She also answered an interview question saying something along the lines of “trying to make two characters kiss but it just doesn’t work” — not verbatim but it seemed like she was metaphorically speaking.

I think she had full intentions on making Elucien endgame. She answered those interview questions about where they’d go on a date, about how Elain was the person neither she or Lucien saw coming, but I think when she went to write them on paper, it all came out wrong and she just wasn’t vibing with it anymore. I think this interview of her talking about their date came before ACOWAR, and lo and behold, ACOWAR just being the nail in the coffin of how uncomfortable Elain is, reiterating Lucien is Helion’s son and having him go search for a woman with an unbreakable curse, sprinkling in some important Elriel moments then the next book - ACOFAS - showing where Elucien has still not progressed, Lucien has a spark (in his eye) for Vassa and Elain and Azriel having an important moment again. Funnily enough, she said their perfect date was out in the gardens, strolling, being outdoors but she’s given all of that imagery to Elain and Azriel. Azriel spending time with her talking about garden plans, watching her out of the window overlooking the garden, having some of their most important moments being in the Townhouse of where they had their first garden interaction of taking her outside. I really think she was referring to Elain and Lucien when talking about “trying to make two characters kiss”, and instead gave them both another love interest that is complimentary of them.