Chapter 581
Lucien had spent the afternoon with Eris. It was not something he had expected to do, and it was not something he had expected to ever enjoy, but he had. After his discussion earlier with Vassa, Lucien had walked though the palace until he came to what he supposed was the Day Court's version of a training ring. It was not as chaotic or busy as the one he had been used to while growing up in the Autumn Court, and he was almost sure that nobody had died here after some kind of training "accident".
He had found Eris exercising alone and his brother had invited him to engage in a little light sparring. This had led to conversation, and Lucien had told his brother about his conversation with Vassa. He had also let Eris know what Elain had told him about the mortal queen's supposed interest in remaining in the Day Court. Lucien had not been surprised that Eris had seemed unsurprised by the news, and he well recognised the light sneer that had worked its way onto his brother's face. Eris had clearly not forgotten about Vassa's impact upon Nera.
The two of them had spent quite a while discussing the mortal woman, and sparring with one another. Lucien did not remember the last time he had worked so hard, or sweated quite so much. He suspected that it had in fact probably been before he had left his father's Court that first time. His brothers had always made him work hard to avoid some kind of injury or other. Now, Eris was doing the same thing, but Lucien knew that this was for his own distraction and benefit. By the time they had put their weapons away, Lucien was exhausted and sweaty and in need of a good bath. He knew that he would feel better after a long hot soak, and he would certainly not be going to dinner lately without it. He also had no intention of thinking about Vassa at all for the rest of the day.
When he had returned to his room, Lucien walked through the door to see Elain sitting on the couch. He stopped, hand still on the door as he blinked, meeting her dark eyes. "What are you doing?" he asked, having expected her to be in the garden with her nose in a book or her hands in the dirt. He had not expected to find her watching the door avidly. "Were you waiting for me?"
"I don't know…" She said, rolling her shoulders, and Lucien raised an eyebrow, "I… just didn't trust the door to remain unwatched."
"Why?" Lucien closed the door and flicked the lock.
"When I returned after coming back from the city, I found Vassa at the door."
"What?" Lucien moved toward his mate, frowning.
"She claimed that she was to meet you here." Elain murmured, and Lucien reached a hand out to her, taking his mate's hand in his. "She said you were going to show her the garden."
"Well, that is untrue." He said, "I would never bring her here."
"I know." Elain nodded, her dark gaze on him. "She tried to talk her way in… she got as far as the couch before I made her go…"
Lucien was shaking his head, his heart pounding as heat washed though him. He knew that he was rising to some dangerous edge, and he tried to force himself to draw slow and deep breaths as he fought with himself to calm down. "The fact that she was even in here…" he growled, closing his eyes as he breathed more deeply.
"I know." Elain replied, "I don't like it either."