Her eyes light up a bit. "You do? Please, I'd like to thank him. What is his name?"

Viviane sighs. "You may not want to get too acquainted with him, Briar. He isn't...well, um...he isn't well."

"What do you mean, he isn't well? Like, he's sick?"

"His name is Tamlin. He is the High Lord of the Spring Court currently. The Court closest to where the wall was. He is also Feyre's ex fiancée. They have a lot of bad blood and things transpired that broke him and he did try to redeem himself, I'll admit. He saved you and them, and was a huge help during the war in which we took down Hybern. And he did revive Feyre's mate, Rhysand, despite them being the worst of enemies, especially after Feyre. But Tamlin is not the most stable male. He never has been. He's a Fae who had a very rocky childhood, an extremely toxic adolescence and his adulthood so far has been an utter train wreck. Not all his fault, but it has definitely shaped him. He has a lot of pent-up anger and the type of power that he possesses unfortunately thrives in rage. He got his shapeshifting abilities from his father, who was a horrid and wretched High Lord. His father was best friends with Hybern, and with Amarantha, so that tells you what you need to know about how Tamlin grew up. He had three brothers too who were after him because he was the most powerful of the bunch. They wanted him dead for his power."

Briar's eyes widen. Vivian and Kallias and Vianna had all told her about what had happened with Amarantha, Feyre, and Tamlin's curse. "That was Tamlin? The one that helped us?"

Kallias looks at her warily. "Yes, I suppose it must have been. And the other males you mentioned seeing must have been Lucien and Jurian. Jurian is actually mortal again, and Lucien, the red-head male...he's trying to get some semblance of a life on track too. His story is very similar to Tamlin's, but he is much more tame and diplomatic; it's a pity he isn't a High Lord instead. But similar story, wretched father and brothers, dead lover, displacement three times...", he trails off. "His mate is Feyre's sister and last I heard she needs all the time in the world to warm up to him."

Kallias goes over and gives Vivian a kiss. "I strongly believe that Viv and I are the luckiest couple in all of Prythian, and we're grateful every single day for it. The only obstacle we faced was Amarantha. We always loved one another, and we didn't have to fight each other to become close. We had it easy compared to the rest."

Wynnie begins crying and he coos at her, taking her from Viviane's arms and beginning to feed her.

"You two are great together." She troubles her lower lip with her teeth. "How is Tamlin now? You said unstable and angry but in what way?"

"Why the interest? It's really not worth knowing. He—he's not really worth knowing. It sounds harsh, I know that. And we do feel for the male, but...he's just acted out so many times that it's best to simply stay away and let him simmer. To be honest, the Winter Court doesn't prefer either Spring or Night. They are both problematic in different ways, and we have issues with both High Lords for different reasons. But as High Lords, we must be diplomatic as possible...one of the reasons we take issue with both of them, as they let their feuds get in the way of their emotions much of the time. I hate to admit it, but Feyre does too. However, I'd expect it from her, as she is very young and new. But Rhysand and Tamlin? They act like children when they're in the same space. Drives us up the wall. Some of Rhysand's fellow bats act out too in childish ways. At least Lucien, as I mentioned, remains truly neutral and diplomatic, despite having many, many issues with both of them as well."

Briar nods quietly, playing with her fingers. "I just...I think I'd at least like to thank him. Even if that is all. He deserves a thank you. If not from anyone else, then from me. He gave me hope when I didn't have any left. On top of that, he's the reason we were able to get to safety when their wings were damaged. Maybe he has a bad reputation, but he did a very good thing and my mother used to tell me that no good deed goes unpunished. That people are often ungrateful, and that if I ever have the chance to show gratitude, I should."

Viviane and Kallias exchange a silent look and Briar sighs.

"I know you both have taken good care of me. You have talked me through my nightmares and sheltered me and fed me and taught me so much. I am so thankful for you and that I got the privilege to stay here with you. The Winter Court is lovely, and so are your people. But you forget that I am not a child. I am a twenty-seven year old woman, er...female, with the courage to decide the rest of my life, or existence, or whatever. I understand you are protective of me and that's very kind of you. But I think I deserve to meet who I want to meet and see what I want to see. I'd like to go on a tour of the courts. See where I truly belong. As amazing as it is here, and I sincerely mean no offense, the cold has never been my favorite despite you three being three of my favorite people in the world now."

Viviane chuckles lightly and hugs her close. She hugs back and smiles softly. "I don't want to lose either of you as friends and you have quickly become like a family to me. I hope you will still feel that way for me, even if I was not destined to live in the Winter Court."

"You know you will always have a home here, even if you find somewhere else you're meant to be", she tears up a bit. "I'm sure Violet will be upset as well."

"I'll speak with her. I'll also need to find myself someone willing to speak to the High Lords for me", he says with a pointed glance toward Kallias. "If they'd be so kind. As well as finding a tour guide of sorts to bring me to all the Courts."

Kallias huffs out a sigh and hands a now dozing Wynter to her mother, full from her bottle. "It isn't too soon?"

Briar looks up at him, her head held high and her chin angled in a defiant manner. "No. You all have helped me so much over the last year or so and I'm ready to see where I truly belong. My mother would want that for me, and I want that for me. Please, don't take offense. I do love it here. I'm simply..."

"Not one for the cold?", he finishes, chuckling softly. "We've noticed. Your bedroom is more like a sauna than a bedroom."

She chuckles softly and nods. "Other times, Wellsy keeps me good company."

"Ah, I knew he was your favorite bear-hound."

"He's very sweet despite his sharp teeth. He's never once been aggressive to me. He likes the cuddles."

"That he does. He was my father's favorite too. Even though my father didn't like to show vulnerability", he says, a dash of sadness running over his features. "Wellsy's an old beast. Many nights he would keep me safe and warm when I'd fall asleep reading in the barn. On occasion, it would be me and Viviane."

"Ohh our little two-person book club. I remember that! We really did try our best to stay up as late as we could, and always fell asleep", she giggles.

Briar grins at their love for each other and feels a pang of heartbreak in her chest that she never got to experience that as a mortal, or even now as a Fae. "Question..."

"Anything", Viviane responds.

"H-How did you two know you were mates?"

Viviane glances at him as pink rises to her cheeks. "Well, unfortunately, it's different for everyone. It's like a deep nagging or tugging feeling. But for some it can come in times of danger or stress, for some, it can come when your emotional defenses are down, for some it's automatic when they are simply close to their mate. And...for some, it doesn't snap into place until you already commit to one another. Like me and Kal. For us, it was always one another, regardless of if there was also a Cauldron-blessed bond, but after our wedding night, it snapped into place. We couldn't have been happier."

Kal nods. "We believe that the bond makes itself known at only the right time for every specific couple, and no sooner. When that is will differ from each pair."

She nods, intrigued. "Do...", she trails off, becoming a bit shy.

Viviane squeezes her shoulder lovingly. "What is it, Briar?"

"Do you think I have a mate in Prythian somewhere?", she whispers.

"I don't know. But what I do know, is that if you do, I hope they deserve you."

"Don't all mates deserve one another? Aren't they perfect matches?"

"The majority, yes. But certainly not all of them. A couple of the last generation High Lords...they were not good males, and their mate bonds were simply for producing powerful children. The pair never truly made one another happy after a while. It's sad to say that one of the wives is still living that hell and worse."

Briar whispers. "The Lady of the Autumn Court?"

"Yes", Viviane murmurs. "She's a wonderful female but...she's been broken by so many years of Beron's evil that I don't think she even sees any other way of life anymore. It's very sad. Lucien is their youngest son actually. He fled the Autumn Court due to his father and well...that is a long, horrible story that is not mine to tell."

"This Lucien...you said he is honorable?"

"Yes, he has strong allies in nearly all of the Courts aside from Autumn, why?"

"Do you think he could be my tour guide?"

"It's possible. I am not sure how many jobs he is juggling right now, as he's mostly a drifter, freelancer, and emissary for two courts. But we can certainly send word with the offer if you'd like."

"I would. May I write the letter?"

"Of course", she smiles.

.

.

.

Lucien runs a golden hand through his ruby hair as he shuffles into the kitchen of the Exiles Manor, searching for coffee. Tamlin is up and sipping his already, plates of eggs and bacon set out for them both.

"Didn't expect to see you up early."

"Couldn't sleep."

"Do you want me to ask why?"

"Not particularly."

"Okay."

Lucien makes his coffee and motions to the food. "Vassa?"

"Vassa", Tamlin nods in the affirmative.

Sparing a glance outside, Lucien sighs. "She must have left already, since the sun is rising."

"That she has."

"I hope someone figures out how to remove her curse. She doesn't deserve it. She shouldn't be bound to a monster. The other Queens betrayed her. I hate them, I can't wait until we are rid of all of them. Pure scum."

"Some would say the same about me", he scoffs. "Though at least you know I'm nothing like Koschei."

Lucien lets out a huff of a laugh and joins him at the table, sipping his coffee and devouring his breakfast. "No, you're not."

He motions to him and quirks a small smile. "Almost like old times, eh? Before Feyre. Though without the dark cloud of that curse looming over us."

Tamlin nods, sadness crossing over his features before sighing. He eats most of his food and then pushes around the rest. "She's a good cook, Vassa."

"She is."

"I forget that not all humans are the same...that's how the last war separated our worlds. I still don't prefer them, however...they're all individuals such as us."

"I don't think I will ever understand judging someone by ranking or genetics. I much prefer character and personality; heart matters the most."

"You are otherworldly in wisdom, Lucien. I've said it before, but you'd make a great High Lord if that's how the dice fell."

"I'm too immature for that, let's be honest. I am still the sly fox, the youngest child, the one who shoots his mouth off with his truth and it gets him in trouble with all", he smirks devilishly.

Tamlin chuckles lightly. "Yes, gods, you are. But many times those truths are more helpful than faltering to those around you."

Lucien inclines his head politely in thanks then rubs his face with a free hand. That's when Tamlin notices the dark circles shadowing his eyes. "Rough night?"

"Hm?"

"You don't look very refreshed, and by the way you downed that coffee, it seems you didn't sleep well."

"Ah. Well, you know...the memories. The nightmare..."

"I'm sorry", he says sympathetically. He knows all too well what that's like. "It's been quite some time, hasn't it?"

"Yes. Though since my mate has been on my mind and how I'll never know if Jes and I had a bond too...it should've been obvious I'd be in for a bad night."

"Lucien, I'm the last Fae male that would be blessed with a second chance mate, and yet...it seems possible. You are honorable, and as rare as second chance mates are, if anyone is deserving it was you. Jesminda was your mate because you loved her. Not because of genetics, as you say. It's character and heart that makes a true bond, not just the blessing from the Mother."

He sighs deeply and nods. "It's still so hard to let her go, even now. Even knowing it's been centuries and knowing that I want to move on with Elain. Because she's not coming back, she will never come back, she's dead."

Tamlin swallows the lump in his throat and stays silent, knowing the words are not just for Lucien himself, but for him as well.

"How is that going by the way?"

"What?"

"Elain", Tamlin waves his hand dismissively.

"It's progressing. Which is a lot better than I thought we would be. We've had a few deep conversations. You know, the ones we like to get out of the way, but it was...nice. For someone to really listen and hear. I think she is on the road to accepting me at some point which I'm grateful for. Though we are keeping a slow and steady pace. It's nice...we have the rest of our existence to be the definition of mates, so there is no need to rush anything. The reward will be the destination of being what we are supposed to be one day."

Tamlin chuckles. "Again with that poetic wisdom, you sly fox. I bet she's just swooning at your dialect, friend."

Lucien barks out a laugh and shakes his head. "One can only hope so." He smiles genuinely at Tamlin's seemingly lifted spirits. "It's good to see you...acting more like you."

"I'm trying."

"I know. I've been trying for centuries. It's all you can do is keep trying."

"Oh, by the way, I enforced a shield around the Manor to hide it from anyone who would wish ill will upon us."

"That's very helpful."

Jurian trudges into the kitchen and grabs his own cup of coffee. "I agree. Thanks. Tam." He smirks and plops down at the table bench. "Morning, boys."

"Who are you calling a boy?", Lucien and Tamlin respond in unison then scoff.

"Woah, Prythian, look out, the trouble twins are here."

Lucien shakes his head and Tamlin rolls his eyes.

"You look like hell", Tamlin exclaims.

"What he means is that you look worse for wear. Why?", Lucien mends.

"He does look like hell", Tamlin mumbles, annoyedly, not needing to be chastised and corrected like a child.

Jurian shrugs, his gaze looking at the door longingly.

"Ahh, I should have guessed."

"Shut up."

"I don't blame you. She is a lovely fe—woman. I was telling Tamlin how I wish her curse can be resolved soon."

Jurian sighs sadly and looks into his coffee. "I just...I get so limited time with her, that it's difficult. I know we drive each other up the wall, but now it's all in good fun and less like enemies. I was up early to have breakfast with her."

"You should tell her how you feel. As I mentioned before, mortal lives are short."

Jurian swallows and sips his coffee. "When the time is right."

"I respect that. Just don't take too long. You'll lose out on time you could be happy."

"I'll keep that in mind."

Tamlin glances between them. "Looks like we all had a shit night."

.

.

Later on that day, Lucien ties his hair up in preparation to go with Tamlin to check the progress of the rebuild. Opening the front door of the Manor, he sees a small pile of mail and picks it up. Most are vouchers for human businesses, but there are two letters among the mix that were not expected. Letters from the Winter Court. One addressed to Tamlin, and one addressed to himself. Written in handwriting Lucien does not recognize.