Chapter 17: Tabula Rasa
-Rhysand's POV

The front door to the river house shook as Rhysand banged the door closed behind him. The noise outwardly startled his mate who had been lounging on a chair waiting for everyone to return safely.

Feyre stood immediately walking his direction. Her shoulders fell when she saw the frustration on his face. "You didn't find Violet?"

"No, we found her." He pulled Feyre into a hug to quell his disappointment . "We just didn't catch her." The simple defeat bothered him more than he cared to acknowledge.

"How is that even possible with all three of you flying after her?"

"It seems her being without wings for two years didn't slow her down. If anything, she's only gotten quicker." He rested his chin on top of her head. "I only hope she comes back."

"She will Rhys." Feyre reassured. "Her mate is here. She won't go far."

His mind halted picturing Eris somewhere in their family home. The thought alone set him on edge. "Where is everyone?"

"Nyx and Elaine are asleep upstairs, and everybody else is in the den." She pointed to his office. "Eris is waiting for you in there though. Helion told me an argument broke out after Violet flew off, so he suggested that they should be separated for the time being."

"A wise idea." He agreed. "We need to keep Azriel and Eris as far away from each other as possible. At least until Violet gets here."

"What were they fighting about anyway?"

"It was just territorial nonsense. Cassian made a stupid comment about Violet being mated which caused Eris to mention some less than proper things about her. Azriel proceeded to lose it after that." Rhysand pulled away placing a kiss on his mate's forehead. "I suppose I should consider myself lucky it didn't end in a blood bath."

"It sounds like Eris would have had it coming."

"Honestly, I don't know. He's has always been an arrogantly vicious bastard, but I think the mating bond is affecting him more than he's willing to admit." He blew out a breath. "My biggest worry now is he will only get progressively more hostile the longer my sister takes to accept the bond."

"I thought Violet was in love with him." Feyre furrowed her brows. "Why wouldn't she want to accept it?"

"It's got nothing to do with want, darling. It's about safety. Even if we catch the person trying to kill her, we'll still have Beron to deal with. If they confirm the bond now, it will only put them both at risk."

"What do we do then?"

"For now, I suppose I should have a talk with Eris. I need to know what he plans to do from here."

"Ok, I'll let you know if Violet makes her way back." Feyre raised up and kissed him softly. "I love you."

"I love you too." Rhysand felt her devotion flow down the bond as she walked back to join the others. He waited until his mate was well out of sight before opening the door.

Upon entering, he was surprised to find Eris sitting at the front of his desk with a book in one hand and a drink in the other. All the injures that he had sustained throughout the course of the evening had seemingly vanished. The male didn't even bother looking up from his lap as Rhys shut the door with a little more force than necessary.

"I see you've made yourself at home."

He ignored the comment and turned a page lazily. "Did you catch her?"

"No." Rhysand walked over to the decanter of wine and poured himself a generous amount. If they were really going to have this conversation, he was going to need to remain as relaxed as possible. "She cheated."

Eris closed the book and finally raised his head. "What?"

"It turns out Violet didn't go far. Cassian and I were able to catch up rather quickly." He took a seat behind his desk. "We attempted to flank her on both sides, and just as I was about to grab her, she winked at me and winnowed away somewhere." He leaned his head against the chair. "I have no idea where she is now."

"Sneaky little minx…" Eris murmured fondly. "That girl loves to play games."

"You don't need to tell me. I am more than aware."

"That's not utterly surprising considering who she learned it from. I think she's a lot more like you than you both realize." He voiced dropped into a near whisper. "It's why I couldn't stand the sight of you or the rest of this damned court after she…"

He picked his head up at Eris's hesitation. "That's why you hated me all this time?"

"No, I hated your court because it's filled with annoying, reckless assholes." He turned to face him. "I couldn't stand you in particular because every time I looked in your direction, it only reminded me of what I had lost. And it-" He cut himself off clearing his throat. "It doesn't really matter now I suppose."

Rhysand didn't think he had ever seen Eris this forthcoming. In the entirety of his existence, he had only known the male who constantly hid behind his bitter self-righteousness and vile insults. This was something different. Someone different.

"What about all the shit with Mor?" Rhys knew the only way this was going to work was if they got everything out in the open. "How much of that had to do with Violet?"

"Everything I have ever done was for Violet, and despite what you all seem to think, I never laid a hand on Morrigan."

"Give me one reason why I should believe you."

"Because I promised your sister I wouldn't." Eris answered. "When her and I first got together, she made me swear on her life that despite my father's resentment, I would never try to harm anyone in her family. For centuries, I have kept that promise to the best of my ability. Even the times it almost got me killed." He straightened in his chair. "When it comes to Morrigan, I didn't actually learn about our engagement until after it was already said and done. As it turned out, she had as little desire to marry me as I did to her."

"So, what did you do?"

"I told her that if she truly didn't want to be wed than I would do anything in my power to get us out of it." Rhysand watched Eris tap his fingers anxiously on his cup. His heavy rings clinked against the glass. "Apparently that wasn't sufficient, and she took matters into her own hands by sleeping with the first male she could find. I lost any semblance of control over the situation after that."

"And your final solution was to leave her for dead?"

"It's not like there with many other options." He explained. "You know as well as I do that if I so much as touched Morrigan, she would have become property of the Autumn Court. I assumed leaving her for Azriel was better than my brothers ripping her apart the minute she arrived at our manor."

"I suppose I could understand your position if you had no other choice, but you did." The high lord stood from his chair. "You should have come to me and told me what had happened between you and Violet."

"Would you honestly have believed me if I had?" Eris questioned. "We've never been friends Rhys, and more often than that we've been enemies. After Violet was killed, I didn't see the point."

"Why not tell me before she died then? You had every opportunity."

"I couldn't take the risk of my father finding out. You've seen what happens to the women who get involved with my family. Take my mother as a prime example." A muscle in his cheek twitched as he locked his jaw. "I knew if Beron ever discovered how much Violet meant to me, he would have destroyed her just out of spite. Lucien eventually figured that out the hard way."

Rhysand pinched the bridge of nose. "You do realize you're in the same position you were in back then?" He pointed out. "Only now, Violet being mated to you has put yet an additional target on her back. I'd at least like to know what you plan to do to fix it."

"Violet and I being mates doesn't change anything."

"Why the hell wouldn't it?"

"Look, I know the idea of me being with her is new to you, but tonight was not exactly a revelation for me. Unlike the rest of you, I didn't need a damn mating bond to tell me what I already know." He discarded his empty glass in front of him. "I've been in love with Violet for centuries Rhysand. Her being my mate doesn't alter that fact because when all is said and done, I always knew she was mine."

"I understand the sentiment Eris. However, none of that is going to matter if Beron finds out."

"That's why I plan to kill him before he does." He said it so clearly you would think he was talking about something other than committing patricide. "Violet coming back might have speed up my timeline a bit, but the outcome is the same. I still intend to be rid of him and assume my position at the Autumn Court."

"And your end game?"

"The end game being, your sister is a queen without a throne Rhys, and I intend to give it to her."

He blinked a few times trying to process what had been said before awareness him. "You plan to make her your High Lady."

"If that's what she wants it. Once I can guarantee the court doesn't end up in my brother's hands, Violet can reign over the whole damn thing for all I care."

"I have to say I didn't see that coming." He picked up his drink again and downed the remains. "Especially not from you."

"Well I'm not my father. That bastard has spent his entire life smothering his wife's power and beating her down until she was nothing more than a shell." Eris spat. "I refuse to treat Violet the same way. I'd much rather see her in a crown ruling along side me. She deserves nothing less after all."

Rhysand contemplated his sister's mate for a moment. There was nothing but utter sincerity on his face. "You really love her, don't you?"

"I always have."

"It sounds good in theory." As much as he loathed to admit it, he couldn't help but believe Eris. "Although, considering all the damage Beron has done, I'm having a hard time imagining the Autumn Court with a high lady."

"Come on now. You can't be the only one that gets to have a one." He mocked. "I would think after five centuries, you would have learned to share."

A rumbling groan came from deep within Rhysand's chest. "Gods… You really are an infuriating prick, you know that?"

"It's one of the things your sister loves most about me." Eris answered with a smile. "Irony really is a bitch, isn't it?"

It took what little patience he had left not to roll his eyes. "I'm regretting this already."

"What a shame… Here I thought we were starting to get along." The male scoffed half-heartedly. "I assume you don't have a problem with anything I've said."

"No, I don't, but I'm not the one you need to worry about. If you really want this to work with Violet, then you're going to have to find a way to get along with Cassian and Azriel."

Eris opened his mouth to argue, but he cut him off. "I realize there is a great deal of animosity between the three of you, but you need to acknowledge the fact that she loves them, and they love her. Those two are her brothers just as much as I am. Now I'm not naïve enough to assume you'll ever be friends, but you will remain civil when you are in my home. In return, I will expect them to treat you with the same respect. Do you think you can handle that?"

"I suppose I'll have to."

"Good. If you can manage this, we won't have a problem Eris."

Rhysand had one more question weighing on him, but before he could get a word out, he felt Feyre gently brush against their bond. He opened his mind to her without hesitation, but she stayed silent.

'Is everything alright?'

'Sort of… I have good news and bad news.'

'Ok?'

'Good news is Violet is here and it seems like most of the cuts on her back have healed.'

'And the bad news?'

'I think she might be drunk.'

'I'm sorry, what?'

'Well, she flew back to the house and kind of nosedived into the front lawn. Azriel was able to get her inside and now she's dancing on top of our dining table in the den. We've tried getting her down, but she's being a tad difficult.'

'I'm on my way.'

Rhysand slammed his glass down. "I swear that girl is trying to kill me." He made his way for the door signaling Eris to follow him.

"I assume that means Violet is here?"

"Yes, but we have a slight problem."

"Which is?"

"See for yourself." The high lord said as he pushed open the door to the den. They arrived just in time to witness Cassian trying to pull his sister off the tabletop. Feyre was looking at the pair with an anxious look as if she were expecting Violet to come tumbling down at any moment.

Lucien, Helion, and Mor were evidently not as concerned. The trio was trying their best not to laugh at Cassian cursing every time Violet slapped his hands away. In typical fashion, Azriel was standing off to the side keeping on eye on the situation and ready to intervene if necessary.

"Would you quit worrying? I'm fine Cass!" Violet giggled twirling in circles. Her wings followed every move she made. As Feyre mentioned, the cuts on her back were indeed closed, but she still had dried blood covering her skin.

"I wouldn't have to worry if you'd get down." Cassian attempted to grab her again, but she twisted out of his grip. "You're going to break your damn neck."

"I will not!" Violet pushed the Illyrian away from her and stumbled slightly. "Stop being such a baby!"

"That's it!" He threw his hands in the air. "I give up. Mor, you try talking to her."

"Why bother? She's obviously not going to listen to any of us." Morrigan pointed towards the door. "Want not let Eris handle it?"

Violet whirled around at the mention of her mate. She found him leaning against a wall watching her intently. "Oh boy! Rhys brought in reinforcements. I'm in real trouble now…"

Eris hummed in agreement, but he appeared more amused than angry. She stood still and waited for him to say something, but he just continued staring at her. Rhysand knew he was trying to force Violet to make the first move, and she was never one to back down from a challenge. "Is my brother really so desperate that he had to bring my mate here to reason with me?"

"No, because I have no intention of reasoning with you." Eris replied smoothly. "You're going to come down all on your own Princess."

"Color me intrigued." Her lips pulled into a playful smile. "How do you plan on managing that?"

"Where would be the fun in telling?" He asked taking one small step forward. "Now get off the damn table before you hurt yourself." Violet laughed at the obvious demand in his voice.

"Why don't you get up here and make me fireling?"

Lucien snorted loudly from the other side of the room. The sound made Eris flair his nostrils, but he didn't break his stare. "You sure this is how you want to play this?"

With a cross of her arms, he walked to the table's edge, and slowly brought his eyes up to meet her. "Get down."

"Not on your life." The female placed her hands on her hips. "I have yet to witness this master plan of yours."

Eris tilted his head grabbing the back of her thigh roughly. "Last chance love." He purred tightening his grip even further.

Violet drew in a sharp breath and locked her knees to stabilize herself. Despite his words, it was clear she was still expecting him to rip her off the table. The girl was so focused studying his face, she didn't notice his spare hand disappear behind her.

With a smirk, Eris ran a singular finger across the inside of her wing.

Every Illyrian cringed as Violet let out a surprised shriek and fell forward at the waist. Her mate caught her easily and tossed her over his shoulder with a victorious smile. "I told you that you'd get down on your own."

"That doesn't count!" Violet was struggling against him, so he threw an arm around her middle to keep her steady. "You cheated!"

"You should know better than anyone that I don't play by the rules." He twisted his body in Rhysand's direction. "Do you have a bath somewhere I can throw her in?"

He nodded gesturing to the stairs. "Her bedroom is the second one on the right. She has an attached bathroom."

Eris made way for the door, and Violet began beating her fists into his back. "Put me down you neanderthal! I can walk myself."

He exhaled deeply looking over his shoulder. "If I let you go, are you going to behave?"

There was a long pause before she spoke. Her wings were pulled in tight, and Rhysand could actually hear her teeth grinding together. "Yes." She hissed. "I'll be good. Now put me down." He let a handful of seconds pass until he lowered her to the ground.

Violet was scowling at him, so Eris leaned forward and ran a thumb over her bottom lip. "Don't pout just because you lost." The female stuck her tongue out in defiance. "Very mature of you."

"I suppose that was rather childish." She raised her middle finger in front of his face. "Is this better?"

Cassian laughed at her boldness and Eris responded with a smile of his own. "I swear some days I think the Cauldron brought you back to torment me."

Her wings disappeared with a roll of her shoulders. "Then I guess my job here is done."

"That it is." Eris grabbed her by the wrist pulling her to him. "If you're quite finished, will you please go get all this blood washed off?"

Violet put her arms around his neck and drew his lips to hers. "I suppose since you asked nicely." With a promising kiss, she withdrew from her mate and mouthed a 'thank you' in Helion's direction. He bowed his head respectfully making Violet smile in return. With one last glimpse at her family, the princess walked to the upper level of the house.

Once Eris was positive she was out of earshot, he turned back to Rhysand. "I'll make sure she gets to bed, and I'll head back to the Autumn Court."

"You don't need to leave." He stated rubbing the back of his neck. He knew the statement wouldn't be well received by some. "Considering it's the middle of the night, everyone who wants to remain is welcome. You can stay upstairs with Violet, and we have spare bedrooms on the main floor for Lucien and Helion to use."

"You're letting Eris sleep here now?" Azriel uttered from where he was standing.

"He said everyone did he not?" Feyre reiterated firmly. "It's too late to fight about this now, so we will discuss it in the morning. Anyone who has a problem with it can sleep at the cabin. Either way, we're done arguing about it tonight."

Azriel froze at the finality in her tone. Mor tried putting her hand on the shadowsinger's arm, but he shook her off and marched out of the den.

When the door clicked shut, Cassian cleared his throat to break the tension. "As much as I would love to stick around to watch that mess play out, I'm going to head home."

"Have a good evening, Cass." Feyre said fighting a yawn.

Rhysand leaned down kissing his high lady on the cheek. "Alright, love. Nyx is bound to be up in a few hours. Let's get you to bed." Feyre beamed in appreciation and sauntered up the stairs.

Eris went to follow behind her to join Violet, but Rhysand had one last issue to take care of.

"Hold on Vanserra." The male stopped in his tracks and raised a brow at him. "I have no problem with you being here tonight. However, if you are going to sleep in the same room as my sister, for everyone's sake, put up a damn shield."

He was expecting an argument or for him to say something crude in response. To his amazement, Eris simply nodded once and walked away.