Chapter 8: Lies and Lilacs
"Again," Eris commanded, his voice sharp but patient. He stood across from Mira, his golden eyes fixed on her with an intensity that could melt steel. "Your face, Mira. You need to control it. Every flicker of emotion is a weapon that can be used against you."
Mira fought the urge to roll her eyes, and instead nodded and swallowed her frustration. When she arrived at the Autumn court chambers, she did not expect Eris to uphold his words. She should have known that the Vanserra heir would not delay in utilizing the newest tool in his political deceit. Mira found herself quickly tested, scolded, and schooled in Eris' expectations of her. For two weeks, Eris has worked with Mira on skills that she will need to not only survive but to thrive under the mountain. He built on her knowledge of the different courts, and trained her to identify spies by knowing social trends within each court. Then, he had her master an array of social customs that, while not seen under the mountain, still drive the intention of many of the courts. Subtle seductions, threats disguised as compliments, and being able to control her emotions to be more calculating. In many areas, Mira was a wonderful student. Diligent, quick to pick up on concepts, and even more proficient in implementing the skills. However, she still had many areas to master before Eris would allow her to leave his tutelage. The largest being to master suppressing emotions and feelings from others.
Raised under the mountain, Mira always believed that she had a firm grasp on her emotions. Her father had trained them to mask what they could, and be subservient when they could not. Eris, however, was quick to point out that Mira could mask her own pain but not her emotions when it came towards her sisters. He then proceeded to taunt Mira about how Amarantha would treat Aurora when she found out about Mira's recent behavior. Within seconds, Eris had the reaction that he wanted. Mira, blinded by her rage at the teasing, having to be restrained with a firm grip against the wall.
With a smirk, Eris had proven himself right. As it stands, Mira had been working for hours on schooling the rage that threatened to bubble over. She had been struggling with this aspect of the training, finding it difficult to mask her emotions completely. Eris was relentless, but she knew it was necessary. Under Amarantha's rule, any sign of weakness could be fatal. While Mira hated the methods, she did have to admit to herself that these lessons would benefit herself. With that resolve, Mira tried again.
Seeing her continue to struggle, Eris approached her, his steps measured and deliberate. "Imagine you're at court," he instructed. "Surrounded by enemies. They're watching you, waiting for you to slip. How do you react?"
Mira took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment to center herself. When she opened them again, her face was a blank canvas, devoid of any emotion.
Eris smirked at her carefully placed mask, nodding approvingly. "Better. Now, let's test it."
This was the part where Mira usually slipped. As soon as the biting words and imagined scenarios of Amarantha punishing Aurora, her father, or the people of Dawn escaped Eris' mouth, her carefully crafted mask would slip. Leaving Mira to start with a blank slate, once again.
Eris moved closer, and Mira internally braced for his biting words. His expression softening slightly, and catching Mira off guard, as he encroached into her personal space. "Imagine I'm someone you care about, someone who has just said something that deeply affects you. Before all of the high lords, the courts, and Amarantha. We can not have any interaction outside of court, but now your motives are being questioned by all." Eris paused as his hand lifted to brush a golden tendril away from her face, tucking it behind her ear. "The court is calling you a liar, a seductress, a half-blood."
Mira's heart skipped a beat at his words. His close proximity caused her to be engulfed in his scent. The heady mixture of autumn spice blending with the undertone of ash, unsettled her. She and Eris had been close, and she was even beginning to associate his scent with a place of comfort. But with his hands on her skin, surrounded by his scent, she had to force herself to maintain her composure.
Eris' hand gently trailed away from her hair, to lightly caress her jaw. The sensation so foreign to Mira's touch starved existence, that she found herself having to actively keep her features calm and indifferent. Over the past two weeks, to say Mira's opinion of the Autumn heir had greatly changed would be a lie. She still thought Eris was arrogant, entitled, and manipulative. However, she could not deny that her proximity forced her to acknowledge that Eris was a handsome male. With little to no interaction amongst fae outside of the Dawn court, his features were striking. While he still might be an arrogant male, his proximity and movements caused Mira to long for something more; something dangerous.
"You are surrounded by enemies. They're watching you, waiting for you to slip. How do you react?"
Eris' proximity was distracting, but she couldn't afford to let it show. If anything, she needed to master this skill to be free of his presence for the day. "I focus on the bigger picture," she replied, her voice calm. "On the consequences of showing my true feelings."
"And when your true feelings are overwhelming? When they require you to not only be complicit, but also to deceive?"
Mira braced herself as he slightly retreated, the ghost of Eris' touch still lingering just along her jaw. Eris' gaze was piercing, but she met it head on.
"Your sister would be punished for your coercions, for your attempts at breaking Amarantha's rules."
As if unable to allow the distance he had created, Eris' hand returned to Mira's face. His soft-spoken words were emphasized by the gentle caress of his thumb over her lips. Slightly pulling the plump skin apart, as if begging her to lash out at him. Mira's eyes pierced at him, as his own strayed to his actions against her skin. Mira could feel her emotions raging. She was not focusing on his imagined scenario, as every part of her being fought against the blush that wanted to rise to her face.
Still, Mira stayed silent.
Eris' lips quirked in amusement, as his eyes flickered to that of Mira's, before returning his attention to his previous task.
"Did you sleep with the Autumn court, to turn their allegiance against their queen?"
Mira fought the urge to pull her brows together at the question, both confused and flustered. Eris' eyes twinkled in mischief as he awaited a response.
Mira hesitated for the briefest moment before responding, her voice smooth and unwavering. "No, I did not. My queen has decreed that I am hers to the court." Mira's resolute gaze locked onto Eris' at the words. His playful demeanor turning serious at her response. "And why would I be questioned about Autumn's allegiance, when mine is to my queen?"
Her additional question seemed to break Eris out of whatever internal thought he was having, as his lips curled back into a small smile. Mira looked at the smirk, and wondered if this was also one of his carefully constructed responses. She could not think of a time she had ever seen the fire-lord grin beyond this subtle response. Her traitorous mind, still focusing on his proximity, wondered what a true smile would look like from him. The thought making her stomach turn in a way that was not wholly unwelcomed.
"Not bad," he said. "But remember, it's not just about the words. Your body language needs to match your lie. Stand tall, keep your movements controlled." At the last remark, he let his hand slide away from her, his thumb pulling down on her lips in a ghost of a touch. Mira, despite her resolve, allowed her mind to wander to if the feel of his own lips would feel similar in their retreat.
Mira adjusted her posture, nodding again. "Understood."
Eris withdrew from their immediate proximity, allowing Mira a slight reprieve from her intrusive thoughts. His scent still lingered all around her, and Mira wondered if the unique blend of spice and ash would linger against her lips.
Eris, as if snapping out of a daze, continued guiding her through various scenarios. Mira was left reeling from his shift, and wondered if his was part of her training.
After hours of practice, Eris finally called for a break. Mira felt her body relax, as she dropped the carefully crafted composure that she had been forcing all day. Eris noted the change in posture and gave her a playfully scolding glance. Mira simply rolled her eyes before throwing herself down on Eris' bed. Mira allowed herself a moment of rest, surrounded by the push white bedding and the scent of Autumn, she could almost pretend that her training was not needed.
"You're doing well, Mira." Eris' soft voice broke the comfortable silence that had enveloped the room. Mira acknowledged the statement with a soft smile, thankful for the genuine compliment. "But remember, this isn't just about surviving. It is about thriving, about taking control of your own fate."
Mira looked at Eris, a mixture of gratitude and determination in her eyes. "I know," she said quietly. "And I won't forget it."
Eris approached, reaching out to gently place a hand on her shoulder. Mira looked up at him, his amber eyes blazing. The two sat that way for a long moment.
"Good," Eris stated as he gently squeezed her shoulder, before retreating in his touch. "Because you will need every bit of strength and cunning to navigate the courts. I will not allow one of my informants to destroy years of planning."
Mira rolled her eyes at his remark. She allowed herself to believe, if just for the moment, that Eris might be warming towards her. However, she should have known better. The only value that Eris would see in Mira is that of what he can get from her.
"Understood," Mira stated in a clipped tone, as she rose from the bed. Eris watched her movements, his brow slightly furrowing as he watched her use her training to force her form into the carefully composed figure that shows no emotion. Had Eris not been so confused by her sudden change from relaxed to composed, he might have been impressed by the ease in which she made the transition.
"I will see you, tomorrow, at the usual time," Mira stated as she made her way toward the door.
"Until tomorrow, little dove."
At the use of the name, Mira paused at the doorway. Casting a quick glance over her shoulder, Mira nodded.
Careful to not disturb the quite in the rest of the Vanserra chambers, least she be caught by one of the brothers or Beron himself, Mira hastily made her way towards the corridor. While passing the vase that caused her current situation, Mira was quick to grab one of the light purple flowers on her way out.
With practiced footsteps, and her façade of indifference, Mira was able to arrive back at her shared chambers with Aurora.
Typically, Aurora was occupied with their father during her returns, so Mira had to contain her surprise at seeing her sister already sitting upon their shared bed. Mira gave Aurora a gentle smile, which her twin returned before closing the bedroom door.
Aurora was well aware that Mira was being deceptive, but also knew better than to get involved in whatever her younger twin was. She trusted Mira to make choices that were the best for themselves and their court, and as her sister's spirits had also lifted over the past two weeks, she chose to ignore her more frequent absences. However, her heart clenched in worry as she watched Mira place the purple flower under her pillow, as she did with her hidden treasures.
"Mira," Aurora began, her voice soft yet probing, "where did this flower come from?"
Mira glanced at the flower briefly, rubbing the soft purple petals through her fingertips, before meeting Aurora's eyes. "It was a gift." Mira felt her stomach turn as she realized the practical application of Eris' lessons. He was not training her to deceive the court, but also her own family. In order to protect her kin, she needed to make sure they were ignorant to any wrongdoings that she may commit. Mira chastised herself, internally, at letting Aurora even see the purple flower. She had shown her other flowers, and Aurora's curiosity always outweighed her concern. Coupled with her more erratic behavior, Mira should have known that confrontation would be coming.
"A gift?" Aurora echoed, her suspicion growing. "From whom?"
Mira hesitated, a fleeting uncertainty crossing her features. She had to decide. If she told Aurora, she risks her becoming an accomplice to any of the deceit she commits on behalf of Autumn and Eris. If she did not tell Aurora, though, it will be the first secret that she has intentionally kept from her twin in all of their existence.
"It does not matter, Aurora."
Aurora frowned slightly, sensing her sister's evasion. The only reason that Aurora could think of that would warrant deception would be something to put her in danger. Aurora's mind briefly recalled the reverence with which Mira beheld the flowers she often had, like they were a treasure. Aurora's frown deepened as she realized that there were only a few fae who would have access to such things, and even fewer who had ever expressed any interest in the twins.
"Mira," Aurora tentatively began, unsure if she even wanted to voice her suspicious. "Mira, is it from Rhysand?"
Mira's eyes widened momentarily, surprise flickering across her face. Aurora feared, in that moment, that Mira had just confirmed one of the worst scenarios that she could imagine. That the High Lord of Night, despite her sickening fascination, was actively pursuing her sister. He would make good on all his subtle flirtations and threats to the two, and Mira was falling into the trap, willingly.
"No, it's not from him!"
Mira's response did little to calm the growing concern in Aurora's heart. If not from the high lord, who so openly sought to claim the twins, then from who?
Aurora studied Mira intently, searching for any sign of deception. "Then who?" Aurora implored; her tone gentle yet insistent.
Mira looked away, her silence speaking volumes. The fragile thread of honesty that had always bound the sisters seemed stretched thin in that moment.
"Mira," Aurora urged softly, her concern mingled with a hint of hurt. Aurora waited for her to fill the silence with answer, but it continued. "We have never kept secrets from each other before."
Mira winced, torn between her loyalty to their shared bond and the necessity of discretion. "I can't tell you, Aurora. Not now."
Aurora's voice trembled slightly, her worry surfacing. "You aren't in trouble, are you?"
"We are all in trouble, Aurora," Mira replied. Aurora's imploring eyes continued to weigh heavy on her. "It's complicated, Aurora. Just, please trust me on this."
Aurora felt a pang of unease, the unfamiliarity of secrecy unsettling their usually open relationship. "I do trust you, Mira," she said finally, her tone tinged with resignation. "But that does not mean that I understand why you can't tell me."
Mira reached out, touching Aurora's hand gently. "There are things at play here that I can't explain right now. But I promise you, I'm doing what I believe is best for us."
Aurora nodded slowly, reluctantly accepting Mira's words. "Okay," she murmured, her heart heavy with the weight of unspoken truths. "At least tell me what this one is called," Aurora gestured to the purple flower.
"A lilac," Mira stated, glad that Aurora was shifting the conversation and not shutting her out. "It grows mostly in the Day court, because it requires eight hours of sunlight. Also found in Spring, it is one of the purple flowers but does not retain the color when used as dye." Mira paused as she looked at Aurora. Their conversation from before lingered in the air, and the gap of undisclosed information cast a shadow over their twin bond. Mira could sense the next question that always comes, "where did you learn this". To which Mira always laughs and response "a book". But, with the rift between the two, Mira could also anticipate the question that now lingered in Aurora's mind. The type of question that Aurora had not yet asked, and that Mira would no longer answer. "Where did you get a book?"