Chapter 520

Three of the Courts had arrived that afternoon, and the rest of the guests would be arriving tomorrow. Lucien was actually rather thankful for that as it had allowed him to increase the amount of attention he gave to those who had arrived already. Helion had made it clear that Lucien was their host and that it would be Lucien seeing to their wants and needs. So far nobody had requested anything particular from him, but he hadn't expected that from Kalias and Viviane, Thesan, or Tamlin. They were mainly happy to mingle politely with the others and did not require much pomp or ceremony to feel they had been properly welcomed.

It had seemed a little ridiculous when Tamlin had arrived, as he had only returned to the Spring Court recently. He had come back, nevertheless, with only a couple of members of his Court, nobody that Lucien knew well, and Lucien had heard from the murmurs of those nearby that most hadn't even been aware that the blonde High Lord had even left the Day Court at all. Wondering at the size of Tamlin's party, Lucien began to ponder on a trip to the Spring Court when this was all over. Perhaps he would be able to find out what was going on there that continued to keep Tamlin's Court so empty. He didn't think his old friend would be too keen on open help, as he hadn't been all that receptive to the discussion not long ago, but Lucien knew the Court inside out, knew many who might still be there, and he figured that he would be able to sort some things out without Tamlin even being aware of it. Pausing at that though, Lucien wondered if he was even able to do such a thing. He wasn't just Lucien now; he was the Heir to the Day Court, and whatever he meddled in would reflect on the Day Court. If he was to do something like that and be found out, it would be more than a personal betrayal. It could start war.

"Tell me it is not just us." Kalias' voice surprised Lucien and he turned away from where he had been standing in front of the fireplace.

"Just you? He asked, smiling at the other male.

"Coming to this thing you have organised."

"Oh, no." he shook his head as Elain approached them with Viviane, small goblets in their hands. "Not at all. The rest will arrive throughout the day tomorrow."

"How bizarre."

"I suppose they all wanted their fair share of ceremony as they arrive…" Lucien joked, but wondered if perhaps that wasn't true of some of the High Lords, "Or, perhaps they are just less keen to spend time with us than you are."

"Well, I can definitely vouch for the second option." Viviane said, taking a small sip from her goblet. "We always enjoy out time in the Day Court, and with you, of course."

"Do you enjoy the warmth?" Elain asked Viviane, "Or do you miss the cold of the Winter Court…?"

"Is it possible to answer with both?"

"I suppose so." Elain tilted her head.

"It is lovely to spend some time in the heat of other Courts… for a time." Viviane gave them a warm smile, "But it does tend to tire me out, and I long for home again."

"That makes sense." Lucien said, "I always found it exhausting moving from climate to climate when travelling between Courts." Especially when going to or from the extremes of the Winter Court. He'd found the go-between middle ground Courts like Spring and Autumn far easier.

"What is the plan for this evening, then?" Kalias asked after several moments.

"Just this," Lucien gestured around the room. "A chance for us all to catch up. Dinner will be as the sun sets… you may explore as you like…"

"I would like that." Viviane said, "I have heard so much about this Garden of Memory. I should like to see it."