Eris keeps his jaw clenched as his father's guard unlocks the shackles around his wrist. He stifles a pained grunt as his body hits the ground, unable to keep himself upright. The flesh on his back flares with a burning pain and if he weren't in this predicament yet again, he could have laughed at the irony of it. A fae of fire, in pain from the burn of it.

Beron strides towards him, the reek of power surrounding him. The smoky remnants of flames upon Eris's own flesh seem to respond to it as his father grabs a fistful of his ruby hair and yanks his head back to look up at him in submission.

"Father", he grinds out.

"I hope you have learned your lesson. Yet again. You know, as my heir, they are getting quite tiresome. You should know better by now. I won't have half-cocked, second-rate trash taking over this Court. You harden up or you won't survive here, understood? You mustn't forget that I can easily replace you. I'm sure Tristan wouldn't be too affected by your demise, shall it come to pass."

Fire blazes within Eris's irises before flickering out, a side effect of the faebane in his blood from the whips that were soaked in it. Stunting his ability to heal quickly—the biggest part of Beron's punishment.

Beron howls out a belly laugh. "Oh, did I strike a nerve? Good. Now get the fuck up. I don't want to see your face for the rest of the day so make yourself scarce. And don't forget what horrors will come to you if you so think of enacting petty revenge or becoming a traitor. I will burn the very flesh from your bones and your heart from its cavity."

Eris swallows back a grunt as he slowly gets to his feet, doing his best not to allow his legs to tremble beneath him. Beron smirks and slaps his back, upon the burns and bloodied lashings and he can't help the shout that escapes him as he stumbles forward.

Beron snarls. "Weak", he spits at him, leaving the cells. The guard snickers and follows loyally. Eris leans his forehead against the cool concrete wall near the exit, his breaths trapped in his chest as he struggles to draw in air due to the razor-sharp pain that slices through his being and radiates inward.

Choppy intakes of breath resound through the dungeon as he struggles, beginning to cough. He knows panic is beginning to get to him, and he won't let Beron win. He never has before, and he won't now. Focusing as much as he can, he hones in on his thoughts, using them to calm his body enough to breathe easier.

He shudders and pants hard once breath comes to him. Tears sting his eyes, but he refuses to let them fall. He won't ever give Beron or anyone else the satisfaction of seeing him fully broken. Never.

Making his way back to his quarters, he closes and locks the door, laying down face-first into his pillow. His body trembles in agony but his mind drifts to nothing, sleep quickly overcoming his weary form as his powers struggle to spark within his veins in a failed attempt to heal him.

He is going to have to rest if he's attending the Winter Court coronation ball tonight in lieu of his father, per usual.

.

.

.

Lucien winnows to the border of the Summer Court, enjoying the warm wind on his face. Tarquin's guard meets him and brings him to the palace. Briar's time there has come to an end, and from here she will travel with him to the Dawn Court.

She smiles radiantly as she joins Lucien and Tarquin in the palace foyer, her small bag tossed over one shoulder.

"Lucien", she grins. "Good to see you again."

"You as well, Miss Laverne."

"Just Briar", she chuckles, softly reminding him that he doesn't need to be formal.

Lucien smiles handsomely. "Briar. I was just talking to Tarquin. He mentioned your plan to provide some food for the human lands from his markets."

"Ideally, I'd love to. However, it would require help from a mortal, which is where I'm hoping your friend could come in. I believe you did tell me you lived with a human, right?"

"Two of them actually", he replies, letting out a chuckle. "Jurian and Vassa. I'm sure they would like to help. At least Vassa would. Jurian I could rightfully convince."

Tarquin claps his hands together. "Good, so it works out. You know, I am very impressed with you, Briar. Not only are you confident and passionate about others, but you aren't scared of seemingly anything. It's admirable."

"Thank you", she grins. "And thank you so much again for showing me your Court. It is absolutely stunning, and I've made many friends here."

"Cresseida will miss you dearly. She doesn't have too many females to talk to other than family", he laughs softly.

"Well, I suppose I'll have to make visits then, won't I?", she smirks.

"We would welcome that with open arms, dear."

Lucien stands tall with his hands behind his back, his red hair glimmering in the sunshine, which also seems to cast a golden glow around his entire being. "Ready for your next adventure? On to the Dawn Court. Thesan and Vihan are awaiting your arrival. And I'm sure you will be pestering Nuan all about her projects the entire time."

"Hey", she chuckles. "Maybe. I can't help that I'm curious. But that's the point of me getting to know everyone. I want to know where I truly belong. I'm sure I would love living long term in any Court, but I want to experience them all for myself."

"Yes, yes, you've said. Now, we should get going. Tarquin, it's been a pleasure."

"Lucien", he nods politely. "I'll hear from you soon, Briar."

"Goodbye, Tarquin. That you will."

Briar links an arm with Lucien and he winnows them to the border of the Dawn Court.

"Thesan said his guards will be around, but we can walk to the castle."

"Oh. Okay."

"I'm glad you had a good time in the Summer Court."

"Thanks, me too. It was fun, and everyone was kind to me."

"I hope you will find hospitality in every court you visit, Briar."

"As do I." She glances up at him as they walk, his tall yet unintimidating looming figure. "I hope that the Autumn Court situation will get resolved soon", she says softly. "I know the pain of not being able to go home. It's not right for harm to seek you out. Family should always protect each other. And...I am sorry."

Lucien's face softens slightly. "It's been centuries. After a while, it simply becomes a truth that you live with. Plus, it did give me the opportunity to become an emissary and to make friends in each Court. Much like you. But—when I think of home, my heart will always say the Autumn Court and all that I long for there. I am a fae of fire and vibrancy, I belong there. However, my mind will always say Spring Court. Because I resided there for much longer and I was hardly ever in any danger there. I could be myself. And despite the several bouts of rocky patches myself and Tamlin have had, he is still my best friend. He took me in and helped me kill two of my brothers who were trying to kill me first. We—we were both at a horrible place in our lives when he took me in and we became fast friends. We both needed one. And I'm sure you've heard many many rumors about Tam, but as I told you before, he isn't a bad male at heart. Never has been. Nothing he does is ever out of ill intent or malice. He is very...instinctual. Many times he thinks before he acts and it gets him into trouble. But under all the sorrow and grief and rage and pain, he is still the type of male that will do anything to save you."

Briar swallows hard and looks at her feet as they walk. "I know that personally. He saved me from Hybern. At least, he made it as bearable as it could be. He did what he could. And then when Feyre couldn't really fly—he used probably a lot of energy to get us to safety. Even though those horrible evil creatures were attacking him relentlessly. I'm glad he survived. And I patiently await the day I can thank him for that. For all he did. Know this though—I have heard most of the rumors, and I will not hold them against him. I prefer forming my own. Until then, everything else is just noise."

"I'm glad you feel that way. He is eager to meet you. Again."

"Is he?"

"Mhh", he nods.

"It will be much different than when we couldn't really speak and I was shackled."

"I imagine it will be. As his friend, I want to reiterate that he is a good male. However, he is not very cozy and he can be quite...prickly at first. And he is not particularly skilled in speaking to beautiful females at that."

Briar blushes and chuckles. "That's kind of endearing though. And thank you for the compliment."

Lucien smirks. "We will see how endearing it is when you've known him", he snorts.

Briar giggles softly as they approach the entrance to Thesan's castle. The enormous ivory doors open and Thesan is standing in his large foyer, his lover, Vihan, slightly behind him at his side.

"Wow", she breathes out in awe, taking in the pastel colors and the intricacy of the golden details along the walls and high ceilings.

Lucien flashes Thesan a smile and moves forward with her, reaching the pair. "Thesan, Vihan", he nods politely.

"Lucien", Thesan nods back, before turning his attention to Briar. "You must be Briar. The human girl stuck in fae lands. How interesting."

Briar chuckles softly and bites her lip, unsure if it is considered disrespectful to correct a High Lord. "With all due respect Lord Thesan, I am no longer human. Hybern had...ripped that away from me using the Cauldron. I'm—I'm still not sure why my friends died when they were thrown in and why I was the only one who turned Fae. I don't know if I will ever truly know the answer to that. It hurts to lose people you are close to. They were like a second family to me."

She looks at the three males shyly. "I am hoping that I find a third family here in Prythian so that I can grow and learn how to be fae. So I can be a productive member of the society here."

Thesan holds back a snort and Vihan places a hand on his elbow, grinning amusedly. "Prythian will teach you many things, Briar. However, it is not the kindest or most forgiving place. I don't say this to scare you, but to tell the truth."

"I have lived through Hybern. I don't know what other horrors you have all lived through, but if I made it after him, if—if I can come back from that, I have the fullest confidence that I won't be so easily broken the next time. Or the time after that. I have learned already that fae are more resilient than humans. Maybe not in the mind or the heart, but in the body and the soul. Immortality can most likely be daunting and on occasion, I'd imagine it feels pointless. But it is only so if we make it so. We all have the ability to mold our existence."

Thesan raises his eyebrows and casts a glance at Lucien, then at his lover before his gaze once again lowers to hers. "You are very wise for your age. I didn't expect to be encouraged by a newly turned mortal today, but I stand corrected."

"I have heard my entire life by both mortal and fae that I am wise. But I don't like to say that I am any wiser than anyone else, I am simply more insightful. I notice things. A lot. I am inquisitive and adventurous and curious. Just a warning. And as Lucien mentioned on the walk up here, I may be bothersome to Nuan and her latest experiment. I can't help but get thoroughly intrigued by new things."

Vihan chuckles boyishly. "Ah and that, my Lord", he snarks to Thesan, "is the mark of a prior Child of the Blessed." He looks at Briar. "Be careful, your curiosity nearly got you killed last time."

"Is that a threat or a warning?"

"A warning. Always. We don't threaten guests here."

"Good. I wouldn't expect as much, but I had been told by many mortals how tricky and vicious fae can be. After Hybern...I can see that. But I judge by only what I experience. I thank you again for your gratitude and for allowing me to tour your lovely Court. It will be a pleasure, I'm sure."

"It will", Thesan smiles. "I am sorry for any conceived ill-will you believed we harbored. "We have—we have been scorned before by being caught up with a mortal."

Lucien's lips tighten into a line as he looks between the small female and the two tall Lords of Dawn.

"Feyre", Briar says softly. "But I thought she saved everyone."

Thesan folds his hands. "Yes. She and—and Tamlin liberated everyone in the end. But we lost quite a few important members. It's not her fault per se, but she was the key to our lives, to our freedom, and there were days when nobody had hope she would get through it. She wouldn't have if a handful of fae had not risked their very existence to help her in secret." His eyes flicker to Lucien, remembering the lashings he was forced to receive at the hands of his friend-another one of Amarantha's punishments. "And I vowed then and there that we would never risk anything on a simple mortal again. Not that mortals are bad. They aren't at all. But they...they don't belong in Prythian among the fae. There are creatures and evil fae alike that could and do rip them apart for nothing other than boredom, pleasure, or a game. Like Hybern. Like Kelpies, Nagas, Suriels, and other horrid creatures born from these lands. It is not a kind place for mortals. The Children of the Blessed—they were still ignorant and blind."

"I know there are creatures", Briar states then clenches her jaw. "However, those were my friends who died. They were not ignorant or blind, they all were searching for a life worth living. For a place they wouldn't have to suffer. For a home and comfort. That helpless feeling you felt while Under the Mountain—that is what they felt in their own lives too. They wanted an escape. Luckily, I am no longer mortal. So I hope you can accept me as I am now, and not judge me for who I was. And I won't stand for any slander of my friends, Lord or no." She holds her chin high and matches his stare.

"I humbly apologize. I never meant to speak ill of the dead. The Dawn Court is neutral. If someone needs help—fae or mortal, we will aid. All I meant is that, well...not knowing the risks can get you killed. And I am sorry that fate came to them. I am more than happy that it did not come to you, Briar. I admire how headstrong you are, and you are very intelligent. I wonder what you and Nuan will get up to." He tosses her an apologetic smile and reaches out a hand. "We are not a species that usually asks for forgiveness, however, I feel as if I definitely stepped over a boundary, and I am sorry. Will you forgive me?"

Briar steps forward and clasps his hand firmly. "I forgive you. Thank you for the apology."

Thesan nods and his gaze returns to Lucien, who looks slightly amused but also looks embarrassed for him.

"See, this is why you're the quiet High Lord. Always putting your foot in your mouth when you do decide to open it."

Thesan's face changes to one of annoyance as Vihan laughs.

"I suppose it is time for me to take my leave. Briar, I will come to collect you in two weeks, though I'm sure I will see you in a week at the coronation ball."

Briar nods and smiles. "Yes. Thank you, Lucien."

"Always a pleasure."

.

.

.

Viviane gasps as the sparkling white, silver, and blue decorations that adorn their large ballroom. She trails her fingers over the snowflake-shaped faelights and turns to Kallias. "This...this is gorgeous, Kal."

"You are gorgeous, my mate. My wife. My best friend. My lover. My worl—"

Viviane yanks him to her by his collar and presses her lips to his, grinning brightly. "My world", she whispers. "That you are. I cannot believe you did all of this for me."

"I promised you that I would make it up to you. All of my ignorance and misdeeds. I told you from day one that you were my equal and I need to prove it to you and to our Court. I need to make things right. I can't wait for you to be coronated in front of our subjects tonight. I am honored and proud to have you by my side, Viv."

"But an entire ball?"

"You love balls", he grins. "Plus, this means you can force me to dance clumsily."

"I do, and I love dancing with you. However out of step you may be", she laughs. "But it's not too much?"

"Nothing for you is ever too much, love. It never will be. Because we both know that in a blink of an eye, our world can crumble and change. I won't let another moment of potential splendor pass us by. Not one single second of honoring you the way I should have all these years. I have time and love and physicality to make up for", he winks.

Vivian giggles and nuzzles his neck. "Oh, Kal. I love you."

He pulls her close against him and sways, his nose finding its way to the crook between her neck and shoulder. "I love you, my High Lady", he mumbles and smiles. She can feel the curve of his lips upon her skin.

Pulling away, she caresses his cheek, eyes blue as ice gazing over his pale features. "I suppose I should go and get ready for this ball then, shouldn't I?"

Kallias chuckles deeply. "You should. Even I know it will take you all six hours to prepare yourself with fine jewelry and kohl that brings out the blue of your eyes.

"Not to mention choosing a gown", she smirks, playing along with his teasing.

"Now that, darling, won't be an issue. I special ordered one for you a few weeks ago in preparation of tonight. I think you will love it. I know you're all about glitz."

She gasps, a wide grin spreading across her face. "Is it in the bed-chambers?"

"It is, my sweet."

"What about Wynnie? She will need to eat soon."

"I will handle our little princess, don't worry."

Viviane looks at him for a few heartbeats. "I'll never get over how lucky I am to have you, Kal."

"And I, you, Viv. Now, go on and have some fun. I know you love getting dressed up."

Viviane grins and nods, her steps quickly receding down the hall to their chambers, one of her advisors following.

.

.

.

Thesan does a slow spin in front of the mirror as Vihan smirks wolfishly. "Dapper and handsome as always, my Lord."

"I must be. Ah the burden of being a High Lord." Thesan rolls his eyes playfully and strokes down his embroidered jacket for any lint. He is in a peach-colored suit, with pure white stitching and embroidery around the shoulders and collar. Vihan is wearing a muted emerald suit, adorned with a paler green stitching and white swirls on the shoulders and around the collar.

Vihan smiles and presses a kiss onto Thesan's cheek. "Shall I go and see if Miss Briar is nearly ready? I know she is eager to see Kallias and Viviane again. She was thrilled when I told her of the celebration and how the High Courts were invited to attend."

"Yes. The seamstress had left her the perfect dress. Just make sure that she is comfortable and that it fits her the right way. I'll check on Nuan."

Vihan nods and leaves their wing of the castle, knocking on the guest chamber's door.

"Come in."

Walking in, he sees Briar sitting in front of the vanity, marking her eyes with kohl. She is wearing a pale, powder pink dress adorned with white sequins down the sides to give her a beautiful silhouette, and the fabric hugs her figure in all the right places. It perfectly contrasts with her pitch dark hair.

"You look lovely."

Briar blushes softly and smiles. "Thank you. I am so happy for Viviane. I want to look my best too, not only for her but...because I will be meeting many fae whom I have never met before. Good impressions make a big difference."

"I agree. I was just making sure you felt comfortable with the dress, but I can see you are. We will be leaving shortly. I had a few fur coats summoned. As you know, the Winter Court can get quite cold."

She chuckles. "Thanks, yes it is fairly cold there. By the way, you look great as well."

Vihan smiles, his green suit a great match for his brown skin. His kind smile shines, and his short beard is trimmed and sharp for the ball. "Thank you. I do try. If I didn't I fear Thesan wouldn't want to be seen with me", he laughs.

.

.

.

Lucien brushes his hair and looks at his appearance in the mirror. He is wearing a dark forest green suit with gold sequin cuffs and a matching collar. He wonders what Elain will be wearing and if she will like his look; he's positive she will look absolutely jaw-dropping and his body hums with the need to see her and be close to her. Stifling a sigh, he knows he will be with her soon enough, and realizes he should once again try and convince Tamlin to go to the ball. Jurian had declined, and though he didn't say as much, Lucien knows he would only want to go with Vassa on his arm.

Stepping into the hall, he makes his way to Tamlin's room, knocking on the door.

"What?"

"Wow, that's enthusiastic…this should go down well."

Stepping into the room, an amused smirk comes to Lucien's face. Tamlin is standing back and glaring at the bed, upon which are three different color suits. Spring green, pale pink, and light amethyst.

"Trying to decide?"

Tamlin huffs and crosses his arms. "Mhh."

"I'm surprised you reconsidered. You were a hard pass this morning."

"Yes...well, I'm supposed to be changing for the better, am I not? I really don't want to be around entire Courts of people who despise me, but I am a High Lord. Some things we need to do despite hating it. You know that by now-Calanmai is one of them."

"You need to prove to everyone that you are getting better. You can't let them get to you, okay? You know the people who will try to get under your skin. And believe me, I know how easy it is to let them crawl into your nerves. But it's something you need to learn how to brush off. Not only will it prove to them that you're above the pettiness, but that you really have changed. I'm not saying to become passive always, just that you need to be a better judge of when being passive is better than being aggressive. I believe you can do this, alright? I really don't want a disaster here."

"Yeah, I know. If I fuck up, I already know it's not my back you'll have."

"Ouch."

Tamlin casts him a sidelong glance. "I get it. You have a reputation that doesn't need to be tainted by me again, does it?"

"Tam. Tonight will go well. You need to believe that."

"Or else I'm done for."

"Tamlin."

Tamlin grabs the pale pink suit and sighs. "This is the only chance I have to prove myself. But it probably won't matter because people won't think any differently of me. I'll never change their minds. And they will try to berate me into making a mess of this to prove that I haven't changed. Even if I try, they won't allow me the freedom to do so."

"You know how they are. Act accordingly. Avoid as much as you can, and if they try to goad you, don't let them. Brush it off. Or come find me and I'll tell them to back off."

Tamlin huffs out a laugh. "What, like you're my mother?"

Lucien snorts. "More like a friend against bullies. Now get ready. We only have a short while and then we have to go. Oh...just to remind you, Briar is close to Viviane so I'm assuming she will be there. Make a good impression", he smirks.

He grunts as Lucien leaves the room chuckling. He sees Jurian in the sitting room and raises an eyebrow. "Hey, I have a mission for you."

"A mission?"

"In a way. Tarquin wants to send seafood over here to the human lands to help those that are impoverished."

"Tarquin does?", he questions, shocked.

"Well, it was Briar's idea. She wants to help these people and Tarquin agreed to help her, but they need a human to meet him at the border and take the food into the villages. Since humans still don't trust fae. Hopefully, this will be a sort of white flag, to prove we are not all evil killing machines like Hybern. If he can gather sacks of crab, shrimp, and fish, could you bring them into the villages with Vassa some evening soon?"

"Uh, yeah. That should be doable. I can't make them accept it, or make them eat, but we can certainly try."

"Good. Now, go pick out a suit for tonight."

"I can't go."

"Of course you can. Wait for Vassa to return and come a bit late. I'm sure they'll understand if you come with her on your arm. Plus, I've heard you never missed a chance to go to a party, especially with a pretty female on your arm, hm?"

Jurian smirks a bit. "I didn't back then. But we are human. I'm human now."

"I will vouch for you both if there is any issue. You are still a part of Prythian. You were born and bred here. And Vassa was cursed by one of our monsters, we owe her."

He nods his head politely. "Alright. I'll try to convince her."

"Excellent", Lucien grins. "This should be fun. And for the love of the Cauldron, thank gods it isn't a masquerade!"