Chapter 539

Sheera had set the flowers and vases on a low table, and Elain picked up a long-stemmed red flower she didn't recognise. "These are lovely."

"They do sell well." Sheera replied, adding a box of ribbons to the table. Around the edge, Nera moved, looking at the floral selection and then the sign by the main counter advertising the fact that the bouquets were put together by Elain.

"Do you sell more because the Heir's Mate arranged the flowers?"

"Well, that is a part of it." Sheera replied, "Everybody knows who Elain is because of that. But, since coming to the Day Court she has also developed her own reputation, and the inhabitants of the City admire her. That is why everyone wants a bouquet she has designed."

"One's own reputation can be crafted as chosen." Elain said, and Nera tilted her head.

"You built yours out of bravery in defending the Court and caring for those who live here?"

"And in being a willing participant in society and around the city." Sheera put in. "That is a trait that the High Lord himself displays and a part of why he is beloved. Some of the Courtiers did not do this until Elain has encouraged it through her own actions."

Elain could just about see Nera's mind working as she, no doubt, pictured how she might do something similar in the Autumn Court. Nera would likely have no trouble in gaining the trust and admiration of the people in the surrounding communities as she had come from those very communities. Nera would know what they needed and be able to best help them from her new position and having Eris' ear. Did she know the power she possessed? Elain didn't think that Nera truly realised the position she was in and the opportunity she would have to do things she wished. She would, soon enough.

"This is a lovely shop."

Elain's spine stiffened at the sound of Vassa's voice. The redheaded mortal queen had entered the shop and had walked through the greenery to where the three of them stood. Elain had not realised that it had been so close to sunset, and she glanced toward the street, surprised to see that it was darker than anticipated. It irritated her that Vassa had found them after her transformation.

"Thank you." Sheera said, "Were you after anything in particular?"

"Queen Vassa is with us." Elain told Sheera, her voice calmer than she felt. "She is a part of the tour around the city."

"Queen Vassa…" Sheera echoed. "Welcome."

"Just lovely." Vassa's gaze swept the table, and what Elain was doing, and then moved to the sign Nera had looked at earlier. The smile was sharp. "You do like playing with flowers, don't you?" She asked, looking back to Elain, "I recall your father telling me that you were always digging in dirt and gardens."

Glad that Nesta had not come with them, as her sister would not have taken kindly to Vassa's mention of their father, Elain forced herself to appear serene and peaceful as she smiled at the redhead. "I have always found gardening peaceful." She replied, and Vassa lifted one brow.

"I can't say that I know what you mean. I don't think I've ever done… gardening."

"You should try it." Elain replied, "You might enjoy the experience." She did not miss the slight from from Sheera and the confused look in her friend's eyes as they flicked back and forth between herself and Vassa. The bell tinkled at the door again and this time Tamlin appeared.

"I thought you'd like to know," he began, "Lucien moved the others up the street to watch the sunset from the park."

"Thank you." Elain said, sorry that she had caused such delay. She looked back to Vassa who was still watching her with a sharp smile. It was clear the Queen had not only come here to unite with the others for the future; that was a plain as Day.