Chapter 53: There Is Happiness
Summary: The end is here. Next chapter is just the epilogue… it's time to say goodbye.
Gwyn POV
Gwyn knew that sex was supposed to be enjoyable. Before that night at Sangravah she had mild curiosity in the act, but living in a temple kept her options fairly limited. When she was rescued it took a long time for Gwyn to even think about sex without physically wincing. Overtime and with the help of her friends, she did what she did best. Research.
Although calling reading smutty books research was a bit of a stretch, it helped soothe her fears. It also opened a gateway to a world of possibilities. Gwyn remembered reading one particular book that came highly recommended by Nesta. It had taken her a while to work up the courage to do so after Nesta explained its contents. She couldn't believe that some people found such rough sex arousing.
Gwyn had taken the book to the bath so she could read in private. The last thing she needed was another priestess questioning what she was reading. She was so thankful that she had. The enemies to lovers with dom and sub undertones got her the most aroused she had ever been.
Well, that is until Azriel came into the picture.
She stared at him in awe. His tan skin lit up by the late afternoon sun. When his breath became more shallow she knew he was close to waking. Gwyn traced lazy circles across his tattoos as she waited impatiently for him to open his eyes.
A sleepy smirk crossed his face before he stretched his arms above his head, his wings followed suit behind him. The action reminded Gwyn of a kitten waking and stretching after a nap in the sun. She stifled a giggle.
And people think he's terrifying.
Azriel blinked the sleep from his eyes. "Already eager for another round, baby?" He asked cockily.
She batted his taut chest playfully. "I think my max is five rounds per night, shadowsinger. Anymore and you'll have to fly me everywhere."
When his grin widened she realized she had only fueled his fire. Gwyn rolled her eyes. "Quit being so smug."
"It's hard not to be smug when I got to satisfy my mate over and over again last night." He cupped her chin and pulled her in for a soft kiss. It quickly turned passionate and she pulled away with a groan.
"Don't do that." She whined.
"Do what? Kiss you?"
"No, you didn't just kiss me, you kissed me with… oomph."
"Gwyn, that's not a word." He chuckled.
"Hey don't tell the librarian what is and isn't a word, alright. I don't know what you're putting in those kisses but the longer I kiss you the more aroused I become and Nesta is going to laugh her ass off if I limp my way into the dining room." She scolded him.
Azriel let out a breathy laugh before putting his hands up in mock surrender. "Alright, alright, no more oomph kisses." he relented and compromised. Az rolled her on top of him and pulled the covers up high over her bare back. He sighed contently under her.
"Will… will accepting the bond be even crazier than last night?" She asked quietly.
"I'm not sure, we might have started off a little strong, but If I am remembering correctly from what my brothers have told me, it will last weeks." Gwyn grimaced at the thought. Not because she disliked the idea of being lost in the throws of passion with him for that long. No, she definitely looked forward to that. But she was already sore from their escapades from one night alone.
"Remind me to stock up on some pain tonic for after… I mean…" She backpedaled. Worried that she may have assumed too much. The bond only snapped for him less than twenty-four hours ago. "No rush, I mean… we don't have to plan for that yet. Hell you may not even want to, I just.." Azriel brought a scarred finger up to her lips.
"Gwyn. If you are worried that I wouldn't want to accept this bond let me make one thing perfectly clear." He lifted her chin off his chest delicately. "I want you, I want this bond, I want us to be together as long as we live. I have no doubt in my mind that you are my destiny, my future and I will be ready whenever you are to accept this bond." She didn't know she was crying until he wiped a tear away. She laughed at herself. Here she was on top of the sexiest male alive, crying.
"I'm not sure when I want to but I do think we should be out of this court before we do. I barely kept you from killing Tamlin last night, I don't think either Rhys or Cass could hold you back in that scenario"
Az grumbled. "If we had accepted the bond last night, Tamlin would be dead today."
"And since we didn't, Tamlin lives to see another day… right?"
Azriel let out a dramatic sigh. "Right. Now that I'm thinking clearly I know that we can't blame him for what the sexist magic made him do so instead of killing him I'll just knock him out."
"Az."
"Okay, I'll just punch him in the face."
"Azriel."
"In the gut?"
"Shadowsinger!"
"Ugh, fine. No punching or killing Tamlin. Man, you're no fun." He pretended to pout. She laughed and poked at his protruding bottom lip. She got nervous however, when his frown was replaced with a feral grin.
"Oh no. I know that face." Gwyn observed warily. "What loophole have you found for you to get away with killing him?"
"Oh, it's nothing. Is that the time?" He asked innocently as he stared at the clock. "We should probably get ready for dinner." He carefully scooted her off of him and made his way to the bathroom.
Gwyn bounded off the bed in a leap. She landed in front of him and blocked his path. "What aren't you telling me, shadowsinger?"
His eyes twinkled mischievously. "You really don't know?"
"Obviously. Now quit stalling." She growled.
He placed his hands on her shoulders. "Gwyn, my love. I love you to the stars and back. I would do anything for you and that includes respecting your wishes to not lay a hand on the High Lord."
"I'm sensing a but…"
"But… I'm not naive enough to think I am the only male that loves you enough to defend your honor."
Gwyn furrowed her brow, thinking hard about who would fight Tamlin for her. Lucien would know it was the magics fault, Rhysand isn't dumb enough to murder him and face the fallout. That left…"
"Cass." She gasped as realization dawned on her. He would have been there, would have seen Tamlin chase after her.
Azriel laughed as if Tamlin's impending demise was the funniest joke he had ever heard. "I feel little Tam Tam is about to learn the hard way not to mess with Cassian's little sister."
Of course Azriel took forever getting ready. As antsy as Gwyn was about the possible murder of the High Lord of Spring, she knew she couldn't go down there reeking of sex.
She also knew she had no chance in hell stopping Cassian's wrath. Especially not with Nesta by his side where she would likely be either assisting his assault or leading his charge.
Gwyn eventually resigned his fate to the Mother. She sent a prayer that Rhysand and Feyre would protect Tamlin.
Now that I think about it… that's a terrible plan. She groaned to herself as she dressed quickly, but she still had to wait another fifteen minutes for Azriel to finish fixing his hair.
"Would you hurry up? You never take this long when we get ready for training." She grumbled. Gwyn sat at the edge of the bed and tapped her foot anxiously.
Azriel met her gaze in the vanity mirror. "Ah but that's training. There may be a funeral today that I need to look presentable for." When she didn't laugh he put down his comb and walked toward her.
"Have you thought that maybe I just don't want to leave this room? In here there is no work, no stress, no annoying brothers interrupting us…"
"Are you forgetting Rhysand's mental cock-block so soon?"
"The point…" He emphasized and took her hands in his. "Is that as soon as we step over the threshold we will be bombarded by everyone in our nosy family. Sue me for wanting a few more stolen moments alone with my mate before we are thrown to the lions."
"Aww Nesta will be so flattered to hear your new nickname for her." Azriel rolled his eyes and tried to pull his hands from hers.
She tightened her grip on him. "I know, Azriel. I'm reluctant to leave too. But I think there is something you've forgotten about today."
He looked at her questioningly, but stayed quiet.
"Azriel, we get to go home. We get to leave this manor, and start a new life. One with each other."
After that it was Azriel who rushed her to put her shoes on, now eager to eat dinner and leave this place.
Gwyn had thought that Az was exaggerating about being bombarded as soon as they left her room but annoyingly the spy-master was right.
Elain exited her suite down the hall with Lucien in tow, she broke out into a sprint when she saw Gwyn. She didn't have time to brace herself before Elain collided with her. They fell to the stone floor with a resounding thud.
"Mother, what is it with you Archerons? Can't you hug someone without knocking them down?" Gwyn argued as she tried to catch the breath that was knocked out of her. Lucien and Az hovered over them in amusement.
Azriel offered his hand out to Elain in an attempt to haul her off of Gwyn's small frame. But at the first brush of skin Azriel was pushed into the hallway wall. An angry Lucien held a fist inches away from his face.
"Whoa! Stop! What the hell?" Gwyn yelled as she rolled out from under Elain and rushed over to Azriel's aid.
"Lucien! We talked about this!" Elain cried from the floor beside her. "Let him go!"
Lucien's attention shifted to his mate, just enough so that Azriel had an opportunity to free himself.
But he didn't.
Gwyn looked at him, alarmed as he stayed put. He didn't struggle or fight. Instead…
He laughed.
A deep, hearty, belly laugh.
"Well, well, well. Looks like Lucien got his wish after all. Welcome to the family, my man."
Lucien relaxed and took a step back only to flinch when Azriel clapped him on the shoulder.
"What am I missing?" Gwyn asked the group but she was ignored. Elain strode over to the red haired male and wrapped her arm around his middle.
"If this is how dinner is going to be, maybe we should just skip." She whispered loudly in his ear.
"No, no. I was just caught off guard. I'll do better next time." Lucien assured her before turning back to Az. "Sorry about that."
Gwyn's gaze bounced back to her mate. "Not a problem, can't say I would be any better."
"Better about what? Hello? Someone fill me in here." She complained louder this time. Finally she caught Elain's attention.
"Lucien's a little defensive right now. Apparently accepting the mating bond turns male's into flamboyant peacocks, strutting their feathers about when anyone dares look at their mate."
"What?" Gwyn squeaked. Her voice echoed down the hall, making a few lingering servants jump. "You… you accepted? Oh my stars, that is wonderful!" She ran to her friend and hugged her so hard Elain stumbled.
"And you complain about the Archeron's being forceful huggers." Elain chuckled, before she squeezed just as forcefully. When Gwyn let go she found Lucien's arms next.
Her father had not only found love, but had embraced it.
"I'm so proud of you!" She whispered fiercely into his ear.
"That's my line." He chuckled out breathlessly. "A little too tight there, kiddo. You're stronger than you look." Gwyn pulled back, embarrassed.
"Sorry. Just, holy cow! Did you plan this? Was it spur of the moment? I want details!" Az laughed at her blush that followed her outburst. "Okay I want some details, I don't need to know the whole process."
"I could ask you the same thing." Elain rebutted, she crossed her arms and looked between the her and Azriel. "What a shock it was to me when I saw you two down the hall. I was hit suddenly with an old vision. Only this time, the golden glow that surrounded you two burned brighter than the sun." She gave Azriel a giant smile. "Congratulations on your bond, Azriel."
As Gwyn watched the two beam at each other, neither stepping near in fear of provoking Lucien, she reminisced on their time here. She remembered watching them together, it felt like a lifetime ago. In a month's time she had gone from envying Elain to considering her as one of her best friends.
Thank you, Mother. For all of your blessings on Azriel and I, and Lucien and Elain.
As Gwyn strolled down the hall with Azriel and Lucien in step behind them she would have bet all the money in the world that Catrin was looking down on her now.
Most likely laughing her ass off. She grinned to herself before she gave Elain her attention as she went into detail about her night.
Too much detail.
Azriel POV
His face hurt. That's how he knew he had smiled far more than he had ever before. He wanted to stop, to resume his typical brooding if not for the sake of his reputation then for his shadows.
They hadn't left him alone all morning. Luckily they had stayed silent during last night's…activities.
But as soon as he opened his eyes they were in a frenzy.
Mate, mate, mate! We have a mate, and she loves us! They chanted as he bathed and dressed.
Yes, we do now calm down or you are going to scare her off.
We won't scare her off, she loves us! We love her! She calms you down so we don't have to leave. She makes you laugh, she makes us laugh. Keep her, make her ours. Keep her!
They wouldn't stop no matter how many times he told them to settle down. Eventually he had gotten used to the constant buzz in his ear.
Frankly he didn't need their encouragement. He already felt the need to keep her, claim her. Hell he wanted to last night but felt that was a bit too soon.
Azriel expected his emotions to calm once he was around others, but in light of Lucien's news it appeared that was far from the case.
Am I stuck like this? His concern grew as he couldn't stop his grin at the women in front of them as they skipped along. He laughed again when Gwyn covered her ears as Elain shared a little too much about accepting the mating bond.
Cauldron. When will this stop?
Hate to break it to you, shadowsinger but this amount of happiness is what normal people experience on a day to day basis. The shadows were living for his newfound carefree attitude. Usually they sounded and spoke as one, but today they chatted amongst themselves. They were like his own little townspeople celebrating the birth of an heir.
Heir? Babies? Yes, keep her and make babies! We would love little ones!
Azriel forced them out with an aggressive shake of his head that earned him an alarmed look from Lucien.
"Alright there?"
"Yes, just…" He thought about what his shadows had said, not the baby thing. He wasn't ready for that yet. "Is it normal to be this happy?"
"I keep asking myself the same thing." The fox muttered next to him. "If I'm being honest, It wasn't the plan to accept the bond this soon. At least I wasn't planning to, she all but ambushed me with a pastry." They shared a laugh.
"I don't know what happened. I suppose it was my father's and brother's unwelcome attendance last night. After Jes… I never wanted to put someone in danger like that ever again. But last night I realized I couldn't live in fear anymore because that's what he wanted in the first place." Lucien kept his eyes on Elain's back as he spoke. "Her death was a ploy to keep me from living my life, to keep me from producing heirs and growing more powerful than him."
"Thinking of kids already?" Azriel ribbed as he tried to lighten the mood.
Lucien cracked a small smile. "No, not yet."
The walk to the dining room took far longer than it was supposed to. Many Fae passed them in the halls. Some were guests that stayed the night but most were the servants and guards they had spent the last month with. Many offered smiles and waves to the four, others came up and personally thanked them for everything they had done.
Azriel never dreamed he would be sad about leaving the Spring Court, but when James approached him and offered him a fresh baked chocolate cake made by the village's women's circle he knew he would miss being here.
"Thank you, James. It's been a pleasure to work with you."
"Never thought I'd say the same about you but here we are." The guard chuckled. "When I arrived at training and saw that our new instructors were a Valkyrie and the infamous Spymaster of Night? I went home and told my wife I was quitting."
"From the stories I've heard about Mary, I'm sure that went over well."
"She kicked my ass and then kicked me out in the cold." James laughed. "Told me to come back with the first paycheck or don't come back at all."
"Well I'm glad you stuck around for the money. Spring needs your talent." It also needs your compassion. He thought.
"I didn't stick around for the money, shadowsinger. Well, I did at first but the more I got to know you and the little spitfire by your side… I knew Spring had a chance of being rebuilt for the better."
Azriel really wouldn't have left Gwyn's room if he knew an emotional rollercoaster waited for him.
"I hope so, James. I truly do and if you need anything don't hesitate to contact me, or her…" he gestured to Gwyn. "Or any of us. We will be here as fast as we can." They had finally reached the dining room doors. "Now thank you greatly for the cake, I'm sure it's wonderful but I don't have much of a sweet tooth. Thankfully, my mate does and chocolate cake is her favorite."
"You have a mate? All this time you had an old broad at home while I go on and on about my old lady." James scoffed lightly. On cue, Gwyn was next to them.
"Unfortunately for him, James. There is no escaping his old lady; he has the pleasure to work with her daily. Isn't that right, love?" She smirked devilishly as realization dawned on James's face.
"Yes, dear." Azriel responded happily.
"I am so sorry, I didn't mean…" James started fumbling over his words trying to get an adequate apology out fast enough.
"It's alright, James." Her laugh recharged Azriel. He thought he was satiated earlier, but he was finding he was terribly wrong. "Luckily, Azriel told you the truth. Chocolate cake is my favorite."
They bid the guard goodbye and deposited the chocolate cake in the kitchen for safe keeping. They all but had to fight the kitchen staff off to make it into the dining room. Everyone stopped them and thanked them personally. Az had to tone down his jealousy at one point when Penelope embraced Gwyn lovingly.
A loud noise broke them up. Everyone around them hushed so they could listen close.
"You son of a bitch! If I find out you hurt her!" Cassian's voice rose. Alarmed Azriel pushed through the adjoining door with Gwyn on his heels.
He quickly dispersed his shadows around the room, checking on its occupants.
Everyone is fine. Lady Death and the General are berating the Spring Lord while the High Lady and High Lord watch in amusement.
Azriel still made sure to double check their findings. Sure enough, no one was hurt. The only thing broken was a plate that looked like it had been thrown at Tamlin's head.
That was Lady Death's throw. We will make a note to work on her aim later.
Rhysand stood behind Feyre's chair, both covered their mouths to try and subdue their laughter. Lucien and Elain had just arrived through the main door. Most likely to investigate the ruckus as well.
Tamlin… was a different story. He was perched and looked defeated in his usual chair. His head hung low as he sat there and took his punishment.
"Cass, Cass!" Gwyn yelled next to him as she tried to get his attention. When that didn't work she crossed the room and placed a hand on his back. "Cassian. It's fine, leave him alone. He didn't hurt me."
"Aww come on, Gwyn. The show was just getting good." Rhysand complained.
Upon seeing Gwyn safe and sound Nesta and Cassian rushed her. "Thank the Mother. We were so worried all night!" Nesta cried, as she inspected all of her exposed flesh.
"All night huh? Is that why neither of you bothered to come check on me?" Azriel smirked at her wit.
Cassian was the first to attempt an excuse. "Well, we knew you would be alright once Azriel got there, and we all saw Tamlin leave and find another maiden…"
"Cut the bullshit Cass, she knows we were busy fucking." Nesta stated blankly.
"Yeah, alright, we were a bit preoccupied. You know those drums are only once a year and we got a bit carried away…" Cassian trailed off. "I'm sorry we didn't come check on you. We thought you'd be sleeping… wait." Azriel rolled his eyes as he saw his brother put the pieces together.
"How do you know we didn't come check on you in the middle of the night?" Cassian crossed his arms smugly. "You'd have to be awake all night to know that. So what happened, huh? A certain brooding spymaster keep you up with his long, hard…" Azriel strode over and smacked his brother on the back of his head before he could continue.
"Ow, you know, did you two ever stop and wonder if I would be a lot smarter without all the head trauma you've caused me?"
"No, I think all of your potential was ruined when your mother dropped you on your head as a baby." Rhys chimed in.
"Nice, a mom joke, real smart. That's why you wear the crown, right?" Cassian snapped back as he rubbed the back of his head.
Out of nowhere Lucien's angry voice broke through their bickering."Enough with the jokes! What are you talking about?"
"Shit, I forgot you and Elain wandered off for some alone time before the magic started." Feyre said as she grimaced. She seemed reluctant to recount the details.
"Well to spell it out for you, one-eyed wonder." Cassian butted in. "Your little friend here did what we all feared and since my dumbass brother over here left the fucking window open, it was all too easy for Tam to hop in and get her."
"What?" The fire Lucien had attained from his bloodline was present in his voice. He zeroed in on his friend.
"Gwyn." Tamlin croaked from his seat. "Gwyn I'm so sorry…"
"No." Lucien grabbed Tamlin's head and forced his attention to him instead of Gwyn. "You don't get to speak to her. You haven't earned it." Venom laced his words. Everyone in the room was deathly still.
"You can blame the magic all you want, and it's true. I know you would have never sought her out if you were of your own mind last night. But your infatuation with her has gone far enough." Lucien landed a kick in Tamlin's chest sending his chair toppling over. The High Lord sucked in a breath as his head smacked against the floor.
Lucien hovered over. "If you ever come near my daughter again I will slit your throat, friend or not Tam. I swear to the Cauldron I will always pick her over you."
His anger seemed to fade some as he offered Tamlin his hand and pulled him and his seat off the floor.
Tamlin's eyes were wide, the color had drained from his face.
Azriel was sure he looked the same.
"I'm sorry, back up." Azriel raised his hands and blinked rapidly. "Did you say, your daughter?"
A muffled chuckle sounded from behind him and Az shot a glare at Cass. "Don't look at me!" He yelled defensively. Look at your father in-law and your soon to be mother-in-law!"
Elain had joined Lucien at his side. Both of them tried and failed to hide their amusement.
He met Tamlin's gaze before they both turned their attention to the Valkyrie.
"Uh, surprise?" Gwyn didn't cower at the attention. If anything she dug her heels in, ready for anything.
Dammit, I trained her too well.
Always knew that would come back to bite you in the ass didn't you? His shadows teased.
"Quick question. When were you planning to fill me in on that tiny, minuscule, life changing detail?" He asked his mate. Tamlin's jaw still hung open.
"I was getting around to it."
"Like the way you were getting around to telling me about our bond?"
"Possibly… Are you mad?"
Azriel took a moment to gauge his emotions before answering. And the truth was…
"No. Honestly, I'm just kind of impressed you kept it a secret from my shadows."
"Gwyn?" Tamlin asked quietly. Wary of Lucien's wrath he kept his voice low. "I truly am sorry for everything."
Azriel watched as his mate, his lover and his equal, softened her resolve. "Tam, I swear to you that I don't blame you at all for last night. So please, don't let this incident hinder your growth. You're on the right path."
How can someone so forgiving and sincere be my equal? Azriel wondered to himself. If anything he felt like she was his opposite.
Tamlin seemed to swell at her kindness. "Thank you, Gwyn."
The dinner they all shared was far from the quiet dinners they had grown accustomed to. At some point even Tamlin warmed up to their family. He bantered along with them as if they was never any animosity between their courts.
Azriel looked around the room at everyone seated together. A month ago, this would have never occurred.
He felt a knock at his shield.
You know how to knock?
Yes, but I've found it less fun. Rhys answered mentally. How do you feel about what you have accomplished here?
Well, I think we set up a sturdy guard. While I would have liked to not have endured the whole kidnapping incident, it seems to have brought the recruits together. As for the servants, you'll have to ask Lucien or Elain for specifics but there seems to be enough to keep the place up and….
Yeah, that's all great, Az. But that wasn't my question.
Then what was?
How do you feel about what you have accomplished here? This mission wasn't about solidifying Spring, in fact I didn't think it was possible but you all proved me wrong. This mission was for you, Az. For you to have time and space to sort things out.
He had known this assignment was just a ruze for his own personal punishment. Azriel had busted his balls trying to succeed, to prove to his brother that he was deserving of coming home.
I've learned a few things while here, brother. The first being to never let Gwyn near a horse. Rhysand snorted audibly into his soup.
I also learned what it is to be happy, loved and wanted. Gwyn was unaware of their conversation but he squeezed her hand anyway. Without hesitation she squeezed back, three times.
And Rhys…I will do anything and everything in my power to become worthy of such love.
Rhysand studied him across the table. After a moment he was there in his head again.
It seems there is one thing you didn't learn, Az.
Dread filled crept in as he waited to hear what he failed at.
Azriel, you have always been worthy of love and I hope, with Gwyn, you will start to see that. You deserve the world, brother.
Hope blossomed in his chest. Does that mean?
Rhysand stood from his chair. "Well that was an eventful dinner. Maybe the most entertaining one I've had in ages, but if you will excuse us all Tamlin." The High Lord of Night smiled at Azriel, his brother, his friend.
"It's time to go home."
The End…
Author's Note:
…almost. This is technically the end of Call Me Home, but I will be back Friday with the Epilogue.
I am a ball of emotions just like Az. I'm not sure what to feel. Relief for this story finally ending, or sadness knowing it will be a while till we all meet again on my next fic.
But I will be writing more, I have an idea in my head that I have been working the details out for.
Expect a teaser for it at the end of the Epilogue Friday.
Until Next Time, (this is the last time I'm able to say this ?)
Meagan
propagandaprincess on ao3, Tumblr, ffn and wattpad.