DISCLAIMER**non of these characters are mine, they all belong to fabulous Sarah J. Maas. I love her too much to take her glory. This story may have some lemons later on but we will see how that goes. Love you guys and I hope you enjoy!**
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I hate this damned place. After being in Velaris for so long, it smells like rotting flowers and wet dog. I miss the night sky and the bustle of the Rainbow. I miss the inner circle and most of all, my mate. I can feel that bond just below the surface, slumbering. waiting to be caressed by loving hands. My magic aches for release and the only time thats possible is in the dead of night or when Tamlin is away. Lucien is still wary, but I think I am making some headway.
Today is no different from all the others. I go through the motions; wake up to an empty bed, go down to breakfast and sit through the silence like the docile maiden i have become, then watch as Tamlin disappears into the woods. I know he is going to speak with the Hybern. I had to do my share of searching his mind, but i had to be discrete. Lucien is my guard dog most of the time. Ianthe is everywhere she isn't supposed to be. She prances around the estate like she owns it. I know who she really is and I cant wait for the day when I get it rub it into her face, hopefully with a knife.
I walk through the gardens in a heavy gown of chiffon and green silk. The sleeves go over my hands and en din long trains that almost reach the ground. The bodice is restricting and my slippers are itchy. I hate it, I wish to be in my night court clothes but i know that is a hopeless thought. The gravel path crunches under my feet and the rose bushes prick my fingers. I slow my steps once i reach an intersection. This is the third time I have come to this intersection, but now i hear another pair of feet that wrenches me from my thoughts.
I quickly plaster on a pleasant but haunted face, and hunch my shoulders just a bit. I hope to look like I did before the Night Court. When i see a flash of red hair, my face turns into a scowl. Lucien comes around the corner, his face unreadable. I look up, as if surprised and see a flash of sadness across his face but it quickly disappears.
"Hello Feyre, wonderful evening isn't it," he says to me in a measured voice. I scowl at him and look away. Somedays I think he actually believes my story, but then he gets this look in his eyes that says otherwise. We have been playing this game for three weeks now, and it is getting more intense by the second.
"Hello Lucien, it is quite a wonderful day and it almost warrants ten walks around the garden, but alas, i am only of my fourth," i make an exaggerated noise and slump my shoulders for emphasis. He scowls at my words and looks away.
"Well, I'm off to go paint away my troubles, see you at dinner!" I chirp pleasantly, clearly triumphant in pestering him. I turn right towards the the doors of the estate, when he grabes my arm. I make a small distressed noise, like a damsille in distress. He whirls me around to face him, his face flushed.
"I know what game your playing, cursebreaker," he snarls.
"Let go," I say calmly, dropping my act for a second. I meet his gaze with my own anger. I jerk my wrist away, and storm towards the doors. I make an inappropriate gesture over my shoulder, just for good measure. I slam open the doors, and walk quickly towards my painting room. I take the stair two as fast as my dress will allow, the stupid thing. I want to rip it to shreds. I want to burn down this place and everyone inside. I slam the doors to my workplace closed and lock them. I look around to check if anyone is there.
Finally i let out a breath and go inside myself. I feel that bond humming and i caress it slowly, luxuriously. I feel him there on the other side of the bond. I feel him stroke it and a shudder runs down my spine. I slump onto my stool only to find a piece of paper and a pen in front of me. We never really tried to write to each other because of the fear of it being intercepted. I stretch out my hand tentatively to touch it. When my fingers brush up against it, words start to fade in. I scramble towards it and read as quickly as the words appear.
Hello Feyre darling, i have found a way for us to communicate without the letter being intercepted. You must simply enchant the paper for only my magic and touch for it to be read. I want you to know that Cassian and Azriel are healing well but Cassian is slower with his wings. Your sisters say hello and Nesta sends her undying love for you. Mor misses you and is ready for vengeance, as is Amren. As you know I am quite disappointed we never got to that certain shop and i am angry that you left me to deal with a bitching Cassian and an equally bitchy Nesta. I love you and hope you will send word when the time is right, i have some interesting news for you.
I feel tears well at the thought of my mate and inner circle. They almost fall at the thought of my sisters, but I can't let them, I must be strong. I pick up the pen with a shaky hand and write;
Hello Rhys, tell everyone how much I miss and love them. I am ready to get out of this place but I need just a bit more time, maybe two more days to gather up the rest of my information. What is this news you speak of? I love you. Your all and wonderful mate, Feyre.
I watch as it disappears and focus on a canvas. I feel joy and determination returning and i feel ready to take on anything. I pick up a brush and start to paint.
