Work Text:
It had been a long…Lucien wanted to say ‘month’ but it was much longer than that. The last fifty plus years seemed to be one of constant flux and peril. After years of terror from Amerantha, then Feyre being brought to Spring, then the war with Hybern. The last month specifically was full of schemes, plans, then a full coup in Autumn, allowing for Eris to finally overthrow Beron. Their mother, Deirdre, and all of the Autumn folk now free from his terrible reign. Eris, to his credit, was already implementing changes to the court for the better, giving what rights he could enforce quickly to those hurt by Beron’s laws, along with a more long term plan to deal with the deeper issues. Lucien did not envy his brother, but Eris seemed to thrive in that environment.
Since then, Helion and Deirdre were able to reunite, and allow for Lucien’s birthright to be made known to a select few in the Day and Autumn courts. Now, he's the heir to Day, something he could have never dreamed of happening. Apparently Feyre and Rhysand had their suspicions as well, having talked to Helion previously. They were now planning a ‘family dinner’ for all of the “Inner Circle” and his parents. His mother had even hinted at inviting Eris as well. Lucien felt very weird about the whole affair, and suspected some kind of plot from the noisy High Lord and Lady.
Lucien had just finished sparring with Cassian and Helion, the two of them deciding he was their next project to prepare him for being a high lord's heir. Lucien was very grateful that it was Cassian who was training him, he didn’t think he could stomach Rhysand’s smirking or Azriel’s brooding for very long. Cassian however was bright and fun, while still being a brutal task master.
He was just taking a breather, having water from a nearby pitcher when he felt it; absolute anguish down the bond. On instinct, he winnowed, at least as far as he could with all the wards. He was outside the townhouse, rushing in, it didn’t appear like anything was amiss. No intruders, no loud noises, or signs of a struggle. Nothing but the sweet smell of honey, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and…was that nuts? Rushing to the kitchen, he was met with not a horrifying scene, but Elain, looking wide eyed at him, with a piece of flakey pastry in her hand.
“My lady, apologies, I felt…”
Elain blushed profusely. “Oh, gosh, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to - “
Lucien straightened, putting on the well practised mask he was accustomed to. “Please don’t apologies my lady, I just needed to make sure you were ok. If there isn’t anything wrong then I will take my leave.”
He quickly turned to stride out but was stopped by Elain crying out “Wait, please. I actually need to talk to you.”
Slowly turning to look back at her, he took more notice of the scene. Looking as beautiful as ever, her hair was tied back in a messy bun, she was dusted with flour, sugar, spices, and a slight sheen of sweat. What looked like a streak of powdered cinnamon was across one cheek. She was adorable, along with being devastatingly lovely, and it caused a deep ache within him. Lucien longed to tuck the flyaway pieces of hair back, while wiping down the spots she’d missed on her face.
“Of course lady, what would you like to discuss?” He needed to stay apathetic. He knew she didn’t like him much, or at least found it hard to be around him. Lucien was also painfully aware that he was more exposed then he would normally be around her. Plain dark pants, billowy shirt unbuttoned and hardly tucked in, he was hoping that this wasn't making Elain uncomfortable with his current state. Lucien tried to ignore it and just pretend he was in his normal court attire.
Elain looked pointedly away from his unbuttoned shirt, “I’m sure you know, but Helion and the new prince of Day are arriving tonight for dinner.”
Did she not know? Had they not told her? Do they tell her anything at all? Anger flared within him, but he tamped it down.
“Uh, yes, I did hear that. Is this causing an issue?”
Elain had put down the desert she was holding and started fidgeting with a kitchen towel. “I think…I think Rhys and Feyre are scheming again. I think they want to use me how they used Nesta with Eris.”
This was news to Lucien. “Appologies lady, but I’m not quite sure what you’re talking about.” He had an idea, but he wanted to hear it from her.
Elain bit her lip, looking him in the eyes before they wandered down his chest settling for a moment on his exposed stomach for the second time today. She quickly looked away. If Lucien wasn’t painfully aware of everything she did, he would have missed the heated glance she gave. That was new.
Elain took a deep breath, a deep blush coming up her neck. “Rhysand and Feyre knew that Eris would be intrigued by Nesta. After dancing with her, he immediately asked for her hand in marriage. Obviously that didn’t go through, but it made all negotiations with him imbalanced in the future. I’m worried that they’re planning something similar…with me for the Day court prince.”
Lucien was stunned. She was scowling and angrily picking at dried flour in the towel in front of her.
“Ah, what makes you think that my lady?”
“Rhysand asked that I make a traditional Day Court dessert, honey, nuts, spices, sugars, with a flakey pastry. Bake-lava I believe it’s pronounced? I think they’re hoping that he will like it, along with the flowers and the garden they’re planning to host the dinner in. It’s like they’re determined to show off what I can do during this dinner.”
Elain looked ashamed, even a little angry. She obviously didn’t want any part of this, but also didn’t know that Lucien himself was the new prince.
“You were close, it’s bah-klah-vah (baklava), and you don’t want to be a part of this scheme, I take it? Is that why I felt the distress?” Lucien kept his mask in place, not showing the humour or anger at the situation. He hated how Feyre and Rhysand were constantly trying to meddle in his life, but he had to find some humour in this ridiculous setup. Apparently not informing Elain was part of that meddling, which he hated even more. She should be kept informed in court dealings.
Elain nodded, “It’s very silly, I was hoping that it wouldn’t turn out well, that I could say I’m still learning how to make it and it was a failure, but it’s really quite good. Feel free to try it if you’d like.” Elain was now blushing and not making eye contact. “I don’t know how authentic it is, but apparently Helion helped, he sent over the nuts and recipe.”
For cauldron's sake, was everyone in on this? He took a piece and bit down into the sweet and sticky dessert. Buttery pastry, the spice and the honey melting in his mouth, the nuts were the perfect texture. He couldn’t help but groan, it was delicious.
Elian’s eyes went wide, looking at him again, her eyes traveled downwards once more, before quickly looking away and swallowing hard. He’d never seen that reaction from her, towards anyone, if he was being honest.
“I’m glad you enjoy it. But that’s the problem, what if the scheming works? I don’t want to play along with this pretence, it’s rude to the prince and to…” Elain trailed off.
“Well, if it makes you feel any better, or worse potentially, I believe my mother and possibly Eris are coming to dinner as well. Maybe the prince will be too distracted or annoyed by Eris to take any real note.” Lucien wasn’t entirely wrong, the two of them had been trying to mend their relationship.
To Lucien’s surprise, Elain perked up a bit. “Eris is coming? Maybe he can help then…”
“Eris. You’re happy Eris is coming?” Lucien was trying very hard to not let jealousy get the better of him, but he couldn’t keep the surprise off his face. Oh, Cauldron boil him, he was jealous of his brother.
“Please don’t tell Feyre and Rhysand, I don’t want anyone to get in trouble.”
Lucien nodded, of course he would do anything she asked for, even though this one felt like a knife to his chest. Still, he retained his practiced facade.
“Remember when I said he danced with Nesta? We ended up talking when that whole business was over. He called me his ‘littlest of sisters,’ and said he wanted to meet the mate of ‘his favourite youngest brother.’ I was quite shocked, but he was very polite, very patient with me. He said I was free to reach out and ask any questions I didn’t feel comfortable asking Feyre or Rhysand about you, since you didn’t seem to be around much.”
Elain was not meeting his eyes, instead was fidgeting more than he’d ever seen her while blushing like mad. She looked like she wanted to disappear forever.
“Not that I blame you of course! Rhys and Feyre keep you so busy, and it seems like you’re holding up Prythian half the time.”
Now it was his turn to blush. While he didn’t think what he was doing was all that effective, he was shocked to think that she did. She knew he was getting sent out, knew he was busy, knew why he was busy. It was also the first time she had openly acknowledged the bond. He shoved that thought down.
Elain continued, “I sent him a note using the paper he provided, he had said it would go directly to him. I thanked him and asked what you were like as a child, what colours you favoured, your hobbies, anything I could think of, and he would tell me. He offered to send you a diary from when you were around 70, said it was full of some wild tails, but I told him off for even suggesting such a thing.”
Lucien held perfectly still. What was going on? His estranged brother was talking with his estranged mate about him, and helping her learn more about him. His mate wanted to know him. Hope flooded into the ache in his chest where the bond was strained but alive. No, I can’t. Not right now, he was worried it might actually break him if he did have hope and nothing came of it.
“He, also, may have told me a few other things.” Oh fuck, there were a million things Eris could have told Elain that Lucien didn’t want her to know, Jesminda being top of mind.
“What did our dear Eris tell you? Something embarrassing I bet, knowing him.” Lucien was desperate to keep his careful mask in place, stay apathetic he tried to chant in his head.
Elain’s features morphed from uncomfortable to shock and mild horror. “Not at all! He told me how brave you were! How you stood up to Amerantha, how you saved Feyre many times and were punished for it. How you tried to help her afterwards, tried to keep ‘that great beast’s head firmly out of his own ass,’ I’m assuming he meant Tamlin. How, because of your help with Feyre and Under the Mountain, we were saved from Hybern long before we would have known what happened.”
She spoke so passionately, he could see tears start to form in her eyes. He could feel indignation morphing into frustration and anger down the bond. Since when was it so open as now? Did she want him to know what she was feeling? Lucien could only wince at some of what she said but stayed silent and shocked, letting her keep talking.
“Which is why I’m so…” Elain huffed a breath, “they all treat you like you’ve committed some awful acts. As if you haven’t done just as much for Prythian as them, but get none of the glory. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable, but I just can’t stand by while they plot a prince of a different court to come and -” a loud, sharp ring sounded from nearby. “Oh, the pie.” Elain rushed to the oven.
Lucien felt like his heart had cracked and reforged in a split second. Just moments ago he was jealous of Eris, of talking with her. Now, she was defending his actions and getting angry on his behalf.
He didn’t even notice what she pulled out until the scent hit him, along with a wave of nostalgia. Looking over, he saw a perfect apple pie. It was just ever so slightly too dark on the edges, but honestly he preferred it that way. It truly was a work of art, while baklava wasn’t a pretty dish normally, it was obvious where her efforts had been between the two desserts. The apples had been thinly and evenly sliced, then arranged in a rose pattern. The spices also were achingly familiar, the deep scent of the cinnamon, the sweet, spicy smell of mace and the dark sugar that was not commonly used in apple pies outside of Autumn. This was definitely an Autumn court recipe, he remembered this one well.
“Did they ask you to make this pie as well?” His voice sounded strained, he couldn’t help it. He was struggling to keep everything in.
“Ah, no.” She was blushing even harder now than earlier if that was possible. “Um, I knew you were coming to dinner as well, and you seem to really enjoy the apple pie the last few times you were over, and wanted to make sure it was here in case you didn’t like the baklava. I also figured that maybe showing that I was making you a special desert as well, that their schemes would fall through. So I asked Eris for a traditional apple pie recipe and he sent over the ones the kitchens use in the Forest House. He also sent over spices so it would be authentic.” By the time she finished speaking, it was a whisper.
Lucien couldn’t breathe, she’d taken extra time and effort to make him something because he enjoyed it. He stood stunned for a moment, completely at a loss for what to say. Say something idiot, Lucien coughed awkwardly, trying to choke back a sob that was threatening him.
“Um, ah, thank you lady. That’s very kind of you.” Fucking moron, where is rakish self was he didn’t know.
Elain’s smile faded just a bit at his lacklustre reaction. “Well, it’s probably a good thing Eris and Lady Deirdre are coming, they’ll probably prefer the pie as well.” Dusting off her hands and straightening her shirt, with her mask coming down hard, her eyes going slightly glassy.
Fuck, fuck, fuck, no. She was just opening up, and he fucked it up. He needed to act fast, show her how much it meant to him. He could already feel the sour notes of disappointment leaking through her end of the bond before she shut it down completely.
“I apologize, lady, I was shocked and I didn’t show the proper levels of gratitude,” to hell with it, if he was going to make a move he had to make one now.
Stepping close to her, Lucien took her hand in his, raised it to his mouth, he looked into her eyes and breathed out “Thank you, my lady, that was incredibly thoughtful of you,” gently across her knuckles before placing a soft kiss on them.
He knew his heart was pounding, he knew she could hear it, but her eyes were blown wide, the deep blush already painting her upper cheeks spread to the tips of her ears. She wasn’t even blinking, and he could see the pulse point in her neck beating rapidly. Without even being able to hear her heart he could tell hers was going just as fast as his.
She just nodded at him, looking a little stunned, eyes going glassy for a different reason. He couldn’t help but smirk. “My lady, are you alright? You look a little flushed.”
Stepping back, but not pulling her hand away, “Excuse me, the kitchen is quite warm.” Elain gave him a shy, but sly smile.
“Oh course. Then, for the sake of your health, allow me to take you for a turn around the gardens you were telling me about? I would love to move the conversation out there…to of course help with the warmth of the kitchen.” Lucien, not letting go of her hand, instead placed it at the crook of his elbow gently. He knew the Archeron’s enough to know that if she truly didn’t want her hand there, she would have removed it already. Elain's smile was still a little shy, but her eyes shone with pleasure.
Lucien led them out to the garden, hoping that might elicit more of those adorable expressions she was making at the counter. As they made their way out the door, he took in the space Elain had created.
It was the perfect garden oasis in the city. Large hedges surrounded the area, a few sitting areas with an assortment of benches, tables, and chairs laid out to easily accommodate a single large party or several small gatherings. One area that had three comfortable looking low wooden chairs with low tables, he imagined that Nesta would steal away to read here with her valkyries, or Feyre allowing Nyx to be on the soft grass while learning to crawl and fly. There was yet another seating area, this one in a gazebo placed an alcove of hedges.
He decided on heading to the gazebo, as it was out of direct eyesight of the townhouse, with a pleasant amount of shade. It was also near a large assortment of sunflowers, chrysanthemums and stonecrop, among other plants usually only found in Autumn. While he had seen these flowers since leaving Autumn, he hadn't seen them in such great amounts nor had he seen them growing with such life since that fateful day. Looking around, he noticed there was more Autumn foliage than the other courts, especially near the gazebo.
If it were any other day, or if anything else had happened earlier he would have said nothing, and would have attributed it to Elain wanting to explore her new life through the garden. But with the revelation that Elain was interested in at least learning about him, and that Eris was involved, sending things like recipes and spices, he couldn’t help but wonder.
“This garden is quite beautiful. Tell me, Elain, you wouldn’t happen to know why such a large variety of Autumn Court foliage is in your garden? More gifts from Eris?” He gave her a side glance and a smirk, the type of smirk he’d only ever used with one other person a lifetime ago. It came to him naturally, without thought, and he tried not to read too much into it.
Elain, for her part, turned the same deep shade of pink as the stonecrop. He found it adorable.
“Well, I mentioned to Eris I wanted you to feel at home here, so I was initially asking about which Spring flowers you liked. But we both ended up agreeing that both you and Feyre wouldn’t want the reminders of the Spring Court here. So, Eris instead sent over seeds of your mothers favourite Autumn flora."
Lucien stopped the casual meandering, and fully turned to look at Elain. Her eyes didn’t meet his, instead were focused on the flowers and this side of the garden. Upon closer inspection, it was true, most of these flowers and plants were located in his mother’s private garden. Lucien felt a prickle of tears in his eye.
“Oh, shoot, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to…”
Lucien cut her off. “Please, don’t apologize. This was incredibly thoughtful. I’m ashamed I didn’t notice sooner.”
Lucien cupped Elain’s face with one of his hands, brushing a stray hair out of her face. “Thank you again, Elain. The fact that you wanted me to feel at home here is…It’s one of the most thoughtful things anyone has ever done.” Without thinking, he placed a soft kiss on her cheek, feeling the slight dampness of her own tear sliding down.
“You deserve so much more Lucien, not just a small garden or a pie.”
Lucien grinned down at her, “Trust me, my lady, I have everything I could ever want.”
Judging by how wide Elain’s eyes became, he was certain all his emotions were spilling out on his face and down the bond. He didn’t care.
“May I kiss you, Elain?”
She looked up at him with her fawn coloured eyes, shimmering with unshed tears, and nodded.
Lucien leaned down, and gently placed his lips over hers, his one hand still cupping her cheek, the other hand weaving into her hair gently. Elain placed one hand on his shoulder, the other circled his lower back, like she was trying to hold him closer.
The moment their lips met, the first thought through Lucien’s mind was how soft her lips felt. Then a shot of electricity coursed through from where they were touching across his whole body.
This was why the other mated pairs were constantly on each other. He never wanted to let her go. Their soft kiss quickly spiralled into a desperate need to be closer. He wasn’t sure who started, but soon both their tongues were gently exploring, while hands grasped each other hard. Her hair, which was already a mess, was now spilling out of her bun as he held her close. The hand that was on her cheek had moved to her lower back to pull her closer. Both of her arms had migrated around his neck as she pulled him to her tightly.
He didn’t think they were properly breathing, and there was no place to anchor themselves against. Lucien knew they should move, to either be not so exposed or so he could better explore Elain’s mouth and body. With great difficulty, he pulled away, placing his forehead against hers. The two of them breathing hard against each other.
Elain gave him a blinding smile. “Hi.”
Lucien laughed, feeling the happiest he’d felt since, well, for a very long while. “Hello,” he returned.
“Um, since I’m pouring out all my secrets, I should probably mention that I spend most of my time not gardening or baking in this gazebo, it feels like I’m closer to you here. I should also mention that the earrings are stunning and the gloves have saved my hands when handling the ornery plants like nettles and roses. If you don’t see me wearing them, it’s because I enjoy the feeling of the dirt on my hands.”
Lucien gave her possibly the most blinding smile he’d ever given anyone. Actually blinding, he was currently glowing. Elain’s mouth dropped and eyes shot impossibly wider. “Lucien, are you ok?”
He started laughing. “I’m so sorry Elain, yes I’m alright. First, I’m very glad you enjoy the gifts. Second, I also like to feel close to you. I’ve taken to staying near gardens when I can. People think it’s because I miss Spring, but I actually want to be near something you enjoy so much.”
Elain now, was the one who beamed up at Lucien, and he thought if she could glow as well she would have right then.
“I’m also sorry, as this is something that you should have been told previously. I honestly thought you had been.”
Her face became serious. “Tell me what?”
Lucien smirked, “I’m the new prince of Day.”
At that, Elain burst out laughing. “Those assholes!”
Lucien, who didn’t even know Elain could swear, started laughing as well.
“My lady, that tongue of yours is wicked.” He couldn’t help but give a sharp grin her way, which she returned.
“You’ve met my sisters Lucien, of course I know how to swear. I just choose not to.”
After their laughter had died down, Elain continued, “It makes sense now that I think about it, and honestly it makes me relieved that there’s not some secret male they’re trying to use me against. They just are making mischief. Oh gods what you thought of me in the kitchen”
Lucien for his part, felt lighter than air, let out a chuckle. “Honestly I was more upset that they hadn’t told you something so vital. I was then beyond happy that you were thinking so much of me.”
“I’m always thinking of you Lucien.”
Lucien beamed at her, truly beamed, letting more of his heir of Day glow seep out. Elain smiled back just as brightly. He knew that his own personal sun was right in front of him, that she would be the centre he orbited around, not the one in the sky.
“So,” Elain gave him a cheeky smile as she looked up at him, her face changing from one of sincere affection to one of mischief, “what are we going to do about our scheming family?”
Lucien raised an eyebrow, “I have a couple of ideas. We could always…sneak away to have a private moment to ourselves and arrive late?” He whispered the last part in her ear, hoping to entice her.
Judging by her grin and the scent of her anticipation in the air, he could have guessed her answer, though she still responded with a breathy “I’d like that” and a nod.
Grinning back, Lucien held her tight to winnow them to his favourite meadow near Velaris to continue to spend some time alone. Who knows, maybe they won’t show up to dinner at all, they would see.
A note was later found by a very amused Helion and slightly frustrated Rhysand as they were getting ready for dinner.
“Elain and I are taking a tour of the meadows outside of Velaris. Be back by desert, please enjoy dinner without us. - Lucien”