The Winter Court Ball is in full swing. Music is playing, fae are swaying and dancing, and everyone is talking amongst one another when Jurian arrives with Vassa on his arm. One of the Winter Court sentries was kind enough to winnow them into the Castle.

Vassa grins and glances up at him. "I forgot how much fun parties can be. And you know, it's a good feeling knowing that there are many ways in which humans and the Fae are similar. Both can appreciate grandeur and celebration. Don't you think?"

Jurian scoffs under his breath but gazes down at her with a happy glimmer in his eye. "Whatever you say, Queen."

Rolling her eyes, she squeezes his arm. "By the way, you are looking very handsome in that suit."

A slight blush appears on his cheeks and she smirks.

"I hardly compare to you, Vassa. You look stunning."

Vassa smiles appreciatively, her royal blue dress sparkling with every sway of her hips, a glorious contrast to her tanned skin and scarlet hair. "Thank you."

Viviane smiles as she sees them enter the ballroom, moving over to them. "Jurian, Vassa. I'm honored that you could make it."

Vassa hugs her politely. "We are thrilled for you, Viviane. A title highly deserved."

Jurian nods in agreement. "Yes. Congratulations."

"Well thank you both. Kallias is a great husband and mate. The celebration was his idea, though I can't say I wasn't thrilled for a party", she chuckles. "I really am glad you came. Unlike some of the High Lords, I never liked that humans and fae were so separated. Some separation is good, of course. But there is no reason we can't get along and be friends. And with the next looming war...", she casts a pitied glance at Vassa. "Well, I hope that can be handled quickly and that you get your happy ending, free from your curse. I know the heaviness that comes along with terrible circumstances you can't control. So I wish you all the best."

"I knew I liked you", Vassa chuckles and hugs her softly again. "I just want my life back, I admit. But Jurian and I will do whatever we can to get rid of the threat. If anything, Prythian is resilient. As a Queen, I always knew there would be a possibility of laying down my life for the common good. I still know that it's a possibility that I won't make it. Especially if Koschei changed the script and changed the curse. He's capable of more than anyone thinks. I don't like to imagine my life being tethered to his, but he may just turn those tables if he's desperate enough. If so...I would willingly die for my friends."

She notices Jurian visibly flinch at her words. "There is a reason the other Queen betrayed me. They called me a fae apologist, they gave me up to him. The only one who agreed with me was my dear friend Demetra. She knew—I don't know how, but she knew that you were not evil. And we all know what they did to her, and I'll never forgive them for it. But those other Queens, they don't know that you're individuals too. Not inherently good or evil. You are what you choose to be, and everyone is not the same."

Viviane sighs softly and nods. "I'm so sorry about your friend."

"That means a lot." Vassa sighs shakily. "We should be celebrating, not getting depressing", she chuckles.

Jurian takes her hand carefully. "Would you like to dance?"

"I would love to, General", she smiles.

Viviane smirks. "I'll let you two have fun. Thanks again for coming."

"Of course."

Jurian sweeps her onto the dance floor and pulls her close as they sway to the music. Vassa lies her head lightly upon his chest. "You flinched."

"Hm?"

"When I was talking about dying."

His voice gets gruff and smoky. "Because you're not going to die. You have your entire life ahead of you, and after everything you've given up I won't allow it."

"Jurian", she whispers, looking up into his hazel eyes.

"Vassa", he says firmly.

She cups his cheek and presses her lips to his. "I don't want to waste time arguing about it, alright?", she says softly. "I just want to enjoy the time I have. However long I am blessed with."

His eyes flutter and he sighs against her lips. "I know."

"I'd...like to spend my time with you if you'll have me. I know we got off on the wrong foot initially, and I know you are a stony man. But I've come to like that about you. It's a fun challenge to get to your gooey center."

Jurian looks troubled before raising an eyebrow. "Pardon?"

Vassa laughs and it sounds like a hundred small bells, one of the most beautiful sounds he has ever heard. "You heard me very well, General."

A small smile plays on his lips as he twirls her before pulling her close again. "Maybe I did. Also...I'd love as much time as you give me, Queen."

"Really?", her eyes sparkle as she gazes into his.

"Really", he responds, lowering his lips to hers once again.

.

.

.

Nesta beams as Cassian twirls her. He hasn't left her side on the dance floor all night, though she can tell he would really love to. He has gotten much better but is still a bit clumsy in his movements with his muscular build and his wings.

"You know, it's alright to take a break."

"Gee, I had no idea I was allowed", he says sarcastically.

Nesta narrows her kohl-accented eyes at him. "Well, you are allowed now."

He smirks and leans in, kissing her neck softly as the next song begins. There is a loud throat clearing behind her, and as she turns, she sees Eris Vanserra, Heir of the Autumn Court. For a moment it's like déjà vu.

"Eris."

"Nesta."

"Eris", Cassian sneers.

"Ba—"

"Don't", Nesta snaps at him.

Eris clenches his jaw. "May I have this dance, Queen of Death?"

Cassian pulls her closer into his body and Nesta can't help the smirk on her lips. "Cass, I'll be alright. It's one dance." She turns back to him and kisses him lovingly. "I'm your mate. It's just a dance."

"Fine", he grumbles annoyedly, hesitantly stepping aside and moving to the buffet table on the side of the ballroom.

Nesta raises her chin and looks at Eris, raising a critical eyebrow. "Well then, Heir of Fire. Let's dance and show them how it's really done, shall we?"

All eyes go to Nesta and Eris as they dance classically. Their moves are graceful, fluid, and utterly breathtaking. Nesta was born for the dancefloor, and Cassian can't help the ashamed ache in his gut, wishing he could match her moves the way Eris does. At least he can take comfort in the fact that he is her equal in every other way except the dance floor. Though it doesn't make him feel any better since this is most likely not the last time they will ever attend a formal event.

Kallias and Viviane join them in the center, along with Rhysand and Feyre, Azriel and Gwyn, and Lucien and Elain. The only couple who comes close to comparing is Lucien and Elain, both having been trained in classical dance like their siblings. The others are quite good but have rustier partners.

The dancing couples have the awe of the rest of the attendees, staring at the beauty of their movements. When the song ends, the pairs bow out and Nesta rushes over to Cassian happily, an invigorating glow about her skin. He easily catches her in an embrace and kisses her deeply.

Eris watches and sighs, moving to the far wall of the ballroom as the other fae overwhelm the dance floor once again. When he had woken up from his 'nap', his back was partially healed. Not fully, but enough so that he could move without pain. He knows the lashes will turn into scars; the purpose of his father's lashings is to leave a permanent reminder of how many times he has fucked up. Fortunately, the burns had fully healed and diminished, most likely aided by his DNA.

He spaces out while watching the patrons, not hearing when someone approaches him. Feeling a tap on his arm he blinks and looks over, seeing a petite female with medium-length black hair, dark, inviting eyes, and pink smiling lips.

"Yes?"

The female chuckles and leans against the wall next to him. "I just wanted to compliment you on your dancing. It was very impressive. I can't say I've ever seen a male who could dance as well as that."

Eris narrows his eyes at her. "Haven't I seen you somewhere before? What Court are you from?" His eyes cast down to her golden mechanical forearm and hand. "Ahhh, you're the Dawn Court alchemist that offered the solution to faebane for the war. Thesan brought you to the meeting. I thought you looked familiar."

"Thesan did not bring me; I went of my own accord with my findings. I am nobody's possession to show off."

Eris smirks. "Thank you. For the compliment."

"You're welcome", she replies, side-eyeing him. "It's Nuan, by the way. Since you've seemed to have forgotten my name. I wonder if you are as terrible with everyone's name, or just females which you seem to find insignificant despite their major scientific contributions to help save the whole of the continent."

Taken aback by her boldness, he chuckles. "You're a feisty one, aren't you?"

Nuan turns to him and crosses her arms. "Do not condescend to me. If I were a male, I'm sure you'd respect my resolve."

Eris turns to her as well. "Who the fuck said I didn't anyway?" He meets her stormy eyes with his bright russet ones.

"Are you always in the habit of seeming rude to create intrigue?"

At that, he smirks but his heart leaps within his chest. If only she knew the depths of what she had said. "On occasion. I find my bluntness is one of my best qualities."

"Bluntness? More like deprecation."

"If that's what you'd like to call it."

"That's what it is."

Eris holds her stare in a battle of wits. "Do you know who I am?"

Nuan smirks. "Oh, I think everybody knows who you are. And not in a good way."

He can't help but frown at that and she shrugs. "What do you expect, being the heir to Beron Vanserra, most vicious High Lord of the Autumn Court? You were raised by him."

Before he can stop himself, he begins to speak. "I was also raised by my mother who is a wonderful female, and I am nothing lik—", he huffs out a breath, and his jaw ticks. "You're trying to get a rise out of me."

A huffed chuckle comes from her. "You're quite handsome when you're flustered."

He can't help but blush. "I'm not flustered, I'm annoyed. And only then I'm handsome?"

"I didn't say only then."

Eris rolls his eyes boyishly and looks out at the crowd. "Well, as great as this conversation was, I'm sure you have your mate to get back to. And I'd rather keep my balls."

"Well, I'm glad you'd like to keep them because I don't have a mate. I know, shocking right? I have one of the best personalities and yet the Mother hasn't gifted me with a docile male to warm my bed at night", she muses, half-jokingly.

He scoffs and leans back against the wall again, one ankle over the other and arms crossed. "Now that I think of it, it is fairly shocking."

"Your brother didn't tell me you were as good at banter as him."

Eris's brow furrows before he realizes. "Lucien", he mutters.

"Yes. He and I are quite good friends. I'm the one who gave him his eye back, albeit metal and golden. At least it functions."

Eris's face turns a bit solemn and his tone serious. "Thank you. For...that."

"No need. He's a good male. He never deserved—he never deserved a lot of what happened to him."

"I know."

"Do you know that he sees you as a threat? Are you?"

"Possibly."

"To him?"

"If I have to be, I will."

"What does that mean?"

"You are pushy you know that?"

"Yes, but you didn't answer the question."

"And I'm not going to."

"For your own safety?", she asks softly.

His silence is answer enough and she nods, sighing. "You care about him. But you can't afford to because of your father."

"You know nothing of my family."

"Oh, all of Prythian knows about your family. What an abusive bastard he is. How he should be put down like the dirty dog he is. And I think you know that."

"Stop."

"Is he holding something over your head? Is he hurting you too?"

"I said stop!" Eris's eyes glow orange and his palms erupt in flames. His long, ruby hair seems o flow like lava. Nuan takes a step back and looks him over.

People turn to look, and he breathes deeply, curling his hands into fists and snuffing out the flames. His eyes and hair slowly return to their normal, more muted colors.

"I—"

"It's fine, nobody got hurt."

"I'm never out of control like that, I'm sorry."

"I pushed too hard."

Eris sighs and rubs his hands down his face. "Just stay out of my business, okay?"

"Got it", she murmurs, biting her lip. "Would you like to dance instead?"

"What?"

"Dance. Me. You. Dance floor. Party. What do you say? I'm not professional like Nesta Archeron, but...I'm average. Plus, standing here observing all night must not be the most exciting thing to do."

Eris looks over her face then sighs, resigning. "Alright, fine. I'll dance", he replies, his gaze going to his baby brother and his mate, dancing beautifully. He holds his hand out for hers and she blushes, placing her real hand in his as he escorts her to the middle of the dance floor, slowly pulling her close and blushing, looking a bit awkward as he brings his hand up.

Nuan laughs beautifully. "Oh, you look so worried. Don't worry. My metal hand works like my regular one, and it's also modified to my body temperature, so the metal isn't cold or anything. It's all smooth too. No sharp edges or screws or anything, so don't worry."

"I wasn't worried", he mutters as she takes his left hand with her gold one. It is warm and smooth as she said.

They dance slowly and he wraps his right arm around her back, smirking down at her lightly, the shimmery top layer of tulle on her gray dress slightly scratchy under his palm.

"I'm sorry I'm not as great as her."

"You're doing lovely, Nuan."

She blushes at her name on his lips and shockingly keeps up with him. "Well, thanks."

She looks up at him like she can see him, and it terrifies Eris. Not only because of the repercussions of anyone seeing past the mask he wears for his own safety, but also because nobody ever truly has since Marina, and in a way, it's better off that he doesn't let anyone close. He will only become broken by them like everyone else he knows. His mother, his brother, his old friend who died in the last war right after his mate did... Eris will never allow himself the weakness of getting too close. He can't. not again. Not after Marina...falling for her wasn't expected, and it certainly wasn't right. And losing her broke something inside of him that had never healed, and most likely never would.

After the song ends, he steps away with a breath. "I best grab something to eat before the savages leave nothing but scraps."

"Alright. Thanks for the dance."

"You as well."

Against everything inside of him wanting to stay and speak to her, he walks away, swiping a snack from the table and eating it quickly. That's when Lucien comes over to the table, not realizing Eris is there.

"Hello, brother."

Lucien turns and takes Eris in, his eyes narrowing. "Here as daddy's little lackey again, are you?"

"Quite so", he responds coolly. "Though I must admit, I am a bit of a sucker for formalwear, as you can tell. Seems you are too, just a trait you get from your big brother", he smirks.

"I am nothing like you, Eris."

"How would you know?"

"Because I am not evil or sadistic or eager to entertain the divisive whims of our father. That's how I know."

"You have much to learn, little Lucien. The time will come. One day. But for now", he motions to Elain. "What a pretty mate you have yourself."

"Do not condescend me, Eris, and don't you fucking dare even think of my mate, or I swear to gods..."

Eris laughs haughtily. "That's the second time I've been told that today, and what? What will you do, baby brother?"

"I'll make you wish you were dead alongside him. When the time comes."

Eris falters slightly. "Oh, I am not afraid of death, brother mine. I welcome it with open arms", he sneers.

It's Lucien's turn to falter, realizing for the first time in years that Eris is being kept on a tight leash due to his status as heir. That Beron must be as vile as ever, especially if Eris ever made a mistake. There is no chance that he has escaped Beron's wrath at any point.

For a moment he remembers their childhood, when he was just a babe and Eris was barely an adolescent. The times Beron went to hit him when he was too small to fend for himself. The times Eris stepped in front of him and took the beating for him, knowing he wouldn't survive it as a small child.

"I'm sure everyone in Prythian has at one point or another. Now, I have to get back to my mate...", Lucien trails off. "Be well", he mutters and walks away.

.

.

.

Kallias steps up to the stage at the front of the ballroom, clearing his throat as the music dies down. The roar of voices soon quiet as eyes train on him. He grins and wraps an arm around Viviane's waist lovingly.

"Good evening, everyone! We are so thrilled you could make it to the coronation of my beautiful and strong and lovely wife Viviane. I'm glad you all seem to be having a great time. In a moment the High Priestess will be here and she will swear in Viviane and my High Lady of the Winter Court. A tradition that should have been changed millennia ago. Thank you, Rhysand for beginning the new balance of power."

Rhys nods and raises his glass, kissing Feyre's neck.

"When I was Under the Mountain there were days, I didn't know if I would ever make it home to this Court. There were days I didn't think I'd ever see Viv again, and that broke me. But despite all of that, Viviane is the one who kept this Court going through my absence in all aspects. And she did as good of a job as I would have, or better. So it's only fair that she be my equal in title as well. A formality, but a much-needed one."

The High Priestess arrives, and a guard brings her up onto the stage. The coronation commences and everyone watches politely. Some in awe and some in boredom. Elain stands in Lucien's embrace, leaning back against him as his arms wrap around her middle. Rhys stands and Feyre's arm is draped over his shoulder, her body leaning against his. Thesan and Vihan have their arms around each other. Azriel holds Gwyn's hips, his nose in the crook of her neck. Cassian holds Nesta's hand, playing with her wedding band. Eris stands with his arms crossed, leaning against a far wall. Varian is standing with his hands gently on Amren's shoulders as she sips her wine. Briar is up front and grinning from ear to ear, her gaze full of awe and happiness. Nuan casts Eris a glance from across the room before folding her hands behind her back as she watches. Tamlin stands in the back at a table, his arms resting over the back of a chair as he looks on, a blank look on his face, and a drink in his hand.

Balthazar and Emerie are in the Southwest corner of the room, one of his wings tucked around her. Feyre had asked Viviane if Nesta's friend could come with her mate, and Viviane was gracious enough to let them.

Mor is standing with Viviane's sister Viana and another female from the Autumn Court. Viana smirks at how smitten they are with each other.

Viviane takes the oath and vows to lead to the best of her ability. The High Priestess grants her the title. Kallias places his crown of ice crystals on his head and a brand new one of equal size is brought out for Viviane, who grins. Her eyes tear up as Kallias smiles broadly and places it upon her head.

"May I present the High Lady of the Winter Court!

Applause rings out through the ballroom and Viviane kisses him lovingly, cupping his face between her hands happily.

Feyre looks up at Rhys, a question on her lips. "Why was our union hidden, why wasn't...why wasn't I celebrated?"

Rhys's eyes soften and look at her guiltily. "Hybern. There wasn't much time to prepare for the war, and it would have made you more of a target than you already were."

She sighs and leans her head on his chest. "I suppose."

.

.

.

As the music begins to play again and couples return to the dance floor, Briar goes to get a drink and bumps into Lucien, smiling.

"Hello, Lucien! Sorry about that."

"Briar, it's good to see you. How is the Dawn Court so far?"

"It's very nice. Nuan has a lot of experiments going and I've gotten to help with some of them. The court is gorgeous too. And the peregryns are beautiful. Sometimes I'm jealous that I don't have wings. I asked Vihan if his wings were heavy and he laughed and just said that was an odd question because he has never known a day without them. Which is, I suppose, a valid answer", she giggles.

Lucien chuckles and nods. "It must be odd to have them always on your back. In a way, I suppose we are lucky we don't have to deal with the logistics of them. Chairs and beds and such."

"Oh god, I didn't even think about that. Now I have so many more questions!"

He laughs and pours her some wine. Elain comes up and kisses his cheek.

"Elain, this is Briar."

Briar gasps. "Elain. You're the one they saved with me that day. Lucien, she's your mate?"

"Yes", he grins, kissing Elain's cheek as well.

"I am", she responds softly. "I am glad to see you are well." Glancing at Briar's slightly pointed ears, she gives her a small sad smile. "I see he turned you fae too."

"He did", she sighs softly. "But...Prythian is starting to feel like home. The village never truly felt like home, so I must believe that this was meant to be."

Elain clasps her hand between hers and nods slowly. "I'm still trying to think that way. I'm...glad I have Lucien now."

"Well he's a good male, you're lucky."

"Thank you." As Elain begins to withdraw her hands from Briar's her eyes gloss over a bit and she gasps, stumbling back a bit.

Lucien steadies her and pulls her close. "Elain? Elain what's wrong? What did you see?"

Briar bites her lip and places her wine glass on the buffet table. "Are you okay?"

Elain's eyes clear up and she stares at Briar, lips parted. "I—you are Cauldron made. Like me and my sister."

"I am."

"Oh, gods...Lucien, I'm feeling lightheaded. Can we go sit?"

"Of course, love. What did you see?"

"Not here", she says shakily.

Lucien glances at Briar. "I'm sorry, excuse us."

Briar watches them puzzled before looking down at her hands, wondering what just happened. Sighing, she looks up and turns to grab her wine glass when her hand brushes someone else's and erupts in tingles that feel like sparks upon her skin. Withdrawing hers quickly, she mutters an apology and looks up. Standing there is none other than the gorgeous male who had kept her company and saved her that fateful day.

His shiny blonde hair hands down to his shoulders, his pale green eyes are stunning as ever, and...and they're staring at her.

She can't seem to form a sentence, but luckily, he speaks first, his voice like liquid velvet. The smoothest baritone she had ever heard.

"Apologies, I should've been paying better attention." His eyes remain trained on her as if staring into her soul.

She doesn't know how long she stares back, gaping like a fish out of water. Everything inside of her calls to him, and every nerve stands on end at their proximity.

"I—It's my fault", she blurts out, cheeks reddening.

A hint of a smile forms at the corner of Tamlin's lips as he hands her the wine glass she was reaching for. Their fingers brush and he swallows hard. "It's nobody's fault. Just...coincidence."

He withdraws his hand and pours himself a drink, trying his best not to stare at her as every single instinct screams at him.

Briar looks over at Elain explaining something to Feyre and Rhysand animatedly. Lucien is standing a bit back, looking slightly awkward and put upon.

Glancing back at the male who exudes power, as any other High Lord does, she can't help the word from escaping her lips. "Mate."

Tamlin's breath visibly hitches, his spring green eyes wide and soft as his lips part slightly in shock., despite knowing intrinsically that she was his as well.

Briar blinks and her heart begins to race. "Oh no..", she thinks, before quickly realizing she had said it out loud.

That's when she sees it. Those open gates turning into an impenetrable, invisible wall like a shield in front of him, guarding his soul. His soft and elegant expression hardens and turns as stony as his rumored heart.

"OH. Gods, no I-I didn't-"

"Spare me", he snarls, his voice deeper and more growly than anything she'd ever heard before. He turns away and ignores her pleas to listen. Before she knows it, he disappears into thin air.

Winnowing. He just winnowed away because of something she'd said accidentally and completely out of context.

.

.

.

Eris dances with a few more females on the dance floor before deciding to take a break. As he walks back to his seat, he sees a high fae Autumn Court female by the name of Amber. She owns a craft and supply store in the main city of his Court. Amber catches his eye and smiles prettily, beckoning him over.

Oh gods she has no idea. Fuck.

Mor tries to get her to stop in vain, but Amber, being the loud female she is then vocally calls him over. It's impossible not to oblige, but at least Cassian, Azriel, and Rhysand are all occupied. Hesitantly heading over, he still tries to stand a distance away—until she grabs him by his shoulder and pulls him to her side.

"Mor! Viana! This is...well, I'm sure you know who Eris is. I'm sure you also know of his reputation, but I swear he's a sweetheart when he can be", she laughs, alluding to the times he was polite to her at her shop or when she needed something from the High Court that Beron felt he was above providing. "Isn't he handsome? Viana?", she smirks, wiggling her eyebrows. The Winter Court sister blushes and coughs a bit. "Excuse me", she mutters, excusing herself from the conversation.

Mor clenches her jaw and drapes herself back against her seat, plastering on the fake smile Eris knows all too well. "I know Eris, Amber. We are very closely acquainted. It's a long and complicated history that is better off untold."

Amber chuckles and strokes some wine off of Mor's lips. "Ohh, sorry hon. I didn't know. Well, it's better if we get along, yeah?" Grabbing Eris's hand, she pulls him into the seat next to hers and she sits. It's only a few fleeting moments until she scents it—realizes it."

"Holy Mother, you're m—", Mor smacks her hand over Amber's mouth and hisses under her breath. "That is why I didn't want him over here! Get it now?"

Amber turns red and bites her lip sheepishly. "Oh...now I do. I'm so sorry." She lowers her voice to a soft whisper. "Rejected mates...wow."

"Mutual", Eris bites out, but looks into Mor's eyes with lingering care, tugging on the bond.

A soft grunt is heard from her and she brushes it off. "You cannot say a single word, Amber. Nobody knows and they don't have to. It's my business."

"Our business", Eris corrects.

"Maybe this is part of the reason", she snaps at him.

Eris rolls his eyes and gets up to leave, but not soon enough. It's only then that he sees Azriel at the next table, having taken a break from dancing with his mate as well. And his gaze is murderous and laser-focused on him. However, his lethal, smoky voice only says one thing with a sense of betrayal and hot anger.

"Morrigan."

Straightening her back, a flash of pure panic moves through those beautiful amber eyes. Every time she held her tongue built up to this.