Chapter 518

Standing beside Helion's throne, Lucien tried to relax. They were awaiting the arrival of several processions of the Courts and he found himself wishing that this, at least, would be less formal. Helion, Lucien figured, wasn't going to give up the chance for the display he always gave when sitting upon his throne looking marvellous and enjoying the fact that all eyes were on him. It was clear that The High Lord of the Day Court certainly enjoyed the effect he had on others when he so chose to display himself in such a fashion. He was definitely doing it now, sitting regally on his throne, white toga riding high on his thighs which were very much on display. When he had walked into the room, Lucien had taken one look at his father and tried hard to keep his lips sealed. He could see the Courtiers continually looking to Helion, looking at him, and he knew that the High Lord was doing it deliberately. Helion would certainly be a sight to behold for every visitor who walked through those grand doors.

Elain and Ashk stood nearby, down in the hall, not on the stairs, and Lucien slanted a glance their way. He wondered if Helion had worded Ashk up as to what he was about to do, and he wondered how his mother was taking having so many faeries eyeing the High Lord with such admiration. Ashk stood serenely, her face neutral, and Lucien supposed that she was rather practiced at keeping her opinions hidden in Throne Rooms such as this. Elain met Lucien's eyes, however, and he caught the flicker of amusement from his mate. Nesta stood beside her sister, watching the display on the Throne with what came close to disbelief. The expression on her face nearly made Lucien chuckle, and he averted his eyes quickly.

Looking around the Throne Room, Lucien felt a sense of satisfaction at the fact that many of the faces he saw were familiar now. It was in stark contrast to the first time he had walked in here with Elain and felt as he were being watched by a group of strangers. Now, he knew the names, knew the faces, and the way they looked at him was much more familiar and friendlier than in the past. It felt good, and he liked it. The clothing, however, he was still getting used to.

When the doors opened, Lucien resisted the urge to tug at the bottom of his own toga, wishing it were longer, and he made sure he stood straight, trying to look as if he might compare in some way to the High Lord sitting beside him. He didn't know why he bothered, everyone who was coming to the Day Court knew him anyway, but he felt as if it were the thing to do. He smiled when he recognised Kalias and Viviane at the head of their party, and part of him relaxed just a little, relieved that the first Court to arrive was one that he was the most comfortable with. He had known Viviane most of his life and he knew that he didn't have to pretend to be more impressive than he was.

"Welcome!" Helion said loudly as Kalias and Viviane approached the Throne.

"We thank you for the invitation." Kalias replied as he and Viviane came to a stop, standing together and looking up at Helion.

"You may thank my Son." Helion replied, and Lucien felt a jolt at the words. "This was his idea. Well, his and his mate's."

"How progressive of you." Viviane spoke up, "To acknowledge the ideas of his mate." She smiled across the room toward Elain and Helion chuckled.

"When has the Day Court not been progressive?"

"True enough." Viviane's smile returned to Helion.

That was something that Lucien has always enjoyed about the Day Court, even before he had known anything about Helion being his father. The Day Court and its libraries had always been a beacon of ideas and thinking among the Courts of Prythian. Education had been valued more than anywhere else he had been and he had always loved coming here for that. Those who lived in the Day Court enjoyed having discussions about ideas and were accepting of new thoughts and ways of doing things far more than he had been used to growing up in the Autumn Court where Beron had clung to the old traditions so strongly. Lucien was thankful that he had found his home here.