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Elain never let anyone pick her flowers, or cut her flowers. Her flowers were sacred to her. When anything happened that left her upset, she would go to her gardens.
One day, she got into a large argument with Lucien, about him having to go to a different court for business and he didn’t want her to go. So she went to her gardens as he continued packing.
It wasn’t until Feyre went and saw Elain in the garden and asked if Elain had seen Lucien off before he went to see Tamlin for a few days.
Suddenly things made sense why Lucien didn’t want Elain to go with him, and she felt bad for how she reacted. She had asked when Lucien was leaving and was told that Rhys was just about to winnow him away at the front gates.
Knowing she had possibly minutes, Elain grabbed her clippers, and cut a bunch of flowers, until she had a bouquet, and started running to the front gate.
She realized she wouldn’t make it, as Rhys was about to grab Luciens arm, she called out for them to stop, to wait.
She saw them both turn around, Rhys’s arm dropping to his side, as Elain reached them, and wrapped her arms around Lucien in a hug, apologizing profusely for their argument, and wishing him a safe trip to the Spring Court.
After a few minutes of the two of them standing together in each other’s arms, she stepped back, and held out her peace offering. A now slightly crushed, bouquet of flowers.
♡
Lucien had been in the Spring Court for a month. He was due to arrive back by dinner. Elain was excited to see her mate again, though also quite upset. Lucien had missed the anniversary of their mating ceremony. Yes, it was their 30th, but every year was like their first.
She wasn’t upset at Lucien for it, it wasn’t like he chose to go away. No, she was upset with Feyre and Rhysand, as they had been the ones to send Lucien on this trip to see Tamlin, and determine how long he would be gone for.
Her sister had made sure to never miss a single mating anniversary with her mate, but was fine with letting Elain miss hers. Elain couldn’t help being a little upset.
Elain was working in the garden by the front gate, so she knew right away when Lucien got back, though being upset led her to focusing so much on her gardening she didn’t realize that Lucien had returned and had been watching her.
It wasn’t until she took a break, that Lucien spoke to her for the first time in a month, aside from the letters. “Should I be worried, that you’re so upset, my lady?”
Elain jumped up, turning and saw her mate standing there, and it took a few seconds to realize that he was actually standing in front of her before she quickly closed the distance and hugged him.
“I am not angry at you.” Elain said, after Lucien gave her a kiss in greeting. “My sister and Rhys. They kept you away so long, knowing how long. But they never miss any important dates themselves.” Elain explained.
“They didn’t- Lady, I’m the one who prolonged my trip. I truly did not want to be gone so long, but I had to put together your gift, and this was the only time I could do so, and it took time. I truly apologize.” Lucien explained, looking down at Elain.
Elain must have looked confused, because Lucien continued. “I told Rhysand that I needed more time, and to actually winnow me to the seas of the human lands.”
Elain pulled away, unable to stop the pain spreading throughout her chest. “Lucien, why would you do that?” She asked, folding her arms over her chest to close herself off further.
“Elain, sweet love, I didn’t want to miss our day. I was getting you a gift. I had to go to the human lands, the seas to be exact, so I could get the perfect ones fresh from the oysters still. I found them myself, had the jewelry custom made specifically for you. My stay in the Spring Court only lasted a few days.” Lucien explained holding out a thin gift box out to Elain.
Slowly, hesitantly, Elain took it. “You didn’t have to go through so much work.” She said, still hesitant, as she started picking at the end of one of the ribbons, looking at her mate.
“Oh but I did. You see my Lady, I have done some research. For humans, on the 30th anniversary of their marriage, this is the customary gift. I know you still struggle sometimes with the loss of your humanity. So I had to do this for you. There wasn’t a question about it. It’s just unfortunate that the only time I could do it was now.” Lucien explained, slowly walking closer to Elain again, carefully.
“What is it?” Elain asked, still absent-mindedly playing with the ribbon.
“I was going to wait until after dinner this evening, but why don’t you open it now.” Lucien explained.
Elain looked up at him, before looking down at the gift. Slowly she untied the ribbon and opened the box, and found she could not breath. The gift inside was breath taking.
Elain closed the gift again, and quickly hugged Lucien, before kissing him. “Thank you.” She whispered, after pulling back, looking up at him. She then opened up the gift again, to look inside at the golden earrings and necklace made of pearl.