Previously on "A Court of Fear and Ice"

In Adriata Palace, Lexi meets Marella, the High Lady of the Summer Court, who invites her, Zareen and Cerys to her chambers. While eating ice cream, the four females talk about Marella's family and the upcoming birthday party. Accidently, Lexi learns that Cerys is in love with Taranis, a Peregryn from the Dawn Court, who is going to be at the party. Yet, the Night Court fairy denies having any feelings towards him and, after getting angry, leaves the room without saying goodbye.

Chapter 26

Never in my life had I felt more like a freak than now.

Surrounded by almost one hundred guests, I was the only one that hadn't talked with anyone for the last three hours. At first, I was wandering around the room and flashing everyone a smile, desperately trying to catch their attention. But when that failed and my courage started vanishing into thin air, I stopped near the exit to the biggest terrace in Adriata Palace and begun observing the guests. Sadly, there was nothing more to do than drink and watch everyone and everything around me. A hell of a party, if you ask me.

Remembering what Marella had said in her living room, I realised that six of the female guests did seem very alike. Just like every fairy I had met, her High Fae sisters were incredibly beautiful, and had long fair hair and dark skin. They were dressed in pastel dresses that clung perfectly to their petite bodies and shown definitely more skin than my own modest dress. There was also a pleasant sweet fragrance around them that quickly brought to my mind lavender-scented candles.

Taller than their fair-haired siblings, the rest of the High Lady's sisters were surely lesser fairies as their skin was bluish and hair black. They had Marella's green eyes, yet theirs were surrounded by crazy long eyelashes that looked spectacular even from a distance. From what I could tell, the four lesser fairies seemed somehow bored with the party because they kept looking around and covering their mouths, probably hiding their yawning.

All of the sisters, whether High or lesser, had one thing in common. Much to my amusement, it turned out they were avoiding a certain dark-skinned man, most presumably the head of the family, as none of them approached the far end of the ballroom. Their aging Casanova dad was trying all he could to lure them into his spot but to no avail. Apparently, the fear of having to talk to him was too great to overcome and even his own kin didn't want to deal with him.

Standing now with a glass of something that tasted like orange juice, I was far from being amused. I fixed my eyes on the two treacherous monkeys who were happily chatting with a tall dark-skinned man that was dressed in a pale blue tunic. As hard as I could, I'd tried to stay calm the whole evening, but I simmered with anger every time I looked at those two. And it was not different this time.

With a tug of annoyance, I relived the moment I entered the ballroom with only Zareen by my side, because Cerys was still too offended, and refused to come with us. One second the red-haired fairy was next to me, laughing at a story we heard in Marella's living room, and the next she was gone, having grabbed my hand and whispered she was sorry.

For a shocked moment, I stood rooted to the floor and observed her back. I didn't know what had just happened, and I wasn't brave enough to call after her. A simple quiet 'sorry' was the only word Zareen uttered to me tonight. As for Cerys… she didn't even look my way, though she had lots of opportunities to do that.

Closing my hand around the glass, I noticed that some guests were leaving through the big glass door. So, for the hundredth time tonight, I wondered how on Earth I would be able to go back to the mountain residence. For starters, I didn't have any magical powers or wings, so returning on my own was out of the question. Besides, the only fairy I knew in the Summer Court was Marella, but I seriously doubted she would have time to send me back to the residence. It was her party after all and leaving the guests would seem rather impolite.

Abandoned by Cerys and Zareen, I realised I was the only human in the huge ballroom. Whether it was the lack of pointy ears or the way I smelt (by the way, I bathed before going here), the fairies almost immediately knew I wasn't one of them. Some were simply glancing at me, probably unsure whom I was and what I was doing at a royal party. There were also those who stared at me with curiosity, but none of them bothered to approach and start talking with me. Luckily, I didn't see any unfriendly looks as that would be the final nail in my coffin.

By the end of the third hour of the worst birthday party I had ever been to, I spotted a silhouette from the corner of my eye. Turning my head left, I saw Marella who was getting near me with a broad smile on her lovely face. I wasn't sure if my eyes were deceiving me, but there was a sexy blonde angel by her side.

Slightly opening my mouth, I watched them got closer to me.

Tall and muscular, the sexy blonde angel had short curly hair and quite broad shoulders. He was dressed in a red tunic with gold embroidery around the neck and edges of the sleeves, dark blue trousers, and black knee-high boots. But the most spectacular thing about him were his wings. Made of white feathers, they were tucked in to his muscular body, and reminded me of all the angels I saw back home in pictures.

Still grinning, Marella stopped in front of me and, motioning to her sexy winged companion, said, "Lexi, I'd like you to meet Taranis."

Fixing my eyes on him, I immediately forgot about the boring party and my anger at being abandoned. I didn't care anymore that I got stuck in the Summer Court and that I hadn't eaten anything for hours. My eyes were on Taranis, the famous winged guy whom Cerys was in love with.

"He's the skylax of the Dawn Court," Marella added, flashing him a smile, "and one of the best warriors I know."

Taranis snorted, avoiding eye contact with either of us. "Surely not one of the best."

"There, there. Don't be so modest." Marella laughed quietly. "We all know about your nearly suicidal mission in the South."

"Suicidal you say?" I asked, still looking at the sexy blonde angel.

Though not as tall and well-built as Rian, the winged fairy was really cute. His golden curls beautifully bordered his tanned face, and I could have sworn there were gleaming highlights in his hair. I had to admit that I had never been into pretty guys, but there was something about this one. No wonder Cerys was so in love with him.

Taranis glanced at me and only then did I notice his unusual silver eyes. "Believe me. It was nothing," he said.

"Nothing?" Marella asked with surprise. "By the Cauldron, Cerys wanted to kill you by herself after learning about that trip. She was absolutely furious." The High Lady looked at me knowingly. "You should have seen her that day. Furious, I'm telling you."

I pretended to be shocked. "Oh, God. That must have been awful."

Marella nodded. "It was. She's very emotional. When she cares about someone, there is nothing she wouldn't do to protect them."

"Then, it's a good thing that you are on her protective list, Taranis." I flashed him a smile. "A very good thing indeed," I repeated.

The winged fairy looked at me with curiosity. "You entered the ballroom with Zareen," he said. "But I've never seen you here before."

"Oh, Lexi's from the Night Court," Marella said.

Was I?

"She's been Rhysand and Feyre's guest for the last weeks and hasn't been to the Summer Court yet," she went on. "When I invited Cerys to my birthday party, she decided to bring Lexi along."

"But you're not… High Fae," Taranis observed. I noticed he glanced at my round ears.

"No, I'm not. I'm just an ordinary human girl as I was told some time ago." I smirked, remembering Rian's words. "And probably the only one at this birthday party," I added, looking around the ballroom.

The look on Marella's face was uneasy. "I don't have any mortal family or friends. Well, it's… it's been years since the last time I invited humans to the palace. After all, there aren't many humans in the Summer Court these days." She got quiet.

Shit.

"Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to…" Blushing, I realised that I made her feel bad. "Marella, I do apologise for saying this."

"There's no need to apologise," she said with a small smile, but I saw that she was upset. "You just didn't know, that's all."

Then, there was this awkward silence.

"Do excuse me." Marella flashed me and Taranis another strained smile. "I'm going to find my eldest sister. Enjoy the party."

Watching her back, I mentally hit myself in the face for saying such stupid things. It wasn't the first time I blurted something out without considering its pros and cons. But, knowing me, it wouldn't be the last one.

I exhaled quite loudly as if I had been holding my breath for most of the evening. "Me and my big mouth," I muttered.

"At least there is something you and Cerys have in common," Taranis said with a hint of amusement.

Fixing my eyes on him, I asked, "I assume that you know her quite well. Where did you two meet? In the Dawn Court?"

"No, it was here. In the very ballroom." His face relaxed for a moment into a reminiscent smile. "I was my High Lord's personal guard for the whole evening, when Cerys and the rest of her family turned up to dinner. I remember she was quite rude to me."

I laughed. "No way. Cerys rude? Come on, m–"

Fuck it.

Closing my eyes, I tried to stay calm. I had almost forgotten about that damn promise which cost me a tattoo above my heart and the inability to say aloud the word 'mate.' Right now, I was glad that handsome muppet wasn't here because I would gladly kick him in his sexy bottom.

"Sorry," I said, opening my eyes and noticing that Taranis was looking at me with curiosity. Flashing him a smile, I added, "That's a long story, believe me. You were telling me about Cerys who was rude to you."

He grunted. "Well, yes, she was. She began comparing our wings, and was furious when mine were a bit bigger," he added with a laugh.

"Were they?" I asked, tilting my head and staring at his white wings that were absolutely amazing. I'd never been so close to real fairy wings, not to mention touched them. "Wow. Sorry, I've never seen such wings before. Are they real? Can I touch them?"

Taranis moved back. "No!"

Feeling super awkward, I said, "Sorry. There aren't people with wings in my world, so… I reacted in such a way. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done it. I'm sorry," I added, still feeling awful.

I was just about to turn around and find another place to make it to the end of the party when I heard a loud unpleasant noise that sounded like thunder. All conversations stopped abruptly, and the whole ballroom was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Trying to see through the crowd, I stood on tiptoe and gasped as a dark cloud was slowly forming near the glass door.

Bryaxis, I thought panic-stricken and started backing away. But he was supposed to be dead. I saw Rhysand kill him in front of the library in Velaris over a month ago. What the hell is he doing here?

Still fixing my eyes on the crowd in front of me, I spotted from the corner of my eye that Taranis looked over his shoulder at me. "Are you all right?" he asked.

I shook my head, suddenly unable to move.

"I have to get out of this place," I whispered and set my eyes upon him. "ASAP."

Taranis frowned, but didn't say anything. Instead, he turned his head towards the door and crossed his arms. "There's no need for that," he grunted. "It's just Prince Arsehole."

I lifted my brows and repeated, taking a step forward, "Prince Arsehole?"

So, it isn't Bryaxis?

Taranis motioned to the entrance with a sour face.

Caught by surprise, I took another step towards the sexy blonde angel, and watched the black cloud form into a tall humanoid figure. A figure that looked oddly familiar. Seconds later, it was clear to me that Cerys and Zareen weren't the only guests from the Night Court that came to Marella's party. There was a third one who was very, very late.

With dark wings behind him, Rian was standing next to the big glass door with a broad smile on his shaved face. He was wearing a midnight blue tunic with silver embroidery around the edges of the sleeves, and black trousers. From what I could tell, he seemed terribly pleased with everyone's silent reaction to his appearance, as if he was counting on it. Though there were whispers coming from the guests, no one really said anything aloud.

Standing on tiptoe, I raised my left hand and waved, trying to get his attention. I didn't care if someone noticed the wave. I had had enough of this party, and I was extremely hungry, really tired and way too bored. Besides, the last thing I wanted to do was stay in the Summer Court for the night and witness more stares from the fairies in the morning. As friendly as Marella might have been towards me, I wasn't sure the rest of her people shared the same feelings. I am a human, after all, and there aren't many of us in their court, I reminded myself.

Taranis snorted so I peeked at him. Still crossing his arms and making a sour face, he had his silver eyes set on the big glass door. Apparently, the sexy blonde angel disliked being in the company of Rian and didn't even try to hide it.

When I got back to looking at the heir to the Night Court, I saw that he was still standing next to the door with this smile of his. But I could have sworn he moved his head slightly and glanced my way.

Suddenly, I realised that my right hand was empty, though two seconds ago there was a glass in it with that strange orange juice. "What the–" I started and then lifted my head, fixing my eyes on Rian.

"Good evening, everyone," he said loudly and took a sip from a glass he was holding.

I glanced at my now empty hand.

My glass, I thought. That muppet stole my freaking glass.

"What a nice party," Rian added cheerfully, probably unaware of the anger that was slowly taking control over me. "Do forgive me for being late, but I couldn't make it earlier. Oh, please, continue your conversations." He waved his hand and the whispers became louder. "You all know how I enjoy talking." Rian drank from my glass again.

Fuming, I crossed my arms and waited for him to approach me. I was sure like hell he would eventually do that, even if to make me angrier. No matter how much time might pass tonight, I would be ready to confront the thief of glasses and get back my very own glass.

Not paying attention to the fairies around him, Rian began walking ahead. His wings were slowly disappearing, and seconds later there was nothing more than dark shadows around him. If I weren't so pissed off, I would be very impressed by that, yet now I didn't give a fuck about that.

When he finally got near me, I extended my hand towards him and waited.

"I like the fiery fruit juice the most," he said with a smile, giving me the empty glass. "Thanks for the drink, honey. I was very thirsty."

"That was my glass." I grabbed it like it was something really precious. "You didn't have the right to take it in the first place."

Rian shrugged. "As I have said, I was thirsty. Thank you again for your glass and its contents, lovely Alexandra." He inclined his head. "I do appreciate that you let me borrow it."

Putting my hands on my hips, I frowned. "Next time, just ask. And besides," I lowered my voice, "you scared the shit out of me! I thought the black cloud was Bryaxis."

"I'm sorry," he said quietly and seemed really upset about that. "I didn't mean to frighten you."

I opened my mouth to say that he frightened the rest of the guests and he should have apologised to them too, but there was a loud grunt coming from my left. Belatedly, I came to realise we forgot about the sexy blonde angel.

"Hello, little chicken." Rian smiled broadly, fixing his eyes on Taranis. "How are you tonight?"

He flashed him a forced smile. "Hello, Prince Arsehole. I was fine until you came here."

"Oh, that's a shame. I should have come earlier."

Taranis snorted. "I'm surprised you made it anyway. I'm sure I don't have to remind you what happened ten years ago, do I?"

"What happened ten years ago?" I asked.

"Never mind," Rian said quickly.

Taranis looked at me. "He didn't show up at Marella's birthday party. Though he promised he would be there, he didn't even take the trouble to let Marella and Cerys know he couldn't make it."

"I was busy." Rian gave him a stern look.

The sexy blonde angel raised one eyebrow. "Spending the night in my sister's bed?"

Gasping, I set my eyes upon Rian. He did what?

The heir to the Night Court glanced at me, but it was Taranis whom he addressed, "Back then, I said I was sorry for not coming to the party. I apologised Marella and my sister many times. But you can't get over it." He sighed. "It was your sister who invited me to her bed, not the other way round."

Fuming, Taranis just looked at Rian. Then, he turned around without saying a word and disappeared in the crowd.

Watching his back, I wasn't sure what to think of it. I noticed that he and Rian didn't like each other, to say the least, but I bet there was more to their mutual dislike than not attending a stupid party. Well, the involvement of a certain sister made the whole situation super awkward, and it must have been just the beginning of their disagreement.

"I was completely drunk," Rian said remorsefully, catching me off guard. I fixed my eyes on him as he went on, "I don't even remember that night. One moment I left Uncle Varian's chamber and started walking to mine to get ready for the party, but the next I met her in the corridor and we–"

"I'm not judging you, Rian." I flashed him a sad smile. "I also did things I'm not proud of. But I believe we have to do our best to avoid making the same mistakes over and over again."

And this is what I should be doing when it comes to spending time with you, I thought, looking at his handsome face. I should be avoiding you, not imagining what it would be like to be in a relationship with you. I should be done with kisses and hugs, and stop thinking of making up with you. I…

Accidently, the hot dream I had the other night knocked at the door of my thoughts, so I immediately lowered my head and stared at the empty glass. Good God, I didn't know what to do. My cheeks were burning, the temperature around me suddenly rose by a few degrees, and my breasts... Certainly, he noticed everything and was reading himself to comment on that.

Oh, fuck it, I thought. How am I supposed to look into his eyes now?

"That's a very good point," Rian added, but I didn't raise my head. "I need to remember it, yet I'm not sure I would be able to put that piece of advice into practice."

Having cleared my throat, I said, "You have to try at least."

"That's true."

After a while, when the silence had become unbearable, but I was too afraid to continue our conversation, Rian asked softly, "How are you, Lexi?"

I dared to raise my eyes.

He smiled and went on, "I haven't seen you in a couple of weeks. Were you doing anything fascinating?"

"I'm fine, I suppose." I shrugged, still avoiding eye contact. "I spent the whole time in your mountain residence. I slept for many hours, ate delicious food, and sometimes played weird games with your sisters and cousin."

I wanted to add that he didn't visit me even once, but decided it was not worth it. I was an ordinary human girl that was soon going home, so why would he bother coming to the residence and spending some time with me? Exactly. He wouldn't.

"I'm pleased to hear that. I wish I had some news about your journey back home, but I'm afraid there's none." Rian sighed, glancing at the crowded ballroom. "We're still searching for means to do that, but we're at wits' end."

"We?" I asked.

He fixed his blue eyes upon me. "Yes, we. I'm helping my father."

"Oh." I was pleasantly surprised.

"As a matter of fact, I wanted to ask Taranis for help, as he's the best skylax in the history of the Dawn Court, but he got away." Rian smirked. "I wonder why."

"What's a skylax?"

"It's the name for the High Lord's personal hunter." Rian moved closer to me. "That little chicken is so good that he can track almost every living creature in Prythian, whether it's an animal, a fairy or a human. He even tracked me when I was wandering around Hybern as a young male, and my family thought I got lost." Rian smiled.

"I don't want to know what you were doing in that horrible place." I made a sour face.

He gave me a small smile. "Well, it wasn't so bad at that time. I met some decent fairies who helped me get food and find shelter when I lost everything on the journey there. Though it doesn't mean I didn't see the other side of Hybern, the worse one of course."

"Does it still exist?" I asked. "Hybern, I mean."

"Certainly. But you wouldn't like to go there. Especially not with such ears." He stared at them and I suddenly felt the need to cover my freaking round ears. "I'm sure you heard all the stories about their attitude towards humans," he went on, still focusing on my ears. "It hasn't changed since then."

"Taranis called you Prince Arsehole," I said, desperately wanting to change the subject. "I take it you don't get along with him at all."

Rian shrugged, finally taking his eyes off my ears. "Well, not particularly. But you can't make everyone love you, can you?"

"Tell me about it," I murmured. "You know, Cerys and Zareen didn't want to admit we're well-acquainted, so I basically spent the evening on my own." I looked around, trying to locate them, but the two fairies were nowhere to be found. "Besides, no one wants to talk with me, and there's nothing to eat for humans. Well, Marella did find some juice, but you drank it."

Rian flashed me a smile. "Sorry about that, my lovely Alexandra. I was thirsty."

I rolled my eyes. "Honestly, that's the worst party I have ever been to. But don't tell anyone, all right? They won't invite me anymore."

Our eyes met.

"My lips are sealed." He put a finger on his mouth, smiling wickedly. "You must know that I've always liked parties in Adriata, though not as much as those in Berfeen," he said. "It's much nicer to dance in a colder ballroom, don't you think?"

Having trouble with recalling the name, I asked, "What's Berfeen?"

"You don't know?" When I shook my head, Rian added, "I thought that you knew everything concerning Prythian and the courts, especially all the juicy stories about love-making." He laughed.

"I really regret telling you this," I snapped. Me and my big mouth.

Still smiling, he explained, "Berfeen is the main city of the Winter Court, right in the middle of its territory. It's most famous for elegant ice palaces, mulled wine, which is absolutely excellent, and ice flowers. Eirwen told me she gave you some."

"Oh, yes. They are beautiful," I admitted. "I've never seen such wonderful flowers." After Cerys left yesterday, I brought them to my bedroom and put a big bowl around the vase. I knew they would melt in a couple of days, so the last thing I needed was a small flood on the bedside table when I would wake up. "I couldn't stop looking at them before I fell asleep, but I didn't dare touching them. I was too afraid they would break," I added.

"They're not that fragile," Rian said. "After all, even if they break, Eirwen will find you new ones. She loves the ice flowers so much that she has her own garden with them." He flashed me a smile. "I can–"

Out of the blue, my stomach grumbled. The sound was so loud that it was surely heard by all the fairies in the ballroom. Including that handsome muppet who was standing so close to me.

Embarrassed and red on the cheeks, I whispered, "I'm sorry for that."

"That's fine." Rian's voice was soft. "You said it yourself there wasn't anything to eat for humans, so I'm not surprised that you're hungry. As you might have guessed, I also get slightly famished from time to time." He smiled and asked, "Would you like to go with me to dinner tonight? I know a lovely restaurant in Velaris that will be perfect." His smile became wider.

Astonished, I was staring at him with my mouth slightly opened.

I didn't remember if someone had ever asked me that question. Not even Henry. Sure, we were a couple for several months and went on a lot of dates, but he had never taken me out to a restaurant. Never. It was always either cinema or street food, where we would meet his numerous mates and ex-girlfriends, and have awkward conversations about nothing.

In hindsight, I suppose I wasn't worthy enough to be taken to a restaurant. After all, I was just a switch between his two girlfriends, his ex and soon-to-be one, so spending lots of money in such a place was unprofitable for him. He must have realised that he had to save money for Mary, or someone else who would come after her and be his next hot date.

Even though I knew perfectly well that Rian didn't mean anything romantic, I was desperately trying not to call this a date. Some parts of me suspected that he was just nice and didn't want me to starve, yet the others weren't so sure and started shopping for wedding dresses and dinner suits.

Either way, I knew I was a fool for even thinking about going on a date with him, but I couldn't help it. Imagining a rendezvous with that handsome blue-eyed muppet was as tempting as the muppet himself.

Blushing, I said quietly, "Yes, I'd love to."

"Excellent. Give me fifteen minutes and then we can go. Wait for me on the biggest terrace." Rian motioned to the door behind me. "I'll try not to be late," he added and then disappeared.

Having inhaled deeply, I looked at the crowded ballroom for the last time. Cerys and Zareen meant well brining me here, though the rest of the Summer Court fairies weren't ready to be at a party with a human guest. As hard as I wanted to, I just didn't fit in and the wisest choice now was to simply sneak off. So I turned around and headed towards the terrace.

Pronunciation guide

Berfeen = [bear - fihn] (meaning: like snow)