Chapter 515

Fiddling with the list in his hands, Lucien let out a long, slow, sigh. He and Elain had spent quite a while going over who they should invite. She had agreed with his idea of ten guests per Court, liking that it was a manageable number, and that the final responsibility would fall to each High Lord. They would then be less likely to offend anyone and commit any unforeseen political blunders in excluding someone they hadn't considered.

Lucien had asked Elain several times if she had been sure about asking Vassa to come to the Day Court. He had heard what Nesta had said, had heard it and thought properly about it long and hard. He knew that if Elain did lose herself to some kind of jealous rage and did something to Vassa that there would be trouble they had not even imagined. But he knew his mate. Elain was not that way inclined. There was nothing violent about her. Nothing violent within her. She felt the possessiveness of the bond, he knew that. But she would not kill anyone over it, he would stake his life on it. Elain would find other ways to react to that drive, would find other ways to stake her claim on him. Lucien also knew that he would do his best to make it clear to Vassa that he was a mated male, and that he belonged to Elain. He would do nothing that could be misconstrued as an invitation for any kind of attention from the mortal Queen. Not that he figured he ever had.

Elain had explained to him why she needed to test herself with Vassa, and Lucien had understood the ideas behind what she wanted. He knew that it was important for her to feel out the edges of this bond, as it was something they were to live with for the rest of their long lives, and he agreed that it would be necessary. They would need to take precautions, and he would make sure that he was continually on alert and ready for anything that may go wrong, but he had added Vassa's name to the list of invitations as Elain had requested.

"Is that the list?" Helion was seated on his throne, looking as casually elegant as ever, and Lucien nodded. He fiddled with the list again, unsure why he felt a sense of unease. When Helion got to his feet, his movements distinctly feline in grace, Lucien held the list out and allowed the older male to take it. Amber eyes swept the list, taking the names in and then the High Lord nodded. "It is as I expected."

"I suppose that's a good sign." The sense of unease hadn't disappeared, but it had lessened since Lucien had relinquished the list and he gave his father a smile.

"Indeed… I see you decided to include the mortal Queen."

"Elain's request."

"That's bizarre."

"Not the most bizarre thing I have ever seen…"

"I do not doubt that."

"We thought…" Lucien added, taking a small step toward the throne, "That we would leave the Day Court guest list to you."

"Did you?"

"You are the High Lord." Lucien said, "And we have given the same responsibility to the other High Lords, it does seem fair."

"This is your Court and you are the Host…"

"Yes…"

"Is the Day Court limited to ten guests?"

Lucien thought about that. "I do not think so." He replied after a moment, "We are hosting, after all. We will have more Courtiers here to entertain the different groups of guests, and we will need other members of the household to run things…"

"Very well." Helion agreed, "But, and I ask this as your father, not as the High Lord, I would appreciate a short list from you of those you would like included from the Court. Just so that I do not overlook anyone you wish present."

"I can do that." Lucien thought of Sheera and knew that Elain would no doubt want her friend there.

"Thank you."