Chapter 233

Elain found Viviane in the Eisblume garden the next morning after she and Lucien had returned to the palace. The Lady of the Winter Court smiled brightly at her as she approached and Elain returned the smile easily. She pulled her cloak a little tighter around her shoulders, adjusting it so that her hands were tucked warmly inside as she came to stand beside the blonde female.

"Did you enjoy your evening?" Viviane asked, her voice warm and pleasant in the chill air.

"We did, thank you." Elain looked at the gorgeous Eisblume flowers, before turning to look at Viviane again, "That place was perfect."

"Yes…" Viviane smiled, "I thought that was something like what you were after…"

"That was exactly what I was after." She felt herself blush, knowing that her friend had been all too aware of what she and Lucien had wanted to do. There was no doubt about that considering the kind of place that glass igloo had been. Isolated, private… little more than a bed. Viviane smiled again.

"Kal and I sometimes sneak away for a night in one of those igloos." She said, "When we can spare the time or need a break from everything."

"I hope that isn't too rare." Elain replied, and her friend gave a small shrug.

"We make do."

They stood in silence for a few minutes until Nesta came wandering toward them through the garden. Elain held a hand out to her sister who took it in one of her own. "These flowers are stunning." Nesta said, her eyes on Viviane. "I have never seen their like."

"Nor would you, I expect." The Lady of the Winter Court said, her voice tinged with pride. "They are truly unique."

"Yes…" Nesta's eyes shifted to Elain, "I do understand why you wanted to see all of the Courts and collect flowers for your book."

"You've seen a few Courts now." Elain replied, "You should go to the one ones you haven't been to."

"I think I will do just that." Nesta said, her tone thoughtful. "… are you ready to leave?"

"Yes." Elain smiled at her and then Viviane, "Lucien was bringing our bags down after he was done speaking with Kallias."

"I got the sleigh ready." Viviane told them gently, "To take you to where you can Winnow from."

"Thank you." Elain took one of Viviane's hands, "It has been lovely to see you again, and please come and visit when you have the chance."

"Of course." Viviane patted Elain's hand, "It will not be long before we see one another again, I believe." Elain nodded, hoping that were true. She very much liked the Lady of the Winter Court, and she was glad that Viviane had become one of the first actual friends she had made in her new life.

"I do hope so."

Lucien walked carefully down the stairs of Kallias' palace, his own pack and Elain's over his shoulders. He had finished speaking with the High Lord not long ago, and so was not expecting to see the blonde waiting for him halfway down the staircase into the main entrance. Kallias stood with his back to the wall, one knee bent over the other almost nonchalantly. Upon noticing Lucien heading his way, Kallias stood straight and smiled, uncrossing his arms.

"You're all packed?"

"We did it earlier this morning, I only needed to go and collect our things." He watched as Kallias nodded and bit his lower lip, evidently wanting to say something. Lucien had no idea what it could be, so he remained silent, taking one slow step down the stairs after the other. After several moments, the High Lord cleared his throat as if about to speak and Lucien just waited.

"Ah… so, you are Helion's heir."

"Yes…" Lucien resisted raising an eyebrow. Kallias had been there when he'd been publicly claimed. This should not be new or exciting news for him.

"I… I suppose I just wanted to say that I know that will be hard." Kallias ran a hand through his white blonde hair, and down the back of his neck. "Probably more so because it is likely something you never even considered having to do."

"As Beron's seventh son?" Lucien asked mildly, "I never thought for a moment."

"Yes…" Kallias glanced at him, and Lucien gave him a smile. "I just wanted to make the offer that if you ever need to vent…"

Actually taken aback by that, Lucien smiled more widely. "I thank you. Really." He said, and meant it. He doubted he would have ever asked Rhys to talk in that way, and probably not Eris. It would entirely depend on Tamlin's mood and where their friendship stood if he would have gone to the Spring Court for help, and so this offer from the High Lord of the Winter Court did actually mean something.

"You're welcome." Kallias stepped with Lucien outside and they found their mates along with Nesta waiting for them in the midday snow. "If you leave now you should be able to reach the Night Court by lunch…"

"True…" Lucien set about putting his and Elain's packs in the waiting sleigh while his mate said her goodbye's to the High Lord. He then turned to Viviane who stepped closer and wrapped her arms around him.

"You are welcome at any time, friend." She said, and Lucien thought his heart might burst. He had known that these faeries were his friends from long ago, but he hadn't realised how much. Perhaps during the time with Amarantha they had been so caught up in what was happening to their Court and what that evil bitch had been doing that they hadn't had much space for anything else. Now, they were free to put time and energy into other things like friendships, and it truly touched him.

"Thank you. The same holds true for you in the Day Court."

When Viviane released him, he stepped up into the carriage and offered his hand to Elain to assist her up beside him. He then did the same for Nesta and was a little surprised when she accepted his help. Before very long, they were gliding once more through the snow to the border where it would be easier for him to Winnow them toward the Night Court.