The Flames in the Horizon

4

The following morning after last night's events forces Eris to reflect upon himself and how he plans to go about winning Azriel's affections. His mate is a top priority, but his sister, Aelia, she has been in Eris's heart longer and deserves nothing less than everything. Yes, perhaps Eris could have been kinder and gently informed Azriel of the things he should avoid when it came to Aelia, but he's not had the clearest mind of late. He admits, he has not been a good mate, a good brother. He has not been focused on what should matter most; his family. Instead, he's been up day and night to keep Autumn from collapsing in on itself.

Since Beron's death, riots denying Eris's claim to the throne have erupted in cities and villages alike, fights between citizens on different sides of the spectrum have resulted in damaged shops, businesses, and homes. The court is, ironically, up in flames. Eris is still trying to put together a trustworthy council of fae to help guide him through this trash fire of a court. On top of everything, he's been informed of a breakout in the dungeons, three of Beron's most loyal males. Males that have had a hand in Eris's and his brothers's pain. Malek was one of the escapees, a truly nasty fae. Eris should have killed them when he had the chance. Another thing to add to his ever growing long list of things to do. He'll deal with the remaining prisoners tonight, least someone gets the idea to attempt a second riot in the dungeons.

Eris yawns as he makes his way down the hall to Aelia's cell, a tray of food in his hands. It's quite early in the morning but Eris knows his sister does not sleep for long when and if she manages to get shut-eye. It seems everyone connected to the Vanserra name has torturous nightmares, for even Jorah has woken with sweat slicked skin. Eris knows of this simply for it has been him who has crossed into the male's room to shake him from dark dreams.

Eris balances the tray in one hand and traces the grooves of the carvings in the door, pushing it open when it unlocks. It's to no surprise that Aelia is awake. Eris enters the larger than normal cell and sets the tray down atop her mattress. She's sitting at the head of the makeshift bed, perched atop her pillow as she traces the imperfections of the stone wall she leans against.

"Are you hungry?" Eris asks, glancing to the opposite corner from the mattress to the large bucket. With a flick of his fingers, the urine inside vanishes. "Aelia, would you like something to eat?" Eris tries again when his sister does not speak.

She shrugs, still absently running a finger along the grooves of the wall. Eris's gaze catches on the neatly organized row of flowers along the floor. They lie sorted by species, size, and color. He smiles softly to himself.

"Has Azriel taught you the names of the flowers?" He inquires, watching with a poorly concealed smile at the delight that twinkles in Aelia's eyes and the slight lift to her lips.

"He is gentle to me." She remarks, her lips forming the barest of a smile.

Eris sighs quietly, not wanting to speak what he must explain. "Azriel is a kind male," Eris agrees, "he is not like most. Aelia, I need you to look at me please, this is important." Slowly, her eyes move across the wall, dragging to meet Eris's. "Nothing is expected of you. You are... Azriel does not want to touch you. He wants to help you. Do you understand?" 

Aelia nods slowly. "He is good." She decides, and Eris mirrors the movement, nodding in confirmation.

"He is." Eris whispers.

"I scent him on you. You on him. Does he belong to you?" Aelia's question is meant to be innocent, as far as she knows, but Eris chokes on his next breath.