(Don't ask me what I'm doing idk)

"Get her back" The High Lord of the Spring Court echoed off the walls of the hall, his tone was cold, a large hand clenched onto the hilt of the sword sheathed around his waist, blonde strands swam across his face, a few plastered to the sweat upon his brow. Rage swirled within his green eyes as he stared back at the king. The ruler of Hybern's crown sat lazily upon his dark hair, amusement gleamed within his orbs. He tapped a small melodic tune on the arm of the throne, dabbling between the plains of bored and uncaring.

" I care not for the girl, Lord -" The icy tone split through the room the king straightened on his throne, Shaera stood but centimetres from him leaning against the throne, picking at the dirt that now found itself harboured under her nails 

"-But in light of this blossoming alliance, you shall get your kidnapped bride retrieved in due time" Shaera knew the gameplay, knew the approach he was taking against the lord, a verbal onslaught chipping away gradually at patience and restraint. Tamlin's eyes flared he took a step closer to the king whose face remained calm and neutral to the powerful being in front approaching him.

"Don't patronise me" The lord growled through gritted teeth his shoulders now tense,  fingers twitched daring him to pull his sword. The Waves crashed on the stone coast beyond the barred windows the sound lulling Shae's mind as she continued to stare at the crazed lord, inky pools remaining cold and uninterested. She shifted her hand upon the king's shoulder. Her composure remained intact. Eyes scanning the room for threats beyond the ruler of the spring court.  The king leant back slightly into Shaera's touch, after all, he trusted her. He never dared to trust his own blood, but Shae he could trust.

Shaera stood deathly still beside the Throne, to Tamlin she was nothing more than a whore beside the ruler, her tunic and pants replaced with a pooling grey gown slits ran up her full thighs as the fabric flowed up the middle of her torso leaving the curve of her waist exposed to the cold northern breeze. Gems gleamed across her breast. Wild curls were now pulled into an intricate braid, small diamonds gleamed within the strands of hair. That was the game plan you see, Shaera the most valuable asset in the entirety of the army, crafted in the elegance as nothing more than a high-end whore.  Yet now Shaera thought about it, that's exactly what she was, especially if she removed her formidable title. Cracks danced upon pillars crumbling with age, the stone floor clear and cleaned, a few blood stains remained along more secluded parts of the hall. A reminder of the bloodshed the kingdom of Hybern causes, she causes. Repressing the attacks of the past she refocused her gaze on the Lord.

"I would never patronise you, as a lord of a court within Prythian you're quite valuable to me if I must admit-" The king's tone remained indifferent, bored before his gaze flickered to Shae, eyes dancing up and down her rather exposed body, his commander simply looked at him with indifference. Yet a brewing curiosity swirled in the very depths of her irises. He's planned something, he wouldn't have made her dress like this if it was simply to come across as meek, play the role of the defenceless woman, fading into the shadows, if anything he would have asked her to occupy her time with preparations of soldiers and strategies of war. Realisation made its way onto the Commander of Hybern's face 

"-I'll even offer you a gift" a grin made its way onto his face, his gaze flickering between the two individuals present in the room.

"I'm not a whore" Shaera whispered through gritted teeth her anger flared as she fought to keep the violent talons from tearing into the ruler's mind, ripping him apart from the inside out, yet she couldn't. He made sure he had control over that too, like a dial of such, raised during battles, turned down during courtly affairs. The king stood as he circled his arm around Shaera's waist his mouth centimetres away from her ear, warm breath caressing her neck and ear.

"You are whatever I say you are-" his nails dug into her side as he lead her down the steps in front of the Lord, whose gaze flickered to Shae's desire evident within his eyes. 

"-Your lover isn't here, who's to say you cannot take another in the meantime-" the king's grip tug deeper into Shae's exposed side. A false grin made its way unto the woman's face, she peered through her thick eyelashes in what many would deem to be desire filled yet if you were to gaze, truly gaze you would be able to pluck apart the death promise bubbling beneath. Tamlin's sight turned to the king before making a slight gesture to Shaera. The king brought his mouth to her ear

"-It is the only way" Shaera pulled away and looked into his eyes, truly looked, she thought beneath it all she saw a form of regret. Her gaze lingered a few moments longer before she removed herself from the king's grasp and walked over to Tamlin taking his hand within hers, she led him towards the exit of the hall, heels clicking with every step, grey fabric sashaying with every step. The high lord of the spring court quite happily strolled behind, his large hand clasped around hers. The king ripped his gaze from his commander and returned to his place seated upon the throne.

•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•

She really was a whore. A whore of Hybern and now a whore for the Lord of the Spring Court. Perhaps she'd work her way up Prythian, Autumn
Court, Summer Court, she'd heard the high lord of Day Court was quite the lover ... Shaera snapped herself from her thoughts as the Lord of spring court stirred ever so slightly. Bruises lined her thighs and arms, a dark ring circled her neck and a handprint plastered itself onto her hip, the king of Hybern's respected her never left her body marked. Well, she thought he did, respect her that is, seeing as she did command his entire army. Maybe she was mistaken. He did just give her off to a man like a slab of meat to a hound.

Shaera slipped from the bed wincing slightly from the dull ache that rippled over her body. She had not signed up for this shit, to be whored off to the next most sort after ally. Her gaze slipped to the ripped dress on the floor the once gleaming gems dulled and blended into the concrete floor, she sighed and padded over to the window. She gazed through the bars and into the night sky, the shadows danced around her fingers gently, whispering things she couldn't make out, beckoning her north, far away from her prison, first she'd have to break free from the king's control, then the cogs of fate would whisk her away in its grasp. But until then she'd open the wooden door to the corridor and make her way back to her room.

*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*• (small spice, may be slightly triggering)
Shaera was sat in the corner of her room, a book on the courts of Prythian was clasped in her hand, life was stagnant, dull. Even the nightly visits from the High Lord of the Spring Court had grown tedious, if she didn't get to return to her usual duties full time soon Shaera was convinced she'd go insane. 

"Shae" Tamlin walked through the arch and into her room, his green eyes subtly scanning his surroundings 

"Yes?" Melodic voice. Polite. Submissive. He approached, towering over her seated form, his hand came up and cupped her cheek. Gods she wanted to move away, stand up and slice the prick to pieces. Instead, she leant into his touch. His thumb traced along her jaw 

"You're so beautiful-" he smiled down at her, and Shae smiled back. His hand moved into her hair, Tamlin's grip tightened, the commander winced 

"Tamlin you're hurting me" If she could she would've sliced his arm clean off... but she had orders. 'It's the only way' 

"You're just not Feyre" she felt like the entire back of her scalp was about to be torn off. He released her and moved away. Shaera sighed in relief. Fuck. The Highlord held his hand out to her, she cautiously took it, placed the book on the table and rose from the seat. He used his other hand to tilt her chin up, black locked with green. Tamlin lowered her head and kissed her lips tentatively. He pulled away 

"Are you loyal to me Shae?"

"Always" she whispered. Play the part. Be weak.
The next kiss was faster, harder. Shae wrapped her arms around his neck, Tamlin gripped her hips and lifted her off the ground, the dark-haired woman wrapped her legs around his waist her hands moving to rest in the man's hair, tugging gently, he groaned. Her back hit the wall. Tamlin moved to her neck, soft, gently kisses peppered across her skin. A sigh left her lips. His hands moved from her hips and ran up her torso passing over her breasts. The high lord bit her neck. Shaera's eyes widened blood dripped down and across her collar bone. Tamlin attacked her lips again.

Play the role right and you win the game. That's what Shaera kept telling herself.
•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•

Ianthe, a slimy conniving wretched woman, priestess her arse Shaera's inner monologue grumbled, her back pressed firmly against the stone back of the chair, bruises now painted her wrists, teeth shaped bruises dusted her collar bone, Shaera made sure those marks were covered with a sepia-toned shawl, a black silk gown flowed to the floor in pools of diamonds, twinkling like the stardust when exposed to the smaller rays of sun. It had been a month, a month since she became Tamlin's whore, he would visit her in the night often... yet Shaera found he visited her often in the day too, they spoke to one another, he asked her about the books she read, her life in Hybern, her family, she lied about them. It seemed he had found comfort in her company, a safety. Like he no longer wished she was Feyre Archeron.

The king no longer slept with her, perhaps he felt guilty after all, yet she wasn't surprised she too was sacrificed in ways when it came to securing the alliance, a gateway into Prythian.

Ianthe sat opposite Shae her blue gown fit her petite form blonde locks sprawled down like a cascading river of molten gold. She picked occasionally at the blueberries displayed on the stone table, her body curved towards the king of Hybern. Trying the very most to gain the ruler's attention. Tamlin's thumb rubbed over her knuckles pulling the dark-haired woman's attention away from the siren-like female.

"I want you to visit me tonight" Shaera kept her breath even and unchanged, yet her heart sank further within itself, the knuckles on her left hand clenched, her knuckles turning white. The dark-haired woman pulled her eyes away from her half-empty platter of meats and grapes. She locked eyes with Tamlin

"Of course" Her voice was melodic and she turned her gaze back to her food, not before letting her eyes linger on the king's inky orbs that mirrored her own for a moment or two, then the grapes became interesting once more. The orange-haired son of Beron high lord of the Autumn court most shockingly cleared his throat, he often sat still picking at small portions of food at each meal. His eyes never much left that position until everyone present exited the hall leaving the commander and the king to discuss the most private of war preparations. Not that anyone outside of Hybern's inner circle knew that.

"Tamlin perhaps tonight we should discuss our preparations" Lucien's voice spoke softly, almost like a balm that soothed all of Shae's aches, relief flooded into her, and she slumped further into the chair, her head of untamed curls cushioning her against the stone. Tamlin snapped his head up his gaze meeting Lucien's, anger pooling in his irises, the lord of Spring Court no longer gently touched Shae's hand but firmly planted his hand above her's she turned her gaze to her king who simply turned away from her. His niece and nephew snickered among themselves.

"I think not Lucien, tomorrow maybe" Tamlin's time was sharp daring the flame-haired fae to argue with him. Lucien's eyes flickered to Shae's briefly before he inclined his head. The commander sighed gently, she'd have to put up with bedding the blonde fae for a while longer. Boredom flooded Shae's body and mind as Tamlin's grip loosened and he took to drawing gently circles onto the palm of her hand. There were moments where he was soft, caring didn't mention the Archeron at all. But I'm that moment Shaera was sure he imaged her as Feyre sitting beside him, mortal turned immortal, but alas she was not.

The whole ordeal had become a routine, she was to wear pretty dresses, not reveal she was the commander of the entirety of Hybern's army and keep the lord of Spring Court satisfied. The king believed Tamlin would grow to confide in Shaera... he was right. Sometimes the blonde fae would speak to her about his troubles, his plans. Yes, she would relay some of what was said. But other information would remain between the two of them. The lord finished the last of his wine (The kingdom of Hybern wasn't opposed to all-day drinking) and made his way towards the grand doors, Lucien scraping his chair out and following behind him.

When the door members cleared, Ianthe tapped her slender yet sharp nail against the silver goblet, a small chime echoing from the object.

"Feyre Archeron has two sisters" her sweet yet sinister voice rang out through the grand space. Shae's eyes snapped up to the priestess clad in blue, the king sat forward ever so slightly his attention grasped. Now that was a piece of information Shaera could use to her advantage, the king's gaze lingered on Ianthe before his ebony orbs slowly shifted over to his commander who simply smirked slightly and rose from her seat. The priestess looked at Shae in dismissal, just another silent gem going to pass on the message to the commander of the powerful forces of Hybern. Shaera knew she thought it because she most definitely delve slightly into the vile woman's mind when the king allowed her to play with her powers in his presence.

She bowed curtly to the ruler before turning and briskly walking out the main doors, her highly embellished heels clicking with her step. Sisters. It was the best news she'd heard for over three months, she was growing tired of planning with such uncertainties...but this. This was a diamond in the rough, a piece of information that would turn the tides. Shaera's grin grew as the cauldron's power hummed through the stone walls.

•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•

The young woman's head ached. Perfecting battle formations, scoping the upper hand in battles was like a second language to her, yet a kidnapping... let's say she leaves that sorta expertise to Brannagh and Dagdan the slimy little shits they are. She'd have to get to the mortal realm. Get into their home. Somehow acquire them... then drag their bodies on a ship back to Hybern preferably alive, she didn't do well with keeping people alive. Shaera groaned in annoyance, massaging her temples, she looked at the figures on the map in frustration, she swiped her hand across the tabletop flinging the pieces around the small room, the clattering sound filled the silence, the wind blew into the space, Shae frowned.

Shadows danced. Something was different. A low growl emitted from her chest her eyes stared into the shadowy nothing. Or what looked like nothing. It was nothing.... yet it was something. The air had turned stagnant, still as she squinted into the shadows.

"I can feel you-" she breathed out into the nothingness. The atmosphere shifted. Confusion. But it wasn't her own, the emotion only confirmed her suspicions. 

"-Leave" The shadows swirled around her, none daring to come any closer, for the first time in her long existence she felt uncertainty, stood in the room with nothing but shadows, she was the prey. Shae evened out her breathing again her posture straightened. She took slow steps around the room minimising the click of her shoes until she got close to the corner of the room by the barred windows. She felt a shadow brush her neck.  She gritted her teeth in frustration, if the king hadn't turned the dial controlling her powers down to practically nothing then she could have torn into the mind of whatever was in the room and answered her questions. She stared at the corner of the room for a moment, in the last second she thought she made out the larger figure of a man before the shadows recoiled into nothingness and the room felt oddly still and quiet yet again. Shae frowned, shadows flowed around her fingers... she let out a hum of intrigue before turning and exiting leaving the pieces sprawled upon the wood floor.

•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•

"Brannagh! Dagdan! I can't do this. Can you go retrieve the sisters?" The niece and nephew snorted in disbelief

"This was your duty commander, shouldn't you be the one to carry out the king's every want and desire" Brannagh's voice was harsh, her tone chuffed, a gleaming grin upon her face.

"I know that Brannagh. So as your commander I'm asking the sneakiest, slimiest beings I know to get the job done for me" Shae grinned at the niece and nephew of the king who both stared at her, their eyes dead and cold, hollow within, Dagdan stood first inclining his head to the commander,  stalking off to exit the room lined with maces and swords, long and rusted and falling apart. What a waste of a perfectly good room Shae thought as Brannagh rose begrudgingly, following after her brother. The curly-haired commander sent the girl one last grin before the door clicked signalling their exit.

They returned a day or so later. Two girls being dragged behind them.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Edited: May 11th 2022

Sadly I do not have the fancy dots and stars on this keyboard, I'm slacking, I know.