Born into the cut-throat Autumn Court, Eris Vanserra had been surrounded by monsters his entire life and spent most of his time scheming for the crown his cruel father still possessed. His world is thrown into chaos when an unexpected source gets to...
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ASTRA
Being shaken awake was not how Astra wanted to start the day. Seeing not lust, but trepidation in Eris's eyes the moment she came to consciousness knotted her stomach.
Armada.
Entire Eastern coastline.
Stormrun.
Battle.
Eris spoke too fast for a time before caffeinated tea. He tore through the wardrobe and threw clothes much too big for her at the bed as the hounds barreled out of the room and howled at the main door down several levels until Eris waved a hand to let them free with a blip of magic.
"Astra, we have to go now," he hurriedly said as he hauled her out from beneath the covers while she rubbed the sleep from her eyes. As if she were a doll, he pulled her arms above her head and shoved a massive cognac sweater down. It was long enough that pants weren't necessary and he had none that would come close to fitting whether a belt was used or not.
Before getting a full yawn in, Astra was pulled into his chest and winnowed away.
---
Astra wasn't entirely certain that Eris was ready to be around so many people with their mating being so fresh, but they didn't have a choice.
Guards and soldiers alike ran in all directions through the halls of the Forest House, taking orders from both Rikoh and Reed. Kane, she was told, was already in the process of winnowing batches of their forces from where they'd been training in the central forest to Stormrun.
A male Astra assumed to be a trusted servant popped into view seconds after their arrival. "Your armor has been polished and is ready for you, Lord Eris. As is yours, Lady Astra."
She couldn't have heard him right. "Mine?"
Eris cut the servant off before he could clarify. "Please fetch the High Lady the strongest black tea available, along with something quick to eat."
The male nodded and disappeared nearly as swiftly as he'd appeared.
Eris briskly led the way through a few halls until they reached a set of rooms Astra hadn't come across yet. Within the door Eris banged open, there were full suits of armor displayed on dummies, racks of weapons, and chests full of daggers. Helmets lined shelves and odd war spoils were strewn about decoratively.
In the center of the large room, smelling of potent polish were two sets of matching armor. She'd seen Eris's before, but it was once again cleaned of blood and free of dents. The smaller set was evidently for her. Astra's eyes went wide as she circled it.
"I requested it be made for you by a blacksmith in Coalfell," Eris said while watching her every move. "Though I'm fond of your leathers and how you look in them, I won't be able to concentrate on the battlefield if you burn through them and fight naked."
