Safe to say from here, you're getting closer now

We are never sad 'cause we are not allowed to be

Chapter 3: Unseen Tears

Three days were enough to turn a wilted court into a luscious green paradise. Lucien was impressed with how beautifully everything was growing. The gardens looked amazing, the pastures and fields outside the castle were all blooming beautifully as well, and even the wild weed yards of the villages were already looking like something out of a fairytale book.

The fauna was also healing. He saw honeybees, numerous bird species, and even some wild rabbits. Perhaps it would be enough incentive for farmers to return.

'Rebuilding shall be done soon. I'll have to send word to Eris.'

The manor was livelier now despite only having six inhabitants. He could see Tamarand and Tamlin sparring in the far-off dandelion field. Asteria and Ophelia were having a picnic under the cherry blossoms, he made a point not to disturb them when they looked so smitten and affectionate on their date. That only left Azalea.

Lucien was quick to deduce she was in the alchemy lab. His guess was right, Azalea was dressed up in her lab gear, this time working with a white mouse.

"Hello, Lucien! How was patrol?"

"As expected, everything is ready for us to rebuild the infrastructure."

"Those are wonderful news!"

He noticed that when Azalea moved her hands, the mouse moved. It was as if she controlled the little critter like a puppet.

"Uh, may I ask what are you doing?" Lucien pointed at the mouse.

Azalea noticed what was happening and she chuckled. "Oopsie, I didn't notice I was still moving Algernon around. Sorry buddy."

She relaxed herself and whatever power she had over the mouse vanished in an instant.

"To answer your question, I was practicing blood magic."

She said it like it was the most normal thing in the world to do, instead of an ancient practice that was thought to be more myth than reality.

"You're joking."

"I'm not. I'll prove it, just be ready."

Before Lucien could question her, he felt his right arm rise.

"How did you- I didn't even feel it!"

Azalea made him put his arm down. Again he felt nothing but was aware these movements were beyond his control.

"Try to talk."

Lucien did, he wanted to speak but it was as if someone was keeping his mouth shut. He couldn't move his jaw, though he groaned instead of speaking.

"I'm letting go now. You can speak now."

A moment after he could speak again. "That was scary. I couldn't even tell when you took control! Is that how you moved the mouse?"

"Yes. If used without anger blood magic isn't harmful. I can puppeteer you, but unless I make you do something that'll hurt you then you'll be fine.

I used it all the time in my former job when I had to deliver children, control hemorrhages, and keep patients from bleeding out.

The scripts and texts focus on the offensive capabilities of blood magic, but I believe it is far more useful when applied to medicine. Still, as you saw a few nights ago, I'm not opposed to using it offensively."

"I have yet to thank you for it. If you two hadn't arrived when you did those fiends might've gotten me to do something foolish."

"My pleasure, we all look out for each other pal! I know I can count on you too."

"You're correct. I know it's only been a few days, but I'm glad to have you and your family here. You're all very kind and friendly. Tamlin could really use some of that."

Azalea nodded. "Speaking of Tamlin, mind telling me how you got him to come back? If his power went to Tamarand that means he was dead for at least a minute before you could revive him, and something tells me you didn't use any conventional helping techniques."

"Let's just say we have both turned myth to reality. I used the life energy exchange spell to bring Tamlin back. Are you familiar with it?"

"Indeed I am. I'll confess I hadn't had a chance to try it. The only occasion that I could've used it for sadly was beyond repair even with ancient magic."

"But you're a healer...Surely you could've used it as a last resort with a patient?"

"No Lucien, for the spell to be cast without casualty both caster and receiver must be willing to die for one another. Had your places been swapped and Tamlin had to bring you back he would've been able to do so without dying in the process because he's willing to die for you as well.

The spell was outlawed because High Lords would force servants to perform the spell and they'd die, as nobility wouldn't grant the same mercy to those who served them. The only ones who survived the casting were the servants that were genuinely close to their Lords or their Lord's families, but that led to affair allegations and feuds so the spell was banned and erased from history."

It didn't surprise him that the feeling was mutual. He and Tamlin had sworn fealty to one another long ago, and he would still die for him if need be, he was glad the war had not taken this from them as well.

"You know a lot about ancient spells, that can come in handy soon."

Azalea chuckled. "Actually being a historian was Daphne's dream, I was just a casual history enthusiast, now carrying on her dream for her as well."

"I'm sure she'd be proud."

"Thank you. I hope she knows her hobby will serve us well.

Something tells me, we are going to need ancient knowledge for our plans to work."

For all his claims that he wasn't as clever as his sisters, Tamarand had proven to be an excellent architect and artist.

Tamlin was in awe of all the construction plans the High Lord made in such a short time, and of how he quickly he made the sketches and calculated the materials needed.

"There we go. Everything is set for construction!"

"Wouldn't have expected any less from High Lord Tamarand. You're doing a great job!"

His brother wagged his tail, looking a little bashful. "Thank you! I'm glad everything is going according to plan, now all that's left to do is rebuild and we'll be done with step one!"

Whenever Tamlin thought of rehabilitating the court he gave up on the idea thinking that it was a hopeless endeavor, that there'd be no time, materials, or magic able to repair this, but somehow his brother had found a way, and that once hopeless endeavor was becoming a reality before his eyes. 'This one was the one meant for the crown.'

"Given we've made good progress and the sun is starting to set we should head back to the manor."

"Oh, you're right! Mom will be mad if we're home late."

"You're a High Lord Tamrand."

"No authority is greater than maternal authority!"

Tamlin laughed. "You're right, my mistake."

They walked along the newly restored paths as the sky turned orange and purple above them. The flower fields and crops were growing beautifully thanks to the magic, he was tempted to take some home.

Tamarand beat him to it, the High Lord was picking some lavender and wild cosmos to make bouquets, he made sure to pick the flower and make it bloom again just as swiftly with magic.

"Ohhh these ones are cute! You could pick some for Lucien!"

Tamlin just froze in disbelief at those words. "I...what?"

"Isn't Lucien your lover?"

He was going to faint in the middle of the cobblestone road and Tamarand would have to carry him back. Tamlin managed to keep conscious and respond.

"No, Tamrand. Lucien and I aren't romantically involved."

"Oh. I thought you were. You sleep on the same bed, spend all your free time together and you look at him as if he was the only person in the room.

It's similar to how our mothers act."

He wouldn't deny how much he wished to resemble what Ophelia and Asteria had. That he'd give anything to be with Lucien, build a family with him, and grow old together, but that was a dream he'd given up on decades ago.

"I loved Lucien, I still love him but we are not meant to be." He didn't dare look at anything other than the ground as he said those words. It even hurt to speak them.

"Why not? He looks so happy by your side, you've been close since childhood, maybe he feels the same."

He had to fight back the urge to laugh. "He does not. Lucien has a lovely mate who's better suited for him than me.

Despite all the joy he's brought me all I've ever done is make him suffer. Lucien had given up too much to be burdened with this too, he deserves better."

This time he didn't look at the ground but at the sparkling stars that were adorning the darkening sky. 'What was that phrase that humans had about impossible love and stars? Seems befitting.'

"This is a matter between the two of you, so I won't interfere but should you want my opinion, I think Lucien would be very lucky to have you as a partner."

"Thanks, that means a lot."

Tamlin didn't condone lies but he could make an exception for this one. For a while, he could let himself believe it too.

It was pitch black as they arrived at the manor. Tamarand handed him a tiny bouquet of flowers and walked away without a word.

Tamlin smiled. 'I guess younger siblings are far more stubborn.'

Lucien didn't remember falling asleep, but he knew he was dreaming because of his surroundings.

He was in a glass greenhouse full of the prettiest flowers imaginable, all around him glowing butterflies of every color fluttered around, he walked over to the center of the greenhouse where a marble fountain was located. There, a child version of himself was playing with the crystalline fountain water.

The High Lord of Spring had thrown a ball in honor of their visit, but Lucien didn't want to spend his night around his rowdy brothers or be told everything he did was wrong. Thankfully his mother had found this place for him, she knew how much he loved flowers.

"Hi, I've never seen you here before."

Both he and his child version turned towards that soft voice. Lucien smiled as he saw the child version of Tamlin approaching. He was still broad, even as a kid, back then his long blonde hair was short, but he was a tall child which made him look older. 'Even if you've always towered over me I was never afraid.'

"I'm visiting from the Autumn Court." Lucien chuckled at the sound of his child voice. He was a little too shy for his own liking.

"I see. Then you must be one of the princes visiting us." Tamlin bowed as he introduced himself. "Tamlin Evergreen, third prince of the Spring Court, it's an honor to meet you."

Lucien bowed and introduced himself too. "Lucien Vanserra, seventh prince of the Autumn Court. The honor is all mine."

He gave Tamlin his hand, but instead of shaking it, the young prince kissed it. Lucien saw his younger self blush profusely, while he chuckled and stared at the scene fondly. 'Was he always such a smooth flirt or am I just biased?'

"I see you've taken a liking to my greenhouse. It's like my little sanctuary."

"It's beautiful! All of the glowflies seem very happy with your care as well."

"If you'd like I can give you a tour."

"Yes please!"

They spent the night wandering the greenhouse as Tamlin told him about the different flowers and glowflies that inhabited the place.

Anyone else might've gotten bored but he was fascinated. Perhaps not just by the intelligent conversation but by the handsome prince that provided it.

Just as they were about to leave a blue glowing butterfly landed upon Tamlim's nose. He tried to shoot it away but the bug remained. Lucien laughed before gently shooing the butterfly. "I believe that is a sign of worthiness, Tam."

"Think so? Well, I'd like to be worthy of your friendship, if I may have it Luce."

"You may."

They were inseparable since that day.

Lucien awoke to the soft touch of someone gently shaking him. He then heard Tamlin's voice, it sounded mature now, and so very tired yet so very indistinguishably his.

"Luce, wake up. We have a meeting." Tamlin looked at him with his soft sad green eyes and for a moment Lucien thought they were back at the greenhouse.

But that couldn't be, because one night Oisin destroyed the greenhouse with his magic, in retaliation for Tamlin's failed attempt to save Rhysand's family. He was there that night and the only comfort he could bring Tamlin was the fact that they both got all the glowflies out to safety before the structure fell apart. 'I've never heard him cry like that before.'

Lucien stood, wobbling a little as he was still drowsy from waking up. He heard Tamlin laughing at him, but before he could protest he felt the blonde gently wiping his left cheek with a handkerchief.

"You fell asleep on wet ink, you silly fox."

Lucien looked down at the letter he was writing, it was now all smudged. 'Damn, I'll have to rewrite that later.'

He hadn't noticed how close Tamlin was, or how his gentle hands felt on him, for a moment he wanted to follow his touch as Tamlin was done cleaning him up, but still looked intensely at him. "There. Handsome as always."

"You say that as if you're not gorgeous yourself."

"No, you say that because you love me too much. Here, these are from the valley."

Tamlin gave him a cute small bouquet of lavender and cosmos. Lucien would put them in a jar before leaving for the meeting. "Thanks for the present. Is planning done?"

"Yup. We'll be discussing building plans and repopulation."

"Noted." Lucien yawned." I hope it's not too long. I was having a wonderful dream I wish to resume."

"Oh? And what might that be?"

Lucien didn't hesitate to hold Tamlin's hand and kiss it. "I was dreaming of our first meeting in the greenhouse."

She felt the dark presence halfway through the meeting. Asteria concentrated on the words her daughter spoke but still scanned the room repeatedly.

Ophelia's soft hand adapted around hers. "Are you alright, darling?"

"Yes love, it's nothing." She told her with a smile. "Sorry for the interruption Lea, please continue."

Azalea nodded. "Most of the surviving former members of the Spring Court are excited about the reconstruction and willing to return as long as we have the homes built and furnished first. If all goes well this can be accomplished in a month.

The crops are all blooming beautifully, so I expect a plentiful harvest for the farmers and finally, the refugees from day and dawn will be redirected here to make up for the population lost during the war.

Lucien, will we be receiving help from Autumn?"

"Yes. Eris said he'll come to visit us to discuss details but we shall have help with workers and materials."

"Excellent! Then we're all done here!"

There it was! Asteria didn't flinch as she lounged for a stray shadow that tried to escape her. She held the inky thing in her hands, strangling it as it squirmed. "Go and tell your fuckin master that if he sends more of you it'll be taken as an act of provocation!"

The shadow fled as soon as she released it, scurrying back to the Night Court's spymaster.

"That bastard! Can't he focus on his own tattered court instead of bothering us!" She roared.

"No. I think he liked it better when this court rotted away. We're spoiling his fun."

Tamlin's tone was sarcastic but she could sense the tiredness and resignation on it all too well.

Thankfully Ophelia was handling the matter, gently getting close to Tamlin and hugging him. The former High Lord seemed happy to receive motherly affection.

"If Rhysand has been spying on us does that mean we should change our plans?" Tamarand asked.

"No, for all his recklessness I think even Rhysand knows attacking unprovoked would be a bad look for him.

We're rebuilding what his little wife tore down. There is no reason for him to fight us or invade. Unless he's petty enough to admit he'd rather see people die than see us happy."

Azalea was right, on all accounts, unfortunately. Having lived in the Night Court for so long, she knew that the currently High Lord was monstrous enough to burn their court to the ground again only to spite her new son. "We must keep an eye out. For now, let's just keep the most sensitive information silent and communicate only through paper, then we burn it."

Everyone agreed and the meeting was adjourned. Despite her need to get away from the shadowed room, she wanted to make sure Tamlin was okay as well.

"Are you well, child?"

He was startled as she placed her hand on his shoulder but nodded. "Yes. I'm well. It's just infuriating that they're already trying to hinder our progress."

She knew, Oh how she knew. It was to be expected that the Night Court would meddle in their business one way or another, but no one expected it to be so soon.

While her daughter was right and this was likely all for intimidation, it was wise to not underestimate the people who once brought them ruin. She was already planning, but for now, her main priority was comforting the kids.

Asteria gave Tamlin a gentle hug. "We won't allow them to interfere. I promise. Now go rest. I have plans to keep the shadows at bay."

Both she and Ophelia gave them all good night kisses and headed for their room. The moment the door was closed and locked, she let the mask slip and silently wept.

"Lie down, I know when it's aching." Her wife commanded.

Having been together for so many centuries. Ophelia knew better than her when the wing scar was stinging and how to cure it.

Asteria took off her dress and laid bare on the bed as Ophelia took ointment from the nightstand and began giving her a massage.

"You can let the other one go free."

"Sometimes I forget I still have one." She told her as she freed her remaining raven wing.

"I can't forget, it's too beautiful." Ophelia teased as she gently patted the wing.

Asteria shivered and glanced back at her. "Hey, leave that for when you're done or I might not let you sleep."

Ophelia just faked an innocent smile and continued applying medicine to the scar. "Who told you I wanted to sleep?"

"You're such a minx." She laughed. "I'm worried about the kids, especially Tamlin. He's had some progress since we met him but..."

"I know. He looks nothing like the High Lord we remembered. Hopefully, the food and medicine will help get him back on track."

She had noticed how her wife was set on making high-calorie healthy food for every meal. "He looks to be gaining a bit of weight, I did tell Tamarand to request some martial arts training for him too, to build back the muscle he's lost. Maybe Azalea can make new shampoo for him too, he's losing hair as well."

"I think she's already crafting one in between, study sessions. Our girl needs to relax."

Asteria chuckled. While not biologically related she was certain Azalea was destined to be her daughter, they were far too similar.

"She needs to be married off. I calmed down when you and became a couple."

"Glad to know I gave you joy from the beginning," Ophelia whispered in her ear before giving her a kiss over the scar.

Asteria smiled, she got up and faced her wife, both of them understanding the joy and slight tiredness the other felt.

"Our family has been through a lot these past few decades but has yet to let out all the hurt. We shouldn't go forward without grieving first. You've made me happy from the day we met and I'm certain you'll do so till we pass. Our children also have become my joy even if losing one of them has hurt me more than any other ache.

We can't give up now, but cannot bottle the sadness away either. I love you and shall protect you till the end. Lean on me and I shall do the same. We're allowed to be upset as we are joyful."

Ophelia let herself cry while they cuddle, and Asteria did too, despite her reluctance to cry on other occasions.

She would make sure to let the children lean on her as well, and even if it took a lifetime she could keep the Night Court at bay.

'Seems like no place is far enough for you to stop chasing me. Alright then, I shall fight you instead of fleeing.

And you will all regret invading our sanctuary.'

With January winter came the cold rain, and Lucien preferred to stay indoors. He was often reading up on court politics with Azalea and Tamarand or helping Ophelia with the cooking and manor preparations.

It was like settling back into the life he had before when both he and Tamlin were young and his best friend ruled the court. Lucien was nostalgic for those days sometimes but now he knew better, even if he missed that joy, after the curse fell upon them said joy began to diminish more and more until they were living apart and he almost lost his dear Tamlin. 'I have to protect him this time.'

He arrived at the library to find Tamarand studying etiquette, the lord had an array of cutlery in front of him and was practicing how to use them in a social setting.

"No, the salad fork is the small one that has four prongs so the other tiny one is for desserts..." Tamarand was muttering ti himself until he saw him. "Oh hi Lucien!"

"Hello. I see you're working on etiquette today."

"Yes. I'll admit I think I prefer magic and physical lessons to this, I've never been as smart as my sisters when it comes to memorization. It's nerve-wracking to think I could make a mistake during an official event with another court."

"You'll be okay, an easy trick to remember is that you start with the utensils further from the plate and go up from there. The salad fork is further from the plate than the meat fork, and since salad is served first you use that first."

"Oh, that is much easier to remember! Thank you Lucien!"

"You're welcome. Happy to help."

"Was this how and your siblings learned?"

Lucien chuckled. "Sadly no, Beron would stab us with the fork if we got it wrong. I think Cedric still has scars on his hands from that."

Tamarand winced. "Sorry."

"Not your fault, Eris was the one to teach us the trick I mentioned. I think he wanted to spare us the stabbing."

He hoped his brother got the letters, two weeks had passed since he sent them and the incident with the shadows. 'Hopefully, Azriel didn't intercept those as well...'

"I'm looking forward to meeting him. Maybe we should write to the Summer Lord too, they are our neighboring courts."

"Yes, Tarquin is a nice Lord, maybe we'll be able to establish an alliance with him too."

Lucien was pleased to know that despite it all Tamarand was trying. It would take time until he was ready to rule alone but if his good nature and kindness remained he was sure he would make an excellent High Lord.

He heard a knock on the door, Ophelia peeked into the library and smiled at him. "Oh, there you are dearie! Tamlin said to meet him at the garden entrance, he has a surprise for you."

"For me?" Lucien was confused, he knew that Tamlin was working on rebuilding preparations and training with his brother, just when did he find time to prepare a surprise?

Lucien still attended, finding Tamlin waiting at the entrance of the garden, he looked calm but slightly tired yet his pretty green eyes lit up when he saw him.

"Glad to see you came."

"You know I'll do anything you ask of me."

"That I do. There's something I want to show you, but we need to walk there and you need to wear this."

He handed him a silk blindfold, Lucien raised an eyebrow. "Are you going to reenact that scene from those books Azalea loves so much, because I'm warning you right now, I don't like to spend hours on my knees."

Tamlin's laughter roared across the garden. "No, it's nothing like that. If I was to do that I'd much rather spread caramel on you instead and eat it slowly."

He had to swallow hard at the sound of that raspy deep voice that often made his heart race. "Fuckin tease. Fine, I'll wear it but if you throw me in the pool I'm dragging you down with me!"

Tamlin laughed again. "Look that was one time, and you were probably going to laugh yourself to death if I hadn't done it!"

Despite their joking Lucien followed instructions and let Tamlin guide him through the garden, he wanted to figure out where he'd be taken but to his shame, he didn't remember the layout of the gardens as well as he did when he was younger.

"We've arrived." Tamlin removed the blindfold and Lucien gasped when he saw the structure in front of him.

It was the glassy greenhouse or rather an exact replica of it down to the last detail. He didn't speak as he opened the door and walked in, the shrubs, flowers, and glowflies were all as colorful and beautiful as he remembered, even the marble fountain at the center of it all had been perfectly rebuilt.

"How...?"

"You said you dreamt of it. I wanted to make it a reality again. The truth is I have been wanting to for years, but the High Lord's duties never gave me time to rebuild it all myself, I wouldn't have trusted anyone else to get it right. Now that I'm free and you said you dreamt of it, I was finally motivated to remake it."

Lucien's joyful smile and teary gaze made all the work worth it. The redhead was in absolute awe, still, he managed to speak. "Building a greenhouse just for me...You spoil me."

"Very well deserved if I may say so."

The fact that Tamlin was working secretly under the rain just because he commented that he dreamt of this place was both unexpected yet so characteristic of him. That selfless loving side of his was one that Lucien found himself missing deeply during the struggle of the curse, war, and their separation. Right then and there he silently vowed to never let it be hidden again.

He walked over to where Tamlin stood and held him tightly. "Thank you so much, this means the world to me!"

Tamlin hugged back, gently yet desperately, as if he felt like he was going to lose him again in an instant. "You're welcome, Luce. If I'm honest, it means the world to me too. This is where I first met you, of course, this location needs to be revered."

'This is where I fell in love with you at first sight.' He would never dare say those words aloud but felt them deep within as he let go of Lucien.

They stood there for a moment, gazes locked and still intertwines. He was so tempted to steal a kiss, even for one second.

Lucien too was tempted, just a few inches and he'd be kissing him again since that night when he set out to find Feyre. 'I should have stopped you.' He thought.

Neither of them gave into temptation as a blue glowfly landed on Tamlin's nose and refused to let go. "Really now?!"

Lucien laughed. "It seems like you're still worthy."

For the first time in five years, Tamlin felt as if he was actually worthy of staying alive.

'If I'm worthy of you, then I might survive this.'

While the greenhouse had been his main project and the one that brought him the most joy to build, Tamlin had been working with Tamarand on another project, this one not so joyful.

The two had prepared a grave for Daphne's ashes. Right beside where Tamlin had buried the little remains of Andras he could recover. It was located at the edge of the manor grounds, untouched by anyone other than an endless myriad of white lilies, and bathed by sunlight and moonlight daily. No other place but would be worthy of their sister.

A small ceremony was held as they buried the box. Asteria and Ophelia had cried endlessly. Azalea didn't hide her tears, but was silent, Tamarand had noticed both Lucien and Tamlin cried silently too. He however waited until the ceremony concluded and their mothers had left to finally let go of every single tear he'd been holding in since the night he saw his sister cradding Daphne's lifeless husk in her arms.

Everything blurred away as he wept until Azalea and Tamlin sat beside him and placed their hands on his back. "It's okay. We're still here with you. We got you." His sister said as she tried to soothe him.

Tamrand nodded and finally wiped his eyes. It began to rain, but none of them moved, not even Lucien who sat down on the grass with them beside Tamlin as they started at the tombstones. One read Daphne Ambrose and the other Andras Brynce.

"What was she like? I want to know her through you," Tamlin asked them.

"She was...she was magnificent. Last to be born but first to be gone, maybe because fate wouldn't want her to see what befell her home.

She was beautiful. So graceful and gentle, a masterful ballet dancer and she loved wearing flowers in her hair. Every portrait of hers looks like something out of a dream.

Daphne was also very smart, we both graduated from the healer academy with honors but she always had better grades than me, her true passion was history, still, she took it upon herself to heal those that came to Spring seeking refuge from Amarantha. I don't think she ever resented it, every patient treated by her left the clinic with a smile.

She was also patient. Even in our worst situations she remained calm and kept us all from becoming chaotic. Said that if something was precious to us we had to be willing to wait for it, be something as simple as a treat or something as serious as true love. I think despite being the youngest, Daphne was the wisest out of the three of us."

Tamarand chuckled shivering from both the cold soaking rain and sobbing. "I was the muscle and you were the brains, Daphne somehow got both attributes, there were times when I trained for the sentry tryouts with her. She managed to win a few brawls, maybe she would've joined us if her passion had been physical labor, but as Lea said, all she wanted was to uncover the unknown of our history, particularly magic spells."

That explained why Azalea tirelessly studied ancient spells, she wanted to keep that dream of her sister alive. Tamlin glanced at her, not caring that she was soaked by rain, but rather happy that the raindrops masked the endless tears.

He glanced again at the gravestone, feeling guilty that his mistakes led to the death of such a talented and beloved woman.

"She wouldn't have blamed you, in fact, I am certain she would've been so happy to meet you. She wanted more siblings." Tamarand told him. "Four years before the war, Daphne had enrolled in a writing program with the sentries on duty at the Spring Court. The one she wrote to and befriended, was stationed here and she often said she wanted to visit him, I think it wasn't just a matter of meeting someone she'd grown to love but a method of getting close to you as well. He wrote back saying that once she came to visit he would make introductions..."

Azalea sighed. "That sadly never came to pass. He died a year before the war, the moment we got the letter telling us he'd passed Daphne cried until her eyes were red. I don't think what they had was just a friendship anymore. I think she loved him. Maybe now they're together and she's happy to know we got to meet you."

The news were bittersweet, to be reassured that his younger sister had no resentments yet that she failed to meet him personally as well as the demise of her beloved was all a whirlwind of relief and sadness that had become all too familiar since the night Amdras left to break the curse.

"I hope she met her beloved. It would do her better than to have met me back then. I'm glad to have you two now instead of when I was at my worst."

"I'll say it a thousand times if I have to but I'm sure we would've loved you anyway." Azalea's gaze was deep and steely but to him it displayed honesty. Still, Tamlin couldn't bring himself to believe her.

Sensing the despair threatening to take hold of his siblings, Tamarand changed the subject. "I have yet to ask about your friend, why is Andras buried here? Who was he and what was he like?"

Both Lucien and Tamlin smiled sadly. The redhead was the first to answer. "He was a lot like you. Very eager to help and protect the Spring Court. He was so funny and so optimistic that he could get us all through the dark days with ease." Lucien paused, likely to remember the moments he'd shared with his late friend. "But he was self-sacrificial to a fault, which led to our salvation and his fall."

"Andras Brynce was the sentry Feyre Acheron killed in order for the curse that befell us to be broken. He volunteered for the mission, as he'd been crossing the wall and studying the area, he knew where a human girl would hunt, where she would fulfill the requirements for this all to end.

He was right and we were free for a time, until the war, until I-"

"Until Feyre Acheron desolated a court full of innocents for her own grievances and Hybern burnt this place to the ground." Azalea corrected not caring how brash she sounded. His sister glared at Tamlin, not angry at him but at the guilt that plagued him. "I'm merely stating the facts." She said with a grin.

Tamlin seemed to be taken aback by her words, he didn't seem angry but rather resigned and slightly appreciative. "He's the reason our faces are now unmasked. Every sentry lost to that mission was buried with honors, but in his case, I wanted to give him something not even my own father deserved. The same goes for Daphne.

These two were more family to me than him, and so the burial place of honor should go to the man who sacrificed himself for this court and the woman who spent her life trying to better it and uncover its history."

In between the sound of rain and the chatter about their loved ones, Tamarand came to a realization. One he desperately hope was true.

"Tamlin, sorry to interrupt but, was Andras stationed here four years ago?"

"Yes, he succeeded his father after the old man passed. He was stationed here until his death."

"Do you happen to know if he was in the sentry writing program?"

"Wait! He was! I remember him writing to a pretty girl from the court's edge...Oh, you don't think..." Lucien seemed to be thinking the same thing.

"Did he tell you anything about her? Anything at all?"

"He didn't say her name, said they both swore to introduce themselves to their families once the curse was broken. He did tell me she would press flowers to her letters, that she was a historian, and that she...she had three siblings and two mothers."

Azalea gasped. "Was, Andras a poet?"

Tamlin chucked, tears spilling down his cheeks mixing with the rainwater. "He was! He wrote love poetry often..."

All four of them looked back at the tombstones. Laughing and crying at the same time.

"You did it, sis! You came to Rosehall and met your sentry!" Tamarand wished he could hug her right now.

"The flower scholar was real and now she rests beside you, old friend. Think this twist of fate was grander than the verses you imagined." Tamlin spoke as he stood and let his fingers graze the wet stone.

They all stood up again, taking one last look at the tombstones before walking away, knowing their mothers would come back to scold them if they caught a cold in the rain.

As he walked away Tamarand felt a soft presence nearby. He looked back at the tombs and saw no one, yet knew everything.

"They're very sweet. It's a shame they miss you so terribly. Perhaps if you'd been here they would've stayed together."

A beautiful woman spoke as she stared at her companion, she had dark brown hair, tanned skin, and glowing emerald eyes. She stood on her bare tiptoes on the soaked stone examining the flowers that surrounded her grave. Her hair was curly and wild, kept dry by the fact that rain couldn't touch the spirit of the dead. Her dress was white, styled like that of female healers, this time it was clear of any bloodstains.

The man beside her smiled as he looked at the quartet that walked away huddled together under the rain. "Those two are always going to find their way back to each other. I knew then, and I know now. Pity I can't yell at them about it. Your brother is one stubborn tool!"

A man of waist long white hair spoke to her, he was also wearing white underneath his ivory armor. His eyes were gold and his skin pale like that of his winter-born mother. He too was untouched by the rain, slightly sad by that fact, as he loved the rain.

"I can tell. He just looks so sad and tired now. They all do...I wish I could hug them." The woman regretted as she cried for them.

The man hugged her, wrapping his arms around her and letting her rest her head on his shoulder. "You can hold me, my flower. And I can comfort you with the knowledge that no matter what they'll be fine.

Tamlin will be well now. You better than I know your family will care for him. So as long as they and Lucien are here, he won't be joining us for a long long time."

"I'd rather have that than meet him too soon. Besides, I want you all to myself for a while, my knight."

The couple kissed a kiss that had been long awaited and never fulfilled in life.

"You may now have me for all eternity."

"Even that doesn't seem long enough." She teased. "I've just realized we never had our proper introductions in life, a small mistake don't you think?"

"Indeed, but we may remedy that."

He got on one knee and took her hand, as he expected to do when they were planning to meet in life. "My lady, I am the knight from your letters, Sir Andras Brynce. It is my honor and delight to finally meet you in person."

She laughed as he kissed her hand. "The honor is all mine, Sir Andras. I am Lady Daphne Ambrose your flower from across the court who's now come to you forevermore."

He laughed so he stood up and kissed her again. "That was an adorable rhyme."

"I learned from the best."

The rain was stopping when Lucien noticed them coming through the gates. He ran as fast he could to hug both his mother and Eris at the same time. "You're here! I was so worried!"

"Sorry, I couldn't answer. Things have been hectic back home."

"That's alright. We can go in, I'm sure Tamarand is dying to speak with you!"

"There's a lot to discuss, dear." Lady Imogen told him as she tucked an orange curl behind her ear. "We should start immediately."

She stepped away to reveal a young woman standing behind her. He didn't recognize her when she wore a hood over her head, but when she took it off he knew exactly who she was, even if her golden brown hair had been cut short.

"Nesta?"