SJM pissed me off because how Cassian treated Lucien made him look weak, or how Az spoke of him in the bonus chapter? And Lucien being right upstairs as Elain’s arousal for Az’s drifts upward to where Az can smell it? It almost makes me want Lucien with Vassa…the way that situation in the bonus chapter made Lucien look will always be rough..
They were thirsting for eachother while he was upstairs asleep. I’m surprised more Elucien stan’s aren’t offended by Elain’s lack of consideration for Lucien to be honest 👀
I sort of have mixed opinions about this. I think through out the whole series, Lucien has always been undermined and underestimated by a lot of people. It took me a while to realize that SJM will most likely put the IC members above all else, so it wasn't surprising to me when Lucien is talked about like that. In terms of Cassian, I know he has mixed feelings on Lucien because of his association with Tamlin, and of course Cassian is older than Lucien, so there was already gonna be some animosity towards Lucien, even though I didn't see the need for it lol. I think its a combination of SJM putting the IC above all else and Lucien's connection to Tamlin. The IC has this picture in their head that Lucien was terrible to Feyre and that he did not try to help her in any way. Also I think because Lucien is someone who thinks with his head, and opts for words over violence, he's made out to be weak because he's not like Rhys, Cassian, or Azriel.
Azriels beef with Lucien was just funny to me, but understandable. Azriel is obviously hurt. I'm not gonna go into detail about his feelings towards Elain and how they don't scream endgame to me, but his animosity towards Lucien is a product of all that. The way he said he could defeat Lucien with little effort and that he's not good enough bothered me too, but I understood where it was coming from. Azriel is close to hitting rock bottom, and I think his insecurities are starting to come out stronger, and I think his negativity towards Lucien stems from him thinking that he just has to be with Elain, that that is the only possible solution. I think he try’s to justify his reasoning by negating Lucien.
I actually don't think the bonus chapter made Lucien look bad in any way. Of course I was bothered by the way they were talking about him (disclaimer: I like all the characters), but I don't think it hindered Lucien's character in any way. He is still the patient, respectful, and smart male he's always been. I know a lot of people feel bad for Lucien because of that scene, but honestly we really don't know what he's thinking right now. He has his own stuff to deal with, both political and personal, and I know a lot of people pity him, but I don't, at least not for that reason. I feel for him because Elain is probably a reminder for him of what he lost, as Lucien is to Elain. Again, I'm not gonna go on a tangent about this because it would be terribly long lol. Vassa and Lucien never really occured to me, I've always been on board with Elucien lol, but I understand where you're coming from for sure!
Now I personally wasn't exactly offended by Elain's lack of consideration. Neither of them owe each other anything. Of course I think Elain could just tell him to leave, but I also understand her not wanting do anything right now. She will definitely have to address this soon, because its not only her that's impacted by this mate bond, and she's not the only one that's not a fan of it, as we know of Lucien's hesitancy as well. Honestly I think Lucien might be the first one to finally say something like "I didn't want this either, so reject the bond already and let's be done with it", but alas thats a post for another time lol. I think that moment between was Azriel and Elain was necessary for both of them, for their individual stories and growth, because I hope they realize that its not what's best for them. Also the angst it'll serve for Elucien will be top tier 🥴I do think Lucien knows about it, but did not act on it, but I guess we'll see what happens.
Lucien is such an important character to me, and it is irritating to see the way he gets treated, but I'm sure his comeback is coming!
Thank you for the ask Anon, it was nice talking about this, and sorry for going off on a tangent lol! <3
