Chapter 521

"So, your sister wants to come and see the Winter Court."

"She did tell me as much." Elain turned her head to see Viviane approach and sit down with her. She had been enjoying the peace of the couch in front of one of the fireplaces while the rest of the Day Court and their guests mingled about with one another, but she didn't so much mind Viviane being the one to come and join her. Elain liked the other female quite a bit.

"I have to say, I wasn't all that surprised." Viviane sat gracefully on a nearby cushion. "Actually, I am surprised that she has not come prior to now."

"I suppose she needed time to sort out what it is she wanted." Elain replied, thinking about the way in which Nesta had struggled with what had been done to them, and then their father, and then having to settle into the strange new life into which they had been thrust.

"Word is that's Cassian." Viviane was grinning and Elain glanced around them, hoping that Nesta was not within earshot of their conversation.

"And whose words are those?" She asked, not denying it all the same.

"The Autumn Court and the Winter Court share a border…" Viviane seemed to think that this was all the explanation she needed to give by way of answer, but Elain just blinked.

"What does that mean?"

"We hear things across this border…"

"You have spies in the Autumn Court?" Elain raised an eyebrow. She hadn't really thought much about Kalias and Viviane having spies. Spies and secrecy seemed to go hand in hand with a Court like the Night Court, but she couldn't really imagine the Winter Court version of Azriel.

"Everyone has spies everywhere, Elain."

Wondering if that were true, Elain couldn't help a glance across the room at Helion. He looked so attentive, sitting beside Ashk on another couch, a hand resting on her arm as they listened to some faerie Elain did not recognise. "Do they?" She murmured, and Vivian made a small noise by way of confirmation. "Even Helion?"

"Absolutely."

"Ah." Elain supposed that she had to have known that, and she wondered for a moment how Lucien was going to handle such things when he eventually became the High Lord. "So… your spies in the Autumn Court…" She blinked and looked back to Viviane. They must have seen what had gone on at the Mabon celebration between Nesta and Cassian. "They thought that it was worth you knowing who my sister has decided to sleep with?"

"I suppose they thought that it was knowledge that was worth something."

"Isn't all knowledge worth something?" Elain asked and Viviane smiled at her.

"Some more than others."

"And what was that piece of information worth?"

"Nothing too flashy." Viviane admitted, "But it might prove useful in future. Say, when Nesta comes to visit our Court, for instance."

"How so?" Elain wasn't seeing the connection.

"Oh, just a little insight into what drives her, and what she might be looking for." Viviane was watching Elain who shook her head. Nesta wouldn't be looking for Cassian in the Winter Court. "It will help to understand her…"

"She wont be looking for lovers…"

"No." Vivian crossed one elegant leg over the other. "Which means she will be looking for something else."

"She will be looking for a place that resonates with her." Elain said softly, "A place she can belong."

"Yes…" Viviane looked thoughtful and Elain just allowed the two of them to sit in silence for several moments. "I rather think Nesta might find such a place in the Winter Court."

"As do I."