Chapter 199

The long hall looked much the same as it always had, but Lucien hadn't really been expecting anything different. Eris may have had different ideals to Beron, and valued different things, but he had the same sort of aesthetic, and Lucien hadn't really pictured his other brother as someone who would have paid too much attention to the decoration of the place. Having thought that, Lucien did notice that the atmosphere felt different. Standing before Eris on his throne, Lucien cast his eye around the room. It may all look the same, but when Beron had been the High Lord, there had been a feeling of apprehension and anxiety in this room whenever it was as full as it was currently. He could feel none of that now, though. The mood of the room was gentle anticipation. Tomorrow was Mabon, and Lucien could feel the excitement in the air.

"Autumn welcomes the Day Court." Eris said, and Lucien would have put money on the fact that his brother's smile was genuine. He watched Eris' amber eyes move over them, from Helion to himself, and then on to Elain. Lucien watched as his brother's gaze lingered on his mate. "Your sister is already here." Eris told her.

"… Nesta?" Elain asked, her voice curious, and Eris nodded his acknowledgement. "Oh, good. Thank you."

"She is currently taking a walk with my mother."

"Oh…" Lucien saw Elain turn her head to the doors leading out to the garden, and he slid his hand down her arm to take hold of her hand. He gave it a light squeeze, able to feel how much she wanted to run off outside and see if she could find Nesta. He hadn't forgotten how Elain had cried when her sister had left the Day Court, and he could feel how much she wanted to see her now.

"Would you like to join them?" Eris had obviously noticed her desire as well, and Elain glanced at Lucien before nodding.

"I would…"

Eris made an elegant gesture that clearly meant Elain was free to exit the room, and Lucien watched her hurry off out into the gardens. He tried to quell the rising panic within him, hoping he wouldn't dwell on the last time she had been without him in the Autumn Court. Nothing would happen to her, he reminded himself. His brothers were gone, and nobody here would have any reason to harm her, not even to get at him. This was different now, and Elain would be safe here. He knew that Eris would do what he could to protect her, he had demonstrated that in the past. Also, Lucien knew, that while Eris ruled differently to Beron and would likely be far more fair and reasonable, it would not be wise to displease him. He found it comforting that his brother so clearly had a fondness for Elain, as that would no doubt offer her some protection around the Court. She would be fine. He kept repeating that to himself over and over, hoping that eventually he would believe it.

When Helion stepped up beside Lucien, addressing Eris, Lucien made himself pay attention to what was happening around him, and not some possible imaginary threat to Elain. "Is there anything you require of us?" The High Lord of the Day Court asked, "In preparation for your Mabon Celebrations?"

"Not particularly." Eris smiled again, "It is pleasing enough that you are here; that you have come to share in our revels. I do hope that you enjoy the festivities." Lucien would have sworn that he'd seen a flicker of amusement cross his brother's features as those amber eyes had settled on Helion, his gaze piercing.

"I thank you." Helion inclined his head, before lifting his face once more to Eris. "I would also like to extend the invitation to you. You are more than welcome to join us in the Day Court for our Beltane festivities."

"I shall keep that in mind."

It wasn't all that much later when Eris had Helion and Lucien shown to their rooms, and Lucien was more than a little keen to get his dirty travel clothing off and slip into a hot bath. He had then dressed, and lounged around his room while waiting for Elain. He hadn't supposed that her walk with Ashk and Nesta would have taken as long as it apparently was, and he began to worry. What if something had happened to her after all.

Having just resigned himself to go looking for her, Lucien turned the handle of the door to their room, pulling the door open. He then let out a startled shriek, stepping back from the door when Elain stumbled through.

"Oh, hi." She smiled, and he could feel the happiness and contentedness washing over her and he smiled even more widely.

"Petal…" He opened his arms when she slid closer to him, going up on her toes and wrapping her arms around his neck. "Did you enjoy seeing Nesta?"

"Yes." Lucien could feel the truth of that down the bond. "And you were right… Cassian is here."

"That was to be expected…"

"How did you go with Helion and Eris?" Elain's arms tightened even further around Lucien's neck and he felt her lips graze his throat.

"No surprises there." He replied, "Pleasant obligatory words…"

"Usually your job…" she murmured, and Lucien was unable to help his eyes sliding closed when Elain's tongue traced over the part of his throat she had just kissed.

"True…" he groaned just a little, and felt her smile as he heard her gentle chuckle. "What has brought this on?" he asked, one of his hands making their way up his mate's back and into her hair. She kissed his throat once more, and Lucien could feel her grasping at his coat as she pushed even closer to him.

"Nothing in particular." She breathed, "Perhaps I am just inspired by the coming Mabon celebrations… one can feel the excitement in the air."

"That's also true." He murmured, "There is always a sense of anticipation."

"I do like that…" Elain's lips were at Lucien's ear now, and he was unable to help himself from bending and lifting her to himself. Her slim legs went immediately around his waist, and both of his hands went to her hips, holding her gently as she lifted her head to kiss him properly. Lucien sought to deepen the kiss right away, his tongue sweeping her mouth thoroughly. The small moan he earned from Elain sent tingles throughout his body, and he knew that everything he was about to do would be worth it.

Elain's hands slid across his shoulders and up into his hair. He felt her pull the small leather tie from the end of his plait, and she carded her fingers through the rest of his hair, pulling it free and loose. "Lucien…" she breathed, and he hummed his response to the question. "I don't want to wait for Mabon." She went on, lifting her head to meet his gaze. "Please…"

"We don't have to wait for Mabon." He replied, one hand sliding up under the skirts of her dress, caressing her thigh. "There's no rule that says we do."

"I know that…" she replied, "Just if you had any ideas that we might…" she grinned at him, "Anticipation, and all…" He grinned back at her, understanding then. "I want you now."

"As you wish, Petal." Lucien carried her across the room before bending to place her carefully on the bed. He would give her exactly what she asked for, and he always would.