Birdsong.
I cringed silently, abhorring the cheerful chirruping that was drifting through my only, open window. It had been twelve days since I'd sent my silent goodbye to my mate. Twelve days since I had last seen the eyes of my family, wide with horror as I let Tamlin winnow me away from Hybern's castle.
I allow my mind to drift to Velaris, where my heart was still beating furiously. To Rhysand, Nesta and Elain, to all the people I swore to protect. I felt a small twinge of agony ripple down the bond, the bond that was forever tethered to my salvation.
I feel the dawn rays kissing my cheek and clamp my eyes shut, holding on to the darkness, desperately wishing for the comfort of an inky, star filled sky. I remember my first month in the Spring Court, when I had been blinded by the beauty of the vast gardens and woodland. The perfect environment for anyone who loved to paint. Now I see it for what it truly is, a facade for control. A perfect lair for the monster that ruled within. My ears prick up, alert as bedroom door clicks open and I keep my eyes firmly closed.
'Are you going to carry on pretending to be asleep Lady Feyre? Or will you allow me to draw you a bath?
I open my eyes and twist myself to see Alis' back turned to me, stood in front of the vanity dresser. Her nimble fingers organising the shiny trinkets Tamlin had gifted me since returning 'home'. I groan as petulantly as I dare.
'Come now my Lady, it's time to rise and enjoy the day.' She smiled sweetly. I dont need to reach out with my mind to feel the love radiating from her. My only friend in a pit full of vipers.
'So, whats the regime for today?' I ask politely.
Since my return Tamlin has monopolized my time, regular walks in the gardens, rides in the woods, picnics. Never has life been more monotinous. Although I play the part of a frightened, recovering whelp quite beautifully. A smile tugs at my lips when I think of just how clueless that moron really is. All this effort, made only when his life is not in immediate peril, too little, too late. I'll see him and his blasted Court razed to the ground.
The sound of running water permeated the air and Alis' chattering comes back into focus,
'-and for this evening I believe Lucien will be joining you and Lord Tamlin for dinner.'
Lucien. An impossible range of emotions fluttered to the surface of my chest. Anger, confusion, love, hate. I had been avoiding a lone encounter since my arrival. I stomp down the feelings of self-doubt and panic. But he knows my mind whispered. After our encounter in the mountains, after I had held him at arrowpoint more than ready to put a swift end to his life. He's saw you, he saw your wings. Lucien was no fool. What he saw that day was real and he knew it.
'But Lucien was my friend' I mumbled aloud.
'What was that dear?' Alis had returned from the adjoining bathing suite and was looking at me with a puzzled expression.
I smiled, 'Oh, nothing!' I turn on my heel and walk to the waiting bath wafting scents of jasmine through the room.
