p class="MsoNormal"Aurora slipped out of the court session, her heart still pounding from the unnerving discussions that had taken place. As of late, it seemed that all Amarantha wanted to do was emphasize her brutal rule. With Tamlin's deal ending in less than a year, the Red Witch was much too confident that all of Prythian would fall to her rule. Though she hated to admit it to herself, Aurora was worried that the Queen's belief would also become a reality. With her victory in sight, tensions in her court sessions continued to grow. Discussions of who will bear the whip, clean the cells, and manage other unsavory tasks more pronounced than ever./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanThe flickering torches cast eerie shadows on the stone walls, and she quickened her pace, eager to escape the oppressive atmosphere. Though not much, the empty room that she calls home seemed a wonderful reprieve from the day's events. Aurora was so focused on getting to her rooms, that she did not notice the figure leaning casually against the deep stone walls, until it was too late./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Leaving so soon?" A smooth voice drawled, stopping her in her tracks./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanAurora turned to find Rhysand standing in the alcove, shrouded in the darkness at his control, his violet-blue eyes glinting with mischief and something darker. Aurora took a deep breath, trying to steady herself./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"What do you want, Rhysand?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanRhysand pushed off the wall and took a step closer, his gaze intense. "Why so hostile, golden one," he teased as directed his head towards the darkness leading deeper into the alcove. "A conversation, perhaps? Away from prying eyes."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanAurora's instincts told her to run, but she knew better than to show fear. She also knew better than to question the intentions of Amarantha's favorite. While she may not wholly trust him, he has shown the twins mixed intentions: sometimes teasing their future servitude towards him, and sometimes defending them from Amarantha's rage. Aurora's eyes hardened as she nodded slightly, and Rhysand led her deeper into the darkness. When they were sufficiently out of earshot of the main passage, he turned to face her./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"You have a way of attracting trouble, don't you?" he said, a hint of a smile playing at the corner of his lips./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanAurora's brows furrowed at his statement. Though it was widely known that the twins were often a favorite target of Amarantha, Aurora herself was viewed as the more calm and collected of the two sisters./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanAs if reading her mind, Rhysand sarcastically snapped his fingers. "Apologizes, that seems to be more your sister's forte."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanAurora felt her calm mask drop slightly at the mention of her sister. Though it was no secret that Mira was the more outspoken of the two, Aurora would not stand for a male who was sacrificing their kin to cast judgment./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I'm not the one who is playing politics with that vile queen," Aurora snapped at the high lord./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanRhysand's playful attitude disappeared at her words, his beautiful face turning as hard as the stone that surrounded them. "True," he stated with indifference, "but that's precisely why I'm here. We need to talk about Mira."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanAurora was further confused by Rhysand's redirection, and could not help the worry that arose in her stomach at the insinuation that Mira was falling into the immoral politics of the court. The conversation with Rhysand was causing her mind to whirl. "What about her?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanRhysand took a step closer, his violet eyes scanning the darkness, his voice dropping to a whisper. "There's a rebellion brewing. We've received word that some factions are planning an uprising against Amarantha. Your sister might be a target."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanAurora's eyes widened, and she felt a chill run down her spine. "Why would they target Mira?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Because she is seen as a symbol," Rhysand explained. "Amarantha has spent half a century goading high lords with false promises, forced couplings, and unspeakable horrors. Yet, you and your sister are the only true symbols that her manipulations have come to fruition." Rhysands gaze softened, ever so slightly as he looked at the princess of Dawn. "You are the firstborn, Aurora. As horrible as it is, Thesan will likely never have any other children… and there only needs to be one heir." Aurora blanched at his candor, yet he continued. "You have heard Amarantha herself threaten this, and others have noticed. If Mira was compromised, it would be a direct act of defiance against Amarantha's orders, as well as a way to further weaken her collection of 'pets', as they call us."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanAurora opened her mouth to deny his claims, deny the fact that she and Mira were Amarantha's pets. Rhysand held his hand up, as if sensing what she was going to say. "Despite our eminvolvement/em being different in the court, we are both seen as belonging to emher/em by the others. No pure, or tainted, bedsheet lessen her claim over us."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanAurora scoffed, unable to process Rhysand's argument. "That is ridiculous. Any move against Mira will be a move against the Dawn court. Thesan has remained neutral for centuries, he is not an enemy to the continent."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanRhysand's gaze softened, and for a moment the mask of arrogance fell away. "Aurora, no singular court trapped beneath this damned mountain would not sacrifice another for the chance at weakening Amarantha's power."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Is that why you," Aurora cut herself off, refusing to feel empathy for the male who she had seen shatter the minds of so many of her kin. "Why are you telling me this? Why should I trust you?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanRhysand looked down at Aurora, her blue-gray eyes reminding him so much of the fae that had followed him down beneath this damned mountain. Luciana's determined gaze appearing to be reflected in that of her oldest daughter. Rhysand felt a pang in his chest, knowing that he would have to tell his family about her, if he ever made it back./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Because, Aurora, we may have more in common than you think. We both want Amarantha gone, and we both want to protect those we care about. I have my reasons for being here, and they align with your interest more than you know."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanAurora studied him, searching for any hint of deceit. When she could find none, Aurora felt some of her hostility absolve. "And what do you want in return for this information?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Nothing," Rhysand responded, simply. "Consider it a gesture of goodwill. If we are going to survive this, we need to look out for each other."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"You have only ever looked out for yourself," Aurora snapped./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanRhysand tensed, understanding the role he had to play but hating how it affected someone who would have been a part of his court, had their lives been different. "I look out for my people. Your mother was one of mine, so by succession, you are too."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanAurora knew of her mothers ties to the night court, but did not know that there was a personal connection between herself and the high lord. Wary, but willing to consider the possibility, Aurora responded./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"What do I need to do?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanRhysand felt himself relax, ever so slightly, at the idea of having someone on his side, once again. "Keep a close watch on Mira," Rhysand instructed. "Don't let her out of your sight, especially during the night. If you notice anything suspicious, anything at all, come to me. We need to be prepared for whatever comes next."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanAurora could not help the feeling of unease at his instructions./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"What is it?" Rhysand questioned, seeing the look on her face, and – unbeknownst to Aurora- in her mind./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Mira has been… absent from our chambers, as of late. I do not know if I will be able to keep an eye on her."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanRhysand looked imploringly at Aurora, waiting for her to continue./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"In truth, I thought she was meeting with you," Aurora stated as she looked into the violet eyes that were weighing heavily upon her. Rhysand minutely shook his head, letting Aurora know that he was not with Mira. "I know not, what she has been doing to occupy her time."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Or who," Rhysand responded, with a far off look on his face as he began to think of the possibilities of who Mira would have aligned herself with./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"She would not endanger our court intentionally. You are out of line," Aurora defended her sister. However, she felt her resolve lessen as she looked at the urgency on his face./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"You are both young, still. She is learning the ways of the court. There is no intention of harm, yet it is a consequence, none the less."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanAurora felt the lump rise in her throat at his words. She knew that Mira had been acting unusual, but hearing it from another fae made the events so much worse./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I will see what I can find out. Thank you, for the warning," Aurora muttered as she backed away from Rhysand./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Good," his response was curt as his expression returned to the playful indifference that always seemed to mar his features. "Remember, golden one, that not everyone in the court is your enemy. Choose your allies wisely, and begin to make some. It is in emall/em of our best interests."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanWith that, he turned and walked away, leaving Aurora standing in the dimly lit corridor, her thoughts a whirlwind of fear and determination. She had a sister to find. Whether she liked it or not, Rhysand was now one of her allies./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanThe flickering torches cast eerie shadows on the stone walls, and she quickened her pace, eager to escape the oppressive atmosphere. Though not much, the empty room that she calls home seemed a wonderful reprieve from the day's events. Aurora was so focused on getting to her rooms, that she did not notice the figure leaning casually against the deep stone walls, until it was too late./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Leaving so soon?" A smooth voice drawled, stopping her in her tracks./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanAurora turned to find Rhysand standing in the alcove, shrouded in the darkness at his control, his violet-blue eyes glinting with mischief and something darker. Aurora took a deep breath, trying to steady herself./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"What do you want, Rhysand?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanRhysand pushed off the wall and took a step closer, his gaze intense. "Why so hostile, golden one," he teased as directed his head towards the darkness leading deeper into the alcove. "A conversation, perhaps? Away from prying eyes."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanAurora's instincts told her to run, but she knew better than to show fear. She also knew better than to question the intentions of Amarantha's favorite. While she may not wholly trust him, he has shown the twins mixed intentions: sometimes teasing their future servitude towards him, and sometimes defending them from Amarantha's rage. Aurora's eyes hardened as she nodded slightly, and Rhysand led her deeper into the darkness. When they were sufficiently out of earshot of the main passage, he turned to face her./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"You have a way of attracting trouble, don't you?" he said, a hint of a smile playing at the corner of his lips./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanAurora's brows furrowed at his statement. Though it was widely known that the twins were often a favorite target of Amarantha, Aurora herself was viewed as the more calm and collected of the two sisters./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanAs if reading her mind, Rhysand sarcastically snapped his fingers. "Apologizes, that seems to be more your sister's forte."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanAurora felt her calm mask drop slightly at the mention of her sister. Though it was no secret that Mira was the more outspoken of the two, Aurora would not stand for a male who was sacrificing their kin to cast judgment./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I'm not the one who is playing politics with that vile queen," Aurora snapped at the high lord./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanRhysand's playful attitude disappeared at her words, his beautiful face turning as hard as the stone that surrounded them. "True," he stated with indifference, "but that's precisely why I'm here. We need to talk about Mira."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanAurora was further confused by Rhysand's redirection, and could not help the worry that arose in her stomach at the insinuation that Mira was falling into the immoral politics of the court. The conversation with Rhysand was causing her mind to whirl. "What about her?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanRhysand took a step closer, his violet eyes scanning the darkness, his voice dropping to a whisper. "There's a rebellion brewing. We've received word that some factions are planning an uprising against Amarantha. Your sister might be a target."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanAurora's eyes widened, and she felt a chill run down her spine. "Why would they target Mira?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Because she is seen as a symbol," Rhysand explained. "Amarantha has spent half a century goading high lords with false promises, forced couplings, and unspeakable horrors. Yet, you and your sister are the only true symbols that her manipulations have come to fruition." Rhysands gaze softened, ever so slightly as he looked at the princess of Dawn. "You are the firstborn, Aurora. As horrible as it is, Thesan will likely never have any other children… and there only needs to be one heir." Aurora blanched at his candor, yet he continued. "You have heard Amarantha herself threaten this, and others have noticed. If Mira was compromised, it would be a direct act of defiance against Amarantha's orders, as well as a way to further weaken her collection of 'pets', as they call us."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanAurora opened her mouth to deny his claims, deny the fact that she and Mira were Amarantha's pets. Rhysand held his hand up, as if sensing what she was going to say. "Despite our eminvolvement/em being different in the court, we are both seen as belonging to emher/em by the others. No pure, or tainted, bedsheet lessen her claim over us."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanAurora scoffed, unable to process Rhysand's argument. "That is ridiculous. Any move against Mira will be a move against the Dawn court. Thesan has remained neutral for centuries, he is not an enemy to the continent."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanRhysand's gaze softened, and for a moment the mask of arrogance fell away. "Aurora, no singular court trapped beneath this damned mountain would not sacrifice another for the chance at weakening Amarantha's power."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Is that why you," Aurora cut herself off, refusing to feel empathy for the male who she had seen shatter the minds of so many of her kin. "Why are you telling me this? Why should I trust you?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanRhysand looked down at Aurora, her blue-gray eyes reminding him so much of the fae that had followed him down beneath this damned mountain. Luciana's determined gaze appearing to be reflected in that of her oldest daughter. Rhysand felt a pang in his chest, knowing that he would have to tell his family about her, if he ever made it back./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Because, Aurora, we may have more in common than you think. We both want Amarantha gone, and we both want to protect those we care about. I have my reasons for being here, and they align with your interest more than you know."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanAurora studied him, searching for any hint of deceit. When she could find none, Aurora felt some of her hostility absolve. "And what do you want in return for this information?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Nothing," Rhysand responded, simply. "Consider it a gesture of goodwill. If we are going to survive this, we need to look out for each other."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"You have only ever looked out for yourself," Aurora snapped./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanRhysand tensed, understanding the role he had to play but hating how it affected someone who would have been a part of his court, had their lives been different. "I look out for my people. Your mother was one of mine, so by succession, you are too."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanAurora knew of her mothers ties to the night court, but did not know that there was a personal connection between herself and the high lord. Wary, but willing to consider the possibility, Aurora responded./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"What do I need to do?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanRhysand felt himself relax, ever so slightly, at the idea of having someone on his side, once again. "Keep a close watch on Mira," Rhysand instructed. "Don't let her out of your sight, especially during the night. If you notice anything suspicious, anything at all, come to me. We need to be prepared for whatever comes next."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanAurora could not help the feeling of unease at his instructions./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"What is it?" Rhysand questioned, seeing the look on her face, and – unbeknownst to Aurora- in her mind./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Mira has been… absent from our chambers, as of late. I do not know if I will be able to keep an eye on her."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanRhysand looked imploringly at Aurora, waiting for her to continue./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"In truth, I thought she was meeting with you," Aurora stated as she looked into the violet eyes that were weighing heavily upon her. Rhysand minutely shook his head, letting Aurora know that he was not with Mira. "I know not, what she has been doing to occupy her time."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Or who," Rhysand responded, with a far off look on his face as he began to think of the possibilities of who Mira would have aligned herself with./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"She would not endanger our court intentionally. You are out of line," Aurora defended her sister. However, she felt her resolve lessen as she looked at the urgency on his face./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"You are both young, still. She is learning the ways of the court. There is no intention of harm, yet it is a consequence, none the less."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanAurora felt the lump rise in her throat at his words. She knew that Mira had been acting unusual, but hearing it from another fae made the events so much worse./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"I will see what I can find out. Thank you, for the warning," Aurora muttered as she backed away from Rhysand./p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /span"Good," his response was curt as his expression returned to the playful indifference that always seemed to mar his features. "Remember, golden one, that not everyone in the court is your enemy. Choose your allies wisely, and begin to make some. It is in emall/em of our best interests."/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-tab-count: 1;" /spanWith that, he turned and walked away, leaving Aurora standing in the dimly lit corridor, her thoughts a whirlwind of fear and determination. She had a sister to find. Whether she liked it or not, Rhysand was now one of her allies./p