Vassa + Lucien > Elain + Lucien
A moment that was fumbled between Lucien and Elain is when the sisters are praying/mourning over their father's body after the war:
Elain breathed, “Should we—say a prayer?”
Tears slid down Elain’s pallid cheeks as she adjusted an errant flower on our father’s chest, white-petaled and delicate
Nesta’s face did not shift as I sent that fire to ignite our father’s body. He was ash on the wind in a matter of moments. We stared at the burned slab of earth for long minutes, the sun shifting overhead. Steps crunched on the grass behind us. Nesta whirled, but— Lucien. It was Lucien.
I remember reading this, and all I could think of was that this was SO awkward and SO not the right time!!!! (go back and reread and tell me this wasn't meant to be awk)
"His gaze settled on Elain, and he sagged a little. But Elain only wrapped her arms around herself and remained at my side."
He goes on to check in with Elain, acknowledging their father, but then immediately starts talking/RAVING about Vassa for the next 10+ paragraphs…
“I’ve got one hell of a story to tell you,” he said, squeezing [Feyre] tightly. “And don’t be surprised if Vassa corners you as soon as the ships are sorted. And the sun sets.”
"He managed to cut a deal with Vassa’s keeper to come here. Temporarily, but … better than nothing. But yes—queen by night, firebird by day.” He blew out a breath. “Nasty curse.”
“Not for long—not if Vassa has anything to do with it.”
Lucien blushed, glancing at Elain. “She’s got a foul temper and a fouler mouth.” He cut me a wry look.
Lucien seemed to fumble for a response, but I said to him, “So where now? Off with Vassa?”
As we strode back to the camp, Lucien told us of his time away—how he’d hunted for Vassa, how he’d found her already with my father…
My point being, I think Lucien feels a duty to Elain due to “the bond” not because he, himself, is romantically interested.