A/N: Hello! Wow, sixth form is keeping me busy! It means that updates will be slow until I have settled in further and gotten to grips with my timetable. Stupidly, I injured my knee the other day whilst at college meaning I have to be at home and rest it up for now but it has given me plenty of time to type this up!

Thank you so much for your support thus far - I am thrilled that you are enjoying the story! Your reviews are amazing - do keep them coming so I know that you are enjoying the story and I am doing things right!

Enjoy this chapter!

Arwen4eva xxx

We walk into the room of polished ebony and I ensure to keep my gaze above everyone; aiming to intimidate. In my peripheral vision, I notice our subjects staring opening at me and Rhys whilst also shying away as we pass.

I watch as Mor gets down on one knee beside Az, who follows before they are accompanied by the rest of the court present. With their gazes aimed to the floor, I allow myself a moment to observe the crowd gathered around the various columns. There are, once again, tables against the walls but only partially filled thanks to our surprise arrival.

Rhys and I stop at the dais and I remove my hand from his. I then place this hand on Mor's shoulder, signalling her to stand from her knee. She does, Az doing the same and stepping to scan the crowd before us with his Siphons blazing, and meets my gaze. She is dressed in the same attire from the last visit but this time there are more slits hanging from the fabric at her hips; certainly challenging anyone who may come near.

With a hand on my lower back, Rhys guides me up the few small steps to our thrones. I sit in mine, to the right of my mate's, and Rhys waits for me to do so before taking a seat himself; an open show of respect.

The room is filled with the silent humming of our combined darkness as the crowd remains kneeling, waiting to be told otherwise. Rhys lounges back in his throne, portraying the calm, yet deadly façade everyone is used to seeing. I long to reach out, to touch him, to hold him but that would ruin what we have planned.

If it is any consolation, I am itching to feel your perfect body, my darling. You look delicious in that dress.

I withhold my snort at his words.

Prick.

You love it really, darling. You cannot deny that.

I love you.

"Rise." Rhys says after a beat and as one, everyone stands. Slowly, Rhys stands himself and turns slightly to his left, to me, and holds his hand out. I delicately take hold of his strong hand and rise to my feet before moving so I am standing beside him; his equal.

"Today is a big celebration for our court," Rhys says, his voice loud and clear. "For too long, our court has hidden away and ceased to be who we truly are and who we can be. Amarantha terrorised the whole of Prythian but mercifully, she was removed and the courts were once again free. Our reputation as the Night Court has never been perfect but from today, from this moment, that changes. For now, until threats against us have been vanquished, this joyous news will remain within the court."

I look to Rhys, gratitude travelling down the bond as he ensures our safety. He gives a slight squeeze to my hand before he stands partially taller.

"I present to you Feyre Cursebreaker, Saviour of Prythian, my mate and High Lady of the Night Court."

Gasps ring out before applause drowns out any other sounds. I survey the crowd and my gaze halts for a second on the servants frantically trying to fill the tables with meats, breads, cheeses, fruits and cakes along with various wines and ales. They already look so tired from their hurry to appease their High Lord. I feel a small pang of guilt, mentally remembering to ensure they are paid handsomely at the end of the night, but push it away for now; the façade must remain.

I place my free hand on Rhys' forearm as we stand for a moment longer, the applause beginning to fade. Rhys waves his hand with a, "Go play." and the crowd quickly disperses, music flaring up in the background accompanied by chatter.

I sit back in my throne and once again, Rhys waits until I am comfortable before sitting himself.

By the Cauldron, I love him so much. I send that thought across the bond and receive a quick, of course you do from him before he speaks - typical lovable bastard.

"Keir. Come here." Rhys says, his voice commanding. I watch as Keir walks forward from the centre of the room, his golden hair holding a silver circlet and his body draped in black. One arm looks relatively normal but the other, presumably the one broken into multiple pieces, hangs slightly awkwardly at his side; almost like it still hasn't healed.

He stops in front of us, bowing deeply to Rhys before straightening and nodding his head to me.

"My lord." Keir greets.

"You owe my High Lady the same courtesy you have shown me; perhaps even more so." Rhys says, his tone cold. "Greet her correctly."

Keir looks at me, hesitates a second before bowing low to me.

"My lady." he mumbles.

"Better." I say and I can see that Keir is struggling to withhold a retort.

"Well, what do you have to report?" Rhys drawls, his tone bored now as he leans back in his throne.

Keir begins to list off various things about our court. As he mentions some renovations after an accident burning multiple houses in a small area, I feel Rhys patience wither. My focus shifts to him so I pay absolutely no attention to Keir's words. Our plan had originally been to show ourselves as nothing but threatening; dominant, powerful.

I cannot uphold that - not after spending so long away from my mate. Not now - especially since we have only just reunited.

I stand up and move to Rhys' throne, sitting on the arm. My right arm goes around his shoulders after he moves forwards slightly and the same hand goes into the hair on the back of his head. His left hand moves to my legs, spinning me so my legs drape over his whilst I remain seated on the armrest. That hand then moves to my thighs, his long and talented fingers dancing, causing my need to ignite strongly once again.

We don't need a distraction this time, darling. But I must say, I am rather enjoying this angle.

I give a tug on his hair and his head moves to press a kiss against my jaw. I vaguely recognise Keir talking about costs for various things but Rhys' lips against my skin are distracting me greatly. Occasionally, Rhys nods and hums his agreement against me.

How are you still following this conversation? I ask, my skin tingling as his fingers continue their slow torture. I move my hand slightly in his hair, careful not to dishevel it too much in front of the court; there is plenty of time for that later.

I have had to learn to focus on multiple things at the same time when you are around, my love. Just knowing you are near is a distraction to me.

His fingers move higher on my thigh and my thirst grows into an inferno. I have to focus on keeping control of my powers, the flames inside clashing with everything else.

Easy, darling. We cannot have this lovely dress going just yet.

Prick.

Rhys raises his hand, cutting Keir off.

"Your High Lady is parched. Get her wine." Rhys orders.

Keir sends a dirty look my way before bowing and walking off to find my wine. Rhys pulls on my legs so I land in his lap. I turn so my back rests against his muscular chest. His left hand goes to my other thigh whilst the knuckles of his right hand brush against the underside of my breast.

Have you noticed that Keir keeps glaring at me? It is very petty but you must realise it is only a matter of time before he says something that angers us. I run my hand over his strong thigh before continuing. If he does, let me deal with him.

Are you sure? If he says anything, it won't be said lightly.

I turn my head to press a kiss against the corner of his mouth, reassuring him.

Positive.

I turn in his arms to press a kiss against his jaw before moving up to his ear, strands of his hair tickling my nose.

"I love you." I whisper and feel his grip tighten on me. I kiss the shell of his ear before repeating myself a few times.

I place a hand to his cheek before reaching up and adjusting his crown of stars. His hand grabs my wrist, pulling it down so it rests in his lap. His eyes are hard as he looks at me.

As much as I would love to darling, it may send the wrong impression. Rhys tells me, his tone of voice apologetic in my mind.

I understand, Rhys. Can't have you looking soft in front of everyone.

Only for you, darling.

His hand drops my wrist and he traces a finger over the tattoo on my chest, pressing slightly when he runs it over my heart. He aims to go lower but a throat clears behind us. We both turn slowly to see Keir holding his hand out, a goblet of wine in his grip. I stand up, Rhys' hands trailing over my hips as I do so, and walk right up to Keir. I take the wine and look at it for a moment before looking up at him again.

"Should I have it checked?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.

"What for, my lady?"

"Why, poison of course." I say, walking back to Rhys, putting the wine down beside my throne using my magic.

"I would do no such thing to you." Keir says, placing his hands behind his back.

Of course you fucking would.

I say nothing, perching down on Rhys' knees as he sits up a bit behind me. His knuckle continues to brush the underside of my breast and I squeeze my thighs together for a moment.

"It is good to see that the ownership has been transferred completely, my lord." Keir comments, his eyes trained on me.

"Ownership of what?" Rhys asks, his voice hardening.

"Tamlin's pet has now become yours. You must be thrilled." Keir says, a smirk present.

Bastard.

Total fucking bastard.

"She is no pet." Rhys says, his fingers digging into my hips. The darkness around us is beginning to move more.

Easy, Rhys. Let me handle this. I soothe.

"Perhaps wench? Doll? Whore?"

Immediately I stand from Rhys' lap, deadly calm on my face. I can feel that Rhys remains tense, his power shifting in the room. People's gazes are quickly shifting to us.

Fire grows inside of me, turning my insecurities into power. Gasps quickly ring out and all noise ceases as proud Illyrian wings stand behind me.

Slowly, threateningly, I step from the dais and towards the repulsive Fae before me who is slowly backing away; realising his big mistake.

You do not mess with your High Lady and get away with it.

I lazily wave my hand, freezing Keir in place. His eyes are wide as I stop a pace from him. At his words, my anger has risen so much if I do not do something, I will burn and burn and burn...

"Tell me Keir, do I look like a wench?" I ask, releasing a talon and tracing it over his neck, down his chest before resting it above his heart. "Do I look like a pretty little doll?" I dig the talon in, watching a drop of blood escape. "Do I look like a whore?" I dig the talon in further.

This is what being High Lady of the Night Court is. We are ruthless; we are power.

"Let me tell you something, Keir." I say, my voice dropping low. "I am no pet, or wench or whore; I am superior. I am the mate of your High Lord. I am your High Lady and I will be respected by the likes of you."

I set the talon on fire and leave it for a second before releasing my hold over Keir. He jumps back, cradling his chest as he yells out in pain. I draw the talon back in after extinguishing it. He looks up at me before moving backwards; an attempt to leave.

Oh no. That is not acceptable.

I winnow behind him as he turns so when he intends to face the exit, he is once again facing me. I advance towards Keir and he stumbles backwards until he hits Azriel's chest, who has stepped forward, stopping his movements.

"I am not done with you yet." I say, pushing a smirk through; the mask of the High Lady who takes no shit from anyone. I nod to Az who steps back with a slight bow so he is once again standing beside Mor.

"Please..." Keir says and I raise my eyebrow. "My lady..."

In the next second, Keir is grabbing the sides of his head, screaming out loud. I mentally squeeze harder, making Keir fall to his knees. I see blood beginning to flood out and release my hold; unfortunately, I cannot kill him - if we could, Rhys would have done it centuries ago.

As I turn and walk back to my throne, fading my wings until they disappear, I relish the extra cries from Keir as I play with him a little more; mentally squeezing slightly, taunting him with momentary relief of pain. I almost sit back in my own throne but instead choose to perch on a once again lounging Rhys' lap. His hands rest on my hips, his fingers stroking slightly, ready to pull me into him when the time is right.

"Stand up, Keir." I order, my voice cold; almost unrecognisable to me. He hesitates, remaining on the floor for a moment, but finally does, raising his head and looking at me. Tears are streaming from his eyes and blood drips steadily from his nose and ears. I see the focus in his eyes waver, his knees wobbling. He looks down at the floor, his head dropping quickly to his chest.

"Look at me." Keir looks up again but does not make eye contact this time; good. "Never underestimate me again. I have been exceedingly more merciful that you deserve to be treated. You should be eternally grateful that your High Lord, my mate, did not deal with you - especially after our last visit."

Keir nods before falling to his knees, grunting in pain.

"I believe my mate, your High Lady, told you to stand." Rhys says. Keir remains on the floor.

"Your punishment can continue if you wish." I say, standing once again. "I am having plenty of fun making you suffer." Az takes a small step forward; a challenge.

Keir shakes his head, mumbling something incoherent.

"I'm sorry," I say, my tone false sympathetic. "I didn't quite hear that." I take a few steps forward, down the dais.

"No more... please." I hear him say and I turn back to stand beside Rhys.

If he didn't want this, he should have kept his mouth shut.

"Stand." Rhys commands, his voice terribly calm.

Keir finally pushes himself to his feet, grunting and almost falling over again.

"You will be fine, eventually. You are not to see any healers and the bleeding is not to be stemmed." Rhys says, recognising the use of my powers - he has them too, after all.

"Get him out of my sight." I say, waving my hand. Two guards come forward and drag Keir away out of the room.

The music restarts and the crowd begins to move again. I step down and walk to Mor, standing on her left, in front of the dais, as Az stands on her right. I allow my eyes to scan the crowd and notice, like they do with Rhys, they do not make eye contact or come to close - except the brave few. Both men and women sheepishly come up to me to welcome me.

Another young looking Fae moves to stand in front of me and curtsies deeply before me as soon as an older Fae disappears.

"It is an honour to call you my High Lady." she says, her head still down.

"You may look at me." I say, my voice softer than it was with Keir but still harsh. The Fae looks up and her brown eyes are big with surprise. "Thank you for your kind words. Being High Lady of the Night Court is an honour in itself."

"It is a pleasure, my lady. I do hope you enjoy the Night Court - it is better than any other Court in Prythian in my opinion." she says, her hands twisting in front of her.

"It is indeed." I say, my short reply intending to dismiss her. She notices, thankfully, and curtsies once again.

"Thank you for your time, High Lady." she says, curtsying again before retreating back into the crowd.

"Are you alright?" Mor asks me once it is clear that no one else is approaching, her voice quiet. I feel her gaze land on me but I ensure to keep my gaze outwards on the crowd.

"I will be when I am back at home." I reply, honestly.

"I apologise for what he said."

"It's alright." I say, brushing it off. I don't want to think of Keir's words; the mask allows them to roll off me like water off a duck's back.

"No, it isn't." Mor says. "The things he said to you... he deserved far more than what you did."

"It is fine." I insist, feeling my mask slip slightly. I inwardly scold myself and force the mask on fully.

"What he said-" Mor tries again but I interrupt her.

"I don't want to talk about this any more." I say, pushing back my shoulders, straightening my spine.

"Feyre, please-"

"This discussion is over, Morrigan," I say, looking at Mor now and slipping further into my High Lady demeanour. "You will do well to remember your place in my presence."

I calmly walk back up and sit in my own throne, linking my hands and resting them in my lap.

Are you alright, darling? Rhys asks me and I supress a sigh.

I just want this to be over. I reply. Even through the bond my voice is breaking and I feel Rhys' concern.

Even if I cannot do it precisely as I wish and crave to, can you come here so I can hold you?

I slowly stand from my throne and move so I sit back in Rhys' lap. He pulls me into him so my back is pressed against his chest. His left hand caresses my hip and the right squeezes my thigh. He sits up a bit, moving me forward so his right hand now cups my cheek, turning my head to his. Rhys places a tender kiss on my lips before resting the bridge of his nose against my temple.

Words will never describe just how much I adore you, Feyre. Rhys tells me and my entire being swells with my love for him. I sit up a little bit more and he rests his head on my shoulder, turning inwards to place kisses on my neck. Mor will forgive you, darling. She knows what must be done down here.

I know. I just ... I cannot get his words out of my head. They just remind me of what I went through with him. I don't...

Rhys continues to press kisses against my neck, pushing his love for me into each one.

I know, sweetheart. But, his words have no significance. They mean nothing. You are perfect.

As are you. I say and my eyes land on the dancing crowd before us.

I will dance with you for as long as you wish when we get home, darling.

I watch our subjects twirling around and wish I could be so carefree. My hand clasps over Rhys' which rests high on my thigh.

Promise?

Another kiss to my neck.

Promise.

...

Just standing in our bedroom, our sanctuary, after returning from the Court of Nightmares is a massive relief. The moment we left Court, my mask dropped and I instantly felt drained.

Rhys winnowed us home and one look at Mor made guilt hit me full force. She didn't so much as look at me before she walked off and Rhys began to lead me up the multiple stairs.

Now, we stand by the large open windows, moonlight washing over us and a slight breeze tingling my skin. Rhys' arms are around my too small waist whilst mine are surrounding his middle, my chin resting on his shoulder.

"I am sorry for how I was at Court; it was not fair to you." Rhys says for the fifth time in about ten minutes, making me growl in frustration. Rhys breathes out a laugh, his warm breath fanning over my head, clearly surprised at my reaction.

"I am the one who should be sorry, Rhys." I mumble into his shoulder. My hands fist the fabric of his shirt. "The way I acted back there... that isn't me."

"Nor is it me." Rhys assures. "We cannot be ourselves down there; we must become that." Rhys pulls back enough so I am looking into his eyes now.

"I'm so glad I don't have to do it very often; it is so draining to be that person." I whisper and Rhys presses a kiss to my nose, then my forehead.

"I know. I am so proud of you, Feyre." he whispers back to me. "Never forget that."

Our foreheads rest against each other as my arms tighten their hold on Rhys' solid, warm body. Suddenly, my head fills with slow, soft music and our bodies begin to sway; the dance I was promised. Rhys' head shifts to my shoulder and he begins to press warm kisses to my skin. After a few moments, my right hand raises to the nape of his neck, my fingers threading into his hair.

I feel Rhys mumble words against my shoulder in between kisses that spread delicious warmth through me. I moan lightly before pulling the hair my fingers are sliding through to drag his head up to mine.

Our lips meet in a languid and beautiful kiss. Our bodies continue to sway to the gentle rhythm but the music in my head is slowly being drowned out as my need, my yearn, for Rhys grows swiftly.

In that moment, Rhys' hands slide the fabric on my shoulders down and pulls away to watch as my breasts are bared to him, followed by my stomach. Those violet orbs remain locked to mine as he reaches around and unclips the few small clasps holding the skirt up on my hips. The instant the final one is unhooked, my dress pools to the floor and the chilled air hits my skin. Rhys' hungry eyes travel over me before he reaches up, removing the crown from my head. Within a blink, it disappears; probably sent to wherever his went to.

He picks me up, cradling me to his chest for a moment before walking to the bed and placing me down upon the silky covers. I shuffle back slightly so my head rests on my pillow and Rhys prowls up to me, suddenly void of any clothing; not that I am complaining.

I am not complaining in the slightest.

I open my legs so he can get closer to me. My thighs end up resting at his hips and he hovers above me.

"I wanted to rip that dress off the moment I saw you in it." Rhys mumbles, leaning down to place a kiss on the time of my nose which makes me smile. He presses a kiss to my smiling lips, a smile on his face too, before he leans down and presses kisses against my neck and collarbone.

"I'm surprised you lasted this long." I tease, my voice breathless. Rhys raises his head and I lift my hand, running the tips of my left fingers against his jaw. Rhys groans. He turns to face quickly to kiss my fingers before looking back at me. His left hand supports his weight as it rests beside my head. His right hand is running up my thigh as it remains hitched around his hip.

"You made it so much harder for me when I watched you with those wings of yours." I smile again, watching as Rhys' eyes darken further. "They suit you."

"You have said that before." I point out as Rhys drops his head to place kisses on my collarbone again. He bites lightly before soothing it with his tongue.

"This time was different." he says against my skin. "It was extremely hard for me not to take hold of you and winnow us back here immediately."

"You really like me with wings, huh?" I ask, knowing my answer already.

Rhys raises his head to wink at me before he leans down to kiss a path from my chin to my ear.

"Darling, I want to fuck you senseless - even more so when you have those wings."

I raise an eyebrow, sliding one hand into his hair and resting the other on his shoulder. The hand in his hair pulls his head up to me so I can press a kiss to his lips.

"Would you care to demonstrate?" I ask, my eyes glinting.

The fire in my stomach grows as I see Rhys' eyes darken even further with his need.

"With pleasure."

End note: Please review! :)