Rhys was deep in writing his press speech and press release the next morning in his office when the elevator door chimed at exactly 9 AM. His own door was wide open, an invitation for Lucien or Feyre to come speak with him despite him being busy. Feyre herself was in her own office working through the notes of the meetings Azriel and Mor had had in her place while she had been gone an extra week.
"I'm looking for a Feyre Archeron," came the awe filled voice beyond the door and Rhys looked up. It was Elain delivering the bouquet. Lucien seemed to be at a dead loss for what to say as he stared up at the pretty woman. Rhys spared him and walked to the door.
"Feyre's office is this way," Rhys waved her toward him and started to lead her down the hall.
"What does Feyre do here?" Elain asked.
"She's one of my top executives," Rhys shot over his shoulder.
"But Feyre never really excelled in school. How can she have such a position?" She asked. Rhys stopped dead and turned to look at Elain. It wasn't the malicious stare down he had had with the viper of a sister. No, Elain was genuinely curious and lacking in understanding of what she had done to her sister.
"Feyre failed to thrive in a school system that was no equipped to handle someone with a learning disability, a common one at that. If she had attended your fancy school, they would have caught it. It doesn't mean she is stupid or incapable. She is exceptionally intelligent in ways I could only hope to be. Now, excuse me," he took the bouquet from her hands and walked to the end of the hall where the door was open only a few inches. "Delivery for the most beautiful woman in the world!" He announced as he pressed the door open with a hip.
Feyre's eyes came up off of her reports and then narrowed in on the flowers.
"Flowers?" She asked after a moment.
"For my beautiful fiancée and the woman that I'm about to make hate me with all of the work I'm about to give you after this press conference." He placed the vase on her desk and bent to press a kiss on her temple.
"I don't need flowers, Rhys," she blushed. "You don't need to spend money on things like that for me. And you got me some yesterday."
"You don't need them, but I want to give them to you," Rhys explained. He had suspected several times over that Feyre had gone far too long without knowing how to spend money on herself, on things she wanted. She had gone too long having to conserve her money for things she needed to survive and any excess was saved for when that would disappear. Despite being exceptionally wealthy now, she hadn't bought herself new clothes. She hadn't gone out and bought jewelry that he hadn't given to her. And she certainly didn't buy trinkets or decorative things. The only thing she spent money on for herself was for her painting and even then, he knew she was conservative about it.
Not that it was a bad thing she was good with money. He could use someone in his life that didn't hemorrhage marks as they saw fit. But someone had to show her she could afford, and would always be able to afford, to give herself a few simple pleasures. He could afford to buy her expensive bouquets every day for the rest of her life and still live comfortably. Part of him wanted to, just to prove it to her.
"The press conference is at 11," he reminded her. "I'd like you by my side."
"Why else would I get all dolled up?" Feyre teased. She was no more dolled up than she would have been any other day for work but it gave him an excuse to look her over, his eyes lingering on the straining buttons of her shirt.
She had mercifully put on weight since these had been bought for her when she had first started and it was starting to show in how her curves fought against her clothing. He would have to find a delicate way of suggesting new clothes without commenting on how tight these ones were. Feyre wasn't normally irrational, but he always tread lightly on trigger topics for most people, weight gain no matter how healthy it was being one of them.
"I love you," she stood and pressed a kiss to his mouth. "I really don't need flowers, but you could always come give me a few kisses and a cup of coffee."
"I can do that too," he gave her a long kiss. "Now, back to work, Darling."
"Prick," she laughed and took her chair back. Rhys grinned at her for a moment before he tore himself away and retreated to the hallway, but not before he caught her eying the flowers once more and heard another muttered 'prick'.
Elain was still in the hallway, apparently having watched their whole exchange. Her doe eyes were fixed on Feyre at her desk even as Rhys closed the door most of the way.
"If you do not have a delivery person other than yourself, you are welcome to leave the flowers at the front desk next time," Rhys told her. Her eyes snapped to him, they were lined in silver and he had the feeling she might start to sob.
"She doesn't want to see me?" Elain asked, her voice choked. Rhys took her elbow and steered her down the hallway away from Feyre's door.
"I was under the impression you didn't want to see her. Since you abandoned her after your father's death and left her to be homeless. Since you haven't given a shit about her since then. Since you let her work herself to near death before then. Since you thought shopping would be a better use of your time than burying your father when she finally had the funds to do it. Since she saw you in your wedding dress and heard you talking about how everyone important would be there to see you married, and she hadn't heard a damn thing about it. Since I bought your wedding gown in her name and you didn't even bother thanking her. Have you ever thanked her for what she's sacrificed for you?" He stared her down. "I ordered from you because Feyre was contemplating getting our wedding flowers from you. She still wants to support her family though they haven't ever supported her." He growled and snapped his eyes to Lucien who watched with wide eyes. "Feyre could use another cup of coffee, and anything sweet you might be able to round up."
"Yes, Mr. Nox," Lucien stood and went to make a cup of coffee for Feyre.
When Rhys looked back to Elain she was booking it for the elevator, sniffling as she went. He doubted anyone in their life had ever yelled at her. Certainly not Feyre or Nesta or her father. He doubted anyone had called her out before. But he didn't doubt she was about to call Nesta and report what he had said. And he didn't doubt he'd be hearing from Nesta soon. Feyre had said Elain had always been protected by Nesta or herself. Since Feyre didn't know that Elain had been there or that he had yelled at her, or rather, had given her a few damned simply truths.
"Was that Elain?" Feyre's voice came from the hallway behind him and Rhys turned ready to face down Feyre's wrath of him making her sister cry.
"I ordered the flowers from her shop," he admitted, bracing himself.
"What did you do to her?" Feyre breathed out, her eyes on the elevator.
"She said some things, so I said some things back, and I didn't sugar coat my words," Rhys took a step towards her a stopped. Feyre was already walking towards him, closing the distance. He expected to get slapped or have her scream in his face, but instead she wrapped her arms tight around him and buried her face against his chest.
"Thank you for the flowers, you giant Prick," she murmured. "And good luck dealing with Nesta."
"Did you need something? Coming out here to ask my input on something?" Rhys turned her towards his office. He doubted she had come all the way down to thank him for the flowers since she had already done so.
"Coffee, I came down for coffee," she pushed him away. "I'm still working through things Az and Mor accomplished without me. They already have a handle on things so I doubt I'll need your advice on what they've already done."
"Coffee right here, Feyre," Lucien came over with the cup. "Now tell me, is your sister single?"
"Engaged I believe," Feyre replied.
"Not anymore," Rhys cut in. "Turns out her fiancé doesn't like that you're with me. Big political issues. Can't be connected to anyone who dates, or is now marrying, a half breed."
Feyre turned to him, disgust on her face and Lucien let out a low whistle. For all the fact he was Beron's son and his father was notorious about his heritage, his tanned skin was dark enough to suggest he might have heritage elsewhere. Likely he had heard a comment or two about being a mixed breed as well.
"What a pathetic excuse of a human," Feyre crinkled her nose. "Perhaps it's for the best though since he can't love her enough to overlook her estranged sister's choice in a relationship, even if his views are completely idiotic."
Rhys grinned and her and pulled her in for another kiss. He truly loved how accepting she was of him and his heritage. Amarantha had degraded him for his coloring knowing he had been something she had deemed as 'other' though she hadn't known he was Illyrian until Tamlin had told her. Other short-lived relationships had had similar leanings or had liked him because he had looked exotic with his darker skin.
"Are you two going to be like this for the rest of my time here?" Lucien complained. "This lovey-dovey stuff is going to make me vomit."
"Aim for the trash can under your desk," Feyre replied, her face completely bland. "Saves you from having to clean it up." Rhys only laughed and let Feyre take her coffee back to her office to work. He waited until she was gone before he gave Lucien a happy smile.
"I hope we're always like that. I wouldn't want it any other way." Then he retreated back to his office to finish his speech.
The press conference went off as well as could be expected. He stood on the steps of Nox Industries with Feyre at his side and told the world about his company's long secret history with Velaris and how they were now opening themselves up for small businesses and artists of all kinds to come to them. He fielded questions from reporters and from anyone else brave enough to ask. The majority of the questions were surprisingly about business and qualifications for Velaris Incorporated. Only a few reporters dared to question his motives. Rhys also took the conference as a moment to unveil Nox Industries' new logo to which he gave Feyre all the credit. She had blushed prettily.
"And Mr. Nox, what about the rumors of someone trying to assassinate you?" A reporter called out when he was sure the press conference was about over.
"I believe assassinate is a strong word reserved for politicians. Police are still investigating so I am not about to comment on an open case," he turned to Feyre and offered her his hand. "Thank you all for your time."
Peace was a short moment, only long enough for them to eat lunch before calls started coming in to Lucien to start scheduling appointments with Feyre. Some were scheduled right away that afternoon and Feyre spent the remainder of the afternoon in her office with a steady stream of potential new clients being shown in and out.
Rhys watched most of it as he went about his normal day. He had one major meeting that had been rescheduled for his vacation and rescheduled again for his injury with Helion Day scheduled near the end of the afternoon. It would be about how they might handle young writers reaching out to Velaris. He knew Helion was actually a very decent man and suspected the man had a program in place for aspiring writers.
Shortly after Helion arrived at four and Rhys discovered he did indeed have a program in place they settled back to chat about business plans and how to best cooperate on this particular venture. Helion was always looking for illustrators for book covers and Rhys knew several young artists had already found their way in that afternoon. Then as it wound closer to five, they had started talking about his engagement and plans for the marriage.
At five, Helion excused himself to the restroom while Rhys started to pick up their scattered notes. It had been a pleasant day for him and he hoped Feyre wasn't too exhausted. Cassian and Azriel had agreed only one of them needed to stay at the house until Thesan removed his stitches and fully cleared him. There had been a fight over who would stay and Azriel had won. It meant a quieter evening where he could sit on the couch with Feyre and cuddle up to a movie.
The elevator doors opened beyond the glass and Rhys stopped short of reaching for another stray piece of paper. Nesta Archeron stood in his waiting area staring through the glass at him like a bull ready to charge. Lucien took one look at her, and wisely bolted. Then Nesta made her way into the conference room.
"Are you the asshole that made my sister cry?" She spat at him.
"Which sister? You do have two, in case you forgot," he reminded her. For a moment, he debated about how to position himself for this. He could stand above her, assert authority. He could sit in the chair like he meant to have a pleasant chat, which it wouldn't be pleasant for either of them. Instead he opted for a casual pose of leaning against the table, his arms crossed as he looked at her more unimpressed than anything else. He had a feeling it would infuriate her further.
"You know which one!" Nesta growled. "Brought her in here for some flower delivery and then belittled her to tears. Is that what you big shots do?"
"I asked for a delivery of flowers for my fiancée, Elain came when I expected a delivery person, and she then questioned my fiancée's position here. I took the delivery from her and expected her to go. She didn't. When I finished delivering the flowers, I gave her directions for how to go about it for the next scheduled deliveries which I am tempted to pull since you came charging in here to scold me," Rhys waved at her.
It was an empty threat. He wouldn't pull those deliveries but he also wouldn't let Elain up the elevators ever again. But the threat had the desired effect on Nesta. She started to question herself and charging into a situation without knowing everything. He had no idea what Elain might have said to Nesta about everything, if she had said anything other than cry and point in his direction.
"When I mentioned to Elain she could leave the flowers in the lobby next time, she made it sound like she expected Feyre to want to see her." He saw that fire spark right back up in Nesta's eyes at the mention of her youngest sister. "I only replied at how your sister was treated in the past and how it seemed Elain, or even you, wanted nothing to do with her."
"You broke up Elain's marriage," Nesta snapped finally. "I told Feyre she would ruin things and she did, by fucking some half breed foreigner."
"Miss Archeron, is that any way to speak to one of my business partners?" Helion's voice came from the door and Nesta actually paled slightly. "Of course, I know you didn't just call Mr. Rhysand Nox a half breed foreigner. His blood lines run back further in Prythian due to his native blood than any single person trying to use that claim. And perhaps you realize that my blood line comes from elsewhere," he waved at his sun darkened brown skin. "Is that how one of my more promising editors truly thinks? Is she that prejudiced? Should I be looking for her replacement?" Helion's eyes flicked to Rhys'. It was a question to him. If Nesta had truly offended him, Helion would fire her on the spot. Rhys responded with a slight shake of his head. He was fine and maybe Nesta wouldn't be so quick to run to attack just anyone now that she had been threatened in a way that would hurt her.
"Don't go near my sister again," Nesta warned Rhys. She didn't run from the room, which he gave her credit for. But as she walked out, stiff backed, he called after her once more, unable to help himself.
"Which one? The one I'm engaged to or the one you think needs to be shielded from how she has hurt your mutual youngest sister?"
Nesta froze for all of a moment before she stormed to the elevator and Rhys was certain she might break the buttons for how hard she'd press them.
"I feel like there's a story here that I want," Helion pressed.
"Feyre will be up shortly, I don't think she needs to hear any of it," Rhys sighed.
"She was still with a client, talking about art. It sounded like it might be awhile," Helion moved to sit and Rhys resumed his seat.
He started the story with how Feyre had dropped out of school to work to help her family survive and by the time he had finished by explaining what had been said to Elain that morning, Helion had shaken his head so much Rhys was sure it might pop off.
"She could write that and sell it as a novel. Though people tend to be suckers for happy endings and I don't see her having one with her sisters," Helion admitted. "Ah, and here's the lovely lady now." He stood as Feyre came around the corner looking utterly exhausted but happy.
"Feyre, this is Helion Day. He runs Day Publishing," Rhys introduced them. "Helion, this is my life, Feyre Archeron." He didn't miss her eye roll but it was no less true. She was his life. He thought about her every moment of every day. Wanted to be near her every moment of every day.
"I look forward to working with you in the future, Feyre," Helion smiled at her in a way that Rhys knew well. He was trying to charm her a bit by the smile alone. Perhaps open up the door one day to a threesome between them. Rhys would have to warn her and see if that was even something she might consider to prepare himself for. He didn't want to share her, but he would if it was something she wanted to try, and Helion was a good man. He would adhere to any boundaries set by either of them.
Rhys missed Feyre's response but Helion was already dismissing himself and walking for the door. Feyre waited until he got on the elevator before she sagged against the table. "I'm tired," she complained.
"So… not worth the extra work?" He asked, quirking an eyebrow at her. She slapped his arm playfully in response but even that lacked its usual effort. "Let's go home, get dinner, and cuddle on the couch."
"I like the sound of that," Feyre admitted. She straightened from the table and took his offered hand. They bid goodnight to Lucien and left before anything else could stop them.