Chapter 575

"Do you plan to keep it?"

Elain turned at the sound of Nesta's voice and she watched her sister observing her. "The hair?" she asked, and her sister nodded, eyes moving over Elain's now vibrant ruby hair. "Perhaps." She said, twisting a lock around her finger as she looked at he herself. "For a while anyway. It's fun, don't you think?" She asked, "Much more vibrant than our usual colour."

Nesta reached out, taking a piece of Elain's hair in her own hand. "I like our usual colour…"

"So do I." Elain said, smiling at her sister, "But now, for a while, I can match Lucien…"

"Ah…" Nesta nodded, "Is that why?"

Shrugging, Elain tilted her head, "It's a bit exciting." She said, "Imagine all the new looks I could come up with dresses I already have…"

"Is that what you have to worry about?" Vassa's voice was almost scathing, and Elain saw Nesta's expression shut down as the mortal queen approached them. "Is that all the High Fae really do? Prance around all day worrying about their clothes and all their shallow concerns? The stories are true."

"We used to be mortal, too." Nesta said sharply, "As you well know."

"So, always been vapid then?" Vassa asked, and Elain resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Vassa stood, glass of water in her hand as she looked Elain and Nesta up and down. "Or did being made Fae bring that out?"

"You're one to talk." Nesta snapped, "Waltzing around this palace dressed like that and desperately hoping that you'll manage to turn the head of one of the High Lords." Vassa laughed at that and Elain had had enough. She took Nesta's elbow and turned her sister away. Getting the idea, Nesta moved with her and they both strode away from the redheaded queen. "How is that bitch still here?"

"She'll be gone soon enough." Elain replied.

"You know she still watches Lucien?"

"I know."

"Does he know?"

"He does." Elain tightened her grip on her sister's arm. "We spoke about it. He will not be clueless…" Slanting a glance at Nesta, Elain tilted her head a little, "Who else have you seen Vassa with her eye on?"

"Eris." Nesta said instantly, "Tarquin…"

"Well she's not going to have any luck with Eris." Elain chuckled, and Nesta nodded silently.

"Tough luck for her."

"If she doesn't get them, she will try elsewhere." Nesta said, "She'll aim for the top of the ladder, but she will move lower if it suits her goal."

"You seem fairly certain of that." Elain looked at Nesta and noted the entirely serious look on her sister's face.

"It makes sense."

"She wants Helion to try to break her curse…"

"Then if he can, the sooner he does that the better." Nesta murmured, "Then she can leave."

"I think Lucien was going to ask him about it this morning at their little meeting." Elain said, "The High Lords were going to discuss the next steps for the Trade Routes."

"Yes." Nesta said, "Rhys was going on about that before we left the Night Court."

"I was going to take a walk into the city with Viviane if you would like to come." Elain offered and Nesta nodded.

"I have heard a lot about these Day Court libraries…"

"I can show you my favourite one." Elain grinned at her sister. "It has a rather large section of romantic fiction which I am sure you will greatly enjoy."

"One of the most frequented sections, I'm sure."

"I'm sure Helion has frequented it, that's for certain." Elain waved a small greeting as Viviane approached them, looking ready for their walk.