The following days were about recovery and when I was well enough to, I visited the priestesses in the library. I congratulated them for becoming Valkyries and thanked them for their help that day at the Dusk Court. I even joined them for some lunch before I spent a few hours easing myself back into work, putting away some of Merrill's books. My bandage was off now and I could move more freely, just occasionally feeling a pull of the muscle when I stretched slightly too far.
When I made it back to the House that evening, Azriel had dressed himself more smartly than usual, in a black shirt and smarter trousers.
"Are we going somewhere?" I asked.
"Dinner at the River House," He replied.
"Let me just get changed quickly." I retreated to the bedroom, dressing myself in a beautiful blue chiffon dress in the armoire that I didn't recognise. In fact, there were a few items of clothing in there I didn't recognise. "Have you been shopping?" I asked as Azriel walked back into the bedroom.
He shrugged, "I needed a few new things so thought maybe you'd like some too."
"Remember what I said about being equal?"
"I missed you," He said, "And I'm glad you're back. Isn't that enough of a reason to treat you to some new dresses?" He looked at me innocently and I rolled my eyes, pressing my hand to his chest. He grabbed my hand and turned it, kissing my palm.
"Fine," I said, admitting defeat. His smile in return was beautiful.
We hadn't gone straight to the River House. As Azriel landed us on a stretch of land just North of the River House, I looked over to the trees and then back at my mate and then over to the West where I could still see the House of Wind in the mountainside. There was a small patch of woodland and he led me along a gravel path until we reached the other side. And there, with the ocean behind it, stood a house. It was smaller than Rosehall, but still seemed to have a first and second floor. The garden out the front was overgrown, clearly untouched, but tucked behind a stone wall. And despite the fact it needed repainting on the front door and around the windows, it had a beautifulness about it.
I looked over at Azriel, "Is this…"
"Not yet," He said. "I know you wanted to share the cost." His thumb brushed against the back of my hand. "But I saw it and thought it had potential." He took a step forward, "Shall we?"
We walked through the creaky gate and through the slightly overgrown garden. He opened the door carefully and we stepped inside. We ended up in a small hallway with stairs going up to the first floor. To the right, through a door, was a living space with a beautiful, ornate fireplace. To the left was a dining room that led into a large kitchen, and the back of the house had a small bathroom and a small study that overlooked the ocean. I moved to look out the window, at the glistening water that lapped against the sand ahead of us.
I led the way upstairs. Three-reasonably sized bedrooms, one slightly bigger than the other- a master bedroom- and a second bathroom. The master bedroom had a small balcony overlooking the view. Yes, it needed work but… there was certainly potential. I turned to Azriel and he pulled me into his embrace, kissing the top of my head.
"It's beautiful," I whispered.
We tucked his fingers under my chin and smiled down at me, "We'll get the paperwork signed tomorrow morning."
The River House was a five minute fly away and I enjoyed the view as we flew along the coast and then along the river until we reached the house. Roses bloomed in the front garden and I knew it was probably Elain who was responsible. Azriel held my hand as he knocked on the door and Feyre opened just a moment later, a smile on her face. The High Lady looked beautiful in a black dress as she stepped aside, inviting us in. The last time I'd been into the grand house had been with Amren those weeks ago, under unpleasant circumstances. It was nice to be invited over for a dinner party instead. Feyre looped her arm through mine and led me ahead of Azriel, taking me into their large living room.
The Inner Circle were all there- Rhysand, Mor, Amren, Cassian. As well as Nesta and Varian. The group sat sprawled out across the sofas and armchairs and as I entered, they chorused, "Happy birthday!"
My cheeks blushed and I looked to my mate, who watched my surprise with an amused expression, his eyes lighting up. "You didn't need to do this…" I told them.
"Nonsense," Feyre said, leading me to a small sofa, "You deserved a proper birthday."
I sank into the sofa and Azriel sat beside me, draping an arm across my shoulders, "Well, thank you."
"We have presents," Cassian grinned and Nesta passed over a box.
"This is from the two of us," She said. I opened it carefully and my eyes widened at the book inside. A limited edition copy of my favourite romance novel. The cover was leather and gold detailing and inside it was signed.
"Thank you so much!" I said the two of one.
"Is this one of the smutty books you two read?" Mor piped up and my cheeks flushed crimson as both Cassian and Azriel laughed.
"Yes," Nesta said, carefree.
I bit my lip and was grateful when Feyre passed a present signed by her and Rhysand. Inside was a musical orb, similar to the one Nesta owned.
"We've recorded some music from the orchestras but also some from Rita's," She said.
"Thank you both," I said with a bow of the head.
Mor had bought me a new dress- a long, blue satin gown with a slit that had made Azriel raise his eyebrows. Amren and Varian had gifted me a book, an ancient text about wars.
"I'll give you your gift later," Azriel whispered and Cassian wiggled his eyebrows. My mate narrowed his eyes at him, "Stop." Cassian snorted and turned his attention back to Nesta and my family started talking amongst themselves. Nyx started crying then and Feyre moved to his crib, picking him up, she gently bounced him up and down but he continued crying.
"May I?" I asked her and she looked over at me with a smile. Feyre passed me the infant and he sobbed as I gently rocked him in my arms. I sang to him, gently under my breath and the crying paused. Nyx opened his bright eyes and looked up at me. I tickled under his chin and he let out a small giggle that made my heart melt.
I looked over at my mate and he was watching, his eyes soft and a smile playing on his lips. Nyx let out a content noise again and I turned back to him, aware the room had gone quiet. My cheeks tinged red as I gently rocked the child in my arms and Azriel pressed a kiss to my forehead. Mor cleared her throat and started talking about a new shop she'd been visiting in the city, turning attention away from us.
"I think I've just seen the future," Nesta murmured to Cassian and I raised an eyebrow at her as Nyx snuggled against my chest.
Dinner was delicious. A chicken in a sauce with potatoes and vegetables, followed by the most delicious chocolate dessert I'd ever eaten. I was grateful that there were leftovers that Rhysand had said we could take home with us. We gathered up my presents and after saying goodbye and goodnight, we headed back to the House.
A piano was waiting in our living room when we got back and I looked at my mate with a raised eyebrow.
"It wasn't me," he said with a shrug.
I walked over to the white grand piano, much like the unused one in my quarters in the Forest House, and picked up the note.
Happy birthday!
I'm sorry we did not celebrate it in Hybern.
Your friend,
Aeri
I smiled as Azriel moved to stand behind me. I told him, "She taught me how to play." Artemis brushed against my foot and I petted her.
"Would you play me something?" He asked, his shadows brushing against my hands.
I sat myself in the stool, straightening my back and opening the lid. I looked at the smooth, polished keys in front of me and began to play. The music filled the room, the notes seeming to dance in front of me.
"Never used to get excited to sit here in the silence," the sound of Azriel's voice caught me off guard and I looked up, trying my best to keep my fingers moving on the keys. "Holding on to something, the way I'm holding you…Didn't used to know how fast time, walks and runs and flies by
I never thought I'd feel so deeply, but damn I do."
I stopped playing and looked at my mate, leaning on the piano, his face relaxed, his eyes lit up. "You sang to me that night at Sangravah."
He blinked in surprise, "I did… I wanted to… soothe you."
"Shadowsinger indeed," I murmured, moving to stand beside him. "You should sing more often, I like it."
I gently brushed my lips against his cheek.
"I've not given you your gifts," he said to me then. He took my hand and led me into our bedroom. The room was filled with candles, rose petals scattered on the floor, much like the night of our mating ceremony. On the bed sat some wrapped gift boxes.
I sat on the edge of the bed as Azriel moved to sit across from me. He passed me a small gift first and I smiled as I opened it- a book full of love poems.
"Still a romantic," I commented and he gave me a lopsided smile.
"I've marked some of the ones I think you'll like," He said.
"Thank you," I replied and he passed me the next present.
This one was some floating faelights that he'd told me were for when I was in the bath. Finally, the remaining gift was a circlet. One fashioned from simple gold with waves woven in and golden leaves, as well as a few star-shaped pearls, tucked here and there. In the centre was a space for a stone. My invoking stone.
"Az-"
"You're going to be a High Lady one day," He said to me, "And to me you're already a Warrior Queen. You should not be ashamed to wear your invoking stone on your head, never." He reached for my hand and squeezed it, "Besides, you were willing to sacrifice your own life and happiness to protect me. I'd say that makes you more than worthy." He took the circlet out of the box and removed my invoking stone from the cuff at my wrist. I watched him carefully attach it and then he reached over to me, placing the circlet on my head. I swallowed at the intimacy of the gesture. He sat back, looking at me and the intensity of his gaze made me blush.
"Next year," He said, "We'll celebrate on your actual birthday."
"It's been perfect nonetheless," I told him and he smiled, the smile reaching his hazel eyes. I moved my gifts onto the dresser and I turned back to see he was watching me.
"I love you," he said and I smiled back at him.
"I love you too," I walked over to him and kissed him gently. I sighed into his embrace as my skin glowed, his shadows curling around us. Playing. Embracing.
"Next time you decide to put yourself in danger," he whispered, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, "I'd like to be there."
"I can't make any promises," I told him and he raised his eyebrows as I laughed.
And then, despite everything, the Shadowsinger's eyes lit up and he laughed too.
