Chapter 550

Eris didn't say a word when Elain knocked on his door. He simply looked at her, and then at Tisia. "I suppose I shall take a walk." He said, before slipping out the door past them and striding away up the hallway. Tisia raised an eyebrow at Elain and they both moved into the room.

"Hello…" Elain looked at Nera. The other female was curled on the bed, sitting against the headboard, a cushion cradled in her arms. She was looking more than a little uncomfortable, and kept glancing at the door as if waiting for Eris to walk back in.

"Where did he go?"

"Likely not far." Tisia replied, voice gentle. "We came to speak with you."

"Me?" Nera looked from one of them to the other, and Elain felt something stir within herself. Even though Nera was a lesser faerie, and had been practically a servant in the Autumn Court, she had seemed strong and confident. Now, she looked uncertain and shy. Elain understood feeling out of place, though.

"Yes. We heard that someone had been telling you falsities."

"Oh?" the cushion in Nera's lap was squeezed a little, "I've heard many things since being here."

"Yeah," Elain never liked the word games of Courts or the pretend dancing around the issues that she had observed, so she would just say what she intended. "Someone told you that you were not welcome here? Or, that you did not belong?"

"I…" Nera blushed.

"We want you to know that was rubbish." Elain blinked, watching Nera as she spoke. "Whoever said that, and we have an idea, was likely looking to cause trouble or friction."

"You do not speak for all of the Courts…" Nera's voice was uncertain.

"No," Elain agreed, "But this is the Day Court. My mate and I invited you here, and we would not have done so if you were not welcome."

"Besides," Tisia added, "Isn't Eris' opinion the one that matters?"

"I do not wish to bring shame to him." The cushion was squeezed again.

"He would not have brought you if that were the case." Elain replied, "He would not have announced to his entire Court that you are his…"

"It is different when we are at home." Nera replied, "He is the High Lord there, and everyone in the Palace knows me…"

"Nobody would have dared say something like that to you in the Autumn Court…" Elain murmured, and Nera nodded her agreement. "Because of what Eris did to the last male who crossed you?" she could still remember the smell of his charred flesh.

"I…" Nera tilted her head, "because he is he High Lord."

"And Helion is the High Lord here." Elain replied, "You have seen his Court, you have been here before. Not everybody in his Palace is High Fae. He regularly eats meals with those who are not High Fae… You are more than welcome here. Please," Elain smiled at her, moving closer slowly. "I would ask that you join us downstairs.

"Why?" Nera asked. "I'm sure nobody has even noticed I am not here."

"Eris has." Tisia put in. "He has never been comfortable at these things, but he has looked easier while you were beside him… and now he's alone again."

"Hm." Nera looked at her hands.

"Also," Elain added, "It would show anyone looking to see if they had bested you that they have no power and they will not be able to force you out with just a few sharp words."

"I do not care what they think." Nera said.

"Then show them that."