Chapter 74

The long hall was as cold and foreboding as Elain remembered. She walked through the doors, Tamlin at her shoulder, as they were shown into the room. Despite the mass of red hair around the place, her eyes still found Lucien instantly, and she moved toward him. Tamlin's large hand came down on her shoulder, stopping her, however, and Elain forced herself to hold where she was. Lucien's eyes were wide when he noticed her and his mouth opened as if he were about to say something, but evidently thought better of it.

"Lucien…" She couldn't stop herself breathing his name and his eyes widened further as he stared at her. His confusion was evident across the room, and she could feel panic rising in him. He was no doubt wondering what she was doing.

"Tamlin…" Eris' voice echoed around the silent hall. "I don't recall offering an invitation to The Spring Court…"

"No…" Tamlin replied, stepping past Elain. "It has been a while since you took the throne, however. We are all wondering how things have been going."

"I'm certain you are." Eris sank onto the large throne, and picked at his fingernails. Elain watched him, frowning. This seemed at odds with the Eris she remembered from her last visit to the Autumn Court. "You are, of course, welcome to stay the night…"

Tamlin cast a look at Elain. "We thank you for your hospitality…"

"We?" Eris sat up on his throne, looking at them with interest. "…you come with Lady Elain…" Eris' eyes moved over Elain quickly, "Interesting… Have your… preferences… changed?" He asked her and Elain's frown deepened.

"No." She said flatly, watching as Eris' eyes flicked to Lucien.

"Then why have you come with Tamlin?" he asked, returning his attention to her.

Elain lifted her chin, looking him straight in the eyes. "I have come for my mate."

Lucien's heart just about forced itself from his chest. He had never heard Elain refer to him as her mate before. She had never used that word with him, and he thought he may just die hearing it now. He wanted to go to her, stride across to the room toward her, and wrap her in his arms. He wanted to hold her, kiss her. He wanted to hear her call him her mate again.

Elain's dark eyes flicked his way then, as if hearing what he was thinking. He tried to take a step toward her, but was prevented from doing so.

"Come for him?" Eris asked, his tone far more casual than Lucien suspected he actually felt.

"Yes." Elain replied, "I have come to collect him, and we will return home as soon as possible. Thank you."

Eris was shaking his head. "Lucien and I have business we have not yet seen to."

"He doesn't live here. He is not your subject." Elain said, and Lucien saw Eris flash a smile.

"No," He agreed, "But the instant he crossed the border into my lands, I was granted the right to do as I wish…"

"What do you want?" Elain asked and Tamlin's eyes met Lucien's across the room. Lucien tried to send a message to his friend through his gaze. Get her out of here!

"In exchange for my brother?" Eris replied, grinning now. "What have you got to offer?"

Lucien's eyes went quickly to Elain. He saw her falter, twisting her hands together in front of her. "What… what do you have need of?" she bit her lip, "I… I have abilities you might find useful."

"Oh, I'm sure you do." Eris smirked, "And you would offer these… services… in exchange for Lucien?"

"No!" Lucien couldn't help himself. His voice rang out, echoing off the stone walls. "You can't make a deal with him, Elain."

"I…" Elain's dark eyes were wide when she looked back at him. "I…"

"No…" he breathed, shaking his head. He would rather die than have her enter in to some bargain with Eris. His eldest brother was tricky and clever and would, no doubt, ensnare Elain into some agreement from which he would be the only one to benefit. "Don't, Petal…"

Elain turned back to Eris and Lucien could feel her uncertainty. "I…"

"Oh, relax." Eris sighed, letting out a laugh. "As entertaining as this is, there's no need to get so angsty." His brother got to his feet. "You can have Lucien." He looked to Elain, "As soon as he publicly renounces any claim to my throne."

Lucien stared at Eris. Was that what this was about?

Elain felt herself relax when Eris told her that she could have Lucien. So, he did not intend to kill him. That was good.

"What?" Lucien asked, "I already did that when I first left."

Eris shook his head, and Elain looked between the High Lord and her mate. "No." Eris said, "You renounced any claim you had to be Beron's heir or successor… but not mine."

Ashk walked into the room then and Elain's eyes went to her. The redheaded Lady strode for the dais upon which stood her eldest son.

"… you know I have no claim…"Lucien began, his voice low and Eris waved his hand.

"I do." He replied, "But everybody else thinks you do have a claim. You will publicly renounce any claim they may think you have… and then you will be free to leave.

Elain watched Lucien's face. He looked a little relieved, and she couldn't really blame him.

"Publicaly?" Lucien asked after a moment.

"Yes," Eris nodded, "Tomorrow there will be a hearing for the local community. They will bring their issues forth, to hear my judgements and whatnot. During this meeting, you will tell them that I am the true leader and that you have given me your support and fealty." Lucien was silent for several moments before Eris pushed him further. "Do you agree?"

"…Yes."

Elain was unable to keep herself taking a step toward Lucien then. His eyes, russet and gold turned on her instantly, and she saw the familiar fire in them as he looked back at her.

"What are you going to do with him until then?" Tamlin's voice filled the hall, and Elain glanced to Eris for his response.

"Since the Lady Elain has gone to such trouble to come for him, I think she can keep him." Eris sank back into his throne. "Lucien will be confined to the House. But, within, he may move freely."

That had been a better outcome than she had dared to hope for, and Elain smiled as she turned toward Lucien to see him nodding solemnly. At Eris' words, the two faeries who had been holding Lucien in spot released him, and Elain hurried across to him, throwing her arms around his neck. She felt his hands, gentle at her waist, as he pulled her to himself, and then she remembered that everyone in the hall was currently watching them. Blushing as Lucien's lips caressed her temple, she ran a hand up his chest, listening to his heart beating wildly within. She had felt his reaction when she had told Eris that she had come for him, and he knew that he had liked what he had seen. She would have to remember that in future.