Chapter 443

Finding Helion in the Throne Room, Elain headed directly for him. She knew that he had seen her, and had somehow read something in her face, because he had dismissed the faerie he was speaking to before she had even gotten there, and he greeted her with a smile.

"That's a purposeful walk, Elain." He said, "What is it that I can do for you?"

"I…" Elain hadn't realised that she had looked so formidable. "I will need some help…" She told him, "to clear the space for the trees…"

"Of course." He replied, nodding his head. "I have asked that anyone wishing to work on the garden see me after dinner this evening. They will be available to you first thing in the morning."

"Do you think many will wish to do so?" Elain hadn't thought that many of the Court would have been interested in gardening, but after Kera had come to her asking for something to do she was uncertain.

"From the talk I have heard," Helion nodded, "I think your Memory Garden has been very well received, and I would be surprised if you are short of hands ready to do the work."

"Oh…" Elain flushed with embarrassment and also a little pride. "I had not realised…" Even now, as she looked around the Throne Room, she could tell that eyes were on her. "They really like it?"

"I believe they do." Helion smiled again, laying a warm hand on her shoulder. "We will do what we can to have it all put together as soon as possible."

Returning her eyes to the High Lord, Elain smiled back at him. She could tell, in that moment and without having to turn around, that her mate had entered the Throne Room. She could hear his heartbeat in her head, clearer and louder than when he had been a distance from her, and she could hear the hushed whispering that quickly spread around the room. The Court's attention had been diverted, and Elain knew that they now watched Lucien walking across the room. When she turned, she knew that he had been aware of exactly the same thing. He looked pleased, if a little nervous, but the smile on his face was genuine, and warmth moved through her.

"How are we this afternoon?" Lucien asked, his eyes on Helion even as he bent to press a kiss to Elain's cheek. She wrapped her arm around his waist, leaning into his side as he straightened and she looked at Tamlin who stood a few paces away. The High Lord of Spring's eyes were sweeping the room, and she knew that he was taking in all the details of what remained of the horrible things that had happened in here. Not all of it was yet washed away, and there was enough that he would get the gist.

"We are well." Helion said, answering his son. "I was just letting Elain know that she will have her workforce by morning."

"Ah…" Lucien looked down at Elain, his gorgeous lips still curled in a smile. "And will I be required out there in the garden?"

"If you like…" She said, raising an eyebrow.

"I seem to remember you putting me to work in a garden… having me remove my shirt…working in the sun…"

"It was entirely your choice to remove the shirt…" Elain replied, rolling her eyes.

"Which I chose to do entirely for your benefit…" his smile had turned into a smirk, and Elain would have continued on with their banter if she had not noticed just how out of place and uncomfortable Tamlin looked. Helion, however, looked thoroughly amused, and like he would have been happy to stand there and listen to more all afternoon.

"Tamlin," Elain said, pressing her elbow into Lucien's side, "I am glad that you have come…"

"Yes," Helion picked up on that thread, "The Day Court thanks you."

Tamlin inclined his head, his green eyes shifting from Helion to Elain. "I am only too happy to be asked to assist with such an important project." His eyes slid around the Throne Room again, "What was done in this place has left…" he paused, "…something."

Elain knew what he meant. There was an echo here, a coldness, that she had been able to feel since walking into the room. She had heard before that violent actions often left an imprint or a scar on a place, and she hoped that it was something that would fade over time, or disappear altogether. "Would you like to see the garden?" She asked, eyes still on Tamlin.

"Yes," he said, smiling a little, "I would like that very much."

Following behind Elain as she led Tamlin through the Palace toward the space that was to become her Memory Garden, Lucien watched the back of his old friend's head. He still could not help being surprised by the manner in which Tamlin treated Elain. Most people were nice to her, he reminded himself, most people reacted to her gentleness with kindness of their own, but Lucien couldn't remember ever seeing Tamlin this polite. The blond hadn't even been this nice to Feyre when he had been in love with her. The thought brought a snarl to Lucien's lips, but he choked it back. It had been a while since the possessive jealousy had reared its head, but it was there. Watching how attentive Tamlin was being to everything Elain said to him had Lucien promising himself that he would be with Elain in that garden for every moment that Tamlin remained in this Court.