Isabella

The relator seemed completely overwhelmed by Rhys' presence. Not that Isabella blamed him, Rhys was a handsome male after all she just found it... interesting that he was so open about his flirting. Rhys was game of course, having the time of his life seemingly entertaining himself and Isabella.

Though the relator – Ethan – seemed disappointed when Rhys firmly shut him down so they could discuss the house. It made Isabella's chest sag with relief. She had no idea how to react to the two males flirting. Had they been in the human realm they would have been flogged and publicly executed at best.

She had noticed the couples walking together in the residential areas. Originally she had disregarded it as coincidences and trick of the eye but now she wasn't so sure. Unlike her family Isabella had never been particularly against same sex relationships, she just knew it shouldn't be spoken about or encouraged in the human realm.

Oliver's father had experiences with both that she had always attributed to the boredom of eternity. She didn't know why she didn't think the desire to explore or the sexual curiosity that hundreds of years of existence would offer extended to the fae culture. It would be an adjustment for sure, but if this new world offered Oliver more freedom to even love whoever he wanted then she would learn to accept this part of the fae as well.

It was easier thinking of it as a fae custom. They were already so unusual and estranged from their human counterparts.

Azriel had watched her curiously during Rhys and Ethan the realtor's exchange. Az had become somewhat of a sounding board for her in this new world. He might have something worthwhile to say about this new development though she wondered if that would include his own experiences.

At least she assumes he has experiences of a more... fruity variety. She fights the urge to shudder at her choice of words. It sounds so weird to describe it as fruity.

Cassian has been stalking the entirety of the house. She's caught him inspecting hinges and testing the strength of built in bookcases. The shadows too seem to have performed their own inspection. They've been drifting over every surface in the house.

It's a lovely place. Clearly expensive in more structural ways. There's nothing ostenatious but she'd describe the bespoke oak furniture and kitchen as decidedly upper class.

Her mother wouldn't be caught dead in a home as 'unproper' as this.

Nesta would adore it.

But Isabella isn't either of those women.

Oliver would be safe here and Isabella would fight through the sickening guilt of costing Rhys so much money. But that was the problem. She didn't need all this let alone deserve it. She would spent the rest of her apparently short mortal life paying back the high lord.

Though he would argue against it she just couldn't imagine a future of freedom while being saddled with debt of any kind.

"Shall we take a walk around the square." Azriel murmurs but his gaze on Cassian. Isabella glances at her... companion, who is clearly happy with what he sees. Azriel on the other hand has seemingly picked up on her hesitation.

It's only when they're outside and her arm delicately looped with Azriel's that she takes a steadying breath.

"It's overwhelming, isn't it?" He murmurs and Isabella hums in agreement. "Rhys has grown up with the best and wants it for his friends. Cassian spent a childhood with the worst and could never bear the thought of going back to it."

"He is ashamed?" She frowns, not liking the thought of Cassian being embarrassed by his humble begins that are so similar to hers.

"Not necessarily ashamed, though he was for some time." Azriel tilts his head to the side, peering into the park through the iron fencing. "It makes him angry, an old wound that still causes pain but the pain manifests itself in different ways."

She nods, somewhat understanding.

"It's an expensive home."

"Rhys certainly made a point not to put the prices on the housing documents."

They share a knowing glance. Rhys would never stop trying to look out for them.

"I could never be indebted to him" Isabella murmurs as they reach the park gate.

"Not even for Oliver?" He arches a brow at her and she narrows her eyes.

"Certainly not to the extent of that house."

"Ah, but it's not just the house you're paying for my dear." Azriel states in sage tone before gesturing to the park before them. "It's the lifestyle. The location and the demographic."

"Which certainly doesn't match the one Oliver and I have."

"But is it not the one you wish to achieve?"

"Safety and happiness is not the same thing for everyone."

"What would you define it as?" He gives her his undivided attention and Isabella finds herself freezing.

There's something about the way Azriel stares at her. The openness and curiosity. There's no judgement, just a desire to learn and– and to hear her opinion. It has her heart fluttering.

He waits patiently, no doubt thinking she's gathering her thoughts but Isabella finds herself watching him instead. The gentle rise and fall of his chest, the sharp line of his jaw, the way his hazel eyes have begun to glow in the afternoon sun.

"Bella?"

"You are a kind male."

She doesn't know what possesses her to say it. Azriel too is surprised by her words if his widening eyes and fluttering gaze is any indication.

Isabella clears her throat, breaking the moment and desperately hoping her cheeks aren't burning red. Azriel keeps his gaze away from her, a sudden uncomfortableness descending on them as they continue into the park.

The shadows are elated and Isabella finds herself batting off their attention for a good five minutes.

Stupid. So stupid of her to– to do whatever is akin to flirting.

It certainly hadn't been meant as a come on. A compliment certainly but she's not entirely sure what her intention was for it.

"Do you think he's meeting his wife or his mistress?" She blinked in surprise at Azriel's words. He's not looking at her still but she can see that his round ears are tinged with pink.

Following his gaze she catches sight of a young male, clearly high fae, dressed in dark trousers and a embroidered shirt that reminded her of the ones Oliver's father used to wear. He was loitering on a bench, gaze shifting to each of the four park entrances every few seconds.

He was certainly uncomfortable. Or perhaps that was impatient.

"I'd argue he might be the mistress with a shirt like that." Isabella murmurs to Azriel, picking up on the game they had begun to play a few weeks back. "Autumn shirts must be hard to come by considering the import ban."

"How do you know about the import ban?"

"Funnily enough I did my research on the place I plan to raise my son in."

"So you have set your heart on here then." Oh he's so not referring to Velaris.

"I'm not ready for a relationship, Azriel."

"He's immortal. It would be a waste of those gene's not to make Cassian wait." There's something off about Azriel's tone, a forced lightness.

"Well, Autumn shirt male seems to have perked up at the sight of that couple." Isabella mutters instead, peering around Azriel's shoulder to continue watching the interaction. "Perhaps he's come to steal the female away."

"Or the male." Azriel gives her an incredibly suspicious side eye and she sighs. "I'm just saying. Same sex relationships are accepted here."

Why must these male insist on pushing the boundaries of her mother's lessons.

"Fine then, I say based on the well groomed manner he has— that no straight male could achieve – that he's waiting for the male. Perhaps a declaration of love."

"I would like to counter that idea and suggest he is waiting for both of them."

"I thought we determined this was a romantic setup with the price of attire he's wearing."

"Indeed we did." Azriel pays no mind to her confusion as he walks past the now embracing group of three.

She finds herself transfixed by the sight of the Autumn male greeting both the male and female who had arrived with sweet kisses. It's only when Azriel tugs her along that she stops staring.

What the hell?

Isabella blushes uncomfortably, feeling as though she were intruding on a private and improper moment.

"How... bizarre." She forces out, glancing back at the coupl– throuple? "Do they live here?"

"Would that put you off moving into the area." Her gaze snaps to a tense Azriel who now leads her to the park exit. That sneaky bastard.

"Why have you been avoiding me for the past week?" Her eyes narrow and he stiffens.

"I asked first."

"And I don't feel like answering questions I've been tricked into from a man who has been ignoring me."

"Male."

"Areshole."

She slams her mouth shut. Isabella's eyes widen and she looks away from Azriel, unable to meet his gaze as she brings her hand to her mouth in horror. What in the gods names has gotten into her?

"The Night Court air seems to be doing you some good." He comments, bur Isabella refuses to look at him.

"It's no excuse to lose my manners."

"We tend to be more relaxed about manners and protocol within our family." An offer and a chance to turn it down.

Isabella sighs, "Do you often ignore family members?"

"I once gave Cassian the cold shoulder for twenty years."

"Ah, so I will expect our next conversation to be at my funeral."

"Don't joke about that." He snapes, whirling on her. His eyes are bright and his jaw clenches. "That is not something you should joke about."

"Death is not something to be afraid of." She finds herself frowning for the clearly scared male before her.

"Yes it fucking is."

She flinches at the swear but holds her ground.

"You fae put too much emphasis on immortality yet never use it to achieve anything. My life may be short in comparison to yours but it puts every moment into perspective, gives it meaning as well. It is natural, a conclusion to a story."

"Well I don't plan on wishing your life away." He snaps, nostrils flaring and it clicks for her. "Besides, you will certainly be living longer than twenty year more."

She wouldn't be so sure. Her village's life expectancy is somewhere between 50 and 60 so she'll have maybe 25 good years before she reaches the severe deterioration stage.

"Is that why you haven't been coming around for tea with Mrs Cromwell and I?" Isabella asks and Azriel stiffens, fearly glancing at the house where Rhys and Cassian wait for them.

He had asked her to keep their talks private and she had. Isabella of all people understood the need to have something for yourself, something away from family that can be just yours.

"She misses having you around."

"Then she should heed my advice and take George on as companion and worker."

"She misses your company."

"She missed having someone to do odd jobs for her, you mean."

"Do not belittle your friendship with the woman just because you're hurt." but she tried not to let Azriel's words get to her. It was clear neither of them were just referring to Mrs Cromwell.

"Fine." He snaps and she can feel his irritation through the buzzing shadows that wrapped around his tense shoulders.

"You're trying to put me off moving here aren't you?"

"What? Of course not." He looks aghast at the thought so maybe it was the alternative option.

"Then you've been trying to put yourself off befriending me?" She raises a brow but the shadowsinger stares back stone faced. "Perhaps to avoid the inevitable pain of caring for someone with a mortal lifespan?"

He says nothing.

Isabella: 1 Azriel: 0

"I am your friend and though what the future holds... scares me, I do want you to be safe and happy. Here." He states slowly, though a darkness flickered in his eye. "But there are still some cultural differences between the fae and humans that you need to be aware of."

She shrugs with false bravado. "What's wrong with multiple people in a relationship? So long as they all care for each other then it's fine."

He snorts. "You looked physically disturbed saying that."

"Oh I'll get used to it."

｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･

She did not in fact get used to it and Isabella found herself gaping at every different brand of 'family' they met on the walk through the residential district to the next house. Cassian would only chuckle and nudge her when she stared too long.

Isabella had given up feeling embarrassed by her naivety about 10 minutes in when she watched a woman with dragonfly wings be greeted by four hulking males and their adorable little winged babe.

Cassian had watched her closely that time so she had done her best not to look too surprised. At first she had been horrified, only hearing her mother's voice in her head but the longer she watched their simple everyday interactions and the more she saw different families the easier it was to accept.

She couldn't deny how happy they all looked. How normal and at home they all seemed.

It was easier once they reached the less gentrified areas. Isabella had pretended not to notice the judgemental stares of the high fae. A human in the fae realm was a sight to see for them and though Azriel scared them off Isabella was very much aware of the fact she wouldn't have a body guard every second of her life. Not to mention that she would like to feel safe and at home in their own neighbourhood.

They had looked at two other houses after the original one but even though Isabella was content with them Cassian hadn't been pleased by the condition of some of them. Apparently one had structural issues with the roof. She didn't mention that her current roof had 13 leaks nor did she mention that her current fireplace was falling apart when Rhys questioned the quality of the third house's fifth fireplace.

Azriel had thankfully stepped in with one final home suggestion before Isabella was to return to the human realm.

The street they were walking along was on the outskirts of Velaris, closer to both the physical and magical wall that surrounded Velaris. It would be a 10 minute walk to the forest that bordered the Illyrian Steppes and there was apparently a small travelling market that visited on Thursdays.

Rhys had grumbled about the distance from the town house but Cassian seemed pleased by the domesticity of the area. It was clearly home to various lesser fae and the odd poorer high fae. There was a mix of people walking home with the tea time rush and Isabella tried not to panic at the thought of missing her husband.

They would most likely stay for food with the other workers but she didn't want to risk Tomas finally deciding to be a good husband and join Isabella 'at her sisters' for dinner.

"Well it certainly looks lovely." Rhys grumbles, trying his best to be supportive.

Isabella understood his concerns and she would be the same in his position. It was easier to look after somewhen when they were under your roof. Isabella knew that they were shopping for her first home, in theory her last home but... well she couldn't picture Cassian living with her here.

But it was perfect for just Oliver and Isabella.

She loved it in truth. The two story brick building that had a cottage house look to it with the creeping ivy up the side. The kitchen was all oak wood, functional yet still covered in enough dents and chips to give it personality. The kitchen was linked to the dining and living room in a L shape with the kitchen tucked away in the corner so you didn't see the kitchen when you were sitting with your evening tea by the fire.

"You love it." Rhys narrows his eyes at her playfully. She grins at the High Lord and she's relieved to see her excitement reflected in his eyes. Relator Ethan is quick to lead Rhys away with talks of cost and leases, leaving Isabella alone with Cassian and Azriel.

She slowly smooths her hand across the wooden kitchen counter as though it were a prize horse. Cassian watches her every move as though he can hear her churning thoughts.

"It's perfect for Oliver and I." She murmurs, moving to lean against the counter and facing Cassian who leans against the kitchen table opposite her. "But you wouldn't fit in this space with us."

His throat bobs.

"If that is something you would be interested in."

"Of course it is." His voice is hoarse and the emotion in his eyes as her glancing away before. "You know it is."

She does, but she just needs to hear him say it aloud again before, "Then should I plan my next house with three people in mind."

It's Cassian's turn to look away. Not away she realises but to Azriel.

"There's a conversation we need to have before we take that next step." Cassian whispers, voice serious as he struggles to meet her gaze. "I want you to have all the facts before you make any decisions."

Her heart stops. Isabella's gaze bores into the side of Azriel's head but he refuses to look at her. The shadow singer knows something. That's why he's been avoiding her because their discussions rely on honesty.

Isabella has no expectations of Rhys to be honest with her, he's a high lord and has many political and social secrets and masks. Cassian was her loveable giant who struggled with keeping secrets from her but she was under no illusions that he wouldn't lie to her to keep her safe. Or whatever he deems as safe. Azriel on the other hand, despite being the spy master, has always treated her with respect and honesty. He had no reason to lie to her, nor her any reason to ask questions that would force him to.

So that's why there was avoidance.

He couldn't bring himself to tell her. At least Cassian had the guts to say 'I can't tell you but there is a thing' instead of pretending there wasn't.

She feels her nostril flare slightly as her brows furrow. Isabella is really sick of men– males– whatever, hiding shit from her. She was a grown woman, an intelligent one at that. Not to mention the fact that she was a mother.

It takes Isabella seconds to think through every interaction of the day. Every possible reason or outcome. Cassian wasn't breaking up with her (not there was truly anything to break up from) which means there would have to be some kind of factor that would affect their relationship.

Azriel was asking about same sex relationships. Cassian glanced at Azriel just now. Therefore the two of them are sleeping together.

Cassian is fae, fae have mate bonds. A few options here that definitely need sub categories.

He has a mate already (so why the fuck is he flirting with her)

Azriel is his mate (again, why the fuck is he flirting with her then)

Isabella is his mate (why in the gods name didn't he mention that fact sooner)

He has a child. Except she also has a child so Isabella can't see him keeping this from her. Not to mention he lacks some instinctive parental stuff that makes it clear he has never dealt with young children long term.

She needs to have a conversation with Nesta so they can make a proper and comprehensive list.

"Okay." She murmurs and Cassian looks relieved though Azriel has his eyes narrowed on her and is shifting uncomfortably.

He should be uncomfortable because Nesta has slowly learnt how to bribe those shadows of his damn straight she will be taking another home with her under the guise of 'wisp needing a friend'.

But then she pauses.

Cassian wants her to have all his cards on the table before making her decision. So is it not fair that she does the same? How can she ask for honesty if she doesn't return it?

"Then perhaps there are some things I should tell you as well."

A/N: To be honest I have been mainly focusing on the next chapters and then coming back to this one so I apologise if it's all over the place.

Cassian and Azriel are having a conversation in the next chapter, what do you think they should mention / discuss / react