#alpha!rhys

🩵💜🤍💜🩵

The week passed in a blur of dress fittings and dancing lessons, your mother and Lucien doing everything they could to prepare you for the season. Each night was marked by a dream- one that slipped away the moment you awoke the next morning, leaving you wanting. Though for what, you weren’t entirely sure.

You’d nearly finished the diorama for your High King and Queen, all that was left was to make the cherry blossom trees bloom- you still had yet to decide if you would bloom them before leaving Spring, or if you would wait until presenting the gift as a final flourish.

And now… Now there was only one night’s sleep until you would be introduced to the rest of Prythian, until you would finally taste the air outside of Spring. You were nervous, of course, but the excitement was starting to wash over you.

All of your things were packed. You had five chests full of clothing, your most comforting nesting materials, and the materials for a few of your hobbies to keep you busy in the time that you’re alone, which you would prefer to be very little. After all, this was the first time that you were leaving the familiarity of Spring, the first time that you would meet so many other fae from different courts.

It was difficult, falling asleep. Even with a stuffed wolf tucked to your chest, you tossed and turned for over an hour. You sighed and stared at the moon through the open curtains. Such a beautiful sight, and such beautiful light that radiated from it. Everything looked prettier under the glow of the moon, lit up in silver.

After a few minutes of admiring the night sky, your eyes finally began to feel heavy, a yawn escaping your lips. Slowly, they closed, your mind finally sinking into sleep.

Your eyes opened only briefly before you sank back into your bed. It was extra cozy tonight, warmth soaking into you from both sides, likely from how high you’d built your nest this time.

“Are you awake, darling?” a voice whispered from your right, and you turned your head to see a beautiful female with hypnotizing blue-grey eyes. “I’ll take that as a yes,” she giggled softly.

“Good, we have a few things we want to do to you,” a male said from your left, his lips pressing to your mating gland a moment later. Your breath hitched at the contact and the male chuckled, repeating the action and slinging an arm over your waist to tug you closer. You melted into him, baring your throat further, a low moan leaving you when he scraped his teeth over the same spot.

“Such a pretty noise from our pretty girl,” the female sighed, scootching closer to cage you between herself and the male. Her fingers started drawing absent minded circles on your stomach, the sensation almost ticklish, yet still adding to the growing heat between your thighs.

You were near squirming when the male’s hand slipped beneath your nightgown, a thick finger running through your folds. You could feel his smirk against your skin as he brought the finger to his mouth, licking it clean of your slick. “Such a delicious little omega,” he purred.

“Soon we’ll be able to taste you every day,” the female said with a grin, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “You’ll want for nothing with us, pretty girl.”

Your body shuddered when that finger returned to your folds, gathering a bit of slick before circling your clit. You turned to look at the male, lips parted to say something, though you didn’t know what, when you met his starry violet eyes and nearly stopped breathing. His gaze held you still as he played with your clit, working you towards your peak skillfully.

Teeth scraped gently over your mating gland on the side opposite him, soft moans leaving you as the female alternated between teeth and tongue. Between the two of them, you fell over the edge quickly, moaning into the male’s mouth when he claimed yours in a kiss. A hand turned your head to the other side, plush, hungry lips meeting yours. You melted into the kiss, body boneless between them.

A warm, wet mouth wrapped around one of your nipples just as a finger began to slide into your sex, the fire within you burning bright once more-

You woke with a start, heart racing as you listened to the knocking outside your door. Your room smelled of arousal, your thighs sticky with slick from the dream you’d had, though when you tried to recall it, it only slipped further from your grasp.

“Y/N, meet us downstairs for breakfast please,” your father said through the door.

“Alright, I’ll be down in a few minutes,” you replied, thankful that he didn’t attempt to open your door, instead walking down the hallway towards the dining room.

You practically jumped from your bed and into the bath, desperate to make yourself smell presentable and not like you were about to start your heat. Your hair could wait to be washed until after breakfast, saving you much needed time. After all, you would hate to leave your family waiting long on possibly one of the last mornings you would have breakfast together before you were mated.

While in the bath, you decided to bloom the cherry blossom trees of the diorama when you present the gift to your High King and Queen. You hoped that it would showcase that you’d created the piece yourself, leaving a good impression on them.

Ten minutes was all it took for you to clean and dry yourself, as well as throw on a simple day dress and a pair of flats, and then you were out the door and hurrying down the hallway and staircase. Tamlin, Lilia, and Lucien were seated at the table already, plates still mostly full as they discussed the upcoming season.

“Ah, sweetheart! How are you feeling?” Lilia asked excitedly, practically bouncing in her seat.

“Good, mama. A little nervous, but I’m more excited than anything now,” you said with a grin as you took your seat.

“That’s how I felt before my season, too. I’m certain that you’ll find an alpha quickly,” she tittered, gazing off into space, likely imagining grandchildren. You filled your plate, taking a bite of your pancakes as you watched her drift into fantasy land.

“Don’t feel pressured to choose one this year, Y/N,” Tamlin warned, still sounding like he hated the idea of you going at all.

“I won’t, papa. I’ll make sure that whoever I choose is right for me,” you reassured him, patting his hand gently and giving him a smile. That had his shoulders untensing just a bit, though he still seemed on edge.

Breakfast passed quickly, and the afternoon even faster. Your hair had been washed, dried, and pinned into an elegant bun with sprigs of baby’s breath strewn throughout. Then you’d dressed, that elegant white dress still fitting you perfectly, and a pair of white stilettos of modest height finished the outfit.

Now, you were standing in the foyer, waiting for your mother and father. Your things had been sent ahead with Lucien, who had left early to seek out his mate before the season officially started. All that you had to carry was the diorama you had made, carefully cradled in your arms.

Footsteps sounded behind you and you turned, smiling at the sight of your parents walking hand in hand. Tamlin gently pried the present from your grip, leaving your arms free to embrace Lilia. Two weeks would be the longest you’d ever gone without seeing your mother, and you knew that the separation would be difficult.

“I’ll miss you, my darling daughter,” Lilia said tearily as she pulled back, holding you by the shoulders and meeting your eyes, a solemn look on her face. “Remember what I said about making sure you want someone for who they are, Y/N.”

“I will, mama,” you promised, certain that you would be able to separate their alpha-ness from your own emotions. “Don’t get too bored while I’m gone,” you said with a smile, trying to lighten the suddenly heavy mood.

Lilia chuckled. “I won’t, dear. Don’t give your father too much trouble.”

“I won’t,” you laughed, watching as Tamlin’s shoulders relaxed a bit. Good, he shouldn’t worry about you during the next two weeks. You would be just fine, with all the protections in place.

“I suppose I’ll see you in two weeks,” Lilia said softly.

“See you in two weeks, mama.” You gave her one last squeeze before stepping away and grasping one of your father’s hands. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” your mother said, and in the next moment you were passing through the fabric of the world. When you stopped, you steadied yourself against the unwavering strength of Tamlin. Winnowing always made your head spin for a moment, and when it passed you were standing upright, tugging the diorama back into your hands.

The hall you’d landed in was small, just large enough to fit the twenty or so omegas and their chaperones. As your mother had predicted, most of the other omegas were dressed in extravagant finery, their jewelry glinting in the light. The room was mostly silent, the scent of nerves and excitement weaving through the air as you waited for the ceremony to start.

It only took a few minutes for the double doors to open, a beautiful blonde alpha standing in the doorway.

“Good evening, everyone!” she said brightly, all chatter stopping as people turned to pay attention. “My name is Morrigan, it’s lovely to meet you all. I know you are all wanting to be presented first, but unfortunately there can only be one lucky omega in that position. As is tradition, omegas from the Night Court will be presented first, then Day, Dawn, Winter, and so on. You will all have a moment where the attention is on you, not to worry,” she said when a few omegas groaned. “Now, first to be presented is Jyllian Aran, pleased follow me.”

The omega excitedly bounced to the doors, her chaperone following quickly behind, and the doors shut behind them.

As promised, Spring was the last court to be presented. For over an hour you waited, watching as omega after omega had their name called. You did your best to be patient, but your feet had already begun to ache slightly once the omegas that you recognized from Spring were called. You gave both of them a bright smile as they were led into the main hall, leaving you and your father alone in the now much larger feeling room.

Five minutes passed before Morrigan returned, a smile on her face as she called out your name and beckoned you forward. Tamlin trailed behind you, taking the diorama from your grasp once more so you would be able to curtsy properly.

Your heart was in your throat as you were led to a set of ornate double doors. Morrigan stepped to the side just as the doors opened, revealing the High King and Queen’s court to you for the first time. Polished ebony spread over the entirety of the room, and there were hundreds of fae inside, all of them staring at you. Color rushed to your cheeks at the feeling, amplified when you were introduced by a male standing to your right. You held your head high as you walked in even steps towards the thrones atop a dais at the far end of the room. Behind them were great pillars in the same gleaming ebony, carved with beasts and stretching high into the gloom that hid the ceiling.

Crossing felt like an eternity with all those eyes on you, and time slowed even further when you saw the couple sitting in their thrones.

You could have sworn you recognized their eyes, the star-flecked violet and hypnotizing blue-gray that were trained on you - but that was impossible.

A few steps before you reached the dais, you stopped, dropping into a curtsy and holding the position, your eyes trained on the floor. A minute passed, then another.

“Rise,” the male said coolly. “What an honor it is to finally meet you, Princess of Spring.” Violet eyes flicked to Tamlin, fury burning within them. “Tell me, how old are you?”

“Twenty-four, your majesty,” you said with another curtsy.

“Twenty-four years that Prythian had another princess, and we didn’t know,” the female said, disappointment lacing her words. “Tamlin, I thought we’d overcome our past,” she sighed.

“We have, my Queen,” Tamlin said, inclining his head. “I merely wanted to keep a close eye on her until I deemed her ready for Court.”

“I certainly think she’s ready, don’t you Feyre?” the male asked, eyes roving over you.

“I agree, my love. It would have been a shame for a beauty such as her to miss the courting season for another five years. Now, what have you brought for Rhys and I?” Feyre asked, her eyes glinting with curiosity.

You turned to take the diorama from your father, worried at the look on his face, but you ignored it for the time being, instead turning back to the King and Queen. Feyre beckoned you up the steps of the dais, their scents washing over you as you did. Lilac and pears mixed with citrus and sea made you dizzy with need in an instant, something you hoped they wouldn’t notice. You presented the diorama to her, sending a pulse of your magic out to make the cherry blossoms bloom, tiny petals drifting down to the earth inside.

“Beautiful,” she said, though her eyes were on you. Your cheeks flushed at her compliment, and you curtsied before making your way back down the steps. “Did you make this yourself?”

“Yes, your majesty. I only had help with the glass dome and running water.”

“Tamlin, you should be proud of your daughter. She seems to be quite talented.” You couldn’t help the small smile on your face at Rhys’s compliment.

“Thank you, my King,” Tamlin said, voice strained.

“Now, I believe it is time for the dancing to begin,” Rhys said, already gesturing to the band in one corner of the room to begin playing. Tamlin lead you to the area that the other omegas were waiting before pulling away from you, a tight smile on his lips.

The music began, a beautiful waltz that had you itching with anticipation. Immediately, alphas surged forward from the other side of the room, only a lucky few making it to an omega in time.

A male with russet hair approached you, extending a hand. “It’s lovely to meet you, Princess. My name is Thorne. Would you care for a dance?”

“I would love to, Thorne,” you said with a bright smile, accepting his hand. He led you to the dance floor where couples were already dancing in time to the music, not wasting a moment to sweep you into his arms. His scent was pleasant enough, a blend of oak and warm vanilla. As he led you around the dance floor, a feeling sank into you.

This was not the alpha for you.

Still, you enjoyed the dance and accepted the coin that he slipped into your hand, then tucked it into the small pouch dangling from your wrist once the music halted.

Another tune started up in the next moment, and another alpha approached you. This one smelled of freshly trimmed grass and rain, and you guessed that he was from Spring. “My name is Soren, it’s wonderful to finally meet you, my Princess. I’d heard tales of your beauty, but they pale in comparison to the real thing,” he said with a grin, contagious enough that you couldn’t help but smile back.

“I’m pleased to meet you as well, Soren. What area of Spring are you from?”

“I come from the town of Oropa, along the eastern coast. I would love to show it to you someday.” The sparkle in his eyes told you he was sincere, though you felt something… off about the invitation.

“That sounds lovely,” you said politely, hoping that the dance would end soon. He seemed nice enough, but the feeling you had told you that he was unlikely to be the alpha for you.

The night went on, with you swept into dance after dance by what felt like every alpha in the room. Your feet grew more sore with each dance, and you wished for a short reprieve to rest them for just a moment. The song you were dancing to with a dark haired female came to an end, and you accepted the coin that she slid into your hand. You turned to leave the floor, hoping to grab a refreshment and sit in one of the many chairs dotting the room, but were stopped by a soft hand grabbing yours.

“Would you honor me with a dance, Princess?” The scent of lilac and pears washed over you before you were able to turn and look at her. Your Queen, Feyre was holding your hand gently, a hopeful smile on her face. The ache in your feet disappeared when you looked at her, those blue-gray eyes holding you captive.

“I would love to, my Queen,” you said softly, curtsying the smallest bit before you let her lead you back to the center of the dance floor. You hardly heard the music as you were wrapped in her presence, following her lead without a hint of nerves. Something about her felt right.

Songs ended and started, and Feyre kept you in her hold. “I don’t believe I’ve told you how beautiful you are, love,” she whispered into your ear during your fifth dance.

Your cheeks flushed scarlet and you mumbled, “I should be the one saying that to you.”

“You think I’m beautiful?” Feyre asked with a beaming smile, one that you couldn’t help but return.

“Yes,” you breathed, delighting at the way her eyes sparkled. Only a few seconds later, the song ended and you came to a stop, pressed closely to Feyre.

“You’re a sweet little omega, aren’t you?” a voice purred from behind you. You turned your head to see Rhys, your King, standing behind you, a hand outstretched. “May I borrow her for a dance or two, my darling?"

Feyre’s chest rumbled for a brief moment before she slowly loosened her hold on you. “I suppose you can, but I expect to have at least one more dance before the night ends. Does that sound nice, love?” Feyre asked you.

“That would be lovely, your majesty,” you said with a curtsy, a heavy blush staining your cheeks.

“Come here,” Rhys demanded, tugging you away from Feyre and into his grasp. His large hand on your waist sent a flash of heat through you, spurred on by the way he pressed you tightly against him. The song started just as you met, and he immediately swept you into the dance. His eyes held yours captive, the stars swirling within them too beautiful to look away from.

With the way he smirked at you, you almost believed that he had heard your thoughts.

“Your court is lovely,” you said, hoping that your voice didn’t sound nearly as breathy as you thought.

“Thank you, darling. I’m looking forward to showing you the even more beautiful parts of our court,” Rhys said with a smile, violet eyes crinkling at the edges.

“More beautiful?” you asked, wondering how something could be prettier than this. The carvings could be terrifying, if you thought yourself in danger, but you found them to be magnificent instead. Such craftsmanship must have taken ages, and you’d only seen the holding room and the throne room so far.

“Yes, darling. The Night Court holds many treasures, and with your arrival it has gained another.” The heat that spread over your cheeks was burning, and you were certain that you were as red as a tomato.

“Thank you, my King,” you said with lowered eyes, suddenly overtaken with how bold he and Feyre were.

The dance ended and you came to a halt, though Rhys kept you close to him, his eyes seeing straight to your soul. Between them and his heavenly citrus and sea scent, you were surprised you were still standing, though you supposed Rhys’s grip on your waist and hand was enough to keep you upright. The next tune started and you began moving again. Your eyes caught on Feyre, sitting on her throne once more, her stunning eyes tracking your and Rhys’s movements whenever you got a glimpse of her.

The ache in your feet had all but disappeared since the two of them had held you captive in their arms, your excitement at how comfortable you felt with them distracting you from the pain.

You couldn’t understand why they didn’t get along with your father.

Dance after dance passed, sometimes with quiet conversation and others with silence as those violet eyes held yours, the world melting away as you stared into their depths.

Soon enough, though, Feyre stole you from his arms with a soft laugh, twirling you before pulling you close once more.

“I hope you’ll save time for us over the next two weeks,” Feyre said. “I know that I would like to spend more time with you, and I’m sure that Rhys feels the same.”

“Of course I will, my Queen,” you said with a smile. And you meant it - they were the only alphas that you had felt truly comfortable with tonight. Not that you wouldn’t give others more chances, seeing as it was unlikely that the King and Queen would choose you as their omega.

“I’m glad to hear it,” Feyre beamed.

The song came to a close and the two of you stopped moving. You expected another song to start up in only a few moments, still held tightly against Feyre.

“Ladies and gentlefae, the night has come to a close. Omegas, please follow Lady Elain to your quarters, and chaperones, follow the General to your own,” Rhys said from atop the dais, his voice booming through the chatter that had started in the silence.

You reluctantly extracted yourself from Feyre, smiling shyly at her. “Have a good night, my Queen,” you said with a curtsy.

“And you as well, darling,” Feyre said, waving her fingers at you as you made your way to where the other omegas had gathered.

Lady Elain led you through the city, going up two flights of stairs and through numerous hallways before coming to a closed set of double doors. They swung open at her presence and she beckoned for everyone to follow her.

Inside was a long hallway, with doors spanning the length in even distances, each with a name painted on its surface. “Find your rooms, dears! Breakfast runs from eight to ten, out the double doors and to the right by one door. If you have trouble finding your way, don’t worry. I will be around, and your chaperones will be able to lead you through the city without issue once you are outside of this hallway.”

Just as your mother had said. You were even more grateful now for the time she had taken to explain the season and its schedule to you.

You found your room easily, the fourth door on the right. Inside were all of your things, waiting to be unpacked. Your energy levels were still high, though you kicked off your shoes before you began putting everything away into the provided closet and drawers.

Once you were done, you flopped onto the bed.

So far, the only alphas you were interested in were the only ones who were off-limits. Even as a Princess, you knew that there was no way you could be claimed by them. They were mates after all, and nothing could get between that.

You let out a heavy sigh before standing once more, ready to take a quick bath and finish your nightly routine. You did just that, stripping out of your dress and setting your coin pouch on your nightstand. You sank into the warmth of the water, enjoying the heat for a few minutes before washing your skin. Once your skin was dry, you wrapped yourself in a towel and began taking down your hair, carefully picking out the sprigs of baby’s breath and placing them into your box of enchanted flowers once more. And finally, your teeth were cleaned and your face was washed.

You slid into a light blue nightgown that reached your knees, then pulled your hair into a lazy braid for the night. The bed was soft as a cloud, supporting you perfectly. With the comfort it brought and your favorite pillow and blanket, you were out like a light.

🩵💜🤍💜🩵

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Rhys had thrown open the windows sometime earlier, letting in a harsh winter breeze that has done nothing to offset the heavy sheen of sweat clinging to his bronze skin. He’s always slept naked, that’s exactly how you’d left him this morning, but the sheets tangle around his legs and waist now, like he’s been thrashing around for hours. The heavy scent in the air, clawing its way up your nose and into your lungs--musky and salty with the underlying hint of citrus and jasmine that always pulls you in like a moth to flame--tells you he has been doing just that for hours. Because he hasn’t been in a mood because we woke to find you gone, but because he woke to an early rut.

You shut the door gently behind you as you step slowly towards the bed. His eyes open slowly, a groan tearing its way out his throat. 

“‘Mega,” he whimpers.

Damn you, but that always hits you low in your stomach; makes a little shiver run up your spine as your base instincts flare to life. ‘Cause for all your fire, you are still his omega. And those instincts will win out 9 out of 10 times. 

“You should have told me, I would have come home earlier,” you chastise.

His eyes are so dark there’s only the thinnest ring of violet. “‘M sorry,” his voice is a deep rumble in his chest, deliciously smooth as it floats past his lips. “We needed this mission to work out, I wasn’t trying to distract you.”

You get one knee on the edge of the bed before he pounces, strong arms wrapping around your waist, pulling you down on top of his chest as he crashes his lips against yours. It's all tongue and teeth, hours worth of desperation making it by far the messiest kiss you’ve ever shared. His heartbeat is a statico against your palm as you catch yourself on his heaving chest, a whimper crawling its way out his throat.

He usually syncs up with your heat, but you still have a couple weeks until then, whatever triggered it hit him hard and fast.

“I was so close, Rhys,” you say, trying to pull away to catch your breath. His reasoning is understandable, you know he couldn’t help it, but that doesn’t change your disappointment in the situation. 

His hands tangle in your hair, pulling you back with a growl you know isn’t intentional. The fire beneath his skin can only be quelled with your touch, your kiss; it’s always a heady understanding to know that only your body can get him like this, only yours can provide him the relief he needs. 

Plump lips drag over yours, damp and hungry and every kiss feels like he’s trying to meld himself into your body. The sheats, tangled around him as they are, aren’t enough to hide just how hard he is as he rocks his hips into yours. Violet eyes squeeze shut, trying to not lose himself to even the faintest shred of relief he gets from the friction. 

“Need you,” he groans. “Make it up to you later, I promise.”

He might say just about anything to be inside you right now and you know it, but you’ll hold him to it once he comes out of this, once his head is clear.

“Yes, you will.”

He rocks his hips upward, hands leaving your hair to hold your hips and drag you down the hard length of him. The heat of his body seeps through your leathers, core tightening against the added stimulation. 

“Please,” the words tear out of him in a hoarse whisper. “Feel so good. Need you, please, ‘mega.”

You plant your palm in the center of his tattooed chest, pushing his sweat slicked body back into the mattress, intentionally giving your hips a roll. His eyes nearly roll back into his head at your movements and you take the opportunity to use your other hand to work on the ties of your chestpiece. 

The leathers get tossed somewhere behind you as you lean over him, brushing your chest against his on the way to place a gentle kiss on his plush, pink lips. Gods he’s already so flushed and you haven’t even done anything to him, lips kiss swollen, cheeks dusted pink from the heat. 

“Don’t tease,” he begs. 

You laugh against his mouth, “I’ll remember this during my heat, Rhysand.”

“It was one time,” he protests. “Just needed a little taste of you first.”

You trail your nose over his chin, taking in his scent on the way to the claiming mark you’d left on his throat, the skin no longer pink and swollen like it had been in the early days, because as soon as you’d had permission to claim him, you’d made sure to sink your teeth in over and over again, so everyone would know that this Alpha was yours. You lave your tongue over the scar and the bond ripples with such desperate need you think you might be able to make him cum just like this. 

The next roll of your hips has his hands jumping off your body to fist the sheets, nearly tearing through the mattress pad as his whole body arches into you with a groan that rattles the windows. 

“Poor, Alpha,” you coo into his neck, teeth lightly scraping against the scar and his full body shudders beneath you. “Left all alone all day, nothing to fuck into.”

With a growl, he flips you over onto your back, teeth clashing as he goes in for another desperate kiss.

You laugh despite the heat building between your legs. Your body preens under the attention, under his heady scent that now covers you. “Tell me,” you whisper in his ear, hands trailing down his shoulders and back. 

One of his hands desperately fumbles with the ties on your pants, the other keeps him balanced against the headboard. His chest heaves like he can’t get enough air, maybe he could if he didn’t keep diving in for kiss after deeper kiss. 

“Did you touch yourself to thoughts of me, while I was gone?”

He literally rips your pants trying to get them off you in a rush. “No.”

You shift your hips and spread your legs with a grin; there are few greater gifts than watching a male this feral get absolutely enraptured with the sight of your dripping core. He runs his tongue over his lips, debating if he has the resolve to taste you first. 

You know he doesn’t. His hard and aching against his abdomen, tip absolutely dripping with pre-cum. He’ll be lucky if he doesn’t knot you on the first thrust. 

“Didn’t-” he shakes his head, trying to clear his thoughts, but you know he’s already so far gone he’s going to struggle to even form a sentence. 

You didn’t agree to not tease him, which very well could mean you’ll find yourself in the opposite position come your heat, but you can’t help it. You love it when he’s this wild; when there’s absolutely nothing that can hold him back. You drag a finger between your legs, parting yourself further for him to see. All trace of violet disappears completely from his eyes. 

“Didn’t want anything but you,” he rasps.

“You have me,” you promise and the words are barely out before he pounces. 

It’s your turn to groan, to gasp and whimper as he slides himself into the hilt in one hard thrust. Your nails card down the sharp contours of his spine hard enough to leave marks, but it only makes him nip at the scar on your own throat in earnest. 

He’s everywhere, kissing and nipping and whimpering how good you feel in your ear until the heat of his skin seeps into yours. It becomes impossible to tell where you end and he begins as he rocks impossibly deeper into you, stars swirling across your vision. 

“Love you so much,” he murmurs into your throat. “Take me so well. So perfect. Made just for me.” 

The swell of his knot comes as quickly as you anticipated it would, but even knowing it would be quick doesn’t prepare you for the feeling of it catching inside you. Doesn’t matter how many times he’s filled you, nothing feels like the white hot pleasure that shoots so hard and fast up our spine your vision blurs, body arching off the bed. Nonsense and noises you have no control over slip past your lips, whispered into his claiming mark as you bury your head in his shoulder and whisper his name amid the white noise bouncing around your skull. This only spurs him further, rocking his hips harder, teeth scratching against your shoulder as he ensures his knot fully takes.

His breath is as hot as his body as he pants and murmurs into your skin. “Just like that, love. Gonna fill you up nice and full, yeah?”

The bed creaks and groans as the headboard strikes the wall over and over again. You’re grateful you don’t have neighbors. Or a landlord to complain about the paint the movement is chipping off the wall. 

“Take me so well,” he praises, fingers trailing down your body to find that perfect spot between your legs. He knows, like he always does, that you’re not as close to the edge as you should be, that he’s going to finish first and you’re too nice to mention it, too focused on letting him find the relief he needs in your body.

Rhys grunts, teeth clamping down harder on your shoulder as his thrusts get sloppier, harder. “Come with me,” he begs, voice desperate, holding back best he can.

You roll your hips instead, clenching tighter around his knot as it fully locks in place, sending him careening over the edge with a shout, body jerking forward so fast the headboard slams into the wall and cracks. He shudders as he spills over and over again, body trembling atop yours and you make the same soothing noises he makes to you in your heat as your card your fingers through his damp hair. 

“Fuck,” he whimpers into your skin.

Your body feels like a livewire beneath him, every nerve still on edge from your own lack of release. It will cool eventually, you’re content knowing that you’d taken care of your Alpha. It’s enough, at least, for you.

“You didn’t finish,” he growls, lips still pressed into your throat, trying to calm himself with your scent. His temperature has only gone down a little, cock still semi-hard where he’s locked inside your dripping core. There will be plenty of time to rectify the situation. One missed orgasm won’t kill you.

It might just kill him though.

With a grunt, he rolls you both back over, so you’re now on top. The new angle has the swell of his knot brushing up against your cervix, his release dripping down your thighs and over his waist. 

Your eyes roll back into your skull, nails digging into the hard muscle of his pectorals to try and ground yourself. “‘M fine. Wanted…” shit you’re so close, that glorious edge rising back up to meet you in a rush. “Wanted to take care of you.”

Deft fingers slide through the mess between your legs, circling your clit with skilled precision. “Unacceptable,” he snarls. “I’m your Alpha, I’m supposed to take care of you.”

Your hips roll on their own accord, chasing the friction, even as it draws a hiss of pain from him. He’s hardening again by the second, knot spasming inside your tight heat. You wonder, distantly, if you can make him cum a second time just from the stimulation alone. 

The hand not between your legs grabs your chin and tilts your head down to look at him. 

“It’s ok, really, Rhys-”

“I’ve waited all day to hear you make those pretty sounds for me,” he interjects. “To watch the way your eyes roll back when I hit that spot you like.” Despite the over-stimulation he feels, despite the way his teeth clench with the movement, he plants himself firmly against the mattress and shifts his hips so he can do just that. 

Your nails scratch down his chest inadvertently, the coil in your stomach tight as a bowstring. There’s no stopping the moan that tears itself out your throat. 

“I have tried to keep myself occupied all morning, imagining all the ways I could please you, all the ways I want to fill you up. It has been agony, waiting, but do you know what has been the worst torture?” The hand gripping your chin drags down your body to give your nipple a squeeze. 

It’s too much stimulation at once, his knot, so swollen and hot trying to bully it’s way deeper inside you, fingers swirling and tugging in motions that make stars blur across your vision, and the faintest flash of pain before he leans over to cool the sting with his tongue around your nipple. You’re not totally sure how you lost your control here, how, despite the rut taking over, he’s still managed to focus on you and your pleasure. Cauldron knows you’ve never had that clear a mind during your heats. 

“Not having the satisfaction of feeling you fall apart all over my cock.”

That does you in, release tearing through you like water tearing through a damn. 

The bastard chuckles as he releases your nipple with a pop and you fall against his damp chest to catch your breath. “That’s better.” His hands soothe down your back, once again the attentive, gentle Alpha only you get to know. 

The day’s disappointment falls away as you cling to each other, the bond humming with approval. 

“Feel better now?” You ask as the aftershocks subside. The answer is pretty obvious, considering how hard he is inside you again, but you ask anyway.

🤍❤️‍🔥💔❤️‍🔥🤍

Freezing.

You were freezing to death, even with the fiery pain of your first heat coursing through you. Tears had frozen on your face, the snow and wind biting at the skin not covered by your nightgown or boots, all you’d had on before you had to flee your home.

Your father’s power of fire had exploded with his death, and you were the only family member to make it out, having smelled death on him minutes before he passed. You’d tried to warn them, but they wouldn’t listen, claiming that you’d gone mad with your presentation.

And then his breath stopped.

The house burst into flames.

They were gone.

You were here, freezing and burning up all at once, wading through snow waist high snow with so little on, no food, no nest, no safety.

It had been hours of wandering, looking for the nearest neighbor. You had known your way before, when spring and summer and autumn had held the land, but now all that remained was winter. Cold, bitter winter.

You stumbled over a hidden rock, falling face first into the snow. The impact stung, your nose and lip bleeding, only for the liquid to freeze immediately. Your arms pushed and pushed, but you were weakened with your heat and the harsh cold, unable to struggle to your feet. You fought the urge to cry as you kept trying, until you were exhausted. Tears leaked from your eyes, freezing as they fell.

You gave in.

There was no point in trying anymore. You had nothing, and no one.

❤️‍🔥🩵🤍💜❤️‍🔥

Heat burned through you, your skin prickling painfully at the feeling. Your eyes cracked open, greeted by the low light of a fire, burning to your right.

You looked around, confused when you saw two people - alphas - sitting in a chair to your left, the female sitting on the male’s lap. Hadn’t you frozen to death…? “What happened?” you croaked, and the female stood to offer you a glass of water. You took it, wincing when the cool liquid washed over your scraped lips.

“We found you face down in the snow a day ago, and you’ve been recovering here since,” she said, her husky voice instantly soothing you. “We were worried that you would have frostbite, but your heat seems to have saved you from that damage. How are you feeling now?”

“Hot,” you said instantly, unable to ignore the sweat beginning to bead on your skin.

She leaned over the bed to place her hand on your forehead, your breath quickening at how good the simple contact felt. Her lilac and pear scent soaked into you, and you went limp under her touch. “Your heat seems to have returned in full force,” she said softly, her blue-grey eyes gentle. “We can help you, if you’d like.”

Your breath hitched at the offer, and you were nodding before you could think. A creak was your only warning as the male approached, and his scent of citrus and sea was just as soothing as the female’s. You were struck by their beauty, their complete perfection that called to your omega.

“Have you had a heat before, little omega?” he asked, and the question sent even more blood rushing to your cheeks. You shook your head, just barely seeing the surprise in those violet eyes before they looked slightly concerned once more. “We’ll be gentle, no need to worry, pretty ‘mega.”

“My name is Feyre, and this is Rhys,” the female said, and you turned their names over in your mind. Your omega certainly approved, and you mentally purred their names as you squirmed under the blankets. Feyre slid beneath the covers, a slim hand running over your cheek. “If you need us to stop, let us know.”

You nodded, though you were losing your mind faster and faster to your heat. Nothing mattered besides having them with you, touching you and soothing your heat.

As they promised, they were gentle with you, to the point that you were begging them for more. And even then, they held you so carefully as they ravaged you that you felt safe, even without a nest.

Your heat passed in a blur of pain and pleasure and them, your senses overtaken by them in every moment. They pressed cool cloths to your forehead to soothe your heat even further, peppering you cheeks with kisses each time.

Feyre delighted most in the way your nose scrunch up when you smiled, while Rhys enjoyed making you blush and squirm.

By the time your heat abated, your mind turned to how you were likely to be kicked back out into the cold. No one could afford another mouth to feed in this new environment, even a rare omega. And no matter how kind Rhys and Feyre were, they would be no different.

You were finally lucid one morning, your face snuggled against Feyre’s bare chest and Rhys laying behind you, staving away any chill that could have crept into your body. They smelled just as perfect as when you were heat-addled, a lovely blend of citrus and lilacs and salt and pears. Intoxicating and addictive. Impossible to imagine leaving.

A tear leaked from your eye and onto Feyre’s skin, the sensation causing her breathing to shift.

“What’s wrong, darling?” she whispered in your ear. “Are you still in pain?”

You shook your head, but couldn’t manage to speak.

“Why are you crying then, love?”

“I…” you tried, but your throat choked around the words.

“What is it, little love?” Rhys asked from behind you, his voice still thick with sleep. You shook your head again and buried your face in Feyre’s shoulder. “Come on, just tell us,” he prodded, a gentle hand running over your side soothingly, moving from your hip to just below your breasts. When you were silent, he spoke again. “Do you not want to stay with us? You have no need to feel bad if you don’t, darling.”

“No, it’s…” His words hit you all at once. “You… You want me to stay?” you asked quietly, not quite believing him.

“Of course we want you to stay, pretty ‘mega,” Feyre assured you, her lips finding your cheek. “We want to keep you safe and happy.”

“But the weather-”

“Is of no concern to us, unless you head back into the blizzards alone,” Rhys said, his hand stilling on your hip. “You’re our omega, if you choose to stay here.”

His words made you purr, eliciting soft laughter from both of them as you blushed. It would take more than one heat to get accustomed to your new presentation and all the little quirks that came with it.

“If you’re sure, then… I would like that very much,” you said quietly.

“Oh, we’re sure, darling. Nothing could keep us away from you except for your own wishes,” Rhys purred in your ear, that hand pulling you closer to him.

Feyre scootched closer to you, grumbling something about Rhys stealing you away, and tilted your head up to look at her. “You have nothing to worry about with us, sweetheart. We’ll take care of you, always.” She pressed her lips to yours, your breath taken away by her gentleness.

The safety you’d felt during your heat came rushing back, washing away any leftover anxieties you might have had.

You nuzzled back into her shoulder, ready fall back to sleep with your alphas surrounding you.

🩵💜🤍💜🩵

❤️‍🔥💜🤍🩵❤️‍🔥

Aching arousal pulsed through you as you woke, your hips canting against the leg that you’d slung one of your own over. A whine built in your throat when that only made the flame within you burn brighter.

“Shh, little ‘mega. We’ll help you.” Arms shifted around you, hands gently pulling you off of one of your alphas, your displeasure made clear with an annoyed huff, just managing to crack your eyes open as your alphas pulled your legs apart together.

Feyre settled between your legs, arms sliding under your thighs. Her blue eyes met yours as she lowered her mouth to your core, tongue licking a broad stripe up your slit. A breathy moan left your lips, and somehow your hand worked its way into her soft hair. Your grip tightened when she did it again, tongue flicking over your clit quickly.

“Alpha,” you sighed, lifting your hips slightly to convey your burning desire for her, need building with each passing second.

“What, pretty ‘mega? Do you need Feyre’s knot?” Rhys asked lowly in your ear, large hands cupping your breasts as Feyre lapped up the slick dripping from your core. You nodded vigorously, needing anything and everything that they could give you, fire pulsing through your veins even with the cool touch of their hands on your skin.

“Please,” you whined, needing more than Feyre’s perfect tongue right now- more, more, more.

“If my omega insists,” Feyre murmured before moving to kneel between your legs, something hard teasing through your folds. When you looked down, you saw her thick cock, the base of it slightly swollen. A soft keen left your throat as she sank inside of you, stretching you out perfectly. “That’s it ‘mega, such a good girl for me.”

Rhys’s hands pawed at your breasts, kneading the sensitive flesh and playing with your nipples while Feyre set a steady pace. “Do you think you can take Feyre’s knot, omega? It’ll stuff you nice and full for a good while,” Rhys whispered in your ear.

Full. The word set off something inside of you, your hips rising to meet Feyre’s, eager to feel as full as you could, stuffed full of your pretty alpha-

The pad of Rhys’s thumbs flicking over your nipples was the extra little bit you needed to tip over the edge, pleasure cooling your blood for a few seconds before the overwhelming heat surged back. You cried out at the discomfort and your alphas shushed you softly. Feyre’s hips stuttered before she quickened her pace, each stroke of her cock building you back up to the peak. Your alpha lowered her mouth to the left side of your neck, sucking gently on your skin before biting down harshly.

You hardly registered the pain the bite caused when the ecstasy of it washed over you, your own mouth finding her neck to repeat the action. Your pleasure doubled, and it felt like your alpha was a part of you. She came with you, hips thrusting until the thick knot at the base of her cock locked her inside of you. The fullness that came with it had the heat receding until it was only in your belly, burning bright where her seed had spilled inside of you.

A pleased sigh left your mouth.

“Feeling better, omega?” Feyre asked as she settled in on top of you, her chest flush with yours.

“Mhm,” you hummed, burying your face against her neck. She smelled so perfect, even better than before, if it was possible.

“Good,” Feyre sighed, scenting your own neck. “My pretty little mate, you’re perfect in every way.”

“Mate?” you asked sleepily, a yawn breaking from your lips.

“That’s right, ‘mega,” Rhys said, his voice a soothing rumble to your right. “We’re all mates, our souls made for each other. Don’t you feel the bond?” The moment he asked it felt like a cord in your heart was being strummed gently, the soft brush of your mates’ souls against yours, though one connection was weaker than the other.

You wiggled beneath Feyre, needing to get closer to Rhys. When you couldn’t move, you let out a pitiful whine, one hand reaching for Rhys’s hair. After finding purchase you pulled him in, giggling at how easily he let you move him. It was only once he was pressed as closely as he could be to your and Feyre’s sides that you allowed yourself to relax again.

“Is this better, omega?” Rhys asked with a chuckle, and you hummed in agreement. “Good, good. I can’t wait for you to bear my mark, as well,” he said softly, fingers brushing over the skin of your neck.

“It’s marvelous, Rhys,” Feyre breathed, her tongue laving on the bite mark she’d left. “I can feel you so much more clearly, pretty girl.”

She was right- you could feel Feyre’s emotions, her elation at being fully bonded with you and her lingering arousal. It only made you want her more, even with her buried inside of you.

“Then it’s my turn to knot you next,” Rhys said, his lips pressing to your temple. His words sent a thrill through you, arousal flooding back into your system.

It took another ten minutes of being cooed over by your alphas for Feyre’s cock to slip out of you, a mixture of your spendings dripping out of you. The heat of your body kicked up again, nearing unbearable levels after only a minute without her buried inside of you. You let out a pathetic whine, hands grabbing for Feyre as she shifted to your left side. Rhys took no time in sliding over you, hands parting your legs wide so he could line himself up with your core, pressing into you in one thrust, pushing the breath from your lungs.

His length filled you so completely it nearly hurt, the tinge of pain turning to pleasure the moment he started to move. Feyre’s hands roamed your chest, pinching your nipples and squeezing your breasts. You could feel her arousal through the bond as her blue-grey eyes lingered where you were joined with Rhys, the feeling eliciting a whine from you.

Every thrust from Rhys was a balm to the heat blazing through you, each burst of pleasure easing the ache that had settled into your body and core. You did your best to meet his hips with yours, a low moan leaving you when his hands angled them for you and the tip of his cock brushed against your cervix, the usually painful movement bringing you nothing but bliss. Rhys repeated the movement and let out a groan when you clenched around him.

Soft fingers trailed from your breasts, down your stomach and settling over your clit, two fingers circling the sensitive bud. You moaned at the contact, so close to the edge, all you needed was-

“Alpha,” you moaned, hands reaching for his shoulders to pull him closer as you came, your body shuddering beneath his.

“Such a pretty little ‘mega, coming all over my cock,” Rhys praised, still thrusting in and out of you. “Do you want my knot, sweet girl?”

“Yes, yes, yes,” you whined, the heat in your core already spreading back through your body, but your alphas could help. His hips moved faster, chasing his own release and sending you down the line between pleasure and pure bliss again. Moans spilled from your mouth with each movement, each press of him so deep inside you, you knew you’d never forget the feel of him. Your alpha’s strong arms lifted your chest to his, the pained pleasure of his teeth sinking into your skin making you climax again, and this time Rhys followed you, the base of his knot pressing inside you just before it swelled, locking the two of you together as he emptied himself in you. You bit down on his neck, delighting in the strangled moan he let out, the way his hips stuttered against yours. Just as with Feyre, you could feel his emotions and passing thoughts, the intimacy of it nearly overwhelming.

A pleased sigh left your lips, your body nearly drained of heat. You were putty in their hands as they readjusted you so you were on your side, Rhys’s knot still buried inside of you with one of your legs slung over his own. Feyre snuggled against your back, her lips kissing over the sore spot where she’d marked you earlier, and you moaned quietly at the feelings.

Exhaustion overtook you, the warmth and comfort of your alphas around you dragging you into the realm of sleep.

💜🩵🤍🩵💜

Every time you awoke, it was the same. You’d mewl and whine and seek out the alpha closest to you, or, better yet, both of them. Teeth and tongues and hands and knots worked tirelessly to soothe the aching heat that kept burning and burning within you, no matter how often they filled you.

Time blurred in the safe, comfortable space of your nest with your alphas tending to your every need. You didn’t see the need to fight anything that they did anymore, more than willing to let them decide when you needed a bath or to eat, especially when they treated you which such reverence as they cared for you.

The constant press of their emotions slowly became a comfortable weight in your chest, the tugs they sent down the bond sparking happiness in your heart.

You yawned as you woke this time, the heat in your blood only simmering as you nuzzled into the chest below you.

“You awake, omega?” Feyre asked softly, her fingers already carding through your hair. You hummed in response. “Do you want breakfast?”

Want, yes. But not breakfast.

Your lips wrapped around one of her nipples and you suckled gently, pleased by the soft noise she let out. Heat built in your core, different from the overwhelming heat that had been plaguing you over the past few days. No, this one was borne entirely from the need you had for your alphas-

You released her skin abruptly, sitting up to look around the room. Your nest was still mostly intact, somehow, but…

“Where’s alpha?” you asked with a pout, fear worming its way into your heart. Surely he hadn’t left you already…? When Feyre struggled for an answer you let out a quiet keen, tears leaking out of your eyes without warning. “Where’s alpha?”

“He’s out in the main room, but-”

You stood on shaky legs, making for the door without a thought to your state of complete undress before Feyre’s arms caught you. Another keen left you, louder this time, and Feyre shushed you as she slid fabric over your arms and tied it shut around your waist. This time when you made for the door she didn’t stop you, instead wrapping her own robe around herself when you glanced back at her for a second before swinging the door separating you from your other alpha open.

Instantly, your eyes caught on him, from the expanse of his wings to the skin of his muscled chest, and then you were on him, face buried in his neck.

“Well, it’s nice to see that the rumors are true, Rhysand,” a voice said from behind you, but you didn’t care enough to see who it was. “Fifty years, we’ve lived without omegas. Would you deign to tell me how you happened across this one?”

Rhysand growled beneath you, the sound echoed by Feyre as she slid onto the couch next to you, the blanket in her arms draped over your back in an instant. “Frankly, I don’t see how that concerns you in any way, Vanserra.”

“Oh? You don’t think the return of omegas to our world has anything to do with me and my court?” Feyre’s chest rumbled in warning, and you could almost see the glare she was wearing, even with your face still buried against Rhys’s skin. “You’ve already claimed her, no alpha in their right mind would even think of stealing her from you. All my court wants to know is how?”

“How what, Eris?”

“How did you find her, Feyre? Surely the first omega to present in over five decades didn’t just stumble into your laps,” the male said.

Silence reigned for a few minutes, enough time for you to pull your face away from Rhys’s skin to look behind you, where a red haired male sat on the opposite couch, fire shimmering in his eyes and the long tresses that hung past his chest. Those fiery amber eyes met yours, a smirk falling into place over his lips when he saw your nostrils flare, the scent of cinnamon and embers sinking into your senses. You wrinkled your nose and turned back to Rhys, savoring his soothing citrus and sea scent.

Someone let out an amused huff to your right, and a tiny peek told you it was the male you’d seen after the ordeal with that redheaded viper. He shot you a wink before he spoke, “Seems like the ‘mega doesn’t care for you, Eris.”

“Thank you for your input Cassian, but I would still like to know the answer to my question.”

Rhys let out a heavy breath beneath you, his hands coming to stroke your lower back, soothing the ache that you hadn’t noticed was growing there. “We found her a week and a half ago, wandering around in the outskirts of our court. Most people who fall through their world to here tend to fall back out within a few hours, but not her. It was only when we approached while she was asleep that her scent began to change to that of an omega.”

“She wasn’t born here,” Eris sighed. “Has she had any effect on your court so far?”

“No. The rot is in the same condition as before she arrived.”

“Perhaps there’s still hope. You said that she’s only been here for a little over a week?” You felt Rhys nod, the motion bringing your nose back to the crook of his neck to breathe in his scent. “Fifty years will take more time than that to be reversed. Are you willing to send one of your generals to my court if any changes occur?”

“What will you give us in return?” Feyre asked, one of her hands seeking out your skin beneath the blanket she’d draped over you. “After all, it’s dangerous to cross from Night to Autumn these days. Why should we risk one of our own?”

The male across from the three of you was silent for a minute. “Cleansing fire. I’ll send a small retinue every two weeks to burn away the rot in the air, in exchange for all information on changes to your court caused by your omega’s presence.”

“Agreed. We’ll alert you of any changes in a timely manner, Vanserra. Now, take your leave,” Rhys said, the sound of his voice stoking the heat inside of you once more, your hips wiggling over his.

The rustle of fabric and footsteps growing softer told you the male was leaving. “Enjoy the rest of your omega’s heat,” Eris said, the door creaking shut behind him just as your alphas growled.

“We’ll talk later,” Rhys said as he stood, the blanket falling from your form as he held you tightly against him. It took little time for him to enter the bedroom you shared and have you settled in your nest, legs parted around his hips as he removed the silken robe Feyre had put on you earlier. “You ready for my knot, pretty ‘mega?” You could barely nod before he was pressing into you, the stretch of him just as overwhelming as the first time.

The world was lost to you as your alphas took their time ravishing you, passing you between their knots until you finally fell asleep once more, the heat running through your veins nearly extinguished.

💜🩵💖🩵💜

When you woke two days later, you were sore and tired, but no longer mad with desire and burning without your alphas.

Feyre was pressed to your right side and Rhys to your left, their arms draped over each other and cocooning you in their warmth. Carefully, you turned to look at Feyre, study her face while it was relaxed, then did the same with Rhys.

Your life had been turned upside down since you arrived in this awful place, but… The two people next to you were so caring, and seemed entirely devoted to your safety and wellbeing. And with the bond in your chest thrumming with each breath they took, you were feeling… almost content. Of course, you wanted to go home, to return to your life and enjoy normalcy once more.

However, they just might be pretty and intoxicating enough to make you forget all about your past life.

Rhys’s breathing shifted, your eyes drawn to his the moment they opened. “Good morning, ‘mega. How are you feeling?”

“Sore,” you answered. You took a moment to assess how you felt beyond that, and suddenly the layer of sweat and whatever else on your skin was entirely too noticeable. “And dirty,” you said, your nose wrinkling.

“We can fix that, little love,” Feyre said through a yawn. “How does a bath sound?”

You were already sitting up, ready to scrub yourself clean in the large bathing pool they’d taken you to when your heat had just begun, after you’d been saved from that vile alpha. But as soon as you were standing, your stomach rumbled. Loudly.

“We really should feed you first-”

You shook your head, lips falling into a pout. “No. I want to be clean first.” Your eyes drifted to your nest, the fabrics and furs you’d so carefully chosen now a rumpled mess, stains everywhere. “Can we fix my nest too?”

“Of course, darling,” Rhys said softly, a sweet look in his eyes. “Feyre will take you to the bath while I clean up in here.” You opened your mouth to protest, but Rhys spoke again, “I’ll join you as soon as I can, ‘mega.”

“C’mon, Y/N,” Feyre said as she stood, an arm wrapping around your bare waist. She led you to the bathing room again, passing through the main room which was empty. A blessing, considering you were still bare and would rather not be seen by the two males that also lived in these quarters.

The pool of water was delightfully warm; your skin had been chilled in the air of this place now that you weren’t in heat. You didn’t wait for Feyre to slip into the water before you were wading a bit further into the pool. It didn’t grow any deeper away from the pool, but you took the opportunity to float on your back anyways.

The ceiling was yellow here, too. Everywhere you looked, the walls were yellow. It was starting to give you a headache with how often you had to see it, the strange other-ness of it setting off a warning bell in your head.

But you were stuck here, and being protected from the evils that lurked around every corner was better than attempting to find a way out. After all, you hadn’t had any luck so far, and from the snippets of conversation with the red-headed male you remembered, you were unlikely to ever return to your world.

It should have scared you more.

“What are you thinking about, love?” Feyre asked as she sank to her knees next to where you were floating, one hand trailing over your abdomen.

“Nothing,” you sighed, eyes flicking to her when she poked a nail into your skin softly. “Just… About what I heard when we went into the living room. About most people leaving soon after they fall in here.”

“Ah.” Feyre had a knowing look in her eyes. “I know it’s scary, being taken from your life, but Rhys and I will make sure you’re as happy as can be. And I’ll never let anything happen to you again, omega.” The title sent a thrill down your spine, a bit of heat pooling in your core. Feyre’s fingers danced from your stomach down to the apex of your thighs, one dipping between your folds teasingly. “Come here, sweetness,” she said as she guided you closer. You automatically followed her request, your arms wrapping around her shoulders. Once you were steady on your knees, her fingers slipped lower again, two brushing over your clit in small, slow circles. “I’ll treat you like this every day, ‘mega.”

You moaned breathily before you pressed your lips to hers, the taste of her just as delicious as her scent. Your knees parted a bit further, trying to urge her fingers to slip inside of you, eliciting a soft laugh from your alpha. “You said you were sore, love. Do you think you can take a finger or two?” Without a thought you nodded, sighing in pleasure when two fingers sunk into you, her palm pressing against your clit as she fingered you slowly. The noises you made echoed through the room, only quieted when Feyre’s plush lips claimed yours.

You were so lost in your pleasure you only noticed Rhys once he was behind you, his hands running over your shoulders and arms with a feather light touch. The sensation only added to your bliss, each touch from them building the fire within you higher and higher.

When Feyre’s teeth sank into the mark she’d made on you, you tumbled over the edge, held in your alpha’s arms as you rode out your orgasm.

When you regained control of your body, you were far too tired to clean yourself, instead leaning against Feyre even more. Her body was so soft and inviting, and her arms held you tightly against her as Rhys began to lather your hair with something that smelled of lilacs, likely an equivalent to shampoo.

“That feels so nice,” you cooed when his nails scraped across your scalp lightly, and he repeated the action until it was time to rinse your hair.

You let your alphas scrub at your skin with gentle hands, the feeling of filth on your skin leaving you with each touch. It was a lovely feeling, being taken care of so completely and without needing to ask. Just as lovely was when you watched Feyre wash Rhys and vice versa, the constant arousal you felt while around them growing once more.

Once the three of you were clean, any evidence of your heat washed away, Rhys pulled you from the bath and began to pat you dry as Feyre wrapped your hair in a towel.

“So, we were thinking that we could take you on a little tour of our court, if you feel up to it,” Feyre said once you were bundled in a robe and being brought back to the bedroom.

“I’ve already seen all of it, though,” you said with confusion. The main room only had a few doors, all of which you’d peeked into when you were lead away from your alphas a week ago. What more could there be to see? Your brow furrowed at the place where you nest had been- now little more than a pile of furs.

“Oh, there’s plenty more for you to see beyond these few rooms, little love,” Feyre giggled. “Everyone will be excited to meet you, I bet you’ll even receive a gift or two from them.”

Everyone?

“And don’t worry, your nesting materials are just drying. I saw that look,” Rhys said as he guided you to the middle of the furs. You nodded, knowing that it made sense. After all, it’s not like they had a dryer down here. “There’s roast and root vegetables, if you’re ready to eat.”

You stomach growled again, as if it was telling him that yes, you were more than ready to eat. You laughed with your alphas as you nodded, and you watched Rhys leave the room. Feyre sat down next to you, an arm snaking around your waist. She pressed a kiss to your covered shoulder, the gesture bringing a smile to your face. Rhys returned a moment later with a tray laden with three plates of steaming roast and something that looked similar to potatoes, if they were a dark blue and brown in the center. The smell was heavenly, and the first bite you took proved it was just as delicious.

Silence reigned the room as the three of you ate, the weight of it comfortable. You finished your food first, stomach absolutely stuffed by the time your plate was empty. It didn’t take long for your alphas to finish eating, the tray taken away by Rhys as Feyre pulled you down against the furs and into her arms.

“What about the tour?” you asked sleepily, yawning a moment later.

“The tour can wait, love. You look like you could use a nap first,” she whispered in your ear, and you nodded in agreement. A nap did sound perfect right now…

You were nearly asleep by the time Rhys rejoined you, his chest to your back and one massive wing blocking out the ever-present light of this place.

Some time later you woke, your mouth dry. Feyre and Rhys were conversing softly in a language you couldn’t understand, and you were still snuggled between them.

“Omega,” Rhys murmured into your hair as one of his hands gripped your hip. “Feeling better?”

“Mm. I need a drink, though,” you said, stretching out as much as you could while you were still between them before going boneless once more. A moment later a glass was in front of you, filled with clear water that you drained quickly. The cool liquid soothed the discomfort in your throat and you hummed your thanks. “You mentioned…” you paused to think for a moment, your head still foggy from sleep. “A tour?”

“That’s right, little love. We want to show you the settlement in our court,” Feyre said, fingers dancing along the back of your arm. “I think you’ll love it.” Her words were punctuated with a kiss to the crown of your head.

“Let’s go then,” you said, excitement building within you. A settlement, meaning other people! Sure, you’d seen a large number of- well, you wouldn’t call them people as much as monsters- when you’d been held captive, but seeing a friendly crowd of people would reassure you that life might not be all that bad down here.

After all, your alphas were perfect.

“Thank you,” Feyre giggled. “You’re perfect too, love.”

Your cheeks turned scarlet. “How did you-?”

“The bond, ‘mega. It can share more than just feelings, sometimes our thoughts will reach each other,” Rhys explained.

“Oh…” You bit your lip. That didn’t help your embarrassment, but at least you knew now. You’d just have to keep your thoughts a little quieter from now on. “Do I get to wear something at least?” you asked with a giggle. You were personally hoping for something warm, like the fur dress they’d put you in when they’d first brought you here. And some shoes- those you wanted most of all, if you were to be walking around.

“Of course, silly,” Feyre tittered. “We wouldn’t want everyone to see you bare. That’s our privilege alone.” A different kind of heat rushed to your cheeks, and you fought down the arousal that was threatening to resurface. Feyre disentangled herself from you and made her way to the armoire in the corner near the door. She came back a moment later, a long fur dress in her hands and she gestured for you to stand.

You let her slide the dress onto you, skin delighted at the softness of the fur. Next came Rhys sliding your feet into buttery leather socks, then warm fur boots, and your ensemble was finished off by the warm fur cloak they’d given you on your first night here being wrapped fastened around your neck.

“Feeling cozy?” Feyre asked. You nodded, then watched as the two of them dressed quickly, and in far less than you. Feyre noticed your quizzical stare and said, “We’re used to the environment here, love. You still freeze without one of us touching you, which is why we bundled you up so thoroughly. Now, are you ready?”

“Mhm!”

Your alphas led you out of the bedroom and through the door at the opposite end of the main room, one that you’d thought was just an empty room when you’d peeked into it before. Now, though, it led to another long corridor. Something in the air here felt safer than the hallways you’d stumbled through before, but perhaps that was the alphas on either side of you.

After a few minutes you slid your hands into theirs, the warmth of their skin sending a pleasant rush through the bond as it strengthened, their emotions even clearer now. Excitement and anticipation and fizzy happiness flowed through you, lightening your own mood even further.

It took some time, maybe an hour and a half, for the hallway to expand, different offshoots appearing frequently. Another fifteen minutes and you began to see signs of life. Vines laden with the berries you’d tried to eat before appeared every few feet, and the dulled sound of a crowd reached your ears.

Finally, the hallway ended, a door at the very end of it. Rhys turned the knob and pulled the door open, and your jaw dropped at what you saw.

💜🩵🤍🩵💜

General Taglist: @daughterofthemoons-stuff @lilah-asteria @meritxellao @twismare @wrenisrad @icey--stars @le-nottibianche @archerxnn @littlest-w01f @human169

🩵💜🤍💜🩵

You were chasing after your friends, stumbling drunkenly in your high heels yet managing to stay upright somehow. They were only a few paces ahead of you, their dresses shiny and bright underneath the streetlights. All you needed to do was call out to them, and then you would be reunited. You tried to speak, but no words came out. Your voice was gone even as you screamed for them to turn back, to help you home.

A sudden feeling of dread washed over you, ice water poured down your spine that caused you to shiver. You turned your head to look behind you, and saw a terrifyingly large, winged beast lurking behind you. Again you tried to scream, tried to beg for help, but no one came to your rescue.

You snapped awake, stumbling and scraping your hands and knees on rough concrete. Your dream melted away but you were left with the fear it had stirred, doubled when you realized where you were. Or rather, where you weren’t.

Looking around in a panic, you saw no one watching you, friendly or otherwise. You also saw no signs of the place you now called home, and had no clue which direction you had come from. You scrambled to your feet, wincing at the pain in your knees.

Tears filled your eyes when you realized that you were alone once more, with no hope of finding your way back to your alphas, and you were now at risk of being found by the soldiers that Amarantha had sent in search of you. They fell down your cheeks as you looked around again, trying to choose a path to go down. The one that you had woken facing was unlikely to be the way back home, but the opposite end had two hallways. You had to make a choice, one that could lead you back to your alphas, or further away from them. Neither path looked familiar, and with the same bland, yellow walls and concrete floors, they looked the same as every other hallway you’d gone down in the place.

With a sigh, you started down the hallway to the left, praying silently that it was the correct path to take.

You walked and walked, a half an hour passing before you found a small inlet in a wall, just large enough for you to squeeze into, and long enough that only a creature as small as you could reach you. You paused for a moment as you stared at it, debating whether or not it would be a good idea to sit and wait for Feyre and Rhys to find you.

They’d found you the last time, though it had taken a bit… But surely by now one of them would have woken and noticed that you were missing, and they would be searching for you. Yes, you decided, slipping into the crack in the walls that was just large enough for you to sit down with your knees pulled to your chest.

You waited and waited, each minute dragging on into an eternity. You did your best to recall your favorite songs, singing them in your head to pass the time, and when that failed you thought of your alphas. How pretty Feyre was, with those shining blue-grey eyes and high cheekbones. And Rhys with his dark as night hair and wings that you had once found terrifying, but now found to be a source of comfort. They were both so sweet with you, and knew your needs before you fully realized them. You hadn’t been thirsty or hungry or alone for a minute since you had accepted them as your alphas, except for now.

God, how panicked they must be… More tears cascaded down your cheeks at the thought of them being panicked over your safety. And all because you had sleep-walked out of your home, too far to find your way back to them on your own.

Time ticked past and you heard a distant rustling noise, and fear built in your heart once more. You pressed yourself tighter against the back wall of your little alcove, debating whether or not you should stand so that you could attempt to make a run for it if need be. But the rustling noise grew louder and you froze in place.

The tapping of claws accompanied each step, the monster in the hallway growing closer to your hiding spot with every second that passed. Your heartrate kicked up when it stopped in front of your hiding place, the shadow of it blocking out the light. The monster sniffed loudly three times before letting out a dark, chilling laugh. “Little omega, I know you’re here,” it crooned, it’s clawed fingers tapping against the opening you were hidden in. “Come out, my Queen will treat you gently.”

You didn’t answer, breathing shallowly as your terror rose. The only thing separating you from certain death or worse was five feet of wall, too far for the Attor to reach you.

But that didn’t stop it from trying. Its grey, decaying flesh stank so badly it made you gag as it pawed for you, giant claws scraping the wallpaper from the walls. It shrieked and raged as it tried to grab you, with no luck on its part. You were panting in fear now, shrinking away from the deadly appendage as much as you could.

It tried and tried, not relenting for a single second of what felt like an hour before you felt a warmth in your chest and one tug, clear and sharp, cutting the fear in your chest.

The Attor didn’t notice him approaching, and did not see the sword before it sliced through its neck. The head fell to the ground with a satisfying plop, soon followed by the beast’s body. Rhys’s head popped into the alcove and turned to you, his violet eyes filled with ice.

“What are you doing out here?” he asked, voice filled with rage. “You know it isn’t safe!”

You cowered against the wall for a moment before his eyes softened, and then you launched yourself at him. Tears fell freely from your eyes as you stumbled over the Attor’s body and into his arms, sobs wracking your body. “I know,” you cried, burying your face in his chest, not giving a fig about the grey goop splattered across his leather chest piece. “I was sle-sleeping and then I woke up out he-here.”

His strong arms wrapped around you, holding you against him firmly. His lips pressed to the crown of your head and he murmured an apology, waiting patiently for your tears to stop. You pulled your head from his chest, looking up at him with watery eyes. “It’s alright, darling. I… I had thought you were trying to leave us,” he admitted softly, then pressed his lips to yours. “Let’s go home, omega. Feyre is already heading back, and she’ll be anxious to see you.”

You nodded and let him scoop you into his arms, and you tucked your face into his neck, breathing in his scent. The citrus and sea of your alpha combined with his steady, fast pace had you dozing off in his arms, the exhaustion from your unexpected outing finally catching up to you.

“Oh thank the mother,” Feyre sighed when she saw Rhys walk through the door with you in his hold. She tugged you from his arms and squeezed you tightly, her nose finding your neck. It was only after she took a deep lungful of your scent that she loosened her hold on you. ”I’m so glad you’re safe, omega. We were so worried when we woke to find you missing…”

“I’m sorry, alpha,” you sniffled, taking in a deep breath of her scent to soothe your omega. “I was sleep walking.”

“I know, ‘mega. Rhys already explained the situation to me,” Feyre said with a tight smile. “We’re going to work out a way to prevent it, okay? Then we’ll never have another scare like this again. But for now, the two of you should get in the bath.” Her nose wrinkled when she looked at Rhys, a decent amount of grey gunk still covering him.

“That sounds good to me, alpha,” you said, letting her lead you to the bathing room.

🩵💜🤍💜🩵

Every day, there were more reports from Azriel’s shadows about Amarantha’s troops closing in on your home, finding their way through the maze of hallways. The most recent one had passed by this morning, less than a quarter mile away from the door that led to your safe haven.

Rhys and Feyre left each day for meetings with the other courts, coming back exhausted each evening. You spent your days swimming in the bathing pools and prodding Cassian and Azriel for stories, anything to keep your mind from utter boredom.

The visit to Velaris that Feyre had promised had yet to happen, dampening your spirits even further. You hadn’t left your home since your sleep-walking episode three days ago, and you felt as though you were going insane.

Currently you were seated on one of the couches, staring at the door that led to Velaris. Feyre and Rhys were off again today, leaving you in the care of Cassian, while Azriel patrolled the hallways.

“Please,” you begged, using your best puppy dog eyes as you stared Cassian down. “Please, please, please take me to Velaris, Cassian.”

“You know I can’t do that, Y/N,” Cassian sighed, his hazel eyes darting away from yours. “Rhys and Feyre would have a conniption if I took you anywhere without their permission.”

“But I’m dying of boredom. And I would be safe with you by my side the entire time,” you pointed out, watching his face for any sign of him caving in to your demands. “I just want to leave for a couple of hours, that’s all. Please…?”

Cassian sighed heavily. “You have to promise to not leave my side for a single moment. And we’re only going to stay for a half an hour, alright?” You fought the urge to clap your hands in excitement at his acquiescence. “It would be faster to fly…” he muttered to himself.

“I’ll go get some shoes on,” you said giddily, bolting to your room before he could change his mind. You were back in a flash, leather slippers on your feet and a fur cloak tied around your throat. “Are you ready?”

Another sigh and Cassian stood, flexing his wings behind him. “Let’s go,” he said, voice resigned. You were out the door in a flash, walking quickly down the hall. “Stop,” Cassian demanded, something in his tone forcing you to halt in your tracks. He reached you quickly, tugging you into his arms and then taking off at a fast and steady pace. At his speed, you reached Velaris in twenty minutes, opening the door and gazing in awe again at the life that thrived in this place. “Remember, you stick by my side at all times.” You nodded in agreement and let him set the pace as you descended the staircase that separated you from the settlement.

People stared just as much as before, though none came directly up to you again, for which you were grateful. You stayed as close to Cassian as possible as he led you through the crowd to one of the larger buildings. The interior was filled with fabrics of all kinds, including the same type of fur that your mates dressed you in each day.

“Cassian, why are you back this time?” a woman sighed and you came around Cassian’s side slightly to see her. Her blue-grey eyes reminded you of Feyre, and though she’d sounded annoyed with Cassian, her eyes were alight with delight. “Ah, the famed omega,” she said appreciatively. “My name is Nesta, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

You introduced yourself, feeling shy when her scent washed over you - another alpha. You couldn’t get over the similarities she had with Feyre, and you final blurted out, “Are you- I’m sorry, but are you related to Feyre?”

Nesta laughed softly. “Yes, we’re sisters. We have another as well, you may meet her at some point if she can tear herself away from the gardens.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” you said with a smile. “What is all of this?”

“It’s our collection of fabrics, including the furs of the Worins. I sort through the pieces that fall through worlds like yours, with the help of a few others.”

“She’s the best at it,” Cassian boasted, earning him a playful glare from Nesta. “I thought you might like to pick out a few things, while we’re here. If that’s fine by Nesta, of course.”

“For my sister’s omega, anything,” Nesta said with a small smile.

Cassian let you get a few paces away from him as you browsed the racks and piles of fabrics, picking out a few pieces that interested you. You heard him chatting lowly with Nesta, the occasional flirtatious laugh having you glancing back at them to see their heated stares. You walked through the building slowly, savoring the feel of each fabric on your fingers. Ever since you had presented as an omega, your senses had been sharper, touch especially so.

After a while you felt a sudden burst of panic in your chest, startling you from your perusal. Cassian let out a groan at the same time, crossing the room to grab a hold of your arm.

“Sorry, Nes. I’ve got to get her back before our Lord and Lady rip apart the court,” he apologized, sending a boyish grin her way. “I’ll come back to visit soon.”

“Come back never, for all I care,” Nesta said, but when you glanced back, her eyes were shining. You shook your head at the two of them, wondering why neither had confessed their obvious feelings to the other.

“Let’s go, ‘mega,” Cassian said, hauling you into his arms and pushing off of the ground and into the air. Your stomach lurched at the sudden movement, hands clutching to the fabrics in them. “I’ve got you, don’t worry,” Cassian soothed, his arms holding you tighter to his chest. He landed in front of the door that led back inside, just as it burst open. A frantic Feyre and Rhys stood before you, eyes going wide before narrowing at the sight of you in Cassian’s arms.

Rhys tugged you out of Cassian’s grasp and into his own, clutching you tightly to his chest. “We will speak to you later, Cassian,” he said in a cold voice, spinning on his heel and taking you back into the maze of hallways, Feyre only a step behind him.

Silence reigned between the three of you for ten minutes, though you could sense their fury through the bond in your chest. You ached to explain the situation to them, but you couldn’t get the words to come out. Instead, you nuzzled into Rhys’s neck, enjoying the citrus and sea scent of him even with it marred by his anger. The press of your lips to his skin had some of the rage melting away from his golden tether, though you had a feeling it wouldn’t be enough to save you from some sort of lecture or punishment.

By the time you entered your home, a heavy feeling had sunk into your stomach. Rhys set you down on the couch gently, and then they were standing before you, arms crossed as they stared down at you in disapproval.

“Why?” Feyre asked furiously.

You blinked up at her, unsure of what to say, but opened your mouth anyways. “I was bored…” you said in a small voice. They were still looking at you the same way, and you scrambled for some other reasoning. "I wanted more nesting fabrics, and Cassian was by my side the entire time. I was safe.”

“Safe?” Rhys chuckled darkly. “The only time that you are truly safe is when you are with us, omega. Even here with Cassian and Azriel with you, you are not safe. If Amarantha decided to look for you herself, there is no way that Cassian could have protected you.”

“I didn’t know that,” you cried. “You don’t tell me enough to know how much danger I’m actually in. And I am sorry that I left without your permission… I’d thought that having Cassian with me would be enough. I thought that Velaris was safe.”

“Velaris is safe, darling,” Feyre sighed, crouching down in front of you to meet your eyes. “It’s the road there that’s dangerous, which is why Cassian should have known better.  I…” She paused to consider her words. “I know that you’ve been tired of staying here, darling, but you must listen to us. And in return, we can take you to Velaris every other day. Does that sound okay?”

“Yes, but… can’t you take me to your meetings too?” you asked quietly. Every day that they left you behind it bothered you more and more, your omega still adjusting to the bond.

“It’s not safe there!” Feyre exclaimed. “The alphas that we meet with are volatile, we don’t know how they would act if you were with us." She was poised to speak again, but a pointed look from Rhys had her backing down for the moment.

“As it turns out, the other court leaders have demanded to meet you, to see for certain that we and Eris are not lying,” Rhys said with a shake of his head. “If that meeting goes well, we will discuss you accompanying us more often.”

“Fat chance,” Feyre muttered under her breath. You smiled at her, reaching a hand out to poke her cheek as she pouted. “I suppose we’ve spoken enough of this matter. But if you ever pull another stunt like that again, you will get more than a talking to.”

“I won’t,” you said. “I promise.”

Feyre smiled at you, and you noticed that most of the tension that was in her body had melted away. “Did you want to show us your new nesting materials?”

You nodded vigorously, releasing the death grip that you hadn’t realized you had on them, spreading them across your lap. Rhys crouched down as well, and they both reached their fingers out to feel each piece as you presented it. It made you giddy, showing off your new finds to your alphas, and you chocked it up to another silly side effect of your presentation.

Once you’d finished, Feyre tugged you off of the couch and into your bedroom. She carefully pushed you down onto the mound of furs you shared, spreading your new fabrics around you, her touch feather light and teasing as she did so.

You propped yourself up on your elbows when she stood once more, watching as she and Rhys slowly undressed each other. Heat rushed through you at the sight of them bare before you, though when they laid down around you, they merely held you close, despite your arousal. It didn’t take long for you to fall asleep in their hold, drifting off into the land of dreams once more.

🩵💜🤍💜🩵

General Taglist: @daughterofthemoons-stuff @lilah-asteria @meritxellao @twismare @wrenisrad @icey--stars @le-nottibianche @archerxnn @littlest-w01f

🤍🌸🤍🌸🤍

“I already drew a bath for you, so scurry on in there,” your mother said as she watched you place your neatly folded stack of nesting materials back in your closet. “And don’t worry about doing your hair, I’ll do it once you’re done,” she added.

“Alright, mama, I’ll be quick,” you yawned as you went into your bathroom, shutting the door softly behind you. As promised, the tub was filled with hot water, inviting tendrils of steam drifting upwards. Your nightgown was stripped off and dropped in your hamper, along with your undergarments before you slid into the water, sighing at the perfect temperature.

As much as you wanted to soak and enjoy the heat warming your skin, you knew that your mother was antsy to start preparing you for the season ahead. So you dunked your hair in the water and washed it quickly, though with its length it could only be done in so little time. Next you picked up a cloth and poured soap on it, working it into a lather before you began to scrub your skin gently. It took you no more than twenty minutes to haul yourself out of the bath, water dripping off your hair and skin onto the soft mat that covered the marble floor. You’d just managed to pull on your robe when Lilia knocked on the door.

“Breakfast is here, dear!”

You opened the door while using a towel to scrunch your hair and spotted your mother at your vanity, placing a cup of tea down for you. She patted the chair at the vanity, and you crossed the room to sit down. Lilia snagged the towel from you and pulled your hair over the end of the chair, and set to work drying the length of it. It nearly reached your waist now, though most people wouldn’t know that. You only let your hair down in front of family, a tradition passed down on your mother’s side of the family. One day- one day, you would show your hair to another. To your alpha. Your parents had given you a choice in continuing to honor the tradition once you’d grown old enough to manage your own hair, and you hadn’t hesitated.

You had found it so very romantic to keep your hair bound in front of all but your blood, to save the way you looked with your hair loose for the one you would spend forever with. It was one of the few things you could control even in your heats, as you were well aware of the overwhelming need that could easily have you giving yourself to an alpha physically without so much as a thought. But keeping your hair bound even in those moments was easy, and it gave you an extra layer of security during your heats.

And just thinking about the way your eventual partner would look when you took your hair down in front of them for the first time… It was enough to make your heart race.

“I was thinking we could practice the hairstyles you’ll want to wear during the season,” your mother said once your hair was dry, pulling you from your thoughts. She gently ran a brush through your locks, working out any tangles with ease.

“I loved the braid you did for my birthday this year, it looked so pretty with the cherry blossoms,” you replied, reaching for your tea. It was the perfect temperature, and your favorite blend of orange and cinnamon.

“Then we’ll do that one today,” she smiled, already beginning to twist your hair into the correct pattern.

“So… You said that you met papa at your own courting season?” you asked, grinning when a light flush rose to your mother’s cheeks.

“Yes, we did. Seventy-five years ago in one week,” she said dreamily as her hands worked your hair into a loose plait. “I was like you, I’d had no intentions of settling down at only twenty, but when I saw your father…” she paused her movement, looking off into the distance. “It was love at first sight for me, he was just so handsome, and so polite with everyone he interacted with. And I’d never thought he would fall for me, for someone who came from an untitled family in Summer.”

“But he did,” you giggled, loving how in love your mother was with your father.

“That’s right, he did! The first night we’d only met during a dance, and I’d thought that it would be the last time he interacted with me. But the next night at dinner, he brought me a plate of food and a goblet of wine immediately, and we talked for hours,” Lilia gushed as she tied off your braid. “He only left my side once he saw that there were other alphas waiting to speak with me, but by then I already knew that he was my alpha.”

You grabbed your box of enchanted flowers and opened it, holding it so she could grab the small blooms to place in your hair. “When did you know that he knew, though?”

“That night,” she giggled. “I was only half paying attention to the other alphas that came to dine with me, and I watched Tamlin sit in his chair and watch me and me alone. Of course, I learned I was truly correct when I returned to my room that night, and an invitation to lunch the next day and a beautiful red rose from him was waiting on my nightstand. Now, what do you think?”

You turned in your chair, twisting so that you could see the back of the braid. It looked perfect, a loose plait with cherry blossoms tucked all down the middle. “I love it! It’s as pretty as I remembered, thank you mama,” you beamed. “Now, you’d mentioned breakfast?”

Lilia chuckled and nodded her head. “Yes, Loren brought something up for us so we don’t have to dine with the boys. Your father would have been blushing and stammering while I told you how we met, I’m sure,” she tittered, and you joined in. He was wonderful at showing his love, that was true, but he did always blush when your mother complimented him.

You stood from the vanity and grabbed your teacup, then followed her to the two person dining table in the far left corner of your room. A lovely selection of croissants, sliced fruit, and breakfast meats was set on the table, and the two of you tucked in.

“So,” Lilia started once you’d both finished your meals. “I’d like to spend most of our time today getting you acquainted to the schedule you’ll be following for two weeks, and if we have time, we can start on your wardrobe.”

You were tempted to ask if you could skip straight to the wardrobe part, but refrained. You were certain that your mother had the better plan. After all, you’d be packing for two weeks, and you could spend days picking out that many dresses, when you have the goal of impressing an entirely new court in mind. “That sounds lovely, mama.”

“Wonderful! You can go ahead and get dressed, and we’ll walk down to the gardens. I think a bit of fresh air would be nice,” she said, standing to leave the room. “I’ll be right outside, Y/N.”

You nodded and watched her leave before standing and making your way to your closet. Your hands found a pink dress with a sweetheart neckline and slightly see-through sleeves that came in to cuff your wrists. It would certainly be suitable for spending the day in the gardens under the spring sun, even if a cool autumn breeze swept through as it ended at your ankles. You slipped out of your robe and slid into a pair of panties before grabbing a simple shift. You shimmied it over your shoulders, then did the same with the dress, being careful to not disturb your hair. You grabbed a pair of white flats, sliding them onto your feet as you walked to the door.

Lilia was leaning against the wall across from your door when you opened it, standing straight when you walked out. You took her arm when she extended it, the two of you making your way to the gardens at a leisurely pace.

There was a teapot waiting on the table when you arrived, and as soon as you’d sat down you reached for the teapot, grasping its handle a moment before your mother could. You poured her a cup of tea first with a grin on your face before pouring your own and setting the teapot back down.

“As you now know, the courting season lasts two weeks. During those two weeks you will be staying in the High King and Queen’s Court, in a wing reserved for omegas only. The door to the wing bars all alphas excluding the High King and Queen themselves, so there are no worries about the safety of omegas,” your mother explained, and you let out a breath of relief. At least you needn’t worry about an alpha sneaking into your room at night, that knowledge would surely put you more at ease in an unfamiliar place. “It’s quite the blessing, actually, to have that privacy. Your father will be your chaperone, and I'm sure it will be nice to have the occasional break from him. He gets rather antsy in their court, you see.”

“Ah. And is there… Is there any reason that he gets more agitated there?” you prodded, wanting to know just why your father had a bad relationship with your High King and Queen.

“That is not my story to tell, Y/N, I’m sorry. But I will say that he has valid reasons to feel uneasy,” Lilia replied smoothly. “Now, back to the season. The first night is undoubtedly the most important of them all. The first impression that you make on not only every alpha in the room, but every member of their court is extremely important. However, I recommend dressing in the simplest gown you take.”

You furrowed your brow at the suggestion. “But wouldn’t dressing in your most lavish gown make a better impression?"

"Technically, yes. However I believe that being in a simple yet elegant dress that accentuates your body will have you standing out more than the other omegas. They’ll likely be dressed in their finest clothing the first night, but as the weeks wear on, they’ll wear simpler outfits than their first appearance. Whereas you will have come in as a fresh bloom, only to be adorned further as time goes on.”

You nodded, her logic making sense, though there was a chance other omegas would follow the same strategy. Not that you’re in competition with them, you just… Like to make a good impression.

“Now obviously we’ll decide which dress you’ll wear on the first night later. It’s customary to bring a gift for the High King and Queen, usually one made by the omega themselves. I’m sure we’ll be able to figure something out in the short time we have, you’ve always been very good with gift giving.” You preened at the compliment, knowing you always put extra thought into each gift you gave. “And once every omega has been introduced to the court, the dancing begins. You’ve already learned most of them, but Lucien has agreed to help you practice them and learn one or two new ones over the next week.”

“I’m sure he jumped at the chance for it,” you giggled. “Is he planning to attend the season? I can’t see him passing up an opportunity to dance.”

“I believe he is, his mate is still an unclaimed omega. He usually likes to attend to spend a bit of extra time with her.”

That’s right. Your uncle had been trapped in a cycle with his mate, his intended omega for over a century now, but he never complained about her to you. Instead he’d waxed poetically about her, how he hoped that someday it would be written in the stars for them to be together. You personally found it romantic, the way he was waiting so patiently for her to be ready, though your father had expressed his concerns to you about it one night when he’d had a tad to much to drink.

“So I’ll have two chaperones,” you pointed out, earning a laugh from your mother.

“Very true, Y/N. Now, the first night is strictly dancing, there’s very little time for conversations. It’s more for getting a cursory feel for each available alpha, to see if there are any that pique your interest. A newer tradition for alphas is to slip a coin with their family name and court into your hand if they are interested in you, and you’ll keep a pouch tied to your wrist so you won’t lose any of them. The second day is much more involved- omegas eat breakfast together each morning, and I personally would recommend trying to make a few friends. I still visit and write to a friend in the Autumn Court that I met during my own season.”

“But what if… What if they’re mean?” you asked, voice full of nerves. You’d only interacted with a few omegas in your life, and all of them had been kind. But you were their princess, and as much as you wanted for it to not color your interactions with them, it must in some way.

Your mother’s blue eyes were sympathetic as she grasped your hand in hers. “Most likely, there will be one omega who is less than fond of you. But most of them are like you- nervous and in a new situation, and looking for kindness in those around them. If you are kind to them, they will be kind to you, just as the people in Spring are. I know we’ve kept you a bit sheltered, but I’d love for you to use this opportunity to broaden your horizons. I promise that you won’t regret it,” she said sincerely, her words instilling you with a sense of confidence. You rarely meet new people, but you always try to put your best foot forward.

And you can keep trying, starting with this courting season.

“Alright, I will do my best, for you. What happens after breakfast each morning?”

Your mother smiled broadly, the corners of her eyes crinkling. “Omegas are given a few hours of free time, either to spend in privacy, or to explore the court a bit and have a conversation with an alpha or two. I was personally a fan of the gardens they have, and I have a feeling that’s where you’ll spend most of your free time,” she giggled. “After that comes lunch, which will be spent with an alpha who’s interested in you. You may get several invitations for one day, but I’m sure your father will help you choose wisely. He knows quite a bit about the other alphas in the court, and how they behave when not under the watchful eye of the High King and Queen. Most afternoons you’ll be encouraged to have a soak in the heated pools the court houses, but I would stay away from the mixed pool, which allows alphas and omegas to relax together. I do not think it’s worth the risk, and found it much more relaxing to spend time among other omegas.”

You made a face at the mention of bathing with others, let alone alphas. “Do most people wear bathing suits in the pools, at least? I don’t think I could handle bathing nude with so many people, omega or not,” you said while shaking your head.

“The vast majority of omegas remain clothed in some way, and clothing is required in the mixed pools, to keep any misunderstandings or scandals from happening,” Lilia reassured you, a small smile on her lips as she patted your arm. “In the evenings everyone gathers for dinner in the throne room, though you won’t be allowed to grab your own food. Interested alphas will approach one at a time with a plate of food and drinks to share, and you’ll get to have conversations with them for as long as both of you desire. If they really like you, they’ll ask you for a dance, at which point you may either accept or decline.”

“Decline? Isn’t that… rude, though?” All your life you’d never rejected a fae’s offer for a dance, even if you would’ve rather returned to your rooms early for the night than dance with them.

Your mother shook her head, wisps of blonde hair shaking around her face. “No, the season is one of the few times it is considered polite to reject a dance offer. It’s seen as a kind way to inform someone of your disinterest and not use up more of their time, and it also frees yourself for suitors that you are more interested in.”

“I suppose that makes sense…”

“Be sure to remember that your feelings toward an alpha matter more than being polite, Y/N.” She said seriously. “They also matter more than any alpha’s feelings, until you’re claimed. Don’t get lost in their scent until you’re sure that you want them as a person, my dear.”

You couldn’t help the water that pooled in your eyes at her sincerity, how fiercely she wanted you to have a wonderful alpha to call your own. “I won’t, mama, I promise.”

Her eyes were misty as well when she nodded and said, “Good. Now… Ah! On the seventh day there is an outing to the countryside. It’s much more relaxed than the other courting events, as each omega lays out a blanket to sit on with alphas that are interested in them.”

“Like a picnic?” you asked, envisioning yourself sitting so casually with alphas that you barely know. When you visited the villages in Spring, you mainly interacted with the beta and omega crowds, seeing as you felt more at ease with them.

“Yes, sweetie. Most omegas choose to send out invitations to the alphas that they are interested in getting to know in a more casual setting, usually three to four. Though I only invited one,” Lilia giggled, pink dusting her cheeks.

“I hope I get lucky like you did, mama, even if it isn’t this season,” you sighed dreamily. While you’d never fully entertained the idea of having an alpha aside from when you were in heat, you had always wanted a family of your own. A husband or wife who loved you and you them, and tiny little babies to nurture and protect until the end of time.

“I’m certain that you will, Y/N. You are a lovely young omega, and I am proud to call you my daughter. Anyone, alpha or not, would be blessed to have you as their partner,” she said, grasping one of your hands firmly when your eyes went misty again. “Now, we’ve covered the basics of the season, and I think it’s time that we start on your wardrobe.”

“That sounds perfect to me, mama.”

The two of you stood from your chairs and began making your way inside, walking past the staircase and into your mother’s sewing room. You came to a stop at the doorway you were never allowed to pass through, even now that you’re grown. Yet your mother slid a key into the lock, opening the door and passing through, looking back and beckoning to you as if you’d always been welcome in here. You stepped over the threshold, faelights coming alive when you did.

Your jaw dropped. Everywhere you looked, silk, tulle, chiffon and lace surrounded you. Rack upon rack were filled with evening dresses, day dresses, nightgowns- anything you could ever need. An entire wall was taken up by four large chests, each holding five drawers.

“Welcome to your trousseau, Y/N,” your mother said with pride, gently pushing you towards one of the racks. Your hands went out instinctively to feel the fabrics between your fingers, silk slipping over them like water.

“I- this is mine?” you asked incredulously. When would you possibly wear all of these? You were only attending the season for two weeks, meaning that you would need at most three dozen dresses, but if you had to guess there were at least five dozen dresses hanging, along with whatever was in the chests.

“Of course, my dear! I started parts of your trousseau when you were born, just putting away little memories for you to show to your own children, someday,” Lilia explained. She kneeled in front of one of the chests, and you followed suit. “I even… I know we haven’t talked much about what you want for your future yet, Y/N, but I started making clothes for your future little ones when you were born.” Your mother opened one of the drawers, revealing tiny onesies in every color of spring, from the deepest greens to bright pinks and yellows. “My mother did the same for me, and I wanted you to have something of me to take into your new life, though I know you’ll come visit me. I saved your first onesie for you to put on your little ones, if you’d like.”

“If I’d like?” you asked, tears in the corners of your eyes. “I would love to have my babies wear it, mama. Thank you so much,” you cried, and let her pull your face into her shoulder. You gave yourself a minute to be overwhelmed by the love your mother held for you, the care and effort she had put into this surprise. “You mentioned my wardrobe?” you sniffled, smiling at her.

“That I did, love. And as you can see, you have quite a selection to choose from, if I do say so myself,” Lilia giggled.

“I suppose we should get started then!” You pulled yourself up and cautiously approached the racks of clothing again before Lilia chuckled.

“Go on, pick one! You’ll get to try them all on before the week is up.”

You nodded, and ran your hands over one of the racks. You looked away, letting your hand grasp a random dress.

Four hours later and three hairstyle changes by your mother, and you’d found it.

The perfect dress for you to be introduced to Court in.

It was made of a cream colored silk, with princess seams running down the chest and stopping at your waist, leading into a skirt that flowed beautifully when you spun around. The square neckline was modest enough for your comfort, and the added lace on the end of the butterfly sleeves and ruffle over your chest was perfect. The back was tied together with a matching silk ribbon, and overall the dress felt so… you. It made you look so feminine and sweet, and would be comfortable enough to dance in for hours.

“This is the one, mama,” you said as you smoothed your hands over your stomach, the fabric soft beneath your fingers.

“You look beautiful, Y/N. You’re sure to take every alpha’s breath away,” Lilia said tearily as she watched you twirl in the mirror, the skirt moving like water around you.

“You think so?” you asked hopefully when you turned to her, a bright smile on your lips.

“We know so, Y/N,” the voice of your father said behind you, and you spun to face him. “You look perfect. My darling daughter, all grown up,” Tamlin said hoarsely, but his eyes were overflowing with love, glistening with tears.

“Thank you, papa,” you said softly, walking to him and throwing your arms around his neck. “I’m only this perfect because of both of you.”

Tamlin chuckled at that. “If you say so, dear,” he said as he released you from his hold. “Are you girls hungry? Dinner is ready, if you are.”

Just as he finished speaking, Lilia’s stomach rumbled softly, eliciting laughter from all three of you.

“I’ll be out in a moment, I just need to change out of my dress,” you said, pushing your father from the room.

“Alright, we’ll wait to walk down with you,” Lilia replied, following Tamlin out into the main sewing room and shutting the door behind her.

You turned back to the mirror, admiring yourself one more time. You certainly looked the image of Spring in this dress- pure and full of hope, ready to start a new life. One minute. One minute, you allowed yourself to dream about the possibility of meeting your future alpha in this dress.

A happy sigh left your lips at the thought, before you started undressing.

🤍🌸🤍🌸🤍

Dinner had been wonderful as always, with the addition of Lucien teasing you about how much he was going to run you ragged during your dance lessons over the next week. You had merely shaken your head, knowing that you’d danced all day before, every Calanmai up until dusk.

Now though, you were back in the gardens.

You were currently contemplating what gift to create and present to your High King and Queen, wishing that you knew what they would appreciate. Your hands were busy pushing magic into the few lilac roses that had yet to bloom, a practice you were familiar enough with to let your thoughts drift to other things.

Should you give something related to Spring?

Or something only you could make? What would that even be?

Would they prefer something to eat, or would that be seen as rude- as if you were implying they did not have enough to eat?

What about something that you’d embroidered? Though you weren’t the most skilled with needlework yet, having preferred to hone your blooming abilities first.

The thoughts raced around your head for the entire hour you spent outside, the sky going from a bright orange to dark blues and purples, and you still had yet to decide on anything.

But at least your roses were fully bloomed, and would stay that way for weeks. Maybe you’d be back in time to see them wilt, if they stayed as stubborn as they usually did.

You sighed and stood from where you’d been kneeling, brushing dirt and blades of grass from the skirt of your dress. Slowly you began making your way back to the manor, nearly ready to turn in for the night. You came to a halt in the small courtyard in the center of the rose gardens, letting the sound of babbling water from the fountain quiet your mind, your eyes falling shut without a thought.

Your eyes snapped open- perfect!

The courtyard you were standing in had always been a favorite spot of yours, it’s beauty unmatched. The cherry blossom trees encircling it were almost constantly raining down pretty pink petals, and the clusters of flowers scattered about were beautiful. Along with the fountain and the ornate wooden bench, it would make for a lovely diorama depicting the season of spring.

Of course you would need your mother’s help for the flowing water part, and possibly the help of one of the village’s glassblowers, but you would be able to create most of it yourself, if your parents thought it a good gift for your High King and Queen.

Satisfied now that you had an idea, you turned and made your way to the manor. Only a few minutes later and you were shutting your bedroom door behind you. You went through your night routine quickly, wanting nothing more than to sink between your sheets and drift off to sleep.

Your nerves were quieter today, and it took you no more than five minutes to fall asleep once your head had hit the pillow.

🩵🌸🤍🌸💜

Grass was soft underfoot as you walked through the gardens, eyes lifted to the night sky.

The stars were beautiful tonight, glistening more brightly than you had ever seen them. You didn’t bother looking where you were walking- after all, you’d practically been raised between these hedges, so many days passed by playing hide-and-seek with your parents and uncle.

And when you bumped into something- someone, you were pulled from the magnetism of the stars, your cheeks heated as you apologized.

“It’s nothing, darling,” the female chuckled, wrapping her arms around you. “You found me! I’m surprised you did so quickly, did someone use the stars to help her?” she asked, fingers ghosting over your sides, pulling a giggle from you.

“No, I just thought they were pretty tonight,” you said, breathless now that you’d seen her.

She was far prettier than any stars in the sky.

“Thank you, darling,” she giggled, and you blushed even harder when you realized that you must have spoken that aloud. “Come now, let’s find Rhys. He’s hiding somewhere in here.”

The female pulled you by the hand, leading you further into the hedges, stopping abruptly every now and then, your chest bumping into her back. It took her all of five minutes to lead both of you to a male, his back turned to you and head tilted to the sky. The female nudged you forward, an encouraging smile on her face when you looked back at her.

Nervously, you approached the man on your tiptoes, poking him gently on the shoulder. He whirled around, arms encircling you before you could move away.

“Aha! I’ve caught you now, little one,” the male, Rhys, chuckled, burying his face in your neck, nose nudging your braid.

“It’s the other way around, Rhysie,” the female giggled, her chest pressing to your back as they held you between their bodies.

“Uh-uh, Feyre, I caught her first, all our little omega did was tap my shoulder. So I win,” Rhys said smugly, a satisfied grin on his face when you looked up at him- absolutely stunning, just as Feyre was. “See, even Y/N thinks I won. Don’t you, darling?”

With those violet eyes looking into yours, it was all you could do to nod in agreement.

“Fine,” Feyre sighed, her hands drifting to grasp your hips. “You need to give him his reward for winning, Y/N.”

“Re-reward?” you asked, confused.

“Mhm, for winning I get a kiss from our sweet omega,” Rhys gloated, puckering his lips invitingly. “Please?” he asked with a slight pout, and you bit your lip, fighting the grin that was threatening to cross them.

You pushed up on your tiptoes, planting your lips to his skin.

“Not fair,” he whined as your lips left his cheek, a grin fully formed now.

“Maybe,” you giggled. “But you still got a kiss, didn’t you?”

He narrowed his eyes playfully. “Oh, I see. We’re teasing each other now, aren’t we?” You nodded, and felt Feyre do the same, her golden brown hair tickling your shoulder. “Alright, just remember that you started it, little one. Now, run. Let’s see how long it takes one of us to find you, and the first one gets a real kiss, on the lips.”

You were beaming as you freed yourself from their holds, not wasting a moment before taking off into the maze that you knew like the back of your hand.

🩵🌸🤍🌸💜

General Taglist: @daughterofthemoons-stuff @lilah-asteria @meritxellao @twismare @wrenisrad @icey--stars @le-nottibianche @archerxnn @littlest-w01f @human169

🤍🌸🤍🌸🤍

Grass was soft beneath your feet, tickling between your toes as you tended to the rose bush in front of you. It was the only one that had yet to bloom this season, disliking the slightly cooler weather that autumn brought to the Spring Court. Your fingers drifted over the stubborn buds, each of them blooming under your touch. A gentle breeze passed by, making the petals flutter and the loose hairs of your braid tickle at your neck.

Lilac roses had always been your favorite of all the flowers your father had planted. Not only are they a part of the garden expansion he’d planted for you at your birth, they were also the most stubborn bushes in the rose garden. They take forever to bloom each season and refuse to wilt, and sometimes you almost wished you had a bit more of that persistence yourself.

Your life in Spring had been nearly perfect- the only true want you had was to experience the other seasons, at least once in your life. But in the twenty-four years you’d been alive, you had yet to see the other three. And each time you’d asked your father, he’d told you that you weren’t ready yet. So aside from that desire, you had no complaints.

You had plenty of training for your growing powers, access to a grand library, delicious and fresh food, plus you were even allowed to roam the Court, with a chaperone of course. As safe as the Spring Court was, your father was still worried about the only heir to his throne wandering around without protection. Especially since you had presented as an omega two years ago. Your favorite companion of choice was Lucien, whenever he returned from the High King and Queen’s Court. He let you play and socialize with the other young fae without hesitation, while any of the sentries who accompanied you were difficult to convince.

A particularly unyielding bud drew you from your thoughts, and you pinched it between your fingers lightly. Your brow scrunched slightly as you focused on it, directing the power flowing in your blood and pushing a small amount of it forward, a satisfied smile on your lips when the rose bloomed fully, pretty lilac petals brushing your skin. You were so focused that you only registered the sound of footsteps when the person rounded the corner, and turned to see a flustered Lucien, heading straight towards you.

“Hello! Look, I’ve nearly gotten the whole bush to bloom-” Your words were cut off when Lucien grabbing you by your arm, tugging you back the way he came. “Why are we rushing, Lucien?” you asked, slightly worried with just how fast he was pulling you back to entrance to the manor.

“You forgot about one of your lessons,” Lucien said plainly, and you made a face at the obvious lie.

“No, I didn’t Lucien. I never have lessons on Sunday afternoons, so what is it really?”

Lucien looked back at you once you’d exited the rose hedges, and your worry grew at the fear in his eyes. “I’ll explain once we get to your rooms, Y/N,” he said placatingly before tugging on your arm again, leading you up the path to the front door, still ajar, likely from when he’d come to fetch you.

As you entered the manor, Lucien came to a sudden halt, and you bumped into his back, smacking him on the arm for stopping so unexpectedly. “Lucien!” you scolded, prying his hand off of your arm when his grip tightened. “Why did you-?” You paused mid-question after peering around his shoulder, eyes landing on a winged male standing next to your father, hazel eyes locked on yours.

He most certainly was not from the Spring Court.

“Hello,” you said meekly, stepping out from behind Lucien’s back and smiling at the male.

The male smiled back at you, stepping forward until he stood before you. He extended a hand, and your eyes registered the marred flesh before you looked back up, not wanting to make the male uncomfortable and extending a hand without hesitating. Despite its appearance, his skin was soft as he took your hand gently. “Hello, beautiful. My name is Azriel, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” he said smoothly, lifting your hand to press a kiss to the back of it, his scent washing over you as he did.

Cedar wood and night-chilled mist-

Alpha.

A slight flush spread over your cheeks as he pulled back, looking at you expectantly. “It’s lovely to meet you, Azriel. My name is Y/N,” you said with a curtsy.

“Y/N, hm? And what is a wonderful young omega like yourself doing at the High Lord’s manor?” Azriel asked, slowly letting go of your hand.

“I’m the Princess of Spring, sir,” you replied, noticing the way his eyes widened the slightest bit. “What brings you to our lovely court, if I may ask?”

Your father stepped forward then, drawing your eyes to his, emerald eyes blazing as they flicked between you and Azriel. “We were just heading to my study, sweetheart. Why don’t you head along to that lesson Lucien was taking you to?” he suggested forcefully, and you nodded. It wasn’t often that he acted like this, but when he did? You knew he was only acting in your best interest.

“It was nice meeting you, Azriel,” you said, flashing him a bright smile before you let Lucien pull you away. You could feel his frustration the entire way up the stairs and to your room, but he didn’t speak until the door was shut and locked behind him.

“Y/N,” he sighed, putting his head in his hands. “Why did you talk to him?!”

“I-” you paused, completely confused. “I acted how I always do with new guests, politely.”

“But that was- Mother, Y/N, that was the High King and Queen’s spymaster!” he yelled. Lucien turned away from you, taking a few deep breaths before looking back. “It’s complicated, Y/N, but they weren’t aware of your existence, Tamlin made sure of it. They don’t… He has a complex history with them, and he thought it best to introduce you to their Court when you were older.”

“So I’m… a secret?” you asked, thoroughly confused. “But people in Spring know who I am, so how do they not know?”

Lucien sighed. “They’ve all been told to keep their knowledge of you hushed. And that worked, up until today… But I suppose there’s nothing to be done about it now,” he said heavily.

“What do you think will happen?” you asked hesitantly, not entirely sure that you want to hear the answer. You didn’t know much about your High King and Queen, but the little you did know told you that they were fearsome and ruthless when the situation called for it.

“I’m not sure, Y/N. But whatever does happen, I need you to stay strong, Y/N. They aren’t the fondest of your father…”

You pondered that for a moment. Why wouldn’t they like your father? He only did what was best for the court, and also complied with the rulings of the High King and Queen. What was there to dislike?

You were just about to ask him when a key rattled in your door, swinging open a moment later to reveal your father. He looked distraught for the first time in your life, emerald eyes latching onto you as his claws retracted into his knuckles, and he let out a sigh of relief.

“Lucien-”

“I know, Tamlin. I’m sorry, I should’ve winnowed her out-”

Your father held up a hand, stopping Lucien before he could go any further. “I don’t blame you, Lucien. If anyone is to blame, It’s me,” he groaned. “I should have expected they would come calling today, with the courting ball approaching. I’m sorry, Y/N, I should have saved you from this,” he lamented, approaching you and pulling you in for a tight hug.

“Saved me from what?” you asked, curious as to what event they were talking about.

“There’s…” Lucien paused for a moment, looking at your father for any disapproval. “Every five years, there is a two week long courting season for unclaimed omegas, and attendance is mandatory.” Your eyes widened, and you opened your mouth to protest, but Lucien continued, “You do not need to find an alpha, Y/N, you will only be made to attend and participate in the traditional courting activities.”

You breathed a sigh of relief. That was one major worry sorted. “I am struggling to see the problem, then.”

“The prob-?” Tamlin released you, looking down at you with shock. “The problem is that the High King and Queen know about you, sweetheart. Who knows what they’ll use this opportunity to do?” He was frantic again, and began pacing the length of your room.

“Tamlin, she’s right. I know it’s not ideal, but the fact that they have yet to barge in and demand to meet Y/N is promising. And I doubt that they’ll do anything to harm her, seeing as she’s a protected citizen under their own law,” Lucien said placatingly. Tamlin slowed his pace, considering the words.

“Besides, they were going to learn of me eventually, right? I don’t see the harm in doing it sooner, rather than later,” you added. And wouldn’t it be better, if they found out sooner? They’d likely be angrier the longer you were hidden, if they’ll even be angry at all.

You weren’t even sure why it matters so much, to keep you hidden.

“It might even be better, to have her introduced to their Court during the season. They’re typically on their best behavior during it,” Lucien pointed out, and your father stopped pacing.

“I hadn’t thought of it that way,” he sighed. “We’ll wait to see if you receive an invite, Y/N. And if you don’t, all the better. Now, I’m sure your mother has already finished brewing a pot of tea for us all to enjoy, why don’t we go see her in the garden?” Tamlin didn’t wait for a response, already taking of at a brisk pace.

You and Lucien let him go ahead, preferring to give him a bit of space. He even let you set the pace, a slow meander through the halls and down the stairs. Questions were something you didn’t bother with, knowing that Lucien had always been tight-lipped about the High King and Queen at your father’s request.

Which made you all the more curious. Just what had happened between the three of them?

“Y/N, my baby!” your mother squealed when you passed through the back garden door, jumping up from her seat to squeeze you tightly. “I heard you met the Shadowsinger, I’m sorry it wasn’t a more planned meeting, dear. But, if it means you get to attend the courting season, I won’t be too upset!” Lilia tugged you over to the table, laden with tiny sandwiches and cakes and a tea set. “That’s where your father and I met, you know,” she said dreamily as you sat down, your teacup already being filled by your father.

“Really? So you can give me tips on what to do,” you giggled.

“Of course! I’ll tell you all about it while we get you ready over the next week.”

“Ready?” you asked hesitantly. What was so different about it compared to your court’s festivities that you need to be prepared for it?

“Yes, Y/N, ready. There’s more to a courting season than there is to solstice celebrations,” she said simply. “You’ll need to know how to spot a kind alpha from one who only wants to hurt you, or have you as a status symbol. And it’s always a good idea to know what’s expected of you during each event.”

“They’re all harmless events, you just need to know the etiquette. But that can wait, why don’t you have a sandwich, Y/N?” Lucien placed a small sandwich on the plate in front of you, and pushed it towards you.

You saw the move for what it was- an attempt to swing the conversation to your mother’s cooking. It was a good choice, one that had your father’s shoulders loosening as he picked up one of them for himself.

If anyone was in trouble this courting season, it was sure to be your father.

🤍🌸🤍🌸🤍

Sleep was hard to find that night, your sheets a rumpled mess an hour after you’d laid down. While you weren’t concerned about the courting season, you were still a tad nervous.

Another fifteen minutes passed, and you sighed heavily before getting up. One thing, and one thing alone would allow you to sleep.

A nest.

You brought three pillows and four extra blankets out of your closet and onto your bed, piling them around the center to make a decently sized barrier. The moment you slid under the sheets inside of it, the restlessness inside of you stilled. Your favorite plush in the shape of a strawberry was clutched to your chest as you dozed off, sleep finally claiming you.

🩵💜🤍💜🩵

The clouds above your head floated past lazily, giving you a chance to find a shape in each one.

You were laying in your favorite clearing, the one just past the forest’s edge near the manor, with wildflowers blooming all around you. The sky was striking, pretty streaks of dark orange, blue, and purple, each cloud more beautiful than the last.

“There you are, darling, we’ve been looking for you.” You lifted your head to see two high fae, walking towards you from the tree line. “Can we join you?”

It was the gorgeous female who’d spoken, her blue eyes shining brightly as she kneeled on the grass next to you.

“Oh, I… I suppose,” you said shyly, blushing when you saw her even closer. She was stunning, her skin glowing softly against the darkening sky. She laid down beside you, close enough that your fingers brushed the side of her leg nearest to you. Your cheeks reddened further when the male laid down as well, except he was on his side, facing you.

Two fingers met your chin, turning your head until you were looking him in the eyes. Violet eyes, flecked with stars- actual stars, so brilliant they took your breath away. “It’s been too long since we’ve come to visit, don’t you think?”

“Far too long,” the female next to you agreed. “I think we both deserve a kiss, with how long its been. Right?”

“You heard her, darling,” the male chuckled, leaning in and pressing his lips to yours, demanding but so soft against you. “Don’t be shy, give one to Feyre.” Your cheeks were flushed, your lungs breathless as your face was again turned by two gentle fingers, a different, plusher set of lips colliding with yours.

She kissed you hungrily, her hand holding you in place while she took her fill, your lips learning her rhythm and moving in time, your body sinking further into the ground as you went limp in her hold. A hand met your waist, slowly snaking down to brush against your hip and startling you out of the kiss.

“Good girl, didn’t you miss us?” the female, Feyre, asked.

You were dizzy enough from the melding of your lips that you nodded, knowing it was the answer they were looking for.

“We won’t ever be away for so long again, darling, don’t you worry. Every day, until the end of time, we’ll see you.” The male’s hand was back on your hip, thumb stroking across the fabric of your dress soothingly.

“Every day?” you asked sleepily, followed by a yawn.

“That’s right, little love. Every day. How does that sound to you?”

You felt warm and fuzzy inside, fizzy bubbles of happiness rushing through your blood. Feeling like this every day, with them? “Good,” you whispered, smiling when each cheek received a kiss.

“Perfect, darling, because we weren’t going to leave you alone anyways,” the male said lightly, burying his nose against your neck and scenting you deeply. “Especially not when you smell so delici-”

“Rise and shine, Y/N!” The curtains to your room were thrown wide open, and the sunlight coupled with the cheery voice of your mother had you squinting your eyes open. “We have an official invite for you from the High King and Queen themselves to attend their courting season, so you need to get up now, my dear.”

You groaned and rolled over, letting yourself burying your face in a pillow for a minute.

What had you been dreaming about? Something nice, and… What was it?

Whatever it was, you hadn’t wanted to wake up just yet, but you resigned yourself to dismantling your makeshift nest, and began getting ready for a day filled with courting preparations.

🩵🌸🤍🌸💜