Bloom and Destruction (ACOTAR - Elain + Azriel)

Chapter 28

Elain

     I sit between Azriel and Feyre as we eat breakfast, Cassian, Rhysand and Nesta across the table. Amren waltzes into the room, taking a seat next to Azriel.

"Congratulations, you two. I apologize for being late for breakfast," she says smoothly.

"Thank you," I smile at her. I wave my hand, a plate appearing before her.

She grins back. "Thank you, High Lady."

Azriel clears his throat. "So," he starts, "everyone knew what was happening."

Rhys sighs, setting down his fork and leaning back in his chair. "No, I knew and Elain knew. Nobody else," he admits.

     I study the side of Azriel's face until he nods. "All right," he turns back to his food.

     I look around the table to see everyone just staring at him. "All right?" Rhysand looks at him in disbelief.

     Without looking up, he nods. "Yes, it's all right."

I turn my head towards Feyre. She shrugs and goes back to eating. I raise my fork to my mouth, stopping right in front of my open mouth when I smell the air. Rhys stares at me with wide eyes and I feel a shield snap around Feyre.

"You're with child," I look back at her.

Everyone turns their attention toward her. Nesta looks at her with wide eyes. "You are!?" She yells.

Feyre smiles cheekily. "Yes," she giggles. "We didn't... think it'd happen so soon."

Nesta looks at Cassian and he chuckles as he intertwines their fingers on top of the table. "So am I," Nesta smiles.

Everyone turns toward Nesta and Cassian. Amren clears her throat before anyone can say another word. "So when can we expect the bastard's son to make his appearance?"

    Our family turns to me. I laugh awkwardly as I wipe my mouth with my napkin. "Not for awhile," I assure them.

    "We need everything in this Court in order before we attempt to bring a babe of our own into it," Azriel's voice drips hesitation.

     I look at Feyre and Nesta with tears in my eyes. "I am so happy for you both!" I squeal, leaning over to hug Feyre and then running around the side of the table to squeeze Nesta. "I can't wait for all the babes to have sleepovers in the Spring Court!"

♡ ♡ ♡

I stand on the balcony overlooking the new peony garden I'd finished a day before the wedding. I smile, bringing my cup of tea to my mouth. I relax as I feel hands lightly dance on my hips before sliding around my waist. Azriel places a soft kiss just below my ear. I lean back into his chest. He tightens his arms around me and rests his chin on the top of my head. I sip my tea again.

      "I love you," he kisses the top of my head.

       I hum, closing my eyes. "I love you," I reply wholly.

He lowers his head to the crook of my neck, dragging his lips along the skin. I lean my head the other way, allowing him to slowly kiss his way back up to my ear. "I love you," he repeats against my ear. I turn so our noses are touching. He nudges his against mine. "My mate," his breath is warm against my lips, "my wife."

I place the teacup on the railing before us and settle my hands on his just below my bellybutton. "You're everything I ever dreamed of," I admit softly.

      A grin spreads across Azriel's face. His eyes dance around, examining my face in great detail. "I have a few things to tie up at the Night Court," he says with a wince.

I nod, my nose bumping against his. "When do you leave?" I place a soft, quick kiss to his lips.

"I told him that it'll be done when it's done, I need to be with you," he closes the gap between us again.

With our lips connected, he releases my waist and steps in front of me. His hands settle on my hips as I lean up, desperate to keep our lips together. I place my hands against his bare chest. I pull away slightly and Azriel leans his forehead against mine once more.

"Just promise me," I reach my hands up to glide my fingers through his hair. "That you're going to be safe and come home to me in one piece."

Azriel's hands run up and down my sides, the heat from him bursting through the thin fabric of my nightgown. "You have my word," he whispers honestly. I just nod as my fingers dance around, tracing the tattoos on his chest. His eyes lower to my fingers. We stand there for a long few moments as I trace the intricate lines. The only light illuminating us is the bright moon and stars.

     I move my head away from his and look up. He follows my gaze, pulling me flush against his chest. His arms lock around my waist and I slither mine up to his neck. He rests his cheek against the top of my head, a low hum erupting from his throat. I tighten my arms around his neck in response as we look at the stars.

After a few moments, Azriel brings a hand up to comb his fingers through my hair. I close my eyes at the feeling. He twirls the ends around his finger before bringing his hand back up to my scalp and does it once more. He presses another kiss to the top of my head. "We should go to bed," he says into my hair.

I look up at him. "To bed or to sleep?" I smile up at him.

"You, my sexy little minx," he brings his lips to my ear once more. "Are not going to sleep until I get to see you squirm like you did last night."