When I had finally finished crying, I turned to Feyre with my head bowed. She had stayed with me the whole time and offered me her strength and silent reassurance. Feyre was truly a High Lady worth following and I was sad that I would never get the opportunity to rightfully swear my fealty to her.

"Thank you for staying though… That awfulness." I sniffled as the tears threatened to flow once more.

"Hush." Her arm wrapped itself around my shoulder. "Your welcome, Stellar. I can't imagine what it is feels like, thinking you betrayed your court." She rubbed soothing circles on my back. "But this changes nothing, Stellar. The plans merely have changed and it's time to adapt."

Fingers grasped my chin and gently, but firmly, lifted my head up to face the High Lady of the Night Court. "I have already informed Rhys about this little bump and I told him that we would formulate a new plan. In fact, Azriel already knows and is trying to help as well." A chuckle escaped her and I couldn't help a small smile of my own.

It didn't last long though. "How can you trust me when I have just ruined everything?" I pulled my face away and hung my head again. "I have failed you, Lord Rhysand, and Cassian." A sob escaped my throat. "How can I ever show my face in court again? How can I call myself an Illyrian warrior when I have failed?" And therein laid my true problem: facing my brethren and clan. This only proved to the Illyrian males that I was nothing but a pathetic female, playing at a game.

I heard a frustrated sigh from next to me. "You and your Illyrian pride." The hand returned and it was insistent when I refused the pressure. "Stellar. Look at me." It was a command I couldn't refuse. "You have not failed me or Rhys or even Cassian. Though you have found your mate, you have not failed in anything. This is merely a hiccup in a plan that will succeed and for that to happen, I need you to pull yourself together. You can do this. " Her hazel eyes bore into mine. "If Cassian believes in you, then I believe in you."

Those words stopped me in my tracks. No one had ever believed in me except Cassian. "B-b-but why, my Lady? I have done nothing to earn your trust."

"Because I trust Cassian and he has never given me reason to doubt his judgment." The sincerity in Feyre's voice gave me the confidence I needed. My tears dried instantly and I started seeing endless possibilities that this situation presented.

"I promise, my Lady, that I will do all I set out to do." The fire was back in my bones and eyes. "I'm ready."

My declaration came with a knock to my door and we both started at the sudden intrusion. Through that strange bond that now resided in me, I knew it was Tamlin on the other side.

I turned to Feyre and knew she knew it was Tamlin. "Will we be able to meet again soon, my Lady? I have much to thank you." Though my voice held nothing but gratitude, I conveyed that I had a new plan. "Just a minute."

"Of course, Stellar. Maybe after dinner?"

"As you wish."

Tired of standing outside the room, Tamlin busted in and glared at us both. A feeling of unease shimmered down the bond, as well as a tentative joy at being in my presence that was echoed by my own.

"I'm sorry about the wait, my Lord. Lady Feyre and I were just finished here." I graced the High Lord with a smile and a nod to Feyre.

"Will you leave us, Feyre? I have some things I needed to discuss with our guest here." His eyes pierced me and I was pinned to where I was standing.

Feyre's eyes cut to mine and I nodded. "I'll see you, Stellar." And she was gone, but I hardly noticed her departure. My whole attention was on Tamlin and that bond that was tugging us to each other.

Tamlin paced to me and stood directly in front of me. "Are you feeling better now, Stellar?" The way he said my name made my knees weak and I almost collapsed. Almost. Sheer will and my pride held me up.

I gazed at him, searching his emerald eyes. "Much, thank you, my Lord." I dipped my head in thanks and tried to take a step back to only find myself backed against the wall. I realized my mistake as soon as I tried to distance myself from the imposing male.

His hands shot to both sides of my head and he leaned in. "You are my mate, Stellar. There is no need to be afraid of me." Those words caressed me and lulled me into a sense of security I hadn't felt in my life. Tamlin brought his body closer, crowding my space. "However, I do demand a certain amount of respect." His face inched closer. "Do you understand, Stellar?"

My breathing was uneven as Tamlin drew closer. I couldn't decide if I wanted to watch those beautiful eyes or those luscious lips. No words were being registered and I imagined what those lips would feel like ghosting across my skin. A low groan escaped me.

I was doomed. Until I remembered one very important fact: He and Feyre were still engaged.

Rage built up in me and I forced Tamlin away from me. I stood tall, daring him to face the consequences of trying to invade my personal space again. His confusion was felt down that bond.

"How dare you demand my respect when I cannot give it to you." I crossed my arms and glared. "Are you not still engaged to a one Feyre? Are you still intending to take her as a bride? If so, then what of me and what I want?" I took a step forward so I was in his face. "Do you dare to not take my feelings and wants into account or am I to be left grasping at straws as you strut around as the high and mighty High Lord of the Spring Court?"

I watched many emotions flit across the High Lord's face until it finally settled on indignation. "How dare you presume to know me and my plans. Even if you are my mate, you have no reason to talk to me like that." The growl he emitted in my face almost had me quivering.

"Then who has the reason to! We are literally made for each other." My anger was growing. "Do not think for one minute that I wanted this bond as well, High Lord." I poked a finger into his chest. "I gave up a lot to come here and warn you about the Night Court but if this is how you treat potential allies, then I will be gone by first light."

Hurt flashed through me as I thought about leaving him for good and I had my answer from that.