Chapter 541

The group chattered softly as they made their way through the streets of the Day Court and into the large library that sat atop a steep hill. Elain half hoped that they would be greeted with refreshments when they arrived as the walk up the steep street had really taken a bit of effort and she was hot. She heard the soft murmurs of appreciation from those around her as they took in the beautiful lights illuminating the grand building, and she saw Lucien smile softly to himself, obviously also having caught the admiration from their guests. He was pleased with himself for having thought to do this after the sun had set, and Elain could not blame him. If the High Lords were impressed with this, they would greatly enjoy the view from the top even more.

"I think my libraries could use some redecoration." Rhys commented as the group began to climb the large marble staircase that wound up inside the building.

"I think we're all having similar thoughts." Kallias replied, and Rhys grinned at him.

"I didn't know you cared so much about my libraries." The High Lord of the Night Court purred, and Kallias rolled his eyes.

"Do you think," Nera asked Eris softly enough that they would not be overheard, although Elain was close enough to the couple to make out the words, "that we could build something like this at home?"

"A library?" Eris asked, his eyes sweeping the huge staircase.

"Yes, and accessible to everyone like this is…"

"We have some in the House." Eris said, "I can give you access…" he paused and Elain saw his expression change as he looked at Nera, "That was not the point, though, was it?"

"No." Nera shook her head and Eris nodded a moment later.

"I take your meaning." He ran a hand through his red hair, "A library accessible to any citizen of the Autumn Court…"

"Yes…" Nera was looking at him carefully.

"I believe this is something that we can do…" Eris smiled at Nera, his own smile brightening when she smiled back at him. "It should prove even more manageable with the opening of our Trade Routes…"

"Books from all of the Courts?" Nera asked and he nodded again.

"Yes…" He glanced around them then, his amber eyes finding Elain watching them, and she smiled by way of apology of listening to their conversation. "Elain's book would be most prized."

"You do have a copy." She reminded him, and he gave a soft laugh.

"That," he told her, "is in my private library as a signed copy of my brother's mate's work."

"Perhaps I can have more sent to the Autumn Court." She said, pleased by the fact that her book was in his own library.

"Thank you."

Elain smiled again and moved toward Lucien as they reached the top of the library and her Mate pushed open the large double doors that led them out onto a huge marble balcony that overlooked the city. She had seen the view before; Lucien had brought her here after he had discovered it on his own, but she still could not look away.

The city sprawled beneath them, busy despite the late hour. The faeries down there had no cause to head home, however. The Day Court was lit by so many faelights and enchanted lampposts that the city glowed like it was still daylight down there. Golden and splendid life moved on beneath them, nobody hurrying home as shadows chased them. It was resplendent, and gasps went up around them as everyone else moved to the balcony's edge and gazed below.