3 weeks later
Rhys paced up and down our room as I slipped my crown on. He had got ready surprisingly quickly for him as I was usually done first but I knew it was due to nerves. I stood up, my dress flowing as I moved and kissed him gently. As we headed down in silence Rhys wrapped a tight arm around my waist, needing to feel close to me. I knew he was frightened of what could happen at the meeting, last year had been a bit of a disaster with Tamlin and Beron, who knows what could happen this year. Especially with me pregnant.
Beron would already know, likely having been told by Keir but we weren't sure if the other High Lords did. We would announce it at the summit, as would Vivian announce hers. I was now just over 3 months and the flowy gown accentuated my small bump perfectly.
Cassian and Azriel waited at the bottom with Mor and Amren. Lucien was staying back here while we were gone to oversee everything as Amren, who usually remained behind, had refused and demanded to come with us. Rhys had relented, not putting up much of a fight as secretly he was relieved to have her with us so she could scare the other courts. It was extra protection for me and the baby.
"Ready?" Cassian asked tightly, his and Azriel's worry almost as bad as Rhys. We nodded and winnowed to Thesan's court – the Dawn court.
It was just a shame I didn't get to see where we landed. The minute everything went black when we winnowed it stayed black for much longer than it should've. I gave a groan as my eyes fluttered open, everything swimming slightly but started to clear, revealing Rhys's worried face above mine.
"Rhys?" I rasped, trying to sit up but my limbs were too heavy. He immediately moved and propped me up slowly, trying to not hurt me.
"Are you okay?" he asked anxiously. "You were unconscious when we got here, it was worse than Hewn city, I didn't know if you'd wake up."
There was real fear in his voice and I kissed him softly, "I'm fine, winnowing just knocks me out a bit."
He sighed, rubbing soft circles on my hand, "Doesn't mean I feel any better about it. You're supposed to be resting at home after all that happened, I don't want to risk anything."
I knew what he meant, having the same fear myself. "I can't just stay at home though," I replied gently, leaning against him and burying my head into the crook of his neck. He traced the elegant hairstyle with his fingers while I lay there.
"I know." He kissed my forehead before saying miserably, "Do you feel up to going yet? Thesan wants to know if you're up to it."
I nodded, swinging my legs over the side of the sofa. Rhys wrapped an arm around my waist and helped me up, letting me adjust to being on my feet again before we left. Mor and Amren were waiting in the hall outside with one of Thesan's servants, talking to him quietly. Cassian and Azriel meanwhile were almost right outside the door, prowling around, casting glares at the servant every few minutes. The minute we were out they whirled round, quickly checking me over to see if I was okay.
"Shall we go?" I said, raising an eyebrow at the servant who nodded quickly.
"This way, please," he said nervously before leading us to the meeting room.
Thesan was the first up, concern in his eyes as he went towards us. Kallias and Vivian were also there, as well as Helion and Beron who was glaring at us. Tamlin didn't even look up when we entered but Tarquin watched quietly, eyes narrowed.
"Welcome," Thesan said, giving no indication he knew what had happened that made us late and why.
"It's such a pleasure to be here," Rhys responded cordially but he was tense and I felt his grip tighten on my waist. At this Tamlin raised his head, a cold look in his eyes as he looked at me, eyebrow raised.
"I thought you didn't want to be a possession?" Tamlin snarked as we took our seats, Rhys's hand now on my leg.
"She is not and never will be," Azriel snarled.
Before Tamlin could even think of a response Helion gave a groan, his head thumping on the table. "Shut the fuck up Tamlin, we're not going through this pettiness again, no one cares!"
Rhys squeezed my thigh gently, a tinkle of amusement running through the bond.
"Well, to start the summit off we have some exciting news from the Night court," I said, smiling at Vivian as she gave me the biggest grin ever, bolstering my mood. Tamlin watched me sulkily while Thesan and Kallias lay back in their seats, already knowing. Tarquin and Helion both perked up at this, as did Eris, but Beron stayed scowling at us, unmoving. "There will be an heir to the Night court born this year," I finished softly and Vivian gave an excited squeal. Helion was up on his feet before anyone could say another word, congratulating both Rhys and me while I observed the reaction to the news.
Cassian and Azriel had the funniest expressions on their faces – a mixture of pride at the news and hatred at some of the males hearing this in the room. I wanted to laugh so bad. Helion obviously seemed delighted and Tarquin seemed pleased as well, the next to offer his congratulations to us. Thesan and Kallias gave us both nods, but it was Beron and Tamlin I was worried about.
Our worst fears were confirmed. With one look at Beron's face you saw complete fury in it, along with hatred. "And this child," he snarled, "Could inherit our powers. My powers! Going to a Night court heir! You're insane if you think we'll let that happen!"
I didn't need to be a daemiti to know the direct threat he was making about my baby. The only way to guarantee Rhys and my child didn't have my powers was for me not to be the mother. Rhys was now half raised out his seat, his teeth bared, darkness starting to leak out of the corners of the room.
"I, for one, don't care if the baby inherits my power. Hopefully this could be a start of a new era of peace between the High Lords and Ladies," Kallias said coldly, glaring at Beron. "You will not touch their baby nor will you be allowed near it," he finished.
"Since when do you get a say in any of that?" Beron snapped with a snort, rolling his eyes.
"Because as my mate is expecting my first child and heir and I don't want you anywhere near her even though you have not made a single threat against her. Rhysand allowing you near Feyre or their child? Forget it."
"Two fae pregnant here at the same time? I think that may actually be unheard of," Helion said thoughtfully. "But I agree with Kallias, I don't care if the child gets my powers. Honestly, I think it'd be interesting. Anyway, it aligns us more and I will happily offer my expertise if you should need it."
I nodded gratefully at him, tugging Rhys back into his seat. Cassian and Azriel had moved closer to Beron in case an intervention was needed.
I then turned my head back to the table but caught Tamlin's eye by accident and I stiffened slightly. Pure hatred radiated from him as he looked at me. Rhys, noticing my change, caressed lovingly against my mental shields while following my line of sight to Tamlin.
"So Tamlin, no congratulations from you either then?" Rhys asked innocently but his eyes were dark and cold as he surveyed the High Lord across from us.
Tamlin gave him a cold smile in return, one that filled me with dread as he said, "And when the child doesn't look like you but the Illyrian who raped her, how are you planning on passing that off? At least she would've been safe in my court if she hadn't been kidnapped and then brainwashed by a monster."
Silence descended. "Rhysand? Explain yourself." Tarquin demanded.
Rhys had gone completely still at that but no words made it to his mouth.
"He is the father," I said coldly, glaring at Tamlin.
Tamlin snorted, "There's more chance I'm the father than he is."
"When did this happen?" Helion asked, but there were no accusations in his eyes but just concern as he looked at us.
"Three weeks ago, just after we visited Hewn city," Rhys rasped, eyes clouded.
"So you failed to protect your mate?" Tamlin asked, raising an eyebrow. "The most powerful High Lord," he said mockingly, "Is losing control of his army to Keir and let his mate get raped. Not exactly a good High Lord, really."
I stood up at that, anger roiling in my gut. How dare he. How dare he say that about my mate. Suddenly his choice of words hit me. "Oh, and what makes you think we lost them to Keir?"
Rhys raised his head at that as High Lords around the table turned to Tamlin. "Excuse me? It was a logical explanation."
"Really? Or are you helping Keir?" I carried on coldly. "No one knew they raped me. Unless Keir told you, you couldn't have known."
The second I finished that sentence Cassian was in front of Tamlin, shoving him against the wall, choking him. "Call your bastard off!" Tamlin choked, struggling in Cassian's iron grip.
"Cass, stop choking him," I said, rolling my eyes when Cassian glared at me before dumping Tamlin on the ground.
All the High lords and Ladies were standing now, Rhys a step-in front of me in a protective stance, hand on the small of my back.
Beron rolled his eyes, "Cauldron, you're all making Tamlin the fucking villain. Rhysand clearly is failing his court and if you think I'm letting that baby live you've got another thing coming! That bitch should die as well, if I knew she'd get our powers I'd have never helped make her!"
"Father!" Eris cried, standing up but it was too late. A blaze of flame exploded towards me from Beron but there was a crash and I felt someone knock me aside, strong, scarred hands catching me. Darkness swirled around the room as wings wrapped around me, shielding me. I vaguely heard shouts and cries as everything once again went dark.
Rhysand
"Father!" Eris cried, standing up but it was too late. A blaze of flame exploded from Beron – towards Feyre. Darkness exploded from me as I shoved my mate out the way, coating the room as it absorbed the flames. She tumbled into Azriel's arms who cocooned her in his wings while Cassian lunged at Beron, slamming him against the wall.
"I'll kill you for this!" I roared but Tamlin jumped in front of me, claws slashing. I slammed into him before throwing him off, going to straight for his mind. I slashed viciously through his weak barriers only to hear Azriel call my name. I ignored him until I heard Feyre's name mentioned when I pulled back out of his mind and turned to Azriel who was looking anxiously at me. He opened his wings slightly to reveal Feyre's limp body in his arms.
"Get them out," I spat and Eris quickly winnowed his father out while Tamlin's sentry followed suit. I took Feyre in my arms immediately and Thesan stepped forward.
"One of my sentries will take you to your room. We can resume this meeting later on."
I gave him a nod of gratitude for understanding I was in no state to continue before stalking out, following the sentry closely, barely thanking him when we reached our room, all my instincts screaming at me to get her away from everyone.
I laid her down on the silk sheets and closed the curtains, shutting out the sun. I slid next to her, resting a hand on her bump, stroking it gently, reminding myself that both were still alive, that they were alright. I remembered her fear of having miscarriage and Madja's concern about her coming to the summit. Why had I let her come? If – if the worst happened, it would be my fault.
She then gave a small groan and I started slightly, my gaze falling to her face as her gorgeous eyes opened. It was my biggest wish the baby would get her eyes.
"Rhys?" she whispered, her hand automatically going to her bump.
"You're fine," I murmured back, "I didn't let him hurt you, I swear."
She leaned forward weakly and kissed me. I wrapped my arms around her, supporting her as we kissed. Eventually we broke apart and I wrapped my wings around her, cocooning her in the safety of them.
"Are Beron and Tamlin?"
"Dead? I wish but no, Eris and a sentry took them back to their courts. We're to resume the meeting once you're well again," I put a finger to her mouth, predicting her wanting to go back immediately. "And you're not going back until I say so. You're not a burden and meetings can be very boring so I doubt they'll be too unhappy to take a break. Anyway, I know Kallias is relieved for the break so he can be alone with Vivian for a while."
She gave me an amused smile, "Mating bond chafing a bit?" she said, reiterating Cassian's words to me.
I snorted, "You have no idea."
Feyre
We lay there a while longer in silence, just breathing in each other's scent but I knew we had to go eventually so why not now?
When voicing this however Rhys just pulled a face and tightened his hold and I rolled my eyes. "We might as well get it over with. Then you can take me home and shut me back up in our bedroom again, waiting on me on hand and foot."
A war was going on in his mind, I could tell. A war between his instincts wanting to keep me here longer and common sense that getting the meeting out the way meant leaving quicker. "Let's go," he eventually said, carrying me to the door.
"I can walk," I huffed in annoyance and he laughed before setting me down unexpectedly so I stumbled, almost falling over. "Very funny," I scowled at him as he chuckled. He then wrapped an arm around me waist and we ventured out to see Cassian, Azriel, Mor and Amren standing almost outside the door, obviously having been eavesdropping but I couldn't bring it in myself to be mad at them for being concerned about me.
Mor immediately threw her arms around me, causing Rhys, Cassian and Azriel all to stiffen which I couldn't help but grin at. Rhys then called a sentry over to inform him we were ready to resume the meeting.
"Very good, follow me High Lord and High Lady," he said with a short nod at each of us. We headed back to the meeting and I was amused to find myself pinned between Cassian and Rhys. Somehow Cassian and Azriel had managed to acquire more weapons which were very visible, likely to taunt the other High Lords into trying something.
All gazes we got when re-entering were full of concern. "Right, well, time to continue the meeting now those two idiots are gone." Thesan said.
"Day court has nothing to report," Helion said lazily, leaning back in his seat.
"The Summer court formerly rescinds any sort of former alliance and ties they have with the Spring and Autumn court," Tarquin said stiffly.
"Dawn court has nothing to report either," Thesan said.
"Nor does the Autumn court," Eris said, sitting down in his father's seat.
Cassian and Azriel instinctively moved closer to me at his arrival but no one commentated on it.
"The Winter court is officially announcing the High Lady's pregnancy," Kallias stated, though this was no news anymore.
"The Night court is also officially announcing the High Lady's pregnancy," Rhys said before moving onto business. "I'm sure you may be a bit confused on what Tamlin was referring to earlier and I want to clear that up. Keir, Beron and apparently Tamlin have been trying to kill us and have Keir replace me as High Lord. Some Illyrians joined the coup and when we visited Hewn city they attacked, kidnapping and raping Feyre." My mates voice was hoarse by the end and I squeezed his thigh as a reminder that I was still here, that I was alright. "The Illyrians caught have been punished and we have stamped down on the rebellion and Keir has been locked up."
Rhysand, Cassian and Azriel had been working very hard to make sure all attempt at an uprising was squashed. Cassian and Azriel had been at the camps almost every day since the attack, imprisoning all Illyrians involved and cutting their wings off, the worst punishment an Illyrian could endure. Devlon had been one of them and Cassian and Azriel had delt with him together, both relishing in getting their own back on him.
"Good riddance," Helion said, shrugging when we looked at him, surprised. I tightened my grip slightly on my mate, suddenly overwhelmed at the backing from other High Lords, one I never thought we'd get.
The meeting soon wrapped up and Rhys was pretty much dragging me back to our room once it ended.
"Someone's impatient," I said, amused as he tugged me into the bed. He gave a growl in reply as he settled me against him.
"I want you to rest before we have to winnow back," he replied, "I've also sent Azriel to get Madja so she can give you another check over when we arrive."
I made a sound of acknowledgement before wriggling closer to him and cuddled him, a sudden desperation to be close to him washing over me. He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me tight against him and I laid my head on his chest, listening to his soothing heartbeat.
I was lying back on our bed with Rhys perched next to me as Madja entered.
"Good evening my Lord, my lady," Madja said, giving a nod to each of us. "Apparently the summit was…. eventful."
Rhys gave a snort and I poked him, "Don't be rude."
"My apologies," he snarked back and I sighed, rolling my eyes.
Madja smiled and said with a mischievous grin, "Due to that rude comment, I think he should be sent out as punishment, don't you agree Feyre?"
Rhys, who had been reclining back on the bed at this point jerked up, panic on his face. I grinned back at Madja and nodded, "Absolutely Madja."
"Wait, no, I'll behave!" Rhys cried and both Madja and I laughed.
"You sure?" I teased him and he nodded, eyes wide and I smirked, "You can stay… for now."
He leaned back, expelling a breath of relief at the verdict and now it was I who snorted. "I can't believe you really thought we'd kick you out," I said, rolling my eyes. His head whipped round to stare at me and then Madja and narrowed his eyes.
"You tricked me," he accused, causing us to break into laughter.
"You deserved it," I said, my cheeks hurting from how big my grin was. He pouted but happiness glowed in his starlit eyes at seeing me laugh, something I hadn't done much of the last three weeks.
I then turned to Madja and she nodded, gesturing for me to lie down and I complied, letting her feel my abdomen as Rhysand told her of the meeting.
"Well, considering all you've been through, I'm admittedly amazed you haven't miscarried yet but the baby's still strong and healthy. The three weeks of bedrest was certainly needed and I would prefer that for the next week you would go back on bedrest, or if not at least stay house bound and take it slow. I'm not trying to trap you but I'd rather you not go out to Velaris for the next week at least when I can check your progress again and then we can reassess. You are allowed to go out of course but I'd like you to have someone with you at all times in case something happens and you can't protect yourself."
I nodded, sighing, slumping into the bed. Rhysand looked worriedly at me, saying "We don't think you're helpless darling but –"
"I know, I know. Also," I said, turning to Madja, "I forgot to ask earlier but when we were at Hewn court, after I used my powers I was completely drained and felt faint. Why? That's never happened before."
"It's the baby. As it grows you'll find your magic growing weaker as it develops the baby's magic, draining yours for the near future. And with you and Rhysand both so powerful your baby will be too, meaning your magic will drain even faster, possibly draining it completely in the last months."
"She may lose her magic for a bit?" Rhys said, panic flaring through the bond.
Madja nodded, "It's why she should have someone with her at all times, the more the better. If she does lose her magic, physically fighting is out of the question so she will be helpless if left alone. Due to this she will suffer what humans do when winnowing which is fainting and nausea. However, the more often she is winnowed or the longer the distance the higher the chance of complications happening, like blood flow slowing or the pressure pressing on the uterus, causing an early labour which in turn causes stillbirths and often the death of the mother."
I turned to Rhys on instinct as anxiety swallowed me, gripping his hand tightly. He squeezed it gently, giving me a look saying that we'd talk afterwards.
Madja then moved onto lighter stuff which we were both thankful for.
"You should be able to know the gender at about month five and around month four your belly will really start to pop. Right now it's slightly swollen but by month four the baby will start becoming what we'd recognise as a baby and that's when it will really start to grow and maternity clothes will need to be bought."
Rhys eyes brightened slightly at that prospect, hugging me close to him. Madja went over a few more details before leaving us alone. The second the door closed Rhys pulled me onto his lap and curled his wings around me, something I had come to realise was soothing to him as well as me, reassuring him I was safe in his arms, completely protected as the only way to get to me was through him.
"Her advice about this next week, please can you take it slow," he pleaded and I nodded instantly, having been planning on it.
"I want to help you with some of the work though," I said, head in the crook of his neck. "The paperwork."
"I'd love for some company," he murmured back, "You won't be leaving my sight, I promise you that."
I snuggled up against him, stroking the broad planes of his chest. "So no winnowing?" I mumbled and he gave a snort.
"Fuck no," he replied and I chuckled, amused.
"Thank you," he suddenly said, breaking the silence that had settled in the room.
"For what?" I asked, raising my head in confusion.
"For putting up with me and my protectiveness. I know you don't like being treated like a prisoner but –"
I placed my finger on his lips, silencing him before smiling gently. "Rhys, I understand. Honestly, I'm a little thankful for it. I really, really want this baby and if I can't protect myself, as much as hate relying on other people, it's my only chance and I'll take that." Tears leaked out of my eyes and he tilted my head up, kissing each tear away softly as we always did.
A knock came on the door and Rhys frowned slightly but called "Who is it?"
"Azriel, we want to know if you're coming down for dinner."
"No, could you ask Nuala to bring it up here please?"
"Of course," Azriel replied before vanishing.
"We're not going down?" I ask, slightly confused. I thought I wasn't on bedrest anymore.
He shook his head. "I want you to stay in bed for the rest of the day, at least. Tomorrow you can do what you want, within reason."
I nodded, thanking Nuala as she brought us our supper before turning to the food. I had to turn my head away after a few minutes as while I ate, the food on my plate didn't seem to deplete but Rhys's did by double. I had worked out that he would add more food to my plate when I wasn't looking and was biting my lip in an effort not to laugh but managed to hold it back. Once I had somehow finished the massive amount of food, I was almost completely asleep there and then.
Rhys, noticing this, lay me down before lying behind me, wrapping a protective arm around me, pulling me to him. He murmured a few words to me but I didn't hear them, being swallowed up by the soothing blackness of sleep.