and tie underneath would be more comfortable than other styles." His voice was soft as he explained the rationale for the tiara. "Though, the one my mother gave you suits you quite well."
Alysanne didn't know what to say. Her life prior to Eris, she had always been an afterthought. She hadn't been catered to or particularly cared for. The gown, the books, the jewels, the stack of presents unopened; it was too much. She didn't deserve this. She didn't know how she'd gotten so lucky to find her mate in Eris.
Eris had just handed her another package, this one rather large and soft, when she noticed a bit of dust falling from the sky. Her eyes jolted up. Glitter sparkled across the sky. In the distance, near the mountains of Night, Alysanne could see flares of light brightening the sky with hues of purple and blue. Eris had timed this all so perfectly for her to see the stars falling, to watch the northern lights reflect and refract from their place near her home court. The view from their balcony granted her a direct line of sight into what she'd left behind.
Alysanne had spent the last couple days grieving the life she'd walked away from. Despite the horrors, despite the pain, she'd been grieving for those she loved. This strange, new court had chosen her when her own did not. Autumn had taken her in readily. In the 8 months she'd been gone, Rhysand hadn't replied to a single letter, and she doubted he'd given the letters to Azriel she'd asked him to pass along. He'd even gone so far as to cancel meetings with Beron out of pettiness. Not a soul in Night had ever gone to such lengths to simply see her smile, as Eris had done tonight.
She realized maybe her grief was single-sided. Perhaps she didn't miss the people, but the memories. Her family hadn't reached out even once to check on her. Eris seemed to live in her head, constantly worrying over the littlest things. Clymene had brought her under her wing and taught her how to be a proper lady, all while insisting she was now a Vanserra, therefore her daughter. Even Beron, for all the brutality Alysanne knew he was capable of, saw worth in her, and deemed her a boon to Autumn. Young Atlas spent hours trailing by her side at least twice a week as she went about her menial tasks.
Alysanne didn't grieve Night or her brothers. She grieved the family they could have been, the family her brothers had which wasn't privy to.
She didn't bother opening the package. Alysanne practically threw her chair back rising to her feet. She stalked around the table, grabbed Eris’s hands, pulled him to his feet, and insisted they dance under the falling stardust.
"Happy Solstice, my heart."
"Happy Solstice, my love."
With her head tucked close to his heart, his hands bracing her neck and hips, Alysanne breathed in his scent and lost herself to the night. It didn't matter what she had lost. She had found something far greater.