Chapter 324

After the complaints and requests had been heard, the Courtiers continued on their walk, and Elain noticed how nearly everyone they passed on the streets gave a friendly wave or called out to them. This was something that was clearly a good sign about the Day Court. The people here were happy with their High Lord and those who were a part of his Court. They were comfortable with those in ruling positions and that spoke more highly about the place than anything else. She hoped that when Lucien became High Lord that things continued in this manner, that they would be happy with him. She didn't see any reason why they wouldn't be as she knew that he would likely continue any traditions like this. She smiled as she thought about that. Elain wouldn't have been surprised if Lucien would want to come out here himself to talk to the folk of the city. He was so very good at talking to people.

"How long have you done this for?" Elain asked Noor who was walking beside her.

"Oh, it's been done since before I was a youngling." Noor replied, tucking her copper hair back behind one pointed ear. "Someone once told me that it was something Helion came up with before he was High Lord. Apparently his father was struggling with fewer and fewer folk of the city coming to him in the throne room with their issues, and Helion decided to bring his Courtiers out into the city with him to go to them. When he became High Lord it just sort of continued, even though they have no problem going to him up in the palace as well."

"That doesn't surprise me." Elain said, smiling at Noor. The redhead smiled back at her, pride clear across her delicate face.

"The High Lord is …" Noor broke off, making a vague gesture with her hands. "He… I… I just wouldn't want to live anywhere else."

"That seems to be what so many think of him and this Court." Elain said, nodding as she thought about the way that everyone seemed to react to Helion. She knew that it was something Lucien had noticed and thought a lot about, and she knew that her mate desperately wanted that for himself as he was convinced that nobody would think he could step into Helion's shoes. "This is a truly lovely place."

"Is that why you decided to stay?"

"Oh, no." Elain said, "Well, it wasn't the main reason. Lucien has loved getting to know his father and this part of his life he had never known about."

"Of course." Noor nodded, and gave her a shy smile, "I think we have been so lucky that the High Lord's heir is someone who has had Court training and knows how to do many of the things he will be required to do. Can you imagine if it had been someone who knew nothing about this life?"

"Indeed." Elain nodded. "There would have been quite a lot of learning."

"We are lucky is was Lucien."

"He would love to hear that you think that." Elain said, knowing that it would probably make Lucien's day to hear that someone thought he was a good choice.

"What's it like to be mated?" Noor asked, and Elain nearly tripped on her own feet in surprise. "I mean, if you don't mind talking about it…"

"I don't mind." Elain said, feeling herself blush just a little. She hoped that Noor wouldn't notice. "It… it's the most wonderful thing…" she bit her lip, trying to think of a better way to explain it. "Once I had accepted it, and come to love Lucien, it was the most comforting thing. The mating bond is so fantastic. It allows you to feel even more close to your mate, feel what they feel and it strengthens everything."

"That does sound delightful." Noor replied, a note of awe in her voice.

"It is…" Elain came to a sudden stop then, listening as hard as she could while her heart pounded in her chest.

"What is the matter?" Noor asked, coming to a stop and turning to look at Elain.

Elain struggled to remain where she was, her mind racing and her heart continued to thunder. "I… I cannot hear Lucien's heartbeat."