I keep thinking about how weird the narrative that Lucien is pressuring Elain or forcing himself on her is. Cause like…no.

• Lucien declined to live in Velaris because he was giving his mate the space she needs
• Lucien has never forced her to talk about the bond in the 2+ years they’ve been aware of it
• He doesn’t force his presence on her, he accepts an invitation from his friend to spend the holidays with everyone
• He brings her thoughtful gifts from the things he’s learned about her in an attempt to show her he’s making an effort to try and get to know her
• He constantly makes it a point not to overcrowd her so he only pops into Velaris for work or holiday events he’s invited to. He doesn’t push her to be near him all the time. I know point 1 and 3 are the same thing, but I feel this needs to be said multiple times since people keep pushing the narrative he’s forcing his presence on her.

Lucien has his own shit going on outside of Elain. He is working with the Band of Exiles on human-fae relations, he’s trying his best to help where he can in the Spring Court, he and Jurian are trying to help Vassa with her curse… not to mention the shit he’s unaware of like papa helion, his potential high lord powers, Beron working for Koschei, Eris (and LadyA?) trying to assassinate Beron… the guy has a lot going on and he’s just trying to make it through the day. He is not sitting around in the human lands trying to come up with ways to force his presence onto Elain. He’s a respectful and patient guy.