I passed Nesta a pearl-headed pin and she pinned it into her usual braided coronet style, pristine and sleek across the top of her head. Yes, it was her usual style, but the white gown she'd decided to wear was not. It was simple but every bit the fae bride, with white to the collarbone and then a low back. The dress was fitted across the bodice and then it fell in a simple train. Silver embroidered swirls decorated the back of the gown and around the neckline like silver flames.

"You look beautiful," Emerie smiled at her. She did too, in her long silver-coloured gown. We'd never seen Emerie in a dress but it suited her, even with her hair scraped back into a loose bun and a little make-up on her face. My dress was outside of my comfort zone too. I'd been certain that I was wearing one of my priestess robes until a few days ago, when Nesta announced to Emerie and I that she'd bought us both dresses in the Palace of Thread and Jewels. She'd even bought us little embellished slippers to wear too, far too much fuss, we'd both said.

I pinned back a bit of my coppery hair with a glittery pin and smoothed over the light blue dress made from loose tulle and chiffon, with a tight-fitting bodice and little cap sleeves. I touched the necklace on my collarbone. I wasn't quite sure why I'd decided to finally wear it. Perhaps it was because I had nothing else to wear and didn't want to look ridiculous as a wedding guest amongst the High Fae that would be in attendance, all in their finery.

"Nice necklace," Nesta commented, tilting her head. "I've not seen you wear it before."

"It was a surprise Solstice gift." I replied, my hands falling to my sides. Emerie raised an eyebrow but didn't pry- we didn't have time for that.

"I suppose we'd better see how revoltingly extravagant the ceremony is," Nesta laughed softly as I moved to grab her train.

The temple was on the grounds of the High Lord and High Lady's River house. It wasn't large and there wasn't a huge turn out, just close friends invited. But Nesta had been right- it looked extravagant. Flowers wound around the moonstone pillars in blues and whites and leaf and flower garlands hung like Solstice decorations. A path of white petals, enchanted so it was left undisturbed by those walking upon it, led the way into the temple. The air was cool but as we neared the temple, my body warmed thanks to the enchantment warming us in the wall-less temple. The Sidra meandered by, looking as if it was sparkling under the late afternoon sun.

Emerie walked up the aisle first, holding her lantern in front of her, wings tucked behind her as she walked between the ceremony guests. I followed her shortly after, trying not to hum along to the beautiful harp music echoing all around. I caught Cassian's eye at the end of the aisle and I gave him a reassuring smile before taking my seat beside Emerie.

Then Nesta walked up the aisle and it was as if no one else was in the room, for the way she and Cassian looked at each other… In that moment it was just the two of them. I felt the sting of tears in my eyes as I smiled, pleased they'd found each other, even though it hadn't been an easy road. And I pushed the feeling of envy deep inside my gut, envy that I would probably never find someone who looked at me quite that way.

Emerie squeezed my hand beside me and we both smiled at each other before turning to watch our Valkyrie sister reach her mate. He took her hands in his and then the ceremony began. It was the first mating ceremony I'd ever witnessed, although I'd heard about them from the other priestesses. The couple swore their vows to each other, both teary-eyed, and their hands were tied together with ribbon. It didn't last long but was beautiful and after rings were exchanged, Nesta and Cassian kissed and the guests erupted into cheers. I watched as the High Lord and Shadowsinger patted their friend on the back, beaming and whooping. It was so uncharacteristic of them that I laughed softly at their reactions.

Of course, the celebrations didn't just stop there. Nesta had promised there would be a feast and then later, dancing.

A long table was set up by the riverside, lanterns hanging from the wooden pergola that hung over us. I smiled as I passed the names of the High Lord's Inner Circle, all written in a beautiful script that I was sure was probably the High Lady's.

"We're over here," Emerie called, signalling to the other side of the table. I walked over to meet her as the Shadowsinger slid into the seat opposite mine, with Morrigan sat beside him.

"Rhys really has gone over the top," Morrigan mused as hired waiters in silver waistcoats started to move about, bringing food and wine. "When do I get a party like this?"

"When you save his mate's wife," Azriel murmured, his shadows curling around his wrists. He glanced across at me, as if noticing I was sitting there for the first time. His mouth turned upwards in the corners slightly in a smile and then his dark eyes fell to the necklace on my collarbone before meeting my own teal eyes. "You… you look…"

"Lovely, Gwyn, is what he's trying to say." Morrigan finished from Azriel's side. She nudged him with her elbow. "What is it with you males and compliments?"

Azriel's cheeks were tinged with pink and I knew mine were much the same. I could also feel Emerie's gaze on me, assessing, but I was grateful when she spoke, "Yes, a wine for me and for Gwyn please." The waiter passed each of us a flute of wine that I had no doubt was ridiculously expensive from the sweet smell it gave off as I placed it down in front of me.

From the other end of the table the harpist began to play again and the sweet music drifted around us as the toasts were made and the food was served… with chocolate cake for dessert.

We finished the meal and watched as the sun disappeared beyond the horizon, bringing out the twinkling stars, ready for people to dance under. A string quartet replaced the harpist, playing upbeat songs and it wasn't long before more guests joined the party and Morrigan was swept into the dancing crowd. A High Fae female took Emerie into the crowd with her, where Nesta and Cassian already danced, along with my High Lord and High Lady. I glanced over to a nearby bench, where Azriel was sitting, baby Nyx tucked up in his arms.

"Babysitting duty?" I asked as I walked over to the Shadowsinger. His shadows curled around the baby and his blanket, keeping watch over him as he slept.

"I'm not really a dancer," He replied to me with a small smile. He signalled to the seat beside him and I sat next to him.

"But you do sing," I replied and he looked out at the crowd, as if he too remembered our conversation on the Solstice night.

"As do you, beautifully I hear," Azriel said softly.

My cheeks reddened and I turned to glance at the crowd too, "It's been a wonderful day."

"It has," Azriel nodded. "You don't fancy joining the dancers?"

"I suppose I'm not really a dancer either," I shrugged, "I've not really ever had the opportunity."

"Never?"

"It's not really something we tend to do in the temples or in the library," I laughed softly and touched the rose pendant at my collarbone.

"A beautiful necklace." He was quiet for a moment, "It suits you."

"I'm not sure who it's from, it was left in the library for me on Solstice," I replied. "Truthfully, I'm not really sure what I've done to deserve it."

His eyes softened at that and he opened his mouth before closing it again.

The two half-wraiths, Nuala and Cerridwen, appeared in front of us. "The High Lady has asked that we put Nyx to bed."

"Of course," Azriel held out the baby and Cerridwen took him carefully before they both walked back towards the house. Azriel stood up and brushed down his black tunic. "I suppose I no longer have an excuse."

"Sorry?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Not to dance," He explained, "Although if you've never danced then I suppose you'd better join me." He moved to hold out a hand but then hesitated, as if not sure.

"Well if I don't then Nesta might never forgive me," I got to my feet and held out my hand this time. His scarred hand moved to mine and then he took it, a small smile on his lips, and led me into the crowd.

My heart thundered in my chest as we wove in and out of the dancers until we were almost in the middle. I could see Emerie dancing with the High Fae female I didn't recognise, Morrigan danced around with other females. Amren danced with Prince Varian. The High Lord and High Lady danced together. Cassian and Nesta danced together, lost in each other. Even Elain danced with some fae I did not recognise, Lucien Vanserra watching her from the other side of the dancefloor.

And then there was the Shadowsinger, stood in front of me. He led me in some gentle steps, this way and that. And then some careful spins.

"Mor says dancing is its own battle," He said to me as the pace of the music quickened. "The footwork is pretty similar."

"I suppose it is, just without the counting," I replied as he spun me again.

"And without the weapons."

A sly smile crept into my lips as I fanned out the skirt of my dress as I spun, revealing the dagger that was strapped to my leg, "I'm afraid I've broken that little tradition."

A smile slipped onto his lips and his eyes lit up, "As have I." He tapped the sheath at his hip which I knew held his own dagger, truth-teller and I laughed softly as he spun me, earning a soft laugh from him too. I didn't miss how his shadows twisted around me, additional dance partners on the petal-covered dance-floor.

The music turned slower then, moving from upbeat into a waltz. Azriel paused and I figured that the dance was over as I watched a few couples retire to the benches nearby with drinks. I moved to join them but the Shadowsinger took my hand, only gently, giving me the option if I chose to go.

I turned back to face him with a raised eyebrow, "So you can waltz now?"

"It's easier," He shrugged, "You only have to be able to count to three." He grinned and placed one hand on the small of my back, before taking my other hand in his. His skin felt rough, but his touch was gentle. I glanced next to me at where Nesta danced with Cassian and I copied her posture as best as I could- my other hand where Azriel's upper-arm joined his shoulder. And then we moved.

It was almost as if we were floating and for a moment I had to check that Azriel's wings were still tucked behind him and that we were on the ground. We moved flawlessly and I found myself wondering how and why he'd learnt to dance like this. The previous dancing hadn't been clumsy but it hadn't been smooth either, whereas this… it was as if he was completely lost in the music, lost in the rhythm.

"You're not counting," I commented and he glanced down at me with a smile.

"I didn't say I still needed to count to three."

"How did you learn to waltz?"

"Mor taught us all," He replied. "It's useful for parties at the Hewn City."

"I can't imagine that the music is as lovely though."

Azriel's face darkened, humour gone, "No… no it's not."

"I find that it's not all in the instruments and the acoustics, but in the atmosphere too," I said. His eyes softened again and he gave a gentle nod in agreement before slowly turning me again.

The music changed again after that as dance partners scattered to grab drinks and the canapes that were being sent around by the waiters in walked over to Azriel, a drink in each hand and handed him one of the glasses of amber-coloured liquid.

"I'll see you later," I excused myself and headed to grab my own drink.

I found Elain on route and she smiled at me. "Are you having fun?"

"It's lovely," I told her and I meant it. I was glad I'd ventured out of the library.

"It is," She nodded, "Rhys has done a great…" The end of her sentence trailed off as her eyes drifted to the necklace resting on my collarbone. "Where did you get that necklace?"

"A friend left it in the library for me on the Winter Solstice."

"A friend?" She raised an eyebrow.

"I don't know who left it," I admitted.

"I don't believe it," Her voice was cold and it caught me off-guard. I'd never heard the High Lady's sister like this before. Nesta, yes, but Elain… no. "I return the gift and then he just passes it onto you without a second thought."

I blinked, "Elain, I have no idea-"

"Azriel," She told me, meeting my eyes, her face a mixture of disbelief and annoyance. "That's who its from." And she walked away from me. I watched as she walked over to Azriel and Cassian, said something and then stalked off. The Shadowsinger and General looked my way but Azriel hurried after Elain, thankfully without Elain's mate seeing. Cassian, on the other hand, walked over to me with Mor close behind, having seen some of the exchange.

"Are you alright?" He asked.

I carefully took off the necklace and handed it to him, "Please give this back to Azriel and if it's not too much trouble, I'd like to go back to the library now."