Scene 3: "Does he take you out dancing, just so he can hold you close; dedicate a song with words meant just for you?"
"You two haven't been out in the city much," his father said, lounging on the couch of their living area with a drink in his hand.
Lucien looked at himself in a mirror near the door to the rest of the palace. Bowin or one of the other incognito bodyguards was likely on the other side, preparing to shadow them wherever he and Elain went that evening.
"It's been a little hectic," Lucien pointed out and then smirked at his father directly. "My new boss is a task master."
Helion laughed. "Have I really kept you that busy?" he asked and then paused, realization dawning on him. "Cauldron boil me, I have! Lucien, tell me when, son. That mating bond must be chafing."
Lucien felt his cheeks get hot in embarrassment.
"Don't be like that," his father chided good-naturedly. "We all know that a mated male is a difficult thing to be, especially when your mate is literally across the hallway."
"It helps that I don't think she's ready for . . . for that."
Helion raised an eyebrow. "Is she?" he whispered. His tone clearly conveyed his surprise at the possibility that Elain Archeron was still a virgin.
Lucien shook his head. "But the last time was with him and that resulted in heart-break for her. I'm giving her space to choose how fast things go . . . there."
"Good male," his father commended him with a nod and raised his drink in salute. "I appreciate that you're what the humans would call a gentlemen."
Lucien heard Elain's door open and close down the hallway. He took a swig of his own drink, neglected since he poured it, and turned to greet her as she joined them. She looked breath-taking in a lavender gown, fashioned in the Day Court style. It was more skin than he'd ever seen her display, but he wasn't complaining. She was stunning.
Helion was on his feet instantly and strode towards her. "My dear, you look absolutely lovely," he said in a tone that seemed to be especially for Elain. It was gentler than he spoke to Lucien or any of the attendants. It was a little more serious, as if he never wanted Elain to question his sincerity. He took her hand and kissed the back of it chivalrously. "If that son of mine doesn't show you a wonderful time tonight, you just let me know."
"Thank you," she said with a smile and then her eyes flitted to Lucien with hope, as if she doubted he would do anything but agree with his father.
"My love," Lucien said and stepped forward, habitually placing one hand behind his back as he reached for her. "You are as radiant as ever. I think the Day Court truly suits you." It was true. After three weeks in the Day Court, she seemed to blossom in a way he'd not seen in her months at the Night Court.
Helion placed Elain's hand in Lucien's.
"Thank you," she breathed. "You look quite handsome this evening as well. I'll be fighting off the other females."
Lucien laughed. "I guarantee my eyes are only on you." He drew her close, wrapped his free arm around her waist, and kissed her lips gently.
"Alright you two, get out of here and have a good time," Helion said after a few moments. "I don't want to hear you back before midnight."
"A reverse curfew, Father?" Lucien asked with a chuckle.
Helion grinned and nodded. "Precisely."
Lucien rolled his eyes good-naturedly and then wrapped Elain's arm around his. "Don't wait up."
With that he led his beautiful mate out of the palace and down into Iliosa.
"Do we have a plan for the evening?" Elain asked as they strolled down a street lined with restaurants and shops.
He smiled down at her. "I thought a nice dinner, some overdue conversation, and then perhaps some dancing?"
"Dancing?" Elain repeated with a little gasp. "It's been so long since I've danced!"
"And a little bird told me that you used to be quite the dancer back in the day," Lucien replied.
Elain laughed – a sound Lucien was sure he would never tire of hearing. "Was that little bird Nesta or Feyre?"
Lucien smirked. "Both, actually. At different times. Amidst threatening to dismember me with every trick Cassian is teaching her, Nesta has been giving me helpful hints. Feyre's advice comes without the threats."
"Oh Nesta," Elain sighed, shaking her head.
"She cares about you," Lucien said with genuine understanding. "I don't blame her for wanting to be sure I'm treating you right."
"You treat me like a princess," Elain said with an adoring smile. "I couldn't possibly ask for more."
Lucien nodded. "And in seven more days you will be a princess – of sorts anyway."
Elain stopped short and a look of combined shock and horror crossed her features. "I hadn't really thought about it," she admitted.
Lucien smiled and gently tugged her to continue walking. "Why do you think so much care went into choosing your dress for the party next week?"
"I just thought Vea was being picky," she replied and laughed at herself. "You're going to love it, though," she added with a sideways grin.
Lucien let an eyebrow go up. "Am I going to love everyone else seeing it?"
"It's not that revealing," she assured him.
They arrived at a restaurant called Eclipse that Lucien had picked out over a week beforehand. The fairy at the host stand had iridescent skin that almost seemed to glow with a golden halo. It matched the décor of the restaurant – black with gold shading here and there. "Good evening, Lord Lucien," the host said smoothly. "Lady Elain. Your table is ready."
He turned and headed further into the restaurant, leading them toward a semi-private corner booth set for two. "The wine you ordered is also ready," the host said as Lucien allowed Elain to sit first. "Would you like it out now?"
"Yes, please," Lucien confirmed with a nod as he took a seat.
"You special ordered wine?" Elain asked, clearly impressed.
Lucien gave half a shrug. "I haven't really had a chance to woo you – to show you all my tricks," he pointed out with what he knew was one of his most disarming smiles.
Elain seemed to have the typical reaction, a little blush and momentary fluster, before smiling at him patiently. "You really don't have to." She placed a hand over his. "I'm yours and you're mine."
"I still want to woo you," he insisted with a faux pout. "At least a little."
"Very well," Elain agreed, smiling. "Woo away."
"Lord Lucien, Lady Elain," said a new male who approached their table. This one was High Fae. His dark, almost chocolate-like skin contrasted with his emerald green eyes vividly. "Welcome to my restaurant."
Lucien nodded in acknowledgement. "Thank you, Kruer. I've heard good things from Helion about your food and your service."
Kruer nodded in gratitude. "Lord Helion is too kind to recommend me to his son and daughter."
Elain's eyes darted to Lucien, clearly not sure how to react.
"One more week, Kruer," Lucien said without missing a beat. "Until then, he's still Helion and I'm still Lucien Vanserra." Based on his conversations with business owners and city councilors, though, it was clear the entire city knew Lucien was Helion's son.
Kruer nodded again, slightly apologetic. "And Lady Elain Archeron. We are honored, of course, to have one of Prythian's great heros join us in the Day Court."
Elain blushed. "I don't feel especially heroic," she said quietly. She seemed to catch herself almost immediately, though, and added, "Thank you for your hospitality, though."
"I have prepared a menu that I hope will excite and intrigue," Kruer continued, either not catching that he'd made her uncomfortable or choosing to plow past it. "I always want my food to make you feel something. It is my art and you consume it. It should be a full experience. I will return for the dessert course to learn if I have been successful."
As he made his little speech, a green fairy with long legs and a short torso arrived with a bottle of wine. He held it out to Lucien to inspect.
"My sommelier is one of the finest in all of Prythian," Kruer boasted as Lucien nodded his acceptance of the wine to the green fairy, and then grinned. "I may have stolen him from Velaris."
Elain laughed at that and covered her mouth quickly to contain the outburst.
Lucien smirked. "While I'm sure Lord Rhysand and company may miss his expertise in Velaris, I am glad that Iliosa is becoming known as another safe haven for fairies to come and settle."
"As am I," Kruer agreed. "As am I. I shall now leave you in the very capable hands of my staff." Kruer returned to the kitchen quickly, leaving them with the green fairy and the bottle of wine.
Suddenly a bucket of ice appeared on the table and after pouring two glasses for them, the green fairy disappeared into the kitchen as well.
"It's a lovely restaurant," Elain said as she looked around to take it all in. "Have you been here before or is this genuinely your first time?"
"It's genuinely my first time," he assured her. "A first for us to share together." He paused and studied her face for a moment. "But are you alright?" he asked with a little worry, still thinking about how she'd been bothered by Kruer's reference to the war with Hybern.
She nodded. "Yes, I'm fine. I'd rather not think about the war," she admitted, "but if I'm to be your mate and help you . . . govern? Do I help with that? Oh, Lucien, I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do!" she exclaimed quietly, and he realized that she was starting to panic a little.
He took both of her hands in his and brought them to his lips for kisses. "You're supposed to be yourself and do whatever it is you want to do, My Love," he said in a low, gentle voice. "If you'd like to help me and Father govern, then I'd be honored to have your assistance, but if you'd rather not, there is no pressure to do so."
To her credit, Elain took a deep breath of her own accord and calmed down a bit. "I'm sorry, Lucien," said softly. "Panicking isn't helpful or very ladylike."
Lucien smiled lovingly at her and squeezed her hands reassuringly before letting them go.
"I would be happy to help you and Helion in any way that I can," she said. "Though mother raised me to be more of a socialite than a leader. That was supposed to be Nesta's role."
Lucien gave a shrug. "Perhaps, for now, your leadership could be in more social aspects," he suggested. "You can make sure that me and Father don't neglect our responsibilities in that manner."
"I rather hope that I'll be busy filling up the nursery too," she confessed with a nervous laugh.
Lucien was surprised at how aroused that admission made him. He'd never wanted his mate to be a broodmare like his mother had been, but it seemed like Elain was volunteering, and something about that went to a primal part of him. He felt a little lost for how to respond, though. "My Love, someone has told you that it's much more difficult for the Fae to get pregnant than humans, correct?"
Elain nodded. "Yes, I'm aware. But we have all the time in the world. Even if we have a child every fifty years, I could still give you plenty of children before we're old by Fae standards."
Lucien couldn't help but just blink for a few heartbeats. "Well that's true," he agreed slowly. "But I want our family to be a choice both of us make. I don't think of it as you giving me children. That is not your . . . your purpose. Do you understand?" He was desperate that she know his love for her did not hinge on her child-bearing.
"I understand," she assured him. "But being a mother is something I desperately want to do. Oh and you'll make such a wonderful father," she exclaimed and reached forward to grab his hand in both of hers. "I just know it."
"How?" he asked, a little dumbfounded. "I'm not so sure." Honestly, he thought he'd make a fairly average father at best. Oh he wanted children, there was no doubt about that, but he wasn't sure how to be a good father. He didn't exactly have a good role model, and a father to a female?! He had no clue where to start with that.
Elain smiled confidently at him. "Because you will be everything you wanted and needed in a father."
He hadn't thought of that. He knew his eyes had gone vacant as he contemplated it and he quickly looked back into Elain's eyes. "Here you are, ruining my wooing again," he said as he leaned in and kissed her. "Completely undoing me." Another kiss. "Seeing past everything, even what I see in myself." Another kiss. "I do not deserve you."
Elain smiled broadly, clearly enjoying the kisses and squeezed his hand still trapped in hers. "Maybe that's what I'm really here to do."
Their dinner was truly delicious, better than some of the fare he'd had in either the Spring or Night courts. When they finally left the restaurant, Elain was snuggled up against his shoulder as they strolled down the street.
"Do you suppose I should call Helion father as well?" she mused quietly. The wine had definitely gotten to her.
Lucien chuckled and tucked her in close to him. "He certainly wouldn't mind. He's mentioned that you are welcome to, but that you shouldn't feel pressured. He understands that you and your father had a very good relationship."
Elain nodded. "We did," she mused. "But I have room in my heart to be a devoted daughter to Helion as well."
"Then I'm sure he will be delighted to call you his daughter," Lucien assured her. "Think you're still up for some dancing?"
Elain grinned up at him. "I'm dying to dance!" she declared excitedly.
Lucien laughed at her tipsy enthusiasm, but took her at her word and escorted her to a reputable dance hall he'd located for this occasion.
LVEALVEALVEALVEALVEALVEALVEALVEALVEALVEALVEALVEALVEALVEALVEALVEALVEALVEALVEALVEA
Elain was feeling wonderful. She knew she'd probably had too much of the Fae wine, but it went down so smoothly and it really enhanced the flavors of their dinner. Plus she was excited about dancing with Lucien for the first time. She assumed he would be an expert dancer, but what type of dancer was still to be seen.
Lucien led her by the hand through the myriad of people in the dance hall until they reached a small table on the edge of the room.
"Anything to drink?" a serving fairy asked as soon as they were seated.
Lucien looked at Elain and grinned. "Water and sparkling dewberry juice, please," he said.
"Well that's exotic," Elain said sarcastically once the fairy had left.
Lucien chuckled. "I'm not convinced you could stand let alone dance with another glass of wine in you."
"That's probably fair," she agreed grudgingly.
He stood and held out a hand to her. "Shall we?"
The music started playing, a lively waltz, and Elain immediately put her hand in his.
Lucien pulled her up and escorted her to the dance floor where he wrapped one arm around her. "Ready?" he asked.
She positioned her free hand on his shoulder and firmed up her frame a bit before nodding. "Do your worst," she challenged with a grin.
And they were off.
Lucien was a magnificent dancer. He had the stamina and grace of the High Fae, of course, but he moved even more lithely than Elain had imagined. He held her firmly, leading her where he wanted to her to step, and swaying with her as the music called for such flourishes. When the waltz was over, a new tune, something in four, started up. This time, he took her through twirls and spins, and Elain thought she was finally getting a look at the debonair courtier she'd heard so much about. He was truly in his element like this.
After the third energetic dance in a row, he escorted her back to their table where water and juice were waiting.
Elain laughed a little. "All that exercise, though, and I feel quite clearer in the head."
"I can order a bottle of wine if you'd like," Lucien agreed.
She shook her head, though. "This is fine, darling." Despite being parched, she sipped at the drinks to remain ladylike.
"I'll be back in a moment," Lucien said as he stood up. He leaned down and kissed her briefly. "Don't go anywhere."
"Wouldn't dream of it," she promised witha broad smile and then watched him disappear into the crowd.
When he returned the band was starting to play again, but this time it was something much slower.
"May I?" he asked, holding out a hand to her.
"Every time," she promised, putting her hand in his.
He pulled her to her feet and led her back to the dance floor. This time, he pulled her in close, held her hand close to his chest, and rested his head gently against hers. Then, without warning, he began singing softly in her ear.
The song spoke of infinite love and unbreakable bonds. It mentioned having adventures together, seeing the world together, and surmounting challenges together. The chorus was all about how love was stronger than magic, the only magic they'd ever need. By the time it was over, they stopped moving, and Lucien's voice was just an echo in her mind, she felt a few tears escape her eyes.
"That was beautiful," she whispered as she realized no one else was dancing. Everyone was watching them.
"I meant every word," he replied as he kissed her slowly, purposefully on the cheek.
"Did you write it?" she asked curiously which garnered her a chuckle as he led her back to their table.
The rest of the crowd resumed their conversations and the band started playing another tune for those on the dancefloor.
"It's an old song," Lucien finally explained once they were sitting. "Almost a folk song, you might say. I've known that song since I was an adolescent and until I met you, I never felt it in my soul, not even with Jesminda."
Elain squelched the moment of envy she had with respect to Lucien's first love and focused on what he'd said.
"I asked the band to play it," he confessed. "I hope you don't mind that people started watching."
"I didn't notice until the end anyway," she told him. "Thank you. This is a memory I will treasure for the rest of our lives."
Lucien leaned across the table and kissed her lovingly.
They spent the next hour dancing to a variety of songs, all new to Elain of course. Some of them Lucien knew and some of them were apparently Day Court tunes he was unfamiliar with. She liked that he didn't know everything about the Day Court. It was nice to discover some things together, just like that song had talked about.
By the time they returned to the palace, Elain's feet and legs were aching, but she was deliriously happy. Lucien walked her to her room.
"I'm so glad we took this night to get out and enjoy ourselves," he said as his hand came up to caress her cheek.
"Me too," she agreed as she reached up to hold that hand. She met his eyes and licked her lips, desperate for him to kiss her, to really, properly, passionately kiss her.
"Elain. . . " he started, almost like he was in pain.
She couldn't stand the wait any longer. She threw propriety to the wind and set upon him herself, smashing her lips against his. He responded by immediately opening her mouth with his tongue. His hand left hers but she immediately felt it gliding up and down her side. His other hand came up and cradled her neck as he bent even further into their kiss. Being held like that, by him, by her mate, made her feel loved, wanted, and secure all at the same time, and she couldn't hold back the small moan that escaped from her.
Lucien pulled back breathless. "Do you . . ." he started. "Do you want me to stop?"
Elain shook her head and threw her arms around his neck. "I need you close to me, so close to me," she told him. "I don't think you'll ever be close enough."
Lucien dove in for another kiss, and this time he backed her up until she was flat against her bedroom door. His lips tore from hers only to follow her jawline back to her ear and then down her neck. "Do you want to . . ."
Suddenly Elain was flashing back to her experience with Graysen. He'd never asked, he'd just presumed, and she hadn't stopped him. It hadn't been lovely or romantic. It had been carnal and disgusting, but at the time she felt it was her duty. But then those memories became other memories - worse memories. There was the kidnapping, the cauldron, the King of Hybern.
"Elain," she heard Lucien's firm voice from somewhere far away and she was suddenly back in the Day Court's palace, outside her bedroom, standing inches away from Lucien. But he was no longer holding her and his eyes were wild with worry. "Elain?" he said again.
"I'm alright," she squeaked out and heard the hoarseness in her own voice. She reached for him again, determined to regain the passion they'd been enveloped in moments ago. At least she thought it was only moments.
Lucien took her in his arms, but he did not resume kissing her. "Did I do something? Say something?" he asked as he held her close.
"No," Elain assured him. "Not really. It was your question."
He pulled back and looked at her with concern. "Me asking you for consent triggered you?" When he said it out loud it sounded ridiculous.
"It's silly," she insisted, shaking her head. "I'm alright now. We can continue."
Lucien looked deep into her eyes and then shook his head. "Not tonight."
Elain suddenly felt rejected, not just by this male, but by her mate.
"No, Lucien. You can't say that," she gasped. "Please don't."
"Shhh," he said, enveloping her in a fierce embrace. "I'm not saying never," he whispered. "I'm saying not tonight. I want it to be special, with no specters of the past haunting either of us."
Elain realized she was crying against his chest, but she agreed with him. "No specters," she echoed.
Lucien reached behind her and opened her door. "We'll plan it out a little better. Something soon, but without the surprise. Hopefully you won't disassociate.
"Come in," she heard herself beg pitifully. "Lay with me for awhile."
"I'll go get changed into something to sleep in," he said wih a nod. "You do the same. I'll be back in a few minutes."
Elain nodded. "You promise you'll come back?"
He gently tilted her chin up to look at him and kissed her delicately on the mouth. "I will always come to you. I'll be right back."
With that he was across the hallway and into his bedroom before she could blink. She sniffled as she got out of her dress, took down her hair, washed her face, and slipped into a nightgown. Ironically, it covered her more than the gown she'd just shed. Vea had already turned down the covers on one side, and Elain slipped between the sheets. Part of her didn't honestly expect Lucien to come back. She'd gotten him excited and then practically thrown cold water at him. It was inconsiderate at best and a glaring reminder that she was still broken in some ways.
There was a knock, though, and she found herself calling out "Come in!"
Lucien let himself into the room dressed only in a pair of thin lounge pants and smiled lovingly at her. "I think you're even lovelier without your cosmetics," he said. "Being High Fae really does look good on you."
She blushed and with no cosmetics to hide it, she knew he could see how red she turned.
Lucien walked around to the side of the bed Vea had not turned down and sat down. He propped himself up against the headboard and opened his arms to her. "Come here, My Love."
Desperate to be back in his arms, to feel like she had earlier in the evening, she rolled over, sidled up to him, and laid her head on his bare chest. He let his arm fall gently down onto her back and shoulder. He lovingly caressed her arm and started humming the song he'd sung to her earlier. She felt her breathing even out as her anxiety drained away from her. Before she could protest whatever magic he was working on her, she was dreaming.