Previously on "A Court of Fear and Ice"

Angry at Rian, Lexi leaves breakfast and wants to go back to Meleri's bedroom. On the way, she meets Merlin, Morrigan's younger brother, who is visiting his family. Later that day, she finds out that the Night Court fairies want to go to the City of Starlight, and invite Lexi to stay with them. Having revealed a major spoiler to Rian about the books, Lexi has to go to Velaris with him.

Chapter 14

When I opened my eyes, the first thing I saw was Rian's grey shirt. I realised I was nuzzling up to him and he was still holding his hands on my waist and nape. Lifting my head and moving slightly away to look at him, I saw he was peering down at me with a peculiar expression on his face. But it disappeared after a second, leaving just a slight smile in its stead. "Did you enjoy your trip?" he asked, letting go of me.

I shrugged. "It was tolerable."

Rian flashed me a grin. "Good," he said. "Follow me."

Having a look around, I noticed we landed in a big foyer. There was a small wooden bench, a standing coat rack and stairs leading to the first floor. I had no idea their foyers looked exactly as ours; sure, instead of lamps, they had big chandeliers with candles which had to be somehow powered by magic. But the rest was the same.

I also saw three closed doors that were leading to other rooms but Rian wasn't going to show me around. Instead, he approached the main door and, opening it wide, said, "Welcome to Velaris, the City of Starlight."

Shyly, I walked up to him and popped my head out but Rian shoved me gently out of the foyer. "Come on, Lexi," he said and closed the door.

The moment I got out I realised I felt like Harry Potter who entered Diagon Alley for the first time. Everything around me was incredible. All buildings looked like typical timber-framed Tudor houses with white walls and wooden roofs. The street I was standing on was cobbled and there were big magical lamps floating above the pavement. The people… Sorry, the extremely beautiful fairies that were passing by were wearing all sorts of medieval clothing, including dresses with skirts that trailed to the ground and long tunics with knee-length capes. And the scent of the city… Never in my life had I smelt such a fragrance. It was an astounding mixture of lemon and salty breeze, just like it was described in the books.

Covering my eyes with a hand against the sun, I was gazing at all the wonders around me. "Unbelievable," I whispered. When I caught Rian's eyes, I gave him a broad smile. "It's better than I imagined."

"Glad to hear it. Let's go," Rian said, grabbing my arm, "everyone is gathering in the townhouse."

I frowned. "But I've thought we had already landed there."

"No, we hadn't. Sorry." He shrugged and then embraced me, putting his arm around my waist and pulling me closer. "Well, I think you're going to have trouble falling asleep tonight without me by your side." Before I was able to protest, Rian winnowed us – I had learnt that word at last – and I closed my eyes.

"Finally. I was beginning to worry about you two." I heard Feyre's voice. Slowly cracking my eyes open, I saw we were standing in another foyer but this one was much bigger and brighter. And quite crowded. Apart from me and Rian, there was Feyre, Meleri, the twins and Conri.

"We had a delay," Rian said and let go of me.

"Thanks." I flashed him a smile.

"Oh, don't thank me yet." He smiled. "Remember. I will ask for something in return. Soon." Rian and Conri disappeared in one of the doorways in the foyer, leaving me with Feyre and her children.

"What took you so long?" Cerys asked, approaching me and giving a nudge. "Were you doing other things?"

I crossed my arms. "What other things?" She gave me a knowing smile. "Of course not!" I hissed. "He had just winnowed us to another house."

"Another house…?" she asked, exchanging looks with Ciaran.

"Yes, very similar to this one." I looked around. "Well, I wouldn't be surprised if he had just broken into a random house... So this is your townhouse? The townhouse, I suppose." I glanced at Feyre.

"That's right." She gave me a small smile. "Since the riverfront house is currently under renovation and we're having guests tonight, we'll be staying in the House of Winds."

"You will sleep in the same bedroom as Cerys and I," Meleri said, beaming. "If you don't mind, of course."

I shook my head. "Not at all."

"Excellent. Let's go to the courtyard garden, shall we?" Feyre left the foyer so the rest of us had to mince after her. We entered a short corridor with a doorway at the very end. "As you probably know, Lexi," she said, "we can't winnow into the House." I nodded. "So we will have to fly in there." She opened the door and I saw a small garden with a couple of trees and a summerhouse. "It will be easier to do that in the garden."

When I went outside, I had to cover my eyes again as the sun was shining and there weren't any clouds in the sky. "Fly in?" I asked.

Oh, no.

Cerys pointed her finger behind us. "The House is over there."

Turning around, I saw a hill towering over the city. Wait, it was more of a castle built into a hill. And we had to fly up there. I felt a shiver of fear. "Do we really have to go up there?" I asked and then looked at all of them. "I'm afraid of heights." But my eyes darted back to the House.

Ciaran frowned. "So how would you go there?"

"Climb the stairs?"

Feyre shook her head and said, "It will take a long time. Flying in is faster."

"I'm afraid of heights," I repeated quietly, still looking at the hill.

Cerys approached me and put a hand on my shoulder. "Don't be afraid," she said. "You'll fly with our mother. All right? She will take care of you, Lexi."

"I like flying with Mother." Meleri smiled at me. "I always feel safe with her."

I shook my head several times.

I had always been afraid of heights. At the mere thought of having to go somewhere high I was starting to have interchangeably shivers and feelings of warmth. I wasn't even able to ride roundabouts or roller coasters as I was immediately feeling sick. Well, when I was a child, I had some rather interesting moments in my life which involved feeding the fish. All in all, heights weren't my faves.

"What's going on?" Rian asked, coming into the garden with Conri. They both were wearing black leather and looked amazing but I was too worried about flying in the House of Wind to ponder over their sexy arses.

Conri frowned. "Why are you still here? They're waiting for us."

"Lexi's afraid of flying," Cerys said. "And we can't convince her to fly with Mother."

"No, I'm not flying with anyone of you." I shook my head and crossed my arms. "Especially with him." I jerked my chin towards Rian. "He will surely drop me."

Rian smiled. "Me? No, never ever."

"Come on, Lexi," Feyre said, coming to me and extending a hand. "Take my hand. I promise I won't drop you." She smiled.

"No." I took a step back. "I'm not going to–"

"Oh, for fuck's sake," Conri chimed in and grabbed me so fast that I barely realised I was lifted and thrown over his shoulder. Then he started moving his dark wings like crazy and we were quickly drawing away from the ground. I started to scream.

Panic stricken, I immediately shut my eyes and clenched to Conri, unable to move. Cold blows of wind were constantly hitting my face and messing my hair. "Let me go!" I squeaked, hitting Conri with my fists but to no avail. "I want to go down! Please, Conri. Let me go." Yet he didn't even answer; instead, he picked up the pace, making me shriek. And feeling sick.

Suddenly, everything stopped and I felt that Conri landed somewhere warm. "That's it, princess," he said, putting me down. "You're here."

"Jesus," I whispered and opened my eyes, still feeling dizzy from the flight. Immediately, I leant against a black wall that was next to me and, with my forehead resting on my hand, I tried to catch my breath. I had never felt so weak and tired in my whole life, and I was barely able to stay up at all. My only dream now was to lie down for a couple of hours and avoid any contact with winged people.

After a while, I straightened up and looked at him. "Have you fucking lost your mind?" I asked angrily. "I said I didn't want to fly!"

Conri rolled his eyes. "You just needed a little encouragement."

"Encouragement?!" I repeated and frowned, feeling like hitting the roof. "You and that handsome muppet are all the same. No wonder you're cousins."

"Come on, Lexi. It wasn't that bad." Conri crossed his arms. "Besides, if it weren't for me, you would be still standing in that damn garden, debating over coming here or not. Just think of all the time I saved you."

I shook my head and then said, pointing a finger at him, "Where I come from, women are more self-reliant than here and surely don't need a man to decide for them."

"I just wanted to–"

"Conri Archeron, what's the meaning of this?" a quiet but strong female voice asked, interrupting our conversation.

Quickly, I turned around. "Come on," I whispered, smiling broadly.

Next to a huge door, there was an incredibly beautiful couple, a tall and slender woman who had pointy ears and a winged man who was standing behind her. The woman had brownish hair tied in a bun and was wearing a long green dress. She was standing with her back straight and head held up, eyeing me suspiciously. The dark-haired Illyrian, on the other hand, was dressed in black leather like Conri and was peering at me with a smile. His hair was tied back in a short ponytail and there were red stones on his gauntlets.

"I didn't know you had a new habit of kidnapping young women," the woman added and looked at Conri. "Why didn't you brag about it, son?"

"Mother, please," Conri murmured. "It's not a habit."

"No? Then what is it? A hobby? A pastime?" she asked, coming closer to us. The man followed her. "I thought we raised you to be responsible and sensible… I'm sure your father wants to comment on it, don't you, my dear?" The woman flashed the winged Illyrian a meaningful look.

But he just smiled and said to Conri, "That's my boy."

I chuckled when the woman covered her eyes with a hand and added, "You'll never grow up, Cass."

To my surprise, the huge winged man kissed her hand and whispered seductively, "And that's why you still love me, Ness."

With my mouth open, I observed the two people, who had to be Cassian and Nesta, with growing interest. I wasn't expecting to see them in the House of Wind but I was pleasantly surprised by it. They both seemed super in love which was great, giving the fact that the last time I checked they hated each other like crazy. "Wow," I whispered and they both looked at me. "You're Cassian and Nesta… Huge fan," I said, grinning.

"Who is she?" Nesta asked, narrowing her eyes. "I've never seen her here before."

Before I was able to open my mouth, Conri said, "This is Lexi. Meleri kidnapped her yesterday."

Cassian laughed. "Meleri kidnapped her? Really?"

"Yes, she did." Conri nodded.

"Why is everyone so surprised that she kidnapped me?" I asked quietly, addressing no one in particular.

"She made a bargain with our lovely Bryaxis," Conri flashed his father a smile, "to find the perfect bride for Rinny. And that's why Lexi had travelled to our court from another world. Or something like that." He shrugged. "Rian told me that yesterday."

"I see. And why were you flying with her, Conri, and not Rian?" Nesta asked. "From what I understood, she's Rian's responsibility now."

"First and foremost, I'm no one's responsibility," I said. "I'm a big girl and I can handle myself."

Nesta regarded me for a while. "Do you posses any magic? Any hidden abilities? Tricks? Did you train as a warrior?"

"No, of course not. Why would I?" I asked, frowning.

"Why would you?" she repeated, approaching me. When she stopped right in front of me, I started feeling insecure and really tiny, and wanted to back off but I didn't. "In this court," Nesta said, "we rely on such things as strength, cleverness and power. If you don't have them, then there's nothing here for you." She smirked. "After all, the Night Court is said to be the worst of Prythian's courts."

"Bullshit," I interrupted her. "I know everything about the so-called 'bad' things you've done throughout the years. After all, it was your court that started fighting against Hybern. It was your High Lord who sacrificed himself so that redheaded bitch wouldn't gain control over Velaris. It was your sister who–"

"You don't know anything about our court or our High Lord, girl," she hissed and pointed a finger at me. "And surely nothing about my sister."

"Stop pointing fingers at me. That's your habit or what?" I asked, shushing her. Good God, I was having an argument with Nesta Archeron. "I've considered you my second favourite character in the books, right behind Rhysand, but I'm starting to regret that."

"What books?" Nesta frowned. "What is she talking about?" She looked at her son.

"Right… About that–" Conri said, scratching his head.

"Ah, then you've met our adorable guest." Turning my head, I saw Rhysand and Meleri who had just landed in the House. Having adjusted the collar and sleeves of his black shirt, the High Lord of the Night Court said, "Excellent. I don't have to make any unnecessary introductions as it's clear that the three of you know one another."

"What books?" Nesta demanded, fixing her eyes on Rhysand. "What are you talking about?"

"That's nothing," Rhysand said dismissively, approaching us and sending her a smile. "Apparently, Lexi has read some books about us."

Nesta narrowed her eyes. "Who wrote them? Was it you, Rhysand?"

"Me?" Rhysand laughed. "Mother above. No, of course not."

Then, she looked at Cassian. "It wasn't me," he said and crossed his arms, seeming annoyed. "I didn't write anything. I can't even write properly."

"Let's talk in the living room, shall we?" Rhysand opened the huge door and I saw a big richly decorated room with red sofas and armchairs. He motioned us in. "Tea anyone?"

"Come with me, Lexi." Meleri grabbed my hand. "It's my favourite room in the House." She flashed me a smile and drew towards the living room.

When we entered, I immediately looked around. The room had beige brocade walls and there were large windows overlooking the city. I also noticed a beautiful gold chandelier and bright gauzy curtains, swaying in the wind. Well, I wasn't surprised she loved this place. It was absolutely gorgeous.

"Wow," I whispered, sitting on the sofa next to Meleri. "This room is impressive." I turned my head left to give her a smile. Though I had heard footsteps behind, only Rhysand and Conri were in the living room with us. Nesta and Cassian were still standing in the dark hall.

Rhysand stopped near the windows and said, "Unfortunately, the books were written anonymously."

Nesta snorted. "And what were they about? Just don't tell me they were tales told before going to sleep."

"No, they weren't," I answered. "They were more like chronicles. And you were there too. You and Cassian." I smiled mysteriously. "And there is one thing I need to know… desperately. What happened in the Illyrian mountains? The book ended in that scene and I want to know what happened next."

"It's none of your business," Nesta hissed.

Conri frowned. "What Illyrian mountains?"

"There are more?" I asked, looking at him. He nodded. "Well, the ones your mum and dad were sent to."

Conri beamed and winked to his parents. Then he drawled, looking at me, "I did. I'm two months younger than Rian. So you have to figure out what exactly happened in those Illyrian mountains, sunshine."

Opening my mouth, I gazed at Nesta and Cassian who suddenly seemed uneasy and a bit too quiet. "This is fucking amazing," I whispered. "I've been always shipping you, guys. And here you are – together. Absolutely fantastic." I smiled. "So you've married the youngest Archeron sister," I said to Rhysand, "and you the eldest." I fixed my eyes on Cassian. "Who's married the middle one? Please, don't tell me that Lucien." I made a face.

Rhysand gave me a small smile. "No, not Lucien. The middle one married the one who gave her a dagger."

Dagger?, I thought and frowned. After a while, it dawned on me. Fuck me. "The three of you are brothers-in-law?" I asked, gaping at the two men.

Cassian shrugged. "You know what they say. Love is worse than the shits."

Meleri and I burst out laughing.

"You should start writing poems, Cassian," Nesta said, unimpressed by her husband. "I'm sure it will be a huge success."

Giggling, Conri asked, "And… who's going to be the recipient of all of his poems?"

"Hopefully, not me." Nesta flashed her husband a serious look and then disappeared behind the same huge door she came in earlier.

"You have no idea, my sweet wife," Cassian said and joined us. He sat on the second sofa. "Where are Feyre and the younglings? I've heard them coming but they aren't here."

"They're already in their rooms." Rhysand took a seat in front of Conri and crossed an ankle over his knee. "Tomorrow, after our guests leave, we're going to look for Bryaxis and help Lexi get back home."

"Thanks," I said. "I want to go with you tomorrow. I want to see Bryaxis myself."

Cassian wrinkled his nose up. "I'm not sure it's a good idea, girl. That thing… is horrible, to say the least."

I shrugged. "I don't mind. I've never seen Bryaxis but I read about it."

"And were the stories really about us?" Cassian asked, fixing his eyes on me. "How is that even possible? I thought you were brought from another world."

"Yes, they were." I nodded. "I have no idea how it's possible. First I saw a light in my garden, and then I ended up in your court, standing in a huge room and looking at you all. Strange how it is, I didn't know there was a way to actually go to Prythian. I've always assumed you were so far away that travelling here was almost impossible." Well, because it should have been, I thought, flashing Cassian a smile. And I shouldn't have been telling you all of this.

"Sometimes life has more surprises it would like to share with us than we've ever expected," Rhysand said. "And we experience things we've never really dreamt of."

"All right." Cassian rose to his feet. "To my ear, you're beginning to sound too much sentimental, Rhysie," he said, making a face. "And that's why I have to abandon your lovely company and seek refuge elsewhere." Cassian started towards the door.

Rhysand snorted. "Me? Sentimental? The last time I checked you were supposed to write poems for your sweet wife, brother. And honestly, I'm looking forward to reading them."

Cassian turned around to face us and then grinned. "Are you? I think one of them will be dedicated to you, brother," he said. "Oh, I have even a title for it." He grunted. "The late-night adventures of Rhysand."

"What?" Conri frowned and gave his father a look. "You can't be serious."

But Cassian ignored him and, closing his eyes, started reciting,

Getting a drink in his room,

Half awoken, half asleep,

Rhysand had to assume

His wine was very cheap.

###

Not wanting to wake his wife,

Rhysand spilt the awful wine,

And having found his knife,

Cut the fucking grapevine.

The whole room went silent.

"Mother above," Rhysand whispered and placed a hand across his face. "Don't do that anymore. Please."

I giggled. "Hey, it wasn't that bad." When he looked at me, I asked, "Do you want to listen to another poem? It's not mine, but I like it. It's really short so don't worry."

Before anyone could protest, I said,

Roses are red,

Violets are blue,

The most powerful High Lord

Got hit by a shoe.

Cassian and Conri burst out laughing. Even Meleri was giggling.

The High Lord of the Night Court lifted his brows and sighed. "Now, I really need a drink." Then he stood up and disappeared in the foyer.

Sill laughing, Cassian wiped his eyes. After a while, he said, "I think I will steal your poem and torture him for the next couple of weeks. I will even sell it to Rian." He smiled wickedly.

"Okay. But I told you it's not mine. I've just read it."

He waved his hand. "No worries. It's going to be the best known poem in Prythian. I will see to it." He left the room.

"Father won't be happy with this." Meleri made a sad face.

Suddenly, I felt guilty. "I didn't mean to cause any problems or offend anyone. You have to believe me." I looked at Meleri.

"He'll get over it," Conri said. "It's not the first time my father or Uncle Az make fun of Uncle Rhys." He smiled. "A few years ago, they did something far worse. You want to hear it?"

I beamed. "Sure."

"So this is what happened." Conri began telling us the story.