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Chapter 10

2 weeks later

Feyre

I was sitting at the table with Azriel when Rhys entered and I frowned. He had just come back from sorting something out in Velaris and looked exhausted. Dark circles were under his eyes and his face was paler than usual. I pursued my lips; he hadn't been sleeping well either yet he refused to give up the workload, even for a little bit.

He gave me a brief kiss, looking sorrowful. "I won't be here for dinner either Feyre, sorry," he apologised, looking so guilty my heart clenched and I smiled gently at him.

"It's okay, as long as you promise to rest tomorrow."

Rhys gave a non-committal grunt, which I took as the best that I'd get. He then strode out but I narrowed my eyes on the slightly hunched shoulders and slow, softer stride. Something was wrong.

"Feyre?"

I turned to Azriel who was watching me with a small frown. "Is something wrong?"

I sighed. "It's about Rhys," I mumbled, "He doesn't seem okay."

"I'm worried too," Azriel admitted, which made me jerk my head up. If Azriel was worried… my heart clenched.

I felt a warm, bigger hand wrap around my own and I squeezed tightly, pressing my eyes shut. I felt myself being moved until I was pressed close against his solid, warm chest. I curled up into him, feeling tears beginning to leak down my face.

"I'm scared," I cried out, starting to sob. "I've barely seen him in the last week and when I do he's quiet and he seems thinner and paler. I'm sure he's not eating properly but he just ignores me."

I was becoming full on hysterical but I couldn't help it. My mood had been all over the place lately. Maybe I was blowing this out of proportion?

"You're not, we've all noticed it," Azriel said gently. "Do you want to speak to Madja about it during your appointment?"

"Appointment?" I replied blankly.

He frowned slightly. "Yes, Rhys scheduled one today at three for you and him to go to. Didn't he tell you?"

Glancing at the clock I pursued my lips. We had about forty minutes then meaning I probably should leave to get there.

I slid out of Azriel's lap and poked my head around the door but Rhys was gone, a note in his place saying he'd be back around midnight. I gripped the door tightly as I tried to hold back my anger. He was just busy and forgot. Forgot you and his child, my mind snarled back.

I felt a hand rest on my shoulder and jumped but let out a breath at Azriel's voice. "I can take you if you'd like?"

I nodded and he scooped me up, heading out before taking off to Madja's.

She smiled as we entered though I could see confusion in her eyes as Azriel entered behind me, not Rhys. "He couldn't make it," I said simply.

Thankfully Madja nodded and left it at that, instead leading me to a bed. I clambered on it while Azriel next to me, watching Madja with narrowed eyes and clenched fists. Laughter bubbled up in me at that. With how little I left the house, I had completely forgotten about the echo mating bond.

She lay her hands on my bump and a small glow surrounded them. A few minutes later she stood up and smiled. "Everything seems all in order and the baby is very healthy."

I relaxed back into the bed at that, a grin spreading on my face at that. I felt Ariel squeeze my hand, his face a mixture of happiness and relief.

"You are almost at the five-month mark, which means you should soon be able to find out the gender –"

"Really?!" I squealed. I couldn't help it. It just made it seem so much more real.

Both Madja and Azriel grinned at that but I could tell Azriel was just as excited as I was.

"There are some things I want to talk to you about though."

Immediately my smile faded away and panic took its place but she shook her head urgently.

"It's nothing bad, don't worry, it's just some new things to expect as you enter your second trimester."

Azriel squeezed my hand and shifted closer to me as I watched Madja warily. Azriel's shadows wrap around my wrists, giving me comfort at the familiarity.

"Something you'll be thankful for is that your morning sickness should be fading off now."

I smiled in relief at that. That was something I certainly wouldn't miss. The flicker in Azriel's eyes showed the same.

"However, because pregnancy is ever delightful, for every symptom you get rid of, three take its place."

I scrunched up my nose at that but squeezed Azriel's hand as I felt him stiffen at the news.

"What are the new symptoms then?" I asked curiously.

"You could possibly start to get swollen feet now as your bump grows to accommodate the baby but you may get that later on in your pregnancy, honestly, it's different from female to female. If you do get swollen feet drink lots of water and try not to stand for long periods of time, especially as you get further into your pregnancy."

I could almost see the cogs turning in Azriel's head as he mentally noted everything down to later follow to the letter when we got back home.

"You can also get backaches from the baby as it places strain on the ligaments on the back. All you can do for that really is take painkillers but to help lessen it you can try to avoid twisting your spine and make sure when lying or sitting down your back is properly supported. You may also feel faint often so try to avoid standing up quickly, winnowing especially, and if you do feel faint you should lie down until it passes, preferably on your side as lying on your back can affect the blood flow to the baby. Lastly, you may have some difficulty sleeping, especially later into pregnancy due to your bump."

I nodded, trying to absorb the knowledge as much as I can. Suddenly, Madja's rather serious face broke into a smile. "Since you're now entering the second trimester, you will start to feel the baby moving in the next few weeks."

My mouth fell open. "The baby will start moving?"

She nodded. "You will feel the baby move and near the end of the five months the baby will possibly start kicking as well."

I bit my lip, my eyes shining as I leaned on Azriel who was now perched on the bed. Madja left to grab something when there was a crash outside.

Suddenly the door banged open and Rhys burst in, looking panicked. I jerked up, worried something was wrong but he relaxed at seeing me. He stumbled towards me and Azriel slid off the bed to make space for him. "I'm so sorry Feyre darling. I completely forgot."

I couldn't hold it against him. All my earlier anger dissipated immediately and I reached forward to hug him when Madja came back in and shrieked "STOP!"

Both me and Rhys fell back and Azriel frowned.

Madja immediately shooed Rhys away from me, moving him to the other side of the room.

"What's going on?" I demanded, sitting up, my chest heaving. Why did she look so scared?

"You're ill, High Lord. From what I can see and feel from your magic, you've been ill for at least the last week."

"I though fae didn't get ill really," I spoke up.

"Not unless it is serious," Azriel said gravely. "Could it harm Feyre or the baby?"

"If she gets it, it is possible unfortunately," Madja said softly.

"What do we need to do then?" Rhys looked and sounded panicked. His eyes darted worriedly between Madja and I.

"You will need to be separated until you are back to normal High Lord. In your absence the High Lady will take over your duties."

Rhys looked furious at that. It was the complete opposite of what he wanted. Through my pregnancy he had tried to lighten my duties as much as possible and keep me with him, scared he would lose me again. This was one of his worst nightmares. He wouldn't be able to see me for however knows long and I would have to do all the work, putting a lot of stress on my body.

"We'll help her," Azriel said, looking at Rhys seriously when he said that, conveying he and Cassian wouldn't let me do it alone. Rhys took a deep breath and I could feel his emotions roiling through the bond as he tried to calm them.

"Where will I stay?"

"In your cabin? I have medication I can give to you to speed up the recovery process but until then you will be confined in the cabin and need to rest or you'll only be in there longer."

Rhys gave a sharp nod, his face tense. Madja then gave him the medication before sending him off and turning back to me. "If you feel ill at all m'lady, come to me immediately. We can't take any risks with this baby, okay?"

I nodded fervently, anxiety clawing at my heart as we departed. Almost instantly did Rhys's voice float through the bond.

What's wrong darling?!

It's nothing, I said but feeling him raising an eyebrow I sighed. I'm just worried for him

Him?

The baby

I felt a smile growing through the bond. You called it a he. So you think it's a boy?

I shrugged. The bone carver showed our child to be a boy. Anyway, with all the trouble I've had with the pregnancy, only boys cause this much trouble I teased

How dare you, Rhys mocked, pretending to be mortally offended.

You and Cassian I responded simply and he laughed. Soft claws wrapped around my mind, giving me the sensation of him curling around me and I relaxed, the feeling of security my mate gave me rushing back.

I love you, Feyre darling. I'll be back soon.

I know, I love you too. I'll miss you tonight

I'll be here, I won't leave you he whispered fiercely through the bond and I smiled tearfully before asking Do you want to know what Madja told me today?

What?!

Rhys sounded so panicked and I laughed in delight as I told him the news. The baby's going to start moving soon. Possibly at the end of the month he might start kicking!

Really? Rhys's voice sounded hoarse and I thought he sounded like he might cry.

Really, I replied gently. A wash of emotions flooded through the bond and I welcomed them, welcomed the feeling of my mate.


I was about to snap at Cassian who was so close to me he had just stood on my foot for the fifth time when we arrived at the court of nightmares.

Rhys had been finalising what would happen to the court of nightmares now that Keir was dead but with him out of action, it was my job. And no one was happy about it. Rhys had begged me to hold off until he was well enough to do it but we had pushed it back long enough. Cassian and Azriel were with me, as was Amren.

Mor was with Rhys as she had been ever since he had been confined to the cabin to make sure he didn't leave and was currently holding him down and threatening him with Faebane so he couldn't winnow. She would've given it to him already if it wouldn't slow down the healing process.

Our footsteps echoed around the stone as we went deeper and deeper and I felt Rhys's claws creep into my mind. I let them, he needed this to rest his mind. I could feel his frustration and upset at me going in without him and honestly, I wished he was here. With what had happened last time and being unable to use my magic, I was effectively walking into a trap with my hands tied. I bit my lip as Cassian trod on my foot again and he immediately stepped back, "Sorry."

"It's okay," I muttered, voice stiff. Thankfully no one mentioned it. I wasn't the only one tightly strung at the moment.

Everyone bowed as we entered but eyes widened and whispers arose at my presence. My singular presence. Sitting on the throne, I gazed coldly over the people. "Did I say you could talk?" I asked the crowd at large. Immediately they fell silent and I smirked.

"I asked you a question. I want it answered."

"N – no, High Lady," a man on my left mumbled, bowing his head so low it almost grazed the ground.

"Then don't. Now, since Keir died no one has been controlling you lot so it is time to have someone reinstated. Amren, as my second in command, will."

Deathly silence reigned and if Keir was still here he would've fainted. Amren had actually been quite pleased to take over, happily taking access to the treasures held in the mountain.

Amren then stepped down, surveying her new prey with delight. "It is so wonderful to take this position," she purred, even sending a shiver down my spine. Amren talked for a little longer before Cassian, Azriel and I left, leaving Amren behind to let her have 'her fun'. I didn't want to think about what that would entail.

Lucien was there when we arrived back but Elain was missing. "She's still in the Day court," he explained before looking round curiously. "Is Rhys still at Hewn City?"

I shook my head regretfully. "He's ill," I said softly, my heart clenching at the concern in Lucien's eyes. "But anyway, did you tell Helion?"

Cassian and Azriel looked curiously at me and then Lucien but we ignored them and Lucien nodded. "He said he's eternally grateful to you and Rhys and I'm going to go get mother now with a priestess so I can renounce my mothers' marriage."

I smiled at him. "If you ever need any help you always have us," I said gently. He gave a nod and a quick smile before winnowing.

"Does anyone feel like they're missing something here?" Cassian's obnoxious voice came from my left and I snorted.

"Why don't you put your tiny brain to good use," I said before giving Azriel a warning look. I knew it wouldn't take long for him to work it out, realisation already dawning in his eyes.

"Az," he whined, turning to Azriel whose lips twitched. Thankfully, and to my amusement he didn't say anything, causing Cassian to trail after him whinging. A small smile graced my face, but my heart wasn't really in it. I was so used to being surrounded by others, especially Rhys, it felt odd to be alone. I ignored the ache as I walked outside, heading to Elain's gardens. Flowers littered the place and catching sight of an easel I settled myself down, picking up the paintbrush.

I had no idea how long I sat there, painting, until the light started to dim and I realised it was dusk. I started to stand up when a hand wrapped around my mouth. I froze, alarm bells screaming in my head.

Feyre! Feyre!

"I just wanted to talk, Feyre. We haven't had a chance to without your mate hovering around."

It's Tamlin I whispered to Rhys

Where's Cassian and Azriel? Why aren't they getting rid of him!

Um, well.. I hesitated, knowing he'd be furious. I think they're upstairs but –

YOU'RE ALONE!

Fury exploded down the bond in a rush and then there was a thump behind me. I twisted around to see Rhys there, a safe distance away but rage shining in his eyes. "Let go of her," he snarled, fists clenched.

Shadows were pooling around him but Tamlin didn't seem fazed, instead retorting with a mocking "What are you going to do about it? Rumours are that you're ill and can't go near your darling mate."

Suddenly the weight fell away and strong arms wrapped around me, dragging me back. "Feyre? Did he hurt you? Did –"

It was Cassian. "I'm fine," I whispered, my voice not working. I was fine. Shaken, but completely unharmed.

"He's gone," Azriel said, voice cold.

Instinctively I turned to Rhys who had remained where he was standing. He looked far better than he had but he was still too pale for my taste and his eyes didn't quite have his spark back. His fists were clenching and unclenching as he looked at me and I could tell he wanted nothing more than to scoop me up and not leave our chambers for a day. I looked desperately at Azriel and he nodded, pulling Cassian just out of earshot.

Immediately I moved as close as I could to him, wishing I could curl up in his arms. "How are you doing?" I asked, scanning him with concern.

He stared blankly at me for a minute before managing to choke out "That's what you ask? Tamlin just tried to kidnap you and you ask if I'm okay?"

"I'm just worried about you," I admitted, shrugging. I bit my lip, refusing to let the tears come but Rhys noticed anyway. He made to step forward before sighing frustratedly. "I hate not being able to hold you."

I gave him a watery smile, shifting slightly as my back began to ache. Rhys's eyes narrowed, his shadows curling around me, guiding me to the chairs. He then took the chair closest to me as he could be, his shadows curled around me, one resting on my bump.

"How are you doing?" he asked softly, guilt on his face.

"Honestly fine, bit odd without you here but," I shrugged, "better safe than sorry."

"Madja said I should be in the clear soon," he huffed, clearly not believing it to be soon enough and I couldn't help silently agreeing. "How did Hewn city go though?"

"Amren was happy to take charge, like expected." I smiled at that. "Lucien came back as well to say that Helion was accepting his as heir and he is freeing his mother from the Autumn court, so we may be expecting a visit from Beron soon."

While I pulled a face at that, hand resting on the swell of my belly worry slipped through the bond. Looking at my mate I didn't even get the question out my mouth before he was answering. "I don't want him here without myself, Cassian and Azriel with you. If I could, I would ask you not to come but," he shrugged, "I know you would want to be there."

A rush of thankfulness spread through me. If I had married Tamlin, he would never have allowed this. Actually I doubt I would've known about the visit as that wasn't something a trophy wife needed to know. I pitied whoever married him, unless they were really into the housewife demographic.

"Rhys? Feyre?"

It was Cassian. We both turned around to see Cassian sticking his head out of a window, seeming to be on the verge of falling out. Rolling my eyes, some things would never change, I called back "What? We're kinda busy here."

"Helion's here along with Lucien and his mother, they want to talk to you guys." The look on his face was serious though, contrasting with his usual countenance, causing a bolt of worry to spike in me.

Rhys huffed but gestured for Cassian to bring them outside, the only place he could meet them safely while swallowing some tablet Madja had given him that he had to take three times a day. They did seem to be working though, starving off the nausea and stomach pains, something most fae had never even experienced.

The doors behind us opened and I swallowed nervously. Lucien may have said they were thankful but while Rhys knew Helion well I didn't, and neither of us had spoken much, or at all to Lucien's mother. A small memory of her helping me back under the mountain floated through my head and I squared myself up as I stood. Going off that she couldn't be that bad, could she? But Cassian's face… I shook my head, hand on my belly. We would be fine.