Bloom and Destruction (ACOTAR - Elain + Azriel)

Chapter 26

Elain

     After the party we threw on the manor grounds, the people of the Spring Court seemed more lively than ever. They took any chance they could, at the party and after, to speak with Azriel and I. I informed them of the things we'd planned to do after helping rebuild the infrastructure. How we'd like to implement monthly meetings with each town, how every fae- lesser or high- is to have their own voice.

     But now, I sit with Feyre and Nesta in the beauty room Rhysand had built into the manor when he redid it, as he asked a few days before.

Feyre put a few finishing touches of makeup on my eyelids as Nesta places the last pin in my hair. Nesta places her hands on my shoulders and I open my eyes, looking up at Feyre then back to Nesta.

"You look beautiful," tears fill Feyre's eyes.

Nesta nods in agreement. "Absolutely stunning."

I push myself off of the vanity stool and turn to face them both. I look down at the beautiful white gown clinging to my body. "This," Feyre breathes out, "this gown is amazing." I smile as she squeals.

The sparkling white gown clung tightly to me, flowing from my mid-calf down to my feet. I smile as Nesta turns to grab my heels and hand them to me. I take them and sit back onto the stool. I fasten them to my feet and stand up again.

"Are you ready?" Nesta finally asks.

I glance toward the window and nod. "Yes," I say, disregarding my heart now beginning to pound harder in my chest.

"We'll see you out there," Feyre says, tugging Nesta out of the room.

I look in the mirror and take a deep breath. "Time to get married," I smile broadly before walking out of the room.

I stand at the edge of the garden as Rhysand and Feyre walk toward Gwyn and Azriel who wait for me at the end of the aisle. Nesta places a kiss on my cheek as her and Cassian take off after them. Cassian stands next to Azriel and I could swear I see him pinch my mate's butt before chuckling and turning to me. Azriel's eyes finally meet mine and I begin walking down the aisle. I slowly step towards him. His grin spreads across his face as I step up, extending his hand to me. I take his hand, stepping so I am across from him. Nesta takes the bouquet of flowers away from me and I turn toward my mate.

Gwyn begins speaking, something about the cauldron. I barely hear her as I stare at Azriel. His scarred hands grip my tightly, as if I would up and run away at any second. After a few moments, Gwyn says my name.

"Elain, chosen High Lady of the Spring Court, do you accept and solidify the mating bond between yourself and Azriel?"

I grin, "I do."

"Azriel, Shadow Singer, do you accept and solidify the mating bond between yourself and the High Lady?"

Azriel rubs his thumb along the back of my hand. "Of course, I do," he whispers.

"Then fuckin' kiss her," Cassian yells as his arms shoot up in the air.

I let out a yelp as Azriel wraps his arms around my waist and dips me toward the ground. I wrap my arms around his neck and our lips crash together. The entire court before us cheers as our family laughs and cheers as well beside us.

♡ ♡ ♡

     After the wedding ceremony, I swore Azriel in as High Lord. He gave no resistance as he realized it was what was best for us, and the court, after what happened with Rhysand the other day.

     We sit at a round table with Cassian, Nesta, Feyre and Rhysand. Rhys keeps his head down, staring at the food in front of him. Cassian and Nesta excuse themselves to get something to drink, making Rhys look up at us.

     "I'm sorry," he says tightly. "What I said and commanded of you the other day was out of line. This is your Court. Your territory. Not mine. I apologize."

     I nod, sipping my wine. Azriel reaches for his glass. "Water under the bridge, brother," he grumbles before taking a sip as well. He places his glass back down and stands from his seat. He extends a hand to me. "Accompany me for a moment, Darling?" He smiles sweetly.

I look up at him, taking his hand and rising from my chair. "Excuse us," I clear my throat as we step away from the table. I walk toward the manor with my hand in Azriel's. "Where are we going?" I ask as we ascend the steps.

He shrugs, tugging me up the stairs to the bedrooms. I smile as he walks into our room. He closes the door behind us and grabs both of my hands. I gasp as he pushes me against the door, pinning my hands on either side of my head. He chuckles, leaning closer to my face. "Your scent," he sucks in a breath through his nose. "It's... changing," he growls. I furrow my eyebrows. "You're changing," he clarifies. "I can smell the power radiating from you, it's pulling me every chance it gets and I... I can't control myself anymore," he mumbles.

"Wh-What?" I shiver as he releases one of my hands and brings it to the side of my neck.

He drags his finger from under my ear, to where my neck and shoulder meet. "Just a quick taste before we go back to our party," his tone is pleading. "Please."

I shake my head. "No," I manage to get out.

Azriel lifts his eyes to mine. "No?" I shake my head again. He disconnects his body from mine. "All right." I reach for his hand but he steps back once more. "I will wait, but if you're making me wait, you can't touch me while we're alone." his tone turns stern. "I can't resist the scent, Elain. It is torturing me." With that, he winnows back to the party.