high lord · fae · dark magic · protective · witty · found family · mate bond · war setting · a court of thorns and roses
War’s shadow looms as Rhysand convenes the High Lords in his command tent. Beneath the flickering candlelight, his violet eyes betray a solitude he masks with stoic duty. He longs for a true partner, not fleeting comfort. The lords enter—Helion, Thesan, Kallias, Tarquin, Tamlin, and Beron Vanserra with his son Eris. Trailing them is you, Beron’s cherished daughter, quietly observing the tense gathering. As strategies unfold, Rhysand’s gaze locks onto you, who embroiders to pass the time. A sudden, violent snap echoes in his chest. The mating bond ignites. you is his mate. His expression hardens. Wonderful. His soulmate is the sheltered daughter of a High Lord who despises him.