#lucienweek

With a happy sigh slipping through his lips, Lucien wraps both his arms, also the one holding the huge bouquet, around his mate. 

Lucien rests his head onto top of hers when Elain snuggles against his chest, inhaling his scent — woodsy, like the earth after the first rain, and sun-kissed skin with a hint of a musky undertone. 

"I missed you," Elain whispers into the fabric of his shirt. 

Lucien releases a long exhale, his whole body vidibly relaxing now that he is in his mate's arms. "I am sure I missed you more, dove."

Elain giggles, tips her head back and looks up at him through furrowed brows. "Not possible, because I missed you so tremendously much."

A beautiful grin spreads over Lucien's face, one eye of russet and one of metal sparkling brightly. "And still I missed you more."

"You are impossible, my lord." Elain steps away from the embrace, immediately feeling a little cooler now that she is no longer in her mate's arms. "We need to eat, I made your favourite meal and—" She blabbers but soon cuts herself of when her eyes fall onto the huge bouquet in Lucien's hand. 

Her eyes widen and she reaches her hands forward, a surprised smile parting her lips. She is still not used to Lucien's kindness, his thoughtfulness. Not once does he come home without anything he brought for her. But still, she somehow hasn't got used to it, and is surprised and absolutely happy every time. "For me?" she asks in a breathy voice.

"No, for Cassian, you know how much he loves the pollen."

"Impossible!" Elain shakes her head, grinning as she takes the bouquet from Lucien's hand and inhales the scents of the various flowers. She hums as she closes her eyes. "I love it. Thank you so much."

It is a big bouquet - a bunch of colourful flowers woven together, all perfectly fitting the other flowers and Elain wonders if Lucien bought if for her or picked the flowers himself. 

"Did you…?" she raises a brow and a sheepish smile plays on her lips. 

Lucien moves closer to her, threading his fingers through hers, and brings her hand up to his lips. "Did I…?" he drawls and kisses her knuckles, his soft lips brushing her skin, but making heat flood through her entire being. It has been too long without her mate, her whole entire being craves him. 

"Make it myself?" he finally finishes his sentence, still holding her hand. 

Elain nods. 

"I did. Picked the flowers before I got on board of the ship back here."

Elain's smile turns even more radiant and she wiggles her whole body out of happiness. "Gods, I love you so much!" 

Leaning down, Lucien's answer is to kiss her, their lips melding, meeting in a soft yet passionate kiss. Finally their souls are reunited, their hearts once again beating in the same, steady rhythm. 

But Elain's heart beat doesn't stay steady for all too long, the more Lucien deepens the kiss, the faster her heart beats, her knees turning a little wobbly. And as she gives fully in to the kiss, the hand that does not hold the bouquet sliding up Lucien's chest, she feels damp heat slick between her thighs. She knows Lucien can scent her arousal, but she doesn't care. Actually, she finds it amazing — he should know how much she missed him. 

Their lips part, but neither of them opens their eyes immediately. Lucien leans his forehead against Elain's, bending slightly at the waist so it works. 

His hands are on Elain's hips, holding her close. 

"There was not a single moment I did not think about you during my time away." "I always thought about you too, Lucien. Night and day."

Lucien sighs, a happy and relieved sound, his warm breath tingling Elain's skin. The fire burning in the fire place creates a warm atmosphere in the living room. Neither of them makes a move to step away from the other, revelling in the closeness of the other's body, the warmth, the other's scent. The only sound that interrupts their peaceful solitude is the grumbling of Lucien's stomach, that signals Elain that her mate is close to starving. 

"Food!" she expresses, "I nearly forgot now. I made your favourite meals, come on."

She tugs at Lucien's hand, pulling him after her into the kitchen where she already set the table. There are many pots and pans on the oven, and also quite a few bowls on the table. 

"I made bread, your favourite one, the rosemary one. And roasted meat and roasted veggies, and for later on your favourite apple pie, with some extra apple sauce. And I got some good wine, Mor suggested it to me. I hope you enjoy it."

"As if there could ever be a meal of yours I would not enjoy, dove." He shakes his head and laughs at the blush that graces Elain's cheeks. 

But then she remembers the bouquet in her hands — Lucien's appearance always just makes her forget about everything. It is like he eliminates every other thought and there is just him on her mind anymore. 

Elain swirls around, hastily running through the kitchen, in search of a vase for the bouquet. Lucien comes up to her, already knowing she can't reach up to the top shelf. 

The Vanserra male chuckles lowly when he sees her attempt to reach up, getting on her tiptoes, and stretching her arms high up in the air. 

His front touches her back when Lucien closes the distance between them, reaches up to shelf from behind her, not even having to try hard to grab the vase. "My lovely little mate," he drawls and hands her the vase. 

"I guess I am just hopeless without you." 

"You are not, only when it comes to the top shelves." 

Lucien grins, but quickly lifts his hand when he sees the challenge in his mate's eyes. "And no, I don't ever again want you climbing onto the counter and then grab things from the shelf. Remember what happened the other day, where you practically fell into my arms and nearly broke every single bone in your body." Lucien raises a warning brow, but Elain can only laugh. 

"Maybe I just like to be in your arms," Elain muses, smiling smugly and finally putting the flowers into the vase she filled with water. 

"Of course you do, my lady."

With a little difficulty as the table is crammed with food and plates, Elain finds a place for the vase amongst all the dishes, and then they are ready to eat.

Lucien immediately dives in, savouring every bit of the delicious meals his mate has cooked for him. At some point throughout the dinner he reaches out, grabbing the hand Elain is not using to hold her fork. He just holds her hand in his and that is it. But he wants to feel her, wants it so he knows she is here, here in his life. Here with him. His mate, the love of his life, and all he could have ever hoped for. 

"So, how was the trip?" Elain asks. 

Lucien strokes his thumb over the back of her hand, and for a moment her eyes move there. She smiles to herself and waits for Lucien to tell her about the trip. 

"Where do I start?" He ponders for a moment and the begins to tell her about the storm that was raging when he set out for the continent. For a split second, Elain stops eating, eyes widening about the imminent danger Lucien had been in. But thank the Cauldron, everything turned out good. "Then we arrived there, and I was immediately picked up by some court officials. The room I got at the kingdom was really nice, you would have liked it, it overlooked the palace gardens. "

He smiles and then shoves another piece of meat into his mouth. "The talks were just about business, nothing special and unfortunately also nothing too interesting or new. I collected some information I will give to Rhys and my brother tomorrow." 

Elain nods, also scooping up a piece of meat. 

"How was it here? Anything special happened?" Elain meets his gaze for a second, and slowly shakes her head. "Not much except for the usual chaos."

Lucien has to laugh at that, the sound so warm and rich it brushes Elain's skin like a soft cloth. 

Elain tells him a little about what has been going on with Nyx, as he and Feyre came over the previous day and spent a day with Elain. She tells her mate about how he already talks a little, and how they played together. Lucien listens, hand never letting go off Elain's. 

When done with dinner, they clean up together, do the dishes and then tidy the kitchen. 

Lucien leans against the counter and takes Elain's hands into his, bringing her close to him. 

"What do you think of a bath, my lovely lady?"

Elain's eyes sparkle in anticipation, and she nods eagerly. "I would love that."

Steam rises from bathtub, that already magically filled with water. Lucien and Elain add some oils and rose petals, finishing up the wonderful bath, ready for them to climb in. 

"What you like to undress me, my lord?" Elain grins up at her mate, mischief sparkling in her doe eyes. Lucien's eyes dip to her cleavage for a second, and he knows she put this damnable dress on just for him. It accentuates every curve of her wonderful body, fits her like a second skin, and makes her whole being glow. 

"Nothing I would rather do," Lucien hums, fingers already finding their place on the laces in the front of the dress. With some quick and coordinated movements the laces are loose and he can slowly start to undress his beautiful mate. "While I was away I was thinking about doing this more than is healthy."

Elain giggles. "Did you?" she teases, leaning in a little. Lucien does as well, fingers opening the front of the dress when his lips touch Elain's ear. 

"Especially at night." He kisses her ear, loving how she shudders a little. 

His own passion and desire are just as acute as hers. His cock almost painful strains against his breeches and he can't wait for her to undress him. 

The bodice of the dress loosens, and Lucien careful shoves each strap down Elain's delicate shoulders, until the dress pools at her hips. Lucien sneaks his hands around her waist, bringing her in for a short kiss. 

"You are so beautiful," he hums, nose brushing hers. Elain's smile is radiant, and lights up the whole room. His hands move lower, and he pulls the dress down until it falls to the floor, pooling around Elain's feet. Her undergarments are gone with the next movement, and finally he can cup her rear in his broad hands. "I was also thinking about this more than is healthy." "My butt?" Elain chuckles, softly kissing her mate's neck. 

"Yes, your butt, my lady." 

Her joyful laughter fills the whole room, and Lucien once again is reminded that this sound is his most favourite in the whole entire world — more beautiful than any melody musicians could create. 

The Vanserra male steps away a little, opening his arms wide, a full toothy grin on his lips. "Your turn."

Excitement is etched upon her features, and Elain quickly closes the distance between them once again. She pulls on the laces of his shirt, opening them up slowly, until inch by inch of Lucien's marvellous chest is revealed to her. His chest is a sculpted masterpiece, with well-defined muscles that seem to ripple beneath his bronze, sun-kissed skin. 

Elain leans in, trailing kisses down from his pectoral to his navel, the soft vibrations of her giggle making goosebumps appear on Lucien's skin. 

He shrugs the shirt of, and a low groan escapes his lips when Elain finally curls her fingers around the edge of his breeches, slowly pulling them down Lucien's strong thighs. She bites down on her lip when his obvious excitement springs free, hard and proud. 

"Someone's eager," she quips and tips her head back to meet Lucien's.

"Says my lovely mate whose arousal I have been able to scent since the first moment I stepped into our home this evening." 

Elain fights the urge to roll her eyes, and rather closes the distance between them, kissing him with all the hunger and passion she is feeling in this moment. 

Lucien's hands once again move to her rear, and without any conversation needed, Elain jumps and he cradles her in his arms, her legs curling around his waist. 

The strong Vanserra male carries her to the bath, slowly sinking into the delicate, hot liquid. A moan parts Elain's lips, accompanying Lucien's sigh when the liquid embraces them. 

Their bodies meld as they continue to kiss, Elain's hands buried in Lucien's hair, his hands on her waist, the tip of his cock pressing against her entrance. 

Lucien's tongue carefully parts her lips, sweeping in, brushes against her gums and then meets hers with every stroke. 

Elain, one hand still in her mate's hair, the other braced on his shoulder, pushes up a little, and then lets herself sink down on his hard dick, until he slid into the hilt. 

She breaks the kiss, her head lolling back, eyes rolling back in her head, and a low moan escapes her. 

"Gods!" she expresses, already drunk on love and passion. 

Lucien's grip on her hips tighten as he slowly begins to move her on top of him. "Ride me, my lady."

Elain rolls her hips against his, leaning in once again so their mouths meet in another searing kiss. She increases her pace, his cock stretching her out so blissfully good, she soon finds herself entering a delirious state where there is nothing but Lucien etched into every fibre of her being. 

"Yes," she cries out, pressing an open-mouthed kiss to Lucien's jaw. "Right there."

Water splashes against the tub walls and over them, some petals flowing out as well, but magic will clean that up easily. She rocks against him, a little harder and faster now, and Lucien's meets each roll of her hips with a coordinated thrust, that touches the oh so damnable good spot inside of her. 

Lucien feels how Elain squeezes his cock, growing closer to her climax. He knows she is close, also feels this through the bond. His own height is nearing as well, gathering in his spine.

"Let go," he whispers, "Come for me, my lovely mate."

And Elain does, not having to be told twice. She lets go, falling over the edge with a cry of pure pleasure, her eyes rolling back in her head, her back arching, chest pressing against Lucien's. Soon she feels his hot seed fill her, his cock throbbing. He came with a shout, finger tips digging into Elain's soft skin. "Every damn time," Lucien rasps and claims her mouth in another kiss. 

"Every damn time, I just want you more. I just desire you more. I just love you more."

He kisses her swollen lips. "My wonderful mate."

No matter how hard Lucien tried, he could never quite catch up to his cunning brother. This new scheme of Eris's seemed grandiose, leaving Lucien unsure if he could pull it off and wondering how impressed he'd be if Eris succeeded.

Lucien's mechanical eye clicked, signaling that they were being observed despite promises of privacy.

"I still need time to think about it," Lucien finally responded to Eris.

Eris sighed and turned to the side, revealing a long, neatly wrapped package next to him.

"A token of sincerity," Eris said. "I meant what I said."

"Give my regards to mother," Lucien replied, adopting Eris's detached drawl to mask his curiosity.

Eris turned to leave, opening the door to find Vassa, Jurian, Cassian, and Nesta pretending to loiter nearby.

"You're not staying for dinner?" Vassa asked, their pretense almost comical.

"I will not," Eris declared.

Elain's voice echoed from the hallway, "What's so important that you all are crowded there?"

She appeared by the doorframe, looking surprised to see Eris. Her expression turned even more bewildered when she spotted Lucien inside.

"I thought you weren't planning to come back till tomorrow," Elain said, narrowing her eyes at Lucien.

"You have me to blame for that, Lady Elain," Eris said, slipping into his courtier persona. "You look beautiful as always."

Eris turned once more to Lucien's stony expression and mentioned, "Cillian says hello."

Lucien's grip on the package tightened, revealing his displeasure. Nevertheless, he managed to respond with a curt, "Tell him I say hello too."

It wasn't until the front door slammed shut that someone finally inquired, "Who's Cillian?"

Lucien stood up, now aware of the contents of the package. He resented Eris for it, but deep down, he understood Eris's sincerity in the offering.

"Another brother," Lucien simply stated. "Dinnertime, right?"

Lucien remained silent throughout dinner, unable to fully engage in the conversation or the musings of those around him. His focus oscillated between Eris's enigmatic proposal and the poignant reminder of the gift that awaited in the sitting room.

A gentle nudge through the bond brought his attention to Elain, who regarded him with a tilted head. Her usual weariness had given way to genuine concern, but Lucien's thoughts remained too entangled to acknowledge it.

Nesta, breaking the silence, asked, "So, are we going to meet this Cillian as well?"

Lucien's response was laced with anger. "Not if he knows what's good for him."

Cassian, intrigued, commented, "Kitty-cat's got some claws. Why's that?"

Lucien rose from his seat and retrieved the package. As he tore it open, the familiar hilt of his favorite sword was revealed.

Cassian couldn't contain his gasp and requested to examine it. He carefully removed the sword from its scabbard.

The hilt was a true masterpiece, meticulously crafted from a combination of ornate, hand-carved hardwood and intricately cast solid gold, adorned with motifs of leaves and vines studded with emeralds. The crossguard, made of solid gold, bore the shape of phoenix wings, symbolizing rebirth and immortality. At its center, a sizable, multifaceted emerald was embedded to catch the light and dazzle the eye.

The blade was forged from the finest high-carbon steel, polished to a mirror-like finish. Double-edged and razor-sharp, it featured an elegant curve along its length. The blade's intricate pattern, reminiscent of flames, was a testament to ancient craftsmanship, both stunning and exceptionally durable.

Cassian tested its balance with a few swings and marveled, "Perfectly balanced and incredibly light."

Lucien provided some context, saying, "We earn our steel through a series of duels. I won this one against Eris when we were the last two standing that year."

Cassian then passed the sword to Nesta, who couldn't help but admire the intricate patterns etched into the blade.

"I killed Clovis with this blade," Lucien revealed.

Cassian, furrowing his brows, sought clarification. "Killed?"

Lucien continued, "When Jesminda... passed away and my father ordered my death, Clovis, Cillian, and Cadel pursued me to the Spring. Tamlin killed Cadel, and I killed Clovis. Cillian managed to escape."

Cassian questioned, "So how did Cillian end up with it?"

"Because I threw it at him as he was running away. Had he not winnowed back when he did, he would have been dead, or so they say. Eris must have won it back from him, or Cillian supports Eris."

Nesta inquired, "You and your brothers fight like that?"

"We're encouraged to," Lucien sighed. "There's a higher chance of becoming the High Lord when the competition is limited. They know I have no desire to be a High Lord, but that has never stopped them, given that we have no say in the magic."

Cassian pressed further, "Even Eris?"

Lucien admitted, "Eris won so many times that it felt like he was untouchable. So when I won that first year, I became the target."