Eris and the Heir of Hybern

Preface:

Eris and the Heir of Hybern

Alternate storyline and end of ACOWAR

We know that Hybern had twin niece and nephew that Feyre dispatched, but they were not the heir(s) of the kingdom. In this Fanfiction, it focuses on the princess, prince, Eris, and Tamlin, but includes the inner circle. Picking up towards the end of ACOWAR. Since it starts towards end of what is available in the series, almost everything will be a spoiler, but somethings will different as I have added characters who I think would interact wonderfully with slightly changed goings on. I suggest not reading until you've finished the series (including ACOFAS, as some things line up there too). I've also taken it upon myself to give names to the various characters that Maas has not yet.

Characters that I have named, that previously existed without names:

Lady of Autumn court: Helena

Other Autumn court heirs: Murphy, Finn, and Cranny

XARIA

Everyone had come, the human queen Vassa, the Prythian lords at least sent someone if they could not come themselves, and someone from the countries of the continent were also here to represent. A task in itself. Now I had to not die. My aunt or someone on her secret delegation would tell me the rules of the trial. Then I would enter a room where I would be watched. Either I failed and died, or I succeeded only to tempt death the following month.

You may only touch one goblet each. You may not use any magic. All the liquid must be drunk.

The words repeated in my mind over and over. Across from me sat a young fae. Not even a teenager. Vile bastards, they could have at least used Eris. One goblet was poisoned, and I had to drink it. If the child drunk it would show that not only was I not smart enough to detect the poison, but that I wasn't willing to bear the weight and ill of the crown. Seeing how small the child was, it might kill him. It would probably just make me violently sick.

No touching them, easy enough. I leaned forward in my chair and sniffed each goblet. A few of the courtiers giggled. I couldn't detect a difference. I could only touch the goblet I would drink. Too easy.

"Hello, do you understand your role here" I asked softly to the child.

"Yes, to help you become queen." He stated loudly. No, actually you're here to symbolize the innocents I have killed and will kill. Close enough.

I nodded. "You can only touch one goblet." I started. He nodded and placed a hand on the table, ready to drink the one I commanded. "I want you to pick up either one, and pour it into the other."

"I thought I was supposed to drink it?" he asked.

"No, I don't think you were." I said smoothly.

"This one?" He started to reach for the left one. I nodded, he gripped it, it was heavier than he thought, his hand shook. He dumped it into the other. The clear liquid turned slightly milky. One had an antidote, the other had the poison. Now they were attacking each other. He was careful to make sure every drop made it into the other goblet.

The trials were supposed to hurt, emotionally, mentally and especially physically. Drinking poison would suck. I tipped the full goblet back and drank all the contents. I didn't want to fail on a technicality.

"Congratulations, you didn't poison the child. You officially pass the first trial." Someone said behind her. She needed to vomit, badly.

"Xaria," someone said close by. She turned her head, but she eyes rolled up in her head.

Fingers jammed into her throat, she coated them in vomit. The hand withdrew, but hands still held her. "Again," a female voice said. Xaria was already heaving a breath to make the vomiting easier. Her body knew she needed to get the stuff out.

When she sat up, Eris was not there. She had vomited on the floor of a study. Elain was squatted next to her. "Here," she handed a wet rag and a glass of water. "Eris is entertaining the guests."

"And you?" I choked out.

"There are few people he trusts with your wellbeing, even fewer that could miss an opportunity to gather for planning or relations." She shrugged. "Plus, we have a few things in common?"

"Autumn brothers as mates, right." I mused.

"Mates thrust upon us at moment of loss, at least that's what I meant." Elain said quietly.

"Yeah, but I was expecting one eventually." I amended.

She shrugged, "Being in Feyre's life is better than the discomfort I get from having Lucien thrust on me. He does not push."

"Some healing takes less time as fae, but some takes longer." I said. We lapsed into silence when I changed into something more court appropriate, and vomit-free.

My stomach twisted angrily.

I said nothing but crossed and took my spot in the middle of the table, in the only chair with arms. Only a king or queen may sit in a chair with arms, there were many fae here that were of that level, but used different titles. This had to be someone's doing, to elevate me, and cause strive all at once. I chose to take no notice to it. I chose to watch Elain who looked positively depressed with the idea that she had to sit between Feyre and Lucien.

"Thank you all for waiting for me. I'm glad of the opportunity the trials present, to gather us all together to create more than formal allegiances." I smiled widely at them all, hoping my breakfast wasn't in my teeth.