Chapter 494

Confusion and curiosity warred within Elain. She knew that it wasn't only her own emotions that she was feeling, and she knew that a fair bit of it was coming from Lucien, but some of it did belong to her, and she watched Nesta carefully, trying to work out literally anything in regard to where her sister sat with Cassian. When they had been in the pool alone, Nesta had said that she was going to stay, and that she knew Cassian might not. That didn't tell Elain the actual specifics of their relationship, however. She knew that, really, when it came down to it, the specifics weren't really her business, or anyone's business, but Elain wanted her sister to be happy. If she knew more, perhaps there would be something that she or Lucien, or even Helion, might be able to do to help them.

She might ask her sister later, she figured, but she supposed that she would likely get the most open response from Nesta once the others had returned to the Night Court. When Nesta relaxed into being here, began to have the space to breathe and be herself, then she might be more willing to discuss Cassian. Leaning back into Lucien, Elain redirected her attention to the discussion happening around her.

"This big celebration I have heard about…" Nuan was saying, "Where you intend to invite members of all the Courts…"

"Yes…?" Lucien asked, his hand still striking Elain's waist as he held her.

"When are you holding it?"

"It has not been decided." Lucien told her, "The idea is quite young…"

"Really?" Nuan raised an eyebrow, and Elain saw the pretty female glance around the room. "I have heard several members of the Court mention it since I've been here…"

Elain looked at her mate who looked back at her. They had only really voice interest in the idea to Helion once, and she knew that neither of them understood how it had spread so quickly. "Court life." Lucien muttered after a moment, and Elain smiled. She knew how gossip worked, but she was still getting used to just how quickly news seemed to spread in the Day Court. That was likely something to do with having such an approachable and open High Lord, not that Helion allowed insidious gossip to spread unchecked. Elain remembered exactly how he had shut down initial talk about Ashk in the Court, and she was thankful for that.

"It is a good idea…" Nuan went on. "Bringing them all here for something positive in seeing how the Day Court ahs settled and developed after the war and with a new Heir… and of course to further develop those trade routes…"

Elain felt Lucien nod in agreement, and she watched Nuan silently. The idea hadn't been at all about the trade routes, or anything else the other female had said. It had been entirely so that she could test her jealousy in proximity to Vassa, and that thought kind of made her feel silly and infantile. Apart from Feyre and Nesta everyone around her was centuries old. Elain always forgot that, but she was reminded of it now. They had all seen so much more than she had, had learned so much more than she had, and were undoubtedly smarter and wiser. It was no wonder they all thought that there were all these clever ideas behind her silly suggestion; ideas she had never even considered. Something twisted in her stomach, and she felt a little out of place. Lucien's arm tightened around her waist and he pressed a kiss to her shoulder. "Petal?" he asked, and she just shook her head. She wasn't going to let them all know the thoughts that had just run through her mind. There was no way she was going to highlight that inadequacy in front of all of them.